Have you ever had those periods of time when it just feels like nothing is as it should be? I am having such a crisis right now, and I know how I "should" respond, but it is so very difficult making my heart follow what my head is telling me to do! Isaac got news that his store will be closing at the end of the month. He has been with his company for 9 years, longer than we have been together. I never knew how much comfort and security I placed in his job until it was gone, and now I feel like the rug was just pulled out from under us.
I so wanted to respond to this situation with grace and confidence, but so far I have been falling apart, stressed, irritable, and more than a little freaked out. I feel like I want to stick my head in a hole and come out when everything is better, his job is secure, and we can move on with life. It makes me feel guilty that I am so shaken by this when people around me are dealing with things that are much worse. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and I am thankful, just scared. That is the reason I have been MIA from my blog, I just can't muster up the strength to talk about anything else, other than what is consuming my thoughts and heart right now. I read this Scripture the other day, and it comforted me. I am praying that the LORD will direct my heart and mind and help me to trust in this season of my life.
May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. 1 Thess. 3:5
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
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Wednesday, April 21, 2010
April
April is my favorite month. We were married on April 3, 2004 so this year we celebrated our 6th anniversary. I meant to write a sweet, meaningful post on how much I love my husband and how wonderful he is, but that didn't happen. Even though I missed posting, he is a wonderful husband and I am still as in love with him today as I was 6 years ago. That day was one that will forever be burned in my memory (for good and bad reasons), but the most important thing was that, at the end of it, I married my best friend.It is unbelievable to me that it has been 6 years already. It has gone by so fast! 
I also turned the big 3-0 on the 15th. I took it a lot harder than I expected. I don't think it was as much about getting "old" as it was sadness to be leaving my twenties. So many wonderful things happened in my twenties. College, graduation, moving to NH, engagement, marriage, babies. All of those things have been so life-changing and incredible, and I have enjoyed my twenties immensely. I just feel like the thirties are going to be the "hard" years since the kids will be going to school and hitting their teens all in the next 10 years! I guess I am enjoying them being little right now and am really intimidated about what the next 10 years hold for us. I did have a great birthday though. My friends took me out for a girl's night to see Date Night which was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. we had so much fun and laughed louder than everyone else.
My awesome hubby took me out to dinner at my favorite restaurant and bought me a Nikon D 300 camera that I have been wanting forever, so hopefully I will be able to improve my photography skills after I finish reading the 200 page manual. Tech savvy I am not! I do feel like he gave me the gift of beauty since I will be able to capture what I see in a new way. I love him!
I am always a little sad on my birthday because it is one of those times when I feel the loss of my dad just a little bit sharper. He would always call me starting in March and tell me how many days till my birthday. He would try to find a special book for me (since that was a love that we shared) or a special present just from him. It didn't have to be expensive, just something that he picked out himself. I miss hearing his voice teasing me or telling me about the day I was born, how excited he was and how much I meant to him. I thought losing him would get easier with time, but the longer he is gone the more real it becomes.
Easter was also in April this year, and (thanks to my mom) the kids looked absolutely adorable! They were not thrilled about mom trying to take their pictures, and taking one of all three was almost impossible! I still tried to snap a few as they were opening their Easter baskets.
After church, we went over to Ron and Luanne's house for Easter dinner. She had gone all out with games, baskets, and an egg hunt for the kids. That woman is incredible! We had a fabulous time.
I love April for many reasons, but mostly for the promise of new life and sunshine. It has been a beautiful month weather wise, and we are soaking up the sun and playing outside as much as we possibly can!
I also turned the big 3-0 on the 15th. I took it a lot harder than I expected. I don't think it was as much about getting "old" as it was sadness to be leaving my twenties. So many wonderful things happened in my twenties. College, graduation, moving to NH, engagement, marriage, babies. All of those things have been so life-changing and incredible, and I have enjoyed my twenties immensely. I just feel like the thirties are going to be the "hard" years since the kids will be going to school and hitting their teens all in the next 10 years! I guess I am enjoying them being little right now and am really intimidated about what the next 10 years hold for us. I did have a great birthday though. My friends took me out for a girl's night to see Date Night which was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. we had so much fun and laughed louder than everyone else.
My awesome hubby took me out to dinner at my favorite restaurant and bought me a Nikon D 300 camera that I have been wanting forever, so hopefully I will be able to improve my photography skills after I finish reading the 200 page manual. Tech savvy I am not! I do feel like he gave me the gift of beauty since I will be able to capture what I see in a new way. I love him!
I am always a little sad on my birthday because it is one of those times when I feel the loss of my dad just a little bit sharper. He would always call me starting in March and tell me how many days till my birthday. He would try to find a special book for me (since that was a love that we shared) or a special present just from him. It didn't have to be expensive, just something that he picked out himself. I miss hearing his voice teasing me or telling me about the day I was born, how excited he was and how much I meant to him. I thought losing him would get easier with time, but the longer he is gone the more real it becomes.
Easter was also in April this year, and (thanks to my mom) the kids looked absolutely adorable! They were not thrilled about mom trying to take their pictures, and taking one of all three was almost impossible! I still tried to snap a few as they were opening their Easter baskets.
After church, we went over to Ron and Luanne's house for Easter dinner. She had gone all out with games, baskets, and an egg hunt for the kids. That woman is incredible! We had a fabulous time.
I love April for many reasons, but mostly for the promise of new life and sunshine. It has been a beautiful month weather wise, and we are soaking up the sun and playing outside as much as we possibly can!
Monday, March 29, 2010
They're watching
The other day, Evalyn was talking to me and snot started running down her nose. I told her to get a tissue, but she just took the back of her hand and swiped it. "That is sooooo gross" I told her. She didn't see why it was gross when you couldn't "see" the snot on her hands. We then went into this whole conversation about germs and how they are invisible but can still make other people sick, plus, its just bad manners.
Fast forward to bath time that night. I am getting them all out of the bath, one by one, and itch my nose. Evalyn turns to me and says, "Mom, you have lotion on your nose." I wiped it off and said "thanks for telling me." She then says, " Mom, that means you wiped your nose with your hands. That is where I learned it and that's a bad example." I started laughing uncontrollably, but, after I put her to bed, I started thinking about how they are constantly watching the things I do, reactions/attitudes/mistakes, they see it all. There is no putting on a good face, trying to look like I have it all together. They know the good, bad, and ugly of me. That thought is intimidating to me, because I want them to not make the mistakes I have made. I want them to be better, stronger, more disciplined than I am, but someone needs to teach them, and that someone is me.
I want to teach them how to take care of your body, how to live a healthy lifestyle, but that means I have to take care of my body and live a healthy lifestyle.
I want to teach them how to serve their spouse and how to prioritize their marriages, but then I have to serve Isaac and put our marriage first.
I want them to have good attitudes and respond with love when someone says or does something hurtful, but that means I have to watch how I respond (especially when i am driving!).
I want to teach them how to have a intimate relationship with god, but that means they need to see ME spending time with Him, talking about Him, worshiping Him...
I feel like I fail them so often. I told my sister-in-law that the second you get that second line on a pregnancy test, the guilt starts. Am I doing enough or too much? Will this hurt the baby? Is it poisoning them if they get formula for some feedings instead of breast milk? Are they not using as many words because I haven't read to them enough? What school will I send them to? Will they turn out to be degenerates if I choose to put them in public school instead of home-schooling them like my parents did me? See? Guilt is all a part of parenting! I don't want to be a good example because of guilt, but because I feel I have a God-given responsibility to show them the right path and how to walk in it and how to hear God's voice (Isaiah 30:21). God, give me the strength I need to be a good example to them, and let me lead them to You...
Fast forward to bath time that night. I am getting them all out of the bath, one by one, and itch my nose. Evalyn turns to me and says, "Mom, you have lotion on your nose." I wiped it off and said "thanks for telling me." She then says, " Mom, that means you wiped your nose with your hands. That is where I learned it and that's a bad example." I started laughing uncontrollably, but, after I put her to bed, I started thinking about how they are constantly watching the things I do, reactions/attitudes/mistakes, they see it all. There is no putting on a good face, trying to look like I have it all together. They know the good, bad, and ugly of me. That thought is intimidating to me, because I want them to not make the mistakes I have made. I want them to be better, stronger, more disciplined than I am, but someone needs to teach them, and that someone is me.
I want to teach them how to take care of your body, how to live a healthy lifestyle, but that means I have to take care of my body and live a healthy lifestyle.
I want to teach them how to serve their spouse and how to prioritize their marriages, but then I have to serve Isaac and put our marriage first.
I want them to have good attitudes and respond with love when someone says or does something hurtful, but that means I have to watch how I respond (especially when i am driving!).
I want to teach them how to have a intimate relationship with god, but that means they need to see ME spending time with Him, talking about Him, worshiping Him...
I feel like I fail them so often. I told my sister-in-law that the second you get that second line on a pregnancy test, the guilt starts. Am I doing enough or too much? Will this hurt the baby? Is it poisoning them if they get formula for some feedings instead of breast milk? Are they not using as many words because I haven't read to them enough? What school will I send them to? Will they turn out to be degenerates if I choose to put them in public school instead of home-schooling them like my parents did me? See? Guilt is all a part of parenting! I don't want to be a good example because of guilt, but because I feel I have a God-given responsibility to show them the right path and how to walk in it and how to hear God's voice (Isaiah 30:21). God, give me the strength I need to be a good example to them, and let me lead them to You...
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A Day
I have lived a lot of places in my lifetime, but New Hampshire just has its own particular beauty. About a thousand times a day I wish I was a professional photographer and could capture the magnificent light at sunset or the bright blue of the sky through the trees. Its beauty just makes me happy. Yesterday afternoon, I took the kids out to play at the church and ride bikes in the huge empty parking lot. The sun has been out the last few days giving me reason to hope that it will come and play for good some time soon. What is it about sunshine on your head that just makes life better? I definitely needed it this week! I loved seeing the kids enjoying the fresh air. I didn't even mind when the twins dug holes in the ground and filled up puddles with mud, or Judah walking through those same puddles and soaking his clothes. I looked at them with complete understanding. Sick of being inside, anxious to get down in the dirt and explore, loving the feel of the sun on your head. I have missed it too.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Everyday Things
"Daddy and Mommy" a portrait by Evalyn
I got in the shower this morning and turned on the water. The spray is not a trickle or a wussy stream, but it comes out full and firm on your head.
I soaped up my hair with my shampoo, all the while reminding Evalyn to please not flush while mommy is in the shower and trying to keep Judah from climbing in with his jammies on.
I get out and bury my face in a fluffy towel that smells like laundry detergent (I recently switched to Tide and will never go back).
I put on all of my lotions and creams, get dressed, and go downstairs to dry my hair. I get out the hair dryer and automatically flush the toilet where I know Gavin peed and was too sleepy to remember that minor detail in his early morning fog.
I turn on the hair dryer while simultaneously trying to keep Judah from climbing on the stool-turning on the water-playing in the toilet-putting cars in the washing machine-putting on my make-up.
I finish up and pick up Judah, seeing that he has soaked through his diaper and pajamas. I take him to the sink, soap him up with dish washing liquid, hose him off, then take him to get dressed.
I make the kids breakfast, get Gavin's back pack ready for school, and get the rest of them dressed. I go to my room to pick up the laundry and see that Judah has made cat food soup again by dumping the cat's food into his water.
I clean that up and go downstairs to put Gavin on the bus, stopping to pick up random dirty clothes and discarded jammies to throw in the laundry.
I get him on the bus, kiss my hubby on his way out the door, and sit down with my cup of coffee thinking of my morning and all of the things I have to do on this day.
Normally, I might gripe when cleaning up the cat food, or complain about all the laundry that is piling up in baskets, but today I am looking at things with a different perspective.
.
I spent the weekend in the hospital with a kidney infection that was pretty serious, and I laid in a bed that smelled like the hospital, tethered to an i.v., watching the sun through the window. I took showers with plastic over my i.v. site, washing my hair with the hospital issued shampoo since I forgot mine at home, drying myself off with towels the size of large washcloths. I ate my meals sitting by myself in bed, surrounded by silence. It was misery. The nurses were lovely, food was good, visitors encouraging and sweet, but I hated every second of it. When I walked through the doors of my house on Sunday afternoon, I was welcomed by all the sights, sounds, smells, and chaos that mean HOME to me. Three days without it made me understand how much I take my everyday life for granted. I understood that my family gives me a reason to wake up and be joyful, expectant that something fun or interesting, or maybe even a little gross will happen today. There will be messes, tears, laughter, fighting, laundry, cleaning, and a million other things to fill my day, but it will be good. This morning was just a typical day in my life as a mom, but it was so much sweeter.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Beauty for Ashes
I haven't written in my blog for awhile. I guess I have been feeling overwhelmed by the needs of the people around me, the devastation that I have witnessed family and friends going through. I almost feel like my writing about the trivial happenings in our house are an insult to those who are walking through the fire, whose daily reality is struggling for survival, who have experienced pain and loss and hardship. It has driven me to my knees in prayer, but also made me feel helpless and uninspired. Something happened today that helped me change my perspective...
Today was a BEAUTIFUL day. The sun was shining and warm, and lifted the blah feeling that January usually brings. Sidenote: Why is January such a yucky month? Holidays are over, snow is mushy, skies are grey. Anyways, I went to the store this morning with a friend, then came home and picked up Isaac and the kids. Isaac had a few hours before he had to leave for work, so we decided to let the kids run off their energy at the play place and feed them lunch. As we were getting ready to leave, Evalyn saw a little girl with cancer walk in. She tugged on my sleeve and said, "Mom, look at that little girl." Thinking she was going to comment on the girl's balding head, I was about to tell her to be quiet, but then she says, "Just look at her skirt! She looks sooooo beautiful." The little girl's mom smiled at me and I told Ev, "yes, honey, she is VERY beautiful."
I quickly put the kid's shoes on and walked them outside before my tears spilled over. I cried the whole way home. I cried for the little girl, not knowing how sick she was or how often she gets to be a regular kid. I cried for her mother, knowing the desire of wanting your child to participate with other children, but wanting to protect them from hurt. I cried for my little girl, loving that, while I saw ashes, she saw beauty. As I sat in the car with my husband beside me, listening to the chatter of the kids in the backseat, my heart filled with thankfulness and gratitude. At that moment, I made a new resolution in my heart: I will look for beauty in ashes. I will continue to write about the happenings of our day, trivial or not, thanking God that we have the ability to experience life and enjoy every single moment He gives us. I will enjoy my children, treasure my husband, and recognize the gifts they are to me. I will choose to see beauty.
Monday, October 26, 2009
I am one of THOSE Christians...
Daddy was working so I did attempt pumpkin carving with three kids by myself! It wasn't as bad as I thought, and we had so much fun!
Judah supervising
I grew up in a pastor's home. And I loved it. One of the things I did not love was the fact that, based on principle, we were not allowed to go trick-or-treating. Since halloween was satan's day and all of that, trick-or-treating was looked on as a celebration of satan and so, since we did not want to celebrate satan, we did not do it. I remember going ONCE, when I was about 7 or 8, when we were visiting friends. Their teen-age kids wanted to take us, and my parents agreed to let them. Is it sad that i remember that day, what I wore, and how amazing it was to have a bag full of candy that was just for me?
I didn't think much about Halloween or trick-or-treating until I had kids of my own. last year, Isaac and I started talking about it as it got closer and closer. The kids I watch were full of talk about what costume they would wear, and my daughter loves (LOVES) nothing better than dressing up. One day she is a princess, the next a fairy, the next a bride, so costumes were a favorite subject around our house for months.
Isaac also grew up in a non-trick-or-treating household, so we were both torn on what to do. In the end, we decided this: Every day is the Lord's day. We give our lives to Jesus, and we live every day unto Him. I refuse to give satan even ONE day. I refuse to stay in my house and let him take a day away from me or my God. I refuse to allow him to make me sit at home while seeing our neighbors out enjoying the weather and each other. I refuse to allow my children to sit inside while they see the colorful princesses and pirates come to our door with buckets full of candy, not allowed to participate on principle. So I, a Christian mother, took my little bride, cowboy, and froggy out trick-or-treating (our town actually does it a week before halloween), and we had a fabulous time. We got to talk to our neighbors, meet new people, and came home with waaaaay to much candy.
Yes, I have read the history of how halloween came to be. No, I am not allowing my children to celebrate satan in any way. No, I don't think trick-or-treating is a sin. If you disagree, feel free to avert your eyes from the pictures of my adorable, trick-or-treating children:-).
Judah supervising
I grew up in a pastor's home. And I loved it. One of the things I did not love was the fact that, based on principle, we were not allowed to go trick-or-treating. Since halloween was satan's day and all of that, trick-or-treating was looked on as a celebration of satan and so, since we did not want to celebrate satan, we did not do it. I remember going ONCE, when I was about 7 or 8, when we were visiting friends. Their teen-age kids wanted to take us, and my parents agreed to let them. Is it sad that i remember that day, what I wore, and how amazing it was to have a bag full of candy that was just for me?
I didn't think much about Halloween or trick-or-treating until I had kids of my own. last year, Isaac and I started talking about it as it got closer and closer. The kids I watch were full of talk about what costume they would wear, and my daughter loves (LOVES) nothing better than dressing up. One day she is a princess, the next a fairy, the next a bride, so costumes were a favorite subject around our house for months.
Isaac also grew up in a non-trick-or-treating household, so we were both torn on what to do. In the end, we decided this: Every day is the Lord's day. We give our lives to Jesus, and we live every day unto Him. I refuse to give satan even ONE day. I refuse to stay in my house and let him take a day away from me or my God. I refuse to allow him to make me sit at home while seeing our neighbors out enjoying the weather and each other. I refuse to allow my children to sit inside while they see the colorful princesses and pirates come to our door with buckets full of candy, not allowed to participate on principle. So I, a Christian mother, took my little bride, cowboy, and froggy out trick-or-treating (our town actually does it a week before halloween), and we had a fabulous time. We got to talk to our neighbors, meet new people, and came home with waaaaay to much candy.
Yes, I have read the history of how halloween came to be. No, I am not allowing my children to celebrate satan in any way. No, I don't think trick-or-treating is a sin. If you disagree, feel free to avert your eyes from the pictures of my adorable, trick-or-treating children:-).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Back in the swing of things
I have been feeling so out of the loop lately! My baby sister is in China, and not being able to talk to her on Skype or getting to take some time out to facebook was really wearing on my nerves:) I think Isaac just got sick of my whining, so he went out and bought me a new Notebook computer. I think he was just tired of sharing his work laptop with me! I feel like I am finally back in the land of the living.
Things have been busy around here lately. we have tried to be outside in this beautiful fall weather whenever possible. We go apple picking at least once a week! We went last night to get our pumpkins, and the kids are excited about getting to carve them. I told them they are going to have to wait for their daddy to get home from work, as I am not about to attempt 3 kids and pumpkin carving by myself!
Fall in New Hampshire is breathtaking, like nothing I have ever seen before. It has always been my favorite season, but living in a place that holds this much beauty satisfies my heart in a way that I can't explain. I love it.
Christi and I took the kids apple picking the other day (again!) and had a blast. These are a few pictures from our day!
Deciding who will pull and who will ride
The girls
Gavin and Lucas. What a good friend!
Sophia and Judah
Enjoying the fruit of their labor:)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A little black hole....
My computer has been on the fritz for a few weeks now, and it is surprising how disconnected I feel without it! My computer is my little outlet at nap time, when I can connect with other people, read blogs, and facebook to my heart's content. I love being a stay-at-home mom, but it is hard when the majority of my time is spent with little people and without adult conversation. Yesterday, I asked my friend Jen if she needed to "go potty." Enough said.
I do wish I could post pictures because we have had a VERY busy few weeks. We celebrated the twins FOURTH birthday last week, and have watch Barbie and the Three Musketeers every day since (multiple times!). I am waiting for the day that Gavin gets tired of trains because we could fill a small country with all of the trains that boy owns. Here's hoping Judah likes trains!
Speaking of the little man, he has been trying to walk the past few days. I don't know what it is with my boys, but they are very lazy walkers. Gavin didn't walk until he was 15 months old, and it looks like Judah is going to hold out too. He does have this little walker that he takes everywhere, running into walls and yelling at us to get out of his way (my interpretation!). It is hilarious because he looks like a little old man. My carpet has tract marks from him doing laps around and around. I know I am baised, but that boy is CUTE.
Hopefully, I will have my computer up and running soon and be back among the living....
I do wish I could post pictures because we have had a VERY busy few weeks. We celebrated the twins FOURTH birthday last week, and have watch Barbie and the Three Musketeers every day since (multiple times!). I am waiting for the day that Gavin gets tired of trains because we could fill a small country with all of the trains that boy owns. Here's hoping Judah likes trains!
Speaking of the little man, he has been trying to walk the past few days. I don't know what it is with my boys, but they are very lazy walkers. Gavin didn't walk until he was 15 months old, and it looks like Judah is going to hold out too. He does have this little walker that he takes everywhere, running into walls and yelling at us to get out of his way (my interpretation!). It is hilarious because he looks like a little old man. My carpet has tract marks from him doing laps around and around. I know I am baised, but that boy is CUTE.
Hopefully, I will have my computer up and running soon and be back among the living....
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sunscreen
I was 18 years old when I first heard it. The summer before I left for college, it was on all the radio stations. Everyone knew the words. It started as an article, then it was a hoax that became a hit song. I found a little more on the history of how it came to be here. I came across it again the other day. Life is a little different now at 29, but the words are still true now as they were then. Some of the best advice I have ever heard:)
Sunscreen
'Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97: Wear sunscreen:
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blind side you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't know.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
Sunscreen
'Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97: Wear sunscreen:
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blind side you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't know.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Baby Ethan
My sweet nephew Ethan was born a week ago today. Beautiful baby with thick, blond curls, sweet button nose, and a very sick heart. He is going through his first open heart surgery today (there will be quite a few more), and my heart aches for him, his parents, and his two older sisters. I was reading Ellyn's blog yesterday and she posted the video to the song "Healer." The word's were such a comfort to me and a reminder of Him who holds our world in His hands.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Glorious summer!
It took awhile, but we finally have the summer weather we have been waiting for! I haven't posted much since we have been out enjoying it with the kids as much as possible.
In July, Isaac's parents came down to help us celebrate Judah's first birthday. We had it at Jen's house, and it poured the whole time. We still let the kids outside in their bathing suits, and they loved playing in the rain. Judah had a good time too!
We definitely didn't let the rain get us down, and the kid's had a great time. Judah loved his first taste of watermelon and cake. It was the perfect day to celebrate our special boy and his first year of life. When we got home, I bathed the kids and then we let Judah open his presents (actually, the twins opened them and kindly let Judah play with some of the wrapping paper). Notice the lovely long-sleeved jammies. in July. Yes, it was that cold. yikes!
The next day, we dropped Judah off at Jen's to spend the day playing with Ezra, picked up Abby, and headed to Storyland. It was so much fun! Having Grandpa and Grandma Davis with us was the icing on the cake. Evalyn and Abby loved the Princess castle while Gavin's favorite ride was (of course!) the train. We stopped at Flatbread on the way home and had organic pizza made right in front of us in an open air kitchen. That was really cool! We were all exhausted by the end of the day, but we had such a good time. Here are some pictures of our day....
We got VERY wet on this ride!
Daddy and Evalyn stopping for gas.
Since Isaac gets severe motion sickeness, guess who got to ride all the round and round rides?
The pirate on the ship was apparently very convincing.
My favorite picture of the day....
We just got back from vacation in Pennsylvania and I still need to get some pictures from our trip up, but I am so tired tonight so it will have to wait. We are going to the beach tomorrow with the kids for family day. I will try to remember our camera this time! Have I mentioned how much I love summer?
In July, Isaac's parents came down to help us celebrate Judah's first birthday. We had it at Jen's house, and it poured the whole time. We still let the kids outside in their bathing suits, and they loved playing in the rain. Judah had a good time too!
We definitely didn't let the rain get us down, and the kid's had a great time. Judah loved his first taste of watermelon and cake. It was the perfect day to celebrate our special boy and his first year of life. When we got home, I bathed the kids and then we let Judah open his presents (actually, the twins opened them and kindly let Judah play with some of the wrapping paper). Notice the lovely long-sleeved jammies. in July. Yes, it was that cold. yikes!
The next day, we dropped Judah off at Jen's to spend the day playing with Ezra, picked up Abby, and headed to Storyland. It was so much fun! Having Grandpa and Grandma Davis with us was the icing on the cake. Evalyn and Abby loved the Princess castle while Gavin's favorite ride was (of course!) the train. We stopped at Flatbread on the way home and had organic pizza made right in front of us in an open air kitchen. That was really cool! We were all exhausted by the end of the day, but we had such a good time. Here are some pictures of our day....
We got VERY wet on this ride!
Daddy and Evalyn stopping for gas.
Since Isaac gets severe motion sickeness, guess who got to ride all the round and round rides?
The pirate on the ship was apparently very convincing.
My favorite picture of the day....
We just got back from vacation in Pennsylvania and I still need to get some pictures from our trip up, but I am so tired tonight so it will have to wait. We are going to the beach tomorrow with the kids for family day. I will try to remember our camera this time! Have I mentioned how much I love summer?
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