Thursday, October 29, 2009
It all boils down to this...
...we need help in this waiting and that help comes from Above. Thank you for praying with us.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Closer to a Year!
Yes, it's true. Cora is now 7 months and is closer to being a year old than not. Sigh...how does this happen??? Of course, she was 7 months yesterday, but I just didn't get my act together to get this done in time! So, what has our little girl been up to this past month? Oh, so many things!
She has learned the joys of other foods besides her trusty Alimentum formula! We started with carrots (loves), then green beans (hates), applesauce (loves) and right now butternut squash, which seems to be her favorite so far! It's so much fun for me to feed her and watch her as she discovers new tastes and textures.
She is rolling like a pro and very quickly gets to where she wants by doing so! She'll be one place and we'll turn around only to discover she's no longer there. She is getting better and better with sitting up. As long as she's not startled or the dog doesn't lick her she seems to be fine. She has, however, received her first battle wound. She fell over the other day and hit her cheek on the plastic box that holds her blocks. Yeah, she has a bruise now. :( Made me very sad, and of course she was not pleased either!
Cora is learning to wave and most of the time will wave back at you. She notices when Mommy and/or Daddy are NOT in the room or her line of vision. She loves to sit and eat, I mean, READ books (as long as you don't do too many!) and just loves to be played with. She continues to love Molly and we've had to start telling her "no" as she reaches and pulls on Molly's ears and nose and tail and...Bless Molly's heart, she just takes it all in stride and doesn't seem to mind.
We've had to start disciplining a little bit. Yep, our little angel can be quite unangelic at times. GASP! say the grandparents! :) Well, it's true. She has decided that throwing temper tantrums is fun. So, she is learning what "no" means and other such "fun" things. And so it begins...
As Cora gets older and older I become more and more aware of the awesome responsibility I've been given when blessed with this child. Wow. I'm forming her life. I'm affecting how she reacts to things. It's such a huge responsibility and very overwhelming most of the time.
Hopefully, I'll get some photos posted of her. I took several yesterday when it was her 7 month day. We can only hope, right? :)
She has learned the joys of other foods besides her trusty Alimentum formula! We started with carrots (loves), then green beans (hates), applesauce (loves) and right now butternut squash, which seems to be her favorite so far! It's so much fun for me to feed her and watch her as she discovers new tastes and textures.
She is rolling like a pro and very quickly gets to where she wants by doing so! She'll be one place and we'll turn around only to discover she's no longer there. She is getting better and better with sitting up. As long as she's not startled or the dog doesn't lick her she seems to be fine. She has, however, received her first battle wound. She fell over the other day and hit her cheek on the plastic box that holds her blocks. Yeah, she has a bruise now. :( Made me very sad, and of course she was not pleased either!
Cora is learning to wave and most of the time will wave back at you. She notices when Mommy and/or Daddy are NOT in the room or her line of vision. She loves to sit and eat, I mean, READ books (as long as you don't do too many!) and just loves to be played with. She continues to love Molly and we've had to start telling her "no" as she reaches and pulls on Molly's ears and nose and tail and...Bless Molly's heart, she just takes it all in stride and doesn't seem to mind.
We've had to start disciplining a little bit. Yep, our little angel can be quite unangelic at times. GASP! say the grandparents! :) Well, it's true. She has decided that throwing temper tantrums is fun. So, she is learning what "no" means and other such "fun" things. And so it begins...
As Cora gets older and older I become more and more aware of the awesome responsibility I've been given when blessed with this child. Wow. I'm forming her life. I'm affecting how she reacts to things. It's such a huge responsibility and very overwhelming most of the time.
Hopefully, I'll get some photos posted of her. I took several yesterday when it was her 7 month day. We can only hope, right? :)
Monday, October 26, 2009
Fall on Beecher Road
Here's a glimpse into our fall on Beecher Road. These are all taken from our yard. The colors are so brilliant this year! Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Things that go bump in the night
Growing up in deep, darkest Africa, I know what it is to see and feel darkness. When you're out at night with nothing but the moon and stars to light your path from above and hopefully a trusty flashlight it is VERY dark. My mom was walking home one night in the pitch black, made blacker because her flashlight went out on her, and ran into something. That something said, "MOOOOOOOOO!" and mom died laughing realizing a cow had wandered onto the path going up to our house and she, in turn, had run into the cow! It's amazing when light is taken how dark a room can be, can feel. Sometimes the darkness is almost oppressive. It's no wonder we bump into things at night when it's so dark. We can't see, so we're walking aimlessly about, trying to feel our way. That's how I feel--the "thing" that goes "bump" in the night.
Why do I feel like this? Simply because I have no idea where God is leading us. I feel like our trusty flashlight has gone out on us and we only have darkness left and we're praying we don't run into a "cow." I feel like any light God was shining on our path is now gone and we're left to fend for ourselves. When life is dark it's very easy to forget that he hasn't left us. It's very easy to forget he's still with us. We thought we knew the path God was taking us. We thought he was shining his flashlight saying, "Here, take this path," but now, we're not so sure. Now we don't know what path he's taking us down. I often find myself asking if he IS taking us down a path or if we're just supposed to wander around in the dark, hoping not to go bump in the night. I have felt, for several days, that I'm walking in deep, dark Africa, on a moonless night with no flashlight to guide my way.
However, I can't fall into despair. What is faith, after all? It's the hope of things unseen. We are told "the Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him." (Lam 3:25) We are told the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. We are told of his love for us over and over and over again. We are not really going bump in the night, we just have to realize that maybe we need to stop wandering around, sit down, collect ourselves and realize that the path is there. We have to trust that he'll guide us down it when it's the right time.
Lord, help me to wait gracefully on your timing. Help me not to sink into despair, but to remember that you are God and you are great and you love me.
Why do I feel like this? Simply because I have no idea where God is leading us. I feel like our trusty flashlight has gone out on us and we only have darkness left and we're praying we don't run into a "cow." I feel like any light God was shining on our path is now gone and we're left to fend for ourselves. When life is dark it's very easy to forget that he hasn't left us. It's very easy to forget he's still with us. We thought we knew the path God was taking us. We thought he was shining his flashlight saying, "Here, take this path," but now, we're not so sure. Now we don't know what path he's taking us down. I often find myself asking if he IS taking us down a path or if we're just supposed to wander around in the dark, hoping not to go bump in the night. I have felt, for several days, that I'm walking in deep, dark Africa, on a moonless night with no flashlight to guide my way.
However, I can't fall into despair. What is faith, after all? It's the hope of things unseen. We are told "the Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him." (Lam 3:25) We are told the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. We are told of his love for us over and over and over again. We are not really going bump in the night, we just have to realize that maybe we need to stop wandering around, sit down, collect ourselves and realize that the path is there. We have to trust that he'll guide us down it when it's the right time.
Lord, help me to wait gracefully on your timing. Help me not to sink into despair, but to remember that you are God and you are great and you love me.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
No Surprises Here!
1 Peter 4: 12-13 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
I have been reading through 1 Peter in the mornings for the past few weeks, taking bits at a time, and I have been stopped at these 2 verses for about a week now. We are told to NOT be surprised when we go through--what?--painful trials. Not just any trial, but a painful one. This has struck me. Why? Well, because, as a human, I guess I AM surprised when I exprience something painful, especially a Christian human. I mean, I'm a Christian, why should life continue to be painful? Au contraire, my friend! Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean the trials go away, it just means when they do come I have the Lord to help me through.
It is no secret that David and I have been going through many trials. Our time at Bankers was one trial after another. And now, here we are in our holding pattern, in a different kind of trial. It's annoying. It's frustrating. It hurts. It's painful. No, we're not dealing with abuse from other people; no, we're not wondering who will tell the next lie about us. But, it's still painful. This waiting thing is NOT fun, but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.
I struggle daily with wanting to know what God has next for us, and I struggle daily trying to understand why we're still waiting. But, let's just face it, I'm commanded to NOT be surprised when I go through painful trials. Why? So that I might be overjoyed when his glory is revealed! Wow! What a promise! What an encouragement! How much greater will his glory be, his plan be when it's revealed when I've had to endure pain to get there.
I'm reminded of my husband. A year ago at this time he was in severe pain. Turns out it was his gall bladder acting up. He was in so much pain that eating was painful, laying was painful, sitting, standing, just existing was painful. But oh the RELIEF he felt as soon as he woke up and realized the pain had been removed! He was able to EAT without pain, walk, sit, lay down. It was amazing! Sure he had a little soreness from the surgery and he'll always have the scars, but he's no longer in pain. How much this is like our painful trials. They hurt. You don't know how much more you can take. You wonder if you'll ever get back to normal--whatever that was? You wonder if you'll ever be able to do the things you enjoyed before the pain. And then, one blessed day (or week, or month, or time, depending on how the Lord chooses to work!) the pain is removed and you begin to heal. Soon, the pain is only a memory, then a distant memory. Yes, you'll have the scars, but I guess maybe they're there to remind you of the pain you went through and just how wonderful it was when the Lord revealed his glory.
I hope that through this painful trial I can sit here and stop being surprised. I hope that I can focus, instead, on his coming glory. I want you to also be encouraged by these words. Don't be surprised, just wait for His glory--it'll be well worth it!
I have been reading through 1 Peter in the mornings for the past few weeks, taking bits at a time, and I have been stopped at these 2 verses for about a week now. We are told to NOT be surprised when we go through--what?--painful trials. Not just any trial, but a painful one. This has struck me. Why? Well, because, as a human, I guess I AM surprised when I exprience something painful, especially a Christian human. I mean, I'm a Christian, why should life continue to be painful? Au contraire, my friend! Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean the trials go away, it just means when they do come I have the Lord to help me through.
It is no secret that David and I have been going through many trials. Our time at Bankers was one trial after another. And now, here we are in our holding pattern, in a different kind of trial. It's annoying. It's frustrating. It hurts. It's painful. No, we're not dealing with abuse from other people; no, we're not wondering who will tell the next lie about us. But, it's still painful. This waiting thing is NOT fun, but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.
I struggle daily with wanting to know what God has next for us, and I struggle daily trying to understand why we're still waiting. But, let's just face it, I'm commanded to NOT be surprised when I go through painful trials. Why? So that I might be overjoyed when his glory is revealed! Wow! What a promise! What an encouragement! How much greater will his glory be, his plan be when it's revealed when I've had to endure pain to get there.
I'm reminded of my husband. A year ago at this time he was in severe pain. Turns out it was his gall bladder acting up. He was in so much pain that eating was painful, laying was painful, sitting, standing, just existing was painful. But oh the RELIEF he felt as soon as he woke up and realized the pain had been removed! He was able to EAT without pain, walk, sit, lay down. It was amazing! Sure he had a little soreness from the surgery and he'll always have the scars, but he's no longer in pain. How much this is like our painful trials. They hurt. You don't know how much more you can take. You wonder if you'll ever get back to normal--whatever that was? You wonder if you'll ever be able to do the things you enjoyed before the pain. And then, one blessed day (or week, or month, or time, depending on how the Lord chooses to work!) the pain is removed and you begin to heal. Soon, the pain is only a memory, then a distant memory. Yes, you'll have the scars, but I guess maybe they're there to remind you of the pain you went through and just how wonderful it was when the Lord revealed his glory.
I hope that through this painful trial I can sit here and stop being surprised. I hope that I can focus, instead, on his coming glory. I want you to also be encouraged by these words. Don't be surprised, just wait for His glory--it'll be well worth it!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Carrots!
We started feeding Cora "real" food on Saturday and carrots were the food of choice! I thought I'd share some photos of her first taste of carrots! :) She's getting better with each feeding and hasn't wrinkled her nose yet--which is good, because her dad and I don't especially care for carrots... :) Oh, and you see tears in some of the photos because she started crying/screaming when I put her in the high chair, however, as you can see it didn't last long! :)
And, just because she's so cute! :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Now that I'm 6 Months...
Mommy said I could write this blog today. I wanted to give you an update on me, now that I'm 6 months old! I did not like my last trip to the doctor. Mommy says Dr. Dy is a nice lady, but how is that true when I'm laying there naked and she's sticking a thing in my ears, my mouth, making me sit up and stand? Then, this MEAN lady came in and stuck me 3 times for no good reason! Hmph! See if I go back there again! Mommy tells me the shots are for my own good, but I'm not so sure. In any case, I've been busy and Mommy and Daddy have managed to catch me with the camera a few times. Here's what I've been up to!
I can sit all by myself now! The number of times I tumble over during the day are becoming less frequent.
I like to play with this strap on my swing, and so I roll over there really fast before Mommy and Daddy know where I've gone off to! :) It's pretty funny to see them wondering where I am! :)
I really love Molly and it's obvious she loves me too! :)
I very much love my Daddy! I love spending time with him during the day! He knows how to make me laugh!
I also like to wear pretty dresses. This one is from Grandma. Mommy is always making me have pictures taken when I'm in something new!
Mommy decided I was too big for my other bathtub so she STUCK me in the BIG one! As you can see, I'm not at all sure it's such a good idea. After Daddy took my picture I made sure to let them know just how upset I was! We'll see if they do that again!
It might LOOK like I'm having fun, but I'm not! I'm thankful for all the great bath toys Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Jamie gave me, but I think I'd rather play with them on dry ground!
I can sit all by myself now! The number of times I tumble over during the day are becoming less frequent. 
I like to play with this strap on my swing, and so I roll over there really fast before Mommy and Daddy know where I've gone off to! :) It's pretty funny to see them wondering where I am! :) 
I really love Molly and it's obvious she loves me too! :) 
I very much love my Daddy! I love spending time with him during the day! He knows how to make me laugh!
I also like to wear pretty dresses. This one is from Grandma. Mommy is always making me have pictures taken when I'm in something new!
Mommy decided I was too big for my other bathtub so she STUCK me in the BIG one! As you can see, I'm not at all sure it's such a good idea. After Daddy took my picture I made sure to let them know just how upset I was! We'll see if they do that again!
It might LOOK like I'm having fun, but I'm not! I'm thankful for all the great bath toys Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Jamie gave me, but I think I'd rather play with them on dry ground!
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