What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?
I became an independent contractor this year, and began doing some contract grant writing for the agency I worked for prior to having children.
Did you accomplish any goals in 2014?
I completed two half-marathons this year; the Corporate Cup in March, and the Thunder Road in November - both in Charlotte, NC.
What cities did you visit?
Cheraw, SC
Natchitoches, LA
New Orleans, LA
Ridgecrest, NC
Asheville, NC
Blowing Rock, NC
Garden City Beach, SC
What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?
I would like to have overflowing joy on a consistent basis. I would also like to have a better handle on managing the resource of time.
What date from 2014 will remain etched in your memory, and why?
August 20 - Mark's first day of Kindergarten and my first day having both of my children in school.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
My biggest achievement of the year was successfully launching Mark into full-day Kindergarten, while learning to balance part-time work with responsibilities at home.
What was your biggest failure?
My biggest failure was allowing the sins of jealousy and bitterness to continue to entangle me in some ways.
What was the best thing you purchased last year?
Our family purchased an air purifier to address the issue of doggy odor, and it has been very effective at refreshing our living room!
What did you spend the majority of your time doing?
Investing in people - my children, my husband, and my friends.
What did you get really excited about?
I got very excited about training for the half-marathons this year, mainly because I was able to do so with some wonderful girlfriends. I also got excited about sharing my faith (along with food and some cultural traditions) with a friend from another culture.
Compared to this time last year, I am _____.
Less anxious and more organized.
What do you wish you'd done more of?
Praying and reading of good books. Enjoying what I have in life. Also, simplifying things in our home.
What do you wish you'd done less of?
Comparing of myself to others, worrying about anything, and looking backward instead of forward.
What was your favorite TV show?
Downton Abbey
What was your favorite music from this year?
Sovereign Grace
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I visited New Orleans, LA with Greg. We did some sightseeing on the cheap and ate a delicious dinner. We stayed in a beautiful hotel and enjoyed a lovely view of the city skyline from the hotel's rooftop. I turned 37 this year.
What was one thing that made 2014 satisfying?
Making new friendships and spending quality time with my family.
What was your favorite thing to wear in 2014?
A new pair of athletic shorts that the boys gave me for my birthday.
What brought you joy in 2014?
Camping and kayaking with Greg, Nathan and Mark
Going on dates with Greg
Watching the boys swim
Spending time with my sisters
Watching the children develop their talents and build friendships
Meaningful visits with our extended family
The beach and the mountains
Listening to The Messiah
What are a few things you learned in 2014?
I learned how to use a bread machine.
I learned how to make Japanese pancakes.
I learned about Evernote as a task management system.
I learned the value of a meal plan.
I learned to be more objective and fair when disciplining the children.
I learned to laugh at myself more often.
"Others First."
"Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened."
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Choosing to See the Good
This time of year, I am reminded of a painful season in my life. Nine years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, I learned that I was pregnant with our first child. We were in Louisiana with Greg's family. I woke up that morning and took a test before anyone else woke up. Then, as soon as I found a quiet moment, I pulled Greg outside and told him the news. We were both happily amazed and delighted...immediately scheduled a doctor's appointment for the following week, and decided to keep it quiet until all had been confirmed. I immediately stopped drinking coffee that weekend, which resulted in a major caffeine headache, but I didn't mind - I was going to have a baby, and it was worth the discomfort!
The appointment to confirm the pregnancy didn't go as planned. The doctor said my hormone levels were lower than they would expect for a pregnant woman, but it could be that the dating was wrong. They did an early ultrasound, and yes, I was pregnant. They had me wait a week and come back for bloodwork. Those results came back with low hormone levels, too, which prompted a second ultrasound. This time, the doctor confirmed that the baby hadn't grown and the pregnancy had terminated. I was advised to schedule a D&C. All of this news came on the same day we were hosting a Christmas party at our house. We didn't tell our friends, but quietly grieved as we pretended to be joyful hosts.
Mom came up to be with me on that cold, rainy December 16. I cried as they scraped out what was left of the life that had been in me. I was glad it hurt a little physically, since I was hurting so much emotionally.
Mom prayed with me that I would be able to say with confidence, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away - Blessed be the name of the Lord" (loose paraphrase from the book of Job). I wept in agreement. We also prayed that God would use this sorrow for His purposes.
That afternoon, we came home to a voice mail announcing that one of my closest friends had had her first baby. Oh, the grief of that moment. I took her a meal soon after, without her knowing what I had experienced. I couldn't talk about it then. I didn't want to steal her joy.
Oh, the pain of calling my sisters and closest friends to tell them that, instead of having a baby on the way, I had had a miscarriage. It was over before it began. Miscarriage. It was such a heavy word in a season when all around me was light and beautiful and focused on the birth of the baby Jesus. I felt dark and mournful, not bright and joyful. I was angry about my loss. MY loss. It seemed to define me, to limit me, to keep me from identifying with other young women around me who seemed to be conceiving and giving birth left and right. I poured out my heart to God, asking him to mend my broken places and hold me together. I wrestled with the (I thought) ugly truth that He had knit a baby together in my womb only to allow it to stay a few days and then die. How could that be a good plan? Why in the world did He want me to cry and lose and not receive what I wanted?
Was it something I had done? Too much coffee? I had been drinking a lot of espresso drinks that season to get me through a busy time at work. A really hot bath that fried the baby living in me? I remembered taking one that was warmer than it should have been. I regretted that. I wanted an answer, but I knew there wasn't one.
I couldn't believe this had happened. I didn't really know anyone else who had experienced this kind of unexpected loss. I never imagined this circumstance for myself. And I slipped into a depression that winter that was isolating and consuming. I couldn't think of much else other than this loss and how scared I was that it would happen again. I took a lot of walks around the neighborhood, listening to songs about how much Jesus loves me and how He understands all our sorrows...but I wondered, how could He relate to me losing a baby? He could never have conceived a child and suffered the pain of losing it before it was even born. I felt like I had been robbed of future joy, of hope, of the good that should have been mine.
I decided in my heart that the baby I had lost was my daughter. I might have named her Naomi, after a relative on my mother's side. I never officially gave her that name, but I certainly think about it even now. I remember taking a long bath one night, and crying my way through it as I said goodbye to the baby I never met while the water drained.
As the years have passed, God has done a healing work in me. He used His Word and many friends to comfort me. He gave me two more children, for whom I am very grateful. I have walked through early pregnancy losses with many friends, and each time I've been reminded of God's faithful love, His power to heal my hurt, and His providence. He has given me the ability to comfort them with the same comfort I received.
This year, as I am in the anniversary season of my loss, I feel compelled to lay down my burden once again. I am practicing these words: "It is okay. What God has given is good. One day I will know that child. I can live with the ache of loss, knowing that it has a purpose in my life. Nothing can ever completely remove that hurt - but I can experience joy and peace in it by choosing to praise God."
The appointment to confirm the pregnancy didn't go as planned. The doctor said my hormone levels were lower than they would expect for a pregnant woman, but it could be that the dating was wrong. They did an early ultrasound, and yes, I was pregnant. They had me wait a week and come back for bloodwork. Those results came back with low hormone levels, too, which prompted a second ultrasound. This time, the doctor confirmed that the baby hadn't grown and the pregnancy had terminated. I was advised to schedule a D&C. All of this news came on the same day we were hosting a Christmas party at our house. We didn't tell our friends, but quietly grieved as we pretended to be joyful hosts.
Mom came up to be with me on that cold, rainy December 16. I cried as they scraped out what was left of the life that had been in me. I was glad it hurt a little physically, since I was hurting so much emotionally.
Mom prayed with me that I would be able to say with confidence, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away - Blessed be the name of the Lord" (loose paraphrase from the book of Job). I wept in agreement. We also prayed that God would use this sorrow for His purposes.
That afternoon, we came home to a voice mail announcing that one of my closest friends had had her first baby. Oh, the grief of that moment. I took her a meal soon after, without her knowing what I had experienced. I couldn't talk about it then. I didn't want to steal her joy.
Oh, the pain of calling my sisters and closest friends to tell them that, instead of having a baby on the way, I had had a miscarriage. It was over before it began. Miscarriage. It was such a heavy word in a season when all around me was light and beautiful and focused on the birth of the baby Jesus. I felt dark and mournful, not bright and joyful. I was angry about my loss. MY loss. It seemed to define me, to limit me, to keep me from identifying with other young women around me who seemed to be conceiving and giving birth left and right. I poured out my heart to God, asking him to mend my broken places and hold me together. I wrestled with the (I thought) ugly truth that He had knit a baby together in my womb only to allow it to stay a few days and then die. How could that be a good plan? Why in the world did He want me to cry and lose and not receive what I wanted?
Was it something I had done? Too much coffee? I had been drinking a lot of espresso drinks that season to get me through a busy time at work. A really hot bath that fried the baby living in me? I remembered taking one that was warmer than it should have been. I regretted that. I wanted an answer, but I knew there wasn't one.
I couldn't believe this had happened. I didn't really know anyone else who had experienced this kind of unexpected loss. I never imagined this circumstance for myself. And I slipped into a depression that winter that was isolating and consuming. I couldn't think of much else other than this loss and how scared I was that it would happen again. I took a lot of walks around the neighborhood, listening to songs about how much Jesus loves me and how He understands all our sorrows...but I wondered, how could He relate to me losing a baby? He could never have conceived a child and suffered the pain of losing it before it was even born. I felt like I had been robbed of future joy, of hope, of the good that should have been mine.
I decided in my heart that the baby I had lost was my daughter. I might have named her Naomi, after a relative on my mother's side. I never officially gave her that name, but I certainly think about it even now. I remember taking a long bath one night, and crying my way through it as I said goodbye to the baby I never met while the water drained.
As the years have passed, God has done a healing work in me. He used His Word and many friends to comfort me. He gave me two more children, for whom I am very grateful. I have walked through early pregnancy losses with many friends, and each time I've been reminded of God's faithful love, His power to heal my hurt, and His providence. He has given me the ability to comfort them with the same comfort I received.
This year, as I am in the anniversary season of my loss, I feel compelled to lay down my burden once again. I am practicing these words: "It is okay. What God has given is good. One day I will know that child. I can live with the ache of loss, knowing that it has a purpose in my life. Nothing can ever completely remove that hurt - but I can experience joy and peace in it by choosing to praise God."
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Happy Hodge Podge Post
November was a wonderful month, full of celebrations and family visits. Here are some of my favorite pictures that tell the story of the past few weeks. Here you go:
A "surprise" picnic lunch with Daddy one day when the boys were home from school...we had great weather so we were able to eat outdoors together.
This year's trip to the Christmas tree farm was a good day of fun. It's our longest-running family tradition yet.
I feel like this event is a "measuring stick" of sorts for me to see how the boys are growing. It's not so much the snowman that shows how tall they are as it is the memories of what it was like to bring them here year after year. Year one was when Nathan was a newborn. Year two, he was crawling. Year three, Mark was a newborn. Now they're both old enough to run through the farm with walkie-talkies and radio us to tell us where they've found the best tree. Somewhere along the line, we decided a meal at Cracker Barrel is part of this tradition, and we all look forward to that now.
Nathan wanted to help me make the sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving this year. Taste-testing was part of the appeal. Mark also helped spread the topping on.
Mark at the Thanksgiving Breakfeast at school this year...he loved every minute, and every bite of food.
'
He was the very first student to enter the gym that morning. The look on his face when he saw me watching him was priceless.
Our visit with Gram and Gramp was filled with much fun and many games. I lost count of how many times they played! It sure was good to have them here. We made a lot of wonderful memories this time.
A "surprise" picnic lunch with Daddy one day when the boys were home from school...we had great weather so we were able to eat outdoors together.
This year's trip to the Christmas tree farm was a good day of fun. It's our longest-running family tradition yet.
I feel like this event is a "measuring stick" of sorts for me to see how the boys are growing. It's not so much the snowman that shows how tall they are as it is the memories of what it was like to bring them here year after year. Year one was when Nathan was a newborn. Year two, he was crawling. Year three, Mark was a newborn. Now they're both old enough to run through the farm with walkie-talkies and radio us to tell us where they've found the best tree. Somewhere along the line, we decided a meal at Cracker Barrel is part of this tradition, and we all look forward to that now.
Nathan wanted to help me make the sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving this year. Taste-testing was part of the appeal. Mark also helped spread the topping on.
Mark at the Thanksgiving Breakfeast at school this year...he loved every minute, and every bite of food.
'
He was the very first student to enter the gym that morning. The look on his face when he saw me watching him was priceless.
Our visit with Gram and Gramp was filled with much fun and many games. I lost count of how many times they played! It sure was good to have them here. We made a lot of wonderful memories this time.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Eight and Six
What was it my mother said? Are the even years easier or harder than the odd? Either way, these boys are eight and six years old now. I made the mistake of saying Mark was five the other day, and I was quickly corrected by the six year old himself! He lost his first tooth Monday. He was at school, in P.E. class. I will have to take a picture of him this afternoon. It's all happening so fast! He told us Sunday night that he had a loose one, and when I picked him up Monday after school, it was in the bag. He was so proud! He had proudly shown it to all of his classmates.
Nathan is working on a loose one on the top, too, but he doesn't talk as much about it. His just quietly fall out. He's also waiting for the top two to come in. Every now and then he mentions that he doesn't know when they'll be there, but we just say, "They're coming! Everyone's teeth come in when they're ready!" Funny how we see their personalities even in the little happenings of childhood.
On this quiet Wednesday morning, I am having a cup of coffee while the November sunshine streams in through the den windows. I should be doing laundry, or prepping my grocery list, or bringing down my items to consign and donate. Or cleaning a bathroom. Eight years ago, Nathan would have been exactly 1 week old. My tasks were to hold him, feed him, and wash our laundry. Our meals were provided. My mother was probably here helping me. What a difference a few years make!
We celebrated birthdays with NC/SC family last weekend...and I just wanted to record a few thoughts about each boy at this age so we will remember what they were like at 8 and 6.
Nathan - Loves to read Hardy Boys and Magic Treehouse books. Loves clever rhymes. Loves all things electronic. Loves to explain things. Moves deliberately. Loves to make plans. Loves to ride his bike. Loves being outside. Loves being at home. Loves music. Loves to talk. Loves waking up early. Has his own "office" in his closet. Loves camping and kayaking. Loves doing projects with his dad. Loves his friends. Loves his dog. Loves to laugh. Loves his brother. Favorite foods are poppyseed chicken, grilled chicken legs, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese and homemade bread. Is loyal and considerate and helpful.
Mark - Loves learning to read on his own. Loves Legos. Loves climbing. Loves riding his bike. Loves running fast. Moves quickly. Loves his friends and makes new ones almost daily. Loves adventures. Loves camping and kayaking. Loves to sing. Loves sleeping in. Loves sports and games. Is very competitive. Loves to dress up. Loves to make others laugh. Loves his brother. Loves doing projects with his dad. Loves his dog. Favorite foods are grilled chicken legs, hamburgers, fried eggs, grilled cheese, and pretty much anything we put in front of him. Is outgoing and kind and generous.
Oh my, there's more to write. I knew that would happen. If I could just sit here for a long time and write and write....but that's something for another day. Right now, I really do need to put the new neon orange and yellow sweatshirts in the wash for two little boys who will be wanting them tomorrow!
Nathan is working on a loose one on the top, too, but he doesn't talk as much about it. His just quietly fall out. He's also waiting for the top two to come in. Every now and then he mentions that he doesn't know when they'll be there, but we just say, "They're coming! Everyone's teeth come in when they're ready!" Funny how we see their personalities even in the little happenings of childhood.
On this quiet Wednesday morning, I am having a cup of coffee while the November sunshine streams in through the den windows. I should be doing laundry, or prepping my grocery list, or bringing down my items to consign and donate. Or cleaning a bathroom. Eight years ago, Nathan would have been exactly 1 week old. My tasks were to hold him, feed him, and wash our laundry. Our meals were provided. My mother was probably here helping me. What a difference a few years make!
We celebrated birthdays with NC/SC family last weekend...and I just wanted to record a few thoughts about each boy at this age so we will remember what they were like at 8 and 6.
Nathan - Loves to read Hardy Boys and Magic Treehouse books. Loves clever rhymes. Loves all things electronic. Loves to explain things. Moves deliberately. Loves to make plans. Loves to ride his bike. Loves being outside. Loves being at home. Loves music. Loves to talk. Loves waking up early. Has his own "office" in his closet. Loves camping and kayaking. Loves doing projects with his dad. Loves his friends. Loves his dog. Loves to laugh. Loves his brother. Favorite foods are poppyseed chicken, grilled chicken legs, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese and homemade bread. Is loyal and considerate and helpful.
Mark - Loves learning to read on his own. Loves Legos. Loves climbing. Loves riding his bike. Loves running fast. Moves quickly. Loves his friends and makes new ones almost daily. Loves adventures. Loves camping and kayaking. Loves to sing. Loves sleeping in. Loves sports and games. Is very competitive. Loves to dress up. Loves to make others laugh. Loves his brother. Loves doing projects with his dad. Loves his dog. Favorite foods are grilled chicken legs, hamburgers, fried eggs, grilled cheese, and pretty much anything we put in front of him. Is outgoing and kind and generous.
Oh my, there's more to write. I knew that would happen. If I could just sit here for a long time and write and write....but that's something for another day. Right now, I really do need to put the new neon orange and yellow sweatshirts in the wash for two little boys who will be wanting them tomorrow!
Monday, November 10, 2014
Camping Weekend
We were in the mountains camping last weekend. It was really the best possible time to go, while the weather was still mild and the leaves were still brilliant. The boys had fun checking out the woods and the campsite.
They helped put up the tent in record time.
There was some time for fishing from the pier, using live bait. And there was a morning hike to warm us up.
Here is a silly boy balancing a rock on the bill of his cap.
And another silly boy planning to burn this pine straw in the next campfire.
Two boys and their handsome daddy before we had to break camp.
And upon our return home, we had Mark's birthday dinner and Halloween to enjoy. Here's "Electro-Man."
And Batman. Much fun was had, and we slept soundly after all that fun!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Fall fun
This morning I am thankful for the clear blue sky, the warm sunshine, the birds singing in the backyard, the coffee in my cup, and the two little boys in our home.
This month has been full of good fun for all of us. There are pumpkins and mums on our porch, signaling that fall is here. Mark had his first field trip last week. We celebrated birthdays this weekend with a few friends.
I'm about to launch into the day's work, but wanted to post a few photos for remembering.
The pumpkin patch field trip was fun. Mark's enthusiasm was contagious, and I could hardly keep up with him that day.
We celebrated birthdays with a cookout at our favorite park. After the birthday party, the boys hopped on their posts - this is a tradition at this particular park. They like to do it every time.
The kids played in the woods in between hot dogs and cupcakes.
Thankful for two growing boys, the blessing of good friendships, and a beautiful day to celebrate God's goodness together.
This month has been full of good fun for all of us. There are pumpkins and mums on our porch, signaling that fall is here. Mark had his first field trip last week. We celebrated birthdays this weekend with a few friends.
I'm about to launch into the day's work, but wanted to post a few photos for remembering.
The pumpkin patch field trip was fun. Mark's enthusiasm was contagious, and I could hardly keep up with him that day.
We celebrated birthdays with a cookout at our favorite park. After the birthday party, the boys hopped on their posts - this is a tradition at this particular park. They like to do it every time.
The kids played in the woods in between hot dogs and cupcakes.
Thankful for two growing boys, the blessing of good friendships, and a beautiful day to celebrate God's goodness together.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
How did it get to be October already?!
Something about this stage of life has me scratching my head and asking where the time is going so quickly. I know it sounds very cliche, but it is reality for me.
We do love the beach...good to be near the water and the sand and the sun. This was taken right before we had to go home.
The boys in the big chair - one day, they won't look quite so little sitting there.
The view from our hotel...wasn't it beautiful?
He still loves to dig in the sand...may it always be so.
And so does his brother.
Love my beach boys...already looking forward to going there next summer! I love how time stands still at the beach, at least for a few moments.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
The Return Trip
On the way home from Louisiana, we made a stop in Huntsville, AL to visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Here is the photo evidence that we loved it.
Louisiana, Part 2
While the boys were visiting with grandparents, Greg and I took a trip down memory lane to New Orleans. The beignets and coffee with chicory hadn't changed a bit.
The St. Louis Cathedral was still gloriously beautiful against the backdrop of a bright blue sky.
We revisited a very romantic restaurant where we had eaten one Valentine's Day when we were dating. On the way out of town, we visited the seminary where I was a student. It was beautiful and much the way I remembered it.
After more than ten years of being away from this city where I had such a life-changing experience, it felt like coming home again. Although I see the city through different eyes now, I will always appreciate it for the way it transformed my view of service to others in the name of Christ.
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