Her name was Beth.
She was also a mother of 4 babies: 4, 2, 1, and 4 months.
She graduated from a high school in my hometown.
She was in the same marching band as I was, a few years apart.
She was married.
She had a large extended family.
She had a lot of friends.
She was kind, sweet, and would do anything for anyone.
Please be extra cautious when you drive, and make A Promise to Beth and other Cyclists.
Please pray for the Beth's family as they say goodbye to her on this day.
I did not know Beth personally, but I am shaken to my core over her story. I am heartbroken for her friends and family, and for her 4 small children.....
Today I hug my own babies tighter, spend a few more moments with them - ruffling their hair, giving them hugs and kisses, and telling them how very much I love them.
Every moment we are here is simply a gift...
Showing posts with label prayer requests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer requests. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Bigger Picture
Just playing catch up at, ahem, documenting our lives.....
Jacob is starting to phase out his afternoon nap. I'm torn about it, because I know that he needs this rest time during the afternoon and honestly...because I enjoy the respite too! But, giving up a nap means an earlier bedtime, and possibly less messing-around-time-when-they-should-be-sleeping for the big boys in the evening. Oh, and an earlier bedtime. I experimented today: giving J "rest time" in our bed with a few books. He read for a while, and when I checked on him at one point, he said, "Mom, could you get out of here so I can sleep?" Hah! Point taken. It might be a while before naps are phased out completely....
Wyatt is sick, again. Just runny nose ick and cough ~ definitely the kind of sick I'll take over that nasty stomach bug any day! But I still feel bad for my sweet boy, he looks like he feels miserable at times.
We met another Wyatt yesterday. He was playing at the museum with his parents and baby sis, when I thought I overheard his mom saying Wyatt. I asked the little boy if that's what his name was, and proceeded to introduce th family to our Wyatt. The three big boys enjoyed running around together briefly, and well, just being boys. It was a nice reminder that my boys are just that: typical, rough and tumble boys who don't always like to share, but certainly love to shriek, take, and head-butt! The other mom even said, "oh, we're beyond the head-butting phase, we're now on to biting". So nice to know I'm not alone.
Nathaniel is my sweet-as-can-be gummy-grinning Love. (Don't be confused: I know his day will come when he is two, three, four, etc...but for now, relishing him as INFANT!). He is plowing his way through his first half of a year. Sniff, sniff, sniff. He started solids on January 31. He has tried rice cereal, avocado, and sweet potato. I'm attempting again to make my own food. I have to get to the store for more produce in order to maintain the goal! We go through produce like it's water around here - the big boys can devour a whole container of strawberries in almost one sitting. Not that it's a complaint ~ for the most part, they truly eat healthy!
Nate is a rolling baby boy these days - he can almost travel the room, with the occasion pit-stop at an arm pinned beneath him or simply being too tired to continue. He is napping well these days (2-3 naps per day, mostly scheduled...woot!) and last night he woke only once for a pacifier insert @ 2 AM. Can we please all take a moment to say AMEN?! That is huge for us - and I hope it's a trend that continues. My trick was shoveling rice cereal in him, letting him play longer than he really needed to (eye rubbing was in full-force, woops), and then taking a quick bath with him, quick lotion massage, and a large nursing session - bedtime was at 7:00 PM.
***
I screwed up big time with a work e-mail today. Long story short, I included my boss on an e-mail I only meant to send to a co-worker, and it's something I meant only for my co-worker. I tried in vain to retract it, to no avail. It's the "first big screw up" I've had probably ever in my 6 + years working at my current job, and I'm definitely being overly paranoid about it....but still. I feel like a schmoe about it, and I am having a hard time letting it go. Probably doesn't help that we have yet to hear one word from our boss about it ~ I'm assuming she's in meetings or a training and can't address it yet. Or, it's not a top priority of hers, and we're greatly over-thinking it. I'm hoping for the latter. Except we've more or less owned up to our mistake, and are trying our best to be transparent about that from this point forward. Oiy vey. I was all worked up this morning about it....and in taking a step back, is it that big of a deal? Probably not.
*****
We attended Michele S's Celebration of Life service on Saturday, February 20. It truly was that: a message filled with hope, and a chance to join her family in celebrating all-things Michele! Prior to the service, I had found myself thinking: "It isn't right to have to bury your baby" (no matter what the age), and the pastor addressed just that. My belief is that his message was no coincidence. Rather, that they were God at Work. The Pastor's words were ~ "It seems more 'acceptable' when someone has lived to be 80 or 90 and they go on to be with Jesus, but in a young person's life, it doesn't seem 'quite right'". But he painted such a beautiful image of Michele being healed, whole, given sight, the ability to walk & dance, and ride horses (her passions in her younger years) and being with Jesus that it was impossible to think of it as "not right" - it only seemed perfect, joyous, and redeeming. Yes, we are sad to be without her on this earth, but we have been given a great Hope that we will one day be reunited with her again, if we believe in and have a relationship with Jesus.
The phasing out of naps? The little cold that is plaguing my second baby? Complaining about not yet sleeping through the night? That "big work screw up" from above?
No - they truly don't mean much in the grand scheme of things....
Jacob is starting to phase out his afternoon nap. I'm torn about it, because I know that he needs this rest time during the afternoon and honestly...because I enjoy the respite too! But, giving up a nap means an earlier bedtime, and possibly less messing-around-time-when-they-should-be-sleeping for the big boys in the evening. Oh, and an earlier bedtime. I experimented today: giving J "rest time" in our bed with a few books. He read for a while, and when I checked on him at one point, he said, "Mom, could you get out of here so I can sleep?" Hah! Point taken. It might be a while before naps are phased out completely....
Wyatt is sick, again. Just runny nose ick and cough ~ definitely the kind of sick I'll take over that nasty stomach bug any day! But I still feel bad for my sweet boy, he looks like he feels miserable at times.
We met another Wyatt yesterday. He was playing at the museum with his parents and baby sis, when I thought I overheard his mom saying Wyatt. I asked the little boy if that's what his name was, and proceeded to introduce th family to our Wyatt. The three big boys enjoyed running around together briefly, and well, just being boys. It was a nice reminder that my boys are just that: typical, rough and tumble boys who don't always like to share, but certainly love to shriek, take, and head-butt! The other mom even said, "oh, we're beyond the head-butting phase, we're now on to biting". So nice to know I'm not alone.
Nathaniel is my sweet-as-can-be gummy-grinning Love. (Don't be confused: I know his day will come when he is two, three, four, etc...but for now, relishing him as INFANT!). He is plowing his way through his first half of a year. Sniff, sniff, sniff. He started solids on January 31. He has tried rice cereal, avocado, and sweet potato. I'm attempting again to make my own food. I have to get to the store for more produce in order to maintain the goal! We go through produce like it's water around here - the big boys can devour a whole container of strawberries in almost one sitting. Not that it's a complaint ~ for the most part, they truly eat healthy!
Nate is a rolling baby boy these days - he can almost travel the room, with the occasion pit-stop at an arm pinned beneath him or simply being too tired to continue. He is napping well these days (2-3 naps per day, mostly scheduled...woot!) and last night he woke only once for a pacifier insert @ 2 AM. Can we please all take a moment to say AMEN?! That is huge for us - and I hope it's a trend that continues. My trick was shoveling rice cereal in him, letting him play longer than he really needed to (eye rubbing was in full-force, woops), and then taking a quick bath with him, quick lotion massage, and a large nursing session - bedtime was at 7:00 PM.
***
I screwed up big time with a work e-mail today. Long story short, I included my boss on an e-mail I only meant to send to a co-worker, and it's something I meant only for my co-worker. I tried in vain to retract it, to no avail. It's the "first big screw up" I've had probably ever in my 6 + years working at my current job, and I'm definitely being overly paranoid about it....but still. I feel like a schmoe about it, and I am having a hard time letting it go. Probably doesn't help that we have yet to hear one word from our boss about it ~ I'm assuming she's in meetings or a training and can't address it yet. Or, it's not a top priority of hers, and we're greatly over-thinking it. I'm hoping for the latter. Except we've more or less owned up to our mistake, and are trying our best to be transparent about that from this point forward. Oiy vey. I was all worked up this morning about it....and in taking a step back, is it that big of a deal? Probably not.
*****
We attended Michele S's Celebration of Life service on Saturday, February 20. It truly was that: a message filled with hope, and a chance to join her family in celebrating all-things Michele! Prior to the service, I had found myself thinking: "It isn't right to have to bury your baby" (no matter what the age), and the pastor addressed just that. My belief is that his message was no coincidence. Rather, that they were God at Work. The Pastor's words were ~ "It seems more 'acceptable' when someone has lived to be 80 or 90 and they go on to be with Jesus, but in a young person's life, it doesn't seem 'quite right'". But he painted such a beautiful image of Michele being healed, whole, given sight, the ability to walk & dance, and ride horses (her passions in her younger years) and being with Jesus that it was impossible to think of it as "not right" - it only seemed perfect, joyous, and redeeming. Yes, we are sad to be without her on this earth, but we have been given a great Hope that we will one day be reunited with her again, if we believe in and have a relationship with Jesus.
The phasing out of naps? The little cold that is plaguing my second baby? Complaining about not yet sleeping through the night? That "big work screw up" from above?
No - they truly don't mean much in the grand scheme of things....
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Sad day...
I'm sad today. Today, this disease took the life of one of my best friend's little sister. She was 27.
I don't have a sister, but I have good girlfriends. Best girlfriends. And I equate this loss to the loss of one of them. It nearly wrecks me! It was not an unexpected death; she was diagnosed in early childhood, and not expected to live into her teens. She defied the odds, and lived 18 + years beyond all of that. She had been in hospice care for the last few weeks, so we knew the end of her life was near.
But it's still hard. And it still hurts. And my heart is broken for my girlfriend, and her parents. The mother. Oh, my Mama's heart is hurting! The loss of a child is something I cannot fathom....it rocks me to my core.
Lord, be near the S family. I thank you for making M whole & healed today. I'm grateful she was able to spend 27 + years here with her family, who showed her unconditional love. I thank you for the promise of eternal life, giving us the ability to live with hope.
I don't have a sister, but I have good girlfriends. Best girlfriends. And I equate this loss to the loss of one of them. It nearly wrecks me! It was not an unexpected death; she was diagnosed in early childhood, and not expected to live into her teens. She defied the odds, and lived 18 + years beyond all of that. She had been in hospice care for the last few weeks, so we knew the end of her life was near.
But it's still hard. And it still hurts. And my heart is broken for my girlfriend, and her parents. The mother. Oh, my Mama's heart is hurting! The loss of a child is something I cannot fathom....it rocks me to my core.
Lord, be near the S family. I thank you for making M whole & healed today. I'm grateful she was able to spend 27 + years here with her family, who showed her unconditional love. I thank you for the promise of eternal life, giving us the ability to live with hope.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Because I never want to forget
We enjoyed breakfast and a lazy morning together as a family. Tim & I were drinking coffee (a bonus for me, b/c normally these days I can hardly tolerate the smell of it! Oh how I miss my coffee...), the boys had just eaten and were starting to play. Tim was playing music through i.tunes and turned on Bach. Wyatt started dancing to it. HA! I mean, the kid loves to "shake his booty" to just about anything (church music, slow songs, etc.) but Bach is definitely new! So funny.
Wyatt started taking his first steps this week - at almost 14 months old. Tonight was the first time he took more than 1 at a time! He seems indifferent to it right now, but I'm sure soon it will become a bigger deal.
I enjoyed some "me" time today - church, lunch & a movie with a friend while Daddy stayed home with the boys, even being sick! I love my husband - he is a trooper! The dishes were done, there was evidence of some major organization of the basement, the kids were clean and fed, and were SO excited to see me! Tim said he was so relieved when I got home. It's so nice to be appreciated. Love them!
I am also feeling Baby #3 move. I think I started feeling him or her a few weeks ago, at random, but now I'm feeling bigger movements (okay, bigger for the size of this kid at the moment - it's all relative, right?) and some that are defintiely noticeable. 11 weeks, 4 days today. Starting to (maybe) see the light at the end of the tunnel for sickness & fatigue. Still in regular clothes, but pants are certainly more restricting - but I most certainly was wearning all maternity pants at this stage with Wyatt, so that's new for me anyway.
Anyway, enough ramblings for tonight. Goodnight!
PS. Prease pray for L and her family - they are truly struggling with so many areas of their lives. Most of all, the need to know the Lord and His unconditional love...
Wyatt started taking his first steps this week - at almost 14 months old. Tonight was the first time he took more than 1 at a time! He seems indifferent to it right now, but I'm sure soon it will become a bigger deal.
I enjoyed some "me" time today - church, lunch & a movie with a friend while Daddy stayed home with the boys, even being sick! I love my husband - he is a trooper! The dishes were done, there was evidence of some major organization of the basement, the kids were clean and fed, and were SO excited to see me! Tim said he was so relieved when I got home. It's so nice to be appreciated. Love them!
I am also feeling Baby #3 move. I think I started feeling him or her a few weeks ago, at random, but now I'm feeling bigger movements (okay, bigger for the size of this kid at the moment - it's all relative, right?) and some that are defintiely noticeable. 11 weeks, 4 days today. Starting to (maybe) see the light at the end of the tunnel for sickness & fatigue. Still in regular clothes, but pants are certainly more restricting - but I most certainly was wearning all maternity pants at this stage with Wyatt, so that's new for me anyway.
Anyway, enough ramblings for tonight. Goodnight!
PS. Prease pray for L and her family - they are truly struggling with so many areas of their lives. Most of all, the need to know the Lord and His unconditional love...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Prayers answered & ramblings
My friend, M & her husband J are PREGNANT! Yes, that's right - God answered their (and our) prayers! All is well with her, and it looks like there is one baby in there, tucked away. Thank you for praying - in her words, "Keep 'em coming!"
Speaking of babies, my oldest is watching his favorite movie for the thousandth time: The L.itt.le M.ermaid. Yes, you read right - his first ever "chick flick". My reasoning behind his love for the little redhead is just that: she's a hot redhead wearing a bikini - what more could you ask for? Actually, he loves music, singing, and dancing - and this movie has all of it. We watch it no less than 2 times a day, as it occupies him while I get work done (work full time - part of the time from home) and otherwise, he'll throw a full-fledged toddler tantrum. He is 22 months, and acts every minute of it....more of that another post.
My youngest sits beside me in his kick 'n play, enjoying the music and toys dancing before him. Ahh...viewing the world through the eyes of a child. Is there anything better?
I am blessed with two little boys - J & W. They are 18 months apart. Life is busy, but I cannot complain! I am doing the best & most difficult job ever sought - parenthood. Yes it's true that I've not had a full night's sleep in at least the last four months, but for good reason. And I do my best on a daily basis NOT to take motherhood & having my boys alive, well, and healthy for granted. J & W - I love you with all of my heart! Being your mommy brings me happines and joy every single day.
So....since I am working from home today, I guess I should do just that.
Happy Easter!
"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" - Psalm 118:8
Speaking of babies, my oldest is watching his favorite movie for the thousandth time: The L.itt.le M.ermaid. Yes, you read right - his first ever "chick flick". My reasoning behind his love for the little redhead is just that: she's a hot redhead wearing a bikini - what more could you ask for? Actually, he loves music, singing, and dancing - and this movie has all of it. We watch it no less than 2 times a day, as it occupies him while I get work done (work full time - part of the time from home) and otherwise, he'll throw a full-fledged toddler tantrum. He is 22 months, and acts every minute of it....more of that another post.
My youngest sits beside me in his kick 'n play, enjoying the music and toys dancing before him. Ahh...viewing the world through the eyes of a child. Is there anything better?
I am blessed with two little boys - J & W. They are 18 months apart. Life is busy, but I cannot complain! I am doing the best & most difficult job ever sought - parenthood. Yes it's true that I've not had a full night's sleep in at least the last four months, but for good reason. And I do my best on a daily basis NOT to take motherhood & having my boys alive, well, and healthy for granted. J & W - I love you with all of my heart! Being your mommy brings me happines and joy every single day.
So....since I am working from home today, I guess I should do just that.
Happy Easter!
"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man" - Psalm 118:8
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Please pray
Please join with me as I pray for my friend M, and her husband, J as they undergo their third IVF treatment. The transfer is scheduled for this Friday, February 29th. Hopefully "third time's a charm" applies here!
I believe there is power in prayer, as I serve a God that is faithful and just; again, I ask you to join with me!
If you need more proof of the power of prayer, visit this blog:
http://www.cfhusband.blogspot.com/
Enough said.
I believe there is power in prayer, as I serve a God that is faithful and just; again, I ask you to join with me!
If you need more proof of the power of prayer, visit this blog:
http://www.cfhusband.blogspot.com/
Enough said.
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