And just when I think my children couldn't possibly challenge me in any way they haven't already, they surprise me and act like perfect little angels. The moment is rare, savor it (I know I did):
Friday, February 29, 2008
3 Year Old Unsupervised With Camera
This is why I shouldn't leave my camera where DJ can reach it:
And just when I think my children couldn't possibly challenge me in any way they haven't already, they surprise me and act like perfect little angels. The moment is rare, savor it (I know I did):
And just when I think my children couldn't possibly challenge me in any way they haven't already, they surprise me and act like perfect little angels. The moment is rare, savor it (I know I did):
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Who Dunnit?
If you're looking for a great way to spend an evening and get some good healthy laughs, I highly recommend planning your own Murder Mystery party. I think it would have been so fun to be a fly on the wall to watch and hear all of us acting our little hearts out. I had the hardest time staying in character because it was so funny. Others, wouldn't break character for anything. The thing that impressed me most, besides the very well-thought out costumes, was the people who came prepared. One character for example, was a female escort (if you knew my friend Kathy, this would be HILARIOUS to you) and she came with a sequenced fanny pack "to hold her lipstick, cigarettes and her business cards". She passed out these business cards which read, "If you've got the money honey, I've got the time", to everyone at the party. I think she gave us all a healthy dose of laugh endorfins. I'm sure we all added a year to our lives with all the laughing that we did last night and will continue to do as we remember the great time we had. I know Caleb and I will never forget what a fabulous time we had at "Oakley's Mansion".
For a more well-rounded view of the evening please check out our friends' blogs:
Ted's video
Annie's Summary
The Diva's Account
This is my friend Tina who won best costume. You wouldn't know it but she is the mother of 3- one of which is a teenager:
For those of you who know the real Kathy (the one who has a basket on the front of her bicycle to take food to neighbors), this is hysterical:
Oakley and his faithful butler with the British accent who is from New Jersey???:
Me with some of my girls:
I love this group of people:
Funny girls!:
This is my friend Angela who won Best Actress. She stayed in character (to the point that it was a little frightening) as the Diva name Dalila. "Crack is wack!":
Breaking character for a quick kiss:
The Missippi female escort trying to get future business:
We had a blast last night at a Murder Mystery party with our small group. It was called Night at the Waskers, hosted by our friends The Magners. Everyone got so into their character and the costumes were incredible. It was more fun than I had even hoped for. What a fun group of people!
For a more well-rounded view of the evening please check out our friends' blogs:
Ted's video
Annie's Summary
The Diva's Account
This is my friend Tina who won best costume. You wouldn't know it but she is the mother of 3- one of which is a teenager:
For those of you who know the real Kathy (the one who has a basket on the front of her bicycle to take food to neighbors), this is hysterical:
Oakley and his faithful butler with the British accent who is from New Jersey???:
Me with some of my girls:
I love this group of people:
Funny girls!:
This is my friend Angela who won Best Actress. She stayed in character (to the point that it was a little frightening) as the Diva name Dalila. "Crack is wack!":
Breaking character for a quick kiss:
The Missippi female escort trying to get future business:
We had a blast last night at a Murder Mystery party with our small group. It was called Night at the Waskers, hosted by our friends The Magners. Everyone got so into their character and the costumes were incredible. It was more fun than I had even hoped for. What a fun group of people!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Gaining Weight, Thriving and Keeping Mommy Busy!
Just wanted to give an update on our little Elle-girl. About 3 months ago we had a rough doctor's appointment that left us concerned about Elle. She was under weight and her iron levels were low. Since then we've tried to bulk her up a bit and give her iron suppliments to help her get up to speed.
We had a doctor's appointment yesterday and found out she is doing well. She has gained 3 pounds since our last visit and her iron is at a very good level. I don't have to continue to give her iron drops in her oatmeal anymore.(Yay!) They will check her iron at her 18 month visit in May to be sure that her healthy levels are here to stay. Her height was in the 50% range and her weight in the 15%. The doctor said she's not concerned at all and that she'll probably just be tall and thin. Nothing to worry about.
She also says a ton of words like "Teeyoo" (Thank you), "Ommy" (Mommy), "Daddy" (of course she says that one perfect), "BAYbee" (Baby) and "Boo" (for peek-a-boo). She blows kisses and waves bye-bye. She also climbs on top of the table, which I'm not that happy about. Lastly, she has just learned to turn door knobs, making my job that much harder because it's not as easy to keep her out of clean rooms.
So thanks to everyone who has been praying for her. We appreciate it more than you know!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Standing Up for Bryant
Bryant asked in December if he could get baptized. We were a little surprised because this was not something that either Caleb or I had ever approached him about. We really wanted that to be his own decision and not something that we suggested or encouraged. We felt, especially at such a young age, it needed to be his very own desire and decision. He recently came to that decision and we were so thrilled that he did. One of the children in our small group was recently baptized and when Bry heard about it, he wanted to take that next step in his faith too.
The pastor asked all friends and family to stand in support of Bryant. I stood with others who love our boy and watched him from the congregation. I couldn't hold back the tears. He looked so small and young up there. Eight people were baptized in all on Sunday. At Riverbluff, the one getting baptized dips their finger into salt and then tastes it. Then the pastor says something like "just like that salt created a change in your mouth that you can't ignore, so will you make a change in the world." He also said, "Do you like salt on your french fries?"....."Well just like salt makes french fries taste better, you're going to make the world a better place." Then he lit a candle and sent Bryant out with the candle and told him he was the light of the world and told him to not let anyone put his light under a basket.
I know as Bryant grows, he will understand this decision more and more over the years. I truly believe though, that Bryant understands his commitment to follow Christ and live his life in a way that honors God, as much as a 7 year old boy can. It is something he genuinely desires and that to me is very humbling as a parent.
Thanks to all of you who stood up for Bryant on Sunday. Thanks also, to the many people who weren't there on Sunday because you live all over the U.S. but have stood up for him countless times in prayer. Please continue to lift Bryant up in prayer as he continues on his young walk of faith. Our hope for him (and his sisters) is that he will love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength and that he would love his neighbor as himself. We pray that God would unfold great plans for his life and use him in a mighty way.
Feel free to leave a comment for Bryant and we will be sure he sees them.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Happy Birthday Caleb!
Today is Caleb's 33rd birthday. In celebration of his life and the wonderful man he is, here are 33 things I love about my man:
1. He can always make me laugh. Caleb is great at getting me to crack a smile, especially when I don't feel like it. He will do whatever it takes to get me laughing, including acting like a complete goofball.
2. He's balanced. He keeps things in perspective like making time for fun and leisure but also taking care of responsibilities.
3. He loves our children so much. Parenting doesn't always come easy for Caleb and I but we are both committed to continually getting better at it because we love our little ones so very much. I can't imagine a better partner to raise children with.
4. He genuinely seeks God with his whole being. Caleb has developed such a love and a need for God's Word. He wants to spend time with God each day so that it will transform him day by day into the man God wants him to be. What an inspiration.
5. Caleb can take it. Caleb is remarkably good at taking feedback. He remains humble when praised and open when criticized. I have learned a lot about accepting feedback from Caleb's example.
6. He smells good. Caleb's things always smell good. I love when I use his car because his smell is there. His clothes always smell really nice- even the ones he's already worn. There's just something about "his" smell that is really clean and fresh and I love it.
7. He's not a mean fighter. Caleb and I don't argue very often, but when we do, he is the nicest fighter I've ever met. He usually says "sorry" first and is a peace maker. He's taught me a lot in this area too because I am not always nice and I can have a nasty sharp tongue.(not pretty)
8. Caleb takes me right where I'm at. I'm not sure why but I think Caleb actually prefers me in bummy clothes, with messy hair and no make-up. For those few of you who have seen me in this lowly state, you understand the mystery.
9. He enjoys the things I enjoy. While Caleb and I do have some different interests, we have many that are the same. We both love the outdoors, camping, and hiking. But he also isn't afraid to enjoy the arts; photography, plays, museums, etc. We really love to spend time together and appreciate the same things simple things in life.
10. He cares about his health. Early in our marriage, we both put on a good amount of weight- we were fat and happy. As romantic as that may be, it wasn't healthy. Since then, Caleb has gotten very serious about his weight and health and runs almost daily. A couple of years ago he even ran a full marathon and finished UNDER 4 hours! He inspires me to be more fit.
11. It is important for him to be on time. This is an area I struggle in but he has shown me the importance and I'm glad he cares about details like that.
12. His integrity. Caleb is big on doing the right thing. I don't have words to adequately express my appreciation for his integrity but it's huge.
13. He handles our budget. I did the budget for the first 6 years and now he does it. He's WAY better at it!
14. He supports me and all my crazy dreams and ambitions. He's the first one to tell me, "Go for it Jaim. I know you can do it."
15. He is a good friend. Not only to me, but to anyone he befriends. He has friends from elementary school that are still some of his best friends.
16. His family is my family. His brothers are my brothers and I'm just one of the gang. I love that.
17. He is good at so many things. Caleb can learn how to do things well really fast. He is a fast learner and great at passing tests. He can learn anything from juggling to getting his EMT certification relatively easily.
18. He loves my family. Caleb genuinely loves my family like his own. His relationship with my parents is incredible and he cares about my family in such an amazing way.
19. Caleb is a dreamer. He's not afraid to dream big and take risks. We've been through some big adventures mostly because he wasn't afraid to chase a dream or two.
20. Caleb values life and wants to live his as well as possible. This is contagious.
21. He didn't give up on me when I was 30 minutes late for our first date. I'll always love that about him.
22. He likes to give people the benefit of the doubt. Often I'm quick to assume ill intentions and Caleb is good at bringing me back to a point of considering others. He's not usually quick to judge.
23. He's level headed. He's not easily swayed by his emotions. This is very useful in a house with 3 girls!
24. He is an amazing husband. Caleb acts like I am the most beautiful woman in the world and has this amazing wealth of kindness and patience towards me. I just don't get it.
25. He has strong work ethic. Along with integrity, taking feedback well and wanting to always be on time, Caleb truly wants to do the best job possible. If he is lacking in any area, he really wants to know about it so he can work harder in that area.
26. He's not pretentious. He's the real deal. What you see is what you get.
27. He likes to get people out of a bad mood. Not sure why but he enjoys this little challenge.
28. He is thoughtful. Caleb puts thought into gifts and things he does. He'll often come home from the grocery store with flowers. Or he'll return from a trip with gifts for the kids. He's always thinking about us and his entire life shows me that.
29. He can have fun anywhere. We've been through some season where we've had very little money but I can't honestly say during any season we haven't had fun. Whether it's playing "Hangman" on paper napkins at our favorite coffee house or hiking the closest mountain, Caleb finds fun.
30. He's a great communicator. At least with me because I always understand where he's coming from and what he means. He's not afraid to open up and be real.
31. He is brave. Caleb has done some things in his lifetime that I never would want to do. He has big faith, which helps but he is not afraid to do some scary stuff, like hang off cliffs to recue someone, chase an armed bad guy in the forest, and that sort of thing.
32. He is tender. As rugged as he can be, he is also that gentle and kind. He's very sweet and not afraid to show emotion- even if it involves tears.
33. He is more than I ever hoped for. I absolutely love being in Caleb's company. He is so much fun but so real and sincere. I cannot possible imagine a better teammate to raise children with and commit my life whole life to. I feel blessed to get to grow old with this man, one birthday at a time.
Happy Birthday Caleb. I'm even more in love with you now than I was on your 23rd birthday. Can you believe we've been celebrating birthdays together for 10 years now? Best years of my life! Enjoy your day!
Jaim
1. He can always make me laugh. Caleb is great at getting me to crack a smile, especially when I don't feel like it. He will do whatever it takes to get me laughing, including acting like a complete goofball.
2. He's balanced. He keeps things in perspective like making time for fun and leisure but also taking care of responsibilities.
3. He loves our children so much. Parenting doesn't always come easy for Caleb and I but we are both committed to continually getting better at it because we love our little ones so very much. I can't imagine a better partner to raise children with.
4. He genuinely seeks God with his whole being. Caleb has developed such a love and a need for God's Word. He wants to spend time with God each day so that it will transform him day by day into the man God wants him to be. What an inspiration.
5. Caleb can take it. Caleb is remarkably good at taking feedback. He remains humble when praised and open when criticized. I have learned a lot about accepting feedback from Caleb's example.
6. He smells good. Caleb's things always smell good. I love when I use his car because his smell is there. His clothes always smell really nice- even the ones he's already worn. There's just something about "his" smell that is really clean and fresh and I love it.
7. He's not a mean fighter. Caleb and I don't argue very often, but when we do, he is the nicest fighter I've ever met. He usually says "sorry" first and is a peace maker. He's taught me a lot in this area too because I am not always nice and I can have a nasty sharp tongue.(not pretty)
8. Caleb takes me right where I'm at. I'm not sure why but I think Caleb actually prefers me in bummy clothes, with messy hair and no make-up. For those few of you who have seen me in this lowly state, you understand the mystery.
9. He enjoys the things I enjoy. While Caleb and I do have some different interests, we have many that are the same. We both love the outdoors, camping, and hiking. But he also isn't afraid to enjoy the arts; photography, plays, museums, etc. We really love to spend time together and appreciate the same things simple things in life.
10. He cares about his health. Early in our marriage, we both put on a good amount of weight- we were fat and happy. As romantic as that may be, it wasn't healthy. Since then, Caleb has gotten very serious about his weight and health and runs almost daily. A couple of years ago he even ran a full marathon and finished UNDER 4 hours! He inspires me to be more fit.
11. It is important for him to be on time. This is an area I struggle in but he has shown me the importance and I'm glad he cares about details like that.
12. His integrity. Caleb is big on doing the right thing. I don't have words to adequately express my appreciation for his integrity but it's huge.
13. He handles our budget. I did the budget for the first 6 years and now he does it. He's WAY better at it!
14. He supports me and all my crazy dreams and ambitions. He's the first one to tell me, "Go for it Jaim. I know you can do it."
15. He is a good friend. Not only to me, but to anyone he befriends. He has friends from elementary school that are still some of his best friends.
16. His family is my family. His brothers are my brothers and I'm just one of the gang. I love that.
17. He is good at so many things. Caleb can learn how to do things well really fast. He is a fast learner and great at passing tests. He can learn anything from juggling to getting his EMT certification relatively easily.
18. He loves my family. Caleb genuinely loves my family like his own. His relationship with my parents is incredible and he cares about my family in such an amazing way.
19. Caleb is a dreamer. He's not afraid to dream big and take risks. We've been through some big adventures mostly because he wasn't afraid to chase a dream or two.
20. Caleb values life and wants to live his as well as possible. This is contagious.
21. He didn't give up on me when I was 30 minutes late for our first date. I'll always love that about him.
22. He likes to give people the benefit of the doubt. Often I'm quick to assume ill intentions and Caleb is good at bringing me back to a point of considering others. He's not usually quick to judge.
23. He's level headed. He's not easily swayed by his emotions. This is very useful in a house with 3 girls!
24. He is an amazing husband. Caleb acts like I am the most beautiful woman in the world and has this amazing wealth of kindness and patience towards me. I just don't get it.
25. He has strong work ethic. Along with integrity, taking feedback well and wanting to always be on time, Caleb truly wants to do the best job possible. If he is lacking in any area, he really wants to know about it so he can work harder in that area.
26. He's not pretentious. He's the real deal. What you see is what you get.
27. He likes to get people out of a bad mood. Not sure why but he enjoys this little challenge.
28. He is thoughtful. Caleb puts thought into gifts and things he does. He'll often come home from the grocery store with flowers. Or he'll return from a trip with gifts for the kids. He's always thinking about us and his entire life shows me that.
29. He can have fun anywhere. We've been through some season where we've had very little money but I can't honestly say during any season we haven't had fun. Whether it's playing "Hangman" on paper napkins at our favorite coffee house or hiking the closest mountain, Caleb finds fun.
30. He's a great communicator. At least with me because I always understand where he's coming from and what he means. He's not afraid to open up and be real.
31. He is brave. Caleb has done some things in his lifetime that I never would want to do. He has big faith, which helps but he is not afraid to do some scary stuff, like hang off cliffs to recue someone, chase an armed bad guy in the forest, and that sort of thing.
32. He is tender. As rugged as he can be, he is also that gentle and kind. He's very sweet and not afraid to show emotion- even if it involves tears.
33. He is more than I ever hoped for. I absolutely love being in Caleb's company. He is so much fun but so real and sincere. I cannot possible imagine a better teammate to raise children with and commit my life whole life to. I feel blessed to get to grow old with this man, one birthday at a time.
Happy Birthday Caleb. I'm even more in love with you now than I was on your 23rd birthday. Can you believe we've been celebrating birthdays together for 10 years now? Best years of my life! Enjoy your day!
Jaim
Getting Ready To Smile
So I had a dentist appointment yesterday and even though I really liked him and it went very well, I got home and bawled my eyes out. I think it was because my smile has been such a source of emotional pain for most of my life. I think part of me was happy and relieved with the visit and part of me just needed a good cry. Having broken my two front permanent teeth when I was only 7 has really affected me. I feel like a nice smile says so much about a person. I feel like a yucky smile says a lot too- even though the assumptions can be false. I feel like people assume one's hygiene isn't good if their smile isn't gleaming white and that sort of thing. Have you ever noticed on movies and cartoons the bad guys always have less than desirable smiles? I've always been very self conscious of my smile and go through seasons of depression and doubt because I hate my teeth so much. (You're probably thinking I'm silly, but it's true) I'm so glad God looks at the heart and not the outward appearance- not that my heart is always perfect but I'm glad I don't have to get His favor based on how I look. He takes me right where I am.
So, I found out yesterday that I've got to get my much needed dental work done as soon as possible. It will take a couple of months and will cost a lot- I have no idea how we'll pay for it or if we're supposed to finance it. But the dentist said we really need to get this stuff done now because if I wait I'm going to have bone damage, if I don't already. I think overall this is a blessing because I can't put it off due to finances any longer. Really, I shouldn't have put it off this long. I don't know why I always put my needs last and I haven't really been honest with Caleb about how badly I wanted/needed to have all this done. I've just stuffed it down, thinking it would happen someday. Well, thanks be to God because I think that day has finally come!
So, we'll start by whitening all my teeth (Can I get an AMEN?). This will make my front two teeth look much worse in comparison to the others because they aren't natural tooth and won't whiten. So basically, for about 2 weeks I will be laying very low so I wont be seen much with my mismatched tooth color. Next he will replace my front two teeth with beautiful ceramics!!! You have no idea how excited this makes me. He said by the time we're all done I am going to love my smile. Honestly, if that happens, it will be the first time in my whole life that I will feel good about my smile.
I was a 7 year old, with brand new permanent teeth (little bumps still on the bottoms of them and all) when I slipped and fell on wet concrete. It was very traumatic for me and even more traumatic for my poor mom who heard me crying and came running to a bloody mouth and two broken teeth. We went straight to the dentist after hours. The dentist was very kind I remember and he bonded my teeth for me. The problem with bonding is it stains quickly and over time it cracks. Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way since then and I shouldn't ever have to have "bonding" again! (Can I get another AMEN?)
I'm so serious about this, if I were ever blessed with a lot of money, I would set up some kind of dental scholarship for people who need dental work and can't afford it. Friends, hold me to this if I ever by chance ended up wealthy, okay?
So I guess in all this, I want to ask for prayer that first of all it would all go smoothly and that I would in fact be happy with my new smile. I guess anything is an upgrade but I've waited this long, I hope it is a good experience. Next, that God would give us wisdom on how to afford this and/or if we should finance it.
I'm sure you didn't plan on a dental update when you logged on to my blog today. I won't start the whole process probably for another month because that is how long it takes the insurance company to give an estimate of their coverage. Then hopefully it will all begin. If I'm brave enough, I will post before and after pictures when it's all said and done. Okay, thanks for reading.
So, I found out yesterday that I've got to get my much needed dental work done as soon as possible. It will take a couple of months and will cost a lot- I have no idea how we'll pay for it or if we're supposed to finance it. But the dentist said we really need to get this stuff done now because if I wait I'm going to have bone damage, if I don't already. I think overall this is a blessing because I can't put it off due to finances any longer. Really, I shouldn't have put it off this long. I don't know why I always put my needs last and I haven't really been honest with Caleb about how badly I wanted/needed to have all this done. I've just stuffed it down, thinking it would happen someday. Well, thanks be to God because I think that day has finally come!
So, we'll start by whitening all my teeth (Can I get an AMEN?). This will make my front two teeth look much worse in comparison to the others because they aren't natural tooth and won't whiten. So basically, for about 2 weeks I will be laying very low so I wont be seen much with my mismatched tooth color. Next he will replace my front two teeth with beautiful ceramics!!! You have no idea how excited this makes me. He said by the time we're all done I am going to love my smile. Honestly, if that happens, it will be the first time in my whole life that I will feel good about my smile.
I was a 7 year old, with brand new permanent teeth (little bumps still on the bottoms of them and all) when I slipped and fell on wet concrete. It was very traumatic for me and even more traumatic for my poor mom who heard me crying and came running to a bloody mouth and two broken teeth. We went straight to the dentist after hours. The dentist was very kind I remember and he bonded my teeth for me. The problem with bonding is it stains quickly and over time it cracks. Thankfully, dentistry has come a long way since then and I shouldn't ever have to have "bonding" again! (Can I get another AMEN?)
I'm so serious about this, if I were ever blessed with a lot of money, I would set up some kind of dental scholarship for people who need dental work and can't afford it. Friends, hold me to this if I ever by chance ended up wealthy, okay?
So I guess in all this, I want to ask for prayer that first of all it would all go smoothly and that I would in fact be happy with my new smile. I guess anything is an upgrade but I've waited this long, I hope it is a good experience. Next, that God would give us wisdom on how to afford this and/or if we should finance it.
I'm sure you didn't plan on a dental update when you logged on to my blog today. I won't start the whole process probably for another month because that is how long it takes the insurance company to give an estimate of their coverage. Then hopefully it will all begin. If I'm brave enough, I will post before and after pictures when it's all said and done. Okay, thanks for reading.
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