The Beach Girls, Take 3

I am blessed. So blessed to have such super great friends! The LORD is good!

The past two summers I have been able to get away with these girls. This summer would be a bit different. I was going to be super great with child and MF would have a newborn. Not the best plan for a relaxing weekend away. Therefore, we headed out a few months early this year before the babies arrived.

We headed out of town on Thursday night after a quick dinner with the girls. Food, what a great way to start the weekend. It was a running theme throughout as well.

Friday morning some of us slept in (while the grandma's headed to the grocery--love ya!) and had a relaxing breakfast on the front porch. We then made our way to the beach. But the clouds came with us. We were a bit chilled and ended up going back to the house to warm up a bit. Not our typical weekend at the beach.

Friday night after relaxing all afternoon not on the beach, we headed out to celebrate BAC's birthday! I just love her so much and was so thankful to be able to share the weekend with her! She is such an encouragement to me!

There was no one outside to take a group picture--so we took turns with the birthday girl!

After dinner we headed to the outlets for a little retail therapy--sans kiddos! It. was. awesome. Granted, most of us only bought for our kids. Oh well.

Saturday we got up and went for a walk. The weather was a bit cooler than desired, but being with friends makes the world go round. So a little overcast and cool weather wasn't going to get us down! We went out for lunch and then stepped it up a notch. We went to Professional Body Piercing by Jackie. MB wanted to get her nose pierced. So who more fun to do it with than the girls!

How 'bout that for some adventure?

When we got back a few of us went to walk on the beach. Yeah, it was a teeny bit cold.

We saw a few star fish (the day before it was over 100, but no camera) and one huge jellyfish. It was a monster.

That night we stayed in and played a little beauty shop while a huge storm blew through.

Sunday we got up and cleaned up before heading home. It was a fast weekend, but so relaxing and fun. I so enjoy these ladies who LOVE the LORD and who are such an encouragement to me. I love the talks we have about what the LORD is doing in each of our lives. It is such an honor to call them friends!

The Big 10

And I do not mean college sports.

Happy 10th Anniversary to us!

There are days it seems like we have been together for ten years because I do not remember life post high school without JD. But then there are days when our love is so fresh it seems we have just been together for a short period of time.

I love that it has been ten years with the same man...the love of my life. He is a rock in my life. Keeps me in check with reality. Loves me when I am unlovable. Father to my children. Spiritual leader. Makes me laugh (did you see Sporty Wee? How could you not laugh?) Servant.

Has life together been perfect? Of course not. We have had our fair share of disagreements. But probably the biggest thing I have learned throughout our 10 years is communication. If something is bothering me--talk it out. If I see something I really like him doing--tell him. Many of the issues we have had over the years could have easily been blown way out of perspective, but in learning to talk it out and deal with it then and there has solved our problems. Talking and handing it over to the Lord.

I have also learned it is not all about me. I know, I know. Shocker. But it is about what I can do to serve him and make him desire to be at home with me. How can I make my home a place of refuge for him? I am still learning this one. But it is my heart's desire to make my home a place of warmth and love, not only for my family, but for anyone who walks through the door. I want Christ to radiate throughout.

Enough sap.

Our plan for our 10th was to go on a second honeymoon. Ten years ago we headed to the Poconos (you know the champagne tub in all the wedding magazines--yup, that's the one). We enjoyed horseback riding, snow, a day trip to NYC to eat at Windows on the World (located in the WTC North Tower) and watch Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. It was a great trip away. You can read all about our honeymoon HERE. But this time around, we wanted the beach. So that was our plan. Travel to some turquoise colored water, white sand beach, staying in a hut on top of the water. Oh, those trips aren't free are they?

Instead, my parents flew in for the weekend (more to come on that). Friday night we were able to go out to dinner, walk and talk, eat a dessert (or two) and enjoy our time together. No rushing due to FREE babysitting!!

For all the big milestone anniversaries I have had babies. So maybe we can plan to get away for our 15th. Maybe.

Here's to taking a step back in time...

Keepin' It Real: About 2 hours after I typed up this post, Satan hit our house hard. As in we had the biggest knock down, drag out we have had in a while. It ended with us giving each other the silent treatment for a bit. Then we finally talked it out, getting all our feelings out into the open. And yes, the number one problem that was discovered--we were both focused on ourselves. Awesome. At least we have moved on and are communicating and thinking of the other person again. I love forgiveness!

USNWC

At the end of the summer, the church staff decided to have an intern celebration outing. We headed to the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. There was so much stuff to do there. We had a blast!

The first thing we headed to was the MegaJump. It was a 40 ft free fall. Wow. It looks much higher on the platform than it does on the ground. I also learned something new about my husband. Who knew he was afraid of heights? But we both did it!

I relived my days at Pine Cove as the climbing wall instructor, only there was no belaying. They had this really cool system that slowly lowers you to the ground.

John got really into the climbing wall.

After everyone else left, JD and I went to pick up a couple of Letterboxes that were on the trails. JD had this great idea to get mountain bikes and ride the trails. It would be faster that way. I was a bit hesitant since I don't ride much on the street, much less on trails. But I gave in. It had been a day full of yeses that were fun, so this one would be too, right? WRONG!

First of all, the trails were steep. For me anyway. Or maybe we got on a black trail. No idea. So pretty much once we entered the trail, I began to walk the bike. We found the first box quickly. Then it hit me. This BIKE trail is ONE WAY. There was no turning back. We had to keep going on the bikes...or walking the bike in my case. It was awful. And the trail kept going and going and going. Seriously had to have been a couple of miles. Winding. Uphill. Downhill. Over the snakes. By the lake. Lots of mosquitoes. Misery. At least we found the box we were looking for, right?

BUT, the VERY BEST part of the day was the rafting. I loved it! I was a bit timid at first. Definitely didn't want to get thrown out of the raft. There were two channels. The first was class II-III rapids. And then the competition channel, where the US Olympic team trains, was class III-IV.

JD's group was a bit more adventurous than my group. He stuck them under the water and did some other crazy stuff. JD even knocked his buddy out of the raft. She's just a girl, JD!

We had an extra person on our raft (The three men weren't with our group) and somehow I ended up on the back of the raft with the guide. I was nervous being up high, until she told me I would NOT fall our of the raft. Shew!

We had a GREAT day! I loved almost every minute of it!

The Beach Girls, Take 2

I have the best girlies around! I am so thankful that our husbands kept the kids for the weekend while we could get away and relax, rejuvenate, eat, and laugh! I am so blessed!

Some silliness

Homemade games

And some fun in the sun

Staff Retreat

After church on Mother's Day, we passed LilE off to our good friends to spend the week as we headed to the beach for staff retreat.

For the first time in the past 6 years, the wives (or I should say spouses) were able to go for the entire trip. It was such a blessing to get away with my love and the other staff/spouses. We were able to listen in on the vision for all ministry areas for the fall. What a blessing it was to hear the hearts of the staff and see how the Lord is at work in our church!

For dinner one night we were able to go on a local dinner cruise. It was some good food and great conversations as we traveled in the inner harbor.

One of my favorite parts of the retreat was being able to watch the boys play ball on the beach. The fellowship between this team is amazing! JD and I are so thankful to be a part of a church staff who get along so well and who have the same focus--Christ! We are more than blessed!

Mother's Day

I love being a mommy! I have the sweetest girl. Out of the blue she will pick a flower for me, give me a big squeeze on the leg, or load my shirt with stickers because "I love you so so so so so so much Mommy." Makes my heart melt every time!

This Mother's Day started off with some perfect cards from my two favorites! Unfortunately, this was the only time I was able to spend with my girl. But I did cry as my music card opened to Doris Day singing, "I love you a bushel and a peck." (click to listen). Something my mom sang to me and I now sing to LilE. Perfect!

But for the past 3 Mother's Days, I have struggled.

When JD and I got married, our plan was to fill our home with children. We got a bit of a later than desired start due to seminary and moving after graduation. In February 2005 our first child was taken home to be with the Lord after only 6 weeks in the womb. We were devastated. We trusted that the Lord was in control, knowing our hearts desire was still to fill our home.

Almost exactly one year later God blessed us with LilE. His timing is perfect, as was she. We are so thankful for each and every day with her. We know we have never deserved her, but God still had Grace on us and blessed us.

Our desires for a large family had not changed after LilE was born. We thought, in order to have 4 children before we turned 40, we would have to have them fairly close together. We began our journey in May 2007.

Three years have now passed. Our desires for more children continue to be as strong as ever, but we have come to the realization that our plan is not what God has planned for our family--at least not in the way that we had originally planned. 

Emotions are everywhere. There are days of anger, grief, sorrow, pity, loneliness, frustration, jealousy, sadness, devastation, and joy. Joy that I serve a God who knows the big picture. A God who knows my deepest desires. A God who knows exactly what I need and when I need it.  A God who is always there for me. A God who is faithful. A God who loves me with an unending love.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband who has the same desires that I do for our family. He is my strength and my encouragement. He is my sounding board. I am thankful for family and friends who have walked this road before me and for those who are walking this road with me today. But I am most thankful for my God who will carry me all these days and in the days to come, knowing that HIS plan is the perfect plan for me.

New Cooking Adventures

Awhile back my friend blogged about making these fun cookies decorated with royal icing. I am up for a challenge and they looked so good. After all the birthday party sweet treats in February, I was needing a break from having all that sugar in my house. It is really hard for me to say no!

Since Easter is here, I thought it would be fun to make some spring cookies and let LilE help. I didn't even think to take pictures of her helping me. But she really did. She is one great egg cracker! She also enjoyed getting to cut the cookies in the shape of her choice.

The icing was rather intimidating, but I enjoyed the challenge. I think they turned out really well for my first attempt. And I learned a couple of things along the way: no more than two designs at a time and you really don't need 5 colors of icing!

Can't wait to try them again! (And learn how to take better pictures of food.)

Then we got fancy.

9 years

I love my husband! I really do love him more today than I did 9 years ago. And he got more points for bringing roses home! Just wanting to brag on him a teeny bit!

Girls Night Out

I love having friends.

The "Sick"anders

4 visits to the doctor--$120
12 new medications--$250
3 healthy family members--PRICELESS

JD has renamed our family. Seriously, how can a family of 3 take this much medication (and this was taken before FOUR new medications were added for JD) ? We truly are the "Sick"anders, BUT we are so thankful to finally be on the mend!!

Bits n Pieces

Where have the past two weeks gone? We have been on the go non-stop. I am ready for a break! Funny thing is, I am not sure what we have been doing! But, I will try my best to come up with something.

LilE--Well, she is what this blog has been all about since we returned from Christmas. We were glad to get back into a routine with her after a two week free-for-all. She is enjoying school again and playing with her friends. The weather was even nice enough this week to enjoy some outdoor play! She spent last Saturday at her favorite, Chick-fil-a, for a good friend's birthday. She has also spent some time with some of the other staff kids recently. She even got to be a big sister for the day while we took care of a sweet 3 month old. She was a great helper to me.

In health news, she went back to the ENT earlier this month for a repeat hearing test. And she passed with flying colors! Therefore we were released from his care and now get to work on fixing the behavioral "what?" that keeps coming out of her mouth. So, her ears are good, but her nose has started running for the first time in 6 weeks. Bummer.

JD--The work of the church is back in full swing after a two-week vacation. The year has started off with goals and action steps to reach those goals. He has been evaluating what is going on in his ministry area as well as other areas of the church and seeking how to better the vision of the church.

He has also started reading more this year. Gasp! He is on a quick track plan through the Bible. Even though he is not necessarily reading for comprehension, he has enjoyed learning more broad information because he is reading it quickly. I am proud of his drive and desire to spend more time in the Word.

KLee--I have been organizing a bit and trying to keep the house in order. Easier said than done. I went through LilE's toys to make room for the new toys she was given for Christmas. We got this cubie for her room and filled it up. And now the living room is a bit more adult! I also organized all my sewing stuff. You can read about it here. Speaking of sewing, I have several projects I am working on. But you will have to wait and see. One project being a 4 year old birthday party!

This semester's Bible studies have kicked off. Mom to Mom started at the beginning of the month. I enjoy being with other mom's who can relate to things that go on in our home and find encouragement in them as well. On Wednesday night I am sitting in on a marriage study-Marriage Built to Last by Chip Ingram. It is a great study! Too bad I have been single as JD is involved with children's ministry programming. And I am really excited to start back with my girls on Monday night as we dive into Ruth!

KLee and JD--We were able to enjoy our first date of the new year thanks to a generous Christmas gift! We had dinner out followed by a trip to the theater to see The Blind Side. Good movie. Who would have thought that since it came out in November the theater would be packed. Seriously. We didn't sit next to each other. How romantic.

We have started to work out. Really. And we have been at it for two weeks now. P90X. It is one tough workout, but we are feeling good about ourselves and have a bit more endurance.

Our TV watching time has also been cut way down. We have realized how much time we spend sitting on the couch and decided there are other things that can be done that are more productive! We have taken a few shows off the "to watch" list and we are enjoying some time together.

Our Family--Two weeks ago we had the joy of the stomach virus. Fortunately, we were all finished with it within one weekend. Another positive--my house is now germ free! But on a more fun note, for the past three Friday nights we have had family night. Play-doh sculpting, cookie making, and more! It has been fun to spend time just the three of us.

So, I figured out what we have been up to! Now it is your turn. What have you and your family been doing this January?

November Update

November has been a pretty low key month for us thus far. Here is a quick update on what is going on.

KLee--I have been sewing lots and lots. Christmas presents are being made. As well as a purse for me and a new dress for LilE. LilE's dress does need some alterations (to long of a story to explain why). Pictures to be posted later of all the goodies.

I also finally made the closet switch from summer to winter. Yes, it is late, BUT it was 75 degrees earlier this week! I am trying something new this year. I would love to give credit to someone, but I don't remember who or where I heard about it. When I hung all my winter clothes up, I put the hanger backwards in my closet. Once it is worn, the hanger can go back in the closet the right way. At the end of the season, any hangers still turned around were not worn. The plan is to donate clothes that are not worn. Because if I didn't wear them this year, I probably won't wear them next year either.

Can you see the couple of things I have washed since this started?

JD--Work defintely keeps him busy. With the spring semester right around the corner (as well as a two week vacation), there are lots of things to be done before January gets here.

He has also spent some time counseling. I have learned over the past few months first hand how Satan is attacking the Christian marriage. But over these trying times, JD and I have grown closer together, realizing that we are not immune to struggles.

LilE--She continues to LOVE school. She comes home and teaches all her stuffed animals what she has learned at school. She loves her new friends and talks about them often. She loves to write. We practice letters all the time. She also loves to color. During her "quiet time" (aka no nap time) she will color pictures for different people. She takes time to make each one special as well as signing her name on each. And she loves to watch movies. We are spending lots of time with the TV on these days. I will post on that soon.

Usually she is NOT this close. But isn't she cute?

LilE has also started helping out around the house. She helps Daddy take out the trash a couple of times a week. She washes some dishes and helps unload the dishwasher. She sets the table for lunch and dinner. And she helps with laundry (matching all the socks is pictured below). She will help load the dryer and fold the clothes. It is fun to watch her find her place in our family.

She wears the skirt I made her with any shirt but the one that matches. Oh well.