Ok...this is taking so long...no captions....just pictures...sorry!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Bye-bye April!
Ok...this is taking so long...no captions....just pictures...sorry!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Breaking Point
The battle? Oh the battle that every blended family faces. The kids are afraid of being disloyal if they accept me. Don't get me wrong, they love me. But it is very hard for them, or anyone for that matter, to understand that my goal is not to replace. My goal is to love them the best that I can and help teach them God's Will for their lives. The end. Nothing more.
It has been tough lately. The devil has been targeting the entire family. For a minute we all succumbed to grumpiness. The Lord is good and opened Stephen's and my eyes to what was going on. We joined together in prayer and saw some things God was bringing to light. Through this discovery, Stephen has been able to support me even more and help Kyle & Abby understand just how much we both love them.
Pray for our babies. This is so difficult for them. It is difficult for any child who lives through a divorce and sees a parent remarry.
Pray for Stephen. He is working so very hard and then coming home to more work. No, he is not doing all the housekeeping. I am slowlly but surely regaining strength and taking more on. However, it is work to help keep the peace, finish homework, and help with dinner. We are both exhausted by 8:30pm most nights. Steve needs, and in my opinion deserves, a break. If life is rosie and peachy keen, we can't grow. But it does get discouraging going from one battle to the next and not see any relief in sight.
Pray for me. I don't like to ask for that, but I need it. Pray I am the wife that Stephen needs. Pray that I am the mother Kyle and Abby need me to be. Pray I draw my strength from the Lord. I am new to marriage, new to motherhood, and don't enjoy fast large changes....despite the fact that they are the story of my life. God is so good and pushes me to grow in ways I never dreamed possible. He is so good as to bless me with a husband who holds me despite being frustrated beyond all belief when I put up a wall. The wall is unwittingly put up. I developed that skill a long time ago. It's a bad skill for a married woman, fyi. I am not good at dealing with arguing, whining, and the like. Kyle and Abby are not being malicious, they simply are being normal children that are caught in a not fun situation.
The point is, we all need prayers. We are doing well. There are lots of moments of sweetness! For example, Abby snuggling with me tonight. Granted it came after a large "unhappy" moment, but it still came! Another example, is getting huffed, sassed, and glared at followed by an apology and lots of hugs & kisses.
See? They love me. =) It's just tough right now. God only prunes the branches that bear fruit. So...we must be bearing a lot of fruit! ;)
Love you! Goodnight! Water fitness first thing in the morning!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Time to Catch You Up!
Pre-Op
Well, it has been wonderful! Jim and Connie arrived! The kidney has been very uncooperative. I want to run. I want to explore. I want to go and do. (Notice all of the "I"s...so very selfish of me.) Kyle and Abby are thrilled that Meme and Poppa have come to visit! It means being spoiled (quite rotten I might add ;) and it means Poppa will play with them (to the point the poor man is sore.) However, it also means that I have a mother living in my house. Most of you think, yay for you! I think, NOOOOO!!!!! She will make me be still and rest!
God knows what is best. That is why Connie is here. That is why I have barely been allowed to stand and get my own beverage (usually coffee.) Pre-op went very well. It looks like I will be first thing in the morning, as long as no emergencies arrive. Kyle and Abby are doing fine with all of this. They don't quite understand why Momma Liz isn't playing like she did when we first moved here. When we (Connie & I) went to pre-op, my poor babies thought that I was going for surgery. They were THRILLED when we came home and I was the same! Only to discover that the surgery had not yet happened.
At pre-op we discovered that it would only take the morning hours to correct my kidney. The plan is this: There is a blockage near where my kidney and uretur (sp?) connect, which has caused my kidney to swell. Dr. D. will go in laproscopically (again...sp?), remove the blockage, re-attach my uretur, put in a stint to keep the uretur open, leave the catheter (sp?) for a day, and tape up my abdomen entrances. Connie will be with me. Steve will be flying in the day of surgery, pray for safety! Jim will have full kid duty, and might I say he is doing fabulously and I have never seen my babies have so much fun with him!? YES! I said it! Adios dear friends. The bottle of laxatives and 64+ ounces of fluids have landed.
Week 1 (If I could have written at week 1, this is what it would have said...)
Ouch...nothing more.
Lots of air in my abdomen from surgery. Dr. D. is pleased with the procedure. The obstruction was developmental. There is a slight chance of it re-occuring. He will keep a close eye on me. Jim and Connie have gone home. Tears have flowed on all parts. Connie because she is no longer with us to make sure I am ok, Steve isn't overwhelmed, and the kids thoroughly spoiled. Jim because he hasn't seen his garden in a week. (wink wink...he didn't really cry. But we like to think if he were a more emotional man, he would have.) Steve because he is now Mom and Dad again. Kyle & Abby because they don't get the full on attention. Me because...well, let's face it folks, I have no clue of why. I am on pain meds, coming off a major surgery, and all the medicines they put into me just make me cry.
Stephen is a gift from God. I know how I am on pain meds and post op. He is neither impatient or gruff with me. Kyle and Abby don't really understand what is going on. When I got home on the 24th, Kyle was very snippy. Once I was settled, woke up again (I fell asleep after hitting the chair,) and had a chance...we talked. I let him see my bandages and talked about how the medicine made me very sleepy. We also talked about how the Dr fixed me, but that meant we had to be extra careful with me. Abby was fit to be tied. Nothing calmed her. At bedtime Steve had to leave the room because her behavior was so off the wall. She was crying and very not happy. I asked her to climb up on my left side and lay with me. I needed a snuggle.
2 minutes later, we both fell asleep. She needed a Momma Liz snuggle so she could know I am still me and still ok.
Fair amount of bleeding....scary. Called Dr. D. It's normal. Any activity will make the stint area bleed.
Over did it by spending all of Saturday at the baseball field. Sunday at church and the store. Won't push that hard again...
Week 2 (again, if I could have written...I'm writing in Week 4 write now.)
I am starting to wean myself off of pain meds. Stephen is back at work. Master Chief is being extremely gracious and allowing Steve to have flex hours. What I mean by that is, Steve drops the kids off and picks them up. Wednesday is my first day picking the kids up. OUCH! Nothing poked me. Nothing bumped me. It is simply sitting in a hard seat with a seat belt.
Wednesday night is Awanas and thankfully Steve was home to drive. I did pick the kids up Thursday and Friday. I need to be ready for next week. Steve is going underway next week. My Momma is coming!!!! This will be Steve's first trip in about a month. It's supposed to be a longer trip, 8 - 9 days. Feel free to pray!
Week 3 (same deal)
Moms are a blessing. We have had the chance to talk, cry, pray, and laugh like I have been longing to do. My mom is such an encouragement to me. She is a fighting Mother Theresa kind of person. Momma was concerned that she would not be able to help much. How could she hold and comfort a big 9 yr old boy and a 6 yr old girl? It's tough when Daddy goes underway. Momma is still fighting Lhymes, so how could she go play sports?
Well, she did. She cuddled, hugged, kissed, played with, and loved on my babies all week long. Momma sat with them during movies. Encouraged them to be their best when they got grumpy, hugged and kissed them every day, and played board games. It was perfect. They soaked up every bit of it! PLUS since another grandmother was here, we had dessert every night.
Kyle and Abby also got to camp out! Well, not technically. Kyle camped in the Study and Abby went between the Study (if she was good), Kyle's and my room (if she wouldn't lie still and go to sleep.)
Mom? Oh we had ice cream every night! It was great for the kids! We played Sorry. We did video games. Oh..it was wonderful!
SURPRISE!!!!! Steve came home Thursday!!! We did not expect him until Tuesday or Wednesday the following week. Thank you Lord! I was getting very tired! I can't sleep in our bed without him. It is the same bed I had before I married him, but I just can't do it. I have terrible dreams and toss and turn all night long without him. So I sleep in the recliner...it's almost ruined. I got to snuggle with my hubby! I love that!
Monday Momma and I went to Dr. D for my 2 wk post op checkup. He said everything was looking good! I am supposed to get my stint out in the beginning of June. It depends on when my babies go visit their AR family.
Tuesday we went to my knee doctor. Dr. F. is a great Christian man! He recommended I start a water fitness class. So that will hopefully get started soon. IF I can get in with the Senior Citizen group - then it will be 3 days a week for an hour. This is PERFECT because I love to exercise but HAVE to do low impact exercise. I like to speed walk, pilates and yoga (beginner level), horseback riding, playing with the kids...no can do while the stint is in!
Saturday was a black day. Momma went home. We got up early and drove the approx 2 hrs to Jackson airport. Thankfully we had some great cds to listen too! I was raised on these and I HIGHLY recommend them if you want your children to learn Bible verses! Momma bought the kids the bundle package, so we have all 7 cds. Kyle and Abby won't go to bed without having a cd played for them while they fall asleep. Four months running, every night they listen to these.
There was a silver lining to Saturday. My dear friend J. called me. She is a fabulous encouragement for me. Her faith is so strong. She is so loving. She has faced challenges beyond what I could handle, and still J remains cheerful and encouraging.
Oh that the Lord would grow me to be so joyful!
I don't get to see J. very much. She lives in Virginia. She has a wonderful husband, C, and the MOST adorable little man, D! Pray for them because they are hitting the "terrible 2s." I never believed in the terrible 2s. My mom said none of us kids (and there are 6 of us) went through that phase. J and C never had it either when they were little. However, D has decided to have them! So...pray. J and C are trying timeouts and everything else under the sun. Both are WONDERFUL and LOVING parents.
Week 4 (present day)
Well, this week started great! We found a wonderful church that we will be getting more connected with. Each week we have visited a new church. So a church home will be most welcome. Be in prayer with us that we are at the right place. It would be very refreshing to know we have a place with God focused worship and God focused preaching each week. There are many Sunday school options for Stephen and I. There is Sunday night and Wednesday night church. Kyle and Abby??? OH! I am so very excited! They came out of their Children Church talking about how Christ and us...we...His people...are like butterflies. Christ died and was all wrapped up, just like caterpillars go into a cocoon. On the third day Christ was unwrapped and all new, just like a caterpillar coming out of his cocoon as a beautiful butterfly! We also are wrapped up by Christ and come out as a new creation! I was THROUGH THE ROOF with excitement!
Monday? Oh Monday, how I disliked you...not you my readers, but "you" Monday. I literally could not wake up. Steve irritated me until I got up. We all know I am a morning person, but that was not my morning. I dropped the kids off at school, came home, piddled around the house, and laid down. ....2 hours later I got up. YIKES! But it was a good day. I tried a new recipe from a FL cousin. It was YUMMY!!! (Thanks Mrs. K.M.! You may have 230 plus recipes and couldn't pick one, but you saved my family!)
Now it is Tuesday, and you are all caught up. I will post pictures tomorrow most likely of the past few weeks. They will be on facebook becaues they load much more easily there. Life is good! I am BLESSED beyond what I ever dreamed would be possible!
Keep praying! I have to deal with a weight limit of 35lbs until June. That means I can't pick up my babygirl for my monkey hugs. That means Kyle and I can't wrestle around. =( BUT I have them! They are part of our family! I love them! My husband is the joy and light in my day! ...Yes, even when he irritates me. My mother said it best.
Did I mention Jim bought the kids pizza 2x (from what they tell me) in one week AND the kids had ice cream almost every night? Yes, it's true.
Well, it has been wonderful! Jim and Connie arrived! The kidney has been very uncooperative. I want to run. I want to explore. I want to go and do. (Notice all of the "I"s...so very selfish of me.) Kyle and Abby are thrilled that Meme and Poppa have come to visit! It means being spoiled (quite rotten I might add ;) and it means Poppa will play with them (to the point the poor man is sore.) However, it also means that I have a mother living in my house. Most of you think, yay for you! I think, NOOOOO!!!!! She will make me be still and rest!
God knows what is best. That is why Connie is here. That is why I have barely been allowed to stand and get my own beverage (usually coffee.) Pre-op went very well. It looks like I will be first thing in the morning, as long as no emergencies arrive. Kyle and Abby are doing fine with all of this. They don't quite understand why Momma Liz isn't playing like she did when we first moved here. When we (Connie & I) went to pre-op, my poor babies thought that I was going for surgery. They were THRILLED when we came home and I was the same! Only to discover that the surgery had not yet happened.
At pre-op we discovered that it would only take the morning hours to correct my kidney. The plan is this: There is a blockage near where my kidney and uretur (sp?) connect, which has caused my kidney to swell. Dr. D. will go in laproscopically (again...sp?), remove the blockage, re-attach my uretur, put in a stint to keep the uretur open, leave the catheter (sp?) for a day, and tape up my abdomen entrances. Connie will be with me. Steve will be flying in the day of surgery, pray for safety! Jim will have full kid duty, and might I say he is doing fabulously and I have never seen my babies have so much fun with him!? YES! I said it! Adios dear friends. The bottle of laxatives and 64+ ounces of fluids have landed.
Week 1 (If I could have written at week 1, this is what it would have said...)
Ouch...nothing more.
Lots of air in my abdomen from surgery. Dr. D. is pleased with the procedure. The obstruction was developmental. There is a slight chance of it re-occuring. He will keep a close eye on me. Jim and Connie have gone home. Tears have flowed on all parts. Connie because she is no longer with us to make sure I am ok, Steve isn't overwhelmed, and the kids thoroughly spoiled. Jim because he hasn't seen his garden in a week. (wink wink...he didn't really cry. But we like to think if he were a more emotional man, he would have.) Steve because he is now Mom and Dad again. Kyle & Abby because they don't get the full on attention. Me because...well, let's face it folks, I have no clue of why. I am on pain meds, coming off a major surgery, and all the medicines they put into me just make me cry.
Stephen is a gift from God. I know how I am on pain meds and post op. He is neither impatient or gruff with me. Kyle and Abby don't really understand what is going on. When I got home on the 24th, Kyle was very snippy. Once I was settled, woke up again (I fell asleep after hitting the chair,) and had a chance...we talked. I let him see my bandages and talked about how the medicine made me very sleepy. We also talked about how the Dr fixed me, but that meant we had to be extra careful with me. Abby was fit to be tied. Nothing calmed her. At bedtime Steve had to leave the room because her behavior was so off the wall. She was crying and very not happy. I asked her to climb up on my left side and lay with me. I needed a snuggle.
2 minutes later, we both fell asleep. She needed a Momma Liz snuggle so she could know I am still me and still ok.
Fair amount of bleeding....scary. Called Dr. D. It's normal. Any activity will make the stint area bleed.
Over did it by spending all of Saturday at the baseball field. Sunday at church and the store. Won't push that hard again...
Week 2 (again, if I could have written...I'm writing in Week 4 write now.)
I am starting to wean myself off of pain meds. Stephen is back at work. Master Chief is being extremely gracious and allowing Steve to have flex hours. What I mean by that is, Steve drops the kids off and picks them up. Wednesday is my first day picking the kids up. OUCH! Nothing poked me. Nothing bumped me. It is simply sitting in a hard seat with a seat belt.
Wednesday night is Awanas and thankfully Steve was home to drive. I did pick the kids up Thursday and Friday. I need to be ready for next week. Steve is going underway next week. My Momma is coming!!!! This will be Steve's first trip in about a month. It's supposed to be a longer trip, 8 - 9 days. Feel free to pray!
Week 3 (same deal)
Moms are a blessing. We have had the chance to talk, cry, pray, and laugh like I have been longing to do. My mom is such an encouragement to me. She is a fighting Mother Theresa kind of person. Momma was concerned that she would not be able to help much. How could she hold and comfort a big 9 yr old boy and a 6 yr old girl? It's tough when Daddy goes underway. Momma is still fighting Lhymes, so how could she go play sports?
Well, she did. She cuddled, hugged, kissed, played with, and loved on my babies all week long. Momma sat with them during movies. Encouraged them to be their best when they got grumpy, hugged and kissed them every day, and played board games. It was perfect. They soaked up every bit of it! PLUS since another grandmother was here, we had dessert every night.
Kyle and Abby also got to camp out! Well, not technically. Kyle camped in the Study and Abby went between the Study (if she was good), Kyle's and my room (if she wouldn't lie still and go to sleep.)
Mom? Oh we had ice cream every night! It was great for the kids! We played Sorry. We did video games. Oh..it was wonderful!
SURPRISE!!!!! Steve came home Thursday!!! We did not expect him until Tuesday or Wednesday the following week. Thank you Lord! I was getting very tired! I can't sleep in our bed without him. It is the same bed I had before I married him, but I just can't do it. I have terrible dreams and toss and turn all night long without him. So I sleep in the recliner...it's almost ruined. I got to snuggle with my hubby! I love that!
Monday Momma and I went to Dr. D for my 2 wk post op checkup. He said everything was looking good! I am supposed to get my stint out in the beginning of June. It depends on when my babies go visit their AR family.
Tuesday we went to my knee doctor. Dr. F. is a great Christian man! He recommended I start a water fitness class. So that will hopefully get started soon. IF I can get in with the Senior Citizen group - then it will be 3 days a week for an hour. This is PERFECT because I love to exercise but HAVE to do low impact exercise. I like to speed walk, pilates and yoga (beginner level), horseback riding, playing with the kids...no can do while the stint is in!
Saturday was a black day. Momma went home. We got up early and drove the approx 2 hrs to Jackson airport. Thankfully we had some great cds to listen too! I was raised on these and I HIGHLY recommend them if you want your children to learn Bible verses! Momma bought the kids the bundle package, so we have all 7 cds. Kyle and Abby won't go to bed without having a cd played for them while they fall asleep. Four months running, every night they listen to these.
There was a silver lining to Saturday. My dear friend J. called me. She is a fabulous encouragement for me. Her faith is so strong. She is so loving. She has faced challenges beyond what I could handle, and still J remains cheerful and encouraging.
Oh that the Lord would grow me to be so joyful!
I don't get to see J. very much. She lives in Virginia. She has a wonderful husband, C, and the MOST adorable little man, D! Pray for them because they are hitting the "terrible 2s." I never believed in the terrible 2s. My mom said none of us kids (and there are 6 of us) went through that phase. J and C never had it either when they were little. However, D has decided to have them! So...pray. J and C are trying timeouts and everything else under the sun. Both are WONDERFUL and LOVING parents.
Week 4 (present day)
Well, this week started great! We found a wonderful church that we will be getting more connected with. Each week we have visited a new church. So a church home will be most welcome. Be in prayer with us that we are at the right place. It would be very refreshing to know we have a place with God focused worship and God focused preaching each week. There are many Sunday school options for Stephen and I. There is Sunday night and Wednesday night church. Kyle and Abby??? OH! I am so very excited! They came out of their Children Church talking about how Christ and us...we...His people...are like butterflies. Christ died and was all wrapped up, just like caterpillars go into a cocoon. On the third day Christ was unwrapped and all new, just like a caterpillar coming out of his cocoon as a beautiful butterfly! We also are wrapped up by Christ and come out as a new creation! I was THROUGH THE ROOF with excitement!
Monday? Oh Monday, how I disliked you...not you my readers, but "you" Monday. I literally could not wake up. Steve irritated me until I got up. We all know I am a morning person, but that was not my morning. I dropped the kids off at school, came home, piddled around the house, and laid down. ....2 hours later I got up. YIKES! But it was a good day. I tried a new recipe from a FL cousin. It was YUMMY!!! (Thanks Mrs. K.M.! You may have 230 plus recipes and couldn't pick one, but you saved my family!)
Now it is Tuesday, and you are all caught up. I will post pictures tomorrow most likely of the past few weeks. They will be on facebook becaues they load much more easily there. Life is good! I am BLESSED beyond what I ever dreamed would be possible!
Keep praying! I have to deal with a weight limit of 35lbs until June. That means I can't pick up my babygirl for my monkey hugs. That means Kyle and I can't wrestle around. =( BUT I have them! They are part of our family! I love them! My husband is the joy and light in my day! ...Yes, even when he irritates me. My mother said it best.
You pick on him SO much!
He picks on you SO much!
....
You two deserve each other!
Did I mention Jim bought the kids pizza 2x (from what they tell me) in one week AND the kids had ice cream almost every night? Yes, it's true.
Monday, April 16, 2012
We are still here!
It's true. We are. No, nothing is wrong. Yes, I am still having moments of absolute tired...if that makes sense. Lol. I am getting more active, which is awesome. We had a wonderful visit with Steve's parents the week of surgery. They came up to help and be here while Steve was at school for a few days. They were GREAT! They played with the kids, ran them to school, and took care of me and the house.
Surgery went well. I went home on the 24th. The kids were a bit off until they realized I am ok. I just move slower and can't pick Abby up, which is still something she doesn't quite understand. Steve was graciously given 1 week off and 1 week of flex hours. The first week I pretty much slept. The second week I started to move more, but was still on pain meds and couldn't pick the kids of from school. Week 3 my mom came in to town while Steve went underway. Mom's and mom-in-law's are such blessings. My mom has Lhymes, 2+ years and still fighting!, (sp?) and still managed to help get the kids ready, help take care of the house, and take care of me. She is AMAZING! Mom went home on Saturday and now we are back to just us.
This is the end of the post, folks. I'm bottoming out and still have things to get done. We are good! The kids are doing great! And Steve is still the most amazing husband because he is pretty much doing dishes, laundry, and bed times. Like I said, I'm getting better - but just not completely there yet! God is so good and I will post a segment I've been working on later. Love you!
Surgery went well. I went home on the 24th. The kids were a bit off until they realized I am ok. I just move slower and can't pick Abby up, which is still something she doesn't quite understand. Steve was graciously given 1 week off and 1 week of flex hours. The first week I pretty much slept. The second week I started to move more, but was still on pain meds and couldn't pick the kids of from school. Week 3 my mom came in to town while Steve went underway. Mom's and mom-in-law's are such blessings. My mom has Lhymes, 2+ years and still fighting!, (sp?) and still managed to help get the kids ready, help take care of the house, and take care of me. She is AMAZING! Mom went home on Saturday and now we are back to just us.
This is the end of the post, folks. I'm bottoming out and still have things to get done. We are good! The kids are doing great! And Steve is still the most amazing husband because he is pretty much doing dishes, laundry, and bed times. Like I said, I'm getting better - but just not completely there yet! God is so good and I will post a segment I've been working on later. Love you!
Friday, March 30, 2012
It's killing me...
Literally
It's killing me
I don't sit
It's not in my ability list
Even when I taught full time
I stood
I walked
I taught my students to learn while they stood
or moved
We would sit
maybe for 20 minutes
Then gone!
Sorry all my dear 4th grade teacher friends!
And my dear FL replacement
I didn't mean to hinder you
But this is killing me
It's been a week!
I'm done with sitting
I've only managed to make it this long because of the medicine they gave me.
It knocked me out.
I can't take this!!!
I feel like this! (but brown hair...)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Family...but honestly, mostly, just one section of them...
Hello! I’m starting this at 11pm and I’ve taken pain meds. SO – if this doesn’t make sense, bear with me. Being forced to sit still makes you think. When you think, you miss what is no longer within reach….the coffee pot, the cranberry juice, the dark chocolate…but most importantly, family. I’m super close to my family, by that I mean I care about them A LOT! I don’t bug the tar out of them by calling them all the time, or probably even as much as I should. Spending time with them is my favorite thing. Any moment I get to spend with family is something that I dearly cherish. There is no need for me to talk the whole time, be the center of attention, or anything of that sort. Simply being near them is wonderful.
You see, we are truly blessed. By “we” I mean the LA (Louisiana, not Los Angeles) branch of the Langenmayrs…Microsoft Word says I’m spelling my last name wrong. Lovely application/program, thinks it’s smarter than me! Anyways, we are blessed. My parents are AMAZING!
Yes, I’m biased – but if you met them you would completely agree. And if you didn’t, well then you need your head examined. My mom and dad love their children first and foremost. My dad has done everything within his power to provide for us, love us, and teach us how to be God fearing adults. He calls and texts me just to tell me he loves me. When I am home in Indiana, he takes me out on dates just so we can hang out and catch up on life without interruptions. Dad opens doors for me, hugs me, and prays with me whenever and wherever he is. How many fathers do that? Last February he met Stephen for the first time. Dad wisely never said, “Yes, go for this man” or “No! Are you smoking something?!” He simply showed nothing but acceptance toward Stephen and love towards me. It frustrated me greatly at that time, but looking back it was the best thing. If he had said, “Yes” I would have gone for Stephen simply because Dad said so. If he had said “No” I would have gone for Stephen simply because he said No….and then later regretted it.
Just as a side note, my one “beef” with my father is this: Steve called to ask permission to marry me. My darling loving father had one question, “Are you sure? She’s quirky!”
But he is wonderful and very caring, gentle, compassionate, Godly man. I love him! I am so very blessed to have him!
My mother? Oh, you know, Mother Theresa incarnate – if reincarnation were real, which it isn’t. Momma didn’t want children or marriage. She met Dad and had 6 kids, homeschooled them, and drove them to all sports and church functions. Obviously, she changed her mind about marriage and children. =) Momma is my best friend. How many women can say that? I can call her at any time of the day, tell her anything no matter how great or small, and she listens. Compassionately listens and wisely advises or simply gives me a hug through the cell phone. Momma has the strength to remind me Who our God is and how much He loves me and provides for me, even in the midst of my “moments.” She saw Steve for who he was, and proudly proclaimed to the world that she is now the grandmother of 3 amazing grandchildren! Ok, so it was 3 in June, now it’s four. NO I’m NOT PREGNANT! My sister in law Katie is! And that brings me to the next part of my family – my siblings. 3 brothers. 2 sisters. We don’t call a lot. But…do you have those friends that you don’t see very often and don’t call very often? However, when you get together it is almost like you see each other every day? We are like that! We are a very tight knit group. We love fiercely and protect each other even more so. We laugh! We eat! We are LOUD!
Let’s just note that we are not Greek (because that totally reminds me of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) although we are Lebanese! I’m a quarter Lebanese with a German last name…my children have no hope of being level headed…
Katie is married to Solomon my oldest brother. Their oldest child is Nolan. HE IS A GEM! Oh my goodness! He does not sit still and loves to explore life! Nolan is not mischievious and in to things for destructive purposes. He simply likes to learn…and organize. It’s true! Nolan will turn 2 on May 11 and already LOVES to organize! No offense to my brother, but Nolan inherited that trait from Katie. =) Micah is their second child. He is still in the oven, but should be here by July 4th – ish!
Then there is Abraham, the strong silent type. When he speaks, you listen! Unless he’s joking around and then you better be prepared with witty comments! There are not words for how much his quiet strength helped and encouraged me growing up, but it did. He is very level headed and very discerning. Where I trust too much, he sees truth.
(This is Abraham and Nolan when he was a few months old...Nolan is a few months old, not Abraham)
Jonathan – oh how I love him! He is our comic relief who encourages through Scripture and prayer! Jonathan has a love for the Lord that is convicting! He loves words, loves learning, and inspires people to do likewise.
Sarah is our tender hearted care taker. She is a gem and loves to help people. Sarah is also very goofy and at times “blonde” but with hair that is darker than mine. ;)
Esther? Oh, just put Abraham in a girls body and you have Esther! They are 8 years apart, but very alike!
I am so blessed to have them! Do you know that they never met Steve until just before the wedding? Yet they all welcomed him into the family with open arms. They opened their hearts and arms to our children…so much so that Kyle and Abby sobbed as they drove away from our wedding. Kyle and Abby were afraid they would never see these new aunts and uncles again. The Kafoure side of the family doesn’t do the word “step,” it’s family or not. In this case, it’s family. Thanksgiving was spent in Indiana. My babies still talk about going to the Children’s Museum with Uncle Solomon, Aunt Katie, Nolan, Papaw, and the rest of the crew. Kyle and Abby can’t wait for Nanna and Papaw (my mother and father) to come out so they can make cookies with Papaw and watch movies with Nanna (run-on sentence?) They also cannot wait to make pancakes again with Uncle Jonathan. He taught Kyle & Abby how to flip pancakes in the air and catch them on the spatula! “When will Aunt Esther and Sarah come visit so we can beat them in basketball?” “Will Uncle Abraham let us come visit him in Atlanta?”
Do you see? Do you see how much love my family has poured out on us?
Or Steve’s family! Ok, so MY family. I adopted them before he and I got together, at least I adopted Connie. She was my “mom at work” who prayed with me and looked out for me. Jim and Connie are very, very similar to my own parents. It has been an absolute blessing to marry into their family. Jim is rough and tough and gruff and a HUGE softy! Did you know he switched his time off to come out here? It’s true. He wanted to come out here to help. He chose to come be a fill-in parent for me. Steve is a big boy and would do just fine, but Jim has a heart of gold. He knew it would be easier for us if Jim came out with Connie. Why is Connie here and not my mom? Because my mom couldn’t make it out here that fast. Life happened and it didn’t work out. My momma knows that my momma in law will look out for me as if she had birthed me herself. Connie & Jim love me as if I were their own. They love my babies and are going to practices, helping make lunches, helping with dinner, playing basketball and catch with them. They are even loving on our goofy puppy! Why? Oh, you know – because they are fabulous. I married into a family of 3 brothers. I broke the trend. Andy is the oldest and married a petite blonde named Kristi and they have Michael. (notice “petite, blonde, and first name starting with ‘K’”) Andy is a hard working man that loves his family. Then comes Stephen. Third is Jacob. Jacob married Kelly who is a petite red head (notice K, petite, and again light haired) and they have two of the MOST adorable children IN THE WORLD! Luke and Audrey. Stephen? Oh he married a tall DARK HAIRED lady named Elizabeth. Yes, I broke the mold. I am not petite. I do not have light hair. My name does not start with a K. Just thought you might like to know I am the odd man out. …I am also the palest of them all!
(Jim & Connie at Steve's pinning ceremony)
Andy (I can't find a picture of his wife & son with him =( )
Anyhoot, no offense to anyone, but I am really really really really really missing my fiery red headed sister in law. To be honest, in the beginning she scared me. Jacob is a big man, basically Stephen with darker hair and a little taller. He is a goofy man. I love to harass him. It’s fabulous! Kelly is quieter. “Silent” would be a good word for our first meeting. Steve introduced me to her at the Gator game. She smiled, I think, and that was it. Steve asked if we wanted to sit together and talk and I honestly was so nervous I just shook my head no. For crying out loud, she didn’t even give a full fledged smile! I am a friendly outgoing person, but I was already nervous just from being out with Steve for the FIRST TIME EVER! Plus it was feeling like a date and I had told him it wasn’t a date…he didn’t listen.
The next time I ran into Kelly was the “meet the family dinner.” Again, another quiet affair and I was so nervous I almost got sick to my stomach. Through much encouragement, I continued to at least smile and say hi. What did the trick, I think, was we both discovered we are big goofballs. It’s true. Kelly is HILARIOUS! She tends to be stoic but then pops out these one liners and it’s awesome! There is more to Kelly than meets the eye. In the few short months I spent down in FL after getting married, I got to know her more. For example, she adores her children. I have not seen many mothers of today drawing with chalk out on the driveway, just so their son would have a “train track” to ride around on. Luke is absolutely obsessed with trains. Kelly knew he would love to have a train track, so she drew one. Kelly has spent literal HOURS watching Thomas the Train, simply because Luke wanted to. Audrey was a tough case when she first arrived…ok so that’s not completely true. Audrey was a much easier start simply because Audrey came almost before the doctor could catch her. It was the first few months after that that Audrey was tough. You see, Audrey was colicky. Kelly patiently got up at all hours of the night when it was her “shift” and lovingly took care of Luke when it was Jacob’s “shift” to take care of Audrey. I never heard her complain. The only way you could tell anything was going on was Kellly looked a little tired. Jacob did an amazing job during that time too! He joked about the lack of sleep, but I never heard him complain either. My favorite memories of that time? Catching Jacob and Kelly at different moments when they would be gazing with absolute and complete adoration at this little bundle. I don’t understand that depth of love just yet.
How many parents of today who are going to college and taking care of two children who are 3 and not quite 1, would spend their spring break completely centered around their children? That’s what Jacob and Kelly did. I miss these two. I miss bantering with Jacob. I miss the quick witted moments of dry humor with Kelly.
I miss my Luke kisses and hugs. …I can’t believe I am typing this, but I miss hearing Luke call out “Hi Aunt Pizzy!” I miss seeing Audrey’s incredibly pudgy face light up! It is a rare thing, but her momma and daddy can get her to do that. I miss hearing her squeal with delight as she rolled up and down the hallway in her walker.
I miss my Luke kisses and hugs. …I can’t believe I am typing this, but I miss hearing Luke call out “Hi Aunt Pizzy!” I miss seeing Audrey’s incredibly pudgy face light up! It is a rare thing, but her momma and daddy can get her to do that. I miss hearing her squeal with delight as she rolled up and down the hallway in her walker.
Kelly doesn’t know it but she helped me SO much last semester and even back in January. See, I was bemoaning certain things in my life. Work, lack of fun, adjusting to married life, keeping up with the house (which, truth be told, Stephen did most of that.) Kelly? Oh, she and Jacob live with Connie and Jim. They have for 2 years. Kelly didn’t complain. Kelly didn’t whine. No, she simply said “You have to make the most of what you have and know it will get better.” …or something to that effect. Hopefully she will read this. I am terrible T\at telling people things. We were doing dishes together when she said that. Kelly went on to say you have to count your blessings. It’s true, you do. I often think of that moment. She is right. Kelly is one of those people that when she opens up and talks, you had better listen. If you don’t, you will miss something that is very profound.
Steve and I moved in with Connie and Jim for 10 days before coming to LA. Yes, I lost my big girl panties and had a hard time with it. Kelly helped me realize how blessed I was. She helped me laugh and put a better perspective on the situation. Don’t get me wrong, Steve did too. However, a man doesn’t have the same perspective a woman does. Kelly hit the nail on the head. Steve did too – but, you know what I mean.
Kelly is fabulous. If you don’t know her, you are missing out. She and Jacob are a wonderful team…the kind of couple that will really go far together. Luke, just look at him! He is just as adorable and sweet as he looks! Audrey, what a gem! Poor girl, I’m told she is like my husband was. Pray for Jacob and Kelly! Steve was a handful as a child! I wish they were here. I love that family.
Hopefully, you read through this. I love my family, all of them, so very much. We are adding more people to our family soon I’m told. That’s not my news to tell though. ;)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
My mom reminded me of this verse.
It made me realize how much...I lack.
The spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
These come from the Lord.
I am talking the talk....
Am I walking the walk?
No.
I'm not.
I fear that my children will never know how much I love them.
I fear that my husband will never know how much I love and respect him.
I fear the small things of life.
I fear that I will be forced to post-pone surgery.
Please understand, I am not trying to obsess or bore you with this.
It's hard to put my family through this.
My MIL and FIL are in town to help. I don't want to inconvenience them by ending up not having this. If I say, "by not having the surgery" they will be up in arms.
I don't want my husband to have to wonder if he's hurting me when he holds me.
I don't want my children to have to worry about hurting me with their hugs.
I don't want them to try and have to discern if my grumpiness is legit or if it's from pain.
God didn't give me the spirit of timidity or fear.
The devil does that.
He lives ... he feeds off of making us focus on our fears.
Does he not yet realize he lost?
The Lord strengthens and encourages us in countless ways.
The Lord sends us phone calls, text messages, hugs, kisses, puppy kisses and snuggles, when the devil sends fear.
Devil = 1
LORD GOD = INFINITY
Pretty sure God's score wins.
We simply have to focus on the LORD GOD.
Sitting here the verse about how if no one will sing praises to the Lord, HE will make the rocks cry out.
THE ROCKS cry out.
Have you ever heard a ROCK cry out?
I haven't.
Has your breath ever been taken away by scenery?
Mine has.
God will open our eyes to those blessings.
To me, that is when the rocks cry out.
Open your eyes next time you are outside.
Notice the intricacies.
Have you ever stopped to look at a leaf?
How many veins intersect and branch out?
Think about it...
Solar power?
The trees used it first!
Snow flakes...
No 2 snow flakes are alike.
Haev you ever been in a blizzard?
I have.
Not one of those snowflakes looks like another.
Can you even count how many snowflakes are there?
The LORD GOD who made you, designed you with a purpose, knows every decision you will ever make, grants you freedom of choice, and loves you still knows the number and design of each snowflake in that picture.
God did not give us the spirit of timidity.
He designed us with a purpose.
How can we accomplish that purpose if we are living a life of fear and timidity? Live in the Power of Christ, the LOVE of the Lord (because God is LOVE,) and have enough self-discipline to follow Him. God's yoke is light. The direction is clear.
Follow the straight and narrow.
Why not?
What will you lose?
NOTHING!
Why then, do I, who has known all of this since before I was born almost, still live with a spirit of fear?
Because I'm human.
Messing up is what we do.
The important part is what we do after our mistake.
Me?
I will be striving to live with the spirit of Power, of Love, and of Self-discipline.
How will you live?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)