It was unfortunate I had just applied my eye makeup as we drove toward David’s parents’ church for a candlelight Christmas Eve service. When I told David what I’d read a few hours earlier on Noah Steven’s blog—I couldn’t even get the words out without totally losing it. So, so sad.
Though Christmas is my favorite time of year, a heaviness lingers because of the burden I have for this sweet baby in Denver. I hardly even know his parents, yet I’ve come to know them well from reading their blog and praying for their son. I’ve experienced firsthand the overwhelming sadness of a Children’s hospital and the joy on the other side of a miracle. Maybe it’s because our babies are so close in age and it is easy to wonder, “Why theirs and not mine” . . . but I won’t have peace until his miracle comes.
During the service I was ever mindful of Noah. When the pastor’s wife asked if we were EXPECTING the miracle we needed, I had to admit to myself I was not. Tonight I’m trying to do a 180. I want to walk in anticipation of the miracle Noah needs. What a fitting way to celebrate the miracle God gave us on this night so many years ago. Will you celebrate with me and prayerfully EXPECT a miracle for Noah?
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Cole: Can I give Jesus a present for Christmas?
Me: Cole that would be wonderful. The best present we can give to Jesus is our hearts.
Cole: But Mom . . . I want to give Him a puppy dog!
Me: Cole that would be wonderful. The best present we can give to Jesus is our hearts.
Cole: But Mom . . . I want to give Him a puppy dog!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
‘Tis The Season
The other day I picked Jonathan up after school. He sang Christmas carols to Nicholas all the way home (30 minutes) while Nicholas laughed and laughed. Jonathan would probably sing 24/7 except for the small fact he has an eleven year old sister who doesn’t tolerate such things. Since she was at basketball practice, Jonathan sang his little heart out uninterrupted.
I was amazed how many Christmas carols he knew by heart. Like both David and I when we were kids, he knew all the verses many adults don’t even know. My favorite one was Angels We Have Heard On High. This was his version of the chorus.
Glor-or-or-or-ia, in a wax museum . . .
My little 8 year old had no idea he was singing it wrong.
I was amazed how many Christmas carols he knew by heart. Like both David and I when we were kids, he knew all the verses many adults don’t even know. My favorite one was Angels We Have Heard On High. This was his version of the chorus.
Glor-or-or-or-ia, in a wax museum . . .
My little 8 year old had no idea he was singing it wrong.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Gracious!
Over the weekend we spent some time in Dallas. Every couple of years we have a caricature done of the kids. I think this guy really captured their personalities.
On the drive back to Garden Valley on Saturday we made our traditional stop at Taco Bueno. We opted for the drive through instead of going inside because of Nicholas. The Christmas shopping traffic was crazy and all the drive through lines were long. As we sat waiting for our turn at the window, a truck pulled into a side entrance right in front of us and cut the line by several cars—this did not make us (or any of the cars behind us) happy. Since she completely ignored all the loud honking directed her way, David decided to hop out and have a little chat with her. When he got to her window his tone did a 180 when he realized she had no idea she had committed such a fallacy. She apologized profusely and even volunteered to go to the end of the line. He assured her all was well and she might as well stay in the line since there was no convenient way to exit.
When our turn finally came to pick up our food at the window, the employees informed us our meal had already been paid for. The lady in the truck bought our lunch!
What a sweet and unnecessary thing to do. We took the kind gesture as a reminder during the hustle and bustle of holiday madness—take time to be kind to others and be gracious toward people who make mistakes.
On the drive back to Garden Valley on Saturday we made our traditional stop at Taco Bueno. We opted for the drive through instead of going inside because of Nicholas. The Christmas shopping traffic was crazy and all the drive through lines were long. As we sat waiting for our turn at the window, a truck pulled into a side entrance right in front of us and cut the line by several cars—this did not make us (or any of the cars behind us) happy. Since she completely ignored all the loud honking directed her way, David decided to hop out and have a little chat with her. When he got to her window his tone did a 180 when he realized she had no idea she had committed such a fallacy. She apologized profusely and even volunteered to go to the end of the line. He assured her all was well and she might as well stay in the line since there was no convenient way to exit.
When our turn finally came to pick up our food at the window, the employees informed us our meal had already been paid for. The lady in the truck bought our lunch!
What a sweet and unnecessary thing to do. We took the kind gesture as a reminder during the hustle and bustle of holiday madness—take time to be kind to others and be gracious toward people who make mistakes.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Thirteen Years!
It was a Friday night. Our theme was “An Old Fashioned Christmas”. As the guests walked into the church, the path was lit by candles and Christmas music was playing. Adding to the ambiance were top hats, white gloves, tuxedos and floor length taffeta and velvet dresses in a dark Christmas green. Our flowers were all red roses. I hope no one is offended, but it was the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to. I can’t personally take credit for the incredible way it was pulled off so beautifully, and though tons and tons of people helped, it was really my pastor’s wife Cheryl who made our wedding so perfect.
With all the greeting at the reception, we somehow missed eating anything other than the one bite of cake we fed each other. So on the way to our hotel, we went through a Wendy’s drive-thur. Our car was decorated and we were still in our wedding attire, so they gave us our meals on the house—thanks Mr. Thomas!
We had a fun honeymoon in Florida and then headed back to Denver to our tiny but cute apartment. I remember at one of my showers a lady from our church said, “When you start out in life together you don’t usually have much money. Someday you will look back and fondly remember living on a shoestring.” She was so right. I was working for a ministry and living on support and David was teaching at a Christian school. We became pregnant with Ashley that first year and I had to stop working altogether. Money certain was tight, but God always provided. And true to her words, I do fondly remember those days.
Happy Anniversary David! I have so enjoyed these past 13 years of being married to you.
With all the greeting at the reception, we somehow missed eating anything other than the one bite of cake we fed each other. So on the way to our hotel, we went through a Wendy’s drive-thur. Our car was decorated and we were still in our wedding attire, so they gave us our meals on the house—thanks Mr. Thomas!
We had a fun honeymoon in Florida and then headed back to Denver to our tiny but cute apartment. I remember at one of my showers a lady from our church said, “When you start out in life together you don’t usually have much money. Someday you will look back and fondly remember living on a shoestring.” She was so right. I was working for a ministry and living on support and David was teaching at a Christian school. We became pregnant with Ashley that first year and I had to stop working altogether. Money certain was tight, but God always provided. And true to her words, I do fondly remember those days.
Happy Anniversary David! I have so enjoyed these past 13 years of being married to you.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Happy Birthday Cole!
Though we had planned on having Lacy babysit and eat dinner at the Olive Garden, the plans for our anniversary changed when I went into labor nearly three weeks early. Cole was born on the exact day of . . . which is now why we juggle every year to keep his birthday both separate from Christmas and separate from our anniversary.
Such a sweet little anniversary and Christmas gift. The joke at the hospital was I had gotten a little coal in my stocking. We were thankful he came so early. I wasn’t really due until January 4th, so it was an extra bonus having him with us as we celebrated the holidays—not to mention making it in time for a tax-deduction. :)
I hardly need to describe this sweet, happy child to you. If you are a regular reader of Hazel and Blue you know—he provides more than an ample supply of posts with his antics. This little guy keeps us in stitches and makes parenting very fun. He is also VERY excited about the birthday party we’re having for him later today.
Happy Birthday Cole! We love you very, very much!
Such a sweet little anniversary and Christmas gift. The joke at the hospital was I had gotten a little coal in my stocking. We were thankful he came so early. I wasn’t really due until January 4th, so it was an extra bonus having him with us as we celebrated the holidays—not to mention making it in time for a tax-deduction. :)
I hardly need to describe this sweet, happy child to you. If you are a regular reader of Hazel and Blue you know—he provides more than an ample supply of posts with his antics. This little guy keeps us in stitches and makes parenting very fun. He is also VERY excited about the birthday party we’re having for him later today.
Happy Birthday Cole! We love you very, very much!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Little D
Many of you have asked about Little D. He came into our lives while recovering from severe injuries to his brain as a result of child abuse. He wasn’t yet two.
We picked him up at a hospital in Dallas where they taught us how to feed him through a feeding tube and how to work with him on relearning skills like crawling, walking, swallowing and talking. Though born a perfect, healthy child, the doctors didn’t actually think he would live when as a last resort they removed a large portion of his skull in order for his brain to continue swelling. Miraculously Little D did pull through.
We weren’t really sure if we could handle the extreme measures it would require to care for Little D, but after praying about it God gave both David and I one verse, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).” It was that verse that daily got us through sleepless nights, numerous trips to Dallas hospitals, the lengthy surgery and hospital stay to replace the missing piece in his skull, the criminal trial for his abuser and most of all saying goodbye. We had Little D for 8 months.
Though I could write a book, I find it hard to condense into a few paragraphs the impact little D has had on our lives. For myself, it is by far the most significant and hardest thing I have ever done—and the most rewarding. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Tomorrow Little D and his two younger siblings are being adopted by his forever family. We feel really good about this wonderful Christian family and know God is watching over him.
They have graciously agreed to let us continue to be in Little D’s life—for which we are immeasurably grateful. I talked with Little D on the phone just a few days ago. He is doing remarkable well and is even going to preschool. Doctors are hopeful he will recover fully physically and mentally. He is currently living like any other normal three year old.
We love you Little D. We pray tomorrow will be the first of many happy days for you and your new family.
We picked him up at a hospital in Dallas where they taught us how to feed him through a feeding tube and how to work with him on relearning skills like crawling, walking, swallowing and talking. Though born a perfect, healthy child, the doctors didn’t actually think he would live when as a last resort they removed a large portion of his skull in order for his brain to continue swelling. Miraculously Little D did pull through.
We weren’t really sure if we could handle the extreme measures it would require to care for Little D, but after praying about it God gave both David and I one verse, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).” It was that verse that daily got us through sleepless nights, numerous trips to Dallas hospitals, the lengthy surgery and hospital stay to replace the missing piece in his skull, the criminal trial for his abuser and most of all saying goodbye. We had Little D for 8 months.
Though I could write a book, I find it hard to condense into a few paragraphs the impact little D has had on our lives. For myself, it is by far the most significant and hardest thing I have ever done—and the most rewarding. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Tomorrow Little D and his two younger siblings are being adopted by his forever family. We feel really good about this wonderful Christian family and know God is watching over him.
They have graciously agreed to let us continue to be in Little D’s life—for which we are immeasurably grateful. I talked with Little D on the phone just a few days ago. He is doing remarkable well and is even going to preschool. Doctors are hopeful he will recover fully physically and mentally. He is currently living like any other normal three year old.
We love you Little D. We pray tomorrow will be the first of many happy days for you and your new family.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
A Fascinating Day in the Life of a Paramecium
Ashley has some talents. She can spin a hula hoop on her hips longer than anyone I’ve ever met—her specialty is three at a time. She likes to study joke books and make people laugh whenever possible. She can write entertaining stories and has quite the collection filling up journals in her room. When told she had to write a story involving three single-celled microscopic organisms for Science class, this is what she came up with:
Once upon a time there was a paramecium named Sally. Her best friend was Bob the amoeba. They always played superheroes at recess. But one day very soon they would really have to save the day.
That day was Friday. Friday was pizza day and the pizza guy got swallowed by a volvox and couldn’t get out.
So Sally and Bob came to the rescue. They dressed up in their superhero costumes and went to find the volvox. Finally after two hours they spotted the volvox with the pizza guy screaming like a girl. They laughed at him. He didn’t laugh back.
Sally and Bob surrounded the volvox and caught him. They pulled out the pizza guy and then Sally and Bob split the volvox and ate him. The End.
Once upon a time there was a paramecium named Sally. Her best friend was Bob the amoeba. They always played superheroes at recess. But one day very soon they would really have to save the day.
That day was Friday. Friday was pizza day and the pizza guy got swallowed by a volvox and couldn’t get out.
So Sally and Bob came to the rescue. They dressed up in their superhero costumes and went to find the volvox. Finally after two hours they spotted the volvox with the pizza guy screaming like a girl. They laughed at him. He didn’t laugh back.
Sally and Bob surrounded the volvox and caught him. They pulled out the pizza guy and then Sally and Bob split the volvox and ate him. The End.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Last Minute Everything
Pretty much it’s the story of our lives.
We were sitting at a pizza place with Ashley and her basketball team following a game against a Catholic school in Tyler. We lost—but that’s a sad subject for another day.
David’s phone rang—it was Jonathan. Just as he was climbing into bed he remembered—he and Ashley needed costumes for tomorrow . . . “Something in the Rainforest.”
It’s 7:10pm! We’re not home; we’re just now hearing this?! What to do for costumes of “Something in the Rainforest” by morning!?
Do other parents share my frustration about these things!? Isn’t raising four kids, getting them to and from a private school located 30 miles away, sacrificing dearly so they can be involved in extracurricular activities, blah, blah, blah enough!? Do we have to be creative too?
We rack our brains. What animals are even in the Rainforest!? We do a Walmart run—any costumes? None. We call the relatives—nothing.
Defeated in the great mom department, I took a last stop into the laundry room before going to bed. Lightbulb moment! There were the camouflage outfits they had worn on the last ESOAL Retreat. Ashley and Jonathan went to school as “Guerrillas Explorers in the Rainforest” . . . and they think I rock!
We were sitting at a pizza place with Ashley and her basketball team following a game against a Catholic school in Tyler. We lost—but that’s a sad subject for another day.
David’s phone rang—it was Jonathan. Just as he was climbing into bed he remembered—he and Ashley needed costumes for tomorrow . . . “Something in the Rainforest.”
It’s 7:10pm! We’re not home; we’re just now hearing this?! What to do for costumes of “Something in the Rainforest” by morning!?
Do other parents share my frustration about these things!? Isn’t raising four kids, getting them to and from a private school located 30 miles away, sacrificing dearly so they can be involved in extracurricular activities, blah, blah, blah enough!? Do we have to be creative too?
We rack our brains. What animals are even in the Rainforest!? We do a Walmart run—any costumes? None. We call the relatives—nothing.
Defeated in the great mom department, I took a last stop into the laundry room before going to bed. Lightbulb moment! There were the camouflage outfits they had worn on the last ESOAL Retreat. Ashley and Jonathan went to school as “
Monday, December 11, 2006
The Show Must Go On
Yesterday we were walking out the door heading to church when Jonathan stopped in the doorway and cried out in a panic, “Mom, Cole is suppose to dress up like an angel!”
After confirming with Ashley this truly was the case, David scrambled to find something long and white and I went looking for gold ribbon. Amazingly, we completed his costume in all of about 3 minutes—which was perfect—we only had 3 minutes in order to get to church on time.
With such quick thinking and ingenuity one might assume we were going to pull that last minute glitch off without a hitch . . . it was not to be. Cole began sobbing, “But I don’t want to be an angel.” Seeing how it was real tears falling down his sweet, cherub cheeks I did what every good mom would do in such a sticky, time restraining situation: “Cole, if you go as an angel, Mommy will give you a really great surprise.”
Cole looked up at me with hopeful eyes. Between sniffles he asked, “A great surprise, Mommy?” “Yes Cole, a really great surprise.”
So don’t go calling CPS on me, or giving me books on parenting for Christmas, it’s just a fact of life—bribery works! Besides, we now have really cute pictures of our little angel, and our little angel has one of the many “surprises” intended for his stocking.
After confirming with Ashley this truly was the case, David scrambled to find something long and white and I went looking for gold ribbon. Amazingly, we completed his costume in all of about 3 minutes—which was perfect—we only had 3 minutes in order to get to church on time.
With such quick thinking and ingenuity one might assume we were going to pull that last minute glitch off without a hitch . . . it was not to be. Cole began sobbing, “But I don’t want to be an angel.” Seeing how it was real tears falling down his sweet, cherub cheeks I did what every good mom would do in such a sticky, time restraining situation: “Cole, if you go as an angel, Mommy will give you a really great surprise.”
Cole looked up at me with hopeful eyes. Between sniffles he asked, “A great surprise, Mommy?” “Yes Cole, a really great surprise.”
So don’t go calling CPS on me, or giving me books on parenting for Christmas, it’s just a fact of life—bribery works! Besides, we now have really cute pictures of our little angel, and our little angel has one of the many “surprises” intended for his stocking.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Almost Perfect
Every year it’s a battle. David loves the Denver Broncos . . . which is why we own this crazy Denver Broncos Christmas ornament. I like our tree to be uniform throughout with coordinating Christmas decorations. Did you notice the colors on this particular ornament—orange and blue! Doesn’t exactly blend with all of the red and gold on our tree.
So while I keep hiding this ornament toward the back, someone keeps moving it to a prominent place in the front. This has been our Christmas routine for several years. Any suggestions?
So while I keep hiding this ornament toward the back, someone keeps moving it to a prominent place in the front. This has been our Christmas routine for several years. Any suggestions?
Monday, December 04, 2006
What A Guy!
Dear President Bush,
I have a new baby brother. His name is Nicholas Walker. I thought this might interest you because my mom and dad named him after you.
He is 10 weeks old, very cute and chubby. He thinks you are the man! He is very excited that he was named after such a great president!
I’m praying for you. May I have a picture?
Your fan,
Ashley
I have a new baby brother. His name is Nicholas Walker. I thought this might interest you because my mom and dad named him after you.
He is 10 weeks old, very cute and chubby. He thinks you are the man! He is very excited that he was named after such a great president!
I’m praying for you. May I have a picture?
Your fan,
Ashley
Dear Ashley,
We welcome baby Nicholas! We are delighted to join your family in celebrating his arrival. He has already brought much happiness to those around him, and he has just gotten started!
Nicholas, we are glad you are now part of the wonderful American story. Our Nation holds great opportunities for you. May you make the most of your unique gifts and may happiness and love surround you always.
Thank you for remembering me in your prayers. Prayer gives us the opportunity to thank God for His many blessings. During this time in our Nation’s history, we pray for the safety of the men and women who fight for our freedom and for peace around the world.
May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
Sincerely,
George and Laura Bush
Nicholas, we are glad you are now part of the wonderful American story. Our Nation holds great opportunities for you. May you make the most of your unique gifts and may happiness and love surround you always.
Thank you for remembering me in your prayers. Prayer gives us the opportunity to thank God for His many blessings. During this time in our Nation’s history, we pray for the safety of the men and women who fight for our freedom and for peace around the world.
May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
Sincerely,
George and Laura Bush
Friday, December 01, 2006
Setting It Straight
We’re having a snowday—not that there is any snow on the ground . . . East Texas FREAKS when inclement weather is as much as a state away! Even though we could have slept in, these are the little darlings that STILL were up before the crack of dawn.
As promised, I’m now revealing all:
1. I really did go to Ball State University—it was a total of 30 minutes from the house I grew up in.
2. The camp I attended during high school was awesome! One of the highlights of my life.
3. You all are so kind . . . but YES, David dances circles around me in the IQ area.
4. Some friends and I really were interrogated by the KGB. All of us were also quite thankful for our American passports—which is likely what kept us from being detained in the slammer! (Three hours in a Russian jail was the lie . . . just in case you missed it.)
5. If you have ever traveled as a single female in a second or third world country, you know those proposals have nothing to do with your looks, charm or personality—once again the American passport is key!
6. It was last Christmas. David and I were Ron and Katie’s guests . . . and it was a blast! Since I had already watched the annual HGTV special of the decorating of the White House (In my opinion a MUST on your holiday to do list) I was the token expert with vast amounts of knowledge of all the little tidbits behind what we were seeing.
And just because it’s my blog and I’ll do it if I want to . . . I also tag Lily, Leah, Lacy and J-Lynn!
As promised, I’m now revealing all:
1. I really did go to Ball State University—it was a total of 30 minutes from the house I grew up in.
2. The camp I attended during high school was awesome! One of the highlights of my life.
3. You all are so kind . . . but YES, David dances circles around me in the IQ area.
4. Some friends and I really were interrogated by the KGB. All of us were also quite thankful for our American passports—which is likely what kept us from being detained in the slammer! (Three hours in a Russian jail was the lie . . . just in case you missed it.)
5. If you have ever traveled as a single female in a second or third world country, you know those proposals have nothing to do with your looks, charm or personality—once again the American passport is key!
6. It was last Christmas. David and I were Ron and Katie’s guests . . . and it was a blast! Since I had already watched the annual HGTV special of the decorating of the White House (In my opinion a MUST on your holiday to do list) I was the token expert with vast amounts of knowledge of all the little tidbits behind what we were seeing.
And just because it’s my blog and I’ll do it if I want to . . . I also tag Lily, Leah, Lacy and J-Lynn!
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