Dave, Kim, Emma Bemma, Izzie Bizzie

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2008-09-05T15:04:00.000-05:00

I've Moved!

2007-10-26T20:48:00.000-05:00

I've moved my blog.

Come visit me at:
http://www.kimrhodes.wordpress.com/

Nothing against blogger, wordpress just seems to have a lot more options!
Please make this change on your blog and make sure to visit me at my new place!

Kim

Celebrating Fall

2007-10-18T15:37:00.001-05:00

I was just getting a box of Paper

2007-10-17T19:32:00.000-05:00

Wendy and I had just dropped off the kids at school and were heading to Office Max to pick up some supplies for the office. Upon checkout, a man named Michael asked if he could exchange our box of office max paper for the HP brand and said if we did that they are donating 20.00 per box to help fund cancer research. We said sure. It was the same cost and it was great to help out with a cause. We both know a someone who has had breast cancer. He offered to take the box to the van for us and that initiated a conversation.....

Do you know that the government does not fund cancer research?
He has personally sold 400 cases of paper at our store.
Office Max is donating $2 per pack of paper /20.00 per case to cancer research
There are over 700 stores in the US
Michael found out a year ago that he has a tumor inside of his eye.
He is heading to Boston this Saturday for another visit to check on the progress
He had a 1 in a million chance of having a tumor in his eye.
They can't remove it or he will die in 6 months
If it starts growing he will die in 2 months
If it shrinks too fast then it will go to another part of his body and he will die in 6 months
He said he believed in God but is not a religious person
He had a daughter that died at 16 and he has never been back to church since
He encouraged us to have our eyes dilated when we got eye exams
We told him we would be praying for him
We asked if we could pray for him and we decided not to since he seemed awkward about it

All of those points to say... Here is a guy who is passionate about life and is making a difference by working at office max. He believes in a God but I would not say he was a follower. He lives with the unknown everyday of he might just drop dead. Just another reminder that tragedy can really form your passions. Just another reminder that there are so many people in the world working to make this place a better place and not all of them are believers.

On another note. James Dobson was on the radio on the way home and the conversation/topic of airtime was why you don't need to watch R rated movies. This is just my opinion but are there not better world changing topics out there that we can address? Let the spirit guide you in what is good for your own life. There are people dying from hunger, disease, aids, malnourishment and we are spending time on the radio talking about how if a movie has one bad word or twelve... how to deal with that. Our communities need to grow up and start addressing real issues. Just my opinion... I know not everyone would agree with that......

Mcmanus

2007-10-14T18:14:00.000-05:00

Today I listened to a talk by Erwin Mcmanus from last week. It was titled the call to an original life. It was good to do that today. Very challenging and affirming at the same time. Here are my notes on it...

Your life is a heroic tail waiting to be discovered.

So many times the language of a call only applies to speakers. Does everyone get to live an extraordinary life. Every one of us are being called out to live an original life. When you meet Jesus that call comes crashing into your soul and it’s a tragedy if you miss it.

The calls are never the same. And often the calling of God is formed on our life in the context of crisis and tragedy and hardships. (( how true is this.))

Daniel: A calling out of hardship. Ch 1 vs 1 – There was a moment of turmoil and war and the babs came and overcame the Israelites. This pagan king takes the artifacts that belong to God and pillage it. The king ordered young men who were Israelites to be filtered into their world. They were given new names and their world was in turmoil. They went from nobility to royalty and one day they would be kings and rulers. They had power and wealth and their intently was wrapped up in this nation. Then their lives were released and they were to give up their names and take new identities. This is where we discover calling coming. There are moments in life where everything goes bad and you wonder if God is even paying attention. But what God is doing is forming your character etc. and as you want to make progress forward God wants to make progress inward.

Deborah – a calling out of necessity. God called the one who was willing to go. Judges CH 4 – She was leading Israel at the time. And she held court. She was known as a person of leadership and wisdom. Deborah knew she could do it but it was not her moment. After asking someone else to go and fight they in turn said only if she came would he. So the point made here is that sometimes the call of God is formed out of necessity because the person who is supposed to go is not willing to go.

Esther – a calling out of opportunity. To look at your life and see what you are good at doing that only you can do. If Esther does not do this then God will raise someone else up. And who knows you have been given this position as such a time as this. God puts you at the right place at the right time so that you can have influence.

Anyway.. just some thougths on what I was challenged on. Not sure where I fall into this. Some of my calling has been out of hardships and others out of opportunity. More later

Cleaning out the closets

2007-10-12T19:23:00.001-05:00

Ok so for the past month or so now I've been cleaning out the closets. I am sure you are wondering what I mean by that. Well yes I am actually cleaning out my bedroom closet. Getting rid of clothes I never wear etc. But I have also been cleaning out my life closet as well. The thing is, when you clean out your closets... some things need to go because you realize they look bad on you etc. but then you have to sort through some really good things as well and realize they are just not worth hanging on to. It's great stuff but it needs to find a new home in order for better stuff to come in. So that is where I have been. I've dealt with some old stuff lately that I needed to get rid of but I've also worked through some of the good things too and realized it's time for me to move some of that stuff out too. Maybe that has been why the lack of posts. It gets kind of scary when people read what you write and make assumptions by the way you happen to express yourself. Sometimes I think that happens with me. The whole assumptions thing. People think they know me because they look at me from a distance or they read some words floating out there on cyberspace but they don't know me. There are only a handful of people that truly know me. And at the end of the day that is what matters to me. So if I may... here are some very random closet cleaning thoughts. Take them for what they are worth. Some good, some bad, some stuff just moving on. Bottom line. These are my opinions on a life I'm living.

I've realized lately how insecure I can be. How I struggle with confidence in myself. Sometimes my lack of fighting back is because it's not worth my effort to make people feel like I am a person of control. Why is that so important to some people? Anyway, through some processing I've started to gain a backbone. I'm going to be more confident in what I say and how I express myself. I am a strong woman of God.

I just got back from the Catalyst conference last week. Still processing all of that stuff. It was great on a multitude of fronts. In ways I was so humbled to walk by the side of my husband who is an introvert by nature. I can't tell you how many people stopped us to say hello. I guess after 7 years of ministering to churches in a variety of venues... people start knowing who you are. To me it was such a joy to sit back and realize what our family does is worth it. We are impacting lives and we are having amazing opportunities to share our message with people. I don't say that in pride I say that out of a heart who is amazed that God truly can use the most ordinary people to impact this world. We are proof of that. Catalyst was also great because I was able to be challenged by a multitude of people. After hearing the message at Catalyst I left very disturbed in life. But that is a good thing.

If one more person asks if I am pregnant I'm not sure what I'll do. Yes it still happens and has happened twice in the last three weeks. I live under the assumption that it will keep happening. It makes for the most awkward situations. If I don't know the person then I'll just smile and when they say congrats I say thanks and if I happen to know them... well lets just say how awkward it is. Bottom line, my ab muscles are permanently separated and I tend to show a belly if I've eaten a big meal. As weird as it is to be asked if I'm expecting, it has started to remind me how thankful I am that I have a pot belly. It really is the best trade off in the entire world. How can I dwell on it when the reality is that it has brought me such a blessing in my life. I'll be forever grateful.

There are so many things I feel like I need to be doing.. the whole croc thing and then there are all these people that the Lord has layed on my heart to help. It's frustrating when your days are slammed and it seems you never get started on these desires. Dave recently reminded me that there is a season for everything. Just because God has prompted my heart to start thinking about certain things does not mean that I have to have them done tomorrow. I may not see those things play out in my life for months even years. All that to say, I've experienced much freedom in knowing that it's ok to wait on some of these things and I'm not failing myself or what I feel God is leading me to do because of that.

It's hard being a working mom, even if it's a part time working mom. But I would not trade it for the world. I love my girls but I for our family our relationship works so much better because I can get out and work at the things God is calling me to do. Being a mom is one of those things but getting to play a role in Kingdom work is one too. If I was not working at Wayfarer I know I'd be working for some other ministry out there. It's a big way I feel I contribute. I'm the lucky one. I've never struggled with my purpose or calling in life. Before kids or after. I am realizing what a hurdle that can be for other people at times and I'm thankful that it has not been one for me.

With that said, I wish I liked to cook or had time to cook. That is one thing I don't ever think I will get passionate about. I have friends that can cook... they could open their own place. That is just not me. It's amazing the stresses that can bring on when your husband walks through the door from work and asks whats for dinner and I just stare at him and say... "not sure! " I guess if you have to have one week spot in your marriage it's a good one to have.

Talking about marriage... Not my place to brag but I am so thankful for what I think is one of the best things about life. Dave and I have a wonderful marriage. I realize more and more how uncommon that is becoming. Our marriage is great because we work really hard at it. Well we don't work that hard at it so I guess we are the lucky ones. I am convinced that if two people truly decide to embrace life together. Embrace mission, passion and calling that your journey has this stronger adhesive. I think honestly it is because our driving force is more than going to work, having kids, eating dinner, and then do that all over again. I mean there has to be more right? Again just my opinion but Dave and I are not ones who fight for our personal agendas or make sure we one up each other. We are a team and we are living life with purpose. And we are not unique. I know so many others who do the same. And here is the deal. We still have our own identity's but the majority of our identity is found in us both as a team. I'm not a weak person because of that. I'm a better person.

Emma is calling for bed. So many more randoms to go... later when there is time.

Have any of this? If you want to help let me know!

2007-10-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Here is an email that I sent out to our friends and family today. If you can donate items or know of someone who can, please pass on the word.

Dave is heading to Peru in November with Compassion International. During his trip they will be visiting a Child Survival Program Center. He will be able to take and leave things like stuffed animals, rattles, receiving blankets, pajamas, baby clothing and other developmental toys for ages up to 3 years old. He will also be visiting with their school aged children and will be able to share with them jump ropes, soccer balls, side walk chalk, or anything that would be fun to interact with the kids. Our family is going to get together some of these items for him to take however we would love for him to take as much as he can when he goes. If by chance you have these things and you are in the process of needing to get rid of them, I just wanted you to know that our family would love to take them off of your hands.

We are really excited about this opportunity that Dave will have to be with Compassion and see first hand what God is doing through their organization. Chad Norris and Chris Brooks from Wayfarer will also be going. So between the three of them, we should have room to take some really needed items to children who really need them.

Thanks for letting me share this with you. If you have questions or are able to help feel free to email me at krhodes@engagegod.org. Please feel free to forward this through any networks you have.

Thanks!
The Rhodes Family

Lots to Update on but please take a look at this for now

2007-10-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

Our friends, the Ivey's have started the adoption process in Haiti for a beautiful boy named Amos Dowensky. You can catch up on their journey here.

They received a video of Amos in Haiti receiving a package they sent him. It made me cry.... a lot. If you have time make sure you take a look and while you do, please pray for this family as they journey towards each other in this beautiful picture of redemption. Click here

Pictures of Caitlyn

2007-09-29T21:12:00.000-05:00

Here we are waiting for Caitlyn to make her arrival. My little sister about to have her first child.
Chad my brother in law holding Caitlyn for the first time.
Nana... She will be watching Caitlyn just like my girls....
Papa, yes another girl has arrived.
Here we are at the hospital today visiting Caitlyn.

Emma was so excited to see Caitlyn. Izzie told her hi. We brought her an Emily Ray bracelet.
Still can't believe I am finally an aunt!
Here she is.. all 5lbs and 14ounces of her!
The girls getting a little crazy at the hospital
Emma was so proud to be able to hold her!

I'm an Aunt!

2007-09-28T16:30:00.001-05:00

Got a call at 6:30AM this morning that my Christie, my sister was at the hospital and she thought she was in labor. They admitted her around 8 and Caitlyn was born at 12:45 this afternoon. She was not due for another 3 weeks. Christie had the best labor ever. In 4 hrs she was fully dilated and only pushed for about 15 minutes and Caitlyn was here. I'm still trying to figure out what I did wrong with my own deliveries! :)

So welcome to the World Caitlyn Elaine Pruitt. She's a beautiful baby weighing in at 5lbs and 14oz. She's got a full head of dark curly hair of course!

Pictures to come.....

The Chin (long story short)

2007-09-25T20:03:00.000-05:00

I get a call from Emma's school this morning at 10am and they tell me that Emma fell on the playground and busted her chin. They thought it needed stitches. Now my child hates cuts. I remember one time she got a paper cut on her finger and you would have thought her finger got cut off. When I got to the school it was much worse than I could have pictured. She had a huge gash. Off we went to the Dr. She was a true trooper. They had to tie her down on a board so they could do what they needed to do. I really felt helpless. Can't describe the moments that followed but she finally got stitched up and only cried a little. She was such a big girl. I almost passed out and had to sit down. Off we went to Toys R Us for anything she wanted! I must say that our Pediatrician is amazing. He was so good with her and he made this terrible accident something that we were able to handle. Our angel for the day. So Emma is recovering and doing better. Here are picts from tonight. Her first stitches. I was told she will have a scar. I hate that for her. But thank goodness she is a girl. Nothing make up can't fix when she gets older.

The Stitches

Izzie taking a look
Emma took this picture of me... tired and worn out!

What's New

2007-09-24T19:09:00.000-05:00

What's New:

Trying to recover from a crazy week last week.

Excited about all the premiers coming on this week.

We attended a shower for Robert and Lindsay this past weekend. Still can't believe Robert is about to get married. It does not seem real. We are all super excited.

Emma slept in her bed all night for 10 days so she is having a reward celebration tonight. Frankies for Putt Putt, ice cream at coldstone and a spend the night party with Sam. I know school night and all.

Izzie is getting so old. She seems to have lost all the baby look. She is climbing stairs, chatting up a storm and developing her personality. She is officially a little girl and not a baby anymore.

Starting a girls study with the Wayfarer wives this week and can't wait.

What the world would look like if everyone gave?

2007-09-20T19:39:00.000-05:00

I just heard a great talk by Erwin McManus. He's the pastor at Mosiac Church out in LA. He is such a great communicator and is so good at it. Anyway they are in a series called EVERY(ONE) and this past week he talked about what the world would look like if everyone gave. If you have 45 minutes to listen it's worth your time. Dave told me about it and it really resounds what we hope and want our lives to be about

You can find the link here.

Domino Effect

2007-09-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

It has been a crazy few days and we are in for another few. Wayfarer is taping this week for a DVD Series that Thomas Nelson Publishers is doing. They are 1 of 5 DVD series that Thomas Nelson will be releasing in 2008. So needless to say it's been a little wild around here. Tonight they are doing the majority of the taping. So if you happen to be in Greenville come on out!

Also you can check out engagegod.org for more info.

Izzie's 10 month old picts

2007-09-14T20:53:00.000-05:00

I got Izzie's supposed to be 9 months but ended up to be 10 months pictures taken tonight. She did great. I was supposed to go and get the 9.99 deal but ended up getting the 4 pose deal which was a lot more money!!!! Oh well... they are only this little once right? So here some of the shots. Plus they gave me the disc. Enjoy!

Blogged out

2007-09-11T14:30:00.000-05:00

Stressed out, tired out, blogged out.
In one of those seasons where I feel like I have nothing to say and also if I end up saying something it does not communicate the way I intended. Ever feel that way?
So I'll just show pictures....

The girls at the beach.

The Family floating down the lazy river

Fun in the Sun

First time I ever french braided Emma's hair. She's growing up so fast!

Emma's favorite thing... Putt Putt with daddy!

Our last day in Myrtle Beach

2007-09-07T10:10:00.000-05:00

So I did not post this week. Too busy having too much fun. And when I went to download pictures from my camera to Dave's computer, his computer would not let me. Weird! I'll have to post them next week. We have had such a wonderful week. It could not have had nicer weather. The girls have been great and having Nana and Papa around has been wonderful. I have slept in till 9:30 every day. Izzie gets up and mom would come and get her and she would tell me to go back to bed! What a huge blessing for a mom in need of much needed rest. For hours we have played by the ocean, swam in the pool, played a lot of put put. We've had some great meals out and Emma and I spent way too much money at the Disney Store!

I'll sum up the trip in detail next week. But till then, we'll keep doing what we are doing.... having a blast!

We've arrived!

2007-09-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

We have arrived in Myrtle Beach. A short 4 hr trip and we are here. The girls did stellar during the travel and Izzie slept great last night. We are off to a fun day of sun, beach, and pool. My camera just ran out of batteries so when I get some new ones today I'll start posting pictures.

Izzie crawled all around the beach last night and had two hand fulls of sand to eat and just loved it!!!!

Myrtle Beach, Here We Come!

2007-08-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we are heading to Myrtle Beach for the week! I am so excited to get away. Our last big trip of the summer. We are looking forward to playing on the beach, floating all day in the lazy river, going putt putting every night, visiting the Disney store (Emma gets to pick out something since she slept in her bed all night for 7 days straight) Eating out and eating in and doing whatever we want to do. This will be Izzie's second time to myrtle beach. Last year I was extremely prego with her! Here are some memories from last year. We hope this year is even better!

Making Princess Sand Castles
Getting ready to head out to a good meal....

One of our many evenings of Putt Putt.

Always making time for a picture!

A world in need.

2007-08-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

We just found out some really exciting news that some friends of ours are going to be adopting a little boy from Haiti. I call them friends but I I've only hung out with either one of them a few times. But they are people that just simply get life. And when you run across those people, you always connect and feel more a part of their community than you actually physically are. Maybe because it's that we know we are all on the same mission. Do you know those kind of people? I am finding more and more how hard it is to come across those kinds of people. It's a sad but very true reality.

If you know me at all you know I have a heart for adoption. Although we do not have any adopted children and are not yet in the process of an adoption, it is something that is very dear to our hearts. Something that I know our family will journey to at some point in our future. But as I think more about it, I think it becomes more of a mission of seeing people in need and knowing we can do something about it. I get so frustrated with people who just don't get that. People who are oblivious to the fact that we in America are among the wealthiest people in the world and have more resources available to us than anyone. So why is it that we are obsessed with having more stuff. Why are we in the rat race to buy a bigger house that is not that needed, bigger faster cars, have things that this society makes you feel you have to have to be of value or importance? If people could only get a glimpse of a world reality. But all of that to say, the Iveys are a family who get that world reality and the way they live their life demonstrates that. It always encourages me to get a glimpse into their life from time to time and know that there are people out there who get it.

You know, you don't have to adopt a child to play a difference in someone life who has needs. If you have money, by all means please find ways to give it to others in abundance. When you run across a need why not try and go out of your way to meet that need? So now I am rambling.. I am sorry.

I want to leave you today with a picture. These are the children at the rescue center that sleep on a blanket on a concrete floor. I suppose one of those children is Dowensky. He is the little boy who is being pursued by adoption from the Ivey family. When you think about it, pray for their family and Dowensky that things will go smoothly in the process of them finding each other and becoming a family. You can keep up with their journey at this site they have created for him. You can also see some financial needs they have and if you feel led you can give to the cause. And if you don't feel lead to give to their cause then find someone else's cause and jump on board there!

Pictures of Emma from Camp this Summer

2007-08-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

We just got some pictures of Emma from the summer when she went to kids camp with Dave. Thought I would share since my creative juice for blogging about anything right now seems to be lacking... Enjoy the picts. The SL staff painted Emma's face each day.

This is Grant. Emma was in love with him and told me he was her boyfriend!

This is Ramsey the Ram. He made an appearance at Late night each night. Emma's biggest highlight of camp was that she was able to get on stage and dance with Ramsey.

First Day of K4

2007-08-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

Today Was Emma's first day of K4. She was so excited this morning.

Emma with her Tinkerbell Backpack that is almost as big as she is!

Emma and me!

Emma and her friend Sam getting ready to leave for school

Emma met her friend Mary Chandler who is in her class. They have not seen each other all summer. They were shy!

Izzie wanted to say goodbye too!

Dave is not pictured since he is in Birmingham. We were sad he missed seeing Emma off!

Ending the Summer

2007-08-24T11:49:00.000-05:00

We have had a busy week this week. Our family has jumped off the summer schedule and right into a busy fall schedule. Why is life so busy at times?

Emma had a meet your teacher yesterday. She is attending the 4K program at Anderson Mill Church in Spartanburg. I was really impressed with her teacher. She's very organized and detailed and I love it. Emma can't wait to start school. She starts Monday. She'll go M-F from 9-12.

Izzie had a Dr.s appt yesterday to check up on her tubes. They are in and working. Izzie has grown so much these past 2 weeks. You can't take your eyes off of her. She is pulling up on everything. I imagine she'll be walking in the next month or so. She turns 1 in 8wks... Where did this first year go?

I have been busy getting a shower ready for my sister that happens tomorrow. My sister is expecting her first baby in 7 weeks. She looks wonderful. They are having a little girl, Caitlyn. But lately my biggest challenge is figuring out what to make or not to make for dinner each night. I have decided that I totally hate cooking. That is kind of a problem because I'm the only one that cooks. My poor husband will come home at night and I tell him that I forgot to make dinner. So we have been getting take out a lot lately. Maybe because it's been so hot here that I have just not cared. Who knows.

Dave is busy busy busy. Did I mention he was busy. God continues to keep opening doors for Wayfarer. We are very thankful and blessed and very excited about this new year for Wayfarer. Oh yeah, Dave's fantasy football league is starting up so that is always a good time for him.

The last thing that I am very excited about is that we have one more vacation planned. Next Saturday we are heading to Myrtle Beach for the week. We went last year and had a good time and we are heading back again. Emma just loves it there. The place that we stay has a lazy river and pools and the beach and we play putt putt every night. So we are really excited that we have that in our back pocket. Can't believe it went under the radar so far. And then after that our summer will truly be over.

So there you go, a quick update. No creativity behind this blog. Just the normal.

Being Challenged

2007-08-22T12:24:00.001-05:00

For the past month I have not been at church. One week we were out of town, then Emma's sick followed by Izzie and even this past Sunday I had the whole throat virus thing. So it has been a little jaunt of skipped Sundays for me. The sad thing is that I don't think anyone has even noticed I've been absent. All that to say, I have gotton on line this past month and kind of had church sitting in front of my computer. A church called NewSpring which is a church that is growing my leaps and bounds in Anderson has had their Sunday services available on podcast and video. I've really enjoyed the current series they are in and am learning a lot about why in the middle of no where - literally, a church is thriving and running about 8000-11000 people each Sunday. The pastor there is a guy named Perry Noble and he is an excellent communicator but the thing I am enjoying most about him is that he is an activator who has passion and vision and has a real heart for his community. For instance he was reading the paper last week and there was an article about how some of the food pantry's in Anderson County were running bare. So in one week Perry mentioned it to the church and told them to come next week with food and that they were going to have trucks waiting. And this is what happened......

We completely filled up 4 organization’s food pantry’s…Salvation Army, Soup Kitchen, Haven of Rest, and Anderson Interfaith Ministries.

We filled a storage room at the Salvation Army waist high with food.

When we got to the Soup Kitchen, their pantry was completely bare, and when we left an hour later, it was overflowing.

We unloaded 1 – 7’x 24’ moving truck and 3 - 6’x12’ trailers and Paul Marshall’s pick up truck that were all completely full of food.

It took 11 guys 5 hours to unload everything.

2 trailers were so full that we could not move them last night and the base of the trailer jack of one of them was buried in the asphalt (b/c of the weight of the food in the trailer.).

It is amazing the difference a church can make in a community when people will work together and give generously toward a common vision and purpose.

Why can't more churches be doing these kinds of things? Isn't that what the church is for? Anyway I am so glad that I happened upon their website. I've really enjoyed listening in this month and in some ways feel like I have been on the journey with them. Again, all from my own computer. So as much as I hated missing my own church I have really enjoyed the vision at NewSpring.

The verdict....

2007-08-20T12:50:00.001-05:00

Thonsalitis... (not sure how you spell that) For the 3rd time about 8 weeks. This one if viral so I am going to have to ride it out. But I am feeling much better today.

And just a quick update on the croc vision I had....
After sharing with some of my girlfriends about what God has been teaching me lately and sharing about random things I think I am supposed to be doing.... they strongly encouraged me to go at it and be sure I followed through. I love my friends. And funny thing is that I have a few more random contacts from them that just proved I need to start moving and stop sitting on this stuff.

So I've sent a few emails and have started to flesh out what I think I've heard. It will take me some time but at least the ball is getting in the position to roll.

Again, if you are just catching up with me, I am wanting to gather crocs for people in Haiti. The details of how are still coming together. I'll let you know when I know more!

Sick

2007-08-19T19:38:00.000-05:00

Sickness has plagued our home for the past two weeks and tomorrow it's my turn to go to the Dr. Emma and Izzie just got over strep. Izzie broke out in a rash for a week and now I've got a bad sore throat for the 3rd time in about 6-8 weeks. I made a fleeting comment to my husband as he was heading with Emma to church this morning... "I think I might have mono" OK, so I have never had mono and the only reason I said that was because for the past three nights in the evenings I've been so tired feeling like I'm getting "flu sick" and then I head to bed only to wake up in the morning and feel better. Just very odd to me.

So my dear husband proceeds to tell all of our friends that I think I have Mono. I wanted to kill him!!!! Well #1 I was making a comment and no, I do not think it's truly mono. It's one of those things you tell your husband when he is acting like you are really not that sick.... and #2 If one more person asks how I am feeling I may go postal!

So, yes I am heading to the Dr tomorrow because when you have visual white things on your throat something is going on that needs to be taken care of.

Receiving Grace

2007-08-15T12:28:00.000-05:00

Last night Dave and I got into a heated discussion about some things concerning challenges and issues we are facing as a married couple and as a family. Good conversations but it ended in a lot of frustration. Dave who was going to go for a run at 10:30 at night instead harshly closed or bedroom door and went to bed while I stayed up and watched a bit more TV. I finally decided to head to bed myself. I figured I would do the usual when we are in outs with each other... Go to bed and try not to touch him or if he touches me scoot as far away as possible. But as I got in bed I heard him huff and I was going to make a comment and decided not to. Instead I find him rolling me over and he started to rub my back. I asked.. "what are you doing?" He said, "rubbing your back" and I huffed back "why?, did God tell you to rub my back or something?" and he said, "actually yes he did and I've been laying here trying to figure out how I don't have to do it." I laughed, he laughed and I had one of the best back rubs yet.

I certainly did not deserve a back rub from him. I said some pretty harsh and frustrating things. But I am glad the spirit nudged him to show grace to me. As I laid there I had this huge awakening of being shown grace. Pretty spiritual. I'm sure you have had those moments too.
I love my husband. Through the thick and thin he's one of the most amazing people that I have ever crossed paths with. I just got to be lucky enough to actually marry him!

Fabulous Time

2007-08-12T21:04:00.001-05:00

We had a fabulous time on our getaway. We went to Hilton Head for a 3 night 4 day trip together. In some ways it feels like we have been gone for a week but in other ways it's hard to believe we are already home. Dave and I had some much needed one on one time together. Walking the beach, being that couple in the pool that you want to throw up when you look at them because they are all over each other (no one knew who we were :), playing shuffle board, shopping, sleeping in late, eating way too much.

The great thing about this trip was that we never went wrong on our meals. I had one of the best meals of my life at a place called Red Fish. I had surf and turf and the flavoring on the Lobster was indescribable. We also ate at CQ's. A fabulous place right in harbor town. They had wonderful food and I found a great cocktail called the purple haze. I love tarty drinks and this one had a very enjoyable tarty flavor and was very good. And the last night... we went to one of the best all you can eat seafood buffets at the Westin. And I came in a close second for eating the most Alaskan King Crab legs for the evening.

We could never have done any of this if it was not for my parents. Each year they continue to take our children and watch them while we have much needed time together. Not an easy thing to do when you are older and have 2 kids under 4 on your hands. The morning I left, Emma told me she could not wait for me to leave so that Nana and Papa could come. My mom watches the kids everyday but they always make sure that there is a separation from Nana who watches them to Nana and Papa who are the grandparents that do what grandparents do. Each day Emma woke up and had something to open. I was about to kill my mom when I found out all the stuff she bought while I was gone... It's not like my kids need anything. Let's see... Emma got the Pocahontas movie, Jasmine and Aladdin barbie dolls, an Ariel doll that swims in the pool with you. Mom also took Emma shopping for her back to school clothes and got her an Ariel Backpack that is almost the size of Emma herself.

On the bad side of things... Emma came down with strep on Thursday so was sick for 2 days and Izzie got it yesterday. A great welcome home gift!

But it is good to be home. I really missed the kids and am definatley refreshed to start the fall schedule!

Off to Vacation

2007-08-07T21:16:00.000-05:00

Just finished my last bag of packing. Dave and I are heading off together for some much needed R&R without the kids. Can hardly wait. Feels like Christmas Eve. We are even leaving the computer behind. So I'll post again next week!

Bible School, Crawling, Student Life Camp, At home with Nana

2007-08-03T19:48:00.000-05:00

Just an update on the girls summer since I have been behind on my pictures.

Izzie finally learned to crawl. Yeah! She is everywhere. Yikes! She also go tubes in her ears today. It was easy and simple and she did great.

Emma went to 2 vacation Bible Schools this summer and loved them. She was so excited each night to go.

Emma went to SL camp for the first time this summer with her dad. She loved it. This is what she looked like when she came home.

Nana had fun with the kids too this summer. Here they are having a pirate play day!

Izzie had her fun too. Millie Reichley came to visit us one evening. The girls are 4 weeks a part and I am sure will be very good friends as they grow up.

Sisters! What a bunch of fun!

We now have AAA

2007-08-02T15:39:00.000-05:00

Well this summer has ended with a bang!

Dave was heading home this morning from AL and got a flat tire on I-20. I think that is my worst nightmare. Especially when you have children in the car.

He's on the side of the road and calling me asking me what to do! I'm 4 hrs away... What am I supposed to do? I am envisioning a car driving by and hitting him. Leaving Emma there all alone to fend for herself. That is of course if Dave could change a tire. Yes my husband is good at many many things. Changing tires and light bulbs are not among those things. So you can imagine my panic when I received this news. I love him dearly but someone failed him in life. Either it was his drivers ed teacher or his father :) Ha!

It was probably a good thing I was 4 hrs away since we would have probably ended up in a level 10 fight over his lack of knowing what to do. So....
A call to the police to come and help - discouraging... a no show
A call to join AAA. Costly... 89.00 to join and get help
A call from Dave to tell me he finally figured it out - Priceless
Finding a place to replace our tire - annoying
Dropping another 180.00 for a new tire and peace of mind - necessary
A mom at home, glad everyone is safe and ok - relieved
Still a long trip ahead of Dave through Atlanta traffic - tiring

So that was our day. We are now members of AAA and have blown a good chunk of our vacation money but my husband has finally learned how to change a tire. He did loose his bracelet at camp this week that I just bought him for his birthday and the back of his cell phone is lost (still trying to figure that one out. But I am still thankful. The summer has ended as far as his travel. He had a blast with Emma at camp and I can't wait till they both walk through the door.

It's just a lunch

2007-08-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

I just listened to Dave finish his last night of camp for the summer. Student Life had been broadcasting it the past three nights. So every night I have come to the computer to listen and be a part of the ministry we are doing. I would not be honest with myself if I said that I am not at a place of surrender. Do you ever have moments where you know that there is something more to be a part of but what? He talks on this night about how Jesus used one boys lunch to feed thousands. Jesus could have fed them on his own but he chose to let his disciples be a part of his work. I sit here and feel like I have these people before me that I am to feed and now I am just looking to go and find the food. I guess I have been looking for some time now. I just have this constant urging in my heart and soul to be a part of something that only God can do through me. Dave goes to tell stories of people young and old who see needs in our world and they go and meet them. I just get stuck on wondering what need am I supposed to meet. Sometimes I just want it to fall in my lap. Like a child who comes across our path to foster or adopt, a missions trip that comes my way. I can feed the hungry and I can give to organizations who are making a difference but I still don't know what I am supposed to do. Do you think I ever will? Do you just have to do many things and see if they work? Part of Dave and My mission is to do what he is doing. To awaken people to brokenness and the healer that can bring beauty out of it. I feel like I say that all the time. But it's just normal for us. Common sense. We live and breath it everyday. That is why we do Wayfarer. Why we write material, why Dave leaves his home and our family and goes to big and small places to keep sharing that passion and vision to people. It's why we choose to live in the bible belt... as much as I hate living in the bible belt. People here just need to wake up to reality and to what God wants to do in this world and get away from their rules and regulations. So you see, sometimes I sit here at my computer and feel like I am not doing anything to play my role. In reality I am but there always seems that urging to do more. So I am at a point of surrender and am pleading with God to bring his plan across my path.

We are among the most educated and wealthy people of this world. To those who much have been given, much is required. I beg that the lord would use our hands and feet and do God sized things in the world. The world needs us. People need us. Why can't our communities and families look a little more like Acts. Why can't I stop thinking about all the things I need to do and just do them.

8 days and counting

2007-07-31T20:00:00.001-05:00

8 days and counting until Dave and I head to Hilton Head for a little adult R&R. I am so excited to get away for a bit. We normally take a big trip with lots of friends in August. Last year we did a trip to Chicago. We had a great time but this summer it's a bit different. The wayfarer couples are heading to the beach for 3 days. Very randomly and unexpecetedly we were offered a place to stay at cost. It was such a huge blessing. Especially coming off of a year of just having another child. We've got insurance but sometimes I wonder why? They really took it to us when Izzie arrived. So it has been perfect timing for a beach getaway. Our friends David and Courtney are coming along. I may be more excited about them vacationing than I am Dave and I. This is the first time they have been able to come along. And it is well deserved time for them. They have 4 children under the age of 6 and this is their first adult getaway for them in a very long time. Did I mention that it was 8 days and counting?

Until then there is still a lot to do. I am not sure if I mentioned this or not but Izzie is getting tubes put in her ears on Friday. After 6 ear infections in the past 6 months it was time. I just took her yesterday for her pre-op. She still has infections in her ears. Poor thing. I bet she feels so much better after Friday. She will probably be a different kid. Although she has really turned a corner these past few weeks. She is now crawling everywhere and has been so pleasant. It is neat to see her personality develop. I just love my girls. Life would be so boring without them. I feel very blessed to be their mom.

Emma is having a great time at camp with her daddy. Dave introduced her from stage yesterday and told the camp of like 800 kids to say "hi Emma!" whenever they see her walking around. She feels like such big stuff and her and Dave are really having some great father daughter time.

I also had dinner tonight with my bother in law... Dan. He was passing through from a camp. We had some great conversation. Although he loves to debate and I am the worst at debating or being able to tell someone my opinion when it differes from theirs. He's got some interesting views on things... Not sure how much I would agree with him on some of the things we talked about but again I did not have a reason not to at the time we were talking. At one point I wanted to say.."Dan, you are way over my head! and instead I just kept nodding! But don't tell him that! :)

Now I am rambling and if you read this far I am now boring you. Oh well.... sometimes blogs are boring!

I've lost my left arm

2007-07-30T17:08:00.000-05:00

Dave headed out this morning for his final camp of the summer. And on the way out the door he took my left arm with him. That would be Emma. I am sitting here this evening bored out of my mind wondering what to do with all the time on my hands. It's just Izzie and me holding down the fort.

We were all to go to camp this week with Dave but I backed out to stay behind with Izzie. After the earlier camps this summer I promised myself that I was not doing that again this summer and I meant it. However that meant I had one sad little girl Emma on my hands. She has been talking about going to kids camp with Daddy all summer so a few phone calls later Dave decided to take her on his own. Now I normally would not allow something like that to happen. Dave spends a lot of time being available to people when he is at a camp so I was not sure how having Emma there would be. But I think we've worked it all out. And if things go down hill fast, I'll just go get her. They are going to have great daddy/Emma time. Plus it's going to be really good for Dave. I don't think he's ever had sole responsibility of Emma for 4 days straight without my help. I am hoping he will come home appreciating all I do! :) Which I know he already does but this will be a good bonding experience for them

Emma and I talk about what daddy does all the time. When he is not here with us he is out on the road speaking to kids about Jesus. It is so important that she has opportunities to be out there with him. As she gets older there will be more times where she can travel with him.

Again, I can't emphasize enough how great of a summer it has been for our family. Being intentional on making the most of our time together when we were all 4 under the same roof was huge and also having a positive attitude going into the summer helped. I know my husband travels a lot but I am very thankful for his schedule. There are a lot of other dads out there in different professions that travel a lot more than Dave ever will dream of.

I'll keep you posted on my boring week at home. I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of organizing done in the off time. I never knew just having one child was so easy!

Day 7

2007-07-27T09:31:00.001-05:00

I made it!!! It's day 7 and today I am finishing up the master cleanse. I need to tell myself this.."Kim, I am so proud of you!" It's one thing to do something like this with a group of people.... it's a whole other thing to do it by yourself in the middle of a long stretch without the hubby around. So for that I'll give myself one more pat on the back.

The cleanse:
I think it did what it was supposed to. I always know when I am ready to come off of it. It's when I look at myself in the mirror and feel hollow. This morning I felt that way for the first time. So I know it's time to come off. I feel like my system has been washed out. I did not loose as much weight off the bat this time. Which was no big deal since I was not doing this to loose weight. But I still shed about 10 pounds. 5 of that will come back as soon as food hits my system, but hopefully I can keep the other 5 off with some good eating. I'll probably start the body for life meal plan again. It seemed to be the most helpful when it came to feeling like I was able to digest food. But I would highly recommend the master cleanser to anyone who just wants a jump start at feeling better. And anyone can do it. I am not much of one to commit to anything so for me to stay true to this thing for 7 days is a true test that anyone can do it. Again the results and how you feel will keep you going. And to be honest, being hungry or needing or wanting food are some of the last things you'll experience. My hardest days for me were day 1 and day 5. Day 1 just starting the thing but day 5 I hit my healing crisis. I felt so bad. Sore throat, heartburn, flu like. Then by day 6 I had the best day yet. Everyone hits their own healing crisis at different times.

Spiritually:
Until you deprive yourself from food for a long time I don't think you can really understand the scope of starvation. So many times as I felt weak this past week I began to think about all the people out there who are starving for food. My reality was that I could choose to eat food at anytime. But for them they have no choice. There is nothing there to eat. Nothing to find. It especially makes me sensitive to the children in that process. I also read through the book of Acts again this week. Where communities came together and took care of every one's needs. Where there were none in need. Can you imagine your community like that let alone our cities or our country or our world. Somewhere we just got something wrong. Probably when culture tells us things are all about me me me and how to make me better.

So there you have it. It was a good week for me. Both physically and spiritually. I also learned a lot more about what it takes to be disciplined in the the midst of every day life.

Death and sadness

2007-07-26T20:04:00.001-05:00

I have a hard time understanding brokenness in this world and the chances of death that happen in peoples lives every day. To one day be here and then the next day you are gone. These past two months I have heard of younger people who have died unexpectedly. I did not know these people. I just knew their stories. And it leaves me sad for the people they leave behind. Wendy's cousin lost her husband 1 month before the birth of their first son. It was a random car accident. He was 30ish. I have another friend who just lost her sister-in-law to cancer. She has two school children she leaves behind. And today I found out that the boss of this same friend passed away. He had been waiting on a kidney. He got too sick before one arrived and passed away after a long hard struggle with life. I hate sickness and the way it comes in and devastates people's lives. I often wonder what cancer will find me in my young future. Hopefully none but it seems now a days everyone gets it. I hope I am old when it comes knocking. It is just hard for me to be able to find words for people who have lost loved ones that still had so much life in front of them. I have no idea what to say. Maybe some of them were believers maybe not. I am not sure but it does not make words any easier. Again, I feel like I say this all the time but it makes me constantly evaluate my own life and want to be sure I am living each day with meaning and purpose. Living each day hard, and full of love. Constantly telling my family and friends the things on my heart. It always makes me stop thinking about material items and possessions.. Like the new things I want for my house or the car that would make a perfect addition to our families garage. Who cares! Again I think thinking about death and the reality of it is a good thing. It makes you love life more and dare to live each day with a little more passion for what is important to you. So Lord please be with these families today who have lost people in their lives that had so much more life to give. Give them meaning, and purpose and most of all hope.

When it's time to come home

2007-07-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Dave called last night and I could tell in his voice that he is tired. This has been a long last stretch for him. He has enjoyed each opportunity to be with different groups this summer. My husband by nature is an introvert but when it comes to his calling, he does anything it takes to connect with people, to be around the people he is ministering to, to be available. And this summer it seems so many people have been pulling for his attention. Which is good because one of Dave's biggest gifts is to be able to talk truth into people's lives. He's done it in my own time and time again. But it has been a summer of people really needing him.

So again, last night when he called I knew he was tired. Especially when he started getting sentimental with me and our life. He's run into so many stories this summer of where people's marriages from all stages of life have had such turmoil and hardship and devastation. So he took another opportunity to tell me how much he appreciates my willingness to allow him to do what he does... to do what we do. You see, I play as much of a role in his ministry as he does. My number one priority is to make sure our home is at rest and peace when he is gone. That our family.. me and the girls are his biggest fans and supporters and encourager's and even more important... prayer warriors. Even when we have bad days when he is gone, I seldom let him in on the level of bad they are. All he needs to know is that we are doing well and anticipating when he gets to come home.

But it got me thinking about marriage. A friend of mine and I were talking just the other week about how many people think that once you get married things get so much easier. I am here to say that marriage is one of the hardest things I have done. It takes work and a lot of hard work to have a great trusting marriage relationship. Before getting married I never imagined how hard some journey's would be together. On the other hand the other thing that I know to be true is that I never expected the love I have for Dave to be so pure, strong and true. That has been the biggest surprise that marriage has brought me.

So anyway, I was just thinking about things today and felt I needed to share that. I am still doing ok on the master cleanser. Today is day 5 and yesterday and today have really been the hardest. I am not hungry but I am feeling like crap. Which is good because it means I am getting all the toxins out of my body. I was reading some blogs last night about other people on the cleanser and most of them do 10+days up to 40 days of this thing.... They say after 10 days your body really starts attacking the bad cells and stuff. I am just looking to make it to Friday. I can't imagine going past 10 days. I am really proud of myself for getting this far on my own. Last time I did this there were 4 of us all doing it together. This time just me and with Dave gone it has been a little harder because if I do need to lay down a bit and rest I can't because I've got the girls to take care of. But I can do it. We'll see if I make it to Friday. I may start going off of it tomorrow.....

Crawling

2007-07-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

Izzie took a few crawls today and should be up and officially crawling in the next two days. Just yesterday she can sit up by herself from a laying position on the floor. She is just growing so fast these days!

Sorry I have been absent from my opinions latley. I am in the middle of a 7 day fast/cleanser and have not had much time to sit and think about getting on a computer. It's going good. I did not want to tell anyone I was starting it in case I did not make it through the first day. The first day is always the hardest. I thought about quiting at least 2 times this past Saturday but I made it through day one. Tomorrow will be day 4 for me and I'm on the down hill. I did this same cleanser about a year and a half ago and made it 8 days. So I figure this time around 7 would do. I've had major digestive issues since having Izzie... I personally think my insides were not put back right after my c-section. But who knows, I could be making all of that up. But regardless I wanted to try a cleanse before I went the medical route. So far it seems to be working. I tell you what, it is amazing what kind of crap (no pun untended) is in your body. When you do a cleanse and see the toxins come out you will probably always make it priority to do one. I think 1 or 2 a year can do your body a good service.

So anyway, that is the latest with me. Just on the cleanser, home alone with the girls 6 days so far and 5 more to go till Dave get's back, reading through the book of Acts, trying to make it till Friday!

I had someone come and clean my house today.. .compliments of my grandparents so I am sitting in a clean smelling house right now. Nothing like a clean looking and smelling house when you had nothing to do with it. Priceless!

It will make you think....

2007-07-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

I saw this posted on another site and it got me thinking.... I'm not a very political person but again... made me think. Maybe it will make you think too. I do agree with some of what is said. Especially the part that most of us are ungrateful for the many freedoms we have.. or I should say oblivious to them. I do realize that a lot of people have no clue that the world does not live in the rich blessing that we do..... Take this for what it is worth.....

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.

You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents.

Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating?

Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terror ist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable '' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news.
Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are For-profit corporations.
They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Sending Daddy Off

2007-07-19T08:56:00.001-05:00

Dave headed out early this morning for his last big push of the summer. He'll be in MO, and Oklahoma for the next 2 camps and then comes home for his last camp in Alabama. Emma got in bed with me this morning and started to cry. "Where is my daddy?" He had a 7AM flight so he had to say good bye to her last night. "He's off to camp again and will be home soon" I said. We have had a wonderful summer. God has been doing some amazing things at the camps Dave has been at and the times that he has been home, we have made extra effort to be more intentional about our time together. So that is the latest with us. Pray for me... for patience with the girls these next few weeks!

Happy Birthday Dave

2007-07-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Dave's 33rd birthday tonightsince he will be gone on his real birthday. Emma and I took him out to dinner. It was so nice. Emma also made him a present. She said that it was captain hooks' telescope. Lucky Dave! She was so proud. He loved that she made it for him. Tomorrow we have another party with friends before we send Dave off again to finish his summer stretch of camps. It really has been a good summer for all of us. We have much to be thankful for. Happy birthday babe! Life keeps getting better and better with each year!

Dave and Emma

Dad's favorite present

What a work of art!

Restoration

2007-07-16T06:04:00.000-05:00

Our family was in downtown Greenville last night celebrating Addie Gail Brooks first birthday. Now that most of our friends have more than 1 child it seems there is always a birthday to celebrate. It was a great party. While we were there in the area we decided to visit Dave's aunt and uncle who just moved to the area a while back. They bought this old mill home about 5 months ago and decided to gut it and renovate it. I saw this home about 3 months ago when they just started working on it. When I saw it I thought there was no way possible to ever make the thing livable. I'm not the greatest big picture person. When I look at things I most of the time just see the details. And the details on getting this home to the place where I thougth they could live in it seemed impossible. I was totally shocked when we walked through the door. What was once such an eye sore and heap of work, was now a beautiful work in progress and definiteley a wonderful livable space. Who would have known? How could I have doubted?

Thought about a lot of our families mission... finding broken places in this world and making beauty out of them. So many moments I look at the task and can't see the big picture but just the details. I get overwhelmed and even doubt at times that God can take something so broken and barren and make something beautiful out of it. But he does. We constantly bump into lives that he has restored and we watch and reflect in awe of the beauty he has created. I really want to look at things and immediately see the big picture and not just the details. In the end the big picture is a wonderful thing.

Black, White and Gray

2007-07-15T07:58:00.000-05:00

The past few mornings I have been up at the crack of dawn. I am an early riser by nature but my children... they beat me to it. If your children sleep in past 8AM in the morning you ought to consider it a blessing. My kids will be up anytime between 6 and 7am and if they make it to 7 I really feel like I slept in a bit. It's not really a big deal for me but my husband is a night owl so trying to balance staying up later with him but having to get up so early with the kids is a rhythm I am still trying to figure out. With that said, the past few mornings have allowed a time for a nice walk through our neighborhood. When it's 8am, everyone has been up for 2 hrs, breakfast has been served... what else is there to do but get outside?

I have not walked our neighborhood in a while so these past few days have been an interesting walk of discovery for me. We don't live in an upscale community. It's a very modest neighborhood. Dave and I love it here and we love our home. The home we live in is nicer than any home that Dave and I grew up in. We feel very blessed to have the house that we do. We made a few good decisions when buying our first home and when interest rates hit rock bottom a few years back we were able to sell that house invest in a much larger home for a very little house payment in comparison. We were just fortunate that all the cards played in our favor. Our neighborhood is governed by a covenant. We like this because it prevents eye sores or chain link fences going up around you. However on my walks it amazes me how many people are in violation of the covenant. It's not just a few homes, it's many. The thing about covenants is that it's very black and white. There is a document that says exactly what you can and can not do. There is no gray area. But yet so many people want to live in the gray. It bothers me when there are issues that are black and white and people live in the gray. But it bothers me even more when the issue is Gray and people want to define it as black and white. Bet you did not see that twist coming!

It lead me to think about the generation that we live in. Especially Christianity and people who claim to be Christians. There are so many churches, people, Christians, that want to define a black and white covenant to issues that are gray and can't be defined. Living in the bible belt we encounter this everyday. Churches in the south have a tendency to define major issues as black and white and leave people in a battle of choosing purity or sin. It's such a shame. We are enslaving people through a bad theology instead of defining the gray issue and letting people live and draw their own lines based on there experiences and relationships with the Lord. Jesus dealt with this a lot as he constantly lived in the gray and had the Pharisees looking over him wanting him to define black and white and then persecuting him when he didn't. Jesus hung out with ungodly people, He did things that made people question him, he healed on the sabbath, he changed water into wine, he ate and fellowshiped with people living in sin. This is like Christianity 101... most of you already know all of this. Sorry for the details.

All that to say.. I feel like am constantly aware of the black, white and gray.

Dave gets this a lot with the people and groups that he comes in contact with. Especially the youth of this generation. At most of the camps he does... there will no doubt be a question and answer time where Dave sits in the hot seat and trys to answer life questions that these kids have. It becomes interesting because a lot of these kids are from places that have defined issues as black and white. Dave and I.. well we live in the gray on a lot of issues. That is the way we live our life and in ways it's part of our ministry to shed more gray in people's lives. Not to be reckless but to take God seriously and enjoy the freedoms he has given us with life and to trust our relationship with him and the holy spirit on what is right for us. Of course in teens lives it all comes down to about three questions that are asked every time. "How far is too far?, Is drinking alcohol wrong?, How do I deal with mean people? I love how Dave answers these questions. Especially when you have a baptist minister standing over you wanting you to define it as right and wrong. And Dave always comes back to the gray. Telling students that there are a lot of gray area's in Christianity that can not be defined in black and white and that you need to walk in that grey in your relationship with the Lord and define your own lines with Him. (I really wish someone presented those thoughts to me while growing up. When I would live in the gray on issues... which I thought were black and white, I felt like such a sinful person. When really... looking back, it was not sin at all. I feel like I missed out on a greater impact on people because I was so chained to my own struggle of disapointment.) There is a lot more that goes into answering that but I'll leave it there just to make my point. And let me preference.... There are many many issues that are black and white... take the 10 commandments as some of them. Don't steal, covet, honor your father and mother, etc... so I'm not trying to say do whatever you want. Hopefully you know what I was trying to say. Just focusing on the Gray thing right now.

I am trying to think how that has played out in our lives. Dave and I are definitely trying to be more missional. We both grew up with a very black and white influence in our lives. Daring to live in the gray has brought about much freedom. It's not always easy because there will always be those people in our life who will question us when they see us doing something that for them is still defined as black and white. Much like with Jesus there are probably people that look at us and play the Pharisee role. We don't care.

So back to our neighborhood. Who ever thought that a few days of walking around our hood would bring me to reflect on the spiritual journey's we have been on. Or more so.. .I have been on.

Always ways to help

2007-07-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

This site is a site I view weekly that always puts my life in perspective. If you all have been reading lately you know I have a heart for Haiti. The thing with today is that in the past if you really wanted a wake up call on the reality of life outside our US bubble you would need to actually go on a trip to be educated on the poverty and need of people all across our world. Now with the Internet we can sit at home and read and see people's lives who are in such need. There are 4 people on this site in need of Visa's to come to the US for surgery. Almost everyday there is a need out there that you can respond to. If this interests you and you feel called to help, please help and if not then find other ways to help others... it does not always have to be financial. It's not fun seeing the brokenness in people's lives but it is a constant reminder to me and my family of the rich blessings we have. The struggle for bigger houses, more money, better cars, time for ourselves could be a much less struggle if people really got a glimpse into the reality of our broken world.

Home for a day and on the road again

2007-07-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

Daddy came home last night. We met him at Frankie's Fun Park in Greenville. Emma was so excited she ran from hole to hole and was worn out at the end of 18 holes. Izzie was glad to see her daddy too. It was the first time that when she saw him she started smiling and laughing and reaching for him.

Dave had a good week at Lee University at a Student Life camp and heads out tomorrow to TX for another camp at Austin College, Sherman TX. While at this past camp a guy took some random pictures of Dave and gave him a disk. So here are a few of him. Many are curious as to what Dave actually does for a living. Well this is part of what he does....

It is hard at times having a husband who travels a lot during different seasons of a year. Especially when his biggest time of travel hits during the summer when the kids are at home and most families are spending more time together. However, I would not trade this life of ours for anything. There is nothing more rewarding or fulfilling than living out God given dreams with a community of friends. The sacrifice (if I can even call it that) is nothing compared to the knowing that our family is on a mission and impacting the lives of others so that they can wake up and have life to the fullest. Anyone can be a part of that mission. You've just got to get off your butt and make it happen.

I am still coming up with ideas for my croc plan. I'll keep you posted....

God Breathed

2007-07-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Is there anything in your life that is God Breathed? Do you have a constant urging that you are supposed to do something that is out of the ordinary or maybe even crazy? I love when I run into people who are daring to live out in faith what they feel God is calling them to do. I ran into one of these people at one of our friends birthday parties. The birthday party was great. We love celebrating birthdays in the community of friends that we have. It's always a good time of celebrating life and for lots of fun with friends. This person goes to our church. I noticed that she was looking a little pregnant but far be it for me to ever ask anyone if they are pregnant when you are not sure. She is older and has children who are older. So I was a bit curious to wonder what was up. They left the party early so when they were gone I asked my friend is she was expecting. She said she was and went into saying that she is being a surrogate mom for a couple who the woman can't carry a baby. The woman has had 19 miscarriages. This baby is fully the other couples, but "Sarah" lets call her that... felt called to carry their child for them and to help them out. The thing is I remember about a year ago, Sarah was doing a photo shoot for Wayfarer and I was driving around the car with her and we were talking about adoption, (she was adopted) and fostering and she at that time had mentioned she was feeling like she was supposed to help someone out in need.

So a year later, I find her pregnant... acting on a hunch of something she was supposed to do. Pretty daring I must say. I can't imagine the gift she is giving to this other couple of offering her body up as a place for their baby to grow.

But anyway, I just wanted to share that with you because it inspired me. There was also another couple there last night who have older children in high school and have taken in two African American kids who have been in the foster system to be part of their family and adopt them.

Not every one's God breathed things in their lives are things that involve children or helping families but I do think that everyone has those things.

Right now I have been wrestling with the idea that I am maybe supposed to be getting together thousands of croc shoes and shipping them off to people in Haiti. If you know anything about Haitians... they need shoes and they are in a place where there is water and dust and the only thing I think of is how useful crocs would be. So I have no idea how to even start to accomplish this possible urging... I hate to even talk about it now because I will feel bad to not do anything with the idea. I mean, how, who, where would I send them? Would it even matter? Any ideas out there would help..... But anyway all that to say is that I know we all have these God breathed urgings... I just wonder what yours is?

Girls night out

2007-07-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

Emma and I had a girls night out tonight. Mom kept Izzie and we went to see Ratatouille? I think I mispelled that! It was a fun time. I love to get one on one time with her and it was so kind of my mom to keep Izzie. We split a huge popcorn and drink. Half way through the movie she leaned over and whispered.. "I love you mom."

Another double ear infection...

2007-07-06T19:29:00.000-05:00

I just took Izzie to the Dr today for a check on her ears. When we were on vacation a few weeks ago, she was up screaming all night and I figured she had another one. The Dr. was hesitant to call her in an antibiotic since no one looked at her but she did if I promised to bring her in when I got back. Well I took her in today thinking she was absolutely fine. Come to find out she has double ear infections that on a scale of 1-10 are about a 9. Poor kid. And once again did I mention I had no idea? So we are now on our 7th round of antibiotics and we are getting sent to an ENT. Hopefully we'll have tubes in the next month or so. We did this same thing with Emma and the tubes were life savers. Emma was a little older when she got them than Izzie is. I just want Izzie to feel normal. I think her normal is dealing with a lot of pain right now and being so used to it that it does not phase her anymore.
Dave is gone most of this month so I am holding down the fort. Hopefully I won't have any rough nights ahead of me!

Jumping off the Diving board

2007-07-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

So Dave uses this illustration at camp this summer about how God wants us to dare to jump off the diving board, meet Him in mid air and dare to flip and dive even if we smack! Not to settle for doing pencils. Well when I say "jumping off the diving board" I am not applying any spiritual connotation to those words. I literally mean jumping off the diving board.

At Key Largo a few weeks ago we were at this pool that had a high dive. Dave asked if I wanted to go off of it with him. I said no. Had no interest and didn't think twice about doing it. Just did not seem like fun to me.

Also while at Key Largo, we went out 7 miles in the ocean to snorkel at some reefs. I stayed up swimming around the boat watching out for Emma since there was a barracuda 3 ft away from us. But I passed on seeing the reefs. Two of them.

The problem I am having is that if you asked me 5 years ago before our life with kids and maybe even back farther into college if I would go off a high dive or snorkel in the ocean, I would never hesitate once. I would do it and love every minute of it. I am just now reflecting about what has happened to the fun and adventurous Kim that I once knew and loved. I know she is in there somewhere I am just trying to find ways to bring her back to life again.

I am disappointed in myself that I have left part of my fun side behind somewhere. Somewhere in the midst of being married, having and raising children and being a mom fun adventurous Kim has gone hiding and I can't find her.

I just want to never think twice about enjoying life. I don't ever want to have the opportunity to see some of the most famous reefs on the Atlantic coast and just pass it up because I just did not feel like seeing them. I love the Kim that is in the here and now, I just think she lacks on her sense of adventure. So, farewell pencils... I am about to try and do the one and a half.

Our Two Weeks Away

2007-07-03T16:22:00.000-05:00

First camp with Dave this summer in Hilton Head

It rained one day so we made a trip to the Childrens Museum. Emma was a pirate!

Our second time back to our old alma mater. First time with our girls. PBA is where we met and both of us went to school. We have such fun memories of our time there

Dave lived with his buddies on Mango Prom. Here he is with his girls on a very famous part of his life.

In Key Largo we went to a community pool that had a waterslide and a pirate ship. Emma loved it.

Emma and Kayleigh went to the mall in Miami and visited Libby Lu. Emma dressed up as a princess and Kayleigh was a Rocker Girl.

We took a boat ride out in the ocean. Emma loves boats.

Izzie finally learned to sit up and sat up on the edge of the pool for this picture.

Me and my girls doing what I love best. Beach, pool and sun. This was on our trip at Daytona with Dave.

Eden

2007-06-28T09:05:00.000-05:00

I wish I could download my pictures!

We are having a wonderful time here in Daytona.

Last night mom watched Izzie for me and Emma and I headed out to the beach to build sandcastles. The beach was empty, the sun was setting and I'm down in the sand with my daughter creating castles. The waves are crashing the wind is slightly blowing. God's beautiful creation...water, earth, birds, mother, daughter. I could not help bu think we were experiencing Eden the way it was originally created to be.

Daytona Beach, FL

2007-06-27T08:36:00.000-05:00

We are at camp this week with Dave in Daytona Beach. We are with FBC Tifton and a group of other churches with about 400 kids. We were here last year for this camp and we are back this year. It's good to see faces from lat year. It's always nice going back to a camp you have been at because it feels and I assume that we can have greater ministry impact since we have been on this continuing journey with them. I think Dave will be back next year too.

The other great thing about this camp is that they let Dave bring his family. That is huge for us and the girls when daddy is gone all of June and July. We really appreciate churches and groups that say bring the family along. The girls or should I say Izzie has had a much better week this week. I do have a secret weapon with me. My mom came down to camp with us to help with the girls. Emma wants to be at the beach and pool all day and Izzie can only tolerate spurts. So it has been great having another person here to help with their schedules. I've also been able to attend all the evening sessions with Dave. I love that. It really makes me feel a part of what God is doing this week.

The weather has been great and we are having a blast. More to come later

Key Largo

2007-06-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

So I did not post last week while we were in Key Largo. Maybe because I had absolutely no time! It was our first vacation with two kids. I'm still not sure if I personally would call it a vacation. Izzie gave us a run for our money and were not sure if we'll take her out of the house again for a while! Probably driving 12 hrs to vacate was not the smartest move on our part but we made it and had some fun times with Dave's parents. Here is a quick run down.

12 hr trip, thank the Lord for baby einstein, beautiful home given to us by the Clark family, two lunches out at the local hang out, feeding the tarpons, two trips to the public pool which had waterslides and a pirate ship full of fun for the kids, a cancelled trip to Key West for Dave and I... too long to drive with the littl one, swimming in the ocean 7 miles off the shore, Emma and I looking at a baracooda three feet away from our feet, Emma learning to swim, snorkling at two reefs, a fun game of Uno, Key Lime margarita's, Club Libby Lou at the Dolphin Mall in Miami, taking out kids back to the place where Dave and I first met, PBA University.

Key Largo

2007-06-20T08:34:00.000-05:00

We have arrived. After driving through the night on Monday and then what turned into another 8 hr drive on Tuesday due to traffic, we have arrived.

Izzie up screaming last night because I think she has ear infections...

The place we are at is beautiful and hopefully we will get much needed rest. I'll post later on our day to day journey's along with pictures. I forgot the cord to my camera at home so I can't download anything.

Father's Day Frosty Weekend at Wendy's to Support Adoption

2007-06-14T22:29:00.000-05:00

Here is just one way that you can be a part of something that is making a big difference in the lives of kids. So plan on grabbing your dad and taking them for a frosty on Sunday to celebrate him and be an agent of change in this world!

Father's Day Frosty Weekend at Wendy's to Support Adoption
Looking for a fun, yummy way to celebrate Father's Day and help foster children find adoptive families?

On June 16 and 17, participating Wendy's restaurants across the country will donate a minimum of 50 cents from every Frosty product sold to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption , which funds and supports full-time foster adoption recruiters in all 50 states.

Jon Bellinger, publicist for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, says, "The goal is to raise $1 million in one weekend to support the work of the DTFA's signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. It's an easy way to get involved, and a great way to help foster children find placements in loving families."

Is that not a delicious idea? I'm taking my family out for Frostys on Father's Day!

I've Ruined the perfect day

2007-06-14T22:14:00.001-05:00

Emma and I had the best day together today. She went with me to work. She was so good and did her own thing while I worked away. Then we went to lunch together at the mall, got Dave a fathers day gift and made a big 1.50 purchase of stick on earrings that she just loves. She had VBS tonight and has been coming home wild. Tonight was no different. She was running around crazy while I was trying to listen to Dave live tonight. SL was broadcasting his talk live from Shocco Springs. After a lot of frustration she finally made it to bed where she started crying. I asked her what was wrong and she said.. "I've ruined the perfect day... I've ruined the perfect day!" As I comforted her and we said our prayers and tucked her in, I walked away internally laughing. These are moments I want to write down and not forget and that is what I just did. Kids... life would be so so so so boring without them!

Wednesday Morning

2007-06-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday morning, my heartburn is gone and I'm working away.
Check out update from Dave this morning. Sorry if I am boring all of you.

Shocco Springs Conference Center June 11th to 15th : Student Life Camp Experience 2007

Heartburn UGGH

2007-06-13T03:16:00.000-05:00

Why else would someone be up at 3am in the morning? This time it's not my kids. I woke up with heartburn if that is what you want to call it. I swear... after my surgery from having Izzie things have never been normal again. I am wondering if they placed everything back the way it was? What can you do? I am just annoyed.

Decided to catch up on camp from Dave so I can sit in an upright position and not be in pain....

Tuesday night:
Camp Pastor Dave Rhodes gave the students an opportunity to continue in Worship by asking anyone who wanted to read any scripture that had grabbed a hold of them in the last week or month. Like popcorn students stood and began to read scripture. After a few minutes, Dave expressed how cool it is to hear the passages read because they are not just random words but words that God had spoken to through the students. “God still speaks in the Here and Now,” Dave said.

Dave opened with an illustration of a little boy who wanted to play with his dad, yet his dad tried to buy a little time to unwind by giving his son a torn picture of the world. He told his son to tape the world back together and then it will be time to play. The little boy amazed his dad by coming back in 5 minutes with the world all put together. When asked how he new how to tape the world back the boy explained that on the back of the pieces their was a man, and once he got the man together the world came together too.

Dave challenged that illustration by expressing to the students that often people are better at getting their world together then the man. The more we know the person of Christ; he not only brings our world together, but flips our world upside down. “Normal becomes abnormal just to be normal again,” Dave said.

Dave took the students to John 1:35-42: Jesus calls His first disciples, in particular, Andrew. After Jesus telling Andrew to follow Him, Andrew immediately finds his brother, Peter, to share the news. Andrew sees God for who He is, and wants in on the conversation. The presence of God isn’t just something you find or see but engage in. We are waiting on God, yet maybe He is waiting on us.

“When’s the last time you stayed in conversation long enough to hear God’s heart?” Dave asked. Often when our life falls apart or a crisis is at hand, we beg God to pull our life together. “Instead of going to God with an agenda, go to God for an agenda,” Dave said. Dave emphasized how a lot of people have watched God put there life back together, yet don’t stay long enough to hear God’s heart for freedom in the world. “Are you just coming to God and asking Him to get your world together or have you stayed long enough to let Him flip your world up-side down?” Dave asked.

Andrew hears God’s message and the first thing he does is find Peter so he can experience what he just witnessed. “Peter gets a lot of credit for changing the world, but it was Andrew who brought Peter to Jesus,” Dave said. We all have different gifts and abilities. Dave urged the students to use their unique personality, in the Here and Now, to breathe out what God has breathed into them. God wants people to stay long enough to have the courage to expand His conversation in their world.

“Tonight we’re asking you to join a conversation,” Dave said. Dave introduced Camp Event Coordinator Laurabeth Emory to share her experience of staying in a conversation long enough to hear God’s heart. This last September, Laurabeth felt God calling her to become apart of an organization called Compassion International by sponsoring a little girl named Susan.

Tuesday morning:
Camp Pastor Dave Rhodes reiterated that last night the students focused on the two truths: God is present and when we see Him it changes our identity. This morning Dave focused on the truth that when God is speaking, we find our purpose. “Where are you going?” Dave asked. Is the road we’re walking down a road to life or death?

Dave took the students to Hebrews 11:23-29; the Hebrews our forging their identity because to be a Christian meant to be persecuted. In this passage the Hebrews are hearing stories of people who had chosen the way before them like Moses. By faith, Moses “persevered because he saw Him who is invisible” (verse 27). Life is a choice. “The lives we live tomorrow are determined by the choices we make today,” Dave said.

Robert Frost wrote about coming across two roads one day, and by taking the one less traveled that has made all the difference. Dave emphasized that life is determined not by what you can do but the choices that we make today determine the lives we live tomorrow. “God did not just speak, but is speaking,” Dave asked the students if they would join the conversation. “Will you walk down the road less traveled and allow Him to flip you life upside down?”

VBS and Student Life Camp

2007-06-11T21:28:00.000-05:00

Emma had her first night of Vacation Bible School tonight. She loved it. She's still up since they gave her coke for a snack. I don't know what they were thinking! Anyway it should be a great time for her this week.

Dave started his camp tonight. Still waiting to hear from him. He's at a Student Life camp. They run the best camps out there. If I get on their site I can look up information on his camp and get a synopisis of the sessions he does. He did an opening at orientation today. Since I have nothing better to do in the evenings I'll post what is going on with him. It's great for me since it makes me feel like I am there with him. I am praying that he will have a fantastic week and that lives will be changed.

So from this afternoon:
Camp Pastor Dave Rhodes opened by asking the students if they have baggage? Baggage can equip us for the future or try to hinder us from life. Philippians 1:20-26: while in prison, Paul writes to Philippi about being torn between living and dieing but something inside of him makes it necessary for him to live.

“What is it about your life that it is necessary?” Dave asked. Often we get caught up in the future or paralyzed by the past, but what God wants to have you now. Dave informed the students tonight they would focus on two truths. One: “God is present.” Two: God changes identity. Dave told the students how he’s looking forward to being with them and watching these two truths collide. Dave prayed that throughout this week God will show us what is necessary for us to live in the Here and Now.

Rhodes FFF Night all weekend long

2007-06-10T19:37:00.000-05:00

Well our family had it's normal Friday Family Fun night this past Friday and it extended through the entire weekend. We all had a blast. Great family time. On Friday we went to Dicks to find a putter for Emma. She loves playing putt putt and Dave wanted to get her a club of her own. Of course they did not have one. Instead I left with a 9.99 purchase of these things called Jibbitz. Dave rolled his eyes when he found out how much they cost. They are decorations that go on your crocks. Emma got some for her purple crocks that she basically lives in. I can't believe I spent that much money of them. However, the person who discovered jibbitz and created them just sold the company last year for 22 million dollars. Wish I would have come up with that idea. It was just one of those things I wanted to buy so I did. We then ate at Panera and went to Frankies fun park to play a game of putt putt. Emma had 6 hole in ones! With Dave's help but still I thought that was impressive even with the help.

Saturday we woke up and did yard work and then went off to the pool for the afternoon. Emma learned to kind of swim on her own and Izzie even got in the pool too. She then took a nap in the shade while we continued swimming. Thanks Izzie for the break! :)

And today... we skipped church and met some friends from Birmingham that were driving through. I have not seen them since last August. It does not seem like it has been that long but is has. I hate having good friends that live so far away. With kids and work, we hardly get to hang out anymore. But it is always good when we do.

So a very busy weekend but fun. Dave heads out tomorrow to Alabama and we get back to our normal routine. I think I'm sending Emma to a Vacation Bible School that is just around the corner from our house at this country Presbyterian church. I'm sure she'll love it.

And me... I've got a week left before our two week trip to Florida. We are heading to the Keys with Dave's family and then to Daytona Beach for a beach camp Dave is doing. I am looking forward to the trip but dreading it as well. It's just very hard right now to travel, sleep all of us in one room, travel, did I say travel with a 6 month old who is not a very good traveler. I am cherishing this stage of her life because it is my favorite stage but I will look forward to next summer when she is older and things won't be so stressful or hard for us to pick up and go.

Again it was so great to have such a wonderful weekend home with Dave here. We had a blast!

Second Camp Done

2007-06-07T22:16:00.000-05:00

Dave just finished up his second camp this summer. From talking to him it was a great week. God did some amazing things in the lives of the students that were there. It's always encouraging and energizing to me when he has a good week. Most of the weeks are always good but you get some camps that the students just are not there and it's hard on those weeks. He's now home for a few days and then back out on Monday.

Which leads me to ask for you all to continue to pray for our family. It's amazing how the adversary really attacks us during the summer months. It never seems to fail. Pretty cowardly I might say as a good friend of mine puts it. But really, if there are any cracks that he can come in it's during the summer and it normally is generated in methods of fear with me being home a lone a lot. So that is all I have to say without going into any more detail and giving any credit where absolutely none is due. I know it's because our family is really a part of many life changing experiences and collisions in the lives of young people during these months. I say our family because even though it's not me out on the road, I know my importance in the role I play holding down the fort and supporting Dave. We will not back down. We truly believe the importance of our life mission of creating beauty where only brokenness is found. And we understand and comprehend the tremendous responsibility that is and we don't take it lightly.

With that said, I am still a very disturbed person as it seems things flash in and out of our lives in moments. I was thinking in the car this evening as I saw a Virginia Tech sticker on the car ahead of me. How quickly I forget tragedy that has happened all around me. The media covers something and then it's like it never happened. And then I was hearing some stats on the news tonight about how many orphans there are in the world.. USAID.GOV: The total number of orphans worldwide is projected to reach 44 million by 2010. 44 million. Can you grasp your mind around that. As I was putting Izzie to sleep tonight she had a hard time going down. She was crying a bit here and there and as I opened her door to go and check on her I was thinking.. who is checking on all those millions of children who are crying? No one is. It makes me think that my vision of adopting one child down the road is just way too small. I need a bigger vision. Oh and then another thought... Interesting that American Idol can raise 70 million dollars for charity but what are the Christians and our churches doing? Just thoughts that again constantly disturb me.

2007-06-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

It's 10PM and Dave is on his way home for the night just to leave again in the morning at 7AM. He is at a camp about an hour away so he decided to come home for the night. Emma took a long nap today so she could stay up late and be with him. She is really missing him not being here. I hate that as they get older they are so much more aware that daddy is gone and when he goes it seems like a really long time until he returns.

Izzie just broke a 2 day nursing strike this evening. I have no clue what that was all about but she refused to nurse for 2 days. Then all of a sudden she was back to normal. Kids... never a dull moment.

Still waiting on Dave. Can't wait to see him!

The Response to Izzie

2007-06-04T21:15:00.000-05:00

I always think it's interesting the response I get to Izzie's name and the conversations it takes me to. Last week we were at mom's pool and a father was there with his two daughters. Emma began to play with them and he was asking her what her sisters name was. Emma said "Izzie". He said, oh is her name Isabella? "no said Emma" Is it Izararua? Emma was flustered. She said no, she is a girl. I chuckled. It's funny how no one thinks Izzie is her first real name. They always think it is short for something. They are always surprised when I say that it is not.
We were at the Salty Dog in Hilton Head on Friday and I was chatting with the mother of the youth minister from the church Dave was doing the camp for. We were having to wait a long time for food so we had a lot of time for conversation. Izzie's name came up and she also asked what her name was short for. I went on to explain the meaning behind her name and how we named her that after she became our miracle girl. Well this Lady had such an interesting miracle herself. She had just had her first child when she found out that she had a mass in her spinal area. The dr's first thougth it would be inoperable since the area was delicate. They decided to go ahead and operate telling her that there was 100% chance she would never walk again. The mass was not cancerous but to take it out they had to sever most of her spinal cords. The first week she was paralyzed but then she started having movement and then began to walk. When they took the x-rays there was nothing there that showed that there was any connection to her lower extremities. The dr's were so baffled that the Dr who did the surgery did not charge her for it because he said he did not do that surgery. To this day he keeps her z-ray in his office to always tell patients that when they get the most devastating news he always says but as you can see, this lady is walking and there is no reason that she should be so you see there is always hope. Don't you just love that? I love hearing about miracles in other peoples lives. We have an amazing God who does things when we can't explain them. I keep the x-ray of my ovaries 2 weeks before I got pregnant showing that there was nothing there no eggs and thus no medical explanation of how Izzie was ever possible. When I have days when I see into other peoples lives and the struggles they are facing I always want to offer people hope that God can still work in their lives. He does not always intervene in every situation but we can always rely on the fact that we can trust him and that he is good. I was just so encouraged to hear about her story and to know God has worked and is working in the lives of so many who dare to believe that by only Him our situations can have hope. You see there is always hope.

The Monsoon has hit

2007-06-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

We woke up this morning to a monsoon. So weird how one day can be an incredible beach day and the next day you can't see your hand in front of your face because the rain is not only just pouring down it is pouring sideways. Well it rained all day today. Emma was so sad and disappointed that she could not go to the beach. We found a children's Museum and went to it this morning and then later this evening mom and I took the kids to the mall just to get out and walk around a bit. So the day worked for us even though we had to be creative in what we did. We are hoping the rain will let up just a little bit in the morning so Emma can go say goodbye to the beach.

Tonight was a good ending session with the kids this week. I've been able to sit in on all the evening times since my mom is here. It's been great to hear some great teaching. I know it's my husband and all but I always learn so much from him as he communicates Gods word. He challenged the students tonight to do something with their lives. That so many of us are afraid to take chances on our God given dreams that often we do nothing for the fear that we may fail. So we stay in neutral and end up doing nothing for the Kingdom. I find myself in that boat a lot of time personally. It's kind of like I have two lives... the life I partner in with Dave. As a team we do live on the edge. Take big risks for hopes of big Kingdom rewards. I feel that we take what God has given us and we don't hide it but we dare to believe that God can use us to do great things. The other life I have is the personal life of Kim who as an individual tends not to take big risks and often holds back for fear of failure or the fear of getting hurt. I was really challenged tonight to dive into my own life and find those places where I know I have more to give if I could only be brave enough to give it. Still processing all of that stuff and I always feel like I have a really hard time explaining myself so I think I will stop there. But good stuff for sure.
Sleep is calling... My alarm clock (Izzie) will be going off at about 7....
Sweet dreams to all

Crazy

2007-06-01T19:44:00.000-05:00

That is what the past few days have been. Crazy. We are in Hilton Head at a Beach Camp and I've got the whole family here in a hotel room. I am realizing that I am a creature of habit and when my normal routine gets thrown off I don't recover very fast. We've had a great time but this Mom is tired. I woke up at 7am this morning, my normal wake up time and Izzie is calling for me and we are all in the same room. I was trying to be quite not to wake everyone else but no such luck. And the rest of the day from there has been very unplanned and crazy.

Thank the Lord in heaven above that I brought my mother along. If not I would have packed the girls up and headed home. Again, a 6 month old in a hotel room at the beach and pool is a little hard to manage. At least my 6 month old.

BUT we are together as family and that is what is most special. Yesterday we had some time to head to the north part of the Island to check out where we will be truly vacationing at the end of the summer. It looks like a great place. I will look forward to that time especially since we are leaving the kids at home. A must for every couple with kids. The best thing we have ever done is take a trip each year without the kids. It adds so much to my relationship with Dave. It's always a blast having one on one time with him.

Oh... almost forgot.... Guess who we saw on the beach today who parked their family right behind us??? Kirk Herbstreit Dave was dying to talk to him but it was very obvious that he was trying to have family time. I thought it would be rude of us to approach him... By the end of the day he finally went over and shook his hand and told him something like... You are the reason I have reason to live 5 months out of the year" He was being sarcastic but I thought it was funny....

The Start of the Summer

2007-05-30T21:51:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow officially starts the summer of travel and speaking for my husband. I can't believe it is already summer. How does it always sneak up on us so fast year to year? It is always a bitter sweet time for me. Bitter because it's very hard having a husband who is consistently on the road for 8 weeks straight. Sweet because when he is gone I know his time away is worth it. He gets to do what he is called to do. Create collisions in people's lives that hopefully challenge them and impact them in ways that they start and continue to become agents of change in this world.

The kids and I are heading to his first event with him. It's just a 4 day camp in Hilton Head. I feel very blessed to have a job that allows me the freedom to travel with Dave when I can. I've just about got everything packed. I forget how much stuff is involved with taking an infant on the road. We won't be traveling much with him this summer due to that fact. It's just not doable at this stage with having Izzie so young. I've even begged my mom to go along this weekend to help out and she's going. She loves traveling with us when she can and she is such a huge help to me. It will be nice because I'll be freed up in the evening to sit in on the sessions.

Emma is so excited about going too. She loves to get to go with daddy on the road when he speaks to the kids about Jesus. She really loves it when she gets to go to the beach. She'll have a blast.

For me personally I am not quite sure what this summer will hold for me. A lot of challenging times with being a single parent for sure. I am however really looking forward to some good reflection time. I've really been in a spiritual slump lately. Just going through one of those times when I sit on the back porch at the end of a busy day and look at the stars and wonder why they seem so distant and why it seems that have not even had time to sit down and think about them much less anything else. It's funny that for me personally... the times when I feel closest to the Lord is when I am in the midst of great uncertainty and trial. I know it's because that in those moments I am constantly seeking him and counting on him for every breath. It's in the peaceful moments of life that I am trying to learn that he is still ever so evident even though I seek him differently and find him in other places. It's a constant battle for me. It's even harder in this season of my life because from the time the sun comes up until it goes down, someone is in constant need of my attention. It may be work, my children, my husband, the house, a meal to be prepared, clothes to be washed. And when all the stuff ceases... in most cases I am spent and get to bed so that I'm fueled enough for the next day. I struggle to find time for myself let alone investing in my relationship with the Lord. Although that relationship is constant, I still find in my heart this huge desire to know and discover yet time always intrudes. That was a little bit of a ramble I guess... Probably because it is past my shut down time for the day.

So yes, camp starts tomorrow and we'll be there. And rest assured I'll be seeking out ways to know and understand what is yet to be learned.

Congrats Chad and Wendy on 10yrs

2007-05-26T14:35:00.000-05:00

Congrats Chad and Wendy on 10 yrs of marriage.

I think it was on one of our vacations that we came up with this crazy idea. As each of our friends celebrate their 10 yr anniversary of being married, that couple throws a bash for all the other friends. Everyone will do it one time and we'll enjoy community in the middle of it. So the gist is that you will throw down a lot of money at one point in your life for this but it will all come back to you as more friends celebrate their 10 yr. I think it's a fabulous idea.

Well last night the party was thrown and it was fabulous to say the least. We now all have a lot to live up to. It was an all paid 3 hour dinner with lots of toasts and roasts. It was wonderful. It's hard for me to realize that I've known them for 10 yrs now. Both Chad and Wendy have had such impact on my life as a person. They have always been there through the great times and the struggles. Our older children Sam and Emma have spent every day together since they were 3 months old. So Chad and Wendy.. thanks for letting me have a daily peak into your life and your marriage. Thanks for always living hard but loving harder.

I am going to have a niece!

2007-05-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

We just found out tonight that my sister and brother in law are having a little girl. Caitlyn Elaine Pruitt. I am so excited for them and now I can get rid of all my girl clothes!

I'm having an off day

2007-05-23T14:31:00.000-05:00

I have had a crappy day.

I just got back from seeing a surgeon today about a possible hernia. Well I have one. Not only one but two. They are from my last pregnancy. They don't hurt me and they are very small but in time they will only get bigger and they will have to be surgically taken care of at some point. No rush from my end on this. The other news is that he once again confirmed I have recti diastase. And the news on that is not very promising either. What did he say??? HMMM... I think it was unless I have a career where my midrift is making me money the risks of getting it surgically corrected far out ways any future benefits. I think that is how he put it. So for now I permanently have a ridge in my belly area that will always be there unless I have it taken care of. It's pretty major surgery and they can't promise that it will hold up down the road or that I won't have other complications from it.

It really does bother me but not enough at this point to take action on it. And he said he would not recommend us doing anything until we are finished having kids. I mean I think we are finished but I guess I always know there is the .001 % chance something crazy would happen. So I guess till I'm a little older I don't feel like even investigating things any further.

On top of all of this, work has been very overloading with last minute stuff trying to get 3 guys on the road traveling all summer at various locations. I try to plan ahead but somehow the curse of the last minute stuff won't leave me alone.

What do I do in these moments... I try and put life in perspective. I'm not dying, I have food to eat and a roof over my head. I have a husband who loves me unconditionally. I'm not dealing with cancer or a loss of a loved one. Then I realize that my crappy day is actually not that extreme and could be upgraded to maybe an off day.

So that is what I am having. I'm having an off day and hopefully tomorrow will be better.

A Grandfather I've Never Known

2007-05-20T20:12:00.000-05:00

My dad flew out from Greenville today to visit his dad, my grandfather in Upstate NY. He has not seen him in 5 years. I can't remember how long it has been since I last saw him. I really don't have a relationship with him. It's kind of sad. He was there at my wedding 10 yrs ago and then I think I've just seen him a few times inbetween. I have no idea what went wrong in the grandfather/grandaughter relationship. I just know we've never really had one. So as I was thinking about him today I did have a few memories of him that I wanted to share. They are very random.

1. He always made me toast with honey on it when I was little.
2. In his cellar he had a magic 8 ball that you would shake and as questions too. For a young kid this was very facinating.
3. He always had wine in his cellar so I thought he was a bad man. Thanks mom and dad for instilling in me that wine was bad and that I was going to hell if I looked at it! Thank goodness we can laugh about that stuff now and that our family has been liberated from that aweful theology!
4. He lives on this big steep hill.
5. He gave me a valuable piece of art at one time.
6. He came to my high school, and college graduation.
7. He was at my wedding.

Isn't it sad that this is all I have of memories of him. No relationship. I think that is why weekends like this weekend is so important to me. To have Emma go visit her Grandparents is something I want to make priority. I want her to know them as such. As her Gma and Gpa. I want her and Izzie to have a unique relationship with them that is all their own. I don't want them to have fleeting memories with their grandparents.

Emma is on her way back from FL. She cried and did not want to leave. I am happy about that but sad too. I've missed her so and I hate that she did not want to come home. But I love that she is making memories with her Grandparents that will last for her lifetime. That she will know them.

2007-05-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

Church was interesting today... Dave and Chad happened to speak and they used some illustrations about us wives.. and let's just say I think it was the first time I was embarrassed about being talked about. It was the whole topic of giving grace which is a set up to talking about marriage relationships etc. Isn't marriage the place where we see grace put in play the most? Well at least for me it is. I think I was in shock because if you don't know me, then you would proabbly walk away from today thinking I'm a terrible person/wife. Dave did not mean to have it come across that way. He was just poking fun at relationships. I just think I was not in the mood today to hear it or to have our marriage put on such an open display with people I don't know. I know I was totally over reacting but it just rubbed me wrong. I showed Dave grace today and had a good laugh about it.

Which lead me to think about knowing me. I had someone come up to me the other day who reads my blog and they went on to say how they loved reading my blogs because they feel like they know me when they don't see me often. Yes, this is true, but I could not happen to think... you really don't know me. Because I really can't be honest and opened in my blogs. There is always a part of me that holds back on things because in the end I don't want to affend anyone. A stranger or a friend. But I have a lot to say on a lot of things that I just normally know that I can't share about. Do any of you who actually read this feel that way at times? And then I get in random moods like I am tonight and I want to go off at all the things I've wanted to say about a lot of things... And then I chill out and know there are people out there that I can probably count on one hand that truly do know me. That would never question a part of my lifestyle or things I would say because I make sense to them in teh big picture. Isn't it good to be known. I am so thankful for those people in my life.

At the end of a day when things may seem a little out of the box for me I have one comfort. The Lord my father knows me. And for that reason alone, I don't have to always explain everything in a blog even when I want to.

1000 miles away

2007-05-18T18:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we did something very last minute. The Reichleys were heading to FL to visit their family and we came up with the idea of "Hey.. maybe they can take Emma to see Dave's family" If you know the Reichley family well, you know that nothing stresses them out. Even adding 1 more child to a van of 4 children already. They were very gracious to take Emma along. Both Reichley and Dave are from Rockledge FL.

Now let me say.. both Dave and I had very mixed emotions about sending Emma off on an 8 hr trip and us not go along. It's wierd to wave goodbye to your kid and say see you in a few days. I love to have control over situations so it was hard for me to let go. It will be the first of many of these moments for us.

Emma.. I doubt she is missing us much at all. She LOVES her Gma and Gpa and Kayleigh and could not wait to go. I miss her terrible. And I am realizing how much of a help she is to me with Izzie. You would think having one less child around would make your life a little easier. But it's not. I am thinking I've even had more to do without her here. She'll be back Sunday and we can't wait for her to safely return!

Congrats Robert and Lindsay

2007-05-18T12:01:00.001-05:00

They are engaged! Robert popped the quesiton last night at Clemson. Dave and I are thrilled for them. I even played a part in them meeting when they first met! I believe a November wedding is on the calendar. We are all excited.

We will soon initiate Lindsay into the wild world of the Wayfarer Wives. We are glad we are adding to the posse.

First Tooth

2007-05-16T22:14:00.000-05:00

Izzie got her first tooth today (Wednesday). Can't believe time is flying by so fast. Soon she'll be crawling!

Sad and Unhappy

2007-05-16T12:33:00.000-05:00

Heard this today and made me think on it....

Sad - Loosing something you had.

Unhappy - Loosing something you never had.

Haiti

2007-05-15T14:41:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I do this to myself. I just got on a site that always drives me to tears. If you have time feel free to visit haiti nurse It has torn me up many times I visit. I think I go there for reality checks. I always walk away from Lori's journals with new perspective on any situation that I may be in. And I have come to some realizations these past few weeks about adoption.... or at least I think I have.

One is that I realize that not everyone has a passion or a heart to have a child in their home that is not biological. A friend recently pointed that out to me. I am just under the understanding because of my own desires that all people feel that way. And they don't. Which is not sad or wrong but it has really confirmed to me personally my heart to adopt. I think it is really about a family mission for me. I want our family to live out what we preach. And the biggest tangible ways I feel we as a family can do this is to open our home and to love someone enough to call them ours. It seems so natural to me. I can't grasp the logistics of the process of how all of it will happen but I can constantly visualize the end game.

I also am realizing that I have a huge desire to help a child that is in specific need of not only a mom and dad and a home... but in need of life. In need of food. In need of rescue. I think that is why Haiti is so heavy on my heart. I have been to Haiti and feel connected to that country but I also can remember the smell of poverty there. I can remember the children with bloated bellies from malnourishment. Maybe that is why Lori's site hits me so hard. It's like I am back there and not knowing what to do or how to help them when I read her stories or dare to look at her pictures. There are children there who are orphaned not just because a mom or dad does not want them (although that is the case for some) but more for the reasons of their parents have died from disease or aids. Or their parents could not feed them food to survive. I want those children. I want to bring them to my home and feed them and lavish food on them.

Then my mind wanders to other places. Would a child from Haiti feel comfortable in our home. Would they look to me as a mom and see past my stark whiteness? Would our community and society allow someone with such dark skin feel like they belong? Would they want to be with us? Would they be able to transition and live an abundant life here in the United States? These are questions that I ask myself especially when you talk about adding someone to your family that is so different from everyone else in appearance. Crazy I know but we all know our society is not a very accepting one....

So these are my thoughts. There are children out there who need us. They need food to survive almost more than they need a mom. All of this to say, I really think I am fleshing out the details of our next steps in adopting. Almost every day I think how can I handle another child in our home. Two has really done a number on me and to be honest, some days I feel like my girls are all I can truly handle or want to handle. Then the Lord gently opens the crack in the door even further and is constantly reminding me that there is a journey that we are to be on. The details are very vague at this point and time but as each day goes by there almost seems to be this mist of clarity that pokes through here and there.

I really think we will be heading to Haiti. I am really starting to believe that there is a little boy there... yes I believe it's a boy that is looking for food. He's looking for our family to find him and bring him home. So to my future son... we are coming. I just don't know where to start looking for you.....

Wayfarer Wife Weekend

2007-05-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

Wayfarer Wives....

This is from our last Friday getaway... This is the only G rated picture I could show! Only kidding! or am I?????

Upward Blessings

2007-05-14T21:46:00.000-05:00

Dave and I went to the dedication of the new Upward buildings this evening. It was such a wonderful event and I was so honored to be there and so proud to have been a part of the history of Upward. It was a great moment for them. I left Upward after five years of being there about two years ago. And thinking back on my time there, Upward played and continues to play such a huge role in the life of Wayfarer. It seems like only yesterday that our family and the Norris family made a trip to Spartanburg to talk about two positions that were available at Upward... A marketing coordinator and an event coordinator. Just the roles that Wendy and I played in our jobs in Birmingham. We were hired and Wendy and I worked full time the first couple years while our husbands started Wayfarer with no saleries. Caz had and has always been so generous to me. To hire me, to allow me to go part time when Wayfarer needed me, and letting me go with blessings when it was time to leave Upward.

I've been gone almost two years now but it was like a homecoming this evening. To see so many people that I had spent each day with while there was so nice. They are all doing great and are playing such an important role as Upward is reaching around 500,000 children this coming year. I am very proud of all of them and in some ways reconnecting with some of them after a few years was like we just had our last converstation yesterday.

God has been so good to me to allow me to experience working environments that have been filled with such purpose. From serving at Student Life in Birminham to Upward and now at Wayfarer, it has been so neat to see how God has used each of these times as a building block to where I am now. It was amazing walking through the new building. It is such a state of the art masterpiece. A place to love to come and work at. Courtney asked me tonight if it was hard to not be there anymore. As I thought about it I realized that is wasn't. I sure do miss the people but I know for certain that the role I play at Wayfarer is somthing that I have been so strongly called to.

And for Upward. I am so proud that I was a am a part of the history of what they are doing for the Kingdom. Wayfarer is also going to be partnering with them in some of their curriculum world. I am very excited about that. Any opportunity that we have to make an impact on the Kingdom is such great stuff. An honor that we don't take lightly.

So thank you all you Upward friends for the years of working together. It was great to celebrate with you on all that God has done for the organization and the vision for the future. I'm so proud of you!

Ears Again

2007-05-14T12:27:00.000-05:00

Izzie had her 6 month check up on Friday and long and behold she had another ear infection that I was clueless about. No cold or runny nose... just double ear infections. She must have a pretty high pain tollerance. She had started not sleeping well again but I just chalked that up to her being a 6 month old. So this is the 3rd antibiotic in the past 3 months. A few more infections these coming months and we'll go to tubes. Emma had them and they were amazing!

She had her shots today... Hate doing that to them. So sad when you hear them cry.

To my mom on mothers day

2007-05-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

What do you say about the best mother ever? I know everyone feels that way about their moms or at least I hope they do. Every year at mothers day I am always reminded how fortunate I am that my mother lives 15 minutes away. It's truly a blessing for me in my life and I can not imagine raising my family without her here and invested in us. So I thought I would honor her today by letting others know what she means to me....

It's a great thing in life when your relationship turns a corner with your mother and you not only are her daughter but you are true bonded friends. My mother is one of my dearest friends.

Mom, because of you I can go to work part time every day knowing that my children are better kids and I am a better mother because of your investment in watching them. I could not work and live out my calling to be at Wayfarer if it was not for you.

I am proud of you for taking risks so late in life. I know it was so hard for you to leave the security of the pastorate and support dad in the secular world.

I can't imagine going a day without having a conversation with you. I care what you think and your opinions mean the world to me

It never ceases to amaze me how much you love my children. Even though it's your job to watch them each day, your main role of investment in their lives is playing Nana to them. You are constantly watching them for our date nights, buying them way too many things, teaching them things and helping them learn. You are creating such wonderful memories with them.

I love it that when I am sick and Dave is out of town.. you drop everything to come and be mom to me.

I love shopping with you.

So mom.. .thank you for all the tangible and intangible things you do for me and my family. I am truly blessed to have you so much a part of my life. I hope that I can be as good of a mother to my girls and you were and are to me. Thanks for showing me how to be a great mom and for lavishing constant love on me.

Happy mothers day!

It's Over

2007-05-12T20:30:00.000-05:00

Our Girls night is over and I am in a depression! We had a blast and I can't believe it came and went so quickly. We arrived at our hotel and Courtney had already been there and set up the room with some fun surprises for us. We headed downtown greenville for the night, courtesy of Jay our transportation guy. We ate at Smoke on the Water. We had a famous drink at the Westin and then headed to the coffee underground for dessert. Then back to the hotel for sleep. Today we... slept in late! Got up and went to Mimi's for lunch and then went and saw a movie before heading home. I am extrememly tired and am ready for bed.

I think it's so good to have a community of girls that I have found with the Wayfarer wives and that we are real with eachother. Our journey's through life and celebrations and stuggles have certainly brought us bonded together. There is nothing like them. I trust them, they know me and they are commited to me in frienship.

Some highlights of my time away......
For this trip Court was the master planner and I loved not knowing what was next or being the ringleader on that stuff.

I found two new drinks that I love... the Lemon Drop Martini and a Tom Collins... They were fabulous! I don't normally go out of my usual so I was pleasantly surprised.

I loved not having to think about anyone else for 24hrs but myself

We had a time of affirmation with eachother over lunch today that was good. It's always great to be affirmed.

So until next time ladies... Thanks for the memories and loads of fun!

My find of the Month

2007-05-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

I have been looking for a glass base lamp for over a year now. Every summer when we head to the beach when we are with Dave for camps, Emma always finds loads of shells. I've been wanting a lamp to put them in. You can't find them. I found one at pottery barn but it was 200.00. So forget that! I was at Home Depot of all places last week and found this regularly 60.00 lamp on sale for 9.00. Yup! 9.00. It was worth the wait. Emma is so proud and I love having it our room by our bed. Every morning when I wake up, I see it and it bring all the wonderful memories of finding shells together!

5 days and counting

2007-05-07T19:42:00.000-05:00

What am I talking about? I am talking about rest, relaxation, great food, drinks, sleep, laughing, freedom, did I mention sleep? This Friday the girls are heading out of town for a much needed overnight girls night. I am so excited I can hardley wait. There is just something about getting away with the girls and being... well girls. Our husbands just came off of a golf trip so now it's our turn. However we just get one night away instead of 4. What can I say.. they are hopeless without us women.

Dave is very nervous. He keeps trying to recruit my mom to help him with Izzie. One thing I keep telling him is that she, Izzie, won't die. He is in for a tough day with her since babies are not his thing. But I appreciate his willingness to try. However I will feel better knowing mom is a call away for him. I have a sneaking suspicion that she will come and stay with him. I don't think she thinks he can do it either... She would probably worry for Izzie the whole time. Again, my husband is an awesome dad... he just does not know how to handle the feeding schedules and diaper changes very well....

Did I mention I am excited? I am sure we are in for a wild time.

Diastasis recti

2007-05-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

Anyone ever heard of this? I think I have it!!!! Well I know I have it because I just got back from the Dr. Today to confirm it.
Diastasis recti is a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area. ...

So here is my situation...
I've lost all my baby weight and then some... I wake up and and my belly is fine... by mid afternoon I look like I am a few months pregnant in the belly and then by bedtime I might at well be five months pregnant. It is the weirdest thing. I started researching on the Internet about possible complications 6 months after a C-section and ran across what I believe I have. When I lay on the floor and try and do a sit up you can put your hand right in the middle of my stomach and feel both sides of my muscles. It's separated. So when I am standing up and walking around there is nothing there that is holding everything in. They say that most pregnant women get this but it goes back 6-8wks after delivery but for some reason in some woman especially those of multiple pregnancies.. it won't go back. There are some exercises that help but for the most part it has to be corrected by surgery! And I was right. I do have it and to correct it, it would be considered cosmetic surgery which insurance does not cover. Since it's not life threatening it's not termed as medical.

So just add this to my list of battle wounds that I have received from having my two children. So unless I get surgery down the road everyone will probably assume I really like beer since it looks as if I have a beer belly.

I guess I would not mind as much if people were not constantly asking if I am pregnant. I may punch the next person who does. I was at Kols the other day purchasing a mattress topper for Emma's bed. It was in a big box. When I was checking out the lady insisted that she help me carry it to my car. I refused and she kept on bothering me saying... pull up your car and I'll put it in for you. As I left annoyed... I realized she probably thought I was pregnant and should not be carrying things.

The good news is that I am very comfortable in my skin. I love that I've got some curves that say... "at one point in my life I looked like a Boeing 747 and now have two beautiful girls to show for it" I have priceless flaws. In some ways as I get annoyed at my current situation, it's a great reminder to me of the blessing God brought my way through Izzie.

So with all that said... If you see me walking by and your mind begins to wonder to places of hmmmm.. I wonder if her and Dave are expecting again? Put the thought to rest really quick! If we ever are expecting again I'll be sure to announce it as soon as possible!

Matching Clothes

2007-05-05T15:57:00.000-05:00

The one thing I like best about having two little girls is that I can dress them alike. Emma is so tiny and Izzie is so big that I find that I can find outfits that will fit them both. So here they are in some yellow dresses I got them.

Random

2007-05-02T19:14:00.000-05:00

It's been a while. Too long. I've been busy as always. Here are some random tangents to keep you all interested.

Wayfarer Golf tourney went well last week. 100 people, a beautiful day and a great event.

The blessings are abundant at Wayfarer. We have had a good year so far. It's amazing the opportunities that keep crossing our paths here at Wayfarer. Any day that we get an opportunity to have greater impact on people's lives is a day to celebrate. We have added some partnerships and are so excited about the impact. That is all I need to say on that now but it's just a great time in our journey here at Wayfarer. Not to mention that we have had a consultant taking us through a journey to clarify our mission etc. His help has been huge here!

Talking about Wayfarer. I am so thankful that when I get up each day I am so excited about going to work. I hate to even call it work. I feel so blessed to have the job I do and work with the amazing people that I get to work with. I am just very thankful.

Last night was sad because it was the end to another season at Engage. I wonder now what on earth I will do for getting my weekly spiritual meat. This always begins a season of dullness in my life so hopefully this time will be different. I'll look for ways to be challenged.

As I was in the room at Engage last night it is always bittersweet. I was standing at the back holding Izzie. I looked at the seats I sat in a year ago when I was so distraught about having more children but at the time could not. I had a lot of hard God moments in that room and it was great to reflect with a child in my arms about the journey that I had been on.

Still disturbed about the child out there that is to be a part of our family. Not a day goes by that I don't think about it. Dave and I just talked about it again today at lunch.

Just surprised Dave today with a new Nike Sasquatch Driver for his golf game. I love surprising him. He would never buy things like that for himself. That is why he needs me! He is heading today to a 5 day golf outing with all of his guy friends. It happens twice a year and each year it seems they keep adding days. I wonder what he would do if I left on a 5 day girls outing??? I am glad he has these moments. He deserves them. He works harder than anyone I know and pours out always till he has nothing left. I hope he has a great time.

Me.. I will be at home these next 5 days holding down the fort. Drinking my one glass of wine at the end of each day for sure!

These are the moments I am thankful I have girls... I love having 2 girls. I love being girly with them.

We just found out some good friends of ours are having baby #3! So exited you you guys! They will have 3 under 3 I think? They sure know how to keep the flame alive! :)

Still feeling yucky about the death of Wendy's cousins husband. She is to deliver their child in the next few weeks. Just heartbreaking.

Another friend just emailed about her brother in laws wife who has been given 6 months. She has cancer. Why? Still don't understand the randomness of cancer on people's lives.

I could keep going. Better stop. Feels like Friday??? It's not!

Death

2007-04-27T21:46:00.000-05:00

My friend Wendy went home to Tifton yesterday to attend a funeral of her cousin who tragically lost her husband of three years in a car accident. He was on his way to get more mulch for the yard because he wanted the house to look nice for their new family. Erika his wife is expecting their first child in 4 weeks. How do you attempt to process the loss? A first time mother who will deliver a son... to be named after his father who is now not there or ever will be.

These are the moments where I always ask.. how can God allow this to happen? There are no answers. Just heartbreak. It lead Dave and I into a good discussion on death and the what would each of us do if the other passed suddenly. Dave travels so much on the road and I always pray for his safety when he is gone. We have vaguely talked about it in the past but this instance brought the conversation back. It brings comfort to me to know we address some of the stuff you never want to talk about. I wanted to know what he would want me to do with making his arrangements etc. Morbid I know but these are things that can be a reality when you may least expect it. It would bring comfort to me knowing that we talked about it. I hope we have a long wonderful life together filled with many many years.

If you are a believer you know that death does not have the final word in this life. It's so hard for the people left behind. As I close these thoughts I know this to be true, Everyone will die. No one escapes death. We will all be in that moment some day. Death is not the end for those of us who believe. Life.... once again.... live every moment with fulfillment. Each day with purpose. It's not worth not too.....

Jesus, please be with Erika and the Nalls family during this time. When there are no words that can comfort I pray you bring your perfect peace.

Disturbed

2007-04-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

Dave has been out of town since Sunday and I am in total survival mode. We have our annual golf tourney this Friday, Izzie acts as if she is dying minute by minute, Emma had a wild day today and me... I am about fizzled out. I don't know how these single moms do it. I can only conceive it if that is all they have ever known. But when you have help and that help vanishes here and there... well things get a little helter skelter around here. I don't even think I just made sense....

Then I just got done watching American Idol and I want to go sell my house and all my possessions and go get as many kids from Africa and bring them home to live with us. I wish we all got more glimpses of the reality of people in our world. What's that statistic? If you make like 18,000.00 a year you are in the top 2% of wealth in the world? It's something like that . It makes you sick at times when you do get a good reality check when we get caught up in having a bigger house, better cars, more material possessions. For the love people. We are so blessed beyond measure. I am so humbled when I get those constant reminders. Dave and I have been really talking lately about doing some radical things with our money to better others. I'll keep you posted when we get it figured out.

So there you go. A bunch of mixed emotions and trying to keep it real. I feel so overwhelmed with having 2 children. Coming from a small family and Dave had a small family too. It's very hard for us to picture us with a large family. But I know there are children that are supposed to be a part of our home.. our family. I don't know where, when, or how. I just constantly feel that nagging at my heart and know it is to be. So I'll keep you posted on that too!

I really need bed. I need sleep. I need rest. But how can you rest when there are so many people in need.... I'm very disturbed.

13.1

2007-04-21T20:42:00.000-05:00

13.1 are the miles my husband ran today in his first ever 1/2 marathon! He did a great job and we his family are so proud of him. I really did not want him to do it. He has had two knee surgery's from playing college soccer and it's just not smart for him to run on his knee. He did it anyway and seemed to be fine. So he, Reichley and Norris all ran a half marathon this month. Here are pics of our day. It was fun cheering him on at the finish line!

Dave heading to the finish line...... Emma cheering him on with the sign she made. It says I love you daddy.
Dave about to pass out or as he said... "my body is shutting down"
Reichley, Lindsay and Dave... the half marathon group
All the runners. Chris and Audrey ran the 5K earlier that morning
Me and my girls

Celebrating with a Pizza lunch

Izzie and Amelia... worn out!

Conversations of a preschoolers

2007-04-20T08:08:00.000-05:00

I was driving Sam and Emma to school this morning. Always an interesting ride. Here is how it went.

Emma: Mom, does God have a big bed?

Sam: God does not have a bed Emma. He lives in Heaven.

Emma: I know Sam. Jesus' has a bed. It's smaller than Gods.

Sam: Emma! They don't have beds...UGHHH....

A little while later....
Emma: Mom, when we pray is God in the walls?

Sam: No Emma God is in Heaven. He is in the sky.

Emma: No Sam God is in my heart he's not in the sky. Jesus is in my heart.

Sam: I know Emma. God is in the sky and Jesus is in your heart.

Emma: Sam you are silly.

Sam: I'm not silly Emma! (pout)

Mom: Ok Guys we are almost at school!

These are the moments that you want to write down and cherish forever. It's fun watching your kids as the very simple questions and work out their little theology at this point. As you can see I think the whole concept of God and Jesus and them being the same but different gets them confused. But I love when I'm allowed to be in the room when these conversations are had.

Good and Evil

2007-04-17T21:30:00.000-05:00

Every time something bad happens I always have a time of reflection on my life and our family. It always makes me ask the tough questions. Like how can God allow this stuff to happen? Why are there so many evil people in this world? When will enough be enough? And then I always do the check list I have in my head.... Have I lived each day with no regrets? If I were out of here tomorrow would I be ok with it? What things in my life am I so caught up in that don't really matter? Anyway... as I was driving into work this morning thinking about things... I felt such peace knowing that if today would be my last that I have lived the life I've always dreamed of and have lived each day hard with no regrets. The only thing that tugs at my heart is the people that I would leave behind. I can't imagine my kids having to live life without me. I would hate to miss them live life. My heart goes out to all the families who lost such precious loved ones yesterday. I can't even imagine. We live in a world that has the potential for both good and evil. So if you read this I hope you will take a moment to have some self evaluation. Ask yourself your own questions of importance. The one thing for sure is that one day we will all check out of here. Everyone dies. Hopefully we will all have long. healthy and abundant lives. Don't be afraid to live in the here and now. We have such potential to do good in this world. Live in Faith believing that all things are possible. A little bit of rambled thoughts from a rambled mind that has processed all it can for today and needs to go to bed....

An Amazing Time

2007-04-16T20:38:00.000-05:00

Dave and I just got back today from our overnight getaway. We had an amazing time. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. We were at lunch a week or so ago on the actual day of our anniversary and someone had asked us to share what we thought had made our marriage so successful for the past 9 years... Besides the fact that we have it all together all the time (yeah whatever! :)) I would have to say that one of the things that has helped us out a lot is that when we first got married we committed that no matter how much money, kids or time we had or did not have that we would always take time to get away without kids and have time together. We take a yearly vacation with friends and we try to get away just Dave and I a few times a year.. just the two of us. This has been so important to us and so good for our marriage.

We left Sunday around 2 and headed for Greenville. We did some random driving around looking at some things and just relaxing. We checked in to the hotel got a good nap.. .which was amazing. Uninterrupted sleep is something I have been craving lately. We got ready for dinner, and during that time while I was getting ready, when I walked back into the room I noticed a gift sitting on the end of the bed. He got me. Dave had gone to my favorite jeweler in town. I could not wait to open the box. Inside was a beautiful 7 diamond white gold journey necklace. It is beautiful and so perfect. Dave is great about getting things for me with meaning... So he went on to explain the necklace and the journey of our marriage that it represents etc. Again, I was so surprised and felt so lucky to be heading to dinner with my hand in his and a beautiful piece of jewelery on my neck. He really made me feel so special. I mean he always makes me feel special and this time was not any different. Dinner was great, and when we got back we had drinks at the hotel which were even better. We got lots of rest and relaxation and slept in today until almost 11! And again... taking time away like this away from the kids and just it being us has been huge. Thanks mom and dad for making it easy for us to get away and have a little adult time.
And reality hit as we pulled back into the driveway this afternoon. Back to the madness of the Rhodes home at this time in our lives. 2 kids, not a lot of sleep and a lot of work to be done!

I am a terrible mom

2007-04-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

First let me just say that the Rhodes family is a walking sick factory right now. Emma has this Chronic cough... I was just at the DR yesterday and diagnosed with a throat infection and Izzie... well let me tell you about Izzie.

I feel so bad about how I have been thinking about her lately. If you read one of my last posts you would have heard about how she has been so VERY unpleasant for the past few weeks. Waking up at night and not wanting to go back to sleep. Screaming if you leave her on the floor unattended. As long as I, MOM was holding her she seemed fine. Well Emma had passed on the Chronic cough to Izzie. For the past two days I have been watching her like a hawk because she has this terrible cough and her chest seems so tight. Our friends daughter had a bout with RSV a while back and watching them go through that time was so scary. So I am just really over sensitive about my 5 month old and her colds. I hate when they are young and have colds because you can't give them anything for it and if it progresses it can become very serious. Well after she started wheezing last night I decided to take her to the Dr this morning. So off we went. I almost cancelled because she did seem a lot better when she woke up this morning.
While there... she does have some aspiration issues in her left lung... good to know but nothing serious at this point.. however they checked her ears and she has two very major double ear infections. To the tune of good thing we found this because her ear drums could have ruptured... Anyway I feel terrible.

I had absolutely no clue she had any issue whatsoever with her ears. When Emma was little and had an ear infection we knew it because she would scream her head off for hours on end... but Izzie who has been fussy a lot has always been so pleasant if I was holding her. Again.. no clue!!! But as I look back on it now.. I see why she has been waking in the middle of the night not going back to sleep unless I am holding her... I've let her scream it out in the crib for a few hours here and there and she must have been in a lot of pain in hindsight....
Well there you go. When you think it's the ears... It's not and when you think it's not... it is. A no win battle for sure. We are all looking forward to feeling better around here.

So I am very thankful I took her in today and I am sure she is too. Hopefully the real fun and pleasant Izzie will make a comeback at this house in the next few weeks. I guess I'm still learning to read her but obviously not doing so hot!

On a happier note... Dave and I are heading out of town.. well in town... tomorrow to celebrate our anniversary. My parents are watching the girls for us and we are heading to the Westin Pointsette in Greenville for some much needed R&R and fun... They have these beds called the heavenly beds and let's just say it's worth every penny for the room!!! Of course the kids are sick when we plan something like this. I am so thankful for my dear mother who is begging for us to still go.... She is a brave woman!

Friday Night Lights

2007-04-12T12:21:00.000-05:00

So sad that we are finally over with the season. Dave and I love a good hour on the couch now and then and we really loved this show. It took us by surprise and it is very creatively written. I am not a big football person at all so I did not think I would get into the show but football is just a background for a lot of other good story lines. So why don't more people watch it? I think it's because they have never watched it or they think it's all about football.... OK so there you go. Make sure you go out and rent season 1 before season 2 gets here next fall! It will be worth your money!

Why Can't I Sleep?

2007-04-10T10:08:00.000-05:00

I took 2 Tylenol PM's last night and headed to bed at 8PM. Crazy I know but I think I was about to shut down. Izzie is killing me at night. She is waking at random times and won't go back to sleep. We have been letting her scream it out but even behind all the closed doors you still hear her and I still can't get back to sleep. She is so unpleasant right now. I love her to death but right now she's killing me. She has such a terrible disposition these past few weeks and I don't know what to do to help her. I am sure Emma was the same way. We sang a song about Emma that went Fussy Wussy Emma... Fussy Wussy Girl... So I know she was fussy too... It's just hard to remember her that way. This too shall pass but it does not make it any easier.

I forgot to mention that Dave did end up going to the Masters. We were laying around on Saturday and Chad called at 11AM and said I have 2 tickets if you can get here by 2. Dave was already undressing during the 1 minute call and already committed us both to be there. This is when I just have to roll my eyes at my husband and realize he has no clue about some things. He just committed us to be gone from Noon until Midnight. Let me remind you... we have two kids... and somehow in his mind we were going to find sitters and head out the door in the next 30 minutes. Minus the fact that I had to go pick up Emma's Easter Dress and get the house ready to host Easter dinner the following Day. I would like to say my husband stayed with me and realized we could not go but nope... I ended up getting screwed!!!! He took my mom instead and I was left with the kids and all the prep work.... I am saying all of this because sometimes I want to pat myself on the back and say I am a "darn good wife!" Sometimes Dave realizes that other times he doesn't. But I am glad that he was able to go and in the end my day went OK after all..... But yes Dave made his appearance again at the Masters this year and was even on TV.....

Easter Sunday

2007-04-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

Easter Sunday....

Busy and Crazy having to get the kids fed and dressed and out the door. I am finding that I am constantly the last person that gets ready for anything.. and today the blow dryer broke.... Oh well that is life. We made it to church and then home for a big Easter dinner that I was hosting with all of my family. Good news is that I did not have to make the Turkey. My grandmother did... thank goodness. Emma loved waking up and getting some surprises from the Easter Bunny. It's so much fun having little ones that believe in the make believe. I just now got the house picked up and am ready for some R and R. We missed having Dave's parents here. Last year we were in Florida for Easter. I am hoping that these pictures serve as propaganda to get them up for a visit. Before you know it Izzie will be walking!

The Rhodes Family

Pics of the girls.....

Me holding Izzie in her favorite position while Sam and Emma had an Easter Egg hunt. I forgot to get their pictures!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-04-06T19:51:00.000-05:00

The past 3 days have been so busy.... Is anyone else out there tired or is it just me. Izzie just went to bed and Emma is up in her room watching the Disney Princesses. Maybe she'll fall asleep here soon too... Oh no such luck... I just heard her jumping off of her bed. So now I just need my time to sit and reflect. Dave and I just looked at each other and I asked if he was tired too? He's whipped. He said if we were both full time stay at home parents our kids would be in trouble! I agreed. Izzie is going through this phase where she will scream her head off unless I am in the room or holding her. I am honored really but come on.... Emma and I went out to the store tonight and she screamed for an hour for Dave and as soon as I walked in the door she stopped. Oh such is life....

Wednesday night Sam had his birthday party. It was so much fun and the weather was beautiful. Thursday... well I can't really remember what happened yesterday... except last night Dave and I thought it would be nice and relaxing to watch a movie. We rented the Good Shepherd. I was lost most of the time and still can't understand what I watched or what happened. And we did not get it started until almost 10PM so we were up past 12... Bad mistake when we have built in alarms that beg for us to get out of bed at 7am. Today we just laid around till lunch and decided to take the girls to Chucky Cheese. We took Sam along too..... Had coupons so it made it more enjoyable... and now I just sit and am thinking about heading to bed. It feels like tomorrow should be Sunday but it's not.

Emma as a Florida Gator Cheerleader for Sam's Party. We are not big Gator people... Dave's parents had given us the outfit.....

Emma, Brennan and Sam after eating cake!

Vegas AKA.. Reichley lead in the games....

Izzie being held by mom... Surprise, Surprise:)
Oh yeah.. .my husband has been on the couch for the past 2 days watching the Masters. He normally gets to go one of the days to Augusta but this year he isn't going. He went down for a practice round on Monday so at least he was there. He's been very fortunate for the past 5 years he has always gotten to go. Chad's dad Jim has tickets and somehow Dave always got to go. I feel bad seeing him like a lost puppy.... but at least he's got HD TV to watch it on... It's as if he is there anyway! :)

Bed is calling....

Happy Anniversary Babe!

2007-04-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

Living the Blessing....

9 years ago today Dave and I were married at his home church in RockVegas. (Rockledge, FL). I remember the first time we met. It was my sophomore year of college. Dave had asked me to a singing Christmas Tree performance. We went. Talked a little. He dropped me back off and that was that. No connection. He or I were not interested. Didn't talk or really see him for a year. A year later our paths cross again. My group of friends were hanging out with his group of friends. And if you know our story you know there still was not interest there... at least on my part. He was just this nice short little soccer player. Everyone claimed we looked like we could be brother and sister. Regardless, we hung out a lot. Became great friends. I got worried and thought he was thinking that I wanted more. We had a DTR. I told him I only wanted to be friends. He looked at me as if I were crazy to think there was anything more.... he "said" he felt the same. So with that under the table we found ourselves hanging out even more.

A few more months go by and we are about to go on spring break. He is heading on a missions trip to Antigua and I am heading to Tampa to see family. While I am gone I am really missing him.... I mean REALLY missing him. It was then that I knew. I knew I wanted more than friends. I knew I wanted this person to be a part of my life. I knew that I loved this person. After the week away I headed back to campus and plopped myself on his doorstep waiting for him to return. He did. I asked if I could take him to dinner. Told him how I felt. He felt the same... had for a long time... and the rest... well..... it's our history. A wonderful one at that. Life has been so much fun with Dave. I wake up each day knowing I'm secure and wondering what new journey we'll be on. I realize that I am living in the blessing. God has blessed us so much. He’s blessed me. We have a beautiful home, two crazy wonderful daughters, friends that share our life with us, and our one family that is close by helping our journey and one that is way too far helping too.

So Dave, I’m so proud of you for what you have done with your life and how you lead our lives together. I love my life. I love you, I love our family. I am beyond thankful that we were brought together. I truly feel everyday that I’m living in the blessing. Thanks for putting up with me. In some ways our life has just begun!

Love you!
Me

The meaning of Easter

2007-04-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

We were at church this past Sunday and they showed a clip of this guy going around asking people if they knew the meaning behind Easter. It was shocking how many people celebrate the holiday but have no idea what they are celebrating. So many people were dumbfounded. I know not everyone is religious or spiritual for that matter but I was really intrigued by this. So in the car ride home I was telling Dave my thoughts on the matter and "how can people celebrate something that they don't even know about" I went on to say how these people were idiots etc.... Then Dave turns it back on me and says "well do you know the meanings behind Hanukkah?" And I looked at him and said, "I know some of the things they do but no... I don't really know the history behind Hanukkah" He got me. I was telling of the planks in other people's eyes while I have one hanging out my eye too...

So the meaning of Hanukkah... I researched it.....
Hanukkah is the annual Jewish festival celebrated on eight successive days beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding, approximately, to December in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights, Feast of Dedication, and Feast of the Maccabees, Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC after the Temple had been profaned by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of Syria and overlord of Palestine. Did you know that? Shame on you if you didn't! :)

But I do want to take the rest of this week and spend it on my thoughts on the Easter Holiday. Now that Emma is 4 she is understanding more about things and it's time for her to start knowing that yes we have this thing called the Easter Bunny that comes and leaves us candy and stuff but we also celebrate Easter because it symbolizes to the christian faith that Jesus has risen and is alive. And let me just say.. If you don't know me, I hate characterizing myself in Christianity. There are so many claimed Christians out there that give Christianity a bad name. I would rather like to say that I am part of a bigger movement that as a person and as a family we are trying to make beauty out of all the broken places in this world through the power given to us by the Resurrection. Side Note: I loved watching Studio 60 when it was on because they kept doing these takes on crazy Christians and Dave and I would just laugh and laugh. One of Wayfarers new mission statements or values is "God before Christianity" And that about sums it up for me personally too.... OK sorry for that rant and sorry if you think differently than me on that one... my blog my thoughts...

So Easter. I am so thankful that I am not alone in this world. That I don't go to bed every night or wake up ever morning without more of a purpose in life than just going to a job or raising my kids. There has to be more. There is more. Over 2000 years ago a man fully human but fully God made the ultimate sacrifice for me with his life and on the 3rd day he defeated death. So that is what I celebrate this week. I celebrate life. Life that has meaning and purpose and mission because it has been birthed out of a Resurrection.

I'm trying to find the band wagon

2007-04-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

So here is the deal... The past three weeks I had fallen off the band wagon and it went way on ahead of me. Now I am yelling for it trying to find it.... Do you ever feel like that in life. Here is what happened.

Yesterday at church the nursery systems went down so there were very long lines at the check in process. While waiting Emma's friend Logan came over to hang out with us. While he was there he looked at me and said.. "Miss Kim, are you having another baby?" He's 4 yrs old by the way.... and I looked at him and said "Oh my! No... Why are you wondering? Do I look like I'm going to have another baby?" He smiled and me and laughed and said "yes!" Dave who was standing next to me started to chuckle. "That's it" I told him. "I am going back on body for life and starting to use the treadmill today. I just got called out by a 4 year old! "

So here is the deal if you know me.... If I carry any extra weight at all it goes straight to my mid section. My children have both done a real number on me. I basically shot out like a Boeing 747 with both kids. It was unimaginable how straight out my stomach went. And it will never.. I mean never be the same again. When skin stretches that far out.... when it retracts there is no where for it to go! Ok, I think I've given way too much detail. So anyway.. I'm already at a permanent disadvantage.... But whenever I gain those extra pounds it just accents my already beautiful belly.... With that said I have put back on a few pounds these past few weeks from eating way too much chocolate and ice cream and pizza and leave it to a 4 year old to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Here's the deal... I'm not that obsessed about weight or how I look. I am very comfortable in my skin. However I don't want anyone to look at me and wonder if I'm pregnant. So I am going to try and make sure that you don't have to question that. As far as Logan... Sweet precious Logan. I want to thank him for giving me the extra motivation to try and keep a healthy lifestyle and get some physical activity in during my week. Leave it to an innocent child to be able to speak truth! Gotta love it. So last night was the first night back on the treadmill and it wont' be the last.
Happy Monday!