Returning after a pause
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Hello reader. I've taken a much needed pause from freelancing and I'm happy
to write that it's time to get back to work. During my break, I did squeeze
i...
Today marks day 5 of 10 with 2 kids under age 2. My pastor's wife is on vacation, so I'm babysitting the little guy B who she normally watches 4 days a week. Tripp and I both saw great potential in this arrangement, of which David has most benefited! We also appreciated the blessing of extra income and 'practice' with two kids. One week down, and I would confirm, yes, this has been good practice! I just wish baby #2 was coming into the word on the same developmental level and sleep schedule as David.
This is Day 1 of sharing a breakfast platter of pancakes
with yogurt to dip - BIG HIT!
To wrap up the highlights of last week, I give you...
2 UNDER 2 GREATEST HITS
1. David and B eat like college students
(this is an ENORMOUS leap from David's 'throw-it' reaction to most foods, we're eating green stuff now people!)
2. David and B speak baby lingo so well, David will call out to B from the changing table and B will respond by coming over and seeing what's up
3. David and B have trained Mom to wake up early and keep them on a good nap schedule
4. David is a little embarrassed about his lay-down-on-the-floor-and-kick-feet-tantrums in front of B, so he's learning how to manage his emotions a little better
5. David has learned 'No' but thankfully neither kid feels that's something you can say to a serious Mommy
We ventured to the park and the boys shared a
snack of cinnamon apples. Last week, David
felt that cinnamon apples were for the birds.
It has truly been an entertaining time, so I'll do my best to document highlights from the remaining 6 days!
Saturday night was the 2012 Miss America Pageant and I confess - I watched just about the whole thing. Poor Bronco's were loosing so badly to the Patriots that Tripp let us flip back and forth. There was just something special about TV this night. Tripp and I were caught completely off guard by this precious commercial:
Diana Dreman
Miss Colorado 2011
Then at the start of the pageant, they eliminated at least 2/3 from the running. Before announcing the remaining 3 finalists, the host extended her microphone to Miss Colorado, Diana Dreman. She asked her what dialogue was happening in her head in these last moments. Diana replied (paraphrased), "It's in God's hands and this is all for Him."
TV is perhaps the last place I expect to see my Christian brothers and sisters talking about the Lord. And sometimes due to the disparity in the entertainment industry that so snugly surrounds us, I wonder where are the redeemed? More often, I'm blessed with stories of life-changing conversions by my sister in Christ and African missionary, Christina. When I sing the song, 'Hear Our Praises', I imagine peaks in Asia or valleys in Africa and nations like Uganda or India with voices crying out to Jesus. I tried to do more online research to verify Diana Dreman's faith to no avail. So, I'm taking her at her word and encouraged that there are praises on TV from the Rockies.
The video below is from Hillsong with Darlene dancing and singing her heart out. Some may feel uncomfortable watching this video because of some of the corruption that's turned Christian worship into another entertainment industry. I've got to say, I love Hillsong enough to look past the lights and suits - Glory to God for these anthems of truth.
may our homes be filled with dancing
may our streets be filled with joy.
may injustice bow to Jesus
as the people turn to pray.
from the mountains to the valleys
hear our praises rise to You,
from the heavens to the nations
hear our singing fill the air.
may Your light shine in the darkness
as we walk before the cross
may Your glory fill the whole earth
as the water o'er seas.
from the mountains to the valleys
hear our praises rise to You,
from the heavens to the nations
hear our singing fill the air.
This morning, David is not feeling well and sleeping through church, so I'm going to take the time to wrap up Give Them Grace. Made my bed to fight the temptation to cozy up and sleep in it. I would recommend this book to any parent wants to reorient their parenting ideals with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Though feeling badly since about Tuesday, David has worn many hats around the house. I think it's his playfulness that keeps me thinking, 'I don't need to take you to the doctor, do I?'. Poor kid definitely needs to see a doctor asap tomorrow. The pics are a little blurry due to iphone + wiggly child.
David's Pirate persona is 'Choops' and he's
currently responsible for wiping down the deck
Training for the Nashville Predators
An oldie, but a goodie, David loves this visor
and hosts secret games of poker in his
room with the stuffed players
This is his 'goofy' look, wearing Tripp's hat
and stacking blocks (which is an activity of
intense focus and therefore he drools, hence
the bib)
oh people, if only this stuff came out of faucets!
The past few days have felt so uncharacteristically warm, I've strolled with David sans gloves, hat and zipped coat. Mind you, I've worn the mega winter coat because I just don't trust Chicago winters. Yesterday was a good day for a few reasons...
1. Jan 10 - high of 52!
2. With baby #2's pregnancy I've had no taste for coffee, until today and went for a Starbucks iced coffee (which is much cheaper than hot cider and hot chocolate).
3. That iced coffee was so delicious and pared with it being 'clean the house for Tuesday root group', I had one productive day.
4. David's officially down to the one nap a day routine, if he can keep his wits about him. So, I finally got a chance to catch up on some freelance work for a good solid 3 hours.
5. Finally, on top of the productive day I was BLESSED by my dear friends Emily and Sara's early arrival to Root Group. Thanks to Emily's generous dish washing, our kitchen was not a pile of dishes per the usual post-root-group night! I could go on, thank you so much ladies.
Sometimes I feel like you can search far to hear someone bragging about themselves online - look no further than our dear friend Facebook. So, let me print this disclaimer - This was NOT a normal day and productivity has been very difficult the past few months due to fatigue, nausea and laziness. I am praising the Lord for this good day, knowing that it could set the stage for good days to come. I'm really hoping to continue on as a freelancer through baby #2's entrance into the world. I love the work and we need the work to meet our monthly budget. The Lord did not have to provide this way, and I in no way deserve these good days. Glory to God for His mercy and Iced Coffees in January!
