Reaction? CHECK

According to the papers, mild problems (meaning noticeable, but did not interfere with activities) include:
- Pain CHECK
- Redness or swelling CHECK
- Mild fever of at least 100.4 POSSIBLY - I NEVER TOOK MY TEMP BUT FELT FEVERISH
- Headache
- Tiredness CHECK AND I WOULD SAY THIS IS INTERFERING WITH ACTIVITIES
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache
- Chills, body aches, sore joints, rash, and swollen lymph glands NOPE; YEP; VERY YEP; POSSIBLY, HARD TO KNOW IF IT'S RASH OR SUNBURN; and MAYBE SLIGHTLY

Moderate problems (meaning interfered with activities, but did not require medical attention):
- Pain at the injection site CHECK
- Redness or swelling CHECKED ABOVE
- Fever over 102
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache
- Headache

Yeah for me for trying to be a responsible adult, right? I went Thursday morning for a physical because my PCP wouldn't refill my allergy meds again since it had been 2 years since she'd seen me. During the ER experience with Clay, I realized I hadn't had a tetanus shot since I was 15. I figured since I was already paying my co-pay, I should get my money's worth, right? I joked with the doctor and nurse about giving shots in the general area to keep patients from crying, thrashing or making crazy scenes. We got a good laugh out of that - for all the years she's been at that office, and I know it's been at least 9.5 years, she said she'd never thought about that. Anyway, the nurse told me the new tetanus (also known as the DTaP because it also contains diphtheria and pertussis) wasn't like the old one. It didn't burn and didn't cause soreness later. I remember that shot from when I was 15. Mind you, I was a much bigger wienie about shots then, but that sucker HURT. Then my arm hurt for days. I was all excited about having nothing more than a poke; and that truly was all it was. The shot didn't hurt or burn as I got it. I thought, "Man, that really is nothing." Then yesterday hit. My shoulder was a bit sore, but I didn't think anything about it knowing it was common. Then my joints began to ache. At first I simply thought I hadn't slept well and am simply getting old. If I had cared enough I would have checked the barometer reading because sometimes changes in pressure can cause me discomfort, but I didn't. I was tired a lot of yesterday, but again dismissed it because I have a toddler and a preschooler. Who isn't tired with two kids 3 and under? But at the day wore on and my aches increased, my arm became warm and extremely sensitive to touch, and I felt that heavy, fevery feeling, I pulled out my fun sheet. As I read, I just laughed...I would be one to have a reaction, right? I am thankful that it isn't worse than it is, and we've gotten some good chuckles out of it...in between me sleeping and lying around.

Perspective

I've been reminded lately that it's all about perspective. And in my opinion, perspective is a choice. Sure, it's shaped by my upbringing, life circumstances, and my personality, but I still have a choice how to view something. I can look at my daughter's drama as an exhausting drain or I can see her passion for life and how she experiences things with her whole self. I can see the potential of her personality and pray God would mold her and shape her for His purpose or I can hang my head in utter frustration. I can see the challenges of 3-year-old independence as a fight for control or I can see it as an opportunity to teach about authority. I can get angry that he doesn't always understand me or I can realize that he must feel the same way when I don't understand him. I can wake up unexcited about another day of the same-old, same-old or I can be excited about what God is going to do - even if it is something so small no one else might care. It's all about perspective. Suz over at Steece's Pieces (link on the right) wrote beautifully about choosing your attitude - and she should know being the mom of quadruplets!

My devotional today also talked about perspective - faith perspective (from Beth Moore's Whispers of Hope, day 36, p. 132). How do we define and exercise our faith? How we do makes all the difference. She says "believers in Christ must place their faith in one of two factors: either what God does or who God is."

For those placing their faith in what God does, they choose to ride an insane roller coaster. Think about it. If my faith is based on what God is doing around me, there will be no consistency. I know I'm not the only one who feels like God has left the building at times. There are times of dryness, of silence, and of disagreement (meaning I don't like how He's choosing to bring glory to His name, most likely because it means something hard for me). His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). If no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corin. 2:9), then how can we expect to understand everything He is doing? So if my faith is based on what He is doing, I will have times of little or no faith. Beth writes, "Remember that most of what God does is invisible - totally outside our realm of observation or understanding. We cannot base our faith on what He appears to be doing or how dramatically He answers our prayers - because faith founded on God's apparent actions is not faith at all."

Hebrews 11:1 says that "faith is being...certain of what we do not see."

Those who place their faith in WHO God is will not experience the same roller coaster as they walk through life. God does not change like the shifting shadows (James 1:17) - He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He was God before time began, He is God now, and He will be God long after my last breath. As Beth writes, "Our faith must rest on God's identity, not His activity." Hebrews 11:27 says Moses "persevered because he saw him who is invisible." After all that Moses had seen in his life (hello, burning bush!), it was his faith in Who God is that helped him persevere. While life's circumstances may not be easy, we will find "stability in Who He is."

I don't know about you, but the older I get the less I like roller coasters - especially emotional ones. There are a lot of things in life right now that aren't as I hoped they would be, but I have a choice about my perspective. And, in my opinion, perspective is key. Thank you, Lord, that you are no less God just because life isn't my perfect dream.

The gaggle

Well, this is most of the gaggle - me, Abby, Haley, and Kristina (from l to r). Two key pieces are missing, but it's hard to get a pic with them when they both live so far away! We took this picture last night before heading out to dinner - a break from our norm to enjoy some fine Mexican food.

You've heard me mention my gaggle of gals before. Why my gaggle? Well, I heard that a flock of geese are called a gaggle; and once when we were all together that image/sound popped into my head. (Side note: I just looked up what gaggle means, and it just makes me laugh - especially knowing our group. Gaggle means to cackle, a flock of geese when not flying, an often noisy or disorderly group or gathering, or an assortment of related things. That makes this term all that much more fitting a description of our wonderful group.)

Anyway, we gather weekly for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship - and have for 2 years. These women walk me through tough times, joyful times, and blah times. They pray for me, challenge me, make me laugh, and most importantly point me to Christ. They give me the honor and privilege to return the favor to the best of my ability. They truly are a blessing. We know what we have is a unique gift, and we often thank God for the blessing of these rare relationships.

Gaggle - thank you for the gift of yourself. Your transparency, honesty, support, and love mean more than you will ever know. Jodi and Meghan - you are missed and loved...fortunately God is not bound by time or miles.

I pray God continues to join others' hearts like He has joined all of ours.

Yeah, not as cool as I thought

So I'm typing my first post on our new computer. It wasn't planned to get a new one last Thursday, but the BSOD we got on the original laptop last week turned our want into more of a need. (BSOD = blue screen of death, ie. your hard drive is going to crash soon, but you may not have any further warnings.)

We were blessed by the great back-to-school deals and got a lot more computer than we truly need. Thank you, Lord. Our fun new red computer (much to Clay's dismay, but what you get when you go for the deal) stayed in its box until today. I finally decided to break it out, figure out how to get our internet connection working and Norton subscription transferred. Well, it wasn't as complicated as I thought (well, I haven't truly transferred the Norton sub., but the trial goes for 60 days). Go figure.

Anyway, I went to the blog to check a few things, and realized that I'm not as cool as I thought. See, previously when I posted, I made great effort to get my pictures lined up just so and the text where it was pleasing to the eye (yeah for my communication background). I would go back and forth from publishing to editing to get it just right. Well, now I realize that what I saw is probably not what you saw (and you probably already knew this). It all depends on screen size and layout and how big you have your font and a myriad of other things I am sure. Guess that's what happens when you graduate before the internet becomes the dominant mode of communication!

So all this time, I thought I was producing quality work, and I was only fooling myself. I do feel a little cool at the moment though - I've got 2 computers on and both have the internet going. It's the most high-tech I've ever been!

I promise to get to the post about the weekend soon - Mom brought the pics over this morning, but they are on the other computer...you know the one that will probably now work for another year or two!

And for any who are wondering just how small our little gal is - you know, our 18 month old - she weighed in at a whopping 19 lbs today and measures 30.25 inches. Still not on the chart for weight, but she can claim that she's bigger than I was at her age!

A mornin' at the zoo

After being gone all weekend (that post will come later once I get the pics from my mom), I decided to have a special day with the kids at the zoo on Monday. I enjoy going with friends, but it was nice to be just us for a change. We went at our own pace and just enjoyed each other. Both kids love the zoo, and I love watching them watch the animals. It's also great exercise for me as I push that double stroller up and down all the ramps. For the first hour or more, we felt like we had the place to ourselves (see the pictures below of main walkway completely empty - only those who've been to our zoo will truly appreciate this). I also love that our zoo takes as much pride in the scenery as the animals. I've passed it many times, but was struck by the beauty of this waterfall all over again. The boy loves to watch the animals, but it's hard to capture his joy on film. He asks to go to the zoo almost weekly. The girl is a bit more expressive (surprise, surprise) and is all about pointing to animals and attempting to say their name or their sound - and keeping her seated is almost impossible.











The kids were priceless when we fed the birds. The birds were quite brazen today, and the boy wasn't too sure about it. The girl was quite intrigued. I managed to get a couple on my seed stick, but then found them fighting over it!











Unfortunately, the train tracks were being worked on today (along with the tiger exhibit). This could mean great disaster with the boy (the train is his favorite thing), but I found a great distraction: the carousel! Both kids enjoyed it making it easier to manage the two by myself (especially when there are no belts on the horses). I even saw the girl smile although I didn't catch it on camera. The boy refused to look in my direction while I had the camera ready.











Here are some pictures of God's beautiful creatures. The last two pictures make me laugh...the first is of the gorilla sleeping. He was totally laid out on his back. I can't decide if he was having a good dream or was restless because he kept "fluffing" the grass around his head while totally asleep. The last is of a group of orangutangs huddled in the corner - reminded me of women congregating. I so wanted to be a fly to hear what they were talking about! (Now is that a girlie thing to think or what?!?!)

Swanlake

You have to check this video out...so impressive. The first act is great, but hang in for the second (the whole thing is only 6 minutes). That is when you will have to pick your jaw up off the floor. AMAZING!!!

SWANLAKE

Yeah, you probably wouldn't have cared

I had this big long post about what my morning contained and then realized that you probably don't care how many times I've told the boy not to throw, told the girl not to get into something, or my shock at the cost of Coke. It isn't as big of a deal to you that I found my daughter's rubber band in the parking lot next to our van or that she kept a ponytail in for almost an hour today. It's not significant to you that I witnessed a new natural development in my boy. And you probably won't be as excited as me about the new t-shirt I am wearing today (it simply says, "Shortie" - I LOVE shirts that state the obvious). So I deleted all that and will simply share these two pictures. The girl actually let me put her hair in a ponytail - in all honesty she was distracted by playing with the faucet and water, but I'll take it!

This last picture would be better only if it was intentional - I can see her little attitude all over her face. If I didn't know she simply closed her eyes with the flash, I would so be hearing her say, "I am NOT cooperating!"

Yes, we do think she is too adorable, but she's a firecracker to be contended with. Heaven help us - she might be more stubborn than me!

You may want to avoid me on the road

Lately God seems to be speaking most clearly to me while I am in a moving vehicle. Scary thought, I know, that I'm more distracted than normal. I guess it's one part of my day that I truly am focused on mainly one thing - driving - so I am able to hear Him more clearly.

I've seen the beauty of the dark rain clouds against the brightness of the sun. I noticed the sun almost seems brighter when next to a dark cloud. I've seen how the darker clouds increase the depth of the blue of the sky. I've seen the sun break through the clouds in picture-perfect rays. I've watched the sky transform as my car changes direction giving me a different perspective. I've felt His presence as He reminds me He is with me even when I feel like I can't see Him.

Today, it was through music. First God reminded me to empty myself so He could fill me with more of Himself. Then I was reminded that I should focus on this moment in front of me because it is the only one I can do anything about. I should see the miracle in it instead of living behind it or looking beyond it. God then took me to my eternal home and what it might be like there. My thoughts drifted to Doug, my first spiritual mentor, who is losing his battle with cancer. My heart breaks for his wife and children and the multitudes whom he adopted as his own over the years. Yet even when he could be in despair about the path God has for him, Doug is simply pleading with those he knows and loves (and even those he doesn't) to give themselves to God. He knows the promise that is before him so he is at peace, and he simply desires for us all not to waste any more time living for ourselves. What an amazing testimony of faith. God then reminded me He can move mountains and He is mighty to save. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is the same regardless where I am. He is no better of a God when life is going well and no less a mighty Savior when it isn't as I hoped it would be. He simply wants me to lay it all down - the joys, the triumphs, the frustrations, the tears, the mundane. Lay it down, be still, and know that HE is God.

I don't care what the cost of gas is if being in my car allows me to hear my God.

Guilty of my own pet peeve

Have you ever had those times when you are truly annoyed with something only to realize you are guilty of it yourself? I've had those moments myself, and I was reminded of one again: unsolicited advice.

I didn't receive any today, but a conversation I had tonight got me thinking about it. I am all for people sharing their knowledge/experience/expertise with me as long as I am looking to hear it. It annoyed me when I was pregnant (well, it annoyed me before that when I simply heard moms sharing their nuggets of wisdom with unsuspecting pregos), and I promised myself I wouldn't do such a thing. Funny, once I popped that first kid out somehow I began thinking I knew something about motherhood and decided to share with any listening ear. I try to stop myself, but I find myself doing it more often than I am proud to admit. And it's not just about motherhood/parenting, I go on to share marital advice (because 9 years is an eternity of knowledge, you know), advice on friendships, organizing, promoting, communicating, and so much more. I mean, surely my 31 years of imperfect living gives me the right to share my thoughts about your situation, right? Oh, so wrong. I know what has happened in my life. I know a little (and I do mean little) about what some books say. I know what has worked for me and what hasn't worked for me. I know what I think has worked for others or what hasn't. What I don't know is all the factors of your situation. I don't know how you tick or your kids or your spouse or your work environment. I do not know the intricacies of those relationships and I never can. Even if I think I know you well, I still have not walked in your shoes. I do not know all of your thoughts or feelings. I do not know all of your dreams, hurts, joys, disappointments, or secrets. I may have my opinion, but I cannot truly say what I would do in your situation because I am not you. And honestly, you probably don't want my opinion anyway. (If you are one of the ones I've bestowed my "wisdom" upon, I apologize.). I know I don't want most of the unsolicited advice I've received. I find myself angry and defensive that someone thinks they know exactly what I should do or say. Instead of being helped, I end up wasting time talking myself down when it all could have been avoided in the first place if mouths would stay shut.

I am so thankful for my gaggle of gals and a handful of others who have learned the amazing art of offering themselves (and their knowledge, experience, and expertise) humbly instead of forcing it down my throat. They make themselves available to me, but allow me to come to them in my time. They do not take it personally if I seek out someone else (at least they don't tell me they do) and they do not think more highly of themselves than they ought. In fact, they often sell themselves short for what they do have to offer. These ladies are a gift from God.

Now if only I could learn from their example and keep my mouth shut unless someone asks!

FYI: feet don't taste good

Twice today my sarcastic nature has gotten me into trouble. First with a friend via email and then with my hubby. Personally, I'm tired of eating my foot. When will I ever learn? Even ketchup can't make it taste good - for me or for them.

Evidence of my stupidity

I feel it only right to share my own stupidity since I so kindly shared about Clay's chainsaw accident (although details were spared).

In the goodie boxes we got from the birthday party (see previous post), I found small rubbery horses. Without any instructions or tag to tell me what they are, I made an assumption. Well, we all know how that usually turns out. See, earlier this summer my mom bought Kadyn and Dylan one of those things that when put in water expands. Not having seen one in it's initial state for some time, I assumed these horses were just like that octopus my mom got. I filled some tupperware with water and let them sit overnight. Here is how they looked this morning: just like last night except now cold and wet. Unfortunately, I failed to remove the evidence of my false assumption prior to Clay making it into the kitchen. Needless to say, I've been hazed endlessly today. I'm hoping my confession will silence him.

Come to the table

Nothing too monumental, but everyone is truly sitting at the table now. The girl feels quite "big" - even though she still doesn't break 20 lbs!

One last birthday party

We had yet another birthday party Saturday morning. This was held at a local mall's carousel. We were a bit anxious because the boy's first carousel experience last Christmas wasn't a big hit (to put it mildly). He loves to watch them go "round and round" (as he says) so we decided he needed to try it at least once. He was all excited waiting for our turn, but got a bit hesitant once on a horse. It helped to have his good buddy nearby. As soon as it started moving, he was in heaven. Then came our next problem - getting off. Fortunately we had an all day pass so we were able to stay on until it was time for cake. I'm not sure how the boy didn't get dizzy, but he loved riding different horses and an ostrich.












We didn't think twice about the girl's reaction to the carousel. We should have. She didn't want anything to do with it. Being the "nice" mommy I am, I forced her to try it. Our first time we simply rode a bench. Then Clay decided she needed to try it once on the horse. I captured her disdain of the whole thing, then her protest and hurt feelings that we would be so mean. Funny, she eventually began to enjoy herself; however, she didn't want to return after cake.




The boys returned to the carousel after cake. Clay couldn't let the boy have all the fun...but he did get stuck with a "girly" horse!








One of the best parts about birthday parties - the HOURS of fun the kids have with the balloons the rest of the day!

Adios stitches

Our dear friend Kristina took out Clay's stitches last night (it's okay, she's a nurse). I failed to take my camera to capture this bonding experience, but it was riveting. So riveting that Zack (her husband) and I finally went to play Wii. Not only did the doc do 11 individual stitches, but Clay had healed enough that some skin had grown over the stitches making it a little more challenging to remove them. Clay is so excited to be a free man, but his bowling has greatly suffered. He really struggled today - guess the stitches had some special powers! His finger is definitely stiff and tender, but we both know how fortunate he is. Here's a few pictures of the healed man for those who want them. If you aren't for medical stuff, just skip down to the next post about the girl.

She's got bangs!

It's amazing how different she looks with just a few snips of the scissors. Don't fear! I only gave her bangs to help her look a little more put together. I couldn't decide which picture showed it off best so here's three - even though she doesn't look that different to me in these.

Let's Paint

Grannylou brought Kadyn & Dylan over for a bit tonight along with stuff for PAINTING! (Yeah, that's what I was thinking...paint with a 7 year old, two 3 year olds, and one who is almost 18 months...sounds like fun, right?) The kids really did have a great time, and they were totally contained for about 30 minutes. Grannylou couldn't stand it and joined in the fun!













We didn't give the girl any paints...smart move as she "drank" from her cup and chewed on the brush!