From the Inside Out

this is a BIG DEAL!

2011-01-30T17:54:00.003-05:00

About 3 weeks ago, Bo and I put an offer in on our first home! It was accepted, and our closing date is February 28! We could not be more thrilled. And it is even sweeter because we have seen God's hand in this from the very start.

One Monday morning at CBS I asked for prayer over our home search. I left CBS to pick up Jackson from preschool, then met our fabulous realtor, Dennis Norwood, at a house we had chosen to look at. It was not first, second, third, or even fourth on our list, but this is the house we were starting the day with.

It was THE house.

Nearly 2700 square feet, nestled on a cul-de-sac on a .96 acre wooded lot in Henrico, this is our dream house.

When we arrived at the house, Dennis informed us that he had spoken to the listing agent and that the house would be reduced $15k in the next day or so, so we made our offer at $15k below the current price.

Naturally, we expected to wait before we heard back from the bank (the house is a foreclosure), but after submitting our offer at 9 pm on a Monday, by Tuesday at 10 am, we had an answer. Amazing. And by 5 pm that evening our contract was ratified!

I did a crime search to find out if there was a significant amount of crime in the area; in the last 6 months, there have been THREE calls to the police. Three. Two for loose animals, and one for a "suspicious package" left in a driveway.

Not only that, I searched the sex offender database and found that there are no sex offenders in our neighborhood, or really anywhere nearby.

INCREDIBLE! By then I couldn't have been more convinced that God was giving us this house. I have never felt more grateful or less deserving of anything in my life!

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" [Matthew 7:11]

On top of all this, our home inspection turned out to be one of the best our realtor has ever seen. God has blessed us beyond compare, and I just can't even wrap my mind around it!

Hope

2011-01-11T19:26:00.002-05:00

Praise the Lord and give Him thanks, tell everyone what He has done! That old song just keeps running through my mind.
We waited today to hear the report on Greg's pet scan....the report was, and I quote "FAVORABLE!" Oh how shamed I felt as I realized my faith, as always, was not where it was supposed to be-it was supposed to be BELIEVING and yet, when I saw caller ID said it was my brother, I was almost scared to answer. Oh what joy, what thankfulness he was feeling, I am feeling. With this new hope, I know we will watch him grow strong!! I couldn't contain my tears of sheer unadalterated joy. My poor confused children...Mom, you cry when you're sad, you cry when you're happy!?!?!
Now, to kick in the next chemo and get him here for a May 7 wedding!!

An Ethiopian Christmas

2011-01-11T19:16:00.005-05:00

We were honored on Sunday evening to celebrate the Ethiopian Christmas with our sweet friends who were also celebrating their 5th anniversary of their restaurant, The Nile, being in business. They are precious people to us, always so sweet and kind and Yeshi (owner) helped us so much when the girls first came home. They adore her.

DWW 2010

2010-10-20T16:43:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow, Mom, Casey, Kelli, Caitlyn, Rachel, and I head out for DeLille Women's Weekend 2010! My dad and Bo will have the kids all weekend, so please keep them in prayer.... :)

So far, the tentative plans include a Chris Tomlin concert, a trip to an apple orchard, wine tasting, and lots of goofing around. I can't wait!

I will definitely miss these faces though...

Fummer.

2010-10-11T15:25:00.002-04:00

Faux Summer, that is.

The high today was 89! No humidity; just beautiful. We spent the morning at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, one of our favorite spots.

I love love love Virginia springs and falls. Summer is okay, and winter beats the heck out of any winters north of here. I love my home!

My Baby Girl is ONE!

2010-10-10T10:05:00.006-04:00

On October 6, Lily Linda-Mae turned one year old. We celebrated with family and chocolate cake! She loved it.

Mommy and Daddy got her some cool toys and a bunch of books!

Aunts Rebekah and Temima gave her some sweet little trinkets, and Aunt Casey gave her a precious ballerina teddy bear.

Grandma and Grandpa gave her an awesome pink and purple tricycle!! They also gave her an adorable outfit. :)

A Snoodle's Tale

2010-09-28T09:43:00.001-04:00

Far, far away in the land of Galoots

Where the Biggle-bag trees bear their Biggle-bag fruits

And Far-lilly bushes all blossom in yellow

And Thimbuttle plants squirt snooberry Jell-O

Here where the mountains of Rocky-ma-goo

Rise high o'er the meadows of Gilda-manjoo

Where sunsets are painted with purple and blue,

You'll find a small town, not much bigger than you.

Welcome to Snoodleburg!

Home of the Snoodles!

A curious folk who eat pancakes with noodles

And spend half their days making sketches and doodles

And cutting their hair into shapes like French poodles.

Now, right in the heart of this curious town,

Stood a curious building - the tallest around!

With a clock at its top and a chute at its bottom,

T'was pink in the spring and turned red in the autumn.

But weirder by far than its color or height

Was what happened there every fourth Tuesday night.

As strange as it seems, it has been demonstrated

That Snoodles aren't born, but rather, "created."

Every fourth Tuesday at quarter past nine,

The tower would shimmy and rattle and whine,

And as the town nibbled on Biggle-bag fruit,

A shiny young Snoodle would drop from the chute!

That's where they came from - though no one knew why

Nor who could have built the great tower so high.

These "mysteries of life" befuddled most Snoodles

-Who'd much rather focus on pancakes and noodles

And cutting their hair into shapes like French poodles.

Yes, most found the tower too noisy and strange

Until one small Snoodle made all of that change.

This little Snoodle was much like the others.

He came without parents or sisters or brothers.

He came without money, a mom or a dad.

The pack on his back was all that he had.

"This is peculiar," ...The little guy said.

"I came from a chute and I fell on my head."

"What do I look like? What am I for?"

He pondered those questions - and then thought of more.

"Checking my bag is a good place to start.

"He pulled out some paints. "Maybe I'm good at art!

"The next thing he found was a Snoodle-kazoo.

"Hey, what do you know! I can make music, too!"

Then back on his pack, he pulled a small string.

And out from the sides popped two little wings!

"Amazing!" ...he said, with a gleam in his eye.

"I can paint, play kazoo, and now I can fly!"

Wait 'til the others see all the great things

I can do with my paints, my kazoo and my wings!

So he packed up his paints and his Snoodle-kazoo

And hopped off to show them all what he could do.

There from atop a short, stubby wall,

The big Snoodles heard the new small Snoodle call...

"Come watch me, you guys, as I head for the sky!"

He straightened his wings with a gleam in his eye

Then he jumped and he flapped like the Red-Snootered Finches

That fly from the plains to the peak of Mt. Ginchez.

His flight - unlike theirs - ...covered only 12 inches.

"You call that flying? You think you're a bird?!?"

"We've never seen anything quite so absurd!"

The old Snoodle snorted - he sniggered, he shook.

"I'll paint you a picture to show how you looked!"

The brushstrokes were skillful; the colors were coolish.

The story they told made the young one feel foolish.

"Take it from us," ...Said a Snoodle named Lou,

"Flying just isn't what you're meant to do!"

The young Snoodle drooped. He felt his heart sag.

The painting, the old Snoodle placed in his bag.

"Carry this with you," The old Snoodle said,

"So visions of flying don't go to your head."

The weight on his back was as heavy as lead.

So under the weight of the picture he bore,

He hobbled along, feeling lonely and sore.

'Til up far ahead on a bench near the tower,

He spied a bright bundle of Far-lilly flowers.

His heart started lifting."What beautiful things!"

Then he remembered,"I've got more than wings!"

So quickly, he dug the paints out of his pack.

And hoped that with art maybe he'd have the knack.

"I did it!" ...he yelled to the Snoodles in town.

Then held up his picture as they gathered round.

"You did it, alright," ...said the Snoodles replying,

"You showed you're no better at painting than flying!"

Then one of them laughed, and, while eating a waffle,

Painted a picture that made him feel awful.

"You're puny. You're silly. You're not all that smart."

"You can't use your wings and you're no good at art."

That picture, too, was placed in his pack

And made his heart slump just as low as his back.

"I'm ugly - I'm foolish - and so very small.

I don't think I should be with people at all."

And so he decided to get out of town.

His wings hung so low that they dragged on the ground.

He walked past the tower, and out of the city.

He walked through the fields and thought, "My, this is pretty."

The Far-lilly bushes all blooming in yellow,"

And Thimbuttle plants squirting snooberry Jell-O."

"I might like it here," Said the small Snoodle fellow.

Then feeling some warmth coming back in his chest,

He thought he would sit for a moment and rest.

But try as he might to sit down with grace,

The weight on his back knocked him flat on his face!

"Ha! That's a hoot!" Said a voice from behind.

A farmer stood up with a Thimbuttle vine.

"Why, you need a picture, my Snoodleberg bud,

"Lest you forget how you look in the mud!"

And so in an instant, the picture was done

-And placed in his backpack, which now weighed a ton!

The poor Snoodle struggled, he wobbled, he groaned,

He stood to his feet and he said with a moan,

"Is there anywhere I can be truly alone?!?"

Just then overhead, flew two red-snootered finches,

Winging their way toward the peak of Mt. Ginchez.

"I see," Said the Snoodle,"Then that's what I'll do."

"The home for those finches will be my home, too."

So painfully, struggling under his pack,

The small Snoodle inched up the big mountain's back.

He crawled over boulders in rain and in lightning.

He trudged on and on though the journey was frightening.

'Til finally, Sunday at quarter past two

He spied all the meadows of Gilda-manjoo

And realized he was on top of Mt. Ginchez.

Alone with the wind, and his thoughts, and the finches.

He thought of the Snoodles. He thought of the tower.

He thought of the bell that would chime on the hour.

He thought of his pack and his very long walk.

He thought it so loudly, he heard his thoughts talk!

"Hello," ...said his thoughts,"You've made quite a climb!"

"That voice," He remarked,"doesn't sound much like mine…

"Then he turned and he noticed he wasn't alone,

For a man stood behind near a cave in the stone.

He looked like a Snoodle, though quite a bit bigger.

"Maybe a giant," The small Snoodle figured.

"I'm going!" The Snoodle boy said with a huff.

"And don't paint a picture - I've got quite enough!"

"But first come inside," The man said,"Have some tea!

I'm so very pleased that you're visiting me!"

The Snoodle boy stopped, though he'd only gone inches,

And stared at the stranger he'd found on Mt. Ginchez.

He didn't seem angry, in fact, he looked kind.

The poor little boy was confused, "Are you blind?"

"I'm puny! I'm silly! I'm not all that smart!"

"I can't use my wings and I'm no good at art!"

The stranger leaned down with a pain in his heart.

"Who told you these things?" He asked,"How do you know?"

"These pictures I have in my pack tell me so."

The small Snoodle sniffled, and started to go.

"First, if you please, let me look at this art

That makes your pack heavy and weighs down your heart."

And picture by picture he unpacked the bag

That bent the poor Snoodle and made his wings sag.

"Dear boy," ...Said the man,"these looks nothing like you!"

Then into the fire the pictures he threw

And rose from his chair, saying, "Wait there - you'll see

That what you need most is a picture from me!"

The Snoodle sat patiently, sipping his tea.

Then from a room in the back he returned

-And said, "Little Snoodle, it's time that you learned

What you really look like!" And he threw off the sheet.

What the boy saw warmed him right to his feet.

The boy in the portrait looked older and strong.

With wings on his back that were sturdy and long

And a look in his eye, both courageous and free.

"Sir," Asked the boy,"Are you saying that's - me?

I'd like to believe it, but, sir, I'm afraid to."

"I know who you are," ...He replied,"for I made you."

"I built the tower and set it in motion.

I planted the meadow - put fish in the ocean.

And I feed the finches, though most Snoodles doubt it,

Not one of them falls that I don't know about it."

"I've seen you fall down in the mud and the goo.

I've seen all you've done, and all you will do.

I gave you your pack, and your paints and your wings.

I chose them for you. They're your special things."

"The Snoodle-kazoo is so you can sing

About colors in Autumn or flowers in Spring.

I gave you your brushes in hopes that you'd see

How using them, you could make pictures for me."

"Most of the Snoodles," The old one said sadly,

"Just use their paints to make others feel badly."

The young Snoodle pondered the things he'd been told.

Then wondering something, grew suddenly bold

-"But sir, if you made this incredible land,

Can't you make Snoodles obey your command?"

The big one smiled warmly, then said to the small,

"A gift that's demanded is no gift at all."

With that the small Snoodle reached into his pack,

And pulled out the picture he'd made 10 miles back.

"They're Far-lillies, sir, from over the bridge."

The old one beamed bright and said,"That's for my fridge!"

After the small Snoodle's picture was hung,

The old one bent down to the face of the young

And said,"Here's what you look like; Here's how I see you.

Keep this in your pack and you'll find it will free you

From all of the pictures and all of the lies

That others make up just to cut down your size."

"And lastly, your wings. You know what they're for!

But not just to fly, son, I want you to soar!"

"But sir," ...Said the Snoodle,"how can I fly?

This picture's so big, I won't get very high!"

"But this picture's special - it's bigger, it's brighter.

Carry it close and I think you'll feel lighter."

As soon as he heard it, the Snoodle looked down

And noticed his feet were an inch off the ground!

He laughed and he leaped, and he ran from the cave

All at once older and stronger and brave

And he flew through the clouds and he flew with the finches

And soared up and down 'round the peak of Mt. Ginchez.

He flew over Far-lilly bushes in yellow,

And Thimbuttle plants squirting snooberry Jell-O.

He flew over Biggle-Bag trees and their fruits

In big, lazy loops o'er the land of Galoots.

Then hurried back home to the center of town

Where the Snoodles all stood with their wings on the ground,

And starting precisely at quarter past two,

...He told them the story that I just told you.

I am NOT ready.

2010-08-27T15:50:00.003-04:00

I just realized that when we get back from the beach next Saturday, I will have only 4 days left with Jack before he starts preschool.

This may not seem like that big a deal, and up until this point I had convinced myself of that as well--but the fact is that this is the last week and a half I will ever have with him before he starts school.

After preschool is kindergarten. Then the rest of elementary school. Then middle school. Then high school. Etc.

I can't bear it. My little guy is growing up so fast it makes my heart hurt.

27.

2010-06-21T12:35:00.003-04:00

My birthday is in 5 days. I will be 27.

26 was a rough year. I won't say "bad," because we did get our sweet little Lilybug out of it, but for some reason God allowed a lot of pain in my life at 26.

The Cobbs have been to hell and back in the last year. And I can say with confidence that we are "back" indeed! We have been on our knees in proverbial sackcloth and ashes for a good 11 months, and you know what? There's nowhere I would rather be.

God is more real to me now than He has ever been. I truly believe and feel with all my heart that He is is ALL I NEED. HE IS ALL THAT MATTERS. He's it. Period.

There have been times over the last year when He literally has been all I could count on, and you know what? If you're going to count on someone, He's the one--even through the darkest of times, He has never left my side.

As 27 approaches and a new year is on the horizon, things are looking up for the Cobbs. I am so beyond grateful for that; when I think about it I literally weep. Not just a few tears, but actual weeping. But I am also cautiously optimistic.

I don't want to lose the utter dependence I have come to. I don't want to stop talking to God, praying continually, trusting Him fully. It is so, SO easy to slip back into the wrong mindset. I already find myself doing it--thinking of the things we were be able to do and buy in the next year. So my prayer is this:

"Lord, you have led me through some insanely difficult times this year. You have led me to complete dependence on You, and You have been so faithful to me. Not only have you been faithfully encouraging, you have also provided for every material need, AND given us a daughter. My love for You has grown so much and my understanding of Your perfect love and perfect plan is expanding (although Your wisdom is infinite and I am only human!). As we see the "light at the end of the tunnel," so to speak, my fervent prayer is that I would not slip back into my old ways. That I would trust ONLY IN YOU. Whatever that means--even if it means we will have to give everything up--please help me to keep my focus in the right place: on Your glorious face. Thank you for your faithfulness, God. You blow my mind. Amen."

Oh, and one more thing. God has really reached out to me through song this year. One song He has carefully placed in my life at all the right times is "How He Loves." Check it out; it is worth your time. Either version (John Mark McMillan or David Crowder Band).

The other is "Saviour King," specifically this lyric:

"Let the poor stand and confess

That my portion is Him

and I'm more than blessed."

It's true.

Family Photos!

2010-05-05T15:17:00.002-04:00

Enjoy it while you can...

2010-05-03T08:48:00.003-04:00

Rumor has it that there is a decent chance our beaches will soon be oil slicks. So this weekend, we enjoyed Virginia Beach while it was still beautiful!

Jack had so much fun, he is convinced we are going back today....poor kid is in for some disappointment.... ;-)

Merely 10 of the Many Reasons my Mom is a SuperMom!

2010-04-27T07:40:00.001-04:00

Please vote for my mom, Carrie DeLille, as Richmondmom.com's SuperMom! She is so deserving!

10. She has listened to God's call for her life: adoption. 7 (8 if you count Isaac, who is not home yet) of my siblings are adopted. My mom never thought she would have more than 3 children, but God wanted her to be an instrumental part of His plan for taking care of the widows and orphans of the world. When God called her name, she said "Here I am."

9. She shows me how to be a good wife to my husband. She has shown me what it means when 2 become one flesh, and what it means for a wife to be submissive to her husband while still being equal as a human being.

8. She is an awesome grandma! Every week, Jack spends a night at her house, and he LOVES it. He loves his "gwamma."

7. She let us live at their house for 10 months, rent-free, so that we could get on our feet financially.

6. When I was on bed rest with Lily, she helped me in some way every single day (for 4 weeks!). She brought over food, took Jack out for fun outings, brought my brothers and sisters over to play with Jack, and cleaned my house. I don't know what I would have done without her.

5. She is so encouraging. She periodically will tell me verbally or send me a note saying that I am a good mother and that she is proud of me. Her encouragement always comes at just the right times.

4. When I found out less than 24 hours in advance that I would be induced to deliver Jackson, she was on a plane from Virginia early the next morning and arrived in Austin before his birth. She stayed with me and helped me figure out the newborn thing as a first-time mommy with a preemie.

3. When Lily was first born, she spend a week at my house helping with Jack and taking some of the middle of the night feedings so that I could get some rest. She made sure I was able to take some down-time, even when I thought I was okay, so that I could let my body heal.

2. When I got the stomach flu a couple of months ago, she brought me popsicles and took care of Jack.

1. My teen years. 'Nuff said.

Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

2010-04-19T09:11:00.003-04:00

I have decided that I'm done apologizing.

That's right. No more apologies.

No, I'm not talking about life in general; I'm talking about the Gospel.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, [fn] for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. [Romans 1:16]

For a long time I have worried too much about whom I may offend when I talk about Jesus. Not anymore. I asked myself this question: Which is more important: to not offend anyone in this life, or to do everything I can to make sure those I love are saved in the next life?

The answer is pretty obvious. So, as long as I am "speaking the truth in *love*, I have nothing to apologize for [Ephesians 4:15].

This does NOT mean that I am going to go around, intentionally offending people and spewing doctrine all day long--THAT IS NOT LOVE.

But I will no longer apologize for loving my Lord, and I will no longer shy away from sharing His love with everyone I know. If people are offended by Love, that just means they need it all the more. So, I will keep sharing, and hopefully they will eventually be ready to hear it. When they are, I [and GOD!!!] will be ready and waiting.

Life is too short to waste time mincing words. What if that person you love is in a fatal accident tomorrow, and you never shared with them because you were too afraid of offending them? Is that worth it? No way.

Of course I'm not going to be in peoples' faces all the time. I'm not going to be some sort of preachy weirdo. But I'm going to do my best to live for Christ and show His love to everyone [as best I can]. I'm going to love Jesus and talk about Him the way I always want to. Uncensored.

It's an emergency! People are dying!

**Note: Due to my incredibly IMPERFECT nature, my ability to live out this statement is...well, limited. But I am going to do my best. To all reading this: Please feel free to hold me accountable. I need it.

Getaway

2010-04-12T20:02:00.004-04:00

The Cobbs had a nice getaway to my parents' Wintergreen house this past week. I don't know what it is about the mountains (honestly, I never have been that big a fan until now), but it was so peaceful. So quiet, so beautiful, so serene, so the way God intended it to be. It was exactly what we needed.

He is risen indeed!

2010-04-05T18:30:00.005-04:00

JESUS IS ALIVE!!!!! He has overcome death and the grave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, my kids are cute. Enjoy.

Also, Lily will be 6 months old tomorrow????!!!!!

BRIDE!

2010-04-05T18:24:00.003-04:00

Yes, Kelli is still a bride, and Casey and I threw her an AMAZINGLY EXCELLENT bridal shower this past weekend. In case you're confused, Kelli's wedding reception occurs in June, so she shall remain a bride until that day has passed.

I hear the secrets that you keep....

2010-03-30T09:35:00.003-04:00

...when you're talking in your sleep....

Or in Jack's case, when he's walking in his sleep.

Sunday night, around midnight, I heard Jackson's door creak open. Then I heard his little pitter-patter run down the hallway toward the family room. Then he stopped and the pitter-pattering came back toward our bedroom at the end of the hall.

Our bedroom door opened and he scampered in. "It's showtime!"

"Whaaaa?" Was all I could manage.

"Daddy said it's showtime!" Sleep-walking Jackson responded.

"What are you talking about, Honey?"

"Daddy said it's showtime!"

"Let's get you back in bed."

"Okay."

I got him back in bed and went back to sleep. Only the next day did I realize how bizarre and hilarious it all was....sigh....a sign of things to come? Do I really want a sleep-walking son?! AAAAHHHH!!!

I remember my cousin Jason used to sleep-walk. It was a little scary. One time he even went and got into his parents' van. Thank God he never figured out how to start it up in his sleep....

Anyway, hopefully all Jack will do is declare "showtime." I'd be okay with that. It's harmless and quite funny.

Spring is Springing.

2010-03-28T17:02:00.003-04:00

I wouldn't say it has *sprung* yet, but we're in the process. I like it. The kids LOVE it.

We are in a weird place in our lives right now...a place of transition. Although it seems kind of like we are always in transition! Anyway. It's difficult. But it is okay, because "all of my life, in every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship." (Desert Song by Hillsong)

Whether I feel it or not, whether I see it or not, God is still in control. A pastor at a church I visited today said "Don't worry about tomorrow because God is already there." That is so true.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

[Psalm 23]

We lost a good one.

2010-03-12T13:43:00.002-05:00

http://delillefamilyupdates.blogspot.com/2010/03/eunice-mae-weiss-kahrs.html

That's a link to my mom's blog. She did a nice entry about my great-grandma, who passed away this morning. She had been struggling for a long time with dementia and other health problems, and today she finally got to go to Jesus. She had talked a lot about missing Edward, my great-grandpa who passed away about 8 years ago, and now she can finally be with him again.

She was a very cool lady, and half of Lily's middle name is in honor of her. She will forever be remembered with love.

I'm a slacker.

2010-03-05T13:00:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I am REALLY bad at keeping up with this. Things are happening all the time, so you'd think I would blog about them. But no. I forget.

In fact, I forget a LOT of things these days....like my diaper bag in the cart at Walmart...my keys in the locked house...bottles and things sanitizing (boiling) on the stove (and thus melting)...it never ends. I swear to you, I am losing my mind.

The worst part is that I am not oblivious to it. I wish I were! Oh no, I can see my mind loss very vividly. It scares me! If I'm already this ditzy, what am I going to be like in 5 years? 10????? AAAAAAHHHHHH!!! I will be nothing more than a walking, talking vegetable by then!

Tubes...again.

2010-02-22T16:21:00.003-05:00

By the time Jackson was 16 months old, he had had 8 ear infections. And so he got tubes put in his ears--what a world of difference! For 17 months he was ear infection-free! And then this past summer, the tubes came out, as they are supposed to. Almost immediately thereafter, Jack got an ear infection.

In the last 6 months, the poor guy has had 5 ear infections, and so this morning, he got his second set of ear tubes.

It was a pitiful affair. First, the poor guy was deprived of his breakfast. He was miserably hungry, and his surgery didn't actually take place until about 9:30. All morning he kept crying on and off and telling me he was hungry. I felt so bad for him!

Then came the time when they took him away. Parents are obviously not allowed to be in the operating room, so the nurse takes the kid back to be anesthetized and operated-on.

Pretty much one of the worst feelings in the world comes from having your terrified, crying child pried out of your arms. I hated it. But thankfully I knew that it was a minor procedure, and it ended up taking less than 15 minutes total. We were able to go back and see Jack even before he woke up, and I was very thankful that we could be there when he came to.

After he woke up, he drank a juice box and went back to sleep (in the car) for about an hour. Then...IHOP! All he could talk about was getting some bacon and eggs, so we took him to where breakfast food is born: IHOP. He ate a bit, slept in the booth a bit, etc. He was very groggy...but after eating definitely perked up! He took another 1.5 hour nap and is now almost back to normal (a bit calmer than usual, but I'm not complaining :) ).

The good part of all this is that he probably won't have another ear infection for a very long time!!!!!!! He's such a good, brave boy. I'm so proud of him.

I can see the grass!

2010-02-16T08:16:00.003-05:00

I can finally see the grass that has been buried beneath the snow for weeks! Although the high today is only 42, I am thinking spring. I know, I know, it's only mid-February...but I am so ready! I am not a cold-weather gal.

Anyway. Last night I went to the gym for "bodycombat." It's a really hard mixed martial arts class that I do every Monday. It is a great workout! I do that on Mondays, Pilates on Wednesdays, and "bodyjam" (basically dance aerobics) on Thursdays.

All that, and I do not see any change. I have been working out pretty darn faithfully for almost 2 months now; I've lost all but 4 lbs. of baby weight, but I still feel so gross and flabby!! I do cardio, I do toning, etc...but I can't seem to shake the flab. Very frustrating. I guess I'll just keep at it and eventually I will see the results I've been hoping for.

Blogging is hard.

2010-02-15T09:18:00.006-05:00

I feel like I'm always behind!! And I feel like I always have a lot to say, but somehow my blog is still really boring. Hmm...

This past weekend, the Cobbs ventured out to Wintergreen to join my family. It was really nice--now of course, sleeping in the same room as both kids does have its detriments--but overall, it was a nice weekend. Bo skied and so did Jack! They both had a blast; I couldn't believe Jackson wasn't more scared of skiing. He did great.

We didn't do anything special on Valentine's day, but my wonderful hubby did a little something special for me each day last week. He gave me a whole Valentine's week! It was so sweet. Last Monday, he sent me flowers. Tuesday, he got up early to do my grocery shopping, and he brought me Starbucks and a Starbucks gift card! Wednesday, he brought me some AMAZING chocolate covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements (they were really fancy and yummy!). Thursday, he brought me my favorite Thai food and an adorable mug with hearts all over it. Friday, he gave me a bag full of white chocolate raspberry Hershey Kisses and some excellent coupons for back rubs, etc. :) Saturday he gave me some adorable, heart-shaped tea-light holders, and Sunday he gave me a very special, sentimental card. He really, truly made me feel like one of the most loved people in the world!

We got back last night just in time for the kids to go to bed--well, almost. We had to feed Lily first, and that is quite an ordeal these days, as she just started eating rice cereal once a day. She doesn't quite have the hang of it yet, and apparently last night her stomach couldn't handle it. She puked up EVERYTHING she ate, poor thing. Not sure what caused it; she's not sick or anything, and she seemed to feel better immediately afterward. I'm thinking she just wasn't feeling well because of some gas problems, because she had some big toots right afterward too. Poor baby.

Today, we have no official plans, except unpacking and cleaning, etc. So far the kids have both had baths and I'm on my 2nd load of diapers. If you're wondering, the answer is yes, I did accidentally dump poop water from the diaper pail all over myself and the laundry room this morning.

Last week I started cleaning out our master bedroom closet (it was a mess). That was last Wednesday, I believe. Yeah, it's still not done. Turned out to be a bigger project than anticipated, so I have been giving it due avoidance. Maybe I should work on it today. Maybe.

Jack and Bo Playing in the Snow :)

2010-02-06T15:27:00.002-05:00

Please, no more!!!!!!

2010-02-06T10:37:00.005-05:00

These photos were taken yesterday afternoon...since then we have had a steady flow of precipitation: some snow, some rain/sleet. As of 8:30 this morning, it has been snowing heavily. Crazy, crazy, crazy!

Also, I would like to announce that Lily is 4 months old today. :)

Really?

2010-02-05T16:25:00.002-05:00

We're getting more snow. There was a snow storm here when we were in Pittsburgh last weekend, and now there's another one. I can honestly say that I do not remember the last time we got this much snow in Virginia. Ridic. I do not enjoy being trapped in the house, and I do not like it when Bible study and MOPS are canceled in the same week! Aaaaahhhh!!! Also don't like being cooped up in the house with a teething baby!

Poor Lily is completely miserable. She's getting a tooth on the bottom, to her left, and she seems to be pretty uncomfortable.

The good news is that all this staying at home is giving me a lot of time to use the cloth inserts for our gDiapers, and therefore we are saving money! :)

And I can't say we haven't gotten out at all, because Bo actually took me out on a date to Dave and Buster's last night. It was really fun! We won a food processor and an Elmo playground ball for the kids :)

One cute anecdote from Pittsburgh:

Jack does not understand the concept of elevators. Apparently, he thinks you get into an elevator, and it magically changes your surroundings! LOL! We got into the elevator at our hotel and he said "Is the elevator going to change it into a hotel now, Mommy?" Too cute.

Unpacking

2010-02-02T10:16:00.002-05:00

WOW this is what I hate about going on trips....the laundry and unpacking. So unpleasant. As it is, I am pretty sure I will be doing laundry for at least the next 7-10 business days. That's right, I'm taking the weekend off.

Also, we came home to about a foot of snow?!?!?!?! For real?!?!?! This makes at least 2 feet of snow so far this winter, with more expected this weekend. I really am in disbelief and denial. Every time I look out the window I am surprised anew. Jack wants to go out and play in it sooooo bad but I don't really want to bring Lily out there, so I'll just make him wait for Daddy....I think the snow will be around long enough for them to have plenty of chances to play in it.

The most beautiful wedding I have ever seen.

2010-02-01T18:36:00.002-05:00

Kelli and Mike are now Mr. and Mrs. May! It was such a beautiful, amazing wedding. I am so happy for them!

Tomorrow!!

2010-01-27T20:44:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow we head to Pittsburgh, PA for Kelli and Mike's wedding!!!!!!!!!!!! Should be interesting traveling in a minivan with 4 adults and 2 young children. Prayers, please!

ALL things.

2010-01-25T09:05:00.002-05:00

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This verse has become so important to me. Everyone knows what it says; it is quoted over and over again...but only relatively recently have a truly grasped the meaning of it.

And we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.

Not some things. Not most things. All things. Even when it seems irreconcilable, all things are working together for good to those who love God.

I love God. So all things--ALL THINGS!!!--are working together for my good.

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!

The Problem With Computers

2010-01-23T11:26:00.003-05:00

The problem with computers is that you don't expect a brand new computer to die after less than 2 weeks...and therefore you don't feel compelled to back up your photos right away.

Mistake!!!

All of Lily's 3 month photos that I took were on the computer we bought at the beginning of the month that DIED!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!

So today, despite the fact that she is closer to 4 months than 3, we re-did Lily's 3 month photos. Thankfully, they turned out well!

Thanks, Bo!

2010-01-22T12:54:00.002-05:00

Bo decided to help me out today, and it was soooo appreciated! He went to the store for me, got me a present, and brought me chocolate....not to mention helping me clean the house :)

I apologize in advance.

2010-01-22T10:47:00.003-05:00

I would advise you all to stop reading now, because really this is just going to be an unpleasantly whiny blog entry. It's really just for my own whiny enjoyment.

The last few days...ok the last 2 weeks...have just been rough. It just seems like I can't get it together. Jack has been a trial, I forget important things, both kids have been sick and on antibiotics, I have lost my keys twice (once resulting in my whole morning of plans being canceled), etc. Also, Bo has to work tomorrow (Saturday) and is therefore supposed to get 3 hours off to make up for it during the week. But he decided not to do that.

So, this week is crappy.

That is all.

My poor little man.

2010-01-18T15:41:00.003-05:00

Jackson is sick again. The poor kid just got over an ear infection and cold last week, and now he has another ear infection and some sort of upper respiratory infection. He has a fever and a cough and a runny nose and a hurting ear. :( He is such a trooper; he hardly complains, but sometimes it is pretty obvious that he's not feeling well...like right now. He just woke up from his nap, crying and distraught, calling for Mommy and Daddy. I calmed him down with some juice and Elmo. He told me Elmo makes him feel better.

It has been over a month since everyone in our house has been healthy. First Jack, Lily and I all got a terrible cold (his with an ear infection), then Jack got a stomach bug, then I got the stomach bug, then Jack got another cold and another ear infection, then Lily got sick with an upper respiratory infection and an ear infection, now Jack is sick again and has ANOTHER ear infection! We are going to the ENT in early February for a checkup, and I am going to beg him for tubes. My poor little guy has had 5 ear infections since July.

I'm just praying that we are all healthy for the wedding next week!!! :)

Junkies

2010-01-17T21:20:00.002-05:00

Okay, so we are Lost junkies (thanks, Huckabees! haha!). We have spent the last 4 months or so catching up on the entire show, and today, 2 weeks and 2 days before the season 6 premiere, we finished season 5. I do not know what to do with myself. WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?!?!?!?! This show is blowing my mind and now I have to WAIT?! I need rehab.

What's the deal with technology, anyway?

2010-01-17T14:49:00.002-05:00

So, 12 days ago we bought a new computer. Yesterday, it died.

Bo and I were just minding our own business, watching Lost via hulu.com, when the computer decided to restart itself. We thought it was weird and figured we'd need to have it looked at, but otherwise just went about our business.

A few minutes later it happened again...and before we could even get the thing rebooted, it did it again...and then never started up all the way again.

Thankfully, hhgregg's return policy gives us a window of 15 days, and it had only been 11, so today Bo returned the hunk of junk (RIP, Toshiba), and got an amazing discount on a new Sony VAIO. WOOP WOOP! hhgregg is trying to compete with Best Buy (the local king), so they are definitely willing to help a sister out. Although they did try to charge us a 20% restocking fee. But we nixed that reeeeeal quickly.

Oh, and the new computer is pink. Rock on.

Checking out preschools

2010-01-15T15:46:00.004-05:00

It's that time...Jack is 3 years old and we have begun looking at preschools for the fall! We looked at one this past Thursday and have 2 more tours scheduled. Jack is very excited about it all! On Thursday, he asked me if he could wear his tie to preschool, and he wanted to bring his notebook too. So precious; that gave me quite the lump in my throat. My sweet little boy.

It's happening!

2010-01-15T13:33:00.003-05:00

Kelli's wedding has officially been moved to January 30!!!! They are going to have a small ceremony in Pittsburgh at a GORGEOUS venue, the Mansion at Maple Heights.

We are all really excited for her and Mike! The most awesome thing is that, despite the short notice, they will still be able to have everything the way they want. Kelli's dress is chosen and altered, the bridesmaids' dresses and shoes are purchased, everything is working out perfectly, down to the fact that I purchased a suit for Jack today for $4!

They are still planning to have a big party on June 5, the original wedding date, so we get to party twice. :) I am so happy for my little sis because she is soooo happy!

ULTIMATE FIGHTING!!!!!

2010-01-14T17:55:00.002-05:00

Casey and I got Dell and Bo tickets to see the Ultimate Fighting Championship live. It was so much more fun than I anticipated! And I have just one thing more thing to say:

"Let's go Amiiiiiiiiiiiir!!!!!" *insane clapping*

The OCTAGON!!

"I'm not so sure about this..."

You're welcome for the awesome Christmas present.

Jackson's quote of the day for January 9, 2010

2010-01-09T19:52:00.001-05:00

Eryn: "Jack, do you know Mommy's name?"

Jack: "Yeah. It's Eryn."

Eryn: "That's right! Do you know Daddy's name?"

Jack: "Yeah, it's Daddy."

Eryn: "You know Daddy's name!"

Jack: "Daddy! And Sir."

Hmm...

2010-01-09T08:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Kelli was ordering Thai food for us...

"2 drunken noodles with chicken, medium spiciness."

Jack was a little confused...

"Medium spicy nips?"

Playing with Photos

2010-01-07T13:37:00.002-05:00

I played around with editing the brightness and contrast of some of Lily's 3 month photos I took yesterday. :)

So far today...

2010-01-06T16:26:00.002-05:00

Jack has another ear infection, Lily has green poop, I got bleach on my pants (last time I clean bathrooms! ha!), we were 10 minutes late to Jack's doctor appointment, and Jack had a 5 minute nap, followed by a tears-and-snot-filled tantrum. Never a dull moment. :)

A quiet morning with my littlest

2010-01-06T11:00:00.003-05:00

Lily has a terrible cold and did not sleep much last night, so I decided to stay home from CBS (Bible study) today while my mom took Jack. I miss my little man, but it is so nice to have these occasional one-on-one times with my best girl! Lily is three months old today, and is just everything I could have asked for and more in a little girl. I can't believe how quickly the last three months have flown by! If that went that quickly, then in no time she'll be 6 months, and then...a year! And soon she'll be chasing after her big brother. I really sincerely wish sometimes that there was a way to push "pause." Just for a little while, just so I can hold her a few extra hours and hear her sweet cooing just a couple more times before she's too big and wiggly to hold and before she starts saying things like "What the pickle?!"

YIKES

2010-01-04T10:59:00.002-05:00

Our pipes burst this weekend. WOW was that fun...you never realize how much water you use, until you don't have any!!!! Not to mention the fact that our landlord just does not care, as is the case with most landlords, unfortunately. The good thing about the fact that we are renting, though, is that we don't have to pay for the repairs. YAY!

In other news, Lily has slept 11+ hours the last 5 nights in a row. I'm thinking this is becoming permanent and I love it! She had consistently been sleeping about 9 hours but this past week she jumped to 11. I am not complaining! As we speak, she is napping like an angel in the next room. :)

I took Jack outside while Lily was napping this morning, despite the FRIGID temperature. He really wanted to go outside, so we bundled up and out we went. We played on the swingset for a while until he complained that his hands were cold.

Starting 2010...sick

2010-01-02T09:51:00.004-05:00

2 years ago on New Year's Eve I was sick. And again this year. I wonder if this is going to be an every-other-year thing? Let's hope not. 2 years ago I had the flu...this year I am not sure what this bug is, but it started with about 24 hours of puking, followed by so far 48 hours of just feeling icky and immobile. Ugh. All of our wonderful plans for the weekend canceled, and my poor little Jack cooped up in the house day after day. It's not fun.

On the other hand, in close quarters there are good opportunities for some excellent photos. :)

Crash Course in Cobb Life

2009-12-28T13:14:00.003-05:00

So...I have neglected my blog. So I will use this post to catch everyone up on the last 3 months or so of our lives! :) Aaaand I would like to do so in photos.

Bo and Jack playing golf in the back yard

Hanover Children's Festival (Oct. 1)

Jack and Me on Oct. 1

Lily Linda-Mae
Born Oct. 6
5 lbs. 13 oz.

Jack loves his baby sister! He turned 3 Nov. 22

Family Photo!

Bo, Jack, and Lily at our first annual Christmas dinner with friends!

Lily and me...this was taken on her first Christmas!

Poor Jack got a 24-hour bug...on Christmas! :(

I'm FREEEEEE!

2009-09-23T15:25:00.000-04:00

I am officially off bed rest! On Monday at my doctor appointment, my doctor let me know that although I am now dilated to 3 cm, she decided to let me off bed rest. I am still on nifedipine to prevent contractions and will be on it until next Wednesday, Sept. 30. Meanwhile, I am enjoying my new freedom after 3.5 weeks of bed rest! I overdid it a bit the first day, doing laundry, getting my flu shot, shopping for a picture frame, going for a walk, and going grocery shopping...but I didn't put myself into labor, so I count it as a success. Today I had Bible study (yay!)and now we're headed to Nick's football game! I love freedom!

I hope waiting a month between posts isn't a problem...ha

2009-09-02T08:31:00.000-04:00

So. We moved into this house a month ago and have settled in pretty well. There are a few things we still want to do around here, but apparently those things will have to wait...because I am on strict bed rest.

You may wonder if this has to do with the complications (PIH and IUGR) I had when I was pregnant with Jackson. The answer is: no. This time it's preterm labor. In other words, I am really, exceptionally bad at being pregnant.

Last Wednesday morning I woke up around 6 am with menstrual-like cramping. I thought it was weird but knew if it went away when I changed positions then it was nothing to worry about. So, I changed positions. Several times. And it didn't go away. Around 6:15 I knocked on the bathroom door (Bo had just gotten out of the shower) and told Bo I was cramping some and I thought I should call the doctor. He agreed.

I called the after hours line for my doctor's office and the doctor on call called me back within 10 minutes. She asked me some questions, including asking whether the cramping had a pattern or if it was just constant. At the time it was constant. She told me I should come in to labor and delivery, but when I mentioned I had a 2 year old to deal with, she said it would be fine just to try to get an office visit first thing that morning. I agreed and hung up.

Within the next about 15 minutes, the cramping took on a pattern; it turned into distinct and separate contractions, about every 4 minutes. I called the doctor back and she told me just to come in that morning and they would monitor me.

I got an appointment for 8:45 am and Bo, Jack, and I headed to the office (with my mom on high alert in case we needed her to take Jack). In the elevator on the way up to the office I told Bo, "They're just going to tell me I'm a hypochondriac and send me home." Not so.

I was examined and put on a TOCO and fetal heart rate monitor (as well as a kick count monitor) for I guess about 45 minutes. I was definitely contracting, so they had me wheeled over to the triage area for labor and delivery at the hospital (it's attached to my doc's office).

I was monitored in triage and put on IV fluids for about 2 1/2 hours or so. They did a test that is supposed to indicate whether I would go into preterm labor, and it was negative! We were happy about that...but at the same time I was having painful contractions regularly at 2 to 3 minutes apart, so the doctor was concerned.

They gave me a shot of a drug that stops any contractions that aren't real labor contractions. It worked for 20 minutes and then the contractions came back, full force. At that point I was diagnosed with preterm labor. They gave me steroids to help Lily's lungs develop faster and started me on antibiotics in case my group b strep test came back positive. The doctor examined me and was very concerned that my cervix had changed in the couple of hours I'd been in there.

I was admitted to the hospital and sent into labor and delivery to receieve magnesium sulfate to stop the contractions. I won't go into details, but that is one nasty drug. I was on it for 24 hours, at which time I was also given another dose of steroids. I was also started on nifedipine to keep contractions at bay, which I am still on and will be until they decide I am ready to deliver.

Over the next couple of days I had some bleeding. They did tests and decided it was just my irritated cervix. I also continued to have contractions off and on so I was monitored off and on. I was getting better but they were still concerned, so they kept me 5 days total. On Sunday I was examined, and since my cervix hadn't changed any more they discharged me to strict bed rest.

Strict bed rest means I must be lying down (not even sitting is allowed) except to eat, go to the bathroom, or take a quick shower once a day (I've been ordered not to "linger" haha). I am only allowed in the car to go to doctor visits.

I will be on strict bed rest for at least 2 more weeks, at which time I will have a few more liberties, but will still have to take it easy. If I do go into labor at that point though, they won't stop it, especially since Lily has had steroids so she would probably be okay.

I saw my doctor yesterday and all is well for now- Lily already is estimated at 4 lbs 3 oz, which is only 8 oz less than Jack weighed at birth (36 weeks)! That was very encouraging.

In the mean time, my mom is helping a TON and Bo has been incredible. My MOPS friends are going to bring us meals, too, which is such a blessing. If we can just hang in here for 2 more weeks, we'll all be okay. :)

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7

Okay.

2009-08-04T17:24:00.002-04:00

So I realize it has been almost 2 months since my last post. Oops!

This past weekend, we moved into a rental house. It's nice to have our own place. Unfortunately the place was filthy when we moved in so that has added an extra element of stress to an already stressful event. Good times. So in all our spare time we are scrubbing inactive baseboard heating units, washing windows, and bleaching grout.

All of this excitement has apparently led to overexertion resulting in swelling. Yep, my feet and hands and legs are all swollen. I never had swelling when I was pregnant with Jack, but just the right amount of heat and stress have done it to me this time!

In other news, I am almost 29 weeks along and Lily is doing great! She's growing perfectly, so that is the rose-colored lens through which I see life these days. :)

It's a....

2009-06-09T17:12:00.004-04:00

GIRL!

My 20-week OB-GYN appointment and ultrasound were today, and we received the wonderful news that we are having a girl! We are so thrilled.

Her name will be Lily Linda-Mae Cobb: Lily because I LOVE that name, Linda because of Bo's wonderful aunt Linda who passed away last summer, and Mae because that is my lovely great-grandma's name.

I am sooooo excited, in case you couldn't tell. :)

She looks fabulous, we are both doing very well!
Profile shot as she's gulping some amniotic fluid :)

Lily's precious, tiny foot

Happy Early Father's Day and Anniversary!

2009-06-02T08:17:00.006-04:00

This past weekend, I surprised Bo with a weekend getaway as his present for Father's Day and our 4th anniversary, which are both coming up soon.

He thought we were going to Wintergreen, but instead the plan was to take him to Washington, DC to see a couple of things we had wanted to see when we were there in November (they had both been closed then).

Bo had really wanted to see Ford's Theater, where President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth in 1865, so after our picnic lunch, that was our first stop.

(Adorably waiting outside the theater and the box where Lincoln was shot)

Then on Sunday I surprised Bo with tickets to a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards, a ballpark he has always wanted to see! He was like a little kid, he was so excited. I'm so we did this!

Today is a big day.

2009-05-21T14:56:00.003-04:00

Okay, not really. But for me and my little one-person world, it is!

1. Today marks the first full day of knowing that we will be ready to buy a house THIS SUMMER!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Today was the last MOPS meeting for this year. I have to wait all the way until September for my next "pep rally!" :( Boohoo :(

3. Today, I am 18 weeks pregnant. In 2 1/2 weeks, we will find out if it's a boy or a girl! I can't wait!

So that's it. I have not been feeling very verbose, so we'll leave it at that for now. But as you can see, times are a-changin'.

a word I never thought I would speak with such joy

2009-04-24T19:35:00.003-04:00

Benign.

I have been waiting for a while to post about this because I wanted to have news first. The news is: The lump on my left breast is benign.

The ordeal started roughly a month ago when I noticed a small lump. A few weeks later I noticed it had gotten bigger, so I scheduled a visit with my nurse practitioner. She felt the lump and thought it was okay, but wanted to be sure, so she sent me to a specialist.

I went to the specialist this past Tuesday. I was scheduled for an ultrasound, and I ended up having an ultrasound and 3 mammograms. Then they had me come back on Wednesday for a biopsy.

After 2 long days of waiting, I got a call at about 7:20 this evening, letting me know that I do not have breast cancer.

The relief is incredible. But the really incredible thing is what has happened over the last week and what I have seen God do in my life.

Of course my human nature has had me nervous throughout the ordeal, but I really have had a peace that passes all human understanding through it all. God has been with me in a very real, very comforting way.

Today I realized that, no matter what the diagnosis, I was ready to trust in God and His plan. None of this has been a surprise to Him, and if He decided that I should have breast cancer at age 25 and pregnant, I actually would have completely trusted that.

I realized it today and I was having a very honest discussion with my mom. I told her that no matter what the news, I didn't think I would be shocked or even really surprised at all. I was prepared for anything the Lord had in store, truly. She confessed that she understood and actually felt the same way. We talked about what would happen if I were to leave my earthly body behind, and although I felt melancholy about the prospect of leaving my child(ren) without a mother, I felt comfort and peace that he/they would be cared for, and that they would be okay.

With that, over the last 24 hours I have truly realized what my family means to me. My WHOLE family, and of course specifically my husband and my son. I ADORE THEM. I adore them so much. And I think I just felt the depth of it for the first time today. Literally. For the first time.

Within minutes of realizing that fact, the doctor called to let me know that I do not have cancer and that the only "treatment" required would be a follow-up ultrasound in 1 year.

So I am spared, at least for now, and I am so thankful. I am so thankful for the peace God has given me through this whole thing and I am so thankful for the new insight I have because of it. I have truly grown through this trial, and I am so, so joyful because of that.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [James 1:2-3]

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, [being] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see [Him], yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of [your] souls. [1 Peter 1:6-9]

I realized that, compared to actually fighting cancer, my "trial" was pretty weak. But it did the trick. It made me focus on the Prize--it made me focus on Jesus.

God pulled one over on us...

2009-04-16T12:53:00.002-04:00

So you may recall that a few short weeks ago, Bo and I were lamenting the loss of a possible huge promotion. Since then, he has received a small promotion, and we are content with what God has given us.

Fast forward to yesterday.

Bo decided to go ahead and apply and interview for 2 branch manager positions that had opened up. Although he has only been an assistant manager in Virginia for about 3 weeks (typically it's a matter of 6 months at least (usually more) before you can be a branch manager), he had been an assistant in Texas for quite a while (a year I think?), so he decided to go ahead and try his best to convince everyone that he was the guy for the job.

He came out of his two interviews yesterday with very distinct impressions. The first was for a position in Farmville (90 minutes away!!!). He thought it went really well, so I was happy for him. The second was for a position on West Broad Street (about 25 minutes away), and he thought that interview went terribly. He got the impression that the guy interviewing him there really wanted nothing to do with him.

We knew that either position was a long shot, and after his interviews, we figured that if he were to get one of them, it would probably be the Farmville one.

We were wrong; he did NOT get the Farmville one.

He got the West Broad one.

WOW.

We are so thrilled; Bo is shocked and ecstatic! This means a significant pay raise and a company car!!!!!

I am constantly amazed by God. We couldn't see the whole plan; we never can. One month ago we were devastated that Bo had missed out on a big promotion. Today we are thrilled that he has gained a wonderful, huge, different promotion.

God really does cause all things to work toward good to those who love Him. I always knew it was true, but this is a clear example of it in our lives. Amazing.

In other news...
We heard the baby's heartbeat again today...briefly. The nurse had a really hard time getting a reading of more than a few seconds because that little bugger would not hold still! It was so funny; the nurse would find a good, strong heartbeat, and a second later it would be gone. Then she'd find it again on the other side of my abdomen...and then it would be gone. Then she'd find it up near my rib cage...and then it would be gone. Looks like we have another energetic baby on our hands!! :)

12 weeks

2009-04-10T12:18:00.002-04:00

I had my 12 week OB-GYN appointment this morning. It went really well! This was the first appointment with my actual doctor. Last time I saw the nurse practitioner, and she was fine, but I was not terribly excited about her or impressed.

In fact, after relaying to her my history of PIH, she actually said sarcastically, "and now you're pregnant again, great."

That was a turn-off.

But I digress.
My doctor was FANTASTIC. She is friendly, informative, helpful, etc. And her family lives in Austin, so we bonded over that! She was very encouraging, and she spoke to me like a person, not like an idiot, which is always nice. She had a satisfying answer to every question.

As expected, she wants to watch my BP and the baby's growth very, very closely, especially as we get to the end of the 2nd trimester and into the 3rd. If anything is amiss, I will immediately be put on bed rest.

However, she had lots of information to share on my previous condition, and she seems optimistic that even if I do have BP/growth restriction issues again, it is usually a later onset in 2nd pregnancies, and it is typically less severe than in the first pregnancy.

She also had lots of info on research that has just come to light in the last couple of years, so if you're interested, I'll tell you, but it's a lot to blog. And it would probably bore most people. :)

I also brought up the fact that my previous doctor did not think I would be able to deliver a baby over 5 lbs. I asked her what she thought she would want to do if/when the baby starts measuring over 6 lbs. She basically said it was up to me, that we could try a vaginal delivery and if the baby gets stuck or whatever we can always switch to a c-section if need be. She also said that if I really wanted to she would be willing to schedule a c-section, but I think I'll at least try to do it the "old-fashioned way" haha. We shall see; we have a while to think about it!

Anyway, I am feeling much more comfortable after talking to Dr. Powers. She is very, very astute and she has a great bedside manner. I feel great knowing she is in charge of my care!

Oh...and we also heard the baby's heartbeat today! 163 bpm.

The day that True Love died

2009-04-10T10:01:00.002-04:00

Today is the anniversary of that day--the day that True Love, in the form of Jesus Christ, died.

Phil Wickham sings:

"When blood and water hit the ground,
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down

Tears were filling heaven's eyes
The day that True Love died."

Jesus knew what was happening; the night before He was crucified, He prayed that if there were any other way, God the Father would spare Him the suffering of death. But He most importantly conceded, "Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done."

Hebrews 12:2 Tells us that Jesus knew the shame and suffering that were imminent, but He also knew that the reward of the shame and suffering--namely, saving the world, saving YOU, saving ME--would be worth it. "for the joy that was set before Him, [He] endured the cross, despising the shame."

That joy, the joy that was set before Him, is the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him as their Savior.

As Jesus hung on the cross, He thought of you. He thought of me. Yes, I believe He literally thought of me, specifically, even though I wouldn't be born for nearly 2000 years. He already knew me and He died for me. And for you. Specifically, you.

He thought, "This is incredible pain and suffering, and I will endure it because that way Eryn will never have to endure it. And that way Eryn and I will get to spend eternity together."

Wow. I love Jesus.

2009-04-06T14:57:00.001-04:00

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Nothing ever goes the way you plan...

2009-04-06T09:54:00.002-04:00

including, and especially Monday mornings!

UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH

This morning Jack woke up saying he had to go potty. I rushed him into the bathroom, and since we didn't have his potty seat upstairs, I helped him to stand up to pee.

Except it didn't work out too well because he had to poop.

He pooped all over himself, the floor, and me. And mind you, it was mushy green poop (Lord knows why).

...to be followed up 90 minutes later with a pee-pee accident in his pants.

AWESOME.

Gold Medal Mom

2009-04-02T12:31:00.002-04:00

Oh my. What a morning.

After getting all my siblings off to school without any major issues, I was feeling pretty on top of it this morning as I headed for MOPS. I got a pretty good parking spot, locked the car, got out, and went to get Jack.

But the car was locked.

And my keys were inside. With my phone. And Jackson.

Enter panic mode.

I started by trying to get Jack to get himself out of his car seat. He didn't know how (although he's done it before when I didn't want him to) and he just got frustrated and started to cry. I started to look around frantically for anyone I knew (I knew my MOPS friends would be arriving and parking nearby), but no one I knew was around.

Finally a young man crossed the street near us. He could tell we were "in distress" and he looked over quizzically. I asked him if he happened to have a cell phone I could borrow. He did! Praise God!

I called Bo several times (he doesn't answer when he doesn't know the number) before he finally answered. However, I hadn't thought of the fact that I was driving my mom's car, to which Bo does not have a key.

In fact, the only spare keys were 30 minutes away from either of us, at my parents house. That meant that the fastest we would be able to get them and unlock the car would be at least an hour. I asked Bo to please think of something, call the insurance company, do something, and I hung up, thanking the young man profusely. He asked if there was anything else he could do, but I couldn't think of anything, so I sent him on his way.

Thankfully, by that time my MOPS friends were arriving. One of them, Betsy, offered me her phone and suggested that I call either the police or Pop-A-Lock. I tried but couldn't get through to anyone.

By now, Megan, Karen, and a bunch of my other wonderful MOPS friends had surrounded me with love and encouragement...and just as I hung up the phone there was a fire truck coming around the corner. All my awesome friends started flagging them down; someone had called them to help us!

The firemen were so kind; they saw that Jack was confused but okay, so they called Pop-A-Lock so that the car wouldn't get messed up in the unlocking process. They talked to Jack and Jack was very entertained by the fire truck.

Bo showed up for moral support and talked to Jack too. That made Jack's day--firemen AND Daddy?! Too good to be true!

Finally Pop-A-Lock arrived (FREE when there's a kid in the car YAY!!!) and Jack was out of the car, about 35 minutes after the start of the ordeal.

When I got that child out of the car I didn't think I would ever put him down, but soon he was asking to go play with his friends in church. I obliged and my MOPS experience continued as usual, without further event.

Let me just say: Thank God for my good parking space, near the church and in a high-foot-traffic area! Thank God for my mystery friend with the cell phone! Thank God for all my MOPS friends and the fire department and my supportive husband! Thank God Pop-A-Lock was free since there was a child in the car! And thank God it was 60 degrees and overcast so there was no danger of Jack getting too hot or too cold!!!

Boy do I feel like mother of the year, though...man nothing makes you feel worse than hearing your child say "Help me, Mommy!" and being unable to help.

Praise God for this too, though:
As we were leaving MOPS, there was a crowd of kids in Jack's little "classroom." As he was making his way to the door (carrying his own diaper bag, no less), he said "Excuse me! Excuse me!" To every kid he passed, very politely indeed. It was so sweet I nearly cried.

So...there was a HUGE blow to my mommy-ego...and then there was some awesome affirmation that I am helping God to raise an awesome, sweet, smart kid. That was so appreciated.

I just don't have much to say these days

2009-03-28T17:47:00.004-04:00

I don't know what it is; maybe it's writer's block or just plain old laziness, but I just don't feel like I have much to say on this blog these days.

There's plenty going on in our lives:

-Jack is talking up a storm and can count to 12!

-Bo will start his new position with Enterprise on Wednesday, April 1. Just kidding! No, I'm serious.

-We have started taking the Leadership Family Orientation class at church, which is basically the class you have to take to be in a leadership position at church, or just to become an "official" member. It's also very informative and the church is very open and honest with whatever questions are brought to the table. I like it.

-Jack has not watched much TV at all this week. In fact, up to this point, he has maybe watched 45 minutes all week. Until now. I am so tired, I am guilty of putting on the TV this evening. Yes, I do feel a little guilty.

-I am now 10 weeks and 2 days pregnant. Yay!

-Spring is here and I am soooooo excited!!!!

-Jack had a "sleepover" with Sam last night. It was devastatingly cute! They slept in Jack's little play tent for a while, until Jack had a nervous breakdown and wanted to move to his bed. It was very cute and very sweet that Sam (age 9) wanted to hang out with his little nephew.

I could not get them to both hold still for the life of me.

Promotion news

2009-03-26T12:56:00.002-04:00

Bo was up for 2 more, small promotions this week, and he got one! We are excited for the change; it will be a little more money, and much better hours (8-6 M-F). He was working an erratic schedule that often included Sundays and always included at least one weekend day...and we never knew if he would be working 6-6, 9-9, or 12-12. It will be nice to have consistency and to know that Bo will always be off on Sundays.

With this comes another prayer request. This position comes with the opportunity for commission. Please pray with all your hearts that Bo would make just a ridiculous amount of commission each month, above and beyond the expected.

2009-03-24T11:32:00.000-04:00

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2009-03-24T11:28:00.002-04:00

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2009-03-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

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I barely hear You whisper through the rain: "I am with you."

2009-03-23T12:28:00.002-04:00

The promotions were not in God's will for us. Neither.

Friday was a tough day: a lot of tears, a lot of begging God for answers.

He has not revealed His reasons, but He has comforted us both immensely over the last few days. It still hurts, but we are truly believing that this is what is best for us.

"I'm reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there's so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good.

This is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Oh and I won't worry about tomorrow,
I'm trusting in what You say
Today is the day."

By faith--NOT by seeing or feeling--Bo and I are believing that today IS the day the Lord has made. And we know that all He has in store for us is good.

Keeping you posted...

2009-03-19T13:03:00.002-04:00

So....still no word on Bo's possible promotion. He had a second interview yesterday, and we are now waiting. Worshiping while we wait, but nonetheless...waiting.

Otherwise things are about the same; I had MOPS today which is always fun! Jack is doing awesome. He is so hilarious! It's definitely true that kids say the darndest things...

Blog problems

2009-03-16T19:14:00.002-04:00

It has come to my attention over the last several weeks that my blog has been causing problems. I have been trying to figure it out and I have as yet been unable. I am thinking about importing my blog to Wordpress; I would rather not, but I don't know if I am going to have much of a choice!

Anyway, things are going well; we are very, very busy!!! Bo should find out tomorrow whether or not he gets a second interview for a HUGE promotion.

#1 Ultrasound of #2!

2009-03-12T16:23:00.003-04:00

Today was the first ultrasound of baby #2! It was, of course, very exciting. The coolest thing ever is that even though this baby was conceived mere weeks ago, her (I call her a girl for now until I am told otherwise haha) little heart was beating away. Coolest thing ever to see that little peanut with the flashing light of life in her chest. So cool.

The rest of the appointment also went well...there are a few concerns though. The doctor seems to think I am going to have similar issues with this pregnancy as I had when I was pregnant with Jack (PIH and IUGR). She doesn't really seem to think it's a question of "if," but "when." That was a bit discouraging, but we will just have to remain in prayer.

The other thing was that when they ran my blood work, my thyroid function came back slightly abnormal. They re-ran the test and it came back okay, but they are going to have to keep an extra close eye on it throughout the pregnancy.

Anyway, for now, everything is fine and dandy!

2009-03-11T18:57:00.001-04:00

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I know, I know

2009-03-11T12:34:00.002-04:00

There haven't been very many posts lately. For some reason I just haven't had the urge to post at all. Ups and downs, you know.

We're busy, as always! Tomorrow we have our first ultrasound (8 weeks, to verify that everything is normal), so that is really exciting. We should be able to hear the baby's heartbeat!

I just read the book House; has anyone else read it? Very weird. Not sure how I feel about it. I mean the end message was good but man it was weird/freaky.

We need YOU.

2009-03-05T19:34:00.003-05:00

That is, we need your prayers.

Bo applied for 2 separate promotions today. Please pray that he'll get the right one! We want him to get a promotion, but we definitely want to stay in God's will.

Thanks everyone, we appreciate it so much!!!

Love,
A couple of real winners. ;)

Isn't it strange and inhuman?

2009-03-05T12:09:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had someone look you in the eye, tell you they love you, and then stab you in the back?

Is it not the most strange, inhuman, soul-crushing, surreal experience?

2009-03-04T16:50:00.001-05:00

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Home Again

2009-03-04T11:03:00.003-05:00

Well the last week or so have certainly been an adventure.

After Jackson got sick, 9 members of my family (including myself but not including Bo) followed suit. It was a nasty bug, with vomiting and diarrhea lasting 24-36 hours, and full recovery taking up to 3 days. Not fun, especially since we were scheduled to leave for Houston last Wednesday, before Jackson or I had really fully recovered.

In fact, on the way there, Jack puked about 6 times on the plane. It was not fun.

We got back from Houston yesterday afternoon, without incident.

Now for a special announcement:

Many of you already know, but here is the official announcement: I am pregnant! YAY!

Bo and I have been praying about this for a long time. We know we want to adopt in the near future, but we also were having a desire to have another baby. We prayed that God would show us what He wanted us to do--and He did, by blessing us very quickly with this pregnancy. We are really excited!

A nice, relaxing weekend...

2009-02-22T10:30:00.002-05:00

NOT.

This weekend was supposed to be a great time for Bo and I to have some quiet alone time. We had a leaders' retreat to attend on Saturday, so my parents had offered to take Jack up to Wintergreen with them Friday afternoon and keep him until Sunday.

On Friday, everything went according to plan; my dad said that even the drive up to Wintergreen was uneventful. Unfortunately as soon as they arrived at the house, things changed.

Jack started acting weird and he threw up at dinner. I was concerned, but Jack throws up pretty easily so I decided to wait until morning before panicking.

Saturday around 5:30 am I got a text message from my mom saying that Jack had the flu coming out "both ends."

I panicked and called her. She assured me that he was better that morning and that she would keep me updated. By the time Bo and I left for our retreat at 9am, Jack hadn't vomited at all that morning, so we figured we were home free.

Not so. In the midst of the retreat I got another text from my mom telling me that Jack had puked again. We decided to go up to Wintergreen as soon as the retreat was over, despite the fact that we had no extra clothing or overnight supplies. We needed to be with our baby!!

After the retreat ended at 3:00 we made the 2-hour trek up to Wintergreen. By the time we got to my parents' house, Jack seemed to be doing much better. He was walking around, talking and even playing a little, despite the fact that he still had severe diarrhea.

At dinner time I gave him a small piece of bread to eat. He had two bites--nibbles really, they were such small bites--and promptly threw up. We put him in the bath for a couple of minutes and then gave into his pleas to go "night-night in my bed." He went to sleep at about 6:30pm and I paged the doctor on-call with his pediatrician's office.

At 8:15pm we still had not heard back from the doctor, so we called again. This time the doctor called right back. His advice was Pedialyte (and if he doesn't improve today we'll have to take him to the ER, so please pray for us!!).

We didn't have any Pedialyte, so Bo and I (at about 8:30) took off for Waynesboro and the nearest Wal-Mart, about 40 minutes away.

We finally got back at about 10pm. We woke Jack up and had him drink some Pedialyte (orange, because that is his favorite color). He sipped a little of it, then cried a little, then went back to sleep. I collapsed onto the bed in my mom's awesome MC-Hammer-style windpants from the early '90's and my dad's giant long-sleeved t-shirt and Bo collapsed next to me. We slept until about 7:40am, when Jack woke up.

Jack woke up in a good mood, comparatively. We drove the two hours home from Wintergreen this morning without incident, and he even ate a few Cheerios along with his Pedialyte. He still has diarrhea but I'm hoping if we can get some carbs into him that will help.

Please pray for us!

Oops

2009-02-20T12:37:00.003-05:00

It's been a few days since I last posted.

Contrary to what you may be thinking, there is actually a lot going on right now; the time just has not been right to blog about it yet. I'm getting there.

In the meantime:

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

Drumroll, please...

2009-02-17T12:08:00.005-05:00

I am writing to announce that Jackson is POTTY TRAINED!!!!

This announcement is not made lightly; I have been waiting a few days to make sure we don't have some freak relapse. I think it is safe now, though, to declare Jack's success to the world.

We now have more Accident-Free Days than Accident Days, and he is telling us when he has to go pee-pee! We made it through two 2-hour car trips without an accident, not to mention playing in the snow (in a snowsuit...that was fun to undo for potty time!), and diaper-free nap times for the last 4 days.

I am beyond thrilled.

Of course we still have to be careful and take frequent potty breaks, but they worst is definitely over and I no longer live in constant fear of an accident.

The best part is that the hard-core training only took about 10 days to get to this point! WOO HOO!!!!!

I'm so glad we didn't give up; it was tempting on that first day when he had an accident after only 20 minutes in his big boy underwear, but I am so glad we stuck with it.

2009-02-16T16:18:00.000-05:00

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2009-02-16T14:55:00.000-05:00

My TOMS are here!

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2009-02-16T10:52:00.001-05:00

Bo's V-day present...he loved it!

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Bo loves his Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:07:00.001-05:00

Bo loves his Valentine's Day gift...photo to come!

Everyone should read this. Everyone.

2009-02-13T10:57:00.003-05:00

WE DID IT!

2009-02-12T13:25:00.001-05:00

We finally did it:
Jack had his first accident-free day yesterday!

It wasn't even an easy day; we went to story time at the library, then to the park and he managed not to pee in his pants. So far so good today, too!

Next step: he wore underwear to bed for nap time. He's been dry after his naps all week, so I figured we could give it a shot!

TOMS shoes

2009-02-09T21:17:00.004-05:00

Apparently I am a little late (thanks, Suz...haha), but I just discovered TOMS shoes. What a special company!

For every item they sell, they donate a pair of shoes to children in need. "One for one" is what they say. Awesome.

Bo is getting me one pair for Valentine's Day:

And I bought one with my saved "spending money":

Yay! And 2 pairs will go to children in need! Totally and completely worth it. They have so many awesome styles...I doubt I will buy shoes anywhere else again. :)

I believe

2009-02-09T21:08:00.004-05:00

I believe the Bible is God's authoritative instruction for my life.

I believe in the work of the Holy Spirit to change and empower lives.

I believe Jesus Christ was sent from God at the ultimate revelation of God's love for humanity. Jesus was born of a virgin, was fully divine and fully human, lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death, was resurrected by God and has ascended into heaven.

I believe in the second coming of Jesus.

I believe there is an adversarial presence in the world today that desires to tempt, destroy, steal, and confuse our efforts to proclaim the beliefs and teachings of Jesus Christ.

I believe that the local church is God's strategic plan for continuing the work and ministry of Jesus Christ on earth.

I believe there will be a Judgment Day by God that will mark the culmination of time.

I came across this statement of faith today as I was filling out some forms for working with the youth at our church. I love it. I love Jesus!

Potty Update

2009-02-07T10:34:00.002-05:00

Jack had an accident literally seconds before bedtime at about 8:05 pm yesterday. I still count yesterday a success, since that was the only accident of the day!

I'm a little confused about this morning; I thought he had an accident, but on second thought I think it's just because his pee leaked through the cracks when he was going pee-pee on the big potty. Either way, we're just setting our sights on the rest of the day! :)

Time to get down to "business"

2009-02-06T12:08:00.003-05:00

WARNING: The following message contains a whole lot of potty talk.

We are in full-fledged potty training mode here. It is intense.

Jackson has had the poo-poo on the potty thing mastered pretty well for a while now; I think he has had 2 dirty diapers in the last 3 months, and those were only because people weren't paying attention when he told them he had to go potty. So we pretty much consider poop to be "in the bag"...so to speak.

The pee-pee on the potty thing has not been quite so easy. It may be because poo-poo is a conscious effort and pee-pee can sort of just "leak" out, or it may be because Jack is simply unaware when he pees (since diapers are made to keep the wetness off kids' bottoms).

I had a hunch it was the latter, so on Wednesday we got some cloth training pants:

and decided to give it a whirl. My thought was that if Jack understands how unpleasant it is to have wet underwear (and a wet bottom), he may be a bit more aware of the whole process.

Wednesday did not go terribly well. There were 3 accidents in the morning, and I was feeling very discouraged. I knew that I had to stick with it though, because consistency is one of the most important principles of parenting. If gave up, he would too.

**Side note** I want to be clear that I did not just put the underpants on him and then let him run free. I ask him constantly if he needs to go potty, and I put him on the potty regardless of what he says AT LEAST every 30 minutes. Usually it's more like every 20 minutes. Toddlers will not potty train themselves.

Anywho, on Wednesday I put a diaper on him for nap time (staying dry while asleep is a whole other ball game), then we tried the big boy underwear again when he got up at 2:00. To my great delight, he stayed dry all afternoon, until 8:00 when he had another accident. All in all, it wasn't too bad of a day, considering the 6 hours of dryness (and it was only the first day!).

Thursday went a bit more smoothly. Jack made it all morning until 11:30 am without an accident! Not only that, but he had told Bo (I was at MOPS, duh! ;-) ) at one point that he had to go potty (unsolicited). That was a big step!

I got home during Jack's nap. When he woke up, I put him on the potty as always and put his big boy underwear on him. He was not in a good mood after his nap, and threw a fit the whole time he was on the potty--apparently instead of peeing. Soon after I got him off the potty, he had an accident. I was devastated. I know it seems silly, but I was almost in tears at that point.

It was only 2:00 though, and there was a lot of day left, so I was determined to make the most of it. I'm glad I did because Jack went the rest of the day without an accident!!! *Rejoice*

Today is Friday, and although it is only 12:30 pm, this is the best day yet--Jack is accident-free thus far! I am praying like the dickens that he will continue to improve and grasp the concept and that he will be completely potty trained (except for night time, although it would be okay with me if he were potty trained at night too...but I won't push it...) soon. Please, Lord.

Snow!

2009-02-03T10:02:00.003-05:00

Well, if it's going to be cold, it may as well snow!

Sunday Morning

2009-02-01T13:14:00.003-05:00

This morning was a powerful one, as Sunday mornings usually are. Everything was normal and great; the only difference was that I received two very vivid (yet brief) visions from God. I know, I probably sound like a lunatic to some of you, but it's not weird stuff; it was actually very cool.

The first was when we were laying hands on someone and praying for her husband and another man in our church who are leaving to encourage some churches in South Korea and Niger. As we all had our eyes closed and were praying, I had a very clear picture of the church. Not the church as in our church, Commonwealth Chapel, but the church in the larger sense: all the followers of Christ. I had a picture in my head of hundreds of different church bodies across the world who were almost certainly gathered at the same time as we were. In my vision, they were all either praying or lifting their arms high in worship. It was inspiring, and it was a really comforting reminder of how many family members we all, as Christians, have. Very cool.

My second vision was less pleasant, but with a good message. All of a sudden, during worship, I had a very clear vision of Jack, my son, on an altar. We were singing a line at the time that goes "...bought with the precious blood of Christ."

I realized that there is no one on the face of this planet, no human being in existence for whom I would allow my son to be killed. No one. And just as Jackson is my only son, Jesus was the only son of God the Father--and unlike myself, God was willing to give up His only son for not just anyone, but everyone. I was suddenly struck by the gravity of that fact; I began to cry just thinking of having to give up Jackson for someone else's sake. I could not bear the very thought of it, and I literally begged God for a full minute to take the image away. I couldn't even handle the thought of giving Jack up; the very thought of it had me in tears. But God did it. For me.

God thought I was worth it. As much as I love my family and friends, I honestly have to say that I cannot think of anyone for whom I would willingly give up Jackson. But God thought I was worthy of his only Son's precious blood. Incredible.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Agony

2009-01-31T13:21:00.005-05:00

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

In accordance with my New Testament reading plan, I just finished reading 2 Peter. There were several verses in chapters 2 & 3 that struck a very profound note with me.

Lately I have felt a heavy weight on my soul; I know that it is for all the loved ones in my life who are running from the Lord. Chapter 2 of 2 Peter warns against the teachings of false teachers, and false teachers are running rampant in our society today. It's nearly impossible to avoid their influence. From politicians, to talk show hosts, to televangelists, to people we know personally, there is always someone whispering in our ears. Of course, the most common false doctrines are exactly what Peter warns of in verses 18-19:

For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

The human mind is weak, and false teachers constantly prey on that weakness. They are quick to make everyone feel good; they tell everyone that they are "entitled," they make the human being #1. And let's face it, everyone wants to be #1. It's an easy sell: "You're okay; everything's okay; you won't be challenged or convicted if you follow me." So even people who have heard the truth are sucked back in, ignoring the Good News of freedom and engaging in the bondage of carnal lusts.

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit"..."
2 Peter 2:22

Please do not misread this post. I am not judging or condemning anyone; my heart just aches for the wandering souls in my life. It positively aches. But praise God for this:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

He waited for me for many difficult years, and I pray He will wait for all my loved ones too.

Hot, Steamy Goodness

2009-01-31T12:29:00.002-05:00

Bo, Jack, and I all have a cold. It is a strange cold; it doesn't bring much in the way of nasal congestion. Instead, it brings on a scratchy throat, headache, and a cough. Fever is optional. I just went into the kitchen to feed Jack lunch, and I was looking for something to eat myself, but I have no appetite. One thing did appeal to me though: I nice, hot cup of tea. If you ask me, there is nothing better for a sore throat, and it warms me up from the inside out. Not to mention that green tea has some caffeine in it (yay!).

Mmmmm...soothing...

It's Cold.

2009-01-29T14:02:00.004-05:00

I don't much care what anyone else has to say on the subject: to me, 42 degrees = cold.

I know it's probably a bit early to be whining about it, but I am going to go ahead and do so anyway: I am over the whole "winter" thing. I honestly didn't expect moving to Virginia to be too much of an adjustment, but I think I was majorly spoiled by the easy Texas winters.

Not only am I sick of the cold weather, I am also sick of dry skin, sweaters, freezing cold feet, and the sound of scraping ice!!!! WORST. SOUND. EVER. Only to be rivaled by the sound of creaking/crunching snow. I shiver just thinking about it. It actually makes me feel nauseous.

Honestly, I applaud those of you who are brave enough to live in the frigid North. I cannot imagine how cold your toes must be.

I was born in Michigan and lived there until I was 8. I then lived in Connecticut for 4 years, so I have experienced the whole "long, cold, snowy winter" thing...but that was a long time ago. And apparently my tolerance for cold has decreased by at least 75%.

Of course I have romanticized memories of snow: sledding with my sisters down steep, death-trap embankments; walking to the school bus stop in a blizzard; etc.

But I seriously doubt I could tolerate a winter any colder than this. Anywhere north of Virginia and I would surely perish.

Relief

2009-01-27T17:37:00.002-05:00

You know that feeling when you've been gone a long time and you get home and you just feel so relieved and happy that it almost makes you cry? You sit on your couch and you can't imagine anything better; you close your eyes and take a deep breath. That is how I feel when I think about heaven.

I was in the car today and MercyMe's song "Homesick" came on the radio. The song is about being homesick for heaven, and that is exactly how I feel. I can't wait to feel the sweet relief of relaxing in eternal paradise with the Lord. How amazing will that be? No worries, no stress, just endless opportunities to praise God. I cannot wait.

Homesick Lyrics:
You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/8PJC ]

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Waiting

2009-01-25T12:38:00.002-05:00

Waiting is the hardest part.
Every day I have thoughts of impatience:
"God, please get Bo a new job."
"I cannot wait to move out of this house."
"I feel like such a loser, being 25 years old and living with my parents."
"God, please get us a house of our own."
"Everyone else we know owns a home or at least lives on there own. We are such losers."
"We are never going to get out of here."
"I feel so helpless. So hopeless."

I need to be reminded constantly that things are never hopeless--our hope lies in Jesus. I'll wait on Him, but I need Him to give me the patience to wait. I definitely don't have it in me, only in Him.

So I'll wait on Him.

hungry I come to You
for I know You satisfy
I am empty
but I know Your love does not run dry
and I wait
and I wait
so I wait for You
so I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

broken I run to You
for Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch restores my life
so I'll wait for You
so I'll wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for
Oh, I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

and I wait for you
and I wait for you
and I wait for you
and I wait

I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for
Oh, I'm falling on my knees
offering all of me
Jesus, You're all this heart is living for

hungry I come to you,
for I know You satisfy

("Hungry (Falling On My Knees)" by Kara)

Eating Milk.

2009-01-23T17:04:00.003-05:00

It's just "that" age...

2009-01-22T17:09:00.002-05:00

I am around children of all ages every day. From age 2 to age 15, they are an active part of my life every day, and it is amazing how different kids of every age are. Obviously, we all know that 2-year-olds are crazy, but really, if you ask me, children of all ages are insane--especially when the hormones kick in.

Clearly, 2-year-olds are crazy. Enough said.

8-year-olds live in a dream world; anything is real, and nothing is real. Anything is real because they really believe that anything can happen and anything they can imagine can exist. And nothing is real because the real world means absolutely nothing to them; school is just something they do because they are supposed to, and life is just an cycle of school/chores/play, school/chores/play.

The other day I forgot my siblings' piano books and dance bags when I picked them up from school, so my mom dropped them off in the neighbors' driveway so that I could pick them up quickly and then speed off to piano lessons. I pulled the car up to the bags so that Rebekah's door was perfectly lined up with them. Rebekah is 8. I told her to hurry, get out, and put the bags in the car. She jumped out of the car and proceeded to run all the way around the car, intending to wind up by the bags. Precisely where she started. I was absolutely flabbergasted. I mean, I was just stunned. That child does not live in the real world.

9. Boys are different from girls, but nonetheless they are insane. They must have the attention of the whole room at all times, and theywill stop at no lengths to acquire it. Not only that, but they have virtually no shame. They will not hesitate to regale you with tales of their privates.

10-12 year olds are also out of their minds. Your typical 11- or 12-year-old is a hormonal wreck. And when I say wreck I mean WRECK. One minute they are snotty, literally the next minute they are a pure joy, and a minute later they are moping in a corner. Insane.

I'm not even going to touch the teenage years because we all know what those are like. If you think about it, it is truly a miracle that anyone ever makes it through childhood and becomes a complete human. It is an absolute miracle.

I Stand Corrected

2009-01-21T11:42:00.002-05:00

Today at the grocery store, Jack admonished me that I had forgotten to do his breathing treatment this morning. Let me tell you, being reminded of something important like that by a 2-year-old does nothing for the mommy-self-esteem meter. At the same time, I did see the humor...and I'm pretty proud of my smart little guy for remembering! :)

Explanations

2009-01-20T13:01:00.003-05:00

Last night at dinner, I asked Fedila and Temima if they knew why they didn't have school yesterday. They didn't know. Now although that seems insane to us, just stop and think about it: how would they know? They have only been in America for a year, and only in school for about 6 months of that year. Apparently their current teacher did not feel the need to inform them of Dr. Martin Luther King's life and legacy, so last night we tried to explain to them why we were celebrating this man.

But then I realized something strange and wonderful. Those two girls with "brown skin" have never known the dark America of the past. They have never really experienced racism at the hands of white people and they know nothing of slavery. Although there are of course many negative things about the way they have grown up, think of how wonderful it is for them not to be burdened with the knowledge of the cruelty of Americans past. Amazing.

Of course ignorance is not bliss and sooner or later they will learn of the horrors of the past, but how wonderful that they will never experience those horrors firsthand. How wonderful that the only America they know is an America that elects a president who has brown skin just like them!

We gave them a brief history of the United States, telling them that a long time ago in America, people were mean to people with brown skin, and that Dr. King fought to change that and make people be nice to people with brown skin. We told them that Dr. King was killed and that we honor him one specific day a year for the work he did to help people with brown skin. They seemed to vaguely understand, and they seemed shocked and hurt by the revelation that people with brown skin were not always treated well. It was an interesting experience.

A New Era

2009-01-20T11:15:00.004-05:00

So I am not going to state the obvious about today being a historic day, the beginning of a new era, etc.

I am going to say that I am praying for our new president.
And that with God anything is possible. I believe in miracles.

And that I would feel a whole lot better if this new president didn't vote in favor of leaving babies who survive abortion alone until they die. That bothers me.

But with God all things are possible. So I will continue to pray and support our new president.