tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-156804562024-03-23T13:52:50.650-04:00My Beanstalkbean·stalk [been-stawk]
*noun*one's business and/or social affairs on the world wide web, or in primitive conditions, simply the computer*
[Origin: Luke Bruno, circa 2006; bean + stalk]Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-88055992641894974412011-09-03T08:06:00.003-04:002011-09-03T08:52:40.923-04:00Book Review: Indelible (A Novel)Trevor McDaniel, a former Olympian and local celebrity, spends his days leading adventure-seekers in a small Colorado town. But in his spare time, he and his business partner join local officials in extreme search and rescue cases. And when he rescues a small two year old boy from the jaws of a mountain lion, his world collides with the boys aunt and local artist, Natalie. <div>
<br /></div><div>Trevor is accustomed to being rescuer and savior, and Natalie and her nephew Cody afford many opportunities to be just that. <i>Indelible,</i> by Kristen Heitzmann, is a story about gifts and curses, strengths and weakness. And they are hidden and found in surprising places as Trevor and Natalie form a strong bond entwined with chemistry.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Heitzmann creates characters and a story line that draw and compel the reader. Trevor and Natalie are complex people, who both have experienced personal tragedy and trials in their pasts; because of this, they they are drawn to each other and provide the healing and help that the other has been searching for.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>That being said, I thought her writing style taxing and confusing at times; and I found myself re-reading sections because I didn't follow her train of thought. And I admit that after reading the first paragraph (below), I was set on my guard for a not-so-great read (and it reminded me of the website How to Write Badly Well).</div><div>
<br /></div><div><blockquote>A veined bolt of lightning sliced the ozone-scented sky as Trevor plunged down the craggy slope, dodging evergreen spires like slalom poles. Rocks and gravel spewed from his boots and caromed off the vertical pitch.</blockquote><div>
<br /></div>While I appreciate an extensive vocabulary, I also appreciate the words of Winston Churchill when he said, "Short words are the best, and old words when short are best of all."</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; color: rgb(61, 40, 27); font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; "><i>I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.</i></span>
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<br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-51161725005042217942011-08-20T15:19:00.004-04:002011-08-20T15:39:08.133-04:00Hawai'i and Me<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Last week while in Michigan, we were excited to share our involvement with <a href="http://www.antiochschoolhi.net/">Antioch School Hawai'i </a>with our church in Allen Park, <a href="http://www.bethesdabaptist.us/">Bethesda Baptist Church</a>. Chris was able to provide a lot of details about the school and our part in it, and I shared a personal testimony of how God has been leading me and our family regarding Hawai'i. So, this is what I said, much of which I have written before in the few times I've blogged over the past year. I guess I just keep coming back to it because it's the core of what God has been doing in my life lately:</span></i> <div>
<br /></div><div> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>677</o:Words> <o:characters>3862</o:Characters> <o:company>Wheaton College</o:Company> <o:lines>32</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>4742</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.256</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Jeremiah 29 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>As Chris will tell you, God began planting seeds of a vision for ministry in Hawaii in his mind and heart before we even met. And when he and I fell in love, well, sure, I would serve Jesus in Hawaii if that was what marrying him meant! But over the next 9 years as we moved around the Midwest and he went to graduate school, future plans were very unclear; and before I knew it, as far as I was concerned, life after Chris finished school involved him teaching theology at a seminary or college, and the closer to family the better. I was trying to live in the moment, enjoying our sweet boys and those early years of their lives, but ultimately, Chris' graduation symbolized a finish line of sorts; and we would cross it to move on to a more secure and stable life, with a house and a yard. And the closer to family the better.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>But then we reached that "finish line," and what was on the other side of it was not what I expected. We were pretty discouraged last summer after some extensive job interviews left us emotionally exhausted when they unexpectedly came to dead ends. For the first time in my life, I had serious questions about God's role in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wondered if we had made a mistake somewhere along the way, or if we were simply another family affected by the poor economy and weak job market. Was this what God had in mind for us? God really used this time in both Chris' and my life to encourage us and bolster our faith in the Gospel. When we had doubts and fears, I remember asking these questions out loud and to Chris; and every time, we would remember the truths of Scripture: God has a plan for us. Each of the hairs of our head are numbered, and he knows what each day holds before it comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is not letting the cards fall where they may, but he is 100% for us! And no matter what jobs fall through, or any other problem we face, our biggest problem has already been solved, through Jesus, on the cross.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I believe now that God was using all of the uncertainty and disappointment of the last year to change me, preparing me for this opportunity to serve in Hawaii. He has revealed hidden idols in my heart - things that I counted so important that my happiness depended on them. He is showing me that only Jesus should hold that place. Everything else that I hold on to so tightly - even good things, blessings from God, like family and living nearby<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- will leave me disappointed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>One by one, God met each of our needs, big and small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But if I am honest with you, when he told me about his email exchange with a pastor in Hawai'i who was starting a church-based seminary, I MAYBE rolled my eyes a bit and held my breath, because I knew the man I was married to, and I was getting pretty comfortable in suburban Chicago now that Chris had a good full-time job and I had my minivan and grandparents a half-day's drive away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>As God started laying out the pieces for this new ministry in Hawaii, he also began working in my heart, patiently changing my desires and giving me a shared passion with Chris for this needy area of the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After many years of transition and being at churches for only a few years at a time, we are so excited for the plans God has for our family in Hawai'i. I am thankful for this opportunity for Chris to use the training and gifts God has given him, and I am confident in God's plan for Chris & me, and Luke, Simon & Elliot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br />If I could ask you to pray for us as we prepare for our Hawaiian adventure, I would ask you to remember 3 things: </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>1) Pray for us as a family. Growing up in church, I don't remember too many missionaries mentioning the stresses and challenges of ministry and the circumstances it entails. Let's just say, it's not always a healthy enhancement to your marriage! Chris and I don't have a perfect marriage, and our kids do not have perfect parents, and we do not have perfect children! Ask God to give us unity of spirit and a home that daily remembers the gospel.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>2) Pray for us as we make the practical arrangements necessary for moving a family of five to Hawaii. It's not as simple as loading up the truck and hitting the highway, and we need wisdom for many details.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>3) Finally, pray for the adjustment period after we move to Hawaii - both for us and for our families here in Michigan and Wisconsin. We are thankful for new friendships that we are already forming in Hawaii. But of course, there will be a time of adjustment, especially for the boys and me, as we get used to a new life in a new place, far from our family and friends.</p> <!--EndFragment--></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-50070912117142504642011-08-19T09:00:00.003-04:002011-08-19T09:08:41.713-04:00Love the One You're WithI read a thought-provoking article yesterday by Jeremy Pierre and was encouraged to love and appreciate my husband - everything about him, not just my "favorite" qualities. <div>
<br /></div><div>Here's an excerpt from the article:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(64, 70, 75); font-family: Georgia, 'Trebuchet MS', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; "><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; "></p><blockquote><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; ">Loving the original requires lifelong adjustment on your part, and this deference is a key proof of the marital love that Christians are called to (<a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph.%205.21-33" class="lbsBibleRef" reference="Eph. 5.21-33" version="ESV" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; color: rgb(47, 138, 209); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer; ">Eph. 5:21-33</a>). Don’t be discouraged when you don’t see eye-to-eye with your spouse. Where there is no disagreement, no annoyance, no resistance, there is no opportunity for sacrifice. If we love only what is pleasing to us in our spouse, we are loving only our preferences. We don’t need the gospel to do that.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; ">We do need it to free us from our tendency to adjust one another constantly to our liking. Jesus came to serve an impulsive Peter, a distracted Martha, a dubious Thomas. And he came to serve a silly person like each one of us. And yes, Christ’s redemptive love changes us by degree, but this change is about conformity to righteousness, not conformity to personal preference.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; ">So if your wife laughs too easily for your taste, love her for it. If she’s more pessimistic than you prefer, minister to her fears. If your husband is quieter in social gatherings than you’d like, be grateful for it. If he has more difficulty making plans than you think reasonable, come alongside happily. In all the little spousal resistances, celebrate the privilege of loving a person, not an image.</p></blockquote><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 13px; margin-left: 0px; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; "></p></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>You can read the rest <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/08/17/love-the-one-youre-with/">here</a>.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>If you're married and you don't absolutely love everything about your spouse, it would be worth your time to read it. If you're married, and you don't think you fit into that category, well, I think we'd all like to hear from you!</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-54058944911779270702011-08-08T22:22:00.001-04:002011-08-08T22:28:23.664-04:00Book Review: More than a Game by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>313</o:Words> <o:characters>1787</o:Characters> <o:company>Wheaton College</o:Company> <o:lines>14</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>3</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>2194</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.256</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the biggest news stories in this year's baseball off-season was Albert Pujols. Would he or wouldn't he re-sign with the St. Louis Cardinals? Would he get $30 million per year? Would he sign a new contract before spring training began?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Shortly after all these questions were swirling, I read the recent biography of Pujols by Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">More than a Game.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lamb and Ellsworth open with Pujols stepping to the plate in September 2006. Although the Cardinals found themselves in preparing for the playoffs after a long divisional race, Pujols found time to mingle with the Cardinals' special guests that day. Many of them, like Pujols step-daughter, had Downs Syndrome. In a single day, Pujols managed to mingle with these special fans, who look forward to this trip to the ballpark all year. And by the way, he also managed to hit 3 home runs that day as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The opening to the book captures the tone quite well. Lamb and Ellsworth weave anecdotes from Pujols' herculean feats on the ball field with the story of his life and faith. Pujols' roots in the Dominican, his lightning quick journey through the Cardinals farm system, and his growth in faith helps set the discussion of Pujols' contract talks in their larger context. Pujols and his wife have start the Pujols Family Foundation, which gives millions each year to assist those with Downs Syndrome. Based on this book, Pujols appears to be the genuine article.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Earlier this summer, I read the biography of Stan Musial, who is probably the only Cardinal ranked ahead of Pujols on the pantheon of baseball greatness. Musial and Pujols share many traits: both were committed family men and both were "religious" by the general public. Because of this, the media considers them boring. However, there is something inspiring about a life committed to excellence, consistency, and devotion. In a culture where far too much attention is given to which athletes are dating which movie stars, Pujols and Musial give us great stories. Only God can know the hearts of these men, but my prayer is that our sons will emulate their devotion to excellence in whatever place they find themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; ">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://xn--booksneeze-0oa.com/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(12, 107, 191); text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">http://BookSneeze®.com</a>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: rgb(12, 107, 191); text-decoration: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-11706800026881707612011-08-01T17:18:00.002-04:002011-08-01T17:31:30.265-04:00Breathe!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZTR8blAJJa1tws-RnOx_0PD8GMb1nf_1PYK_m0zzV58phkawWOkEgS_QlQDgM-cpp3qZ4s0Y-ogAZQdo_N3ZBWdmL9XKOgZOkHKNFnGNtYqjoWDzKZJDxW_bjsKHJrSKGaCVFw/s1600/shock.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZTR8blAJJa1tws-RnOx_0PD8GMb1nf_1PYK_m0zzV58phkawWOkEgS_QlQDgM-cpp3qZ4s0Y-ogAZQdo_N3ZBWdmL9XKOgZOkHKNFnGNtYqjoWDzKZJDxW_bjsKHJrSKGaCVFw/s200/shock.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636003198134595858" /></a><br />This is what I had to tell myself when Luke asked me to tell him about the day he was born and the telling of such story led to his asking the dreaded question: <span style="font-style:italic;">How exactly did I come out?</span> Um, say what???<div><br /></div><div>This was followed by some very uncomfortable questions about the difference between boys and girls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Breathe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hee, hee, whooooooo.</div><div><br /></div><div>I explained to him about the stork, of course, but he didn't seem to buy it. (No, I did not actually tell him about a stork.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Any suggestions? resources? experiences?</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-34731034374199265752011-07-31T15:29:00.005-04:002011-08-02T09:01:12.782-04:00SeriouslyAs in, I <i>seriously</i> want to start blogging regularly again! <div><br /></div><div>Do I sound like a broken record? I'm sure I have written that in at least 2 previous blog posts. But I have a feeling that if you were a local friend of mine that I hang with regularly (some of you are!), you would think I sound like a broken record a lot. <i>No one's sleeping well! Luke follows me around everywhere! My boys are crazy! Simon wakes up at the, er, CRACK of dawn! Elliot is such a brute! How come I can't keep track of anything?! My house is so small! And for the love, what are we doing?? </i> These are the lyrics to the broken record of my life. But, they're not the only lyrics; maybe just the lyrics to the 3rd verse, that is usually more somber, problematic and frustrated, leading up to the final verse of joy and triumph.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think that part of the reason why I haven't blogged regularly over the last year and a half is because during that time, Chris has been looking for a job. There have been times where he was interviewing for a job, we were flying to cities across the US (literally, we got to go to Seattle and Boston!), and I just didn't have the freedom to lay out all that was going on. I never thought so many doors would close upon us, so I was always kind of glad I didn't blog about what I thought was going to happen. Because, bottom line, not much that we thought would happen actually did. God does that sometimes.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've mentioned this before, but 2010 was a rough year for our family. In it were some of the most challenging months Chris and I faced as a couple. At the end of the year, things started to calm down for us. God was faithful in providing for us, and Chris got a great job in the area. But things for the future were still not settled. We knew that we were not at the end of the path that God was leading us on since Chris finished grad school.</div><div><br /></div><div>In October, Chris "randomly" connected with an Acts 29 pastor on Oahu. Chris has always had a "thing" for Hawai'i, and since before we were married he had desired to do ministry in this needy area of the US. But as he continued through seminary and graduate school, it was unclear how Hawai'i would fit into our future.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, things are clearing up. You can read about it <a href="http://chrisbruno.net/">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And here's to hoping you'll be hearing from My Beanstalk more often.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoQwxbpQ1jnKS-2DLZP3OV2IWsK3YjdKkjTXbRSxhpvfgdMkxRu6T5X_iNJ2obgmvO8z-pydIaL7Q6XIIZdO4QUTDpqS2LCozB53_RdqoM5q9FThWciwZyc5A0QXuZLMsKJVtwg/s1600/DSCF1192.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoQwxbpQ1jnKS-2DLZP3OV2IWsK3YjdKkjTXbRSxhpvfgdMkxRu6T5X_iNJ2obgmvO8z-pydIaL7Q6XIIZdO4QUTDpqS2LCozB53_RdqoM5q9FThWciwZyc5A0QXuZLMsKJVtwg/s400/DSCF1192.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635614806868695250" /></a>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-1639992166572113852011-01-21T22:48:00.002-05:002011-01-21T23:23:45.256-05:00Never Say Never!Have you found yourself <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">changed</span></span> as a mom since that first time you snapped that teeny little bundle in the car seat at the hospital? Sure, now you can change a diaper in 10 seconds flat while avoiding pee spray AND singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. But, do you do things you thought you would <i><b>never</b></i> do? Here's some ways that I've changed as a mom.<div><br /></div><div><ul><li><i>I never thought I would have snot-nosed kids.</i> I said this to a friendly stranger at Aldi yesterday. She was sweeting-talking Elliot, who was turning on the charm through a smile smothered in slimy boogers.</li><li>Parent Directed Feeding. :) Ah, Babywise; I pledged allegiance to you morning, noon and night during Luke's first year. With Simon, I turned to the Baby Whisperer for additional input and advice, but I ended up throwing both books out the window in frustration. And finally, with Elliot, I kissed some rules goodbye and rocked my baby until he wouldn't let me rock him anymore. Turns out, that was okay, because E was the sweetest and best baby ever and almost always did what Momma wanted him to!</li><li>Sleep. I used to get some; now I have changed and I do not! Ha. Not really. But when Luke was a baby and I was intoxicated by all things babywise and 7,10,1,4,7,10, I would not rest until I figured out exactly why Luke was waking up at night and what I should do about it. When he woke up, I would not nurse him right away; I would let him cry a bit, and even if I ended up feeding him, he usually would not wake up the next night. Fast forward 5 years, Elliot is a baby, sleeping a few feet away in my closet (yeah, my <i>closet</i>), and I would barely be fully conscious by the time I had a bottle in E's mouth. My point is, I didn't worry anymore about why he was waking up. I knew he would get over it and get good sleep again. And he did. I learned this primarily from Baby Simon. Dear Baby Simon, he just did not sleep through the night for a LONG time, hence the throwing the books out the window. I about drove myself and Chris to clinical insanity trying to figure that boy out. Finally I admitted that I wouldn't figure him out, that I would eventually sleep again, and that I would just be thankful for my sweet and healthy boy.</li><li>Baby Sign Language: Luke knew the signs for <i>please</i>, <i>thank you</i>, <i>all done</i>, and <i>more</i>. Simon knew <i>please</i>, kinda. Elliot rocks back and forth in his booster seat when he's ready to be done.</li></ul><div>How have you changed as a mom? What's something you said you would <i>never</i> do, but now find yourself doing??</div><div><br /></div><div>I know I have more examples of my own, but I'm too tired to think of them right now. And Elliot is crying and probably needs his Momma to rock him. He's getting some monster teeth in right now.</div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-46078932036185794542011-01-17T11:21:00.003-05:002011-01-17T11:50:45.706-05:0075% Off Paul Tripp DVD Set on Parenting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wtsbooks.com/images/TRIPPGTHPDVDm.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.wtsbooks.com/images/TRIPPGTHPDVDm.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/01/11/one-week-only-75-new-paul-tripp-dvd-set-on-getting-to-the-heart-of-parenting/">sale</a> ends tomorrow. I just ordered it and am looking forward to watching it! I really like the books I've read by Paul Tripp. I'm sure this will be money well spent.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-72992864167759866932011-01-17T09:31:00.002-05:002011-01-17T11:02:36.798-05:00What a dirty, rotten trick to play . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mattrothacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/chickFilA.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 255px;" src="http://www.mattrothacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/chickFilA.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />If you love to eat at Chick-fil-A, you HAVE to watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsJHqstPuNo">this</a> video. It is so right on! It's the kind of song you listen to and say, "exactly!!!" after every line. My favorite part is when he sings about it being Sunday. When we lived in Louisville, I don't know HOW many times I said after church, "Let's go to Chick-fil-A!" Wait 10 seconds. "O no, it's SUNDAY!" :)<div><br /></div><div>Well, much to my glee, a Chick-fil-A opened in Wheaton a few months ago! Unfortunately, it's on the other side of Wheaton so takes us about 15 minutes to get there. Fortunately though, it's on the other side of Wheaton, so takes us about 15 minutes to get there, thus we don't go every other day. We would surely be temped to do so if it were closer!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Bruno van is beating a path to Chic-fil-A though. We went there on Simon's and Elliot's birthdays, went through the drive through several times, had a playdate with friends there, and just last week helped a <a href="http://onepureandholypassion.wordpress.com/">friend</a> celebrate her birthday there. (Chick-fil-A's not just for kids!) We got there around 1:00 and stayed until almost 4! We get our use of the play room, that's for sure! And I cannot say enough good things about the service at Chick-fil-A. The employees are so friendly and helpful and proactive. They make things so much easier for a mom who's there solo with her kids - getting your refills (or anything else you need), handing out balloons and stuffed cows left and right, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, last week as we plodded back to our van, me carrying E and a million bags and Luke and Simon towing their balloons (plus some), we were all pretty tuckered out. Both of the van's side doors were open, and I was buckling E into his seat, while Simon sat next to him waiting for me to buckle him up. Then Simon cried out, "Where's my balloon!?!?!" I closed my eyes and said, "Lord have mercy!" and I looked up to the heavens, and there was Simon's dark blue balloon, blissfully floating to freedom. (Believe it or not, I don't think we've ever lost a balloon to the skies.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I went around to Simon, and he had the most horrified, pitiful expression on his face. And then he proceeded to go into the most heartfelt, devastated cry EVER! O man, I was pulling all the tricks I could out of my hat. <i>The balloon is dancing in the sky! It's having so much fun! You can have another balloon! We have extra!!! The balloon will see all of the other lost balloons in the sky, and they'll have lots of fun! </i>I stopped just short of telling him that the balloon went to balloon heaven. I really don't know what came over me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I better run. Gotta warm up my singing voice. <i>Kids, get in the van so we can go there today . . .</i></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-4806628068489450452011-01-16T12:27:00.007-05:002011-01-16T21:52:50.487-05:00Life Happens. But I don't always blog about it.I said it a few times last year, "2010 was a year for the history books for the Bruno family!" It was just a tough year for us in a few different ways. There were some exciting developments that were happening, and I wanted to blog about it; but I wanted to wait until those developments solidified into reality. To my dismay however, those developments vaporized instead of solidified. 2010 held some dark days for Chris and me. We experienced disappointment, rejection, fear, uncertainty, hopelessness, sadness. I didn't really blog about all of that. I didn't really journal too much. I hope that I don't forget all of the amazing lessons we learned, the steadfast love and faithfulness God showed to us in unsurprising, small and inglorious ways. <div><br /></div><div>I guess, in some ways, I don't regret not blogging throughout all that mud; because in the big scheme of things, I know that 2010 wasn't really about "all that mud." In between those days filled with tears and wringing hands and grasping out for God, were days of laughter, joy and amusement with our three precious boys. When we were wiping that mud off of our faces, Chris & I would remind each other that these problems, though real, weren't the biggest problem we had; our biggest problem has been solved in and through JESUS. And, not only did we have that sweetest of all blessings for our Rescuer, Comforter and Friend, but we had these 3 unbelievable blessings named Luke, Simon & Elliot. They were healthy, and this was something I honestly didn't take for granted. I had friends and knew people who did not have that blessing then and were living in a hospital having to watch their baby in pain and suffering. So, THAT was something I always thanked God for.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here is what's been up with our family over the last 12 months. It's been a wild ride!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>January</b></div><div>Chris flew to Seattle, WA for a job interview. It went well! This job seemed fabulous.</div><div><b>February</b></div><div>I turned 29. The Seattle job moved forward in positive ways. Chris was wrapping things up @ Wheaton College Graduate School!</div><div><b>March</b></div><div>Chris defended his dissertation on the 17th! What a huge accomplishment. A few days later, Chris, Elliot & I flew to Seattle for more meetings. We even looked at a school for Luke (loved it!). Also, Chris came home with strep throat (didn't love that!).</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><b>April</b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">The Seattle job vanished into thin air. We had become so emotionally invested. We were stunned and so disappointed.</span></b></div><div><b>May</b></div><div>Chris earned his PhD at Wheaton's commencement ceremony. I had looked forward to this day for so long. 9 years to be exact. :) Chris turned 30 a few weeks later. Meanwhile, Chris made a promising contact with a job in eastern Pennsylvania, and he and I flew out there at the end of the month. We had a great time; things were looking great! We were already seeing God's providence in shutting the door to Seattle.</div><div><b>June</b></div><div>Chris & I celebrated our 9th anniversary. A few days later, the PA job was off the table. We weren't so stunned, but still disappointed. And this time we were scared because that was the last job on the table. The last "no" had been said. This wasn't exactly how I pictured life after graduate school! This month, along with July, were rough. We soaked up God's Word and found great encouragement at our church and from friends and family.</div><div><b>July</b></div><div>Luke turned 6! How did that happen? Chris started to pull a few part-time employment opportunities together to make ends meet.</div><div><b>August</b></div><div>God provided several part time jobs for Chris, and he was pretty busy. I made plans for homeschooling Luke - bought curriculum, lesson plans, etc. Two weeks later, though, the Lord made a way for Luke to start kindergarten at the school of our dreams! He started one week late. School has been unbelievably helpful and positive for Luke. We are so thankful!</div><div><b>September</b></div><div>Life went on. We had drs. appointments and playdates and dinner with friends and school functions and a mouse in our house. (That kinda rocked our world for a little while.)</div><div><b>October</b></div><div>More of the same. Chris worked hard teaching 2 online classes for Liberty University, an evening Greek class at a seminary in NE Indiana plus other free-lance work. Luke, Simon & Elliot were Optimus Prime, Batman and a dinosaur for Halloween, respectively. In a whirlwind, most definitely through God's providence and a thoughtful friend, Chris got a full-time contracting job for James MacDonald, who is the senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel. This job began as an 8-10 month commitment. We were so thankful for this provision from the Lord! My heart was full of joy that Chris now had a fulfilling job to go to each day that made use of his education.</div><div><b>November</b></div><div>Chris connected with an Acts 29 pastor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. A church-based theological institute is starting up on that island. Chris felt drawn to seek God's will for our family in relation to this. So, why not?!?! We flew out to Oahu the week before Thanksgiving. Chris had a great time meeting some of the local pastors there and participating in training seminars. I had a great time visiting the local beach EVERY day for some quality alone time! </div><div><b>December</b></div><div>The Lord answered a big prayer of this mama's heart and provided us with the means to buy an awesome minivan, which I adore! A red 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. Man, did we appreciate that as we traveled up to WI and then down to MI over the holidays! We also prayed a lot about a possible move to Hawaii. We prayed and had some soul-searching conversations. Together, we both felt God calling us to pursue the opportunity to serve him in Hawaii. We would try to go, and He could shut the doors if his plan was otherwise. Also, Simon turned 3 and Elliot turned 1!</div><div><b>January</b></div><div>So, here we are. Anybody still reading? Probably not, but that's okay. Chris is really enjoying his job. Luke is doing great in school. Simon, Elliot & me? We enjoy our quiet mornings at home. :) We're not sure what God is doing with Hawaii; but we're ready to go if he opens the doors! This week we actually have to turn in Luke's re-enrollment form for school in fall. We're going to turn it in. Who knows where we'll be and what we'll be doing, but one thing's for sure, God will still be the faithful and wise God that he was to us in the Great Year of 2010. :) </div></span></b></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-28552218200979459322010-12-15T07:56:00.007-05:002010-12-15T08:41:14.991-05:00Happy Birthday Baby Boy<div><br /></div>It's hard to believe that a whole year has passed since our baby boy Elliot Calvin was born. My labor and delivery with him certainly did not go how I had expected or hoped. Somehow, each of my 3 boys' birth stories have been different. Elliot's birth story involved a lot of waiting, some pain, and, alas, a beloved epidural. I had been in the hospital an entire 24 hours before he was born! I threw a few mini temper tantrums, mostly to myself. And I listened to a lot of music and sermons on my iPod. I vaguely recall Chris renting a movie from Red Box, but don't ask me what it was.<br /><a s="" hard="" to="" believe="" that="" a="" whole="" year="" has="" passed="" since="" our="" baby="" boy="" elliot="" calvin="" was="" my="" labor="" and="" delivery="" with="" him="" certainly="" did="" not="" go="" how="" i="" had="" hoped="" or="" each="" of="" 3="" boys="" have="" pretty="" different="" birth="" involved="" lot="" some="" pain="" thankfully="" for="" the="" majority="" beloved="" been="" in="" hospital="" an="" entire="" 24="" hours="" before="" could="" few="" mini="" temper="" mostly="" listened="" music="" sermons="" on="" ipod="" vaguely="" recall="" chris="" renting="" red="" box="" movie="" t="" ask="" me="" what="" it=""><div><br /></div><div>I was so frustrated that things were not going according to my plan. Things were taking so LONG! Progress was not being made. Time was being wasted. So I thought. But, looking back on it now, I realize that was a foretaste of the testing we would experience throughout the following year. That night in the hospital, and pretty much all of 2010, did not go how I hoped, how I expected, the way I thought best. Most times, even the immediate future was completely unknown, leaving me with lots of questions, no answers and too many fears and doubts. 2010 might be the year I remember as the time when I really got to put the rubber to the road when it comes to my faith in a sovereign and all-wise God who is 100% for me. I admit, I asked questions that made me feel a little guilty even thinking them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Even in the midst of what, to us, was certainly suffering, we realized how blessed we were in many ways. Our 3 boys were beautiful and healthy. We were not living out of a hospital, fighting terminal illness. We had a roof over our heads, family who loved us and helped us out, and above all, we reminded ourselves that our biggest problems has be solved: our problem of our sin through our Rescuer, Jesus. Even then, all that was easier to say than really believe, but through the grace of God, we had confidence and hope in Jesus.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>So, Elliot Calvin, amid this stressful and difficult year, you have been a faithful source of joy, blessing and comfort. You have blessed your momma with your easy-going nature. Your smiles, laughter and happiness have infected our family. And your loving and affectionate nature capture the hearts of everyone who loves you. You are most definitely (almost) 100% pure sweetness. I love you!</i></div></a><div><a s="" hard="" to="" believe="" that="" a="" whole="" year="" has="" passed="" since="" our="" baby="" boy="" elliot="" calvin="" was="" my="" labor="" and="" delivery="" with="" him="" certainly="" did="" not="" go="" how="" i="" had="" hoped="" or="" each="" of="" 3="" boys="" have="" pretty="" different="" birth="" involved="" lot="" some="" pain="" thankfully="" for="" the="" majority="" beloved="" been="" in="" hospital="" an="" entire="" 24="" hours="" before="" could="" few="" mini="" temper="" mostly="" listened="" music="" sermons="" on="" ipod="" vaguely="" recall="" chris="" renting="" red="" box="" movie="" t="" ask="" me="" what="" it=""><br /><br /><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWywGA2BPNsN0JR-BNq45egsNm_45k99erO2qqX68DJ5cY-NVLyZIdp8fM6cpzb61BmLfhwkIAWXzxtw6ro9KXYGmPYpXTYy1KBstn48fmwEI_Y_-t3BvGeAwSefr6qBLUCJAhgg/s400/DSCF7822.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550901117631458322" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicadD-MYehUFbGaM3tLeiIaKeX_vprR3wlyCVJle0SWUmVQ1cULuXlnBmilkM6l6u7dxDuskai0SUXOFSfw90Aa-jxBeyi1XrQhOsLtTj8KsngHxU1x73IMWgOhLW-AE2ETXCow/s1600/DSCF7810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicadD-MYehUFbGaM3tLeiIaKeX_vprR3wlyCVJle0SWUmVQ1cULuXlnBmilkM6l6u7dxDuskai0SUXOFSfw90Aa-jxBeyi1XrQhOsLtTj8KsngHxU1x73IMWgOhLW-AE2ETXCow/s400/DSCF7810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550901392539612098" /></a><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LmjmI4rWJTbP1XrmELAEnp5mPn9SRvyseyPx1q8zwzEm41uNC6W_w5altnsbLkuuK27dYzMqe8SCzaVpqMZaisqecKcqf4cO3HJFMIgLD7WyLTnpLyrDL8kIxaKt9db4JBzgPw/s1600/DSCF8094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LmjmI4rWJTbP1XrmELAEnp5mPn9SRvyseyPx1q8zwzEm41uNC6W_w5altnsbLkuuK27dYzMqe8SCzaVpqMZaisqecKcqf4cO3HJFMIgLD7WyLTnpLyrDL8kIxaKt9db4JBzgPw/s400/DSCF8094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550898773028043618" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2x7dyr-TqI-re8rYtr6HK-9lyA8OnpjjZZ838ny1dpxvGG5S__ZUqy7L_T-1tAp6z6ZLNO6O0LyT07jewdWD5LcBLFapnihyPKLf-gA-cSXiVOrfX0TKh7ABqSUM32FGDlLdhw/s1600/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2x7dyr-TqI-re8rYtr6HK-9lyA8OnpjjZZ838ny1dpxvGG5S__ZUqy7L_T-1tAp6z6ZLNO6O0LyT07jewdWD5LcBLFapnihyPKLf-gA-cSXiVOrfX0TKh7ABqSUM32FGDlLdhw/s400/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550898784505859154" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof9LnnNmxhEaySQOgnFJl3u29sIlCS9uSsqaEIuAVcUvfNZ-sJcyHfucMCGjDZ_7anw5JWwascTamFP_83mjn3_eE4NdNTSmBUoI7HhPj1ErB6UtlAgMBgS_oNn_CnPX4XxM13w/s1600/DSCF0039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjof9LnnNmxhEaySQOgnFJl3u29sIlCS9uSsqaEIuAVcUvfNZ-sJcyHfucMCGjDZ_7anw5JWwascTamFP_83mjn3_eE4NdNTSmBUoI7HhPj1ErB6UtlAgMBgS_oNn_CnPX4XxM13w/s400/DSCF0039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550898787609789970" /></a><br /><div></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYUX2TgDmfSMERzifDvQsRm_lFuMxUaPhLwR1eRVA51udAL1Cyd-841J02jp21Dqk6odkdQWqx94nPgSSVyDLyibepZRiJFvwVKPxNmhxGhzGx_o9J-586sngNupfyOYS9uHX7A/s1600/DSCF1166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYUX2TgDmfSMERzifDvQsRm_lFuMxUaPhLwR1eRVA51udAL1Cyd-841J02jp21Dqk6odkdQWqx94nPgSSVyDLyibepZRiJFvwVKPxNmhxGhzGx_o9J-586sngNupfyOYS9uHX7A/s400/DSCF1166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550900171800572658" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6koMNHOoQ6csGKNO-e6ejDchD_oRf5_6DgPV9c-8VW0eFuKM5hIp2IocL1sZ3x9mmBxWVNYQrL6zq_wPUBrYY3ABKDxTBB_eI6suuf0jyxU2CkEW1tqwh5oSHvhmx2abxef7Q_g/s1600/DSCF1197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6koMNHOoQ6csGKNO-e6ejDchD_oRf5_6DgPV9c-8VW0eFuKM5hIp2IocL1sZ3x9mmBxWVNYQrL6zq_wPUBrYY3ABKDxTBB_eI6suuf0jyxU2CkEW1tqwh5oSHvhmx2abxef7Q_g/s400/DSCF1197.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550900178095003138" /></a><br /></div><div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-20761422010255260882010-12-07T07:11:00.004-05:002010-12-07T08:01:15.060-05:00Keeping it Simple: Shutterfly!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjW38tTQXlJJA1vXFMe-DapGVGoA50ORS2yMIYcVoPJgKqGcJA3i2cmeyNx2JkUyFCT-yA4Cg5H3HWIFcth1fbkCNCB3Q2fTOJ74Fmb8yLCE7ISG8Pw-5mT6ppLg3l3YrqnSmXQ/s1600/Unknown.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjW38tTQXlJJA1vXFMe-DapGVGoA50ORS2yMIYcVoPJgKqGcJA3i2cmeyNx2JkUyFCT-yA4Cg5H3HWIFcth1fbkCNCB3Q2fTOJ74Fmb8yLCE7ISG8Pw-5mT6ppLg3l3YrqnSmXQ/s320/Unknown.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547921539855844978" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>I said before that last year I didn't send out Christmas cards. I'm not sure, but the last TWO Christmases may have been void of my annual picture and letter. And this really does make me sad. But I'm finding that I don't always have time to do things the way I used to; I need to find ways to do what I need to in the easiest and simplest way.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards">Shutterfly</a> is making Christmas cards easier this year. And there are so many awesome choices to choose from! Honestly, one of the most difficult parts of sending out a Christmas card (for me at least) is just getting that picture of everyone in the family, sitting in front of the tree, SMILING. Well, I'm not going to worry about that this year, but instead am going to pull several different pictures from the most recent months. I really like <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/pictures-in-cocoa-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93496">this</a> card. Or maybe this <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/red-glee-christmas-5x7-photo-card-5x7-photo?fg=256&sortType=1&fa=8&storeNode=93496&fc=1">one</a>. I think I'll have a difficult time choosing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Shutterfly has a lot more to offer than Christmas cards. There are TONS of <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/store/index.jsp">gifts</a> to choose from, and all from the comfort of my own home. I have done most of my Christmas shopping online this year. But when it comes to some family members, it's SO hard to know what to buy! I have found that the most meaningful gifts I've given are photo gifts. Seriously, this is the way to go with my boys' grandparents. I mean, who wouldn't love to have a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars">calendar</a> with my sweet little boys' smiles on every page? This <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/desk-calendars">desk calendar</a> would be great for the office. And I really like this <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/tote-bags">tote</a>. It seems perfect for the grandma who always wants an excuse to tell a passerby about her grandsons! : ) Or, you could create a fabulous "brag book" and give a "<a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/prints/snapbook?c=50514&p=2033">snap book</a>." Seriously, there are so many great ideas and gifts to choose from! Of course, you can never go wrong with a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/tiled-mugs?c=10202&p=2018">mug</a>. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Shutterfly doesn't only have great solutions for reducing holiday stress. They can help you with all of your photo needs. A membership is free and offers lots of benefits! </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(70, 70, 70); line-height: 15px; font-family:verdana, geneva, arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div class="benefiltListContainer" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><img border="0" src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/i/home/header-Benefits-v12361260000002105.gif" alt="Benefits of a Free Shutterfly Membership" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; line-height: 1.22em; " /></div><div class="benefiltListContainer" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; "><ul class="bullet" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; list-style-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/i/home/bullet-v123397320200053.gif); "><li class="benefitList" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; ">Our picture storage is <b style="line-height: 1.22em; ">free</b> and<b style="line-height: 1.22em; ">unlimited</b>. We <i style="line-height: 1.22em; "><b style="line-height: 1.22em; ">never</b></i> delete photos</li><li class="benefitList" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; ">We <b style="line-height: 1.22em; ">securely</b> store your images at full resolution</li><li class="benefitList" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; ">Enjoy free personalized websites</li><li class="benefitList" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; "><b style="line-height: 1.22em; ">100% customer satisfaction guaranteed</b></li><li class="benefitList" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; ">Plus, receive <b style="line-height: 1.22em; ">50 free 4x6 prints</b></li><li class="benefitList" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.22em; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; ">Pick up prints at Target, Walgreens, or CVS in as little as an hour</li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>And to make it all better, until December 15, you can get </b></span></span><a href="http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>50 free photo cards</b></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>! Thanks, Shutterfly!</b></span></span></span></span></div></div></span></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-68955008546002259462010-12-05T08:26:00.002-05:002010-12-05T08:47:38.076-05:00My New BFFNothing gets me to blog like a good deal. :) And <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/?otag=BEST">Shutterfly</a> has a great one <a href="http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/">here</a> for bloggers. 50 free photo cards!!! If I made New Year's resolutions, one would be to get caught up on pictures and blog regularly. I have friends who rant about Shutterfly . . . I really need to use them more. And with Christmas upon me, it's the perfect thing, because with the grandparents in this family, you can't go wrong with a gift that is plastered with a picture of one of my 3 stooges.<div><br /></div><div>I was horrified last Christmas when I didn't send out a Christmas picture with a letter. Nary a card was sent from the Bruno home. That really made me sad. But like a lot of things that I used to do, I am finding that 3 Kid Syndrome is the reason I don't do them anymore. At least not now. Things like, oh, daily showers and weekly dusting. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So here's to Shutterfly. My new BFF!</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-36797112145835653352010-09-07T08:06:00.002-04:002010-09-07T08:22:22.638-04:00Random Odds and EndsHere's a few things that's been going on lately. Or thoughts that I've had.<div><br /></div><div>1. My baby boy Luke has started his formal education. And it's not at home with me! During the month of August, I spent hours planning homeschool - phonics/math and lots of recitation and reading. However, homeschooling was not my heart's greatest desire for Luke. <a href="http://www.claphamschool.com/">This</a> school was. And TWO DAYS before they started their school year, the Lord provided a way for Luke to go! He started one week late, on August 31 and has loved every minute of it. He is my timid and insecure one when it comes to new people and experiences, but he walked into his classroom without a look back. He said he only missed me a few times, but didn't even need to hold his hand to his cheek and feel the kiss I put there the night before. Sigh. I sure needed the kiss he put in my palm and had a good cry when I got to the car. :) I am LOVING the quieter mornings with Simon and Elliot. We are all SO blessed for Luke to have this opportunity. (I will TRY to post a pic soon of Luke in his school uniform. He's the cutest!)</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Yesterday was the last day our pool was open. Boo hoo. My boys love swimming so much. Simon wears a "Swim School" suit that has foam flotation material inside of it. He is fearless and loves to jump in and swim with his face in the water for as long as he can hold his breath. Luke mainly enjoys staying in the shallow area where he can swim without floaties so he can dive down for rings or practice swimming. He's getting the doggie paddle down and even is starting to do some better-looking swim strokes. When we were planning on homeschooling, I was going to get him into swim lessons this winter, but now we might be too busy. We definitely have to find some place to take the boys swimming throughout the cold months.</div><div><br /></div><div>3.Elliot got his first 2 bottom teeth in early July when he was 6.5 months. He is in the process of getting all FOUR of his top teeth. Poor baby. I guess this is why he wakes up about once a night? He's the best baby in every other way, so I can't complain. </div><div><br /></div><div>4. Elliot has a killer belly crawl, aided by his left knee. I'm not sure if he'll ever crawl normally before he starts walking. He's pulling himself up on anything that's low enough for him to reach. He'll be nine months next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Yesterday the boys enjoyed watching some home movies from about a year ago. If you don't take videos of your family, you are missing out!!! My dad's always been a huge home-videos guy, and we used to love watching them together. Seriously, take movies of your kids. They LOVE to watch themselves when they were younger, and sometimes the movies are encouraging. You might think, "Hey, it really wasn't all that bad back then!" (Luke was kinda a difficult infant. :) </div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-68926201212365221412010-08-22T17:03:00.003-04:002010-08-22T17:13:24.313-04:00Interview<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">I got this idea from </span><a href="http://connorscorner.blogspot.com/2010/08/connors-interview.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Christina</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> and interviewed Luke & Simon this afternoon while we were all sitting at the table - Luke cutting pictures out of a magazine and Simon doing puzzles. Chris was there too (possibly also cutting pictures out magazines), and we were cracking up at the answers I got. This is a cute idea. You should try it!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">1. What is something mom always says to you?<br />L: Pick up the room!<br />S: Dad!<br /><br />2. What makes mom happy?<br />L: for me not disobeying<br />S: Dad.<br /><br />3. What makes mom sad?<br />L: That Honey died.<br />S: Dad.<br /><br />4. How does your mom make you laugh?<br />L: um, by tickling me<br />S: Dad (I seriously tried to get a different answer from him. He thought about it, and said, Dad!")<br /><br />5. What was your mom like as a child?<br />L: wild? <br />S: doing a puzzle.<br /><br />6. How old is your mom?<br />L: 66. (66 is as old as a grandma) Ok, then 77.<br />S: 2<br /><br />7. How tall is your mom?<br />L: (measuring me with his hands) 14 hands<br />S: like a car<br /><br />8. What is her favorite thing to do?<br />L: go out on a date with me?<br />S: ride in a car!<br /><br />9. What does your mom do when you're not around?<br />L: Take a rest.<br />S: Take a rest.<br /><br />10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?<br />L: Playing the piano. Singing? No, not singing. That's all, I fink.<br />S: Like a car.<br /><br />11. What is your mom really good at?<br />L: Well, the only think I can think of is playing the piano. (That's the only thing I'm good at?) Well, that's the only thing I can think of. (puts finger to chin; that suddenly thinks of it and points his finger at me) Scooping </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_0" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">ice cream</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">!<br />S: this puzzle<br /><br />12. What is your mom not very good at?<br />L: Um, jumping wall-to-wall in </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_1" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Toy Story 3</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> (</span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_2" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-bottom-color: rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Wii</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> game)<br />S: driving a car (not true)<br /><br />13. What does your mom do for her job?<br />L: Teach Maggie </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_3" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">piano lessons</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br />S: (He's too busy putting a puzzle away so he can put another one together)<br /><br />14. What's your mom's favorite food?<br />L: ice cream, no, no, it is fruit<br />S: coconut! I LOVE coconut (we think he meant this is HIS favorite food. </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_4" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Coconut</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"> is pretty much the ONLY thing I do not like)<br /><br />15. What makes you proud of your mom?<br />L: playing the piano<br />S: God. Doing this puzzle.<br /><br />16. If your mom were a </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_5" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">cartoon character</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">, who would she be?<br />L: Little Bear's mom<br />S: </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1282511404_6" style="line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">bad guys</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /><br />17. What do you and your mom do together?<br />L: Have special occasions, like going to plays<br />S: clean up. Do some puzzles.<br /><br />18. How are you and your mom the same?<br />L: We both have the same color of skin.<br />S: (looks down at his clothes and at me) doing the puzzles<br /><br />19. How are you and your mom different?<br />L: We have different shirts on. <br />S: play the puzzles, Mom.<br /><br />20. How do you know your mom loves you?<br />L: Because I spend a lot of time with her.<br />S: Um, God! doing the puzzles, Mom.<br /><br />21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?<br />L: at the mall with me<br />S: to the car.</span><br /></span></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-22072653845932990472010-08-01T22:48:00.003-04:002010-08-01T23:03:39.119-04:00Pray with MeBoy, I wish I blogged more. I really do. But that's neither here nor there. <div><br /></div><div>I am blogging tonight to ask you to pray - tonight, tomorrow, all week - for our dear friend <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katesunday/journal">Kate</a>. Her husband was our pastor not too long ago, and she was diagnosed with a very rare and serious type of cancer just a few months ago. She is having surgery tomorrow. Here are some details from her CaringBridge site:<div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 17px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><blockquote>Dr. DeCamp said he is going to fight with all his might for us. He seems to us competent, knowledgeable, wise and confident. He wanted us to know the risks and the medical inability to guarantee a positive outcome. He said it's way too early to be talking about a "cure." But this surgery is our best opportunity at changing the medical history of this disease and possibly extending my life. He said it will be a huge surgery; it will take all day and I will go to ICU for 2 or 3 days afterward. I'll be in the hospital 10 days to 2 weeks and the recovery period will take a couple of months. <br /><br />The truth is that there are never "guarantees" in life. The Lord is in control of all things, and will not leave us nor forsake us - that is the only guarantee we need. We are trusting that He is showing us favor in this trial. Thank you for partnering with us in this journey. We are supported and cared for in so many ways, for which we are profoundly grateful.</blockquote></span></div><div><blockquote></blockquote>If you want to be encouraged to hope and trust in Jesus, please read the on Kate's CaringBridge site. This family has been an amazing example of deep faith and trust in our faithful and sovereign God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her husband, David Sunday, preached <a href="http://www.newcbc.org/resources/sermons">this</a> message this morning (August 1). He wrote in their online journal today: <i>As Kate prepares to undergo surgery tomorrow morning, I wanted to preach a message today that would help her - and all our brothers & sisters in Christ who are suffering - to have faith in the furnace of adversity.</i></div></div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-67872548930878192712010-05-18T08:50:00.002-04:002010-05-18T08:53:27.994-04:00"God is Still God, and God is Still Good"<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/05/17/dont-waste-your-cancer-3/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+between2worlds+%28Between+Two+Worlds%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Between Two Worlds</a> shares how two people didn't waste their cancer. Please watch and read and pray for these families today.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-22915852641940174302010-04-17T14:30:00.007-04:002010-04-17T16:00:46.838-04:00What's Happenin' with my Boys<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Elliot</span></b><div><br /></div><div>E turned 4 months old this week. (If you're wondering, I <i>never</i> call him "Boo.") He continues to be sweet as pie and our easiest baby yet. He gave up nursing this month and is throwing back the bottles like a champ. He had a month-long, glorious run of 7-9 hours of straight night-time sleep back in February, but after that reclaimed his night-time feedings (to my dismay). The little fella is such a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">chubster</span>, I knew for sure he didn't need that feeding; but when it's your third, you kinda roll with the punches, so I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acquiesced</span>. Especially since he weaned kinda early, I thought that maybe after he had a chance to get completely used to bottles he'd start sleeping longer at night. And I think that might be what's happening! He's slept 7-9 hours the last four nights. But who's counting?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've ever met Elliot (at least not when he's in dire need of a nap), you know that he is all smiles and loves people! Seriously, he just loves to be talked to, tickled and generally amused by anyone who will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">accommodate</span> him. And he's a big-time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">snuggler</span>. On our recent trip back home from Louisville, Elliot was wanting out of his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">car seat</span> big time. He was just so fed up with being in the car. (We all were.) He had just had a bottle and was due for some sleep but just would not give in. He didn't want his pacifier, and he didn't want a bottle. Finally, I just plugged that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">paci</span> in, and grabbed on firmly to his hand. He wrapped his chubby little hand around my finger and was promptly in sleepy-land. </div><div><br /></div><div>At his last weigh-in, Elliot weighed over 17 pounds. He doesn't like to be on his back for play-time, but would rather be in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">bumbo</span> seat or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">exer</span>-saucer. He mostly loves to gnaw on his fists and smile at people.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUcVZnenop-e2PP-Klntokn3ArS2xLiyY6yzAZtZ0E7x9_GFxB4xdjoxVf79hjdXjXY20MgJ3fUYC145ySY6NuF-aiwRz0MLQvWZMsq8xHWA6XsEKpcnZB4ZKQ175RvoLiiYt0w/s1600/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUcVZnenop-e2PP-Klntokn3ArS2xLiyY6yzAZtZ0E7x9_GFxB4xdjoxVf79hjdXjXY20MgJ3fUYC145ySY6NuF-aiwRz0MLQvWZMsq8xHWA6XsEKpcnZB4ZKQ175RvoLiiYt0w/s400/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461196749757046882" /></a><br /></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Simon</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Simon is at such a fun age - easily entertained, adorable as all get-out, starting to talk so much and try new words, still takes a nap and goes to bed easily. Almost everybody who's around Simon for very long comments on his beautiful eyelashes. They seem 6 inches long! He's got such beautiful eyes and a smile that will make your heart melt like a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Popsicle</span> on the Fourth of July. And get him whatever he wants. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Simon is all boy with the energy of 2 boys. He loves to play outside; and the dirtier he gets, the better! He just came out of a stage where he was an extremely picky eater. Honestly, I didn't know how he wasn't completely skin and bones! Yet, he enjoyed eating dirt and sand; on more than one occasion, I saw him shovel a spoon full of sand into his mouth. (Nasty.) He loves cars, trains, planes, and any kind of ball. But most of all he <i>loves</i> his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">blankie</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pac</span>. (pacifier) I try to tell him that he's a big boy, but he tells me that he <i>needs</i> his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">pac</span>. (I'm not looking forward to the upcoming chore of taking it away and am avoiding it at all costs.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last few months, Simon's vocabulary and speech has quadrupled! I love hearing his sweet little voice. He's so good at saying "please" and "no thank you." And sometimes when he's given something, he follows "thank you" with "Have a nice day." It's the cutest thing <i>ever</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sim (I say it, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sime</span>" but to spell it that way looks too much like "Slime.") is also Mr. Mischievous. When he thinks he's doing something he might get in trouble for, he does it with a sneaky smile and one eye looking over his shoulder. (I realize this is not entirely funny.) And to my utter chagrin, he constantly pulls chairs into the kitchen to try to get what he wants.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZzb31f1g-AlomhKIC0LN0tDgfO_HZWqVgN99xYxWI03rVJlxg5ND1jyWLSVDfXsrGHYFmxYGIV1OOuxMWkIRdb5_UHzGGtxqFZUViGC1Zsu7nsM1HjRyLKdpWRZRL1GpbFNPvQ/s1600/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZzb31f1g-AlomhKIC0LN0tDgfO_HZWqVgN99xYxWI03rVJlxg5ND1jyWLSVDfXsrGHYFmxYGIV1OOuxMWkIRdb5_UHzGGtxqFZUViGC1Zsu7nsM1HjRyLKdpWRZRL1GpbFNPvQ/s400/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+050.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461197208259148402" /></a><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Luke</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>What can I say about Luke? Luke is <i>Luke</i>. He is <i>many</i> things. He finds entertainment and amusement in the oddest things. This is hilarious to witness and sometimes exasperating to deal with on a busy day. When I'm trying to get the house to resemble some order, he is pulling out blankets and pillows and filling up bags and mini-suitcases to play ship or camping or whatever else he can think of. He likes arts & crafts and notebooks and papers and lists. And he loves to play outside, filling up buckets with rocks, sticks and leaves, riding his bike or having races. He likes playing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">wii</span> with his dad or Play Station with his uncle. (He also loves to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">tv</span>, but we won't elaborate on that. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Luke thinks anything about Ancient Egypt is really cool, so I've picked up a few books about Egypt that I've found at thrift stores. To my surprise, this fearful and worrisome son of mine thinks the mummification process (which involves a "brain hook") is very interesting and no big deal! He also likes books that explain just about anything a kid might be curious about. Last week I came home with a book called 83 1/2 Things that Changed the World, and I now know the history of the toilet. See how much I'd miss if I weren't a mom?</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night before bed, something reminded Luke about Haiti. (We've been praying for Haiti since the earthquake in January.)</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>Luke: <i>Can we talk about Haiti?</i> (He says this about random topics. It's like he wants to have a little meeting.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Me: <i>Sure. Like what, specifically?</i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Luke: <i>Well, like, maybe we should buy that CD.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Me: <i>What CD?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Luke: <i>You know. That CD we saw on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">tv</span>. Maybe like 100 people will buy the CD and lots of money can go to Haiti. Maybe even 100 dollars! (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">It's so funny how little concept of money he has.)</span></i></div></blockquote><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KWtzn4fogV2n0hgo9k2DTEo7Uu1QBnawZnSVvp_L5kYXu-13Be9wDh_ikE0ux021Vj62LWedssmExMzcWZ4McD-dGrIflUMO5qxx4ACxRK5x1tRPI5bkBrG5ULR-_TXNordKpg/s1600/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KWtzn4fogV2n0hgo9k2DTEo7Uu1QBnawZnSVvp_L5kYXu-13Be9wDh_ikE0ux021Vj62LWedssmExMzcWZ4McD-dGrIflUMO5qxx4ACxRK5x1tRPI5bkBrG5ULR-_TXNordKpg/s400/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461197617717042514" /></a><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Chris</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>When I call Chris one of "my boys," I don't mean to imply that I have take care of him and clean up his messes and boss him around (although sometimes I find myself doing those things!). I guess it's just how I think of our family - me and all these boys. :) Chris is graduating in a few very short weeks!!! On some level, I don't think I really grasp what all that really means; things have been so busy, I haven't really had a chance to think about it. I think I'd better start thinking of having a big party to celebrate! In case you don't already know, he'll be getting a PhD in New Testament Studies from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Wheaton</span> College Graduate School. </div><div><br /></div><div>On another level, I <i>completely</i> grasp what all this means because Chris has worked incredibly hard to get to this place! He would be quick to tell you that it has been entirely a work of God's grace in his life, and I would say that too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chris doesn't really have any work left for his degree but never lacks for something to do. He's already starting to scratch the surface of his next big writing project and works on things like papers for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ETS</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">SBL</span>, book reviews for various publications and, oh, also looking for a job! This last item is something that we have spent much prayer, time and emotion in over the last 5 months. God is faithful in loving and caring for us, and we know that he will provide the exact job that He has for Chris.</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kvqBqHwzD1vMffAa5Hg_4gv3Vye1bfoY2Rs175HP_nmYslAz00rXbkFXVKiaaQ9yiBSDGoj2FqNIjBWnOuCla2sraTI0uzyJd7N82m9qYTxpYBtuO0hzFv7gezxZ8XwN2EcxOw/s1600/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kvqBqHwzD1vMffAa5Hg_4gv3Vye1bfoY2Rs175HP_nmYslAz00rXbkFXVKiaaQ9yiBSDGoj2FqNIjBWnOuCla2sraTI0uzyJd7N82m9qYTxpYBtuO0hzFv7gezxZ8XwN2EcxOw/s400/Jerrys+Family+Easter+2010+064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461198139813676354" /></a>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-85006551581970829762010-04-14T14:45:00.004-04:002010-04-14T15:39:32.003-04:00Stop Listening. Start Speaking.<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:sans-serif, helvetica, clean, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">Over the past several months, fierce battles have waged within me - a battle of my emotions. It's as if Happy, Content, Hopeful Katie and Sad, Lonely, Worried Katie are having a cat fight; and it's not a fun day when Happy Katie is lying on the floor, defeated. When I've struggled in this way, I've asked myself many questions, trying to pinpoint the problem. Is it postpartum depression? Winter blues? The stress of school and young children and a small house and the prospect of selling our condo in one of the worst real estate markets known to mankind? Are these areas that I have not given to the Lord? Do I need to repent of doubt and disbelief in God? Usually, the answer to both of those questions is "yes." But what I want to know even more, is, How can I trust God <i>in the middle</i> of that battle? What can I <i>do </i>to put my faith in Jesus when the house looks like thieves have ransacked it, the boys are fighting, laundry is multiplying like rabbits, my words have been sharp and piercing and I'm leaning over the kitchen sink trying to get a grip, with cereal crunching under my feet because my two-year-old helped himself that morning? What do I do <i>then?</i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">The moments when I have victory in redeeming this chaotic and ugly scenario are those when I stop listening to myself and start speaking. Preaching actually. I need to speak and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ's redeeming and rescuing work in my life <i>to myself</i>. The gospel is so much more than salvation from an eternity in hell. The gospel is salvation from my obscene and heinous sin every day. The gospel is victory, messy and painful at times, in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nitty</span> gritty that I face in that moment when all hell seems to break loose in my crowded, loud, and exasperating world of motherhood. And that gospel is one word: <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Jesus</span></b></i>. I <i>love</i> that name. </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">So, when I feel Sad Katie creeping up to my shoulder, ready to slap me in the face, I say to myself, (out loud, because I am astoundingly easily distracted) <i>Jesus is faithful. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, tomorrow. He is never overwhelmed; he will never check out because he can't handle any more. He is patient, loving and kind. Quick to hear, slow to anger.</i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><i></i>Worried Katie might say,<i> So, what's it to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">you<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>, because, if you haven't noticed, you're pretty much the polar opposite of that.</i></span></span></b></i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><b><i>Everything</i></b><i>, because I am in Jesus. His righteousness is mine. He's ransomed me from this.</i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.2em; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; display: block; ">I usually have the problem of talking too much and listening to little. But when those tough moments come, what I need most is to speak the gospel of Jesus Christ to my weary and desperate self. The gospel doesn't remove all of the chaos and demands that my day holds. But it does rescue me from that impatient, angry, selfish and hopeless person that I am without it.</p></span>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-9715793197671779302010-04-11T23:13:00.003-04:002010-04-12T00:06:32.473-04:00100%I was inspired tonight by my friend <a href="http://kellyannglupker.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> to blog more. She said she actually likes to read what I write! :) And I have recent confirmation from my comments section that at least 3 people read my blog. <div><br /></div><div>Do you remember when you first started your blog? NO ONE else I knew had one when I started, and I would get SO excited about a new comment. After I posted a new entry, I would check back a million times a day to see if anyone read it or commented. :) Now the only thing I check is if there is poop in one of my children's diapers. : ) Ha! (Thankfully, by the way, it's just Simon & Elliot's diapers that I'm checking. Luke is now 100% free of any pull-ups at night! Yes, he'll be six this July. And if you're gasping or saying "wow" to yourself, you just wait. Maybe you'll have a "late bloomer" too. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>But enough silly chit-chat. Since I now blog rather infrequently, I want to get right to the point. My God is REALLY good! He has been blessing me and rooting his Word deep in my over the past, oh, six months. Many lessons that I am learning I have been learning for a very long time. In other areas, I am rejoicing in new-found victory by the grace of God. One of those areas is that of personal time with God through the Bible and prayer. And, oddly enough, one of the greatest tools that has helped with this has been my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">iPod</span>! Chris surprised me with an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iPod</span> Touch shortly before I had Elliot. Since then, my soul has been blessed by listening to sermons online. My two go-to sermon sources are <a href="http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/sermons">Mars Hill</a> and my former pastor, <a href="http://www.gracecommunitybible.org/">David Sunday</a>. (You can listen to more recent and future sermons of his <a href="http://www.fvbc.org/sermonsonline.asp">here</a>.) I think especially during these busy years as a mom, this is one additional way, other than reading, that I can get God's Word into my heart. I am thankful for modern technology!</div><div><br /></div><div>I could relate to you several truths that God has been using in my life to encourage, strengthen and sustain me, and I hopefully will share more of them at a later time. But for now, I'll just tell you about a favorite phrase that Chris and I have told ourselves and each other many, MANY times over the past several months. "God is 100% for me!" (From one of Pastor David's sermons.) </div><div><br /></div><div>We are at the end of many years of graduate school for Chris. These have been lean, sometimes stressful, transitional, uncertain years. Sometimes the uncertainties and unknown future looming before us causes me to worry and be fearful. It's as if I am not sure if God will really provide for us, really has a plan for us. This is a lie of the Devil! God is not 90% for me, leaving a 10% margin of error. He is 100% for me. He is the one true God, sovereign and all-powerful. And this sovereign and all-powerful God is 100% for me. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Shazzam</span>! This really helps one sleep at night. </div><div><br /></div><div>Recently at church, we've sung Graham Kendrick's song <i>Knowing You</i>. I've known this song for a while and have always really loved it. Almost every line is one that I can't sing without my eyes tightly shut and a hand in the air - or at the very least a fist clenched in agreement! (Though this can get complicated because I'm always playing the piano at church.) There is one phrase, though, that I've always found a bit annoying because it sounds so trite. A line in the chorus reads, <i>You're my all. You're the best. </i>The word "best" always seemed a bit off - too trite. I often replaced it with the word "rest" instead. But, recently, I have <i>loved</i> that phrase, because it just really is true! Jesus is THE BEST. (It's similar to how the word awesome has lost its genuine meaning because we say things like "Shamrock shakes are awesome!")</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I'll leave the lyrics to <i>Knowing You</i> here for you to read and enjoy. I'm marking my favorite parts, just like your grandma or mom or that cute lady at church always underlines, double-underlines and makes all manner of markings to the message in a greeting card.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Knowing You </b><b>by</b><b> Graham Kendrick</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">All I once held dear, built my life upon All this world reveres, and wars to own <i>All I once thought <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">gain</span> I have counted <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">loss,</span></i> Spent and <b>worthless</b> now, compared to <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">this:</span></b></i> Knowing you, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">JESUS,</span></b> knowing you There is no greater thing. You're my all you're <b>t</b><b>he <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BEST</span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">You're my <b>joy</b>, my <i>righteousness</i> And I love you, Lord. Now my heart's desire is to know you more. To be found in you, and known as yours. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">To possess by faith what I could not earn,</span></b> All surpassing gift of righteousness. Oh to know the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">power</span></b> of your risen life, And <i>to know you in your suffering.</i> <b>To become like you</b><b> in your death my Lord,</b> So <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">with You</span></i> to live And never <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">die</span>.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-9971374397986948842010-04-02T21:01:00.002-04:002010-04-03T08:38:33.184-04:00Bad BloggerHappy Good Friday, to the few and faithful who read this badly neglected blog. (More likely, you are just surprised when you find a new post from me in your Reader.) We drove to Michigan Thursday afternoon to spend an extended weekend with Chris' family. The weather has been absolutely fabulous. The boys have sneaked out the door to play at every opportunity they've had, and Chris and I enjoyed going to the Good Friday service at our church here in MI.<div><br /></div><div>I was just reading <a href="http://dobbertinfamily.blogspot.com/">Suzanne</a> ponder about the different types of blogs there are in this blogging world we pretend to live in. :) I agree with her about the types she likes & doesn't like. I think I'm fairly certain that my blog doesn't give the impression that my life as a wife, mommy, blogger is rosy, cheery and free of sticky counters and pee on the toilet seat. :) Actually, if I'm not blogging much, it's a sure sign that there's lots going on in my life, and I'm probably just too overwhelmed with other stuff to post pictures of my adorable boys or write creative and witty posts. </div><div><br /></div><div>I began blogging when Luke was barely 1 year old. We were living in our duplex on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Longview</span> Ave in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lousiville</span>, next door to my dear friend Julie, (whom I love and miss!). Our life was pretty calm and simple. Chris worked lots of late nights at Starbucks, and it was often just Luke, me and the computer (and Luke was often sleeping). I remember blogging about <a href="http://lukiesmom.blogspot.com/2005/08/my-pink-faced-darling.html">my pink faced darling</a> - and how shocked I was by motherhood. I ranted about the perceived injustices against my sweet southern neighbor <a href="http://lukiesmom.blogspot.com/2005/09/sad-lesson-from-across-street.html">across the street</a> as I watched this 91 year old woman be neglected by family that lived a few blocks away.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I guess I could say I've been in a blogging funk for, oh, a couple of years! :) I think this season of my life just doesn't afford me the time I'd like to write and blog and all that jazz. Sometimes I am amazed at other moms and all of the projects, crafts, and activities they blog about! I'm at that stage with a baby (and 2 older kids) where all I can handle is keeping food in our tummies, clean clothes on our backs and a not-too-disgusting bathroom. Some day I'll be back in earnest, but for a while, I'll probably just pop in now and then with a few pictures, an update and a howdy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do plan to blog soon about all that God is doing in our family. Lots of new things are on the horizon for our family, and I can't wait to tell you about them! :)</div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-25075250590986675662010-02-24T15:08:00.003-05:002010-02-24T15:28:44.280-05:00My Three SonsWow. It's been so long since I've blogged, there is no easy way to catch up on my blog. I won't try - not today anyways. I'll just say that this party of five has been doing pretty great. Overall, the transition to 3 kids has been our easiest yet. I like the fact that I'm a more relaxed, knowledgeable mom. And I LOVE the fact that Elliot is a great baby. An angel baby, in fact! He is happy, generous with smiles and a champion sleeper at night. I have wanted to blog. I have wanted to do a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of things. But the biggest difference with having 3 boys is that there's a lot I used to do or <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to do that I just can't pull off any more. Or at least right now. And I'm fine with that.<br /><br />So here's a few pictures that I snapped of the boys this morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XfeM26UZw6-A3idssMomm3ACqY1R6L1weH69v_tWmd629YUKe_l0MJahu_koBD-0y34vuNxaqdadu1TlElpTlmwzSZse09C6mmcbY2XBT_LS_pzm8JdICQO3q_UvMCtGCZiACw/s1600-h/DSCF8137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XfeM26UZw6-A3idssMomm3ACqY1R6L1weH69v_tWmd629YUKe_l0MJahu_koBD-0y34vuNxaqdadu1TlElpTlmwzSZse09C6mmcbY2XBT_LS_pzm8JdICQO3q_UvMCtGCZiACw/s400/DSCF8137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441906819469017762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here is Elliot Calvin. He is 100% pure sweetness. He turned 10 weeks old yesterday, and as of last week, he weighs 15 pounds! Except for the last two nights (growth spurt?), he averages 7-9 hours of sleep at night. (Insert Hallelujah Chorus here.) He loves to talk face to face with anyone, but especially Mama & Daddy. He's so alert and only likes to sit up. He's 2 months going on 6 (months).<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArNpAYcIPeCf552UtgYmngLmtoYCRtTfQIpDTx4xombEFcQVCGjlTACT07IIcp0lrk51yV5mppxB3BX5EviyRgVk1fkmlLiAgBVemP7sXZJM6RKufFRPPBDkr-tBjeQmtIuj-6g/s1600-h/DSCF8134.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArNpAYcIPeCf552UtgYmngLmtoYCRtTfQIpDTx4xombEFcQVCGjlTACT07IIcp0lrk51yV5mppxB3BX5EviyRgVk1fkmlLiAgBVemP7sXZJM6RKufFRPPBDkr-tBjeQmtIuj-6g/s400/DSCF8134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441906812351006946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to pull the camera out this morning after Simon came to me and looked like this. Yep. They scrounged up some chocolate chips. Simon turned 2 on Dec. 3. In the last two months, his talking has kicked into high gear, and he finally says "thank you," not just "pease." He loves cars and sports and is obsessed with puzzles, which I think he's a genius at. He's bored with the 20+ 24-piece puzzles I have. Yep. He can put them all together. And he mastered the Melissa & Dough US Map puzzle in a few days. (Ignore my Mommy-awe.)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv3F_9KN3vHvojALhr_JBt40QcvZbR6a6hiCe3-Lz-WknxRmd013Dlrv7p5UjoUVRA4EHRNi4AUvB514bQcCaCFI3WBeCbAcR0WRgSjs96kfAXmOGWd9Hfi12g3csaHnoJ8_rRQ/s1600-h/DSCF8140.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv3F_9KN3vHvojALhr_JBt40QcvZbR6a6hiCe3-Lz-WknxRmd013Dlrv7p5UjoUVRA4EHRNi4AUvB514bQcCaCFI3WBeCbAcR0WRgSjs96kfAXmOGWd9Hfi12g3csaHnoJ8_rRQ/s400/DSCF8140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441906803193037922" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And here's Luke. He's closer to being 6 now than 5. How is this possible? He has a hard time getting enough energy out during the winter, but enjoys all kinds of imaginative play - kitchen (right now he's busy getting ready for a party), camping, pirate ship, dress up, etc. Last night on date night, he and his friend were milking a horse! :) His most recent favorite toy is Playmobil; he also enjoys playing Playmobil games online, when we have the computer at home. He lost his first tooth in January and is showing real improvement in learning to read!<br /><br />If you want to see even more pictures, you can click <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=394638&id=669730200&l=48cd373272">here</a>.</span><br /></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-23977249873572874052009-12-01T23:24:00.007-05:002009-12-01T23:51:39.086-05:00O Dear. Input Wanted!Two weeks (give or take a few) until the big day. Until our foursome becomes a fivesome. Until Simon is a big brother and his life is turned upside down. Until our 2 bedroom condo becomes that much tighter. <span><span>Until the ultimate destruction of my sanity is secured.</span></span><div><br /></div><div>I have been excited about having another sweet little bundle of joy (<a href="http://lukiesmom.blogspot.com/2008/01/another-pink-faced-darling.html">a pink-faced darling</a>, if you will). Washing and folding Boo's clothes (my in-utero name for him, if you don't know) made me so look forward to having little rolls and a soft baby belly to fill them with. Buying a new-to-me swing off of Craig's List gave me the excited giggles. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the giggles have quieted, and now I'm getting nervous! We have had some rough bedtimes lately and some tantrums and what-not that made me say to myself (in a most exasperated tone), <i>What am I thinking having another child?!?!</i> :) (I literally said that out loud when I was on a grocery-run by myself last night.) I guess I forget that raising and training children to love and obey God is tough work and not always pretty. Especially since the ones (at least <i>this</i> one) doing the raising and training are pretty selfish and sinful too.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, my house is in fairly ship-shape condition. Organized, labeled, stream-lined. But I still am trying to think of ways to make things easier and smoother after Boo is Boo no longer, but a name that shall not be named. :) (yet.) But here are a few questions for you. If you never have before, PLEASE leave an answer or a comment!</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>What are some things you did before having a baby to make your life easier afterwards? meals, food in freezer, etc.</li><li>What are your kids' favorite snacks? Especially healthy and easy to make-ahead? Simon can open the fridge. I think I'll work with that and try to have a stash of something in there so he can get it himself. Like when I'm busy. :) Peanut butter is out, because Simey is allergic.</li><li>What's your kids' favorite thing to do to stay busy (without driving you nuts or tearing apart your house)?</li><li>Any tips/tricks about life with baby that you HAVE to share?</li><li>Is there anything you wish you had known/someone had told you when you had your baby? (or your 3rd baby?) :)</li></ol><div>Thanks in advance for your help!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy December and Merry Christmas!</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Katie</span></i></div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-3189959208683059572009-11-25T15:13:00.004-05:002009-11-25T15:35:03.154-05:00More on Contentment by Lydia Brownback<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6rMSOkYISlcc9PJ-mehpfwo7tj5Q9AS8SKcIYHYSwb3hwgZ3trc6Yl4ichTwv4vOvZt0uzHFvEWJf4f9hkzWFC5AWUDXkzi1gaOY9c6L4x6-XUySAF9R7iX0vMMn_kdQK58wng/s1600/9781581349580.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6rMSOkYISlcc9PJ-mehpfwo7tj5Q9AS8SKcIYHYSwb3hwgZ3trc6Yl4ichTwv4vOvZt0uzHFvEWJf4f9hkzWFC5AWUDXkzi1gaOY9c6L4x6-XUySAF9R7iX0vMMn_kdQK58wng/s400/9781581349580.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408141996320589778" /></a><blockquote>Here's an excerpt from a devotional by Lydia Brownback titled "There's No Place Like Home."</blockquote><blockquote>. . . God was teaching me something important, not only about home but about his people, about you and me. Home is not who we are. And all we have at home is not where our comfort and security really lie. If we seek contentment from home, we will never find it because all that makes a home <i>home</i> is constantly shifting. </blockquote><blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Contentment comes when we discover that home is much more about where we are going than where we have come from. Home is about the people of God more than about our families on earth. But that doesn't mean we must do without the blessings of home in the here and now. . .</div><div><br /></div><div>We can have the contentment of home right now, wherever we are, because home for us is wherever God has us. In fact, home is more than this - home is Christ, who unites us to God our Father. In this home alone can we find contentment because it is the only home that we will never have to leave.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote></blockquote></div><div></div></blockquote><br /><br />This book continues to be a huge blessing and encouragement to me as I fight discontentment and discouragement in many areas of my life! If you want to buy a copy for yourself, you can look here.Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15680456.post-23481283601371020542009-11-11T05:25:00.003-05:002009-11-11T06:11:13.010-05:00Contentment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOQ30Q8uOZY6bI5TlkMzgDMfQmvrKK0vRL0cHPgxEd13heNMCHMb0hZ-xE6wMJtgpFnFRk2nCfGxBLw2aJHq8uarm6TRYEWDrtEuXGKcv_sfX436rtl8S6tKJt8iNvs0paDFkzQ/s1600-h/DSCF7631.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOQ30Q8uOZY6bI5TlkMzgDMfQmvrKK0vRL0cHPgxEd13heNMCHMb0hZ-xE6wMJtgpFnFRk2nCfGxBLw2aJHq8uarm6TRYEWDrtEuXGKcv_sfX436rtl8S6tKJt8iNvs0paDFkzQ/s400/DSCF7631.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402801599798080466" /></a><br />God has been stirring things up in my heart lately, revealing holes and soft spots in my faith and belief that he is good and truly worthy of my most <i>supreme</i> affection above <b>all</b> others in this life. He <i>really</i> is worthy of my greatest love and <i>devotion</i>, even above some of his most precious and good gifts to me. Sometimes I can make a good gift that God gives me into an idol; and though I might not say it quite so bluntly, I become consumed and obsessed with that gift, requiring it for my happiness and joy and contentment.<div><br /></div><div>For example, my family and friends around me. How much of my contentment hinges on them? When I can visit "home" next, or how much time I can spend with them, or how we'll spend a holiday, or how many hours away I live from them, or how often my children see them. These are not sinful concerns and desires; but if I let them, they subtly eat away at my contentment, tricking me into thinking life will be <i>really</i> great if I could just live a <i>few</i> hours closer to my mom or Chris' parents or a brother or sister. Wouldn't it be <i>amazing</i> if my boys could grow up near their cousins? (Is that too much to ask?) Wouldn't it be <i>perfect</i> if we could easily all be together for Christmas? How wonderful would it be if my boys could see their grandparents every week?</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm thinking all these thoughts and asking all of these questions, because, once again, our not-too-distant future is unknown to us. Chris is graduating in May - an event which represents years full of goodness and graciousness from God to us. So, with the end of this chapter in our lives, we're anticipating starting a new chapter; and Chris is searching for a job, which quite possibly will move us to yet another new city, state, home. Where will it be? Will it be further from everybody? How often will we see our families? How easy will it be to visit? Sometimes my initial reaction to possibly living much farther away from people that are most important to me is pretty near-sighted and down-right void of the reality of Christ in my life - the reality that HE is the only true source of contentment and joy in life. </div><div><br /></div><div>God is being kind and patient with me. He's been using his Word in my life daily to put my thoughts into a Jesus-centered, Jesus-consuming perspective. This is a <i>gift</i> from him, for there have been months in the last few years where I wouldn't crack open a Bible all week. If I admitted it, I never read God's Word, hardly prayed and so was aimlessly trying to teach my children to love God with all of their hearts, souls and minds. It's humbling to admit that, but I have a feeling that I'm not the only one with that confession.</div><div><br /></div><div>He's also using two books written by gifted believers to challenge and change my way of thinking, bolstering my contentment in and love for Jesus:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0525950796/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=2736796017&ref=pd_sl_72mcuxomy5_e">The Prodigal God by Tim Keller</a></li><li><a href="http://www.crossway.org/product/9781581349580">Contentment: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback</a></li></ul><div> I cannot recommend these books enough. I am having a hard time summarizing how they have been helpful to me, so I think I'll post some excerpts in a separate post (soon). Here's a short excerpt from <i>Contentment</i> that well-represents what God is teaching me.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Contentment does not lie around the next corner. It is not waiting for us on the next side of today's difficulty, nor is it lost with yesterday. Contentment is where God is, and God is with us today.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15138599512440470090noreply@blogger.com9