Child Labor?

Can I be brought up on charges for child labor?! Noah took to the sponge and cleaned the dishwasher over...and over...and over...Sunday afternoon!



Despite my efforts to get him to move on to the fridge, or the stove, he thought the dishwasher was worth every minute of his time.

I love our little man!

Jacob, Job, and Babies!

A vacation from my blog.

Hmmmmm....

That's where I've been, on vacation from my blog. I've thought each day about something, anything to post. There's been nothing.

I've thought about writing about Jacob, or Job. They've been on my mind a lot. A lot, a lot. I've joined a friend in reading The Chronological Bible in a Year. I have to admit that as I've been reading Job, the thought has crossed my mind to skip ahead. I even told Mark I was tired of hearing Job complain...maybe I'm with high school kids too often (or just the ones who complain)! But Job isn't about Job complaining, it's about a man, sold out to God, who wants his God, my God, to restore him. To bless him. To find him faithful. Job wasn't about to give up.

Then there is Jacob. As Mark and I were going to bed one night I commented on the life of Jacob...born grabbing Esau's heel, tricked Isaac into giving him Esau's birth right...it goes on. Jacob's life reflects the love of God to bless a fallen man...a fallen men...a fallen nation. How Great is Our God!

There's more...when I can put it into words I'll post more.

For now, a celebration of life! Many of you know I have a dear friend who was born with a heart condition. A few years ago she had open heart surgery. The heart condition keeps her from carrying her own children. She and her husband have spent the last few years working with a facility in California/Colorado to use a surrogate to have their children. It's been a long process and through it they have seen several friends have babies (us included). I have cried with her, grieving her womb that will remain forever silent. I have rejoiced with her as finances poured out allowing them to continue the journey. I have prayed for her, shouted with her, and watched the Lord humble her heart and spirit. It really has been a journey. We celebrate now, her baby (or babies) are now 4 weeks old, and growing. They have a long time to grow until we see them outside the womb, but I am celebrating with Becca and John for the life...or lives that we will see in 9 months!

One of THOSE Moms

Today.

It happened.

Noah and I went to the grocery store to buy food for a local family who is in great need.

We came out.

Noah was put in the car seat, with Yo Gabba Gabba playing along.



He took my keys.

I left the back door open...ajar.

I put the cart in the cart holder.

That's when I heard it.

Honk.

Click.

CLICK?!?! CLICK?!?!?

My brain couldn't process. The door, the door...I left it ajar...so the click of my car doors locking shouldn't be a problem.

Wrong. DEAD WRONG.

The door was shut enough to lock.

Noah. The keys. The locked doors.

I called Mark. I asked a bag boy to run inside and get help...to call the police.

A former student came out and stood with me while we waited for the police.

I was one of THOSE moms. How could it have happened?

In the end, Noah was fine. In fact he laughed and danced in his car seat, waiving the keys around as the police officer, Kaley, and I watched and waited for the master locksmith came. Noah was probably in there a total of 15 minutes, but it seemed like an eternity. Who would have known that the money we invested in one of those car DVD players would entertain my son who had locked himself in the car while I stood helplessly by.

Praise Him in This Storm

I know, the title to a Casting Crowns' song...but really, this title is literal for me today! Last night I sat in the living room too exhausted to move from the chair once we put Noah down for the night.

I told Mark that I didn't know how we would get laundry done, get packed, "insert task here"...and in the end, I really didn't care. I went to bed...at 8:00.

This morning I got up for my quiet time, made myself a cup of yummy flavored coffee (which really made me think of mornings with Julie back the FBC Bryan days), put on my headphones, pulled up a Beth Moore Bible study and asked the Lord to prepare me for the day.

Then it happened...the call...school was closed for a snow day! Praise God...really!!! I didn't anticipate it (yes, I knew we were expecting snow, but we live in Missouri and they don't close school for an inch of snow...but they did today!).

Noah and I stayed home together.

He helped me by transferring my hose to Mark's sock drawer and Mark's socks to my drawer.



He helped close the dryer door just when I needed him too, and he made sure that the living room would still need picked up tonight as it does every night.



So...here are the results of the day:



I am praising Him for this storm!! I can't wait to see my Texas family and friends in less than a week!!

We're Coming!

Three weeks. That is how long before these feet touch Texas soil again! I honestly can't wait!

It has been a year and a half since I was last home. I am ready to reconnect with family and friends. I am ready for Noah to run on the A&M campus, to sit in the grass of Research Park, to be held by my family...and for him to meet those friends who are so dear to me there. So before we arrive, a few messages for those we will see...

Lisa & Ashley...I am ready for Sweet Eugene's, laughter, and probably a few tissues (although I promise not to inhale any while crying)!

Aunt Helen...you better warn Jake.

Mom and Dad...right...you won't spoil Noah.

Uncle Larry...Noah can pull the fire out of even the shortest hair.

Cynthia...you better keep Syla clear of Noah...he will really have the baby bug...and you just might catch it as well!

Aunt Lisa...Arthur should probably be warned as well. Oh, also...we bring a mess with us!

Jack, Sam, and Beth...we can't wait for Noah to play with y'all. He can walk...but hasn't quite learned sharing yet!

Seriously, we are so excited! We can hardly wait. I have already started packing the car...no, that isn't a joke.

We will come with lots and leave with so much more...

Love y'all and see you soon!!

Noah Update

For those of you who have been praying for Noah this past week, thank you! Keep praying though, he has had an allergic reaction to his antibiotic which has caused a severe rash on his torso, and fits of screaming (20-120 minutes at a time). We were up last night from 12:30-4:00 with him. He is just uncomfortable. We are asking for healing for his already weak body.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26

What a Difference a Year Makes

Last year at this time I was awaiting the arrival of little Noah. I had dreams, hopes, doubts, insecurities...
My house was decorated for the holidays, I was anticipating my first Christmas without my family, I was wondering what motherhood would really be like.
My clothes didn't fit, my shoes wouldn't go on, and my wedding ring hadn't seen my hand in months.
So now, a year later...I have new dreams, hopes, doubts, and insecurities...
My house in partially decorated for Thanksgiving and partially for Christmas. I am joyfully anticipating my first Christmas with Noah and my family. I am finding out what motherhood really is.
My clothes fit, but they are the old ones I wore before Noah, my shoes will go on...but I had to break down and buy a new pair, and my wedding ring is in my jewelry box because I haven't had a moment to put it on yet today.

Wow...