We have had a wonderful Fall season. It has been beautiful! We have seen brilliant colors all around...all to just fall to the ground. But I did manage to get my camera out and get some good shots. I took this one at Dunbar Cave Park, here in Clarksville. I color balanced the photo, but the colors ARE natural. God is such an artist!Here are few pictures of our Fall adventures in the leaf-filled front yard. All three of the kids seem to enjoy the leaves, which is good, because there are plenty!
A good friend of mine, who also happens to be a great mother and amazing Christian woman, told me that I HAD to read Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp. Being the procrastinator that I am, I kept putting it off. Last week I was grumbling to her about the struggles of parenting a child who lies literally every day. She insisted that I get this book and start reading it a.s.a.p. So I drove straight to Life Way to pick it up. Conveniently enough, they only had one left in stock. I have not even made it through the first chapter yet and I already feel like a new parent. I have a ton to share, just from the introduction that has me spinning.
So one of the first things you read is this: “The book teaches you what your goals as a parent ought to be, and how to pursue those ends practically. It teaches you how to engage children about what really matters, how to address your child’s heart by your words and actions.”
Wait, so my goals are wrong? Having them behave in public, respect others, get good grades…is all that wrong? Well, in my case, yes. I have been dead wrong, because I have not bothered to mention to my children that we do all these things to glorify God! I guess I just honestly thought they would pick up on that. Yeah, I know…I’ve got a long way to go.
Mr. Tripp goes on to write about how old-time discipline practices don’t work anymore and they never will. Not because “kids these days” are any different, but because our societal standards change over time, and with that, so does our response. Children do not have an innate fear of a “boss” anymore, because our culture’s response to authority is through bonuses and rewards and not fear.
So how do you show your children authority, without one, beating them or two, paying them off to behave? Well, you simply look up. God has given us the answers, we’ve just gotten so wrapped up in worldly living that we forget that society is not our redeemer. Mr. Tripp goes on to write, “God calls his creatures to live under authority. You exercise authority as God’s agent…not direct your children for your own agenda or convenience.” Well crap! I’ve been doing this allllllll wrong.
Now on to shepherding, what does it mean to shepherd a child’s heart? Well, the parent should be the child’s guide, right? I agree with that. Finally, something I am already on board with. Now how do I change my focus and give the kids Godly counsel without them thinking I have been abducted by aliens? Tripp explains it like this, “This shepherding process is a richer interaction than telling your child what to do and think. It involves INVESTING your life in your child in open and honest communication that unfolds the meaning and purpose of life.”
Well, obviously, Mr. Tripp has never met Mekyla. If you do nothing else in this house, you do not give Mekyla the opportunity to think you have done something wrong, she knows more than you, or that she has an advantage. If I am honest with her, like it suggests, it will surely backfire. Surely. He goes on to say, “It is not simply direction, but direction in which there is self-disclosure and sharing.” Well…maybe he does know Mekyla. I guess our honesty with her, should teach her to be honest for herself? Yes. “Values and spiritual vitality are not simply taught, but caught. As a wise parent your objective is not simply to discuss, but to demonstrate the freshness and vitality of life lived in integrity toward God and your family. Parenting is shepherding the hearts of your children in the ways of God’s wisdom.”
And finally, as the introduction comes to a close, Mr. Tripp writes something that I hope to hang on to long after I finish reading this book. This statement should be handed out to every new parent. It surely does provide instructions for handling everything that parenting throws at you, but it could easily serve as a beacon through the many years and trials of parenting well, loving your children and shepherding them on this journey.
“The law of God is not easy for natural man. Its standard is high and cannot be achieved apart from God’s supernatural grace. God’s law teaches us our need of grace. When you fail to hold out God’s standard, you rob your children of the mercy of the gospel.”
A few weeks back, Rob's unit had a marriage retreat in Nashville. For the first time, Rob was actually in town to attend. These retreats are so nice. They provide us with a hotel, meals and CHILD CARE! Just so happened, that Rob gave me my awesome camera for my birthday the week before, so I took the opportunity to capture some shots of him and the kids with the great scenery of the Millenium Maxwell House Hotel. We had a great time and got some great photos too!
So, I realize that I have totally dropped the ball on the blog. So here goes, I am going to get back into the swing of this. Expect lots of updates in the coming days or weeks. Not that it matters, but there is a reason that the blogs ceased in June. A week before I was scheduled to leave for Honduras on a mission trip, I broke my right hand playing softball. I had intentions of blogging away about the summer staying home with the kids, about Honduras, about Rob's return, the new school year, but that softball to the hand canceled those plans. I will do my best to make up for lost time. And how better to play catch up, than with some adorable pictures of my beautiful family. :)
Until nap time tomorrow...
Delilah
My wonderful husband gave me an amazing new camera for my birthday, so while I try to figure this thing out, I am taking TONS of pictures.
My best friend, Kari and I took Mekyla to King's Island while we were home in Cincinnati visiting. Here are a few pictures from our fun day with the Smith princess.
This past Sunday, was the Baby Dedication at church. Every year on either Mother's Day, or in this case, Father's Day, our church holds the annual Baby Dedication. I hated for Rob to miss it, so I had a friend take pictures and a video so he could see them on here.
We are so proud to dedicate Kreid to our amazing God. We are so blessed to have him, so blessed to have come through the medical complications that we've had in the past year, and so blessed to have our amazing church, so it made for a great event.
So, today is my first time as a stay-at-home-mom taking care of a sick little one. Mekyla woke up this morning with an upset stomach and was sobbing, because she knew her day was not going to go as planned, and she wouldn't be able to go to the water park like she wanted. She hasn't kept anything down today and hasn't gotten off of the couch if she didn't have to. She has been such a little trooper though, after having to cancel her plans. She is probably milking it for all that it's worth, but she has enjoyed watching Disney Channel ALL DAY LONG, and says she is feeling better. I had to post these adorable pictures though, because it was like Kreid knew she wasn't feeling well.
I had given Mekyla a piece of bread to try to eat, and Kreid found it. He wanted it SO bad but he knew he wasn't allowed to touch it. I thought it was hilarious when he actually laid his head on the table next to it. Priceless.
LOOK AT THAT SWEET BABY! He did this a few times throughout the morning. I don't know if he knew she wasn't feeling well or what, but he would just walk by her and lay his head down. It was just so sweet.
Every year, Rob's unit has a Safety Day event. They have all the aircraft out for the kids to see, tons of booths set up from different entaties of safety in our area, and lots of fun for the kids. This was my first year being able to attend (without Rob, unfortunately), and we had a blast. I thought you'd enjoy the pictures. Oh and just for the record, Xzayvier is spending his summer vacation in Texas with his mom, to explain why he is not in any of the photos. Enjoy!
Kreid was enjoying his shady stroller. Mekyla and her best bud, Emma were all over the place.
This was an exciting year for us to attend formal, it was the first one that we were able to attend as a married, non-expecting couple. Our first formal, we were not married yet, and we missed every one in between, until last year. So, I am willing to show the pictures from this year, since I wasn't seven-months pregnant this time around. This year, I didn't look like a tent, and I wasn't exhausted by 8 p.m., so we had an amazing time.
Rob and I were all dressed up. I love formal, it's like prom, for big kids. :)
The formal part is over and the coat is off... that means it is party time!
Gary Sinece and the Lt. Dan Band! They were GREAT!!
I have not been a very good blogger lately. Things have been busy, but that just means there have been a lot of things I'd like to share with each of you. So I will attempt to give you a few updates on us, and what is going on in our little section of the world.
As mentioned in a previous blog, I quit my job to stay home with the kids. I am only a couple of weeks into it, but I am loving every second of it. The funniest thing to me, is that I seem to be even more busy now, than I was when I worked full-time. The kids and I are having fun, and I feel like I am actually getting something done from day to day. It's a great feeling! Of course, I still feel like I have a million other things to do before summer's end, but I will manage.
Currently I am anxiously preparing for my trip to Honduras. I know it is still an entire month away, but to prepare for that I have to get Mekyla to Florida, get everything I can think of together for Kreid to spend the week with our sweet sweet friends, Amie and Josh, and get myself prepared, both physically and mentally. I received my packing list the other day, and I have a lot of preparation. Along with that were a list of reminders, such as "don't open your mouth while in the shower." Which seems so bizarre to me, but of course they advise that you steer clear of the water. I am looking forward to this venture, but I am certainly reserved about my preparation. I can't wait to update the blog with details of my trip. Hopefully by then, I will not be such a "bad blogger." ;) Although I cannot promise anything.
Okay, onto the next blog. It will have pictures. ;)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hello, Friends,
It is May already; can you believe it? This time last year, I was wandering around with a belly full of baby, anticipating the arrival of our sweet baby Kreid. Unbelievably, he is almost 10 months old now, and the year seems to have flown by. This time last year, I was also doing this very same thing, writing to ask my sweet friends to help me support the Hope Pregnancy Center for their annual Walk4Life fundraiser.
The Hope Pregnancy Center is an amazing ministry, loving every person who walks in the door, regardless of their circumstances. In today’s world, it is not easy to find a place where everyone showers you with love and takes their time to show you how special and loved you really are. Having faced the reality of an unplanned pregnancy, I know the condemnation and conviction that someone feels when she has to shamefully march into a crisis pregnancy center. The beauty of the Hope Pregnancy Center is that once you walk in, you KNOW that they are not concerned with convicting you or condemning you; they simply want to share God’s love with you. I hold the Hope Center very close to my heart, because through them, I have had the opportunity to give back, even in the smallest capacity, what was once given to me — Hope. It may sound cliché, but I assure you, to a girl in those circumstances, hope is about the only thing that can encourage her to keep moving forward.
Please pray for the Hope Center. I ask you to prayerfully consider making a contribution to the Hope Center on my behalf to support the Walk4Life. Any amount is accepted; nothing is too great or too small. I simply need your name, address and the amount of money you would like to contribute. The day of the walk, I will submit your information and they will simply mail you a statement for your records, with the amount that you pledge. I understand that some cannot make a financial contribution, and I just ask that you would pray for the Hope Center. Pray that they will receive the funds to keep touching the lives of these girls. Pray that the walk has such a big turnout that all of Clarksville will know about their mission, and pray, more than anything else, that the second a girl steps foot in the Center, that she can know Christ’s love for her, regardless of her decisions.
Our handsome and beautiful "big kids" Xzayvier and Mekyla in their Easter outfits outside of church.
Seriously, do they get any cuter than this?
Kreid enjoying his Easter basket from Granny, mom and dad.
Mekyla enjoyed her basket, for sure. She had her eye on that chocolate bunny.
Zay found the golden egg! $$$
We had a fantastic Easter. We enjoyed a big breakfast, a great message and reminder about the amazing resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, came home to enjoy some rest, candy, and a great egg hunt.
We hope you had a great day celebrating the love of Jesus and enjoying the many blessings that He's given you.
It seems we are repeating history over and over again. First, I notice that Kreid is breathing pretty hard, then take him to the doctor or ER, he winds up getting admitted, he clears up, and we go home the next afternoon. I am thankful that he has not required a longer admission, but I would sure love if this cycle would cease all together. This time though, we got referrals to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for an Ear/Nose/Throat doctor, because his adenoids and tonsils are swollen, a pulmonologist because they wonder if he has trachea or lung problems, and an allergist to test for allergies. So hopefully before it all said and done, they will be able to tell us what is causing the breathing problems. His pediatrician at Blanchfield (which is the Army hospital, for those of you who are not familiar) have been GREAT. He is adamant about following up on him, and even calls us at home to check on him. I feel very fortunate to have such a caring physician. The entire clinic staff are so great. He has become quite the celebrity there, and of course everyone just loves him. It's leading me to believe that maybe he wants to go to the clinic just to get some attention...haha.
Anyway, Kreid is doing well now. He has a follow up appointment on Monday and his first appointment at Vanderbilt on Wednesday. It looks like I will be missing quite a bit of work in the coming few weeks, but that is okay, because Rob and I have decided that it is best that I stay home with the kids. So at the end of May, I will quit my current job, and start my new job as full-time mommy. It is almost like God is confirming that I am called to be home with them after all these events with Kreid. I feel lead by God to really focus on my children and stop letting outside stimuli interfere with our home. I think this will be a great opportunity to enjoy such a fun time with the kids, and hopefully keep Kreid from having so many health problems in the future.
Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support. As always, we really appreciate them. And here is our sweet little guy, at home and happy, playing in his exer-saucer.
Love to you all, Delilah
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Well, we're back again. Hotel BACH, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, that is. Yet again, without daddy. He had to be out of town this week. It's like Kreid doesn't want to waste a minute with him home, so he waits for him to leave before he needs to go to the doctor. haha. This morning, with the rain on its way, Kreid's breathing had already began reacting. He was really noisy and working pretty hard to breathe. He responded to a breathing treatment, but was wheezing again by the time I dropped him off at daycare. He needed his inhaler more often than the normal ever four hours, so I made him an appointment. His pediatrician was not happy with the wheezing, but his vitals (oxygen level, heart rate, and respiration rate) all seemed okay. He called the on-call pediatrician to come check him out to decide whether or not to admit him... and they did. So we are staying another night for observation. His third hospitalization in two months. Thankfully they really want to find out what is causing this, and they are eager to keep a close eye on him. It is more of a relief than you'll ever know, when trying to decide whether or not your baby is breathing "enough."
Here's my sweet baby boy waiting so patiently for yet another chest x-ray. His little cheeks were red and flush from running a fever and working so hard to breathe all day.
Please say a prayer for our sweet little guy, that the doctors minds are open and that they can effectively treat Kreid's breathing, that Kreid is comfortable, and that find a medication or treatment that he will respond to. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. --James 1:5
It is almost unbelievable that six years ago I was flailing around as a new mother trying to figure out how to take care of this adorable little bundle. One word: clueless.
My baby girl is six years old. To ring in the occasion, we had a Hannah Montana sleepover. Fun. ha!
It was actually not as excruciating as we thought it might be. My mom came to help out, and the girls were a lot of fun. They enjoyed a fancy dinner at Taco Bell, a great Hannah Montana cake, and some craft time with granny. The best part was, Rob was home for the first time EVER for Ky's birthday. I know he would have had much more fun being somewhere else, but he was there the whole time through the giggling, the screeches and the Hannah Montana songs... over and over again.
What a great dad. What a great girl. I can't believe she is six already. My baby isn't a baby anymore. Both of her friends are older than her, and you'd never know, she's about 2-3 inches taller than both. She's growing up (literally) way too fast, but I hope we are able to cherrish the little moments like these, so no matter how quick she grows, we'll always have these times together.
Here are few pictures of our Fall adventures in the leaf-filled front yard. All three of the kids seem to enjoy the leaves, which is good, because there are plenty!
LOOK AT THAT SWEET BABY! He did this a few times throughout the morning. I don't know if he knew she wasn't feeling well or what, but he would just walk by her and lay his head down. It was just so sweet.
