tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36095251351573881242024-03-05T02:45:25.120-06:00the feather filesThe Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.comBlogger721125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-2059050703143085452015-09-08T21:06:00.001-05:002015-09-08T21:22:19.771-05:00Exploration. Adventure. Bravery.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD4Fu2szyUAuw-r8JDK8iWmYlxWLL0jdg34Nq5VaBD3NbNmDGbE0mqnkVhRl33yEXoxcuImaLWQWXSqy7R5seGczV0i3Ig38oo6W9h9v2_mDH5MEp25uOKK2F2grLUQgAHcjobrZRLQY/s1600/CObWsPiVAAA0Ad5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD4Fu2szyUAuw-r8JDK8iWmYlxWLL0jdg34Nq5VaBD3NbNmDGbE0mqnkVhRl33yEXoxcuImaLWQWXSqy7R5seGczV0i3Ig38oo6W9h9v2_mDH5MEp25uOKK2F2grLUQgAHcjobrZRLQY/s400/CObWsPiVAAA0Ad5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<i><b>"'What if I fall?' Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?" </b></i><b>-Erin Hanson</b><i><b><br /></b></i></h3>
I have this quote beautifully framed and waiting to be hung in Samantha's room. It's one of my favorite parts of her room. This particular quote reminds me of so many of my hopes for her. I want her to explore and learn. I want her to take adventures, real ones and imaginative ones. I want her to not be held back by fear, but to be brave and take chances. <br />
<br />
Samantha is at the age [9 months] where she is constantly falling, bumping her head and getting stuck. I carefully monitor her, however, I am not going to be able to prevent her from everything. I want her to learn to get herself out of difficult [for her age] situations and how to get back up after falling and how to stop crying after she gets hurt. All currently in an environment where she is safe and I can supervise. Never do I want to foster fear of the wrong things in her heart.<br />
<br />
This is harder said than done because as adults we know everything that could go wrong. So as she is walking next to the hearth in my parent's home I am thinking about how she could smash her head into it, blood will be everywhere and she may need stitches. So inside, I cringe as she stumbles. On the outside, though, I just stay nearby and let her laugh and enjoy standing up slapping her hand against the bricks.<br />
<br />
But why did I choose exploration, adventure and bravery as hopes for Samantha? There are so many different hopes and goals I could have made for her. Well, here's a few insights into my thoughts:<br />
<br />
<b>EXPLORE.</b> What an amazing world we live in. The things we can learn are endless. I want to promote an environment where Samantha can curious and explore the things that interest her. Exploration is a form of learning, and I want to cultivate an enthusiasm for learning. And obviously, I would especially want her to learn what the Bible says about who God is, and find that exploring the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ is an eternal pursuit that will never disappoint.<br />
<br />
<b>BE ADVENTUROUS.</b> I think of our life as adventure. [Currently, our life is on an adventure that I never anticipated or hoped for, but nonetheless, an adventure.] That is exactly how I want Samantha to think of life. Life isn't something to sit around and watch pass by, but an active journey in which to participate. I hope she doesn't take herself too seriously. I hope she is excited about where life will take her. I hope she has a passion for living her life to the glory of God. I hope she is anxiously looking forward to all that she can do for the kingdom of God.<br />
<br />
<b>BE BRAVE. </b> Oh, how I pray that my dear daughter will be brave. The world she is growing up in hates Jesus, and it will only continue to grow more hostile toward Him and toward those who follow Him. So, I want to teach my daughter to not fear man. To not fear failing in the world's eyes. To not fear the earthly consequences of a holy life. To not fear the unknown. To not let fear cripple her and keep her from succeeding. But instead to fear God, and to let that guide her life. If she does this, she may "fall" in the world's eyes, but she will be "flying" in our Savior's.<br />
<br />
And then I step back and realize that the only way she will learn these things if I show her. So, I want her to see me explore and learn both in the world and in my Bible. She needs to see how exciting life can be and how we are to enjoy what the Lord has given to us. And the big kicker - she needs to see me being brave and fearing the Lord instead of man.<br />
<br />
I've given myself very large shoes to walk in. I have no doubt that I will fail to demonstrate these things to her, but then again, that's something else I want her to learn. How to get back up again.<br />
<br />
And now, for the best video you will ever watch. Already she has learn to laugh at the littlest of things!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVPlPuVD6WLZKxRgZ_bd6E73fER-iggTmGEuq3OXZKLPcfkfMtRQ-AnPiiQiHdXUtYrjg5KAr2-96VLzxlGQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-56614737566767323252015-04-21T21:08:00.002-05:002015-04-21T21:08:54.250-05:00Glimpses of GraceI was in the grocery store today, next to the meat department and I looked down at the baby in the car seat, sleeping away despite the very noisy store, and I realized, like it was something new, that she was <i>mine</i>. There are random moments when this happens, even 20 weeks in. I look at my daughter and think, "Wait, this is MY daughter." It still shocks me sometimes that I am a mom. And the mom of the cutest baby there ever was!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowNs6AUwn45MS_1DX-gsQXMfmExh7aiZDH2zWcksyhotGI4yVAadqCqzKzkPsaWAoY7IKyC6SDKMMkp8u5butqpehTvrF6HTA5gNt_fP5PdMZ43py8SwpISUAS6mjskKOoYZvTMDTYqY/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowNs6AUwn45MS_1DX-gsQXMfmExh7aiZDH2zWcksyhotGI4yVAadqCqzKzkPsaWAoY7IKyC6SDKMMkp8u5butqpehTvrF6HTA5gNt_fP5PdMZ43py8SwpISUAS6mjskKOoYZvTMDTYqY/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>In the grocery store when I was suddenly amazed that I had a daughter.</i><br />
<br />
I'm not sure when that will stop surprising me, but I kind of hope that it doesn't. It makes me stop and be thankful for her. It makes me pause to remember that just a little while ago, we weren't even sure if I would ever bring a child to full term. So, my heart overflows with great thankfulness to the Lord that I can look at my little sidekick and be shocked that I am a mom. Because she is a picture of grace in my life - I knew I didn't deserve to be a mom, but graciously, God gave her to us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoPlqYOYENQpbJNU-W3X3KryjLSuegz3eZDLNARmEgrh2MySTJzQ2vwHnEMfCYCnEp5SBJ4LdtTFv3N0nFoGd5mzgIDTfBKiRXwIMMeSGNmNIyBIxAt24-MCVDB9NuS3d0I-fnjsX8AA/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoPlqYOYENQpbJNU-W3X3KryjLSuegz3eZDLNARmEgrh2MySTJzQ2vwHnEMfCYCnEp5SBJ4LdtTFv3N0nFoGd5mzgIDTfBKiRXwIMMeSGNmNIyBIxAt24-MCVDB9NuS3d0I-fnjsX8AA/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<i>Seriously, the boppy pillow is great for photo ops.</i><br />
<br />
Some days it is easy for us to despair. Our future is uncertain, our goals are constantly crumbling and we don't even know what plans we should make because they always seems to fall apart. Hubs and I have never been through a life situation that has lasted so long or worn us down so much. We are constantly renewing our mind in God's word and spurring each other on to trust the Lord, to pray and to press on. But to be honest, when I let my mind dwell on the situation too long, I become depressed and listless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8bNy0af4qIKhCWzBa2reNAcIs1CxfVyJvMKEADyF9w0SzsAISaPhzb8Gw1DmUT5qXCVa4X2R6exAJW7TAOBCQi8o1H6uLKnP-rGGM-wPlwcJdY7LFHz52xGeBybUISAVcvcO2QgflqA/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8bNy0af4qIKhCWzBa2reNAcIs1CxfVyJvMKEADyF9w0SzsAISaPhzb8Gw1DmUT5qXCVa4X2R6exAJW7TAOBCQi8o1H6uLKnP-rGGM-wPlwcJdY7LFHz52xGeBybUISAVcvcO2QgflqA/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>The mornings are so fun</i>.<br />
<br />
The Lord must have known that we would need our daughter to be a bright spot in our life. To remind us that He hears and answers prayers and that He loves us and has not forgotten us. With each smile, laugh, squeal and, even every cry, we can be thankful that we are parents. And we can see God's grace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7MhIyOOV_YfpLa4Ukq7lkkYqLH0PzWz_eVcmyRWu2CrL9x7CnAo6kFcYZanqYY2YPQmo1E3ynw0l-WEmfgKK9OdfzWJnVJCDAgHdvTpEmQTX2wcvlGZWBJ62pLqXQ-dGR8-LGnnjDHc/s1600/FullSizeRender(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7MhIyOOV_YfpLa4Ukq7lkkYqLH0PzWz_eVcmyRWu2CrL9x7CnAo6kFcYZanqYY2YPQmo1E3ynw0l-WEmfgKK9OdfzWJnVJCDAgHdvTpEmQTX2wcvlGZWBJ62pLqXQ-dGR8-LGnnjDHc/s1600/FullSizeRender(1).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>What kind of mom of a girl would I be if I didn't put her in a tutu at least once?</i><br />
<br />
We didn't even know what her name meant when we picked it, but her full name means "God hears" and "God is gracious." Such a perfect fit.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-4843537131794019902015-03-10T14:45:00.001-05:002015-03-10T14:45:13.347-05:00The pups and the babeI was unsure of how Ransom would respond to a baby in our home. He's never been the best with kids, and he gets so nervous with any type of change. Kids have always made him nervous and when we have had babies in our home, we have never let him get near them. We figured we would let him learn about them when we had one. And he isn't normally a "mounting" type of dog, but whenever I held a baby, he would mount my leg, and I would have to tackle him to the ground while holding the child so that he realized he was not the dominate one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyY0EXn4LjWCie-ZDY5oJz9ifItmJWceJnMTVlPXsDUk6ZtBppQB0tSZzm-7p2dW_lgspVlVgQMEv9WZQKdK7jZjNRioo5ZBKnwg6Jv0TbH4I1a5QmnCCRdTXOzLaiPxhBQYjwfOdm6Y/s1600/image7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyY0EXn4LjWCie-ZDY5oJz9ifItmJWceJnMTVlPXsDUk6ZtBppQB0tSZzm-7p2dW_lgspVlVgQMEv9WZQKdK7jZjNRioo5ZBKnwg6Jv0TbH4I1a5QmnCCRdTXOzLaiPxhBQYjwfOdm6Y/s1600/image7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Their first photo together</i><br />
<br />
So, we did what everyone says to do - we sent Hubs home with the hat that she wore immediately after being born. He sniffed it and wasn't interested. But, he must have known something was going on because his little nervous self gave us an unexpected homecoming.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CNsDY4syI1blUOKJdHkXCV_Ffgi_CA6x0FBO5mkzMA3vmxhCJprbhyphenhyphenxCNOa9EYKQmErjF9kKoYq3bbRyTJD1t5xZ-D4MKHeFKt9iWB5kf6iQ_Z3QEWAWRnbMShQQ9drZc47Jcc8St3Q/s1600/image8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CNsDY4syI1blUOKJdHkXCV_Ffgi_CA6x0FBO5mkzMA3vmxhCJprbhyphenhyphenxCNOa9EYKQmErjF9kKoYq3bbRyTJD1t5xZ-D4MKHeFKt9iWB5kf6iQ_Z3QEWAWRnbMShQQ9drZc47Jcc8St3Q/s1600/image8.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>Sometimes he would lay nearby while I fed her, which could be sweet or just that he wanted outside as soon as I was finished.</i><br />
<br />
Hubs worked 12 hours the day I came home from the hospital. He went home to change, let Ransom out and clean the house before coming to get me. He was so sweet and wanted the apartment to be perfect when we got home. Unfortunately, Ransom had diarrhea-ed in his crate. <i>[Let me just take a moment to say, "it is these rare occurrences that remind us why we do and we think everyone should crate their dog when they leave the house.]</i> It was so odd that he had been sick. So, Hubs lit all the candles and cleaned up the mess and finally got to the hospital to get us around 8:30 pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQoGNO1OjZEy3wx1p-hHy7MSqkbExBZgFt0R9nM9qjLMgdRXcZ1p8wJmrgUIlTVbElofUqI9xdAt0yRPrXKf3GwvwDLAyckosYZ0lUAd8m4KcZ23oSAk-sVk4wo4MZhMeDHryIAgAGI/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQoGNO1OjZEy3wx1p-hHy7MSqkbExBZgFt0R9nM9qjLMgdRXcZ1p8wJmrgUIlTVbElofUqI9xdAt0yRPrXKf3GwvwDLAyckosYZ0lUAd8m4KcZ23oSAk-sVk4wo4MZhMeDHryIAgAGI/s1600/image2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Christmas Day 2014 - We haven't been able to get him to cooperate for a photo like this since.</i><br />
<br />
I had just started to experience postpartum hormones at this time and was weeping because I had missed him all day. But, we buckled our tiny baby in the giant car seat and headed home, stopping at Freddy's for a super unhealthy, but oh-so-good, dinner. We walk into the apartment and it was so clean and beautiful, but there was this smell. Sure enough, Ransom had been sick again in his crate. We got him out and he proceeded to throw up 5 times on the floor. So, Hubs took him out on a walk in the snow/sleet, and I got on my hands and knees and started cleaning up the inside mess. (Which my body did not thank me for the next day.) The sickness, we can only assume, was the anxiety from having me gone for the previous days, having a strange schedule and just knowing something was different. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxBfa4GoBPr1_61t3GMS4XFvH1GBwBQ5ZLRSuuGHNLlJnCUuOWwHtHySZLZxvGShhzxL0E68NqyGepMcSShZMl_hGCF2_q8ngxwuoLLW6R0RNbRSjDVFr9_8OXdXwOobm5s9rslpv7-Q/s1600/image6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxBfa4GoBPr1_61t3GMS4XFvH1GBwBQ5ZLRSuuGHNLlJnCUuOWwHtHySZLZxvGShhzxL0E68NqyGepMcSShZMl_hGCF2_q8ngxwuoLLW6R0RNbRSjDVFr9_8OXdXwOobm5s9rslpv7-Q/s1600/image6.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>Sometimes he wants to be too close.</i><br />
<br />
When Hubs returned, Ransom was feeling better and was interested in the bundle we brought home. At one point, Hubs was holding her and Ransom went to mount him. Knowing this was possible, we were prepared. Hubs quickly gave her to me and tackled Ransom to the ground. He went and laid down on his bed and we sat on the couch and ate our food from Freddy's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaeUbRmCScnUmtDQ_lOV-kAP7aponRIo3IL0yX_vl72nrSWC28S9fdfVAME58hEodN0RogtXiR7fcrjsUX_aQ_4zkbNQ5KPWOGLMLj-6yb_ImBpBHKqtYWmfR3VPzflXMELomqtwJbtI/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaeUbRmCScnUmtDQ_lOV-kAP7aponRIo3IL0yX_vl72nrSWC28S9fdfVAME58hEodN0RogtXiR7fcrjsUX_aQ_4zkbNQ5KPWOGLMLj-6yb_ImBpBHKqtYWmfR3VPzflXMELomqtwJbtI/s1600/image4.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
That was the first and the last time Ransom mounted either of us or showed any dominance towards the baby. Since then, Ransom shows little interest in the baby. He chewed on one pacifier, but after a few firm "no" commands, he hasn't shown any further interest. He does always try to lick a bottle when we give her one. I think formula must have a smell he likes. He randomly gives her a lick about once a day. We are careful to make sure that he doesn't do a somersault on top of her and try to keep him off any blanket she is laying on, but I will admit there have been a couple of times where he has walked right over her head (without stepping on her).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPD_yI0P-sqT5kYoalQhSpo_oiTRlDibgrDqe3fqgnMjvjNkkoiqhPY-rV3nesZ0hBhGPm_8PPZf3n25AkJmssOBxWOvMPPBLc04sf-uSPHxzSLRMXeqMLXxp7bJejbOKB3FVGYUUrvg/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPD_yI0P-sqT5kYoalQhSpo_oiTRlDibgrDqe3fqgnMjvjNkkoiqhPY-rV3nesZ0hBhGPm_8PPZf3n25AkJmssOBxWOvMPPBLc04sf-uSPHxzSLRMXeqMLXxp7bJejbOKB3FVGYUUrvg/s1600/image5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>Most of the time, he sleeps. But sometimes he just wants to be right next to us.</i><br />
<br />
Anytime she plays on a blanket or comes home in her car seat, he gives those items a thorough sniff, but really he is better than we ever could imagine. I think he does like her, but I know he also wishes to go back in time when he was the center of attention. When we walk, he checks the stroller to make sure she is still there, and when she and I leave the house, he sits by the door and watches us walk to the car. She has now gotten to the point that she watches him if he walks around the room, so I hope this meant a future of friendship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-kOATl5ocw5g8twyMce60Px1Yd8IA9lD3NhMqD5aLpuW_QPIzOg7jzYrKg53rcuIgku8wlez9jBTITZN0jZvQ6Ht6APXHyQdRuTSrhz3OVU564SzJrIBLWyN_Tr4W8YB_KawS6o02oU/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-kOATl5ocw5g8twyMce60Px1Yd8IA9lD3NhMqD5aLpuW_QPIzOg7jzYrKg53rcuIgku8wlez9jBTITZN0jZvQ6Ht6APXHyQdRuTSrhz3OVU564SzJrIBLWyN_Tr4W8YB_KawS6o02oU/s1600/image3.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>He's so much happier now that we get out for walks with the nicer weather.</i><br />
<br />
I know a lot of people wondered if I would still love Ransom after having a baby. I do. It's true that, at first, it was so annoying to take him outside and feed him and love on him when all I was doing was similar things for the baby, but now that we have gotten into a routine and the weather is nicer, I am getting over those frustrations. Ultimately, I wouldn't have it any other way and am so excited for her to grow up with our pups.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishyfNvthdy2EfI4uZw7-rHDow9GGt8MQCYYsS6NuvEPnHtcne_a7cBqc-ejz_2CbZsjaJTahtVFLqOoGeE2KGPp1tzrfjtWrYSuf8Nw7N5f5s2OgSWg1Smt-AoTa_pHp7F7oGEGm8JXY/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishyfNvthdy2EfI4uZw7-rHDow9GGt8MQCYYsS6NuvEPnHtcne_a7cBqc-ejz_2CbZsjaJTahtVFLqOoGeE2KGPp1tzrfjtWrYSuf8Nw7N5f5s2OgSWg1Smt-AoTa_pHp7F7oGEGm8JXY/s1600/image1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<i>Watching us leave</i> The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-70706961349092146922015-02-05T09:56:00.000-06:002015-02-05T09:56:06.863-06:00Not Finding Out {good or not so good}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q6TfMPbrbY2g3oeGEDASNoTAyjt1TeuMlAiwdM6BhSD18ENc8WElWhYy6x750iMF1pA8ZU-wcoQsdqlUrDB1vGKWRyP6N2E2AHifKsU8-XXva3VvddH8AWnDSnIEfA97PuSS1ajHPr8/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q6TfMPbrbY2g3oeGEDASNoTAyjt1TeuMlAiwdM6BhSD18ENc8WElWhYy6x750iMF1pA8ZU-wcoQsdqlUrDB1vGKWRyP6N2E2AHifKsU8-XXva3VvddH8AWnDSnIEfA97PuSS1ajHPr8/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Eight Weeks Old </i><br />
<br />
When I found out I was pregnant, I wrestled with whether or not we should find out the gender or not at our ultrasound. I had always thought it would be fun to not know, but at that point in our life we really didn't know anything about our immediate future - where we would be living, where Hubs would be working, if we would start or buy a practice, etc - so it sounded nice to at least be able to plan one aspect of life.<br />
<br />
I'm sure most of you that know Hubs think he is the Type A personality of the family, however I tend to be WAY more Type A. I love to plan things from our future, to a vacation, to a simple dinner party. So, when Hubs said he didn't want to find out, it was probably harder for me than him. But, I agreed and it was decided.<br />
<br />
I know it isn't for everyone, but I really loved the experience of not knowing. So if you are ever considering either way, here are my thoughts about it:<br />
<ul>
<li>After our 22 week ultrasound, I regretted not finding out. I mean, as a mother, shouldn't you want to know every bit of information about your child that you can? After a day of that, however, I was fine. That one day was the hardest it ever got to not know the gender.</li>
<li>One of my concerns was that I originally wanted our first child to be a boy, and I didn't want to be disappointed if it was a girl. Guess what - I wasn't disappointed at all.</li>
<li>Because I love to plan and I love to shop, knowing the gender of our baby would have tempted me to spend a lot of money getting her room ready and getting adorable Sperrys and Toms from Zulily. Instead, we spent our money on wiser purchases like a crib and dresser.</li>
<li>I was worried that our poor child would only be dressed in neutral clothing. But, people were oh so generous and brought us adorable girl clothes in the hospital and I even had a shower after Samantha was born, which, by the way, makes showers even more fun for the attendees!</li>
<li>It was fun to tell random strangers that I didn't know what I was having. It's not the mainstream thing to do, and I think that is why I liked it so much. People either responded with, "Good for you," or "I could never do that."</li>
<li>I'm sure there is a different type of anticipation during labor when
you know the gender, but the anticipation for us was two fold - we
wanted to meet our child and we also wanted to know if it was a boy or
girl! When it was almost time, my doctor asked us to guess what it was.
Hubs guessed boy and I guessed girl. I think all the nurses and doctors
(all 8 of them that were in the room) had a little more fun, too, because they wondered what it would be!</li>
<li>It was fun and special to have Richard tell me it was a girl after she was born.</li>
</ul>
Ultimately, I think either way it is a surprise and it depends on the couple as to whether or not they should find out. But, if anyone were to ask me whether they should or not, I'd say to do it at least once. For our time in life, it was a really good thing to not find out. We had a lot of other things occupying our mind, so I didn't have to stress about having the room ready or having cute clothes (that all came after she was here). <br />
<br />
If we have another child, will we do it the same way? I honestly have no idea!The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-3931968702472275862015-01-06T10:02:00.002-06:002015-01-06T11:08:31.781-06:00What I didn't expectI had decided to give this blog up, but Hubs doesn't want me to. So, we will see if I can post more frequently in the coming months.<br />
<br />
Lots has changed in our life since I posted last. Actually, lots has happened that I haven't shared since June 2013. It's been a roller coaster ride for us, with lots of disappointments, questions, searching, unknowns and confusion. And that's about all I can share on this public blog, but as we begin 2015 it looks likes his year is going to start off with more of the same. But there was another major change in our life that I will post about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWbZ4eQbwfx4q6I5yFFT_PYPsOi6HN9Ptt5Ze60TAcLGD9nFcTy_FdqzX63Bt28RgNqlOa8dpwpdnmr_lOFP5Bnjr_CJSKkSMrPLcAd26e8K_jRlQEFFxyAqivwPRFsr3y8uwBqIEQkU/s1600/11-DSC_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWbZ4eQbwfx4q6I5yFFT_PYPsOi6HN9Ptt5Ze60TAcLGD9nFcTy_FdqzX63Bt28RgNqlOa8dpwpdnmr_lOFP5Bnjr_CJSKkSMrPLcAd26e8K_jRlQEFFxyAqivwPRFsr3y8uwBqIEQkU/s1600/11-DSC_0260.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We have a daughter! On December 8, Hubs and I stared in shock as a screaming baby girl was placed on my chest. We had been waiting for that moment for months, but when it actually happened it felt so surreal with so many thoughts and emotions all at once. She may look like a typical newborn, but we happen to think she is the most adorable child on the planet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxPmNNytUJwGL_4wX2Kkb4NAcixZhywCFYiSZIdenlff8kKtc3tnIcxcyk4Enlts_bgx8JlwlRQdac-SIrHEM0z6m2Xs9ULhEnkAp9En87DAtG9jbylMgFqqDfW3KDeJ8y-_Dt3ZzmgE/s1600/03-DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxPmNNytUJwGL_4wX2Kkb4NAcixZhywCFYiSZIdenlff8kKtc3tnIcxcyk4Enlts_bgx8JlwlRQdac-SIrHEM0z6m2Xs9ULhEnkAp9En87DAtG9jbylMgFqqDfW3KDeJ8y-_Dt3ZzmgE/s1600/03-DSC_0217.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
In the days that followed her birth, there were many things that I didn't expect. Many of those were things that other moms leave you in the dark about until after the baby comes, but I'm not going to get into those things on this blog. (A little heads up would have been nice, though, but I am starting to see how those memories can fade after a few weeks.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupniQqAqRq6ZZzkuZ0gZe_GDv9wT-TJuSdBOObKkI5MGeXJwpoylYHOJ5USRHXnRjTf7No_Ab7HQjQmL7ryubM-ROeEFNhQHYDv1Z7ttDMnJb0OwV_FSvqVwh-uZdeQwloZ4j2kCkhM4/s1600/04-DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupniQqAqRq6ZZzkuZ0gZe_GDv9wT-TJuSdBOObKkI5MGeXJwpoylYHOJ5USRHXnRjTf7No_Ab7HQjQmL7ryubM-ROeEFNhQHYDv1Z7ttDMnJb0OwV_FSvqVwh-uZdeQwloZ4j2kCkhM4/s1600/04-DSC_0219.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
But there was one thing I didn't expect that was surprising and lovely: I love Hubs even more than I did when I walked into that hospital. Which is saying a lot, because I loved him so much before! Going through the process of having our daughter, though, made me love my husband so much deeper. And that was a welcomed surprise.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it was spending the time together while in labor - although I sent Hubs out for two hours to take Ransom to the dog park. It could have been the way Hubs was making sure I got the best care possible. Seeing Hubs look at our daughter for the first time had to contribute to it. And seeing him excited to hold her was part of it, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrBjopAmr4WSs-OcT7SgOvOPZHw2-NsArAgh6AXzE6nCeYBGel7mVgevWpJm2IbHRHwO9lGPeE__AwqvNRwCz6WfDlSxqlSBvD438Ia2wIqITDbUDKR-kQphgZaLPyyc_3_cJeHS62R4/s1600/22-DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrBjopAmr4WSs-OcT7SgOvOPZHw2-NsArAgh6AXzE6nCeYBGel7mVgevWpJm2IbHRHwO9lGPeE__AwqvNRwCz6WfDlSxqlSBvD438Ia2wIqITDbUDKR-kQphgZaLPyyc_3_cJeHS62R4/s1600/22-DSC_0328.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hopefully this is what happens for everyone when they have a baby - that they love their husband 10 times more than they did before. Because I believe that one of the best things for our daughter is that we love each other.<br />
<br />
As for the other things I didn't expect, well, this is such a new adventure for us that there is bound to be a lot to learn. The learning curve is high, but when we look at her we know that it is all worth it and are excited for the time we have to be her parents!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__bhi5J-o8IDnXY3lTG9N84HeK0V_si8ExfxHOYEN0vH34U0bIssBCcOAGu-Ishwv7mc6LOYHmLAlA9Qf8fWEttq4mlm88_70NCTgFg1ww9XZPFN5lR7UUO5VX2FTHa9SnNJ4K66SI48/s1600/bw-12-DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__bhi5J-o8IDnXY3lTG9N84HeK0V_si8ExfxHOYEN0vH34U0bIssBCcOAGu-Ishwv7mc6LOYHmLAlA9Qf8fWEttq4mlm88_70NCTgFg1ww9XZPFN5lR7UUO5VX2FTHa9SnNJ4K66SI48/s1600/bw-12-DSC_0270.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-4456668583236533052014-09-17T13:07:00.000-05:002014-09-17T13:07:01.273-05:00Are you sure?Sometimes people will ask us, "Are you sure you are ready for this?" Or, "Just you wait." It's usually when they are changing a dirty diaper, or telling a story about how little sleep they get, or their child is disobeying, or just want to remind us that we aren't used to life with little people.<br />
<br />
We always smile and say, "Yes."<br />
<br />
I don't blame anyone for pointing out the changes we will face. We are well aware that our life will change drastically with the addition of our son or daughter. We know our life is simple and quiet and freedom abounds. And we also understand that we will have to make some changes, things might be rough for a while and sleep will not be near as peaceful as it once was.<br />
<br />
But, I doubt everyone has put the thought into why we should have children as we have. Having children wasn't something we both wanted right away when we got married. We both figured that the desire would come later. For me, the desire came naturally and more quickly than for Hubs, and so we talked about it for a long time. We asked others, "Why did you have kids." People said different things: "We wanted to," or "We didn't make the decision," or "God commands it," or "Companionship." None of those were bad reasons.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, we had to come to our own answers in our minds, though. And at some point, I knew mine.<br />
<br />
One pastor said, "We need to raise our children to be martyrs for the Lord." At first that sounds depressing. I would never desire for anyone, especially my own child, to be martyred!! However, I do desire that my child's love for the Lord to be so great that they will follow Him at all costs.<br />
<br />
Then, I started understanding the concept of being salt and light in the world. As salt, believers somehow preserve the world from become totally corrupted by the rottenness of sin. And as light, we stand out brightly in a world that is darkened. At that point I knew; I wanted to help raise the next generation of godly men and women. The goal of Christian parenting is not moral kids. Morality will change, we know that. If we create moral kids, they will change with morality. But our goal is to raise a generation of adults who is sensitive to the Holy Spirit, committed to God's Word and devoted to our King. I knew that whether we had biological, adopted or foster children in the future, I wanted this to be my aim.<br />
<br />
This has been my prayer as we head into parenting. I know that it isn't going to be easy. That I don't understand all the things that will be hard. That this child will be as sinful as I am from day one. That my sinful self will keep me from loving him or her as God loves me. That I'll fail to put Christ on display. That I'll fail to live out the gospel in my child's life. But, we have eight years of figuring out our marriage that has set, what I think, is a good foundation for us to be parents. And we have lost two children that has made us cherish the life of this third one even more. So, yes we're ready.<br />
<br />
And it is just lovely when someone tells us, "You're gonna love it."<br />
<br />
"Just you wait..." We have waited.<br />
"Are you sure you are ready?" Yes, I'm sure.<br />
<br />The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-72109442815308214572014-08-17T16:55:00.001-05:002014-08-17T16:55:14.519-05:00Finishing the ChapterThe Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-44247032083043231062014-07-22T07:47:00.000-05:002014-07-22T10:49:14.543-05:00Eight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJM1LOBnZK475s5Cxt-6ImX4iZ9wD6Jayq-VsMGDPDVjK5Cd4nxQBBppgrQAiNmx6BDuhiaMz_upSN7V9TwuAzVHElWfIGMeCU4FqLsdtzBhcRvTzaHitHZ_MoYdsSTUDlSe_LHRnrdE/s1600/1923280_516414773663_8699_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJM1LOBnZK475s5Cxt-6ImX4iZ9wD6Jayq-VsMGDPDVjK5Cd4nxQBBppgrQAiNmx6BDuhiaMz_upSN7V9TwuAzVHElWfIGMeCU4FqLsdtzBhcRvTzaHitHZ_MoYdsSTUDlSe_LHRnrdE/s1600/1923280_516414773663_8699_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Cancun Honeymoon (2006)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Today marks EIGHT years of our adventure as Hubs and Feath. We now look at our wedding photos and think, "We looked <b>so</b> young!" When we were married, we had no idea what the next years would hold, but I can say without a doubt that I love Hubs at least 100x more today than I did then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3ZxSR_3VTGObK6MjdmyKVGrssjHXXBw7XqDQw3ST88qRChZQy-1e6Arl3oNuDfccQlZHy2MhybAlPnde9susMmi9i2JYbAmebEfxI-vE7ULB-YwKuVnu4uGLTo7AmKGXRgasrx3hFVI/s1600/1923799_571236550383_9445_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3ZxSR_3VTGObK6MjdmyKVGrssjHXXBw7XqDQw3ST88qRChZQy-1e6Arl3oNuDfccQlZHy2MhybAlPnde9susMmi9i2JYbAmebEfxI-vE7ULB-YwKuVnu4uGLTo7AmKGXRgasrx3hFVI/s1600/1923799_571236550383_9445_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Hawaii (2008)</i><br />
<br />
I would feel a little lost without Hubs. I love having my best friend as my husband. There is nobody I'd rather talk about my day with, no one I'd rather spend my time with and no one I'd rather live life with. He challenges me to change, he encourages me to grow and he humbles me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vt8zdfYLdii4_742lbl4LK6npfHC3azxMIF2Cz8WJS6DIU86vxJuTyU8HcomidApUfz0hudw4MBNllBC1SkVNiABtTiND5PzENHmvd8NZsKOtTyssHT_kQY9EAZ7bfhJQ6U0u2TcGhs/s1600/Dome+of+the+Rock+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vt8zdfYLdii4_742lbl4LK6npfHC3azxMIF2Cz8WJS6DIU86vxJuTyU8HcomidApUfz0hudw4MBNllBC1SkVNiABtTiND5PzENHmvd8NZsKOtTyssHT_kQY9EAZ7bfhJQ6U0u2TcGhs/s1600/Dome+of+the+Rock+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Israel (2011)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BXnQTnYdUok7OMamR25SeQyAhxASIM_bzlBsYSGmLNpTuLVDeQ9ykatdZ4H7himlm8pXMA91CzBgznMx5J4os-mmywwHUQ_hKEBBWVU0zeG-vbdCu3ZqguP_-t8TJqLtrmYpzcvHkwI/s1600/jezreel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d7HqxScWasOTWYWF1zQ5OHEPG1x75T3_NB5mV6Q8QcXLXOirW486Gp-f1xMOVW5Ab4YGRDbD7Et2jv7KXi-RCmCB5ySTuehAXkYU6SNNAhGxoRdd6_AgAqP32MkiQmpsMAdQF9J5Mm8/s1600/IMG_4296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4d7HqxScWasOTWYWF1zQ5OHEPG1x75T3_NB5mV6Q8QcXLXOirW486Gp-f1xMOVW5Ab4YGRDbD7Et2jv7KXi-RCmCB5ySTuehAXkYU6SNNAhGxoRdd6_AgAqP32MkiQmpsMAdQF9J5Mm8/s1600/IMG_4296.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Long's Peak (2012)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We talked the other day about what we were like when we first got married. Hubs told me he felt bad for me having married him as he was eight years ago. I told him that I could very well say the same thing. But what is the neatest thing about our marriage is where we are today. We have changed each other in good ways. We have grown in our knowledge and love of the Lord. We have been able to learn and apply theology to our life and practically live it out. We have made God's Word our authority over any of our traditions or pre-conceived notions of what our family should look like. And what we have come up with is a marriage that we both work hard at and that we both love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNX164NGY9fmM0ZB9zJQwKX3WpWqCWsSv_lizfmT-73tQsJsjhMyLcN8OOmZ_-U1A1Uv998JTIy7aa6Ryhi8rCBDkl-X3-gaBbVGSeMdZ7r86ztcrRacswptGDYhFJ_Xw97kV3Rbg200/s1600/DSC00296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNX164NGY9fmM0ZB9zJQwKX3WpWqCWsSv_lizfmT-73tQsJsjhMyLcN8OOmZ_-U1A1Uv998JTIy7aa6Ryhi8rCBDkl-X3-gaBbVGSeMdZ7r86ztcrRacswptGDYhFJ_Xw97kV3Rbg200/s1600/DSC00296.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Ortho Residency Graduation (2013)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Being married has far surpassed my wildest expectations. There have been hard times and growing seasons, but never could I have imagined our relationship to have grown to the spot it is now. So today, I am doing the only thing I can. I am praising the Lord for what He has accomplished in our lives to this point. I am thanking Him for this marriage because I <b><i>guarantee</i></b> that neither of us would have created this on our own. And I am praying for our marriage over the next year as we add to our family and begin our newest adventure of parenthood!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2qLBnJ4FUt-AC-QAj-0dMPVz_AdC9hpjXqLs012xNb3eWqiGnpVbmUBvItOVx9V98USmL_RzQcxoZ_iZjdLWYYVL3pqhOqSr1wFvK9BtohM5xETGH_T1ZqUa5rZtFESuq24iRsvcz8Y/s1600/IMG_20140704_161956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2qLBnJ4FUt-AC-QAj-0dMPVz_AdC9hpjXqLs012xNb3eWqiGnpVbmUBvItOVx9V98USmL_RzQcxoZ_iZjdLWYYVL3pqhOqSr1wFvK9BtohM5xETGH_T1ZqUa5rZtFESuq24iRsvcz8Y/s1600/IMG_20140704_161956.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Just 'normal' life (2014)</i>The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-6886370599751751102014-06-10T18:48:00.000-05:002014-06-10T18:48:17.741-05:00More than we can bearFriends, I've alluded to our situation many times, but haven't given all the details. Because there are too many. Because the details are comically depressing. Because I keep thinking they will all fall into place and then I can tell the crazy story of our life. Because they raise our blood pressure. Because there is nothing you can say that we haven't said or anyone else hasn't said.<br />
<br />
When we start down a path, thinking this is the direction we should go, we wait to tell people. Once we tell people, they begin to think that plan will happen. Then they tell people and soon our family, friends and acquaintances all are excited about our new plan. Then, something happens that ruins the entire plan and we are back at the beginning.<br />
<br />
So, we don't get as excited in the beginning. We cautiously tell people the direction we are headed. And every time we have gotten to the point of being ready to take the plunge and as we jump, something grabs us and keeps us from getting into the pool.<br />
<br />
I didn't think that would happen this time. But it seems to have done just that. And so, we are left wondering what is going on. What is the Lord doing? Will this ever end? Now what?<br />
<br />
You can't imagine the thoughts, emotional highs and lows, stress and anxiety that has come to our lives. And, each time another situation comes up, we find out if our faith is true. How are we going to respond to these circumstances. How are we going to represent Christ? How are we going to show our trust in God's providence?<br />
<br />
You may have heard people say, "God won't give you more than you can bear." That's ridiculous. Besides it taking 1 Corinthians 10:13 completely out of context, it also doesn't match up with the whole of scripture. <i><b>Of course, God will give us more than we can bear so that we learn to lean on him for everything</b></i>. If you could bear everything without Christ, then what is the reason for him?<br />
<br />
So it is okay that we are overwhelmed and don't always feel like we can handle our situation. Christ was overwhelmed in the garden before He died. The psalmists are continually overwhelmed. So we follow the Lord's example and we go to God for our strength. We find He is faithful in the midst of whatever is in our life. We [hopefully] learn to lean on Him more than ever before. We continue on each day mindful that our life is about His glory and not our own.<br />
<br />
Our days are tough right now. Maybe not always on the outside, but in the quiet moments while we are driving or at home, and in our minds, we struggle. Sometimes we have no idea what we should do. We are overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
I pray <i><b>earnestly</b></i> that this time in our life will come to an end. But I also pray that we would both be faithful each day, no matter what. That we will find joy in knowing Christ above all else, because knowing Him is a treasure far beyond all else.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-17538318740663850952014-05-30T14:05:00.002-05:002014-06-02T17:53:52.959-05:00The Past 12 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRz2x05jNVXqpcJ6hI154nEFV1PgY1rAmGxyEOPJVVPsQqNFlXyhcx5GVubMnPY_PuFNxbofZqVemstlOWpsyXeI0wKyl6WXbBs__3-lh3Xgn2GhKwG7C8R0FBWWRWQSL1p1DYiOFTsM/s1600/Ransom+&+baby+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRz2x05jNVXqpcJ6hI154nEFV1PgY1rAmGxyEOPJVVPsQqNFlXyhcx5GVubMnPY_PuFNxbofZqVemstlOWpsyXeI0wKyl6WXbBs__3-lh3Xgn2GhKwG7C8R0FBWWRWQSL1p1DYiOFTsM/s1600/Ransom+&+baby+shoes.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Hubs and I are excited to welcome an addition to our little family after 8 years of just Hubs and Feath! The Pups has no clue what is going to happen in December, but I'm guessing the two of them will be best friends someday. I did all I could to get him interested in the tiny Toms, but he couldn't care any less that adorable little shoes were leaning against his leg. <br />
<br />
But, this is not our first pregnancy. It's actually our third. Last June, we lost our first child very early on in the pregnancy. We were shocked and sad, but we knew it was kind of common, and we were thankful that we could even get pregnant. We worked through the attributes of God and really found comfort and strength through knowing Him and who He is.<br />
<br />
In September, we lost our second child. This one was a bigger shock for me and brought with it questions and unknowns. But after a day of numbness, I was brought back to the multitude of blessings found in Christ. I have Christ, and I knew if I never was able to have a child, I could find contentment and joy in Him. It was good for me to not just say this, but to have to work it out through my daily life.<br />
<br />
After the second miscarriage, my body didn't recover like the first time. For three months I dealt with crazy hormones, minor pain and bruised arms from lots of blood tests. Finally, my body was back to normal and we were able to move on. We learned that I might have a hormone deficiency that could be causing the problems, but we also knew that there were no guarantees that it would ever work. I really had to think through what motherhood is all about. Is it about an experience that I <i>need</i> to have? Or is it about teaching the gospel to the next generation? (Which is an entirely different blog post!)<br />
<br />
[Of course, all of this was going on during our saga of trying to find a orthodontic practice for Hubs.]<br />
<br />
So, as we embark on this pregnancy, which seems to be normal and healthy, I find that the past 12 months has given me a different approach than what I would have had without those miscarriages. I find myself more reliant on the Lord, more grateful than before and less prone to complain about my circumstances.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm keenly aware of God's sovereignty in sustaining life.</b> My life is nothing short of a walk of trust in the Lord each day. And although I think there could be some uncertainty and fear in that, I have instead found comfort. Who better to trust in that the Lord who paid for my life with His blood? No matter what happens, I am daily leaning on the solid rock who is my Savior.<br />
<br />
<b>I feel more grateful and full of thankfulness to the Lord for each day.</b> Everyday I am thankful because I don't know what the next day holds. Part of me thinks that this won't actually happen - that I won't make it the entire pregnancy. I struggle sometimes with doubt and hold back excitement because of it. So daily, I remind myself to enjoy and be thankful for this day. I obviously pray about the future - for this person to love Christ more than anything else, for us to be faithful parents who talk about and live out the gospel to our kids, for health and safety. But, ultimately I am just thankful and grateful that God has given me this child and this opportunity to grow and know Him more.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm less prone to complaining.</b> There are some great things about Facebook. But one of the awful things is the complaining that happens, especially when it comes to pregnancy. Maybe I was more aware of it due to our situation, but every time I saw a comment about a person wishing they weren't pregnant anymore, it made me sad. Sad for those women who struggle with even getting pregnant or keeping a pregnancy. When we see comments like that, we just want to beg you to be thankful for those difficult times.<br />
<br />
<i>"Complaining is the most serious of all spiritual threats because complaining puts yourself on the throne of God and says, 'I expect and deserve better than what you have dealt me in my life, God.'"</i> - Rick Holland<br />
<br />
So, although I can (and do) find <b><i>plenty</i></b> things to complain about and ultimately to bring attention to me and my situation, I am choosing my words, even my thoughts, carefully. I am trying to take those difficulties and turn them into reminders that I have so much in which to be thankful. And instead of grumbling about them, I am thanking the Lord for who He is and reveling in the amazingness of how He created us to bring new life into the world.<br />
<br />
Isn't it great that God has chosen to use our lives to bring Him glory and conform us to the image of His Son? Ultimately, no matter what, we can rejoice that He remains faithful. My prayer and hope is that He finds me to be faithful in return.<br />
<br />
<i>"If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."</i> 2 Timothy 2:13 The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-81924063403876449422014-03-02T08:47:00.002-06:002014-03-02T08:55:05.282-06:00The Waiting GameYou may not know the details of our life, but you know that we have spent the past 10 months or so waiting on many things. We wait and nothing happens. We wait, something happens, and then we wait some more. We wait, something happens, then it all falls through, so we wait again.<br />
<br />
This morning, with the ice and snow falling, I was given lots of time to sit and think over our waiting. And I have to ask myself, "Am I waiting well?" and "How can I wait well?" Though I've not waited well all the time, I have figured out what helps in doing so. In no way is this an exhaustive list. I could go on for days...<br />
<br />
<h4>
1. Don't waste the wait</h4>
<br />
Whatever you are waiting for - a job, a husband, a child, a house - don't waste the time while you are waiting. It is so tempting (and I've done it) to stop doing things, especially to stop serving others. But when you believe that God saw fit to bring this into your life for you to glorify Him and to become more like His son, you get a new perspective on your waiting. Let me give you an example of one of my best and worst days.<br />
<br />
One day, I went to work and Hubs came along to work on a project at church. We spent the entire day doing something for someone else. Then, we went over to some friend's house that night to fellowship and have fun. Although we talked about our situation and thought about it, we were so wrapped up in other people that we didn't get overwhelmed by our own issues.<br />
<br />
Compare that to another day, where I didn't text anyone, left the house only if I needed to, watched shows on TV, checked my email and social media, ordered food and went to bed early. I was completely consumed with my own situation, that I was depressed and my attitude towards others and Hubs was selfish and crabby. I wasted the time that God had given me.<br />
<br />
So, find things to do. Meet with people. Don't waste this time, but redeem it. Never, ever will I believe that God's purpose for you is to sit and think about yourself.<br />
<br />
I'm not always good at this, but when we serve the Lord instead of ourselves, I think our attitudes naturally get a little better. I am constantly reminding myself to be thankful that God has brought us to this spot to serve Him. Which bring us to the next one:<br />
<br />
<h4>
2. Choose Gratitude</h4>
<br />
I can't stand complaining, and I really, really try not to do it (out loud). Right now, it is super popular to complain about the weather, and I know I have even said a few things about it. But, when you believe that the Lord has graciously allowed you to be in whatever situation it is (even cold weather), it's really hard to complain and grumble.<br />
<br />
Sometimes there are things that you have to work on moment by moment, and this is one of those things. I can be at church and see someone who is in a situation that I wish I was in. A little thought comes into my mind, maybe envy, and so I immediately start thinking over truths that I believe. God is good and sovereign and faithful. My life has been custom designed for me to grow in grace through faith in Christ. God has not forgotten me. Christ emptied Himself and came to die for me. What else do I need but Christ?<br />
<br />
Choosing gratitude means you will stop choosing yourself. It's so tempting to just sit and think on your own situation. You can even sit in a room with other people, listening and talking with them, and really just be thinking of yourself. Please tell me that I am not the only one who has done this!<br />
<br />
There is only one way I can think of that you can actually accomplish choosing gratitude. It's building up a good theology from God's word and keeping it in your mind. It's an active thought-life based on who God is. And, neatly, that takes us to the next one!<br />
<br />
<h4>
3. Think what you believe</h4>
<br />
What do you believe? What do you think? What do you know?<br />
<br />
Our thoughts can really change the course of our day. I can let my mind go down a horrible rampage and be changed in a matter of minutes. For example, I was driving to the mall yesterday and I thought about if we were in a car accident. <i>In my mind, we are in this accident and I see this huge beam coming straight for us. Hubs is unconscious and doesn't duck, but I do just in the knick of time. Hubs dies and I am distraught. A few weeks later, I realize I need to talk to someone about what I went through because I am having nightmares. </i>And although all of that is completely made up in my mind, I am in my car bawling.<br />
<br />
That's a silly example, but I can do this with anything. I can be super mad at Hubs or think someone is in the wrong completely because I let my mind run away with a tiny thought.<br />
<br />
What if we did the same thing with truth, though? <i>I'm in this situation. God is still good. He has given us so much, everything we need and even more. God is faithful. I know He does all for His glory and our good, which is conforming us to the image of His Son. So, I am going to trust Him. In God's gracious timing, He has given me more hours to serve Him and others. Now, what am I going to do about that?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
What you believe about God is the most important thing about you (from A.W. Tozer). Why? Because it is what will be lived out and it is what will inform your thoughts. Learn to reign in your thoughts and think biblically about your situation. When one of those moments happens where you are tempted to start feeling sad for yourself, ask yourself these questions: What do I know? What do I think? What do I believe? Maybe someday I'll give you even more details about how I do this personally.<br />
<br />
<h4>
4. Love the Word of God</h4>
<br />
There are still times where your heart is overwhelmed and you just don't know what to do. Sometimes this is the hardest one for me to do, but open your Bible and read God's words. My favorite place to turn to right now is Psalm 61.<br />
<br />
<i>"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You,</i><br />
<i><b>When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."</b></i><br />
<br />
I love to learn from David's example of what to do when you are discouraged or confused or overwhelmed. I love that God put verses in the Bible that can balm our struggling hearts. I haven't found anything else that comforts and attends to my needs more than Scripture, yet often it is what I turn to when nothing else works. Learn to go there first.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-58428820438271760522014-02-10T21:23:00.001-06:002014-02-10T21:23:32.415-06:00The Question we Constantly can't Answer"Do you know where you are going yet?"<br />
<br />
We get the same line of questions each week because people care about us and are praying for us. Never would I think of complaining that people want to be involved in our lives! Just the opposite - I am thankful!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, we don't have an answer that would only take a few minutes to share. Our answer is long and complicated and best summarized as, "We don't know."<br />
<br />
In the past 9 months, we have had lots of challenges. Mainly, we have faced many unmet expectations. Not unreal expectations, just normal ones that most people have. God has seen fit to take our lives in a different direction, however, and we are praising Him for his faithfulness on a day-to-day basis. We have food. We have a house. We have great friends and family. And as we wait and wait and wait, our goal is to be faithful on a daily basis in what the Lord gives to us. What does that look like? It looks like me going to work. It looks likes serving others in whatever way we can. It looks like fellowship with friends. It looks like cleaning the house and car maintenance. It looks like making little decisions and doing as much as we can to make the process go quicker.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad everything in our life has purpose. How depressing would it be to have a "trial" and not understand that God works through them to conform us to the image of Christ? There is purpose and reason behind all that goes on in our lives! Hopefully, this is cultivating me to be a person who desires God's glory more than my personal desires.<br />
<br />
So, when I say, "we don't know," I am not avoiding the subject or trying to be vague (that's not me). We really don't know what will happen over the next weeks and months, but we hope our life demonstrates trust in God and a desire for his name to be exalted in our life.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-16772298640228839182014-01-21T10:16:00.002-06:002014-01-21T10:16:32.070-06:00The Big Day x2Hubs graduated over a month ago. So, I totally missed the opportunity to tell you in detail about what a great weekend it was with our friends and Hubs' family. We ate great food (<a href="http://oghospitalitygroup.com/a_tavern/html/index.html" target="_blank">The Tavern</a>) with friends, went shooting with family and had a fun time celebrating over all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXw7KRHhRF214RGcvW0MOn-zlJ_IwVj-JxTeuFYasof-Jw7m9qopZa__zt-KVxng-QQuCh7tQJmJPyOhqclLEw9ytJWZDpbR9XLx05B5oz3dd_OCO3gN1eDnfytLrwS7gfp086RK2UEo/s1600/IMG_20131214_142313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXw7KRHhRF214RGcvW0MOn-zlJ_IwVj-JxTeuFYasof-Jw7m9qopZa__zt-KVxng-QQuCh7tQJmJPyOhqclLEw9ytJWZDpbR9XLx05B5oz3dd_OCO3gN1eDnfytLrwS7gfp086RK2UEo/s1600/IMG_20131214_142313.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>We introduced Hubs' parents to our enjoyment of target shooting, and I got my first dead on bullseye with my gun, plus I got a few with Richard's! </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8zPkOwhtiapjQJnMPOSSReeulkzO1GvWp6KHnlFWRhgJq5VMaFLtpsIuMGyXWoIshBh4zOt3iHFIhD8QD5O9QEB2U0SRK2Cta_k9sQ53g45SXt_ZunYFRif2jpM8oxdXusNn1uSVRTc/s1600/DSC00296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8zPkOwhtiapjQJnMPOSSReeulkzO1GvWp6KHnlFWRhgJq5VMaFLtpsIuMGyXWoIshBh4zOt3iHFIhD8QD5O9QEB2U0SRK2Cta_k9sQ53g45SXt_ZunYFRif2jpM8oxdXusNn1uSVRTc/s1600/DSC00296.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>At graduation. We are so bad about taking pictures these days that I am very thankful we made sure to get one! I wish you could see my full outfit, but it included a chunky gold pave link bracelet, gold belt and (my fave) gold peep toes. I debated for days about whether or not to go bare legs in the cold and I did. I'm glad. The dress wasn't as cute with tights.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a7ULQy-x7xY-nCzMHuIU7pAkpb93nhljkhCsx3k3qM3GZ5LCRR3atHvs32Wb50XDsN3xXsWZ3RzWGbNKJIqrPdRl88Dni3F-CLF7-aF5FtKtFidHKU_k7blM1Ygj3heWgHuVeEeaGtg/s1600/DSC00309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4a7ULQy-x7xY-nCzMHuIU7pAkpb93nhljkhCsx3k3qM3GZ5LCRR3atHvs32Wb50XDsN3xXsWZ3RzWGbNKJIqrPdRl88Dni3F-CLF7-aF5FtKtFidHKU_k7blM1Ygj3heWgHuVeEeaGtg/s1600/DSC00309.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Oh look! I found a photo of my shoes!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUxHmlVdvUROLxUaA9WdnzaeQs3nNplV143FRaP-20T-O8XzsgCy67ar864JbDQ4drMhnz1kfJ_bmeHO-ZwA9pc6G1ZiJJAX5Vy8RE0e35CCM1S4CEqSN3hHvbz-gRVa4bAWjTSBQBNo/s1600/DSC00300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUxHmlVdvUROLxUaA9WdnzaeQs3nNplV143FRaP-20T-O8XzsgCy67ar864JbDQ4drMhnz1kfJ_bmeHO-ZwA9pc6G1ZiJJAX5Vy8RE0e35CCM1S4CEqSN3hHvbz-gRVa4bAWjTSBQBNo/s1600/DSC00300.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>The valedictorian. </i><br />
<br />
The graduation was different than you might expect. It was a catered dinner with a program at the end. Each graduate goes up a says a little something before receiving their degree, mostly thanking people that helped them get to where they are today. Then they announce the valedictorian, which was Hubs. After so much hard work over the past 30 months, it was such a wonderful thing for him to be recognized for the accomplishment. I mean, being valedictorian of high school is cool. In college it is a bigger deal. And in graduate school it's so impressive. But to be in a group of 14 highly educated, proven intelligent individuals, is not easy. Each day, he put forth his very best and he was recognized for that. We have been overwhelmingly thankful for all of the people that have prayed for us, encouraged us and helped us through these years!<br />
<br />
We had a great time saying good-bye to Hubs' classmates. He has seen those people almost every day for the past 2.5 years! It is a very sharp change in your day-to-day routine when graduation occurs. Most people were headed to their new state/country/practice within the week. And, in case you were wondering, we are still in St. Louis, working hard to determine what is next in our life.<br />
<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Hubs had another big day. He turned 30! This is a crazy year because this year we are not only in our 30s, but this year will be the 10 year anniversary of when we met. It's unreal that we have known each other that long, and yet it is hard to remember life without each other. I think we say that about every milestone, but time continues to fly by and we are enjoying the ride.<br />
<br />
As you know, I love birthdays and think that something special should be done. On a milestone birthday, it just means something more special should be done! If you remember, last year, we went indoor rock climbing and it was fun. This year, we went indoor karting and it was special because some friends came along with us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNPmSxFcmEbV8x2O4pXh726eH8pMOwgCtc4anpKxiTQEq2grqERJOPzJFsPoHcrr0bhjwRHgJX6MdFLdfnpIG8ajIdsHcLYsoCZLyV46tsY_G1iMNr9rGTFFT993quYvg-w1QnxYRB80/s1600/IMAG0784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNPmSxFcmEbV8x2O4pXh726eH8pMOwgCtc4anpKxiTQEq2grqERJOPzJFsPoHcrr0bhjwRHgJX6MdFLdfnpIG8ajIdsHcLYsoCZLyV46tsY_G1iMNr9rGTFFT993quYvg-w1QnxYRB80/s1600/IMAG0784.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>No messing around with these karts. You have to wear helmets, and they about did me in. I felt so claustrophobic! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpbi6L9xR3lQFjBNo6jS-cWlASqXlQRQpwDeXccQYt2Q11q5TIHwmPTI6Xx5Lg_xr-MSQpRcv2gcOloG-4USYok0Yhun1WYq_YWIr4YvX4EWSRA8ANbTU5jl9g7sWpNMSZUvSR-qUn8g/s1600/IMAG0787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpbi6L9xR3lQFjBNo6jS-cWlASqXlQRQpwDeXccQYt2Q11q5TIHwmPTI6Xx5Lg_xr-MSQpRcv2gcOloG-4USYok0Yhun1WYq_YWIr4YvX4EWSRA8ANbTU5jl9g7sWpNMSZUvSR-qUn8g/s1600/IMAG0787.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>See. They go fast!</i><br />
<br />
We had never been indoor karting before, but these things can get to 45 mph and they are electric, so they don't smell! It was a lot of fun, although I was pretty intimidated by the other races who had obviously done this a lot. Most importantly, Richard enjoyed it and it was worthwhile. I ordered ribs from <a href="http://www.jackstackbbq.com/" target="_blank">Jack Stack</a> and they were amazing and we spent the evening with friends, which is exactly what Richard wanted to do for his birthday.<br />
<br />
I completely disagree with those that say as you get older, birthdays don't mean as much. I mean, if you want it to be like that, fine for you. But in my book, we will be having a fun day no matter how old we are!The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-23989295989410797822014-01-05T06:22:00.002-06:002014-01-05T06:22:50.798-06:00Am I Ready?Last Sunday, we were challenged to take some time before the new year and plan for our spiritual growth. It was a great sermon that asked a lot of questions, and since then, I have wanted to sit down and plan out my year. What will I study? What will I read? Is my theology ready for whatever comes in 2014? <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/42218271" target="_blank">(Click here to watch to that sermon by Rick Holland.)</a><br />
<br />
This morning, I finally sat down to think through the sermon and make a plan for spiritual growth this year. I started off by reading a sermon by J.C.Ryle, "Are You Ready?". It is a short little read (from which Rick Holland quotes frequently in his sermon) and it started me thinking soberly about the next 12 months. <a href="http://www.biblebb.com/files/ryle/are_you_ready.htm" target="_blank">(Click here to read that sermon by J.C. Ryle.)</a><br />
<br />
Never before have I really prepared for the year ahead, but I want to make sure I am ready for whatever happens. Not that the trials will be easier, the loss will be less or the growth will be exactly scaled at what I think it should. But that what I believe about God and his Word will be the solid foundation I need to be tossed against when both hard times and good things come.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-69879041379141017042013-12-10T14:16:00.000-06:002013-12-10T14:16:07.270-06:00SUR.REALWhen you reach the finish line of a race, the course doesn't seem as long or as difficult as it did while you were in the midst of it. That's how I feel this week, and it wasn't even my race.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Hubs graduates for the second time in our marriage. It's a lot different this time. When he graduated from dental school [2009] I threw a big party [<a href="http://www.richardandheather.blogspot.com/2009/06/big-day.html" target="_blank"><b>click here to review</b></a>], we left for Hawai'i two days later, we moved for the first time two weeks later, I had just quit one of my favorite jobs and life was a bit crazy. There was a ceremony and a cap & gown and he was officially pronounced as a doctor for the first time. It was exhausting and stressful and the very next day I accidentally locked myself outside our apartment and sat outside for hours with a migraine headache.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijODK9Js666LigNNvcigVeVb5O4Wfrv4__jMM8DCFbFp5LsH16KuKq9lJBfJr6b-N3L0KVjCLAqpRpagzAY0pT55rmKx4Vt9J1fPgHS-1RgYvtumgGBufzytyibPNyskLiVAPDn3mKqk4/s1600/Heather's+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijODK9Js666LigNNvcigVeVb5O4Wfrv4__jMM8DCFbFp5LsH16KuKq9lJBfJr6b-N3L0KVjCLAqpRpagzAY0pT55rmKx4Vt9J1fPgHS-1RgYvtumgGBufzytyibPNyskLiVAPDn3mKqk4/s400/Heather's+010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
When he graduates from orthodontic residency in a few days, there will be no party or vacation, we have no moving plans yet, and I'm still working at my job. Life is normal (depending on your definition of that word) and we are celebrating in a much calmer way. There is no ceremony and no cap or gown, just a nice dinner and a program with awards and congratulations. Although it is different, the excitement is just as high.<br />
<br />
The first part of the race was hard. We struggled to find our stride. There weren't a lot of people nearby to help keep us going and it really felt like the end was forever away. The work was long and strenuous, but Hubs kept pushing through. We kept trying to find the new normal for our life.<br />
<br />
About halfway through, we found our pace. People came alongside of us to cheer us on, to support and to encourage. We were enjoying it, and although we hit a few bumps and found times of fatigue, we knew we would make it to the end.<br />
<br />
For the last few weeks, we have been sprinting to the finish line. We have been thinking about what happens after we finish and trying to prepare for it. We still aren't sure what will happen, but that will come in a different post.<br />
<br />
It's kind of nice that this time is much calmer. We get to enjoy the finish much more. Hubs has raced extremely well and he is finishing with excellence. I couldn't be more excited for him and am so thankful to have shared every moment by his side. And I'll keep on cheering for him even after he runs through the tape at the end.<br />
<br />
And, just like finishing a race, I'm so glad that we did this, but I'm not interested in doing it again <strike>for a really long time</strike>.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-80900083977654452492013-11-17T18:13:00.001-06:002014-05-30T14:24:49.697-05:00Great resourcesThere are some really great resources that I have found over the past few months. I really want you to know about them.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trusting-God-Even-When-Hurts/dp/1600063055/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384726997&sr=1-1&keywords=trusting+god" target="_blank"><u>Trusting</u> <u>God</u> by Jerry Bridges.</a></b> If you've never heard about this book, then I'd be surprised. I feel like it is a must read for everyone. God is trustworthy in everything and I have been so comforted by studying God's sovereignty, wisdom and love.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Right-Thinking-World-Gone-Wrong/dp/0736926437/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384726972&sr=1-1&keywords=right+thinking+in+a+world+gone+wrong" target="_blank"><b>"Sorrow, Suffering, and the Sovereignty of God" by Rick Holland from <u>Right</u> <u>Thinking</u> <u>in</u> <u>a</u> <u>World</u> <u>Gone</u> <u>Wrong</u></b>.</a> A short article, again on God's sovereignty, but focusing on how we handle our trials and asking ourselves: What do I know? What do I think? What do I believe?<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.gracechurch.org/media/6250/the_believer39s_right_response_to_difficulty/" target="_blank">"The Believer's Right Response to Difficulty" sermon on Lamentations 3 by Rick Holland.</a> </b>He says at one point, "Complaining is the most serious of all spiritual threats because complaining puts yourself on the throne of God and says, 'I expect and deserve better than what you have dealt me in my life, God.'"<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.gracechurch.org/media/Default.aspx?filter=search&keyword=lisa%20martin&type=111" target="_blank">"Trusting God with Infertility and Miscarriage" lesson by Lisa Martin.</a></b> I listened to this after my first miscarriage, and then again after my second. It is a great perspective for you if you know of someone dealing with this or are that person dealing with it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/Programs/p/Revive%20Our%20Hearts/series/The%2520Heart%2520of%2520Hospitality/" target="_blank"><b>"Heart of Hospitality" radio series by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.</b></a> I'm still listening through these, but they are great on learning what hospitality is and is not.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.gbchutch.com/media-vault/sermons#speaker_user_15" target="_blank">"Unmet Expectations" series by Lisa Hughes.</a></b> This is a great series on unmet expectations, which we all have! I really love that you can print off the notes, which have a section for you to do extra study in your own personal time in the Word. I've been incredibly thankful for this.<br />
<br />The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-68658528387979094582013-11-07T08:28:00.002-06:002013-11-07T08:28:34.441-06:00What I will miss about St. LouisThere are a lot of things, but for sure this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RTsUDhCZN_kxbobGhfdfiAhiWo0MwgyMgr56E-W0QesueHN1ART2yTYGP2DkEpi96t5TfxknCt8Dsi5e8PamPXBc10jvALW4JP6SaWOEP-SGslV5l1LBqxsSiBVJerUjs1KT5lb1hLg/s1600/ombre+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RTsUDhCZN_kxbobGhfdfiAhiWo0MwgyMgr56E-W0QesueHN1ART2yTYGP2DkEpi96t5TfxknCt8Dsi5e8PamPXBc10jvALW4JP6SaWOEP-SGslV5l1LBqxsSiBVJerUjs1KT5lb1hLg/s400/ombre+tree.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not sure if you can tell, but this tree is keeping up with the times and has decided to go ombre this year, starting with a light yellow at the bottom and turning to you a flame red at the top. It stands strong and tall at the entrance of our neighborhood, and I had to snap a photo from my car before those leaves dump to the ground.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where we are [most likely] going has trees, but not like this. I'm so thankful for such a beautiful Fall this year!</div>
<br />The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-83259500189688732332013-10-31T21:46:00.000-05:002013-11-01T08:37:57.618-05:00The Big 3-0It was inevitably going to happen. Turning 30, that is. I think the reason this was somewhat dreaded is that I understand how fast time goes by. Now that I know how fast the past ten years went, I know I am going to blink and be turning 40. So, I guess I'll just keep my eyes wide open for the next decade.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I figured today would be pretty normal. For everyone else it is Halloween, or a beautiful fall day, or Reformation Day. So, I thought I would quietly pass through my 30th birthday, working through being a year older and having unmet expectations in life on my own. But it wasn't like that at all. Instead, my day was so great that I hardly noticed that I entered a new decade!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUoRC2gGkbAR7unkN-LKzzsxEdq8s4139ZkFVtjmQ5Trx0k2AVHuc_pBR0CR8zSlTg6ilOHEg5dqTiCH4wW8TbKriUmb0zfjUMiQnZFOrlUHgq_peRjy3Fm5GbgD2nkJtxM1k9ZRLzGw/s1600/Fall+Color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUoRC2gGkbAR7unkN-LKzzsxEdq8s4139ZkFVtjmQ5Trx0k2AVHuc_pBR0CR8zSlTg6ilOHEg5dqTiCH4wW8TbKriUmb0zfjUMiQnZFOrlUHgq_peRjy3Fm5GbgD2nkJtxM1k9ZRLzGw/s400/Fall+Color.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You know what made this birthday so great (besides the incredible fall color and our waitress thinking I was only 22)? People. I'm so glad to have people in my life. From a 6am coffee surprise, to lots of texts and messages, to an overflowing mailbox of cards, to unexpected gifts - people showed me their love and their care. And it meant A. LOT. I'm so thankful we don't have to go through life alone.<br />
<br />
So here I go into a new decade of life. I can't imagine what the next ten years will bring, but I'm sure it will fly by faster than the last ten!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC8jOtKyD_kzoUzIDa8zjEzWUFmmhyphenhyphenuTWJLNmQs2P_NjnnFmrIv-fQ18TE56-oRfphd7WfSnw-Es-iyneyhBxg-JPQevCfhs83rYnsdprBSSja2VJy7qXW5hjw2nPJJN61btX3WxFDUg/s1600/Me+&+Ransom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC8jOtKyD_kzoUzIDa8zjEzWUFmmhyphenhyphenuTWJLNmQs2P_NjnnFmrIv-fQ18TE56-oRfphd7WfSnw-Es-iyneyhBxg-JPQevCfhs83rYnsdprBSSja2VJy7qXW5hjw2nPJJN61btX3WxFDUg/s400/Me+&+Ransom.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
<i>And now all of the sudden I'm really sad Ransom won't be around when I turn 40...</i></div>
The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-73365721070870546752013-09-06T14:42:00.001-05:002013-09-06T14:42:24.538-05:00Halloween 2013I noticed this week that stores are decorated in orange and black. Usually this would make me super excited and I would buy some candy corn and peanuts to have around the house. And some orange & black m'n'ms. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year, I would be okay with them holding off on decorating for Halloween. Because this year, it means we are getting closer to a major milestone. THIRTY!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Okay, I'm not really dreading it as much as it may seem. But, it does seem unreal that I should be turning 30. I don't feel like I am that old. And yet, 30 seems a lot younger now that I am almost there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, my ideal 30th birthday is a trip to New York City to shop, eat at really awesome restaurants and see shows on Broadway. It just isn't really the right time for that, so I'd settle for a trip to the beach. But, it isn't really the right time for that either. I think I'll celebrate my normal way - with a good cup of coffee and a book. As long as I don't have to go to a costume party, I'll be fine. [I can't stand costume parties.]</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, ready or not, it is coming. In 55 days!</div>
The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-71090415901996341032013-09-03T06:31:00.001-05:002013-09-03T06:31:54.459-05:00Orthodontic Residency - In ReviewTwo days ago it really struck me: there are only 3 months left of Orthodontic Residency. That is only 16 weeks. Where did the last 2 years go?<br />
<br />
Moving to St. Louis wasn't the easiest transition. It was hot and humid that summer and I had to look for a job. Two things I don't love. Though thankful for the job I found, I didn't enjoy it and we had gone "backwards" in life. We were in school again, working within a tight budget. We didn't know our way around this giant city and had met very few people. Hubs was adjusting to being a student again, and jumping through all the hoops and doing all the tedious work that comes along with that. We tried not to think about the large sums of money we were paying for him to be doing paperwork and thought about the end investment. We often wondered why we moved, but deep down knew it had been the right things to do.<br />
<br />
A year into residency, and things were getting better. It was still hot and humid, and I still don't love that. But, my job was much better - a new position was created just for me with more responsibility, we had adjusted to the new lifestyle and we weren't pulling out the Garmin every time we needed to go somewhere. Hubs was enjoying resident-life more, and although it still took up a big chunk of his time, we still found the time to have fun. We had met some great friends and a were starting in a new small group. We had found our place here.<br />
<br />
Two years into residency, and major hurdles have passed. Hubs passed his board exam with a great score. His thesis is halfway done with experimentation dates planned. I have a new job and we have made even deeper friendships. Driving 30 minutes to get somewhere doesn't seem as crazy as it once did. We have come to love the many conveniences of a large city and Hubs even received a huge scholarship to help us out financially. The past months have consisted of conversation after conversation about our future, each conversation getting more specific and closer to the end. We are to the point of making major, most likely permanent decisions. I take more trips to Forest Park, soaking in my favorite part in St. Louis. I plan more time with friends, treasuring the friendships we have.<br />
<br />
There is no more school after this. We have neared the end and it is <strike>a little </strike>scary for me. The theme of our marriage has always been trusting in the Lord and leaning on each other, and this is no different. In one more year, our life will look completely different and that brings with it a mixture of excitement and trepidation. So, I rest in the Lord during these days. I constantly pray and read His word about His sovereignty, wisdom and love. And the goal of our life hasn't changed. No matter what the future holds and where we go, our desire is to love God more, love others more and love each other more.The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-9537590302036750052013-08-12T14:52:00.001-05:002013-08-12T14:52:27.593-05:00I'm more attached than I thoughtWhen Hubs and I leave town, we take Ransom to a dog boarding facility. It was a shocker at first that we would pay over double what we were used to, but we love Bauserhaus and found they are actually on the cheaper end of other places and I prefer their style of boarding than others. Ransom is playing with dogs for 10-12 hours each day and comes home exhausted. Before, he would try (and succeed) to escape his enclosure, and would give me such sad eyes and throw a fit when I left him. Now, we drop him off and he doesn't even look back to see if we left.<br />
<br />
This time, I dropped Ransom off a day before we left town. I thought about how lovely it would be to clean the house and it not immediately get covered in hair and drool. However, I didn't realize how accustomed I had become to having him in the house.<br />
<br />
When I came home from shopping, I subconsciously expected him to be standing at the door, tail wagging. It doesn't matter that I usually don't pet him or give Hume any attention as I walk inside; he still greets me like I've been gone for days. And I kind of missed it.<br />
<br />
As I was working in the basement, I lost track of time and realized it was almost 6:00 pm. Then I realized why the time had crept up on me. Ransom wasn't there to annoy me at 5:00 sharp for his food. His incessant nagging can drive me crazy, but when it was gone, I missed it.<br />
<br />
Our house is not noisy for the most part, but with Ransom gone, it was eerie quiet. There was not clinging of the collar tags, now shaking of the head, no loud yawns or dream barks, and no "click click click" of the paws against the hardwood floor. I found I like a little noise.<br />
<br />
I woke up in the morning and shifted in bed and waited for Ransom to hop off his bed, anxiously hoping that I was finally awake and ready to start the day. Nothing happened. It was strange to not have that normal morning routine, and I even missed that.<br />
<br />
So, it turns out I may be more attached to our big black monster than I thought.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9cstu_BqiARYLC7vA0-gl7ly9-zqoTNt7FSJa5pEu0MDplyZ3VYQ650IrwrK0kcCUQGnGzAfswkwE7uAYK9CtSQmJC4LqnV0qIqicnU9c0Qeve2vtmFhZc3G43a2PZWFC_yyYsDq1q0/s1600/IMG_20130303_222920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9cstu_BqiARYLC7vA0-gl7ly9-zqoTNt7FSJa5pEu0MDplyZ3VYQ650IrwrK0kcCUQGnGzAfswkwE7uAYK9CtSQmJC4LqnV0qIqicnU9c0Qeve2vtmFhZc3G43a2PZWFC_yyYsDq1q0/s320/IMG_20130303_222920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-43311593274575409522013-08-05T09:56:00.000-05:002013-08-05T09:56:20.250-05:00A Brazilian BarbequeWhen Hubs told me we needed to go to a graduation party, I was reluctnant. Parties where I don't know anyone aren't my fave, but we headed there, planning to do the American thing and stay for a little bit, then leave.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I didn't realize until we pulled up to the house was that this family was Brazilian. We were right on time, and as we walked to the door, obviously the first people there, I mentioned that in Brazilian time we were probably really early. Sure enough, it was obvious they were not expecting anyone to arrive on time and the next guests did not arrive for another 30 minutes. Clearly, this was not going to be a come and go party.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We sat and chatted for a while and the guests started to arrive. Immediately, we were submerged into a different culture. The language of this house was Portegeuse and the culture was Brazilian. We felt very out of place.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The food? It was delicious and not for the vegetarian. Meat just kept coming and coming. The most flavorful steak I've had in a long time. It is a cut of meat that isn't very common in the U.S. and was only seasoned with salt. It was delicious. Then, there were these things call "cheese balls." I ate so much food because it just kept coming, and it was so good, I had no complaints. I'm determine to find somewhere to find this cut of meat.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two very nice men (one of them Richard's professor) were kind enough to sit with us and speak in English. It was fun to talk with them, and we knew they were being super nice to make us feel welcome in an awkward situation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 90 minutes, we decided we should get going. But, dessert hadn't been served and we were told we must try the dessert. So a little later, out comes a giant apricot and dulce de leche cake with these layers: cake, apricots, cake, dulce de leche, cake, frosting and a mound of strawberries. Not only was it very good, it was beautiful. Along with the cake came these amazing little homemade chocolate caramels. I loved them. And then, after the cake, was passion fruit mousse. And of course, it was delicious.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Two and a half hours after we arrived, we left, completely stuffed with food. We also left with an invitation to another Brazilian party in a month. And we left ready to plan a vacation to Brazil in 2015!</div>
The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-85821815720710645622013-08-01T20:51:00.001-05:002013-08-01T20:51:23.425-05:00When Hubs is AwayWhen Hubs is away, I explore and do things I normally don't do. I'll take long walks without telling anyone where I'm at, or go walking at 10:30 pm past shady apartment complexes. I drive myself to places I haven't been before. I have not seen everything in St. Louis yet, and having extra time where I know I don't have to make dinner or be home at a certain time is fun. Plus, I have to find something to fill all the lonely time up. Usually I take Ransom with me for protection.<br />
<br />
Hubs hates it that I do this.<br />
<br />
This time, I decided to check out two nature parks I had heard about. The first one was a bit run down. It didn't look super nice and there were very few cars in the lot. But, I still got out and covered myself with bug spray (because bugs seem to attack me) and set off on the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeCDVZpAry05lMlWicBd3m17lRqth6_8Desl-XZOL0X46wFG7NrsM4lB5WKNIGGO4LBNm7Rc8zXSErU2DwHDvxYjAUceU-28fxu3tIsfp_HZRfqU6nJ29AVZt3GIdQVhJ4tS1Aees0CA/s1600/IMAG0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeCDVZpAry05lMlWicBd3m17lRqth6_8Desl-XZOL0X46wFG7NrsM4lB5WKNIGGO4LBNm7Rc8zXSErU2DwHDvxYjAUceU-28fxu3tIsfp_HZRfqU6nJ29AVZt3GIdQVhJ4tS1Aees0CA/s400/IMAG0608.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
It was pretty, but the paved portion was really short. So, I took off on what looked to be a dirt trail off-shoot. I hiked for quite a ways up onto a bluff over the river. It seemed like the trail would go forever, but then I started thinking about the fact that I was all alone and nobody knew where I was. I then started going over scenarios in my mind about what I should do if someone were to take me. I had at least taken my phone with me, but realized a bad man would take it from me in an instance. I needed to hide it; so I put it an unmentionable spot and decided that I would text Hubs from the trunk of this unknown assailant's car. Then I would push out his tail light and someone would see me and call 9-1-1. Then I'd be safe. No big deal, but I wouldn't do any TV interviews because if the man got out on bail, he might try to find me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaR4DoZyY6EmRBdmYotMdsnQxibDduVlm3TRsXlQeVGRMtbnmTzDWTYke34wWfxIQlef-E_4aRmgU6e1j4XbeBVAn_4isJs6FnDTQqSIAMP6g09PpGajHZhRV1qgbI08Xu68vCI7d8m0/s1600/IMAG0609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaR4DoZyY6EmRBdmYotMdsnQxibDduVlm3TRsXlQeVGRMtbnmTzDWTYke34wWfxIQlef-E_4aRmgU6e1j4XbeBVAn_4isJs6FnDTQqSIAMP6g09PpGajHZhRV1qgbI08Xu68vCI7d8m0/s400/IMAG0609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once I figured that out, I decided to return back to the paved part of the trail. I was really pleased with myself that I found my way back with no problems. I made sure I had exhausted all the options of the paved trail and then decided to try another park on my way home.<br />
<br />
This second park is Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. It is very nice with three paved trails. I choose one of the short ones, thinking I would try them all. What I didn't expect was the steep hills. It was a constant up and down trail for 2/3 of a mile - super steep hills, with switchbacks. I loved jogging this trail because it was completely in the woods and I love to be enclosed by a forest. They have a staffed information center and the parking lot was much fuller and I saw other women walking around by themselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYirF0-SsngbB7K-uZ4mZXFIyVu_6LJD4UALWnFoyoplKPQdt4ZEalOHG8ozOVVDmlzfIor8d4j99scfAPlU3nozQo96scsj6vsWWALMQFr1Zz6uer88oLcXXFpGe4807OtMRgxH_oik/s1600/IMAG0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYirF0-SsngbB7K-uZ4mZXFIyVu_6LJD4UALWnFoyoplKPQdt4ZEalOHG8ozOVVDmlzfIor8d4j99scfAPlU3nozQo96scsj6vsWWALMQFr1Zz6uer88oLcXXFpGe4807OtMRgxH_oik/s400/IMAG0612.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
While I did not feel scared at either of these places, I felt safer at the second and I plan to go there again on my way home from work. It was really nice and enjoyable.<br />
<br />
I really feel like I should tell you that when Hubs is away I don't do anything that I feel is unsafe. But I may go jogging at Forest Park or go try out a new park that I haven't yet visited or try out a new area of town if I know there is a store or coffee shop I have been wanting to see. (The walk at 10:30 pm past the shady apartments was a necessary task when Hubs was away due to getting home late. I walked really fast and had Ransom for protection.) I always do my exploring during the day and if I ever felt scared, I would stop.<br />
<br />
Hubs knows I am an explorer. When we went to Seattle a few years ago, Hubs had an interview and I took off to explore downtown Seattle by myself. That included walking 2 miles to a bus stop, navigating the bus system to downtown, spending the day downtown, taking the bus back and walking 2 miles back to the hotel.<br />
<br />
I think Hubs just wishes I would explore when he was in town...The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-83574221033646387902013-07-22T10:09:00.005-05:002013-07-22T16:15:10.902-05:00Seven.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVWIu5tHMFDw7whKyBnP4vUtOj0b4uniQp_6O0hKxOgfxSdoSzG2SfSo5A_CqEwT93hdjrsGxGTcFVwi-4JsU3XcPLvO2LvNgKy3OXBX_YFpkN8ZVRcWjKt-KAzZjQlIdemJ3gPxVfpM/s1600/DSC00173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoVWIu5tHMFDw7whKyBnP4vUtOj0b4uniQp_6O0hKxOgfxSdoSzG2SfSo5A_CqEwT93hdjrsGxGTcFVwi-4JsU3XcPLvO2LvNgKy3OXBX_YFpkN8ZVRcWjKt-KAzZjQlIdemJ3gPxVfpM/s400/DSC00173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>We were married long enough ago that we didn't get digital copies of our photos.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTmI4bOhJeKPePsMrGoL3ruxdO36Csca3xDwYbaBqg7V6ms1HXRlbOQPxleeHgt_a8VBxHeB4RaaWmNgMjBpOmRTQw657DE7dlx3xhUIchZTECf2Wdx9fOR4ConDsU47ACzhzB7F18po/s1600/DSC00175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTmI4bOhJeKPePsMrGoL3ruxdO36Csca3xDwYbaBqg7V6ms1HXRlbOQPxleeHgt_a8VBxHeB4RaaWmNgMjBpOmRTQw657DE7dlx3xhUIchZTECf2Wdx9fOR4ConDsU47ACzhzB7F18po/s400/DSC00175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>Now we are all married, and we all look a lot <strike>different</strike> older.</i><br />
<br />
It's been seven years of Hubs and Feath. Seven seems monumental. It feels like it hasn't been that long, but it also feels like it has been just that long when I think of all we have done in that time. I think that Seven moves us out of the "young marrieds" category. Although we are not yet in the "old marrieds," we definitely have moved past those things that we struggled with in the earlier years. Life would not be the same without Hubs, and I would not trade him for anything.<br />
<br />
For our anniversary this year, we celebrated 3 days early. Hubs took me to Rasoi, an Indian restaurant, and then to an outdoor movie at my favorite spot in St. Louis, Forest Park. During dinner, we went through all of our anniversaries, remembering what we did for each one. We've had some great ones:<br />
<br />
<b>One year:</b> Took a "staycation" at a nice hotel in Lincoln, painted pottery, went to a movie, had a picnic. <br />
<b>Two years:</b> It was the last day of our 2 week vacation in Hawai'i. A trip to remember.<br />
<b>Three years:</b> Low-key dinner at a local restaurant. But, we had been in Hawai'i 2 months earlier and just moved to Kansas.<br />
<b>Four years:</b> Spent two days in Chicago and had pizza with great friends.<br />
<b>Five years:</b> Went to the City Museum in St. Louis, but took an anniversary trip to Israel in March.<br />
<b>Six years:</b> Had breakfast out together before church. And then, a month later, we hiked Long's Peak.<br />
<br />
This year has been a busy one with the end of school and making plans for the next stage. So, there are no vacations, but it was so nice for the two of us to get out for a nice dinner. And to add to it, our waiter's reaction to our years of marriage made us laugh.<br />
<br />
--------------<br />
<br />
Towards the end of our meal, the waiter came by and took my hand, admiring my wedding ring. He said it was beautiful, to which I responded, "I know," because it still is one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen. Hubs mentioned that we were celebrating our 7th anniversary. The waiter was surprised because we look younger than we are, and then he said, "Any kids?"<br />
<br />
"No, no kids," we replied.<br />
<br />
"Too long. You need to start," he told us. "Tonight."<br />
<br />
"Haha. Okay, we'll keep that in mind," as we think this is the strangest conversation we have ever had with a waiter.<br />
<br />
As we were leaving, he tells us, "Good luck tonight."<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
--------------</div>
<div>
<br />
We laughed over such a forward conversation from our waiter and then headed out to the park to watch "The Princess Bride." Keeping with my norm when we start a movie after 9:00 pm, I fell asleep during the movie. Hubs enjoyed it though, with his lame, can't-stay-awake wife of Seven years. In another seven, he will be putting me to bed at 7 pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AEyTtnSNoNMO0QvJDP4Gb9LVqHSGjV-lOm8yDutNuxeoZUdRzhdGtDy-SATrlme8geC1fPFpevKICG9SQxf8TP75HeKYy9BSGeFgtt87A84NshCKvwVxzZ0vyyBekeJuDOQLQuLt4_M/s1600/DSC00178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AEyTtnSNoNMO0QvJDP4Gb9LVqHSGjV-lOm8yDutNuxeoZUdRzhdGtDy-SATrlme8geC1fPFpevKICG9SQxf8TP75HeKYy9BSGeFgtt87A84NshCKvwVxzZ0vyyBekeJuDOQLQuLt4_M/s400/DSC00178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609525135157388124.post-22031803507418133212013-07-18T22:11:00.003-05:002013-07-18T22:11:31.368-05:00Saddest thing I read todayToday I read an <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/16/vatican-indulgences-pope-francis-tweets" target="_blank">article</a> entitled, "Vatican offers 'time off' purgatory to followers of Pope Francis' tweets." As much as this article sickened me due to the deception offered in making people believe they can do a simple act to earn favor with God, the grief was that the Savior's death on the cross means so little to those claiming His name.<br />
<br />
It reminded me of what one of my favorite teachers said this weekend regarding Christ's death: "When we contemplate this scene [the cross] and that statement, 'It is finished,' I always think, what could break the heart of a loving, giving, holy God more than for you or for me to think we could add something to it. That there is something I have to do to supplement that. It. Is. Finished."<br />
<br />
God can fix physical death easily. He said, "Lazarus, come out," and he did. But to fix spiritual death, it required Him pouring out His wrath on his perfect son. So that I could be made right before Him. Surely nothing could be done or need be done. It was finished on the cross.<br />
<br />The Feather Fileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693418921684418357noreply@blogger.com2