Blasted Facebook

I was so strong. Now I am not.

Last time I joined simply to see what the fuss was about...and I quickly realized how much time I wasted seeing who I could "reconnect" with. So I quit.

Then Jodi sent an invite. Seems she and her hubby had gotten hooked. I resisted the urge for weeks, but Clay joined. He kept talking about who he found. We found connections we didn't know existed (the world is small, people, small). I still resisted, but then gave in today after annoying Clay to death by "mooching" off his page. He even threatened to start a group called "Get Kaci to join Facebook."

Now I remember why I quit in the first place. Sure, it's nice to see where people are, but you can waste HOURS searching and seeing who's friends with whom, who's posted what, skimming through flair, and that doesn't even touch the various quizzes and games and such. I should have known better. I should have remained strong, but I gave in to the peer pressure. I gave in to my need to know what's going on. I gave in to my curiosity. Heaven help me. I'm 31 and can't control myself!

I was having enough trouble having a blog. I've even toyed with taking a blogging vacation to take care of some things I've let slip and simply cross some things off my "want to do" list. So what do I do instead? Get hooked on something else. Ridiculous. I could kick myself. It's not like life is boring or uneventful with two toddlers running around. Of course I have endless hours I need to fill with something.

Blasted Facebook.

New delicacy?

As we dined with the Boerger gals today, the boy created a new "delicacy" - pineapple dipped in ketchup.

Yeah, sounds absolutely disgusting to me too...

Busy 2 days

Feels like we are on the go a lot these days. A lot of that is my choice as getting out and about seems to make for a better day all around. I am thankful for friends who like to play and a hubby/father who is willing to as well.

I'll spare you the details of Friday since they aren't anything exciting - just normal errands. Last night Clay and I enjoyed a date to escape reality for a bit. It was nice to get out, enjoy great steaks, and laugh through a hilarious movie - all without kids (thanks, Mom)! If you get a chance to enjoy "What Happens in Vegas" with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz, DO!!! We laughed so much and left with that warm, fuzzy feeling a good romantic comedy provides. The night was a perfect change of pace from the past week.

This morning Clay helped our pastor move into his new house while the kids and I enjoyed a local jump house with friends. The boy surprised me by being out of his shoes and into one of the bounce houses before I could even pay! He jumped and jumped and jumped. It normally takes some time for him to warm up and then he'll get distracted by juice and a snack. Today he was the one giving me his juice so he could jump some more. The girl didn't enjoy it again as usual, but she did at least sit with me in one of the bounce houses for about 10 minutes. Then we headed to take the pastor's daughter to her new home where the kids got to play in her new backyard and house for a bit. I hoped the kids would sleep for a while, but alas they did not.

Clay and I finally decided to bust out the new swimming pool we bought for the backyard several weeks ago. The boy loved it as expected. The girl screamed bloody murder until I removed her from the water. I will concede that the water was on the chilly side. We enjoyed the late afternoon outdoors. I did catch a few pictures of the fun. It took the boy a while to decide he wanted to sit in the pool, but he greatly enjoyed splashing around and throwing the toys. The girl was much happier on the trike. Check out the ribs on the boy - I think we can count all of them!

Even after this busy day, the boy is fighting sleep...he's like the energizer bunny these days!

Week in review

We continue to appreciate your prayers. Our life's road hit some construction and we are slowly maneuvering through the mess to see what is on the other side. It's not even been a week, but these days have been some of the longest of our lives. We are settling in for a slow ride for a while, and realize that daily life continues on around us. I have several things I wanted to share before life changed, and I will try to catch you up on the last week or so - beware this post is long.

This is how I found the boy one night last week at the end of dinner. The kids eat before Clay gets home most days, and I had stepped away to do something with the girl who had been done for a while. It was awful quiet as I came back into the kitchen and this is why. Our poor boy isn't ready to sleep during rest time, but falling asleep at the table is becoming something regular (3 times this week). Last night I wiped his hands and mouth so I could take him to his room, but he woke right up and started running around playing. This little man is keeping me on my toes!

We love off Fridays. Clay gets every other Friday off (thank you, 9/80 work schedule) so we try to take advantage of kids being in school and such. Last Friday we headed to my parents' neighborhood pool with friends. It was the first for this summer and we didn't know how the kids would do this year. The water was a little chilly and the wind didn't help, but the boy was in heaven as always when water is around. His favorite part? Being thrown back and forth between Clay and Zack. The girl was not impressed AT ALL. She cried most of the time and simply snuggled with whomever was holding her. I didn't take too many pictures - it's harder now that we have 2 mobile ones.

Here is where I must stop and confess - the girl face planted once again; and if I had been paying better attention, it could have been prevented. There are no pictures this time, but her chipped tooth is evidence enough. She didn't realize there was a step and she fell onto aggregate. The blood was never-ending and her lip swelled quickly. My heart dropped when I realized she chipped her front tooth. We have been blessed that the swelling went down quickly, her teeth haven't turned black, and the chip isn't extremely noticeable unless you know. I promised Clay I would share so he didn't feel so bad about the other face injury!

Sunday we celebrated Dylan's 3rd birthday. That seems almost surreal. It is so fun having cousins close in age and close by. He had a great Diego party in his back yard. The pool was the biggest hit of all. The girl wanted nothing to do with it, but the boy had a blast. He barely moved from the edge, but can you blame him with all the bigger kids splashing around? He didn't even finish his cake so he could go back in. He scared me to death by going under a couple of times, but some quick moves brought him back to the surface. He only cried for a minute each time before wanting to get back in. He didn't care that the water chilled as time wore on - he still pitched a fit when it was time to get out even though his lips were blue and he was shivering!












Talk about temptation!

The boy fell asleep in the middle of the living room floor the other day long after rest time was over (don't you see the pattern?). You can simply see the girl flirting with the temptation to pester him. It won't be the last time she brings him to tears (the tears are not shown, but they lasted about an hour after he woke up)!











Other funny stories from our week - Monday I had to take our van (oh, yeah, we're now minivan owners...it's a love/hate thing, but that's another post) for one last thing they said they would fix. I dropped the boy off at his friend's house and the girl and I ventured north of town. It was sub-zero in the waiting area so we hung outside on a bench. We made casual conversation with those around us, but the girl took to one lady. After returning from a diaper change, she walked to the lady with her arms up and cuddled with her for quite a bit. Cracked me up. I just hope her willingness to love on anyone calms a bit before she hits puberty!

Tuesday our playgroup went to a splash park. I figured the girl wouldn't have much fun since she's not enjoyed anything with water yet this summer, but the boy caught me off guard. He enjoyed the one we visited last summer in TN, but he wanted nothing to do with this one. I forced him to run through once and he was totally unimpressed. They just hung out with us mamas until the boy saw the playground near by. I got to spend some QT with my kids on the playground while everyone else enjoyed the shade and water. Ah, playgroup is fun when your kids want nothing to do with the planned activity!

Clarification

Friends, thank you so much for your outpouring of love and concern. I've been amazed at the emails, phone calls, and even calls to my folks to check on us. I apologize for any worry or fear you experienced as a result of my vague post. I chose not to share details because they aren't mine to share.

At this time, I will ease your mind and let you know our family of four is intact and healthy. Foundations have been shaken and we began a new journey this weekend. We covet your prayers, and will share more when the time is right.

Rain has come - most unexpectedly as it usually does.

We are stunned. We are hurting. We are angry. We have a fierce enemy that loves to destroy. We've seen it all around us, but never dreamed it would touch us in this way.

We are thankful for family and friends that surround us with prayers, love, and support. We are thankful for a God who is not surprised and knows exactly what we need from Him at each moment. Right now, we need Him to be big. He always is.

We need comfort. We need peace. We long for conviction, truth, repentance, forgiveness and healing.

We need God to be our everything. God in our living, breathing, waking, and sleeping. God in our resting, working, thinking, and speaking. God in our hoping, dreaming, watching, waiting. God in our laughing, weeping, hurting, and healing.

Be our everything, please dear God, for Your glory.

Nostalgic day

It's a lump-in-your-throat kind of day for me. It's the silly small things that grip my heart and make me nostalgic. Today is the boy's last day of school. It's not like he doesn't have many more years ahead of him and it's just preschool, but still. I have been a bit sad this week and even teared up as I dropped him off today. Nutcase - I know! Preschool has just been so good for our boy. He has grown so much. He cried for the first month I think, and now he asks to go almost every day. He is more social. He has learned things. He is a little boy now, not the baby I dropped off 9 months ago. His teachers have been amazing - I will greatly miss them. I know there will be other great teachers in his life, but these are the first regular outside (meaning we don't know them) influences he's had. I couldn't have asked for two better women. Here is a picture I took this morning...one year down, countless more to go! Heaven help me on his last day of high school!

One benefit to a small child - wearing clothes over and over. The girl wore this outfit for the first time last July and it still fits (note that it says it's 3-6 months)!


Don't you love her pose this morning? She was workin' it - pouty face and all!




The girl is fascinated by our singing rocking horse. She figured out how to make it sing herself today and she was quite enthralled. She makes the funniest face when she says please - and I caught it today. I was most amazed that she stayed in this squatting position for so long - my thighs would have been burning!











We brought home Clay's cars from childhood this weekend. Both kids love playing with cars, and the boy is all excited about his new cars. Clay has a blast reliving his childhood as they all play together. Nothing warms a mama's heart more than to see the three people she loves the most enjoying being together.

Road trip

We spent the Memorial Day weekend with Mimi, Grandaddy and Aunt Claire. It was our first road trip involving illness - both kids - and that made for quite an eventful few days. The kids enjoyed the stairs, two different parks - one with ducks and a pond, a walk around the neighborhood, and simply being loved on. We got to enjoy time with Uncle Robert, Aunt Virginia, Clay's best friend, my favorite restaurant, and plenty of Phase 10. It was good to be with family we don't see often enough - and we get to see them again in about 6 weeks!



Mimi & Grandaddy bought a fun sprinkler toy to help beat the heat. The kids were a bit unsure of it at first (the water was quite chilly); but once the boy got to control it, he had the time of his life! I only have a few pictures of the weekend, but Aunt Claire (an amazing photographer) got a LOT more of our weekend. I'll share them as soon as I get them (how's that for a little nudge, Claire?)!!!



A highlight of the weekend was getting to see one of my dearest friends. We hadn't seen each other in almost 5 years. It was a joy to meet her boys and visit while we played at the park. I am thankful for friendships that sustain distance and time. Aren't her boys adorable? Gotta love the eldest's hair - which he adorably tells you is orange. The youngest is a mere 7 weeks old. It was a quick (and hot!) visit, but such a joy!

Hurting heart

My heart has been hurting for the Chapman family since my sister called last night with the news that Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter died yesterday. She was hit by a car (driven by one of her brothers) in their driveway. (AP News Story Link)

After a challenging day with my kids, I held the girl tighter as she fought sleep thanks to illness. I kissed the boy a few more times than normal when I checked on him before crawling in to bed. I can't imagine what the parents are feeling. I can't imagine what the brother is feeling. I just hurt for them...and am greatly reminded that no one (even those with fame, money and ministry) are exempt from the pain life can bring.

Last night my frustration from the day turned to thankfulness that I get to have those frustrations. I could kick myself for forgetting how long we waited to have a child and how I often begged God for a child regardless what challenges they may bring. I simply wanted a child. The call from my sister with this news sobered me to reality. Not only did God give me the desire of my heart - He gave me TWO!

Pray for the Chapman's as they begin this new journey - life without Maria.

Release

Can I vent for a moment? (Not that you really have a choice...)

On a positive note - both of my children are sleeping. If you only knew how rare this is these days you would understand my joy. So instead of making the most of this time without toddlers, I am catching up on blogs and basically wasting time. Recently a friend shared that blogging is my hobby (I apparently mistakenly said I didn't have any hobbies to which she greatly disagreed), and that has been quite freeing for me. Reading and posting truly are an outlet for me. In this world I am energized, encouraged, and inspired. It is something I do for me (well, and some of you too) and it is nice to take time for just such a thing. Now, yes, I can get obsessed and tunnel-visioned some days, but don't we all have something like that in our lives? I find myself often composing a post in my mind, and thankfully many of those never see the light of day. Sometimes I wonder who is reading and I wonder if you want more of something (probably not pictures) or less of something, but sometimes I kind of like not having readers that weigh in on everything I do (except the lovable Abby who is always so encouraging! Keep 'em coming - at least I know someone is reading).

Anyway, I digress. Today has mostly been a day of frustration. Silly frustrations, but it's just one of those days, you know? Frustration that the boy woke up as early as he did. Frustration that my toe is still blue/black/purple from running into the door frame the other night. Frustration that my house is in the condition it is (and yet, I sit here and blog). Frustration that my daughter woke up unhappy. Frustration that I'm not on top of my game - I forgot I was teaching the 1-year-olds today at church! Frustration that a dream from last week won't stop plaguing me. Frustration at my lack of trust and forgiveness. Frustration that I'm not more motivated to do something about the lingering 5-10 lbs. from baby #2. Frustration that the girl has a low-grade fever. Frustration that the boy gets turned sideways right now if he thinks I am leaving. Frustration that I love Sonic so much that I easily find a reason for us to get it (oh, but I enjoy every bite). Frustration that the fries were stale. Frustration that the boy fights naps so hard. Frustration at the to-do list around here. Frustration that I have become lazy. Frustration that laundry had to be done today - and I was told about it this afternoon. Frustration...mostly simple, silly frustrations with normal, everyday life that in the grand scheme of things are petty and unimportant. And then I get frustrated at myself for getting so frustrated over such things.

See why the song I posted earlier struck such a chord with me? I need Him to be my everything. God in my living. There in my breathing. In each and every moment - in each and every thing - God, please be my everything. Teach me to see you as my everything.

My prayer

God in my living
There in my breathing
God in my waking
God in my sleeping

God in my resting
There in my working
God in my thinking
God in my speaking

Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything

God in my hoping
There in my dreaming
God in my watching
God in my waiting

God in my laughing
There in my weeping
God in my hurting
God in my healing

Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything
Be my everything

Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
You are everything

Christ in me
Christ in me
Christ in me the hope of glory
Be my everything

(music/lyrics by Tim Hughes)

Birthday bounce house fun

We celebrated one of our best bud's 4th birthday Saturday morning at our favorite bounce house location. Daddy got to go with us this time, and I think he had more fun than anyone! I must say it is quite comical to watch a bunch of men in their 30s racing through the obstacle course, but it does melt the heart to watch those same men go down the slide one more time with their child in their lap. The birthday parties are getting crazier each year, but what a blessing to be able to celebrate each one!









The girl, our normal daredevil, wasn't too enthused.

Here is the love of the boy's life. Isn't she beautiful? She seems to be pretty infatuated with him and is often found dragging him around by the arm (see picture on far left). He is amazingly tolerant of this - but only with her.




Cake is always the best part for our kids. The girl could barely see above the table so I helped her out a bit. The boy LOVES him some icing and will gladly ignore the presents and the other children leaving to go play some more just to finish his piece. Gotta love his "lipstick!"



Saturday night we were visited by two mallards. They were simply hanging out in our front yard. The kids were quite taken with them. You can see them fleeing here as the boy ran toward them screaming, "Duck!" A male and female, they were absolutely beautiful.