Pondering....

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." -Luke 2:19

This verse comes after the shepherds had come to Bethlehem to find the Child, Jesus.  They spread the word about this child and what they had been told by the angels. I try to imagine what was going through this new mother's mind.  All this fuss being made over her son.  Did she even get a moment to revel in the joys of being a first time mother?  Within a few months, Herod was seeking to kill Christ. Later in the same chapter, Jesus is found in the temple teaching the elders, and Mary and Joseph come looking for him.

"And he said unto them, 'How is it that you sought me? Don't you know that I must be about my Father's business?'....And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."  -Luke 2:49, 51

I wonder many times about the mention of Mary and how she kept her thoughts close within.  The bond with your child is like none other.  And up until the age of 11 or 12, I'm sure Jesus was a pretty "normal" little boy.  Mary changed dirty diapers, chased after him in the yard, protected him from danger, etc, etc, etc. She knew from the very beginning, and especially at the age of 12, what was to be the life of Christ.  I find her spirit and temperament unparalleled.  

I say all that to say, that my little baby boy is growing up.  When did that happen?  When he began walking earlier this summer, it's like a whole other personality crept in.  Sometimes that personality is a wee bit stubborn, but I told my mom the other day, I think God allows our children to be just sweet and cuddly enough to get over all the tough moments/hours/days....

Jeremy and I decided that sending Langston half a day, four days a week, would be good for him and for Jeremy (with his work load).  We found a wonderful program here in Demopolis, and can't wait for him to start!  They had an "open house" this week, and since I was at work, Jeremy took him, but sent me lots of good pictures!  When I saw this one of him standing under his name, I started crying....I'm sure if any of my students noticed, they didn't want to mess with the pregnant, emotional teacher.  Anyway, I did not expect to be hit with that emotion.  I'm a teacher, I understand and love the idea of school and kids learning, but I think the idea of my boy "growing up" is what got to me.  I was not prepared.    

I was also unprepared for the sweetness that ensued at our first volleyball game this week.  Langston was with me at workouts several times over the summer, and since school started has been attending most of the practices.  The girls love him!  He loves the girls!  They watch out for him.  He knows them as part of our extended family.  Our first date was a tri-match which means we played two games that night.  Jeremy was there for the first one, so he and some of my team moms (who I could not do without) were able to keep him occupied. However, by the second match, Jeremy had left to cover a high school football game, so we tried having Langston sit with the mamas, but he kept crying and reaching for me, so I finally, just gave in and sat him in the chair beside mine, and that's where he stayed the entire game (minus a few times he sat in my lap).  The entire time he was either eating snacks or had his hand resting on my leg or arm.  Even when things got loud he didn't flinch.  He wasn't scared.  During a time out, he crawled out of the chair and made his way to the huddle and tried to give each girl his water bottle.  And when they "broke the huddle", he raised his hand right along with them and then came to sit next to me.

I am trying harder than I ever have to soak up these precious moments that are so fleeting.  I am keeping all these things close to my heart, because one day he will become a man. One day he will face tough opposition, maybe even for standing up for Christ and His church. But in those moments of hardship, I will remember that even Langston, and all the children I may have, "must be about the Father's business." I'm sure Mary had times that she doubted her ability to raise the Son of God and watch him suffer for the world, but she stayed faithful to her son and to the Father.  I pray that I'm able to do the same every moment of my life.

Summer Time: Part I

Yes, it has been a while since I've blogged.  It never fails that summers wind up being just as busy (or busier) than the school year.  Anyway, I thought I could catch up by dividing the summer into two parts....

The weekend after school ended we took a road trip with our "bestest" friends, the Turners!  Keeping in mind we had a 13 month old to contend with, we tried to break the trip into 4 or 5 hour increments, and trust me, that was just the right amount of time!

So, we left on a Sunday afternoon and stayed in New Orleans, LA that night.  We got to walk around the square in New Orleans Monday morning and it was neat to be back after our Babymoon before Langston was born.  Of course, we wonder if we'll ever go when I'm not pregnant! :-)

We got on the road around lunch time and headed to Houston, TX.  This was probably the toughest drive.  For the last 30-45 minutes all that kept Langston happy was Amy and I singing whatever church and early 90s songs we could come up with.  But, we made it, and the next day we took Langston to his first official MLB game, Houston Astros vs. Colorado Rockies at Minute Maid park.  I want to start a petition that all ball parks put a retractable roof on their parks, because it was so nice to sit in air conditioning!!  We stayed another night in Houston and then on Wednesday we headed to Dallas, TX!  I think this was my favorite stop on the trip.  We went to see the "grassy knoll" and the place where JFK was shot (I have a fascination with that family) and we kind of lucked out because that day a Canadian film crew was shooting parts for a documentary that focuses on if there was a "second shooter" how would they have done it?  Anyway, they had local actors playing the role of JFK and the shooter.  There was also a man there that was present the day the shooting took place (he was 8 years old when it happened) and he shared with us where he heard shots come from, etc.  So, very cool!  I know Langston will not remember being there to see it, but I hope one day he can appreciate the rich history that is in that place.  *Did anybody realize this year is the 50th anniversary??* Anyway, later that day we met up with my Best Friend, Courtney, and her husband, Gabe.  The last time I saw her was when Jeremy and I got married.  She had not met Langston even though he knows her as "Aunt" Courtney!  They drove from Oklahoma City to go with us to a ballgame and visit with us that night!  Loved seeing them and seeing Langston give love to his Aunt Courtney!

Of course, Friday morning at breakfast, Langston started walking...officially!!  He would go table to table visiting and trying to get food from people!  Such a cool thing to witness!  He waited for his mommy to get out of school to start so I wouldn't miss it!  We drove from Dallas all the way back to Demopolis that day, stopping for a few minutes in West Monroe, LA, to meet up with our good friends of Duck Dynasty! ;-) Of course they were filming at the time so Amy wasn't tempted to run off with Jase! :-)  The warehouse doesn't look as big as what they show on tv, but it's so cool to see something in person and say you have been there! This is how we sat for the entire trip and I was extremely worried about how Langston would do over the course of the week, but with enough snacks, toys, books, and singing, he did really, really well!!  And Amy wins MVP of the trip!! 

The next week we had VBS at Canal Heights church of Christ and studied Daniel, Josiah, Paul, Christ, and the church in the "Circus of Faith"!  My mom and nephew, Aidan, came to stay with us that week, so mom could help with Langston while I taught the 5 year old-Kindergarten class!  (Although Langston joined in with the 3 year old a few days!) I thought it was very successful with us having between 35 and 45 each day.  And, I have to say, it brought such joy to my soul to give each one of my students a sucker because they had learned their memory verse for the week.  Once we got back to Florida, Aidan was able to repeat the verse to my dad and sister!  I think we severely underestimate what a child's mind and heart can handle when it comes to scripture! (While they were here, Langston and Aidan got some pool and sprinkler time!)

 As I mentioned before, Langston and I spent some time after VBS in Florida with my family.  It was nice to go "home" and visit my GG and Granny B, attend my cousins wedding, see ChaCha compete in a pageant (I was so nervous, I don't know how I'll handle peanut in the Fall!), and play with Aidan some more!

Okay, so I will wrap the first part of summer up with mentioning the trip to Atlanta we took last week!  OH. MY. GOODNESS!!  Dreams came true for many women who were but mere pre-teens in the early 1990's!!  The "PACKAGE Tour" came to town and Amy and I were there to renew our "crushes" on Jordan, Joey, Donny, Danny, and Jonathan!  That's right NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, 98 Degrees, and Boys II Men!!

Honestly, I would not have missed 98 Degrees (although still nice "eye candy")!  Boys II Men still know how to make women swoon and I would even say husbands should play more Boys II Men around the house (if you know what I'm sayin)....but, of course, NKOTB rocked it!  And, I think they are better now than they were!  I mean these are grown MEN now and they still have "The Right Stuff!"

While Amy and I were at the concert, Jeremy and David were able to catch a Braves game.  They even got to go to batting practice and get some autographs.  But, the next day we took a tour of Turner Field, and that was really awesome!  It's definitely worth the money and time if you are a Braves or just a baseball fan!  I liked seeing the locker room and sitting in the dugout the most!

I've kept you reading long enough, I will only add in that Butterbean is doing well, mommy is taking one day at a time.  I will not say that it's as bad as with Langston, but sickness is definitely back and, at times, with a vengeance.  We will be at 13 weeks tomorrow so at the finish point of the first tri-mester!  Langston is doing so good (except for a cold that turned into an ear infection and bronchitis), but he is walking everywhere!  I am continually amazed at how smart he is!  Truly, he can see something done a few times and then he understands the concept and will try to do it himself.  He has that willful personality and sometimes he wants to do it all by himself!  I am still learning how to let go and let him make messes or fall just so he learns.  Boundaries are being tested, of course, but we just do the best we can!

I don't think Summer Time: Part II will be as busy, but I will fill you in later!

You formed my inward parts....

One summer at Camp Wiregrass, Dwayne Key spoke at chapel and he recited Psalm 139 from memory....here is a small portion of it.

"For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them."

                                                                Psalm 139:13-16

Bro. Key went on to say how science is just catching up with God, how only within the last 20 years scientists have been referring to the womb as a web-like area that envelopes the growing baby.

After 8 weeks, Jeremy, Langston, my mother, nephew, and I got to see our sweet new addition growing within me....meet "Butterbean."

I've been so busy with school and our Texas vacation and VBS and a husband and a (now walking) toddler, that I really haven't had the chance to be excited about this new baby.  I've been nauseous, extremely tired, moody, and have an ever expanding belly, so I understood that I was pregnant, but it hasn't carried the same excitement as with Langston....until today!

Today I saw my little "Butterbean" stilled curled up and growing within me.  I saw the censor flare where the blood was pumping through the heart.  And, the moment that I met with tears was when I heard the strong, healthy heartbeat.  

Tonight, as I was still thinking about it, I do not understand those who knowingly and violently abort the soul living within them.  Also, I pity those who cannot see God's handiwork.  I will pray for their souls.

I was blessed to be able to experience pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby the first time.  Now, God has blessed me with a second pregnancy and I will continue to pray for another healthy child.  But, the interesting thing is, even if this one is born with some sort of disability or disease, it doesn't matter as long as he/she is with me.  I already love him/her. Looking forward to more sickness, an ever expanding belly, and feeling uncomfortable, because I understand that this phase is temporary and when I meet "Butterbean" it will not matter. 

The Adventure Continues...

Well, there's no easy way to say this....

The last few weeks of April were full of anxiety!  Thankfully we had Langston's birthday to celebrate and party to plan to keep my mind pre-occupied!  Jeremy said he knew what was coming.....I even fielded random questions at Langston's party.

The day after that party Jeremy and I got the answer we had been waiting a few weeks for....

We are having another BABY!!!!

We had to take two tests because the first test showed some picture that meant (according to the symbol guide that comes in the box) there had been some user error....REALLY?!

But, the second test was used correctly and popped up with the words....PREGNANT....with shaking hands I brought it to Jeremy to see.  His reaction was much better than mine!  He sat straight up and took my hands in his.  I think he would have been smiling if it weren't for my reaction.

I will be honest.  I immediately broke down into tears.  I could not believe we let this happen so soon!  I mean, I wanted more kids, but Langston was barely a year old!  My mind was racing. How was I going to take care of two little ones?  How am I going to survive potty training and up all night feedings?  We aren't financially prepared, are we?  I'm not in as good of shape as I was before Langston.

Because of my state of mind, Jeremy suggested I go ahead and call my mom.  Well, I didn't want to tell my mom without my dad, so we got them on a conference call.  They, of course, were so excited and were able to calm some of my fears.  Later we talked to Jeremy's parents and they were shocked but excited as well! 

I went to the Doctor the next day to only do a pregnancy test there.  They said I was, but it was very early.  So, we decided that until the ultrasound we would only tell a select group of family and friends. Well, our ultrasound isn't until June 3rd, but I just couldn't wait! I'm around 6 weeks now and due the first part of January!

I've done a lot of thinking and praying and dealing with the fact that I'm pregnant again.  First, and foremost, I no doubt see a new baby and addition to our family as a blessing!  So many others in the world would love to be parents, and I'm not going to complain about having a second child!  Physically, I'm not scared or as nervous as with Langston.  I know what to expect and I know that I can handle it!  Granted, I didn't have a toddler to chase after before, but I will turn that "have to" switch! Financially, well, God will provide what we need.  Emotionally, I still don't know how I can show my love for two small children equally.  However, I have seen my mother and my friends do it, so I know I can too.  I will just have to figure out a balance.  I have thought how this new child is coming into an already "settled" family unit.  It's been just Langston and us for a while now and we have a routine.  (Interesting fact: this next child will come into a house of all "first borns.")

I've been reading a lot about the "2nd child" and behaviors and feelings they sometimes go through.  Hopefully, being aware of some of those things will make me be a better mother to the new baby.  He/she will never enjoy being the only child and having the undivided attention of the parents.  He/she will always have to share with the big brother.  He/she may be compared to the older brother because that's who people knew first.  The only way I can prepare is to make it my intention to spend one on one time with the new baby/toddler/child/teenager and him/her have "dates" with mommy and with daddy. To take the time out of my day to read or talk to each one separately.  To treat each child as each of their personalities require.  I have to remind myself that what works for one may not work for another!

I believe Langston will make a fantastic big brother and friend! His personality already shows traits of kindness and compassion and tenderness!

Please pray for our family as the journey continues! Please pray for the pregnancy and the health of this precious soul! We will be anxiously awaiting meeting our new little one in January!

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

Today we got to celebrate Langston turning a year old with family and friends!!  When planning this party I found other websites that helped me out, so I thought I could share how this party came together and also some of the party itself!

First, deciding on a theme was the first decision.  I knew I wanted to go with the color red because it's his favorite, but I'm not initially a "theme" person.  So, after much debate within myself I thought "Red Wagons" would be a great tie in to the color red and appropriate for a 1 year old!

Next, I had to decide on who and how to invite.  I decided that we could handle doing friends and family, but I saved some cost by just creating an event on Facebook (I mean, we are 21st century America, right?).

We decided to have the party at home for different reasons, but mainly it was to have Langston in an environment he was used to.  It also comes in handy when you are planning on your child getting covered in icing or going down for a nap.

My friend, Amy, offered to make the "Happy Birthday" banner for the wall, the "Langston" banner for the high chair, and a poster! It all added the perfect touch to the party!

Next, I wanted to have something special for Langston to wear.  Our friend, Liz, has an Etsy shop <DesperateHousemoms> and she can make a shirt with just about anything you want on it, so we ordered a Red Wagon shirt with his name and a "1" in the wagon! Very cute and we got to use it for his one year old pictures as well!

Also, on Etsy <Little Mavens> I found cupcake toppers and favor tags that fit the Red Wagon theme perfectly! Our friend, Pam, made the cupcakes for us!  We had yellow cake with red frosting (eggless because one of our guests as an allergy....you want to take those things into consideration) and red velvet cake with white icing!  Both were so delicious!!  I highly recommend having someone make the cupcakes and cake for you.  There are so many other things to take care of when hosting at home, that you don't want the added pressure of baking (or at least I didn't).

Here was the menu I came up with that was friendly to young children and adults:

• mini corn dogs w/ mustard and ketchup
• fruit kabobs and fruit dip
• pretzels
• cheese and crackers
• soda and fruit punch

Langston's "smash" cake was made by yet another good friend, Tiffany.  I have seen so many cute pictures of kids getting into eating the cake and covered in icing.  They look so happy to have sugar and be covered in cake!  That is not how Langston reacted!  He was so very ready for a nap by the time we got to the cake and I don't think he liked all the excitement, but I guess unhappy, crying photos make for good memories too!

I requested that people wear red to go with the theme, and most complied and it was really neat to look up from opening presents and see a sea of red!  I appreciate people doing that!  I also appreciate all the gifts that were given!  It probably means that we will have to pair down and get rid of some other things!  He got a lot of things that we can use for outside, which I am excited to use this summer!

Overall, the party was a great success!  Our child is very blessed with people who love him and our family!  Jeremy and I are blessed to be able to provide and celebrate our child in such a way!  I know the 1st birthday is more for the parents, but I hope when Langston looks back on pictures and the video, he knows how much he is loved and see people having fun!

Happy Birthday to You!

If we didn't have birthdays,

you wouldn't be you,

If you'd never been born,

well then what would you do?

If you'd never been born,

well then what would you be?

You migh be a fish!

Or a toad in a tree!

You might be a doorknob!

Or three baked potatoes!

You might be a bag full of

hard green tomatoes.

Or worse than all that...

Why, you might be a WASN'T!

A Wasn't has no fun at all.

No, he doesn't.

A Wasn't just isn't. He just

isn't present. But you...

You ARE YOU!

And, now isn't that pleasant!

-Dr. Seuss

Dear Langston,

You are a year old today! You have been such a blessing to your daddy and me! On the day you were born we could not have known how much more we would enjoy life with you.

You have changed and developed so much over the past year....up until you were 3 months old you mainly slept and ate. The only reason you fussed would be either you were hungry or needed your diaper changed. And even then, your daddy described your cry as "apologetic" as if you were sorry to bother us. 

At 3 months we let you start sleeping in your crib at night in your own room. Mommy slept in there with you for the first few nights, but you easily adjusted. Your personality started showing through and you would start giggling and laughing when something struck you as funny! 

I went back to work when you were 4 1/2 months old and daddy got to stay home with you! Since mommy was coaching volleyball you got to come to the gym and watch games and visit with the parents of the players! Again, you handled this with ease! All the girls and the parents loved hanging out with you! Your sweet demeanor was easy to love. Some of the parents kept joking with us that we should get your hair cut, but we didn't relent...until later! I love that if mommy and daddy were working we could leave you with friends and they would always say how good you were! At church we could sit you in your Bumbo and you would play. 

Around 6 months old you really got the hang of rolling over. We quickly learned that we could not leave you on the bed by yourself. At that point, we could at least build up pillows around you to keep you from getting to the edge of the bed or couch. Then around 8 months you could sit up on your own. Also, this is when we finally gave in and got you your first haircut! We were in DeFuniak for Christmas and we went to a restaurant and on the way out someone said, "oh, look at all HER hair...."  and mommy told daddy we were going right then! You were so cute!! Somewhere along this time you started cutting teeth!  Currently you are up to 6!

I think the haircut really helped motivate you to crawl. I think it was because you could finally see everything! So, around 9 1/2 months you became truly mobile and started crawling!! You started getting into everything and searching and investigating! At this age you became more fussy because you just wanted to know what was going on at all times! You started fighting sleep and fighting sitting still at church and other places. 

From 10 months until now, you really have just blossomed.  You fuss and scream more (when you don't get your way) and you still don't want to sit still or go to sleep.  However, you are so smart!  You take things apart and try to put them together again.  You try to put your foot in your shoes.  You like to put a spoon in the baby food and then put it to your mouth!  You can pick up some foods and feed yourself.  You clap and laugh when we say "Yay!"  You wave goodbye and give us hugs and kisses when we ask. You love to take walks or swing outside. You absolutely love music and the color red!

Earlier this week, you took your first two steps without holding on to anything or anyone.  I know this is just the beginning of many new adventures! I admit that I am nervous (maybe a little scared) of the next few years when you are testing the boundaries and show that strong will!

This year has gone by so fast and you have done so many new things!  You are truly so sweet and kind spirited and all boy!  Ever since you were born I have thought that you are meant to do great things and bring happiness to the lives of many people! 

We love you with all our heart! Happy 1st Birthday Langston!

Mommy and Daddy



Prayers for Langston....

Last night, as I was casually scrolling Facebook, one of my "Friends" (who will be blocked) posted a graphic picture of a certain type of child abuse.  That is something you just cannot "unsee".....so, when I heard Langston stir after that, I rushed in to hold him and comfort him.  Then I sat on the couch weeping beside Jeremy....

Maybe I am naive.  Maybe I am wrong for not wanting to see pictures of that nature.  I am a teacher so I know that child abuse is real and happens in all sorts of households and in all sorts of ways. I am grateful for police officers, EMTs, social workers, counselors, etc, etc, who go into these houses and see abuse and do what they are able to help. As teachers, it is our duty to report any suspicious behavior or physical evidence, and I will take that seriously.

However, last night it made me sad and then angry.  When I hold and comfort Langston, I am overwhelmed by love and realize I have so many prayers inside of me on his behalf....

I pray, that when the time comes, he realizes his need to come in contact with the blood of Christ and then faithfully serves the Lord.....

I pray that he will value hard work....

I pray that he will be healthy and lives a healthy lifestyle....

I pray that when he makes mistakes, he will learn from them, whether that is with a math problem or relationships....

I pray that when someone hurts him, he is willing to forgive....

I pray that he does not seek to hurt others....

I pray that he finds something that he loves to do and finds a way to use that to provide for himself and maybe his family....

I pray that he will be comfortable in a crowd....

I pray that he will be comfortable alone, with a good book....

I pray that he finds good friends to surround himself with, that will encourage and support him in his Christian life, and that he can support and encourage them....

I pray that he recognizes his talents and seeks to honor the Lord with them....

I pray that he respects himself and others....

I pray, that when he is ready, finds a wife that will help get him and their family to heaven and treats him with respect....

I pray, that when he is ready, he is a husband who is a spiritual leader and treats his wife with respect...

I pray that he never experiences emotional or physical abuse, but is able to sympathize with those that are....

I pray he portrays a quiet confidence...

I pray that he craves knowledge and education....

I pray that he is loyal...

I pray that he is generous with his time and money...

I pray that when faced with adversity, he stays true to his faith...

I pray that when this life ends, he hears "Well done, good and faithful servant."