Up,Up, and Away

We are out of here this afternoon. After a harrowing evening of trying to decided if I packed too much, maybe too little. Should I just bring the kids entire closet? Packing for kids is difficult. Packing for a baby is just plain crazy. Diapers,wipes, bottles,formula, and that's not even starting with clothes. I really don't mind in the long run. We could just skip all of this mess and wait until the kids are older to travel, but life is too short to let a couple nights of intense packing mania get in the way of the fun.

Truth be told, my greatest dread is the point we leave home until we are safely seated on the plane. I understand the threat of terrorism is never to be taken lightly, but the TSA doesn't make it easy on parents with small children. It starts as we try to juggle our luggage, stroller, baby carrier, and hand bags into the airport while keeping a close eye on Kaylie making sure she doesn't wander off. Any line is formidable with children. Will I be able to keep Kaylie entertained long enough? If we make it to the front of the line, she will inevitably tell me she has to go the the bathroom right that second. We finally make it to the security line only to pull off all shoes and pull out any items from our bags that could even pose the slightest security risk. I keep Kaylie's hand firmly in my own while keeping a tight grip on our shoes, tickets, and other personal belongings, just praying that we won't be pulled aside for another check. When we make it through there is the mad dash for the gate and then the waiting begins. We are usually always flying standby on my dad's passes so we are eagerly anticipating our name to be called to ensure we will have a seat on the flight, and hoping they don't separate us from the kids. Yes they have done this before. Usually we can find a kind soul who either feels sorry for us or doesn't like the thought of sitting next to a curious, unattended three year old. Once we are on the plane I can take a sigh and relax for two seconds until I hear that familiar phrase..."mommy,I need to go to the bathroom."

Yes it's all still worth it!

California Here We Come!

Ahhh vacation. The words always sound so sweet! We are headed off at the end of this week for what seems to be a yearly trip to California. We always discuss other ideas, and we always say we will do something different next year, but here we go again. Honestly it just feels like home, and we know we can relax here even with two kids. We also got a really good deal on some Disney tickets. Three days for the kids price. This probably will be our last trip here for awhile...seriously. We would like to take the kids to Disney World in Florida, but we decided we want to wait until they are both a little older. It is so big and there is so much to do we want everyone to be able to enjoy it without diaper changes or bottles to make.
We have been truly blessed to be able to get away for the kids so often. It has helped that my dear dad works for American. I am excited to say we have paid for the trip completely with cash, and with the use of some creative budget planning it will come off being quite affordable. Gotta love priceline and restaurant coupons! My parents are going to come out for a couple of days because Disney has a promotion going on right now. If you come on your birthday you get in free. My dad's birthday just happens to be the 30th. Who could pass that up when you can practically fly for free! I know it will be a welcome break after 2 weeks of hard work in Africa.
We are also going to take a day and go to Santa Monica. I love the beach and all of the quirky shops and entertainment. It is so invigorating. I am looking forward to sharing the tradition once again with my kids. I keep telling Kaylie she should be so thankful for the opportunity she has been given. She may still be too young to understand, but I never want her to take for granted what she has. It is amazing to look back at past trips and see how she has grown.
Here she is on her first trip,only 4 months old.



A vacation right after her second birthday
Her most recent trip.I look forward to the new memories we will create with our kids, and the fun that comes along with it. Now I need to focus on cleaning and packing before work starts back up tomorrow.

Teething is a Nightmare

What happened to my sweet little boy? He has been overtaken by the teething monster. I have heard stories about babies who go absolutely crazy while teething. I didn't believe it. Kaylie never really fussed while she was teething. She never ran a fever. Yes she chewed on things more than usual, but for the most part she just went with the flow. Micah has decided to throw all of our previous parental confidence out the window. So much for thinking all that experience with the first baby would make raising the second a breeze. Micah has proven what every parent says but I had failed to realize until now. Every child is different. Micah has always been a little more clingy since birth. He likes to be held and coddled. He is not usually content to just lie in his crib or sit in a bumbo and chew on a teething ring. I had finally made some peace with this. Chris and I had learned to balance a baby on one knee while eating and allowing a little extra cuddle time after getting up in the morning. He had started gaining that cute little baby personality, laughing, smiling, and babbling a lot of intelligent baby wisdom. Suddenly a few weeks ago things began to seriously change. It started with an almost constant drool. No problem, nothing a burp rag and a few extra changes of clothes can't handle. Then came an instinct to chomp down and gum on anything that comes close to his mouth. Who knew gums could injure a finger so badly? Next came the continuous crying as he chews on his own hand. At this point it is almost impossible to make him happy. If I hold him he still whines, if I give him a teething ring he gets frustrated because he can't shove the whole thing in his mouth. I even have tried oragel which works temporarily, but in no way solves the problem. I work so hard to get a smile or even a little laugh, but he just seems uncomfortable most of the time. I know time is really the only solution, but my sanity is wearing thin. When it's all over I 'll look back and this will seem like a little blip in the entire spectrum of child rearing, but for now I'm just praying for those little teeth to start coming in!

Obama Mania

It was a big day for a lot of people yesterday. I like the majority of the country watched parts of the inauguration ceremonies. I thought I would have a lot to say on the topic because I always get an itch for political banter. Surprisingly I do not feel like analyzing much. It is a wait and see situation. No man is god, and no one person can save the world from all its ills.

That being said I am done with political talk for this blog. Instead I would like to talk about being sick. I hate it. I just had a cold last month before Christmas. Stupid rhino virus getting to me again. I'm just glad it came now instead of next week because we are headiong for vacation next Thurday. I am so ready for some time away.

Just Missing

I don't like it so much when my parents are away. It is even worse when they are in a place where phone and internet usage are limited. I am spoiled to having them so close. I cannot count the number of times I have picked up the phone to call my mom to tell her something, and then I have to remind myself she is not at home. Only about eight days left. That seems like a lifetime from now.

It may sound crazy, but I wish I were in hot,dusty Burkina Faso right now. It would be better than staring at this energy vaccuum they call a computer.

Snack Time

I have a new favorite snack, and it's healthy too! A quarter of a loaf of naan with 2 tbl. of garlic hummus and some cucumbers on top.

Come Fly With Me

I really need to fly away...just for awhile

On Towards Africa

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It holds the unfortunate title as the third poorest country in the world. I find this completely amazing considering all of the desitute places on this planet, but here is where my parents have been called time and time again. I have not had the privilege of visiting yet, but I know my time will come.

This week my parents left to lead a team along with a few doctors to do a medical outreach in the capitol of Ougadougou and some surrounding villages. They will try to provide some very basic medical care in hopes of making some inroads for a trip in the future that will be on a larger scale. To look at the needs of countries like this is overwhelming. Attempts to bring some sort of aid and hope almost seem like trying to drain the ocean with a bucket. In spite of the circumstances we the body of Christ are called to this, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, reach out to the hurting both spiritually and physically. I have a bad habit of getting caught up in myself and my needs, but to know Christ is to live a life opposite to human nature. It is to be selfless to give even when we feel spent. Today I must repent once again for my self absorption and short sightedness. It may be a small bucket, but it is my bucket and I am willing to be used to do my part here until one day I can reach across that ocean.

Nothing New

Solomon states in Ecclesiastes
That which has been is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.

Everywhere you look, everywhere you go people are always looking for the newest sound, the latest trend, or change they can believe in. I read countless blogs and realize similar threads of life that weave through my writings as well as others. We all crave the chance to put our spin on the world as we see it. It may be helpful to ponder this statement. There is really nothing new, if it is said now it was said then. Nations will rise and nations will fall just like the tides of the ocean. Unknown people will rise and achieve great feats and great people will fall and become unknown.

It is with this I realize my writings are not here to create something new or break out with the latest and greatest ideas. It is all simple really, there is only one constant that can turn the mundane into something fresh with purpose. In the mean time as I keep my eye on the prize, to author and finisher of my faith, I'd like to share the journey with you dear reader. All these things that make us different lead us to the point that we are all in the end very much the same.

Jillian,you're killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My birthday has come and gone. Another year, another day that I have been blessed to walk this earth.
This years present to myself is 6 pounds of weight loss. It may not sound like much, but after 14 days of sweat and tears coupled with everyday trials and tribulations I have managed to bring the number on the scale down. Now that is progress! I have to say I love Jillian...she has motivated me in no way anyone could. She doesn't pretend it's easy or even fun at times, but she pushes you to reach heights you never thought you could. I started a three level system. Just the first level made me feel like I would die, but slowly I got more adept and it wasn't too painful. I finally summoned the courage to hit level two Friday. Whoa did it kick my butt. I thought the throbbing muscle pains from the early workouts were gone, but no such luck. I have felt muscles I didn't even know I had. What makes me even happier than the weight loss is the strength I feel. Instead of losing the weight in muscle mass and fat through some unhealthy fad diet, I can feel my body adapting and growing stronger. It is amazing how changing one facet of your life can spill into every other corner. I feel more confident because I know just because things are uncomfortable doesn't mean I give up, it means I press in harder and push through.
Hmmmm I think there could be a spiritual lesson in there somewhere. God is even trying to talk to me in my workouts. Anyway I just wanted to share my progress and excitement. I don't like to talk too much about it because there are always ups and downs. Never the less I just want to provide some encouragement to anyone out there who finds themselves falling in and out of dieting, exercise, etc. There is hope just keep pressing on!

Drowning

At work the new year brings with it the challenge of tying up all of the loose ends from the old year. Yesterday I started the feat of moving the contents of my filing cabinets into boxes for storage. I was so proud of myself. I had almost completed the project and ran short just a few boxes. No big deal, I could get those in by tomorrow.

Surprise! My boss walked in with a mile high stack of not just last years invoices, but some 2007 paper work that someone forgot to pass along to me. Nice, now I get to spend the whole day tomorrow locked away in the hot file room going through boxes and catching up. I think I may just build a fort with my boxes and hide out the rest of the day.

Friends

Good friends are hard to come by these days. Chris and I have often pondered the passing of people in and out of our lives. Sometimes it can be quite lonely. So few people have truly understood us, our lives, and our call. I feel sometimes we must take the less beaten path. It is hard and difficult. Connection and understanding is something everyone longs for, but sometimes we must be satisfied to just be.

Birthdays All Around

Today kicks off a month of birthdays. Four people in my immediete family have birthdays this month including me. Melody gets us started today. She is turning eighteen. Happy brithday Melody welcome to adulthood! Where did the time go? It's really strange to think that it has been seven years since I turned eighteen. My birthday comes next and then my mom's is two days later. My dad rounds it out with a birthday falling near the end of the month. We will have our fair share of cake and happy birthday tunage to carry us till July when my brother's birthday falls.

I've always found it a bit rough having a birthday that falls in January. I know all you Christmas babies are shaking your heads right now. I don't know what it's like to receive birthday presents wrapped in Santa Clause wrapping paper, but at least your birthdays fall when everyone is in a cheery,holiday mood. I get the beginning of the year when everyone is hitting reality with a resounding thud. Credit card bills start showing up from those holiday purchases, and most people are gloomy because now that Christmas is over they long for warm summer days. I don't necessarily mind that my family and I share such close birthdays, but it can be a bit hard on the pocketbook with so many dinners and presents. You want everyone's day to be extra special, but at the same time you have to be realistic. It must be tough being a septuplet.

Here's to a month full of birthdays. With our combined ages we could probably really light a cake on fire!!! Happy birthday family, sharing a January birthday is not always easy, but I love you just the same.

A Few Pictures

Here it is at last. Our holiday memories shared in pictures

Kaylie loved her hot chocolate

We had to mail a letter to Santa

Micah enjoyed the holidays by chillin

We checked out a really cool neighborhood where each street had a theme. Our favorite was the Peanuts theme

And what would Christmas be without a trip to the Galleria? Honestly, a lot cheaper on the wallet. Kaylie looks like she might be afraid of falling three stories.

Once again Micah is more interested in his feet than shopping.
Ahhh Christmas dinner at Italliani's. You can tell Kaylie is thrilled about another picture, or looking for an escape route.

Mommy and Micah celebrating our first Christmas together.

The family

Santa left a bicycle under the tree!!!!

Some of the cousins on Christmas day. It was the best we could do with three tired kids!

We had a fun and eventful holiday season. Now the decorations have been packed away till next year, but the memories will remain. It is definitely like ripping a band-aid off. I never feel like packing it in, but the longer I wait the harder it will be.

Our New Years was quiet and uneventful, but that is not a bad thing. Next week its back to the old routine. May this week bring you a fresh and happy start to the new year.