Pagaents

As Christmas draws near I am trying to keep myself focused on Jesus, his birth, why he came, and what he accomplished. I am trying to keep focused on that instead of my "to do" list to get ready for all the festivities which really are secondary compared to Him.

I just finished teaching an adult Sunday school class at church that compared and contrasted the two nativity stories in the gospels and we just wrapped up that with watching The Nativity Story movie, which if you haven't seen it-- please do. It is so good. While watching it last night I am always moved how the movie portrays Joseph as such a generous, wonderful, and righteous man. In pageants and this season, sometimes Joseph gets overlooked. But God chose him too, to be Jesus' earthly father. Anyways . . .

The kids are in a pageant on Sunday at church. When I told the kids about it Patrick kept insisting that he was going to be Jesus-- wrong! Originally Alyssa requested a speaking role, which meant she was to be one of the Magi, I thought that was pretty cool. However, as soon as I told her assignment she burst into tears because she only wants to be an angel. So, after convincing the pastor to rearrange things, that left Patrick with the Magi role, which he is more than excited to do! However, then he got upset because at preschool they also did a pageant in which he was a cow, and he kept saying, "No! I am supposed to be a KING!" Luckily, he was an enthusiastic cow, full of mooing.

And now Alyssa thinks her angel role is a speaking one and she keeps telling me her lines, "Be not afraid, you are going to have a baby and you will name him Jesus." While I am thrilled she knows the story, in reality, she has no lines, she is part of the angel chorus!

So-- I am left trying to humble these children. I am trying to impress that each role is amazing and special because each role is a witness to Jesus' birth, he is the real star of the show (which obviously Patrick gets, since he wants that role!) Jesus came down to earth, and he came all the way down, to be born in a stable and be vulnerable to many dangers. God in flesh.

I am praying my kids will get that it is not about the part they play and how "prestigious" it is, but that the real honor is always knowing and seeking Jesus and giving Him what we've got, even if it's just a really enthusiastic "moo".

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:12

Grandma's 90th Birthday

My Grandma turned 90 right before Thanksgiving. Here is a video of pictures I put together as a tribute--enjoy!

Love,

Steph

Give Thanks!

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Neglecting the Blog

I feel so negligent. It seems like eons ago I last blogged. Since that last blog we brought home a new puppy, Sadie . . . so that has ate up any extra time I have really. She is a cute dog. She is a sheltie like our other dog Lucky. The two dogs won't leave each other alone, it's quite a love fest around here!

Halloween was a disappointment for Alyssa. A half hour before trick-or-treating began she got sick with the stomach bug and had to stay home. It was too bad, we had a whole ensemble of Peter Pan characters too-- Patrick was Peter Pan, Alyssa was supposed to be Wendy, their cousins Matthew and Emily went as Captain Hook and Tinker Bell. My mom even whipped up that Wendy costume with her oh so talented sewing skills!!

Brett and I had a little getaway last weekend. We went to my friend, Lisa's wedding in Mystic, CT. They had a beautiful ceremony with a very nautical theme. She is marine biologist, so it was very fitting. I was impressed at all the details-- tables that were the names of bodies of water they had been to. They even put a picture of themselves at that body of water on the table. They had sea shanty singers and I read from "The Rime of The Ancient Mariner" which I was so honored to do.

Since the wedding was in CT was stayed at my mom's cousin's house which was great to spend time with them, hear about their grandkids and catch up and talk about old times. We also went up to see my dad's family. We visited my Grammy, Pop, aunt, uncle and cousin. I got to wish my Grammy a belated 88th birthday. She is declining more than I expected. She has Alzheimer's so I don't know why I didn't think it would get worse, it certainly won't get better. However, I was a bit surprised as to how much she has declined since summer. As Alyssa told me to do, I gave her hugs and kisses. But boy-- this disease stinks!

We had lunch with my Pop, my family, and his buddies from the home (they also have spouses in with my Gram). It was a good lunch-- Aunt Patty recommended we go to a place that serves pierogi, which in my mind, can never be a bad choice.

As holidays approach things are getting more hectic, but I am desperately trying to remember the true meaning of these holidays this season instead of getting swept up in all the other junk.

I just heard someone get up---and I haven't showered yet so I better run . . .

Gram's 90th birthday

This past Sunday was Brett's Gram's 90th birthday. I put together this video of snapshots of her life. It was very fun to do and I think she and the rest of the family enjoyed looking back over the years. It is amazing to think of the change she has seen these past 90 years. Now, I am on to work on the same sort of thing for my Grandma's 90th in November.

Family Friday-- When the family tree braches get tangled

My Pop (my dad's dad) told me this story that at first you think, yeah, that's right . . . and then you realize it doesn't make sense at all. Here it is-- in his words, "My mother's mother married my father's father." Reread if you need to.

So that's the abridged version. Here is what actually happened. My Pop's Grammy, his mother's mother was Rose Setta. She married Angelo Francioli in Italy, they had a daughter, Giuseppina (Josephine)--that is my Pop's mother. So, Angelo died while still in Italy and Rose moves with her sister Claudina and her little girl "Pina" to the US. While in America she married Narareno Natalini and had a bunch of kids and she also married Louis Martinell. Louis is my Pop's father's father. They had a daughter Elizabeth.

Louis had previously been married to Laura and they had John and possibly a James Martinell. John married Josephine, or affectionately known as "Pina." They had ten children, one being my Pop. So, his parents, while not related at all, ended up being step-siblings to each other as adults.

That is one of my favorites.

Steph

Thankful

Here we are almost seven years after 9/11. As I think back on that day it seems eons ago, and yet it seems like just yesterday. All I can do is give thanks.
I am thankful that Brett was home sick that day and not at work, in the Pentagon. He is rarely sick and rarely does he take off even if sick. I guess I have Jimmy Buffet to thank or those sausages he ate at the Jimmy Buffet concert that we think gave him food poisoning.

I am thankful that I am not a widow being escorted into the memorial tomorrow morning. I am glad for the husband I have and who I have seen him become these last 7 years.

I am thankful for the children he has given me. They have given me so much joy-- not just joy but depth of love. They have revealed things in me I never knew there.

I am thankful that Brett is the kind of man who has worked the majority of his career to pay tribute to the people who lost their lives 7 years ago and makes sure their families are treated with respect.

I am thankful for the miracles the Lord has worked in our midst. In the midst of hardship, loss, and pain.

I look at Lucky, our dog and think-- your name is Lucky because we feel lucky, we felt we dodged a bullet 7 years ago, and we did. But it's more than luck. Who knows what to call it. I know I feel blessed, but that isn't a good name for a dog.

Yellow School Bus Fever Part II

So, yes Alyssa got on that bus on the first day but we are certainly still in a period of adjustment. It is such a long day for her, she comes home very wiped out. This week we had some tough times, apparently she almost missed the bus coming home from school. I am not sure how that happens, since the school promises they get all the Kindergarteners on the bus to go home. Anyhow, I think that scared her. It scared me. The next day she absolutely refused to get on the bus. She was kicking and screaming and crying, clinging to my leg. I literally had to physically put her on the bus and into a seat. That was so so hard. I barely held it together. I don't think there was a dry eye at the bus stop, all the parents were crying, I was crying and poor Patrick kept telling me not to cry. The teacher told me that she made it there fine and was happy. Thank goodness, but all I could replay in my head was that episode. She has done well the rest of the week, so that is progress. I am so glad for the weekend now!

Patrick also started school this week. He had his first day today and loved it. I am so proud of him. Brett went in late so he could help take him in. He was a little bummed that you don't take a bus to preschool.

It's a little weird not to have them both with me most of the day. I am a little sad and empty without them here as much.

Yellow School Bus Fever

So--- she did it! The yellow school bus rolled up and she just hopped on. I cannot believe it. I am so proud of how comfortable and excited she was about it all. She had her backpack on about an hour early and did not take it off!

She comes home in about 40 minutes and I cannot wait to hear how her day was. Patrick was so so sad when she left. He has told me about 20 times today that he misses Alyssa. I miss her too. The place has been a little empty today.

Last night I told Brett we need to have more babies since they grow up way too fast, he told me I have Yellow School Bus Fever. I think he is right. 5 years has flown by. This day always seemed so far off. I know it's not college or anything. But still--I am beside myself.

Bye, Bye Diapers!

I have never been more excited! Patrick is outta diapers! And I have my hubby to thank. Almost 3 weeks ago Brett made the call to go cold-turkey no diapers and just underpants. The first few days were brutal, but Patrick bought into the whole thing as Daddy was leading the way! The following week we had VBS and I will be honest I was nervous about him being away from home in underpants all day, but he had only 1 accident on the first day. Whoohoo! Tonight he will also sleep sans diaper. I bought those sheet savers just in case, but he has been dry for weeks now at night. So-- thanks to all of you who prayed the potty prayer, it worked!

Love,
Steph

Family Friday: Dreams for the Future

This week's edition of Family Friday concentrates on some of our dreams for the future. Currrently we are at the beach, celebrating the end of very fun and busy summer. Somehow, any time we reach the beach we start to dream. I love that. We talk about what we want to do, where we want to go . . .

Dream #1:
There is a house for sale on the street that leads to the strech of beach where Brett proposed marriage, and I gleefully accepted. Wouldn't that be a wonderful vacation home?

Dream#2:
10 year anniversary in Italy-- we decided we'd like to take a trip to celebrate our 10 year anniversary (in 2011). Italy is one of our top destinations right now.

Dream #3:
If both of us could publish something really top notch, make some money for it and then we could write full time living in Dream #1.

Dream #4: Patrick will go to Notre Dame, because, well, he's part Irish and he's fighting!

Dream #5: We are living it! We are so fortunate and blessed. We have a supportive and loving family. We get to go to the lake house to fish with Aunty Patty and Uncle Joe, we get to sun at the beach with Grandma Linny and Grandpa Charlie, we went to Disney with Grandma and Papa Joel, we live close to our families for all the support we would want.

Update on all things Eaton

Sorry I've been MIA lately. So much has been going on here. We had a awesome and exhausting trip to Disney World with Grandma and Papa Joel. Patrick is doing very well with potty bootcamp. Thanks for continued prayers in that area. And now we are attending our church's VBS-- so fun!

I think I was the one who had the most fun at Disney as I wore the kids and Brett ragged. We had at least 5 character meals, which are so so fun but you have to be on your toes with the autograph book and camera. The week flew by and we did so many fun fun things! I have to admit, I am a bit of a planner and it all paid off for this trip. I highly recommend to any Disney bound family The Unofficial Guide to Disney and Tour Guide Mike. Both resources served us well!

Here's our top 10 list:
1) Peter Pan's Flight
2) Bibbidi Bobbdi Boutique
3) Carousel
4)Kilimanjaro Safaris
5) Lunch at Cinderella's Castle
6) Dreams Come True Parade
7) Show at the Castle
8) Best Friends Breakfast a 'Ohana with Lilo and Stitch
9)Winnie-the-Pooh ride
10)Hammock time

I could probably make this a top 100 list after I think about it, but I won't do that to you!
Love,
Steph

Prayer for Potty Training

This sounds silly as I sit down to right it-- but we are need of some prayer. Pray that Patrick will take to the potty! He is over 3 and so so so resistant to do it. He knows all the right answers, he has done it, he loves it when he does go in the potty, but he just won't do it. He says he likes to go in his diaper. Oh someone help me! I know I need to back off. He is stubborn and strong willed and this has to be his decision. Anyhow-- any pointers out there? I am desperate!

Family Friday: Snow White Birthday Bash

This edition of Family Friday needs to be a recap of Alyssa's party since I haven't gotten around to doing that yet! For a solid year she has requested a Snow White birthday party. I wasn't sure what that was exactly in her mind. She was very specific that it was to be Snow White, not just a general princess party. So, I thought for awhile and this is what I came up with:
1) kids decorate their own aprons-- I stole that from another party we went to-- with stamps, ribbon and fabric markers
2) kids make their own apple pies-- since that is very "Snow White"
3) dance, play, whatever-- I made a mix of princess music for them on the ipod.

So-- Alyssa had been planning to wear her Snow White dress for the party and I told her that I too would wear my adult Snow White dress (My mom used to wear this for Halloween when she taught preschool, I later used it for a play I was in-- I don't just have a closet full of adult princess clothes, ok) to show my spirit. Well, she received her Enchanted "Giselle" dress that morning and Snow White was done. She totally left me hanging! But we had an awesome party. Those little pies even turned out well.

Quick note-- SVHS 15 year Reunion & Brett's birthday

I am waiting for my dryer cycle to be done, so I figured I would write a quick note. Brett and I just attended our 15 year class reunion from Seneca Valley. It was so fun to hear what fellow Eagles are up to now. Everyone looked great. We had a family event today and all the kids took to each other instantly. It was so cool to watch the 2nd generation. Alyssa made at least 3 new "best friends in the whole world." So funny. And she usually doesn't jump right in like that.

Brett's birthday was also today. I have to say I am so awed and impressed at the man he is and man he continues to become! Happy Birthday, Brett! I am so lucky to be your wife!

oh-- there's the dryer. I will write more on Alyssa's birthday festivities later.
To all you Eagles-- great seeing you, keep in touch (that sounds so yearbooky, but I mean it)

Love,
Steph

Family Friday: Bill and Kid Speed

So-- inspired by other bloggers such as Big Mama
who has a fashion Friday which I l-o-v-e and Vicki Courtney
who has a Flashback Friday, I am instituting Family Friday. I have always had a big interest in genealogy, old family stories, and just a love of my family in general-- as much as they may think-- she's crazy, she gives us such a hard time-- no, really I love you all like crazy! So-- I will try to write each Friday on some aspect of family whether it be past, present, or future.

Today I am starting with William "Bill" Frederick Spell and Keziah "Kid" Spell. I have never met them, they are/were my Grandpa's grandparents. He spent a lot of time with them as his own father left when he was 2 and he and his sisters spent lots of time rotating between living with his mother and their grandparents. The Spells are good keepers of family history. Lots has been recorded within the family. They even have a very cool website that has some great stuff on it: recipes, old songs Kid sang, memories, as well as some well-documented family history. I've read some of it before. I was reading it again when a few things really popped out at me. I had just finished reading Beth Moore's Breaking Free that talked about breaking free from generational sin but also cherishing legacies passed down. So, in short, keeping the best and trashing the worst. Good thing to do, I say! Beth even has you record what you have gained from each side and how to evaluate it for your own life. Now-- that is a list you will never see here! =)

On to the legacy I want to record today. It seems that Bill and Kid were extremely involved in their churches. Bill held many leadership roles and even helped begin the Union Church in Covington , Co. Mississippi. From the recorded family history they not only held leadership positions but they truly loved their Lord.

Here is an inspiring and bold speech made "..the most embarrassing feature found in connection with the Sunday School work was the need of bold, fearless, Christian teachers whose moral and Christian characters were above reproach. Teachers who, regardless of blame or praise, would seek to fashion young immortal souls after the image of Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

I love this! He was not afraid to take people to task especially in the Biblical teaching of children. Hooray for Bill. I think I have inherited a bit of that getting up on the "soap box"-- ask anyone. But I'd like to think I also stand up for what is right.

Both Kid and Bill were known to have good voices and could sing very well. That certainly didn't get passed down to me, wish it had. But I will take this-- I will praise the Lord with the voice I have!

Here's my favorite part:
Kid was known for having a spicy temperament, and a well stocked cupboard, especially the "tea cake jar".-- Now this I can relate to!

And this:
Granny was a high-spirited young lady, full of fun. It was always told that she rode a horse to "Midway Soldier Station" and danced 'til she wore holes in the bottoms of her shoes.

This may be my favorite by Frazier Vaughn, one of their grandchildren, my Grandpa's cousin:

"After Grandpa died, one of us Vaughn boys would have to go down and sleep at Granny's every night. We would take turns. We would sleep in the little room off the front porch. Uncle Tom and Granny each had a bed in the big room. Granny was really spoiled. If she wanted a drink of water during the night, she would call to us to get it. She wouldn't drink water that was already in the bucket, she wanted fresh water drawn from the well. And we'd get it, too."

Just before I read this, I had been repeatedly asking Brett to get up and get me water, not just tap water, I wanted the filtered water. Oh, man did he get a kick out of this when he read it. I guess I need not be as spoiled as ol' Granny Kid, huh? From now on I will get my own water. (Brett, please don't hold me to this!)

So-- all in all, I am so thankful to the legacy that Bill and Kid impart: to stand up for what is right, praise the Lord and work for His glory, and to love life.

I am guessing that picture of them doesn't do them justice, huh!

Up at the Lake

We just got back from our yearly trek into the woods to visit my aunt and uncle at their lake house in CT. What an awesome retreat. It is just so much more peaceful there. I was extra excited on this trip as I caught my biggest fish ever! I caught a 27 1/2 inch Pike, they have teeth which are very scary!! That is the picture of my uncle holding him and me getting as close to the fish as I saw necessary. Brett caught some big ones too. One of his they kept to cook and eat.

The kids had an absolute blast! They didn't want to leave, even to go to the movies on a rainy day. They are smart, who would want to leave? We camped out one night, only for it to be cut short from a leaky tent. But we slept in there for awhile. The kids thought that was super fun.

My kids seem to have inherited the Martinell "must fish" gene because that is really all they wanted to do. I think my Pop is pretty proud of that. When I was out to lunch with him and his friend Dom, Dom said, "Man you really have gotten all of them fishing" Pop smiled a little smile, actually I have to say, for him, he was beaming.

I got to visit my Gram who is in an Alzheimer's facility. That is always bitter sweet. I love to be near her, hold her hand if I can and talk to her. But she is no longer the Gram she was. She can say little so it is hard to know if she knows or comprehends much at this point. My Pop is so devoted to her and her care. I wonder how much it breaks his heart to leave her there each day. I've never seen a couple so thoroughly devoted to each other than my Gram and Pop. They are such good role models for marriage. They have persevered through much. God bless their endurance!


Love,
Steph

Baby Brother Wedding Extravaganza!

So my baby brother Paul is all grown up and married. He had a super wedding up in Johnstown, PA. I got to hang out with his wife, Nicole's sisters, who are just as fun and great as she is. He has really chosen well! There is just something about weddings that is awesome. Two people coming together to make promises with God to each other. I love it!

This was a first for us, our kids were at the wedding. Alyssa was the flower girl and did a superb job, which is good because with a 4 year old, there is a bit of risk involved, you never know what they might do. She was angelic. Patrick actually fell asleep on the pew! That was great, he couldn't have been more well-behaved. Although, I was a bit worried looking across the aisle at him asleep, he never does that! Of course I thought something had to be wrong. No, he was just wiped out. They had an awesome time dancing at the reception and eating from the cookie table. Which for the first time in Alyssa's life did she admit to eating too many cookies, "Mommy, my tummy hurts, I think I ate too many cookies." Wow!

As for Paul and Nicole, I am so happy for them. In each other they have found such love. They go together so well. It is so nice to see my brother so happy and having so much fun. At their wedding I prayed that their marriage be blessed by, "love, faith, perseverance, forgiveness, mercy, babies, and laughter" for the invocation.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-17

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,but have not love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8.

Well-Built

Six months later . . . the project continues. The top picture shows Paul and Brett during the demolishtion of the bathroom in December. The 2nd pic is taken after putting up the drywall, Brett's dad helped with that. My mom and Joel helped us spacel (sp?) and tape the walls and now finally Paul, Brett and Alyssa are priming the walls! It's been a long haul, but things are really starting to shape up in there. Next I have to learn how to tile. I am a little terrified of that. That will make all the difference in how that shower holds up. What a learning curve for us.

"He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." Luke 6:48

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." Psalm 127:1

To my cousin

So, apparently people read this thing! Whoohoo! My cousin Lisa just e-mailed me to tell me I hadn't posted in awhile and she was awaiting a new entry. So this is for you, Lisa!

Since I wrote last this is what we have been up to . . .
-the beach with Grandma Linny and Grandpa Charlie, cousins Grayson and Shay. The beach was fantastic. The best weather we've seen in a long time on Memorial Day weekend. There were these huge tidepools the kids played, excuse me, swam in. Alyssa could actually swim underwater.

I got to take the kids to a butterfly exhibit with some friends. That was totally fun. The kids loved it. I tried to be educational and bought a guide for Alyssa to identify the kinds of butterflies she saw flying around, but she kept handing the thing back to me. She just wanted to catch one, which of course, they don't allow!

Brett and I had a little getaway of our own. We went down to Williamsburg for the wedding of our friends Ryan and Carey. We had a great reunion with some of Brett's college friends and their wives. A great time! All except I think the King's Arms Tavern gave Brett and our friend Trish food poisoning. They both had the ham sandwich and were sick, sick, sick the next day. Too bad, Williamsburg used to be known for very good quality food. This time there was a marked difference, very mediocre. However, the weekend was so fun and we've been waiting for the day Ryan would tie the knot! Carey is such a awesome girl--both of them are so laid back, so was the wedding which made it extra fun. Everyone was in flip flops by reception time.

We just went to wedding last night for one of Brett's co-workers. Small ceremony and reception but very nicely done.

Now we are gearing up for my brother's wedding. That I cannot wait for. I get to see lots of my family. I am so excited for Paul, he's found such a wonderful partner in Nicole. They are a great pair. Full of fun and love.

I am so thankful for all the love we have been celebrating this month. I pray for all these couples perseverance, faithfulness, laughter, togetherness, respect, humility, patience and love.

Teacher Gifts

Tomorrow is Alyssa's last day of Preschool. Wow! Can't believe that! It seems like just yesterday she started.
During her bedtime we talked about it being her last day, which she is really excited about. I am not sure she realizes what "last" means. I told her I might cry happy tears and she was so concerned. What a precious child she is. "I really don't want you to cry, Mommy." So I will do my best to fight back those tears. I remember hating my mom crying at sentimental stuff, I thought I would NEVER do that. Yeah, right, I am so worse than she ever was. I ever cried at the confirmation video on Sunday at church. I don't have a confirmation kid, nor am I that involved with that group, I only know a few of the kids. But I can appreciate the beauty of a baby becoming a child, a child become a teen (ok- is that beauty?), and the beauty of becoming an adult. That is how God wants it.

I wanted to do something special for her teachers. They have really helped Alyssa bloom these past two years. She had one teacher for both years. I am pretty darn excited with what I came up with. I painted terra cotta flower pots with chalkboard spray paint and then spray painted the rim and inside with pink. Alyssa and I made paper flowers by punching out 2" circles and gluing them together. She signed the daisy. Then we pasted her school picture on the pink one. I used glue dots to secure a Borders gift card to the Black-eyed Susan. Then we taped floral arrangement sticks to the back and secured them in styrofoam inside the pot. I put seeds for "Alyssum", Sundflowers and Zinnias in the pot. Perhaps my favorite touch is the little poem I came up with.
When you plant these seeds
Think of the seeds
you planted in me
Love
Faith
Kindness
Courage
Confidence
Like these seeds I will bloom
From all the love
in your classroom.

I have to give credit to my friends Alex and Katie who both inspired me separately. Alex with her paper flowers and Katie with her chalkboard paint pot. Thanks!

Love,
Steph

Hula Hoop

Whoo boy! I bought my daughter a hula hoop the other day, as a compromise to an expensive Barbie thing. Well, she's been loving it. She shows her "tricks" nightly. The tricks are ones of a four year old. Lovely, simple, and make me wonder why I let her play with it in the house. As she was doing her "tricks" I decided I might as well have a crack at that hula hoop. Now, know I NEVER have mastered the hula hoop. In all my days, I would spin that thing all the way around my waist, I would wriggle and wiggle all around in hopes of keeping it up, but alas that thing always went straight for the floor. I never actually owned a hula hoop either, I know, my parents really deprived me. However, tonight-- I did it!! I spun that thing around, I did my wriggle, I did my wiggle and by golly it kept going around. Brett was cheering, Alyssa was clapping! It was awesome.

For weeks I have been exercising and eating better in hopes of diminishing the hips I gained during 2 pregnancies. Well now I know just what they are there for--to keep the hula hoop up! It changed my whole perspective! Sometimes that is all we need, a shift in perspective.

Love,
Steph

Mother's Day

Mother's Day, I still don't think I am used to it being a day for me. But what a day! My kids, of course, gave me all their presents as soon as they made them in school or in the nursery at church, no real surprises there. Cute handprints with poems, etc. However, so precious. The real surprise was the one Brett had for me-- an ipod!! I can finally join the new millennium. I had a good ol' time picking out some music, mostly praise, for it. I did add some good oldies too. We had lunch at a restaurant with my mom and grandma and Ed. That was brave since we brought the kids. Patrick is a bit of time bomb in those places. But we all made it out intact and no worse for the wear. I usually host the day at our house with all our families, however this year people sort of went their separate ways. I am not sure if we'll continue the tradition or not.

I am so thankful this Mother's Day to be a mother. I am so thankful for Brett. I have lots of prayers for those I know who are desperately waiting to be mothers. May God bless them in His time. I am reminded of Sarah and Abraham who waited so long for a child, and God did bless them as well as Elizabeth and Zachariah.

Happy Mother's Day,
Steph

Big Boy Bed

So, our house is officially crib free. Patrick's "Big Boy Bed" arrived last week and he truly loves it. He loves to show his friends. Mostly he likes to just sit on it and read his books. I will say I have some mixed feelings on not having a crib anymore. No more babies--sniff! I actually made the kids say goodbye to it, I really don't think they care though. I do have good and happy feelings about my kids being a little older, not so dependent on me. That's what we are working toward right? That our kids be not only self-sufficient but learn to be positive additions to society. That is not a natural feeling for me. I just want to protect them all the time. Sometimes I have to remind myself to back off and let them do it for themselves, even when they are asking for help (putting on clothes, coloring a picture, etc). Oh my! The milestones keep coming. Alyssa goes to Kindergarten orientation Thursday. I totally can't believe that! She is excited and I don't want to kill that feeling. I am terrified, but hiding it well!

Just Have to Share

I wasn't planning on writing on this blog more than once a week, but the spirit so moved me I had to share. We had such a good day yesterday- and it showed. Brett, my husband, knew immediately when he came home that we had a good day by the amount of dirt stuck to Patrick. Dirt on a boy is a sure sign of fun!

My good buddy invited us to a long time friend of her family's house. They had a litter of 6 week old golden retriever puppies! So precious! Now, I am not totally into big dogs, we have a sheltie and he is just fine, but I must say I think golden retriever puppies are the cutest softest things on the earth! One's name was Faith, which I figured was a sign I should have one, right-- God wants me to have Faith, right?! Anyhow, they puppies are all spoken for, thank goodness! The one thing I do not need now is a puppy! However, this house we went to was amazing, like a trip back in time. They have a pond with paddle boat, which all six of us climbed in, some barefoot, and we paddled all over the pond, we climbed out with wet tooshies and smiles on our faces. We then headed to a big trampoline which was more fun, Cristin and I even bounced it up. And then we had a picnic lunch.

Later that night I had a Bible study with my girls-- so fun and so needed. I love those ladies. And then, when I got home Brett and I had a good quality chat.

So-- at the end of a day like that I am full! Full of love and thanks for my family, friends, nature, beautiful weather, and most of all the Lord. Didn't I say, He blesses us daily!
Love,
Steph

Mary, Motherhood, & My Two

After the birth of Jesus and all were amazed about him Luke 2:19 says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." What must she been pondering! To give birth in a stable to the Son of God has got to give you something to ponder and to treasure, Amen? To follow Mary's example I too want to treasure and ponder the miracles not only of motherhood but of the Lord as well. He blesses us daily.

Tonight my kids were sweet. We all cuddled up on my daughter's bed and read stories together. They actually got through a few before they started tackling each other and Patrick started crowing like a rooster! My kids are 4 and 3, so needless to say, it can get a little crazy when they get worked up. But while I was giving Alyssa a hug, Patrick came up and wanted to get in on the action, and unlike his usual rough manner, he was so gentle and he even put his head on her shoulder. I treasure these moments.