oh right, back in the swing of things plus a baby.
So these last "two" (one and a half) weeks before I return to work I am attempting to get back in the swing of things. I'm attempting to solidify Rachael's nap schedule and create a more structured nighttime routine to aid in Rachael's unwinding from the day. I've also taken the opportunity and doctor's clearance to jump back into the running game. I can't tell you how nice it is to feel that familiar burn of an hour well spent. I really love the time I get out there to just listen to spurring on songs and be with my Maker as I work at the goal of conquering the flesh. On the topic of flesh conquering, I'm also making so changes to the publicity of my quiet time lifestyle. I really have been slacking off and God deserves so much more than what I was giving. So I came up with a new idea of posting my quiet times so Matt can easily hold me accountable at random. Not only do I want to establish a greater pattern, but I also want to remember what I read. So I'm hoping these minimal efforts will kick myself into a place that I never should have left. I want to be a threat in this game called warfare. I've also put up a chart for Rachael because I want to be more intentional about making disciples... starting with the one we have been given. So we're replacing the nighttime story which help Rachael get comfortable to the sound of my voice to a Bible reading. Hopefully the repetition of my morning quiet time will also aid in sticking the text in my head more. We'll see what happens. What do you do to help keep your quiet times in routine? Who keeps you accountable and how?
Just trying to be more intentional about being where I want to be, when I want to be.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
From to From.
I was just thinking of a friend today that has stood the test of time and has been through a lot with me. From soundboard visits when we both didn't want to be there but felt obligated to "I can't stand living on campus" to "we'd rather be roommates than friends," From "you need to clean your room" to "what did the cats get into now" to sleepy days because of good midnight chats. From late night editing to jabber-jaw listening to ice cream awarded "you just barely got that paper in" celebrations. From overwhelmed bamboo gifts to digging out cars with a trashcan to hours of walked pavement. From enjoying us two to open invitation of my other to joking as us three. From packing my things to undercover wedding details to letting me in to get shoes as we were "departing" for our honeymoon. From Greene walks loaded with confessions amid passing strangers to no one else gets it jokes to carmel frapaccinos. From world-travel dreams to awaited passports to prolonged patience. From new job wantings to interviewing hopings to quited job celebrations. From overwhelmed tears to never let go hugs to follow-up calls. From old friends leaving confusions to new friends coming joys to constant friendship remainings. From ice cream run hopefuls to swollen calf complainings to labor day desires. From silked blanket encouraging to blue sleeper enforcing to pink blanket encompassed hugging. From forgetful forgivings to assurance of friendship givings to whatever may come bringings, I thank you.
We love you (Aunt) Robin.
All three of us.
But some of us more than others.
;-)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Picture Perfect
We got our pictures done as a family and primarily to document Rachael at 1 month of life. You can check them out friends and family if you'd like to see our fun. Our friend, Susan, and new friend, Cher, did a fantastic job. We look forward to Rachael's 3, 6, 9 and 12 month pictures with an awesome full year documenting deal that the little photography studio does. If you'd like me to send you a link to the pictures then go ahead and email me and I'd be happy to send you the link. (Some of you already know where to go so you don' have to email me.) For the purpose of too much self-disclosure I chose not to post a link to the studio directly on this blog since the photography studio has it's location posted for business and I'd prefer not to be so easily narrowed in a search engine.
Hope all is going well with everyone.
Hope all is going well with everyone.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Fire Retardant
Will it stand the test of fire?
I sat down at the computer tonight to play what felt like a few hundred games of solitaire while Rachael ate her second dinner. Solitaire helps to pass the time as the little one savors each drip. I often find myself at 4 or 5 in the morning stacking clubs and hearts, etc for a half hour feed. But tonight the question popped into my mind, "Is what I'm doing going to stand the test of fire?" The ultimate answer resulted in a closed solitaire window and some more exalting prayer and study work.
Matt and I had a conversation on the car ride home. A few months ago Matt and I decided to become more intentional about investing in friends' lives through our church. And since then we rejoice in having a few closer friends. No, they are not our projects. We just wanted them to be more of a part of our "outside of the church building" lives. We greatly value our friends and enjoy the last minute plans and freedoms of neighborhood walks and game nights with their families.
But tonight's car conversation revolved around growing with our friends. Our church has this dilemma of not being a relationally connected church with the "young adult" population. It's funny but there really are a few couples in our church between Matt and my ages and 50. So we had an idea and I'm really quite excited about it. We're hoping to have a weekly get-together with a few dear friends in order to share life together. We'd like to do dinner together and share a time of short devotion or Christian comedians or whatever other creative way of exhorting each other and encouraging each other's growth. Nothing too high maintenance or requiring of childcare - just an opportunity to love on each other. We're not sure how receptive others will be to the proposition. But really when it all came down to it, we'd be more than blessed to step up to foster deeper, Christ-centered friendships amongst the "young adults" of the church. So what better way than to open our home and encourage our friends to open their homes for a nomadic group of life-sharing friends.
We'll see how this all goes. But we'll never know if deeper friendships can be accomplished unless we try. But the ultimate point is not to merely share in friendship, but to spur each other on toward Christ. I really hope this can be accomplished through a casual weekly gathering. We'll see.
- May God get all the glory. -
I sat down at the computer tonight to play what felt like a few hundred games of solitaire while Rachael ate her second dinner. Solitaire helps to pass the time as the little one savors each drip. I often find myself at 4 or 5 in the morning stacking clubs and hearts, etc for a half hour feed. But tonight the question popped into my mind, "Is what I'm doing going to stand the test of fire?" The ultimate answer resulted in a closed solitaire window and some more exalting prayer and study work.
Matt and I had a conversation on the car ride home. A few months ago Matt and I decided to become more intentional about investing in friends' lives through our church. And since then we rejoice in having a few closer friends. No, they are not our projects. We just wanted them to be more of a part of our "outside of the church building" lives. We greatly value our friends and enjoy the last minute plans and freedoms of neighborhood walks and game nights with their families.
But tonight's car conversation revolved around growing with our friends. Our church has this dilemma of not being a relationally connected church with the "young adult" population. It's funny but there really are a few couples in our church between Matt and my ages and 50. So we had an idea and I'm really quite excited about it. We're hoping to have a weekly get-together with a few dear friends in order to share life together. We'd like to do dinner together and share a time of short devotion or Christian comedians or whatever other creative way of exhorting each other and encouraging each other's growth. Nothing too high maintenance or requiring of childcare - just an opportunity to love on each other. We're not sure how receptive others will be to the proposition. But really when it all came down to it, we'd be more than blessed to step up to foster deeper, Christ-centered friendships amongst the "young adults" of the church. So what better way than to open our home and encourage our friends to open their homes for a nomadic group of life-sharing friends.
We'll see how this all goes. But we'll never know if deeper friendships can be accomplished unless we try. But the ultimate point is not to merely share in friendship, but to spur each other on toward Christ. I really hope this can be accomplished through a casual weekly gathering. We'll see.
- May God get all the glory. -
Much
Yesterday at ten til 7pm our heat was turned on. And there was MUCH rejoicing.
And I report to you cyberworld that this morning I am sitting in a tshirt in the office.
Oh the marvels of heat.
As for the lowest temp reached in the house during the waiting process: 51 degrees.
As for the highest temp reached in the the house during the waiting process: 76 degrees (yay for space heaters).
So for those of you who were praying and ever so helpful in offering showers and sleeping space, we thank you all greatly for your love and hospitality. And to celebrate the slow return to normal last night, there was the most relaxing warm bath I can ever remember taking followed by a good, warm sleep in our familiar bed.
And there was MUCH rejoicing!
And I report to you cyberworld that this morning I am sitting in a tshirt in the office.
Oh the marvels of heat.
As for the lowest temp reached in the house during the waiting process: 51 degrees.
As for the highest temp reached in the the house during the waiting process: 76 degrees (yay for space heaters).
So for those of you who were praying and ever so helpful in offering showers and sleeping space, we thank you all greatly for your love and hospitality. And to celebrate the slow return to normal last night, there was the most relaxing warm bath I can ever remember taking followed by a good, warm sleep in our familiar bed.
And there was MUCH rejoicing!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Early
So one thing that I forgot to share in the small house fire incident is that after returning to the house around 8am, Rachael finally woke up - clueless of all that had happened. And she gave me the biggest, toothless smile I have ever seen. She's done some little smirks and half-smiles to other people and myself since then, but nothing yet as huge as her post-smoke smile.
As for the family, we have been staying at a church friend's house for the past three nights while our furnace flooring and all is fixed. Looks like we're going to be staying yet another night tonight but hopefully they'll be able to get the furnace back in tomorrow and we can get the heat back on. Due to God's grace, the weather this week hasn't been too bad which allows for Rachael and me to stay for a few hours each day with Dakota. So while Rachael is all bundled and napping in her carseat, I remain all layered and attempting to wash the smoke remnants out of our home. (Buy stocks in Febreeze, friends, before I return to the store.)
While life as a nomad leaves Matt and me a bit exhausted (no bed, no matter how nice, can ever compare to our routine mattress). Rachael, on the other hand, slept another 5 hour chunk last night - which she was due after having a few nights of 3-4 hour sleeps (a stuffy nose and new sleeping arrangements have affected her). Despite the continual mobility and packing of all our things each morning because we don't know if we'll return the next night, we are all working hard to remain in positive spirits and grateful.
By the way, when the furnace was removed, the workers and our church mechanical/janitorial guy (Mike) were both amazed. There lay a hole burnt straight through to the crawlspace about the size of a beach ball. Mike and the guys agreed that had the fire moved 4-5 more inches toward the carpet then "things would have gotten very bad... fast". Mike was also amazed to find God's grace in that what he thought to be the gas line pipe had some fire charring. I tell you all this not to create some drama, but to share with you the bold reminder that we were given: God was taking care of his kids on that Sunday morning. And we were surely blessed beyond measure and still remain so.
So from the polar winds of our hallway, I send you friends and family my love and wish you a good and blessed day serving our Lord. Let the exalting commence.
As for the family, we have been staying at a church friend's house for the past three nights while our furnace flooring and all is fixed. Looks like we're going to be staying yet another night tonight but hopefully they'll be able to get the furnace back in tomorrow and we can get the heat back on. Due to God's grace, the weather this week hasn't been too bad which allows for Rachael and me to stay for a few hours each day with Dakota. So while Rachael is all bundled and napping in her carseat, I remain all layered and attempting to wash the smoke remnants out of our home. (Buy stocks in Febreeze, friends, before I return to the store.)
While life as a nomad leaves Matt and me a bit exhausted (no bed, no matter how nice, can ever compare to our routine mattress). Rachael, on the other hand, slept another 5 hour chunk last night - which she was due after having a few nights of 3-4 hour sleeps (a stuffy nose and new sleeping arrangements have affected her). Despite the continual mobility and packing of all our things each morning because we don't know if we'll return the next night, we are all working hard to remain in positive spirits and grateful.
By the way, when the furnace was removed, the workers and our church mechanical/janitorial guy (Mike) were both amazed. There lay a hole burnt straight through to the crawlspace about the size of a beach ball. Mike and the guys agreed that had the fire moved 4-5 more inches toward the carpet then "things would have gotten very bad... fast". Mike was also amazed to find God's grace in that what he thought to be the gas line pipe had some fire charring. I tell you all this not to create some drama, but to share with you the bold reminder that we were given: God was taking care of his kids on that Sunday morning. And we were surely blessed beyond measure and still remain so.
So from the polar winds of our hallway, I send you friends and family my love and wish you a good and blessed day serving our Lord. Let the exalting commence.
Monday, February 09, 2009
'Now you have something to write about in your blog'
These words came from Matt's mouth yesterday morning after we were let back into our house around 8am. Let me take you back a few hours so you can understand why he said those words...
At 6:15am a strange alarm fuzzed it's way into Matt and my sleepiness. Matt got up to check it, I rolled over deciding that it was nothing. When Matt opened the door I changed my mind as I heard the fire alarm clearly for the first time. And then I heard Dakota's howling. Matt, being his brave self, went to investigate. I checked the baby.
Next thing I know Matt, being dragged by Dakota, announced as he came through some campfire-looking smoke, "Get up babe, we need to get out." I grabbed something I wasn't going to stand on the curb in the cold without(modesty runs deep friends), a sweatshirt, socks, boots, the baby and her hat. And I covered Rachael's head from the noise as I passed by the fire alarm and walked through the smoke that was beginning to "fill the house" from the furnace and water heater closet. Knowing the gas was still on as I walked by the smoke source was a bit nerve wracking, but my adrenalin was going.
After grabbing a coat, car keys (so baby could stay warm and we could have a getaway vehicle should we never return to the house), the car seat, and a few bottles on a flyby the kitchen table - we left via the garage. While I was bundling the baby for the cold, Matt was on the phone with the fire department. Four minutes after he hung up we were standing on the lawn outside of our house and the fire department arrived (talk about a quick response).
Turns out that after an hour or so later, a firefighter going into the crawlspace under our house, and a smoke sucking vacuum thing, we received the news. The source of the small, controlled fire in the back of our utilities closet was unknown. Apparently that little fire that originated behind the furnace had caught some of the sub flooring on fire for 5 feet under our house. The firefighter said we did a good job calling early and it was a good things because they were able to completely control the fire for the entire time and that the house was safe to return to. The gas, on the other hand, had been turned off to the house (a good thing so as not to produce an atomic bomb) and, therefore, we would have enough hot water for 2 quick showers and enough heat for potentially the afternoon. We suffered no real property damage (other than some charred floor boards) and the church has already arranged to have the guy who installed the furnace come inspect it. Sad thing? The furnace is only a 3 year old baby so we have no idea what could have gone wrong.
Sunday after church the heat had not survived long in our house - something about winter and leaving the windows open to ventilate smoke from the house at 6 in the morning led me to believe that the heat would not be staying long. Being as how we have a one month old baby, we sought warmth and fellowship at a nearby friend and church member's house after Matt was done preaching at the nursing home. Then last night we stayed at another friend's house - they were highly hospitable in clearing out their basement for the night so Rachael wouldn't bother anyone other than us with her morning/nighttime "feed me" announcements. I'm headed over to Ellen's for the day to keep warm and help out with a giant cooking day that Ellen has planned. And poor Dakota is spending the afternoon in her cage due to the circumstances. [That's why I'm here in the house petting and typing because I feel bad that she has had to be locked up so much. - and really I could tell that it means a lot to Matt.]
No smoke damage ensued despite the constant scent of campfire that lingers in our house and on our clothes. Matt joked yesterday morning as he sniffed his suit, "Smells like we picked up a bad habit." And once the heat is able to be turned back on, Matt and I will begin the laundering of all our clothes, febreezing of the furniture and vacuuming of the carpets in an attempt to return to normal.
Are we blessed? I cannot tell you how blessed we are. And even though this could be seen as an inconvenience to our regular schedule, seriously let's look at the big picture here with utter gratefulness and thanksgiving to God. That small fire could have become much worse and could have been much more devastating. Sweet Rachael slept through the whole affair - I don't even think she knows what happened. And we have wonderful friends and family who are helping us stay warm. And even thought Dakota has to stay in a cold house - she's a snow dog and is doing just fine.
So yes, Matt's wit is right...
At 6:15am a strange alarm fuzzed it's way into Matt and my sleepiness. Matt got up to check it, I rolled over deciding that it was nothing. When Matt opened the door I changed my mind as I heard the fire alarm clearly for the first time. And then I heard Dakota's howling. Matt, being his brave self, went to investigate. I checked the baby.
Next thing I know Matt, being dragged by Dakota, announced as he came through some campfire-looking smoke, "Get up babe, we need to get out." I grabbed something I wasn't going to stand on the curb in the cold without(modesty runs deep friends), a sweatshirt, socks, boots, the baby and her hat. And I covered Rachael's head from the noise as I passed by the fire alarm and walked through the smoke that was beginning to "fill the house" from the furnace and water heater closet. Knowing the gas was still on as I walked by the smoke source was a bit nerve wracking, but my adrenalin was going.
After grabbing a coat, car keys (so baby could stay warm and we could have a getaway vehicle should we never return to the house), the car seat, and a few bottles on a flyby the kitchen table - we left via the garage. While I was bundling the baby for the cold, Matt was on the phone with the fire department. Four minutes after he hung up we were standing on the lawn outside of our house and the fire department arrived (talk about a quick response).
Turns out that after an hour or so later, a firefighter going into the crawlspace under our house, and a smoke sucking vacuum thing, we received the news. The source of the small, controlled fire in the back of our utilities closet was unknown. Apparently that little fire that originated behind the furnace had caught some of the sub flooring on fire for 5 feet under our house. The firefighter said we did a good job calling early and it was a good things because they were able to completely control the fire for the entire time and that the house was safe to return to. The gas, on the other hand, had been turned off to the house (a good thing so as not to produce an atomic bomb) and, therefore, we would have enough hot water for 2 quick showers and enough heat for potentially the afternoon. We suffered no real property damage (other than some charred floor boards) and the church has already arranged to have the guy who installed the furnace come inspect it. Sad thing? The furnace is only a 3 year old baby so we have no idea what could have gone wrong.
Sunday after church the heat had not survived long in our house - something about winter and leaving the windows open to ventilate smoke from the house at 6 in the morning led me to believe that the heat would not be staying long. Being as how we have a one month old baby, we sought warmth and fellowship at a nearby friend and church member's house after Matt was done preaching at the nursing home. Then last night we stayed at another friend's house - they were highly hospitable in clearing out their basement for the night so Rachael wouldn't bother anyone other than us with her morning/nighttime "feed me" announcements. I'm headed over to Ellen's for the day to keep warm and help out with a giant cooking day that Ellen has planned. And poor Dakota is spending the afternoon in her cage due to the circumstances. [That's why I'm here in the house petting and typing because I feel bad that she has had to be locked up so much. - and really I could tell that it means a lot to Matt.]
No smoke damage ensued despite the constant scent of campfire that lingers in our house and on our clothes. Matt joked yesterday morning as he sniffed his suit, "Smells like we picked up a bad habit." And once the heat is able to be turned back on, Matt and I will begin the laundering of all our clothes, febreezing of the furniture and vacuuming of the carpets in an attempt to return to normal.
Are we blessed? I cannot tell you how blessed we are. And even though this could be seen as an inconvenience to our regular schedule, seriously let's look at the big picture here with utter gratefulness and thanksgiving to God. That small fire could have become much worse and could have been much more devastating. Sweet Rachael slept through the whole affair - I don't even think she knows what happened. And we have wonderful friends and family who are helping us stay warm. And even thought Dakota has to stay in a cold house - she's a snow dog and is doing just fine.
So yes, Matt's wit is right...
Now I have something to write about in my blog.
Okay, time for Rachael and I to load up and defrost our noses at Ellen's home.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Friendly CD
On the sidebar there's a few musical selections from an old friend, Phil Wing's newly released CD in an effort to raise funds for the Wing family's adoption of an Ethiopian child. I've posted this for two reasons: I am thrilled at the family's obedicence to Jesus in the adoption and my all-time favorite Phil Wing song "You Do Great Things" is on the CD. Listen if you'd like and you will hear what I remember to be the sound of Apex Community Church (which is now Apex - "a Network of House Churches"-). It's funny how a few songs bring back a flood of memories. Also, should you want more information on the adoption and the family you can go to http://wingadoption.blogspot.com/ and the CD can be bought at http://philwing.com/ - should you be more curious. Anyway... hope you enjoy the music.
A Month
It's hard to believe that she's a month old. First off, it's really hard to remember a time without her - she's become such a huge part of Matt and my life. But then there's also the feeling that a month old sounds so big - especally for our tiny little daughter. And it has been an absolute blessing watching her grow and change over the past month. So while the baby ticker may say Rachael's a month old, she's technically not a month old until February5. Despite it all, I wanted to share a few more pictures, escpecially with those who are too far away to get the live showing. And for those of you who are curious, yes it is still an adjustment to life having a baby (I think it will always be). And while we may be late almost all the time to everything EVER, things are beginning to get more predictable when it comes to Rachael's schedule and, therefre, normalcy has made its entrance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)