"I Go Walkin'"

Title of blog: Patsy Cline tune...Hadley and I were singing it yesterday when we were getting ready to go on our walk. She seems to be a Patsy fan.

I was supposed to go see my midwife yesterday afternoon. I didn't go. I will have to go next week if I haven't had the baby by then, but I just didn't see any need in going yesterday. I'm fine, baby's fine. I called my midwife to ask her if it was absolutely necessary that I come. She laughed at me, asked me a bunch of questions, and then said that I didn't have to come. So, with the little phone interview, the only thing not done was my weight, urine check, and blood pressure. Again, all of those things have been super perfect the whole time...no need to think otherwise now. So, I saved myself over an hour trip and instead we went for a nice long walk.

We've been doing a good bit of walking these days. The area we are in is so pretty with great, very non-busy roads. It's fun. A couple of days ago Grady decided to ride his tricycle instead of riding in the wagon with Hadley. Here are a couple of great pictures of that little outing. Fun times.


The kids on the trail with Daddy.



Joel even rigged it so that Grady was pulling Hadley along. Grady loved it. And although Grady is a great driver, Hadley wasn't so sure about it at first.







We are keeping super busy with a few projects. Joel is getting everything in order and ready to join a sending agency (lots of paperwork and doing things like passport pictures, etc....there is a lot involved). He's also working on getting our website up and running. Also, he's been doing things around here that our hosts need done (landscaping stuff, helping to clean the pool, handyman stuff). I started a huge project yesterday...organizing and putting all of the pictures we own (my whole life basically...from elementary to present) in albums. So, between all of our projects and our kiddos, we've got at least a couple of full time jobs I'd say. How are we going to fit this new baby in? :) Just kidding. Still can't wait for the new baby to make its appearance. We'll keep you posted.

Our New Niece

Last Friday (that is, Sept. 22nd), Joss Ebersole was born. She was 8 lbs. 6 oz., the same weight as her sister at birth, Alexa (who is 16 months old). She's really cute. And, it's really fun to have babies so close in age. Joss and our new little one will be only days/weeks apart. Hadley is only 3 months older than Alexa. Grady and Hadley had a SUPER time with Alexa when we were in Boston. We can't wait to meet little Joss.


Joss.



Joss being held by Alexa. That is Kristin, their mom...Joel's brother Andre's wife.

October Baby

Welp, looks like this is going to be an October baby. September is gone now and Mama doesn't plan to carry this big ole baby in her belly until November. :) As usual, we will keep you posted on the baby happenings.

Our kids are doing great of course. Hadley is really talking a good bit these days. Grady is REALLY talking alot...he just got done "reading" a book to Hadley. He's heard it so many times that he has it memorized. Hadley is infatuated with babies. They both are to a certain extent...love to rub my belly and kiss it and tell that baby to come out of there (I got them to do that part). But, anywhere we are, if Hadley spots a baby, she is blind to anything else. It's going to be fun to have a baby in the house.

I weighed them both a couple of days ago. Grady is 2 years and almost 9 months old. He weighs 36.5 pounds...he's a solid, strong, good-looking little boy. When he is on his knees, he and Hadley are the same height. :) Hadley weighs a whopping 23.5 pounds. She is 19 months old now. Grady was her weight when he was 9 months old. Isn't that funny? She's a tiny, but feisty little thing at times. So snuggly though.

Here is a great picture that Joel took of the kids the other day. Enjoy. Have a great Sunday!

Uncle Tucker and Hadley

...the dynamic acrobatic piano duo. :)

The Guest House

I am feeling the need to post every day, if only to say "no baby." I'm sure that if I don't post your assumption is that I might possibly be in labor or something, so I'll just try to post. And, you can be sure that after the baby comes, we will be posting an announcement that the baby is here. So, believe me, you won't be left out.

Here is a visual of where we are living now. We are staying in the cutest little guest house that you ever did see. There are 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a great open kitchen/living room area. Also, the outside here is super. We are in a little development in Kilgore, TX. But, we are also in a very quiet area with lots of woods all around us. It's super. So, the kids play outside all the time. Right to the left of our house in that fenced in place (see the first picture) is a great sandbox that Joel just restored...they've been busy in that all morning. There are also a couple of swingsets, a treehouse, a pool, and lots of open spaces and woods to explore in. And, the road we live down is great too...we take lots of walks. We love it here and are so thankful for the chance to live here and the generosity of our hosts. Oh, that's another plus...great neighbors. Our kids love to play together too (they have a 3 1/2 yr. old boy and a 6 yr. old girl who loves to "babysit"...they also have a 9 yr. old boy and 7 yr. old boy).

Anyhow, here you go...our wonderful little guest house:


The front of our cute little guest house.



As you walk in the front door, you see the kitchen area straight ahead. The kitchen and living room area is all one big room...we love it.



This is what you see if you look to the immediate left as you walk into the front door...the living room area.



The kids' room. The twin bed on the right, we dismantled and put the box spring on top of the top bunk and the mattress under the bottom bunk as a trundle to "catch kids" in case they fall. The kids both sleep on the bottom bunk. It's been a bit of a challenge since Hadley has always been either in a pack-n-play or a crib, but she's getting better about staying put. They both sleep horizontally in the bed...that is, with their pillows up against the left wall, their feet pointing out toward the trundle bed underneath.

The hallway leading to the bathroom on the left and the master bedroom at the end. The kids' room is there to the right.














The perfect size bathroom.



The master bedroom, which now has our king-size bed in it instead of this bed...this bed is propped up against the wall. It also has our spa-n-a-box in it...what we are using for our birth pool.




Keep us in your prayers and we will keep you posted.

Ready Again

Now that my headache is just a normal headache and not one of those crazy headaches from Satan himself, I am once again ready to have this baby. Yay!! I did have to take some Tylenol this morning and I also took some Sudafed (since there has been speculation all along that it could just be some sinus issue). I'm not sure which one helped, but my head got better...and both are o.k. to take in pregnancy, so we're o.k. there. Still would rather take nothing at all, but as long as they aren't so bad that I need the ibuprofen, we are doing alright.

Some of you have asked about what is going on in the missions area of our lives. The first thing we needed to do is get set up with someone/some organization to handle all of our finances (support coming in and such). Joel has been very busy the whole time we've been back in Texas researching our options in that dept. and we have really narrowed it down and believe we have found our sending agency. So, we're very excited to have gotten that accomplished and we're also very excited about the sending agency we are probably going with. I'll tell you more about them whenever it is finalized. But, that's where we are with everything. Still much to be done for sure.

So, as I was saying, I am once again ready to have a new little one. So, just keep that in your prayers. Thanks so much for your prayers concerning my head. We are SO THANKFUL that it's better. Please continue to remember my head and now add on the birth too. :) Thanks.

Much Better

Hi all. I am happy to say that today has been much better. My head is still heavy and achy, but just like a regular headache...nothing major.

I took ibuprofen for the last time at about 4:30 this morning. After researching again (reading the same articles on the web I had read before) and praying alot this morning (I was wide awake from 4:30 - 6:30), I decided that I just really didn't think I should take ibuprofen anymore. But, there was the issue of the debilitating headache without it. So, we just went to God with it around 10 this morning...it was getting time to take the ibuprofen again and before when I didn't take it every 6 hours on the dot, the pain got away with me. I didn't want that to happen again, but I knew how I felt about continuing to take it. So, Joel prayed for me and we decided that we for sure weren't going to take it.

So, haven't taken anything all day and I'm fine. Like I said, achy still, but I think it is finally going away...yippee!! Thanks so much for your prayers and suggestions...we really appreciate it. I'll let you know how I'm doing again tomorrow.

Oh, and also, the midwife appt. went very well yesterday. My blood pressure was fine (114/64) and there was no protein in my urine. I continued to have no swelling. So, obviously not preeclampsia. I didn't have an internal check, so no updates on dilation or effacement or anything like that. I'll go see her again next Monday.

Thanks again for your prayers.

Migraines Stink

Alright, so I'm not completely sure that what I have is a migraine. But, that's kind of what I'm leaning toward, given my symptoms and such.

I've had one other headache like this...back in December. It lasted less than 24 hours though, which I was very grateful for. This one is hanging on for dear life.

The whole history is that I started getting "floaters" (fuzzy vision) every now and then about 3 months after Hadley was born. I kept having them fairly regularly (once a week or so) and decided to go to the eye doctor. The floaters would last about 30 minutes each time I had them, during which I couldn't really do anything, like drive...very annoying. Sometimes I would have a headache following these episodes and sometimes not. The eye doctor said that it could really just all be related to having been pregnant recently...everything swells to a certain degree when pregnant (even parts of your eye), blood volume is increased, hormones are whacky, etc. He said I should just give it 3 months or so and if it didn't stop, get checked out again. He called it "optic migraine" or "opthalmic migraine."

We moved and didn't have insurance anymore. And, the episodes got fewer and farther between. Finally, I had that really bad headache in December and nothing after that...no floaters or anything.

The floaters came back, from my recollection, probably about a month or so ago. I don't think I had any before that. I've had about 2 or 3 episodes I guess...not always followed by a headache (and if a headache follows, it is usually a mild headache...not like what would be considered a migraine...don't feel the need for medication or anything). Anyhow, I had an episode of floaters last week...Monday or Tuesday night...can't remember. Around Wednesday night my head started feeling really heavy and I would get this horrible throbbing sensation if I bent over. I rested for a couple of days. Friday night my head was getting worse and worse. I went to bed and woke up Saturday morning at 2am with the worst headache I'd ever had. My main pain being right above my left ear (the same as last December). Saturday I just laid around and slept as much as I could. Around 3pm I took some Tylenol, then again at 11pm before I went to bed. The Tylenol did take the edge off, but barely. At 3am on Sunday morning I woke up again with an even more horrible pain than the morning before...I couldn't lay down at all...had to sleep sitting up...and barely did sleep at all...and, it was too early to take the Tylenol again. At 7am I took some more Tylenol, which again, didn't do much. I called my midwife on Sunday morning and she told me to take ibuprofen every 6 hours. I took 600mg at 3pm and it did wonders. I even went to life group at the Brockway's last night (right next door...I had to get out of the house). By the time we were getting ready for bed, I felt it coming on again, so I took 400mg ibuprofen. Then again at 3am when I woke up, felt it again...took another 400mg.

I woke up this morning with a heavy head, but not bad pain or anything. I was going to try to not take any more medication...but, it didn't work. By the time 10am rolled around, I was hurting really bad. I called my midwife back (she had told me to call her if not any better) and she said keep taking the ibuprofen every 6 hours to keep it at bay and come see her today at 5:15pm. So, that's the history and the update of Michawn's headaches.

The concern for pregnant chics with headaches is preeclampsia. Some of the symptoms are: headache, swelling, high blood pressure, and protein in urine. As of last Wednesday my blood pressure was 104/58 (my norm.) and no protein in my urine. I don't have any swelling, just the headache. So, I'm sure it's not that, but we will be absolutely sure after this afternoon, after my midwife checks my blood pressure and urine again...always good to be sure.

Another thing it could be is a really bad sinus headache...I don't have any drainage or fever or any of the other related symptoms of that, but I also took some Sudafed a while back...we'll see if that helps. And, the other thing it could be is just whacky hormone stuff...my body getting ready to deliver and the estrogen and progestin (or whatever) shifting and such. And, of course it could be a "tumah." :) But, we'll rule out the small stuff first I guess before I go in for a CAT scan.

As in a previous post, I'm not one to take medicine. But, thankfully those little ibuprofen are available when they are the only thing to keep you functional and make it possible for you to open your eyes. I've read some heavy warnings about taking it in the last trimester of pregnancy though, so pray that I won't need it long...or that the baby just comes soon (and while I am functional on the ibuprofen so I can birth it).

I will keep you updated in the days to come on the status of my weary head.

Don't Come Today

As of yesterday, I am 2 weeks away from my due date. I am praying today that the baby doesn't come. That's a weird request for a girl at my stage of pregnancy. Usually, someone at my stage is SO READY to have the baby.

I am too...except that for the last few days I've had a terrible headache. It got worse and worse and then last night (this morning really I guess...at about 2am) I woke up and thought I was going to die. Horrible I tell you. This has happened once before...last December I think. I don't know what a headache has to be before it is considered a migraine, but if this isn't it, it's close.

It's funny too, because I was dreaming about Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston when I woke up. Last time I dreamed about them (I was on a safari with them in Africa) my water broke and I had Hadley that day. Last night I woke up and thought, oh, my water's probably about to break. :) Then I stood up to go to the bathroom and felt the weight and pain of my head and decided that I hoped my water didn't break.

I was finally able to get back to sleep for a little while. But, I am still barely opening my eyes and propping up my 400 lb. head wherever I go (for instance, I am now sitting sideways on the couch with my head on a pillow on the back of the couch as I attempt to type this). It's a tad bit better than it was at 2am, but I am in no way, shape, or form in a state that would be able to birth a baby...not without some kind of general anesthesia to knock me completely out. :) That's an exaggeration, but seriously, pray that the baby will indeed wait until this head issue goes away. Thanks.

On Purpose?

It was so funny. I was at Chili's tonight with some friends and we were being introduced to another friend of one of the ladies. She was saying that I was due in 2 weeks and that I was going to be having the baby at home in the tub. The lady quickly said, "On purpose?" She was cracking me up.

You get all kinds of responses from people. Some people think it's dang cool, but yet others wonder "WHY!?!?!?!?" would you ever want to do that.

So, I thought I'd take a few minutes here to just give you some of our reasons for wanting to have our babies at home.

1. We are crazy like that...O.K., so that's not a real reason, but I just thought it'd be fun to type.
2. Well, because we can. I'm not one to take medication easily, for anything. Don't get me wrong...I don't like pain. But, the first thing I do when I'm in pain or if I am sick or whatever, is pray. If God doesn't just heal me immediately (which has happened), then I ask for guidance. Sometimes through research I can pin down a cause to my sickness or pain that can be cured by natural means. Sometimes things just have to run its course. For instance, there is WAY too much antibiotic usage these days in my book...most of the time it will just go away without antibiotic usage. And, lots of times Dr.'s prescribe antibiotics even though they are not sure it is something that should be treated with antibiotics, but the patients feel better with a prescription, so they give it. So, same with birth. I just don't think it's necessary in most cases to have any medical interventions, therefore we don't plan for them. Thank God for the medical interventions that are available if need be, but most of the time they aren't needed.
3. It is so peaceful. When we had Hadley at home, it was so relaxing and calm and peaceful. Joel and my midwife were the only ones there with me. It was just super nice. She came out and barely cried. We cleaned her off a bit and weighed her, during which she may have whimpered a little bit (I don't even remember that), but then we all just went to sleep. The lights were down low, everything was really quiet...nobody whisking her away to briskly rub her down and shine bright lights in her eyes and poke and prod her. It was just nice.
4. Dr.'s/hospital personnel are trained for certain things. They are trained to think of the worst possible scenario, look for that, and treat it if it remotely looks like that is what it is. Rightly so...they do see things on a day to day basis that is very wrong and should be treated. But, an overwhelming percentage of births go off without a hitch...and probably even more would go off without a hitch if unnatural means weren't used to induce or just tamper with the body's ability to birth a baby. But, my point is this...I really don't want to put myself in a place where they are a little hyper about every little thing and where they tend to look at pregnancy/birth as just another medical condition that needs intervention and treatment. The truth is, as stated before, most births need no/little intervention whatsoever.
5. I love the attentiveness of having a midwife. Midwives are SO in tune with what is going on and so knowledgeable. Birthing babies is what they do day in and day out...they know their stuff. For instance, with Hadley my water broke at 4:30 am. At 9:30 that night I was still not having regular contractions...I had done everything on my own that I could do to stimulate them. My midwife came over and checked me. Apparently, my cervix had shifted backward and was pointing a bit toward my back (it wasn't like that 3 days prior when she had checked me at my appt.). That is why I wasn't having contractions. She simply held my cervix forward and stimulated contractions by stroking my cervix and applying pressure at certain pressure points known to stimulate contractions (one being on the inside of my foot). She held my cervix there through about 5 or 6 contractions...about 30 minutes. After that my cervix stayed in the proper position, I had regular contractions, and 5 1/2 hours later Hadley was born. Now, I'm not sure a Dr. would've known to do that, been attentive enough to figure it all out, or even if he knew the problem, taken the time to hold my cervix like that. I'm really guessing not, not your average Dr. anyhow...not always to his discredit...sometimes they are truly too busy with other patients and such. But, another reason I prefer a midwife...good one-on-one attention which is needed and very much appreciated while birthing a baby.
6. I am a nurse, so please don't get me wrong and think that I am anti-medical. But, being a nurse, I know this from personal experience...sometimes there are things that are policy/procedure and need to be done even though it is really just not absolutely necessary. That is another thing that I like to avoid by not going to a hospital if possible. Again, if it's unnecessary, let's not do it.

Well, obviously not an exhaustive list, but all that I have time for today and all that you care to read anyhow I'm sure. It's a very personal decision, how to have your baby. But, again...many people wonder why in the world we chose the way we did...just wanted to let you know.

Also, as far as the pain (that's always a big question)...2 things:
1. In my experience, if you are prepared mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, it is VERY hard work and not something that I'd want to do more than every year or so, but it is definitely do-able. And, totally not what is depicted on most TV shows and movies. If you are full of fear, you will probably look like those ladies on the shows and movies. But, if you are ready and knowledgeable, you will have a wonderful delivery. Again, not full of pain, but full of hard work.
2. If you do any reading at all, you will find that, like I said, if you are full of fear and not full of knowledge, you will be full of pain. Also, if you base the things you do and choices you make on scripture, then it is so very helpful to know what scripture has to say about pain in childbirth. For instance, I was always taught that Eve was cursed for disobedience and that part of her curse was pain in childbirth. That is usually taken from Genesis 3. In the original Hebrew, nowhere is the word "cursed" used referring to Adam or Eve. The ground is cursed and the serpent is cursed, but it is said of both Adam and Eve that they will have hard work...that Eve will toil in chilbirth and that Adam will have hard work in eating of the cursed ground. Unfortunately, is seems that with every new translation this scripture reference becomes more and more twisted...like the Bible translators are very influenced by the culture in which they live (and the movies they see where the women are screaming and writhing in pain as they deliver their children) moreso than they are influenced by adequate translation from the original Hebrew. For instance, in KJV, the word "sorrow" is used for how Eve will deliver her children...and how Adam will eat of the land. An alternate translation given for "sorrow" is "toil." But, in the Revised Standard Version, the word sorrow is replaced with the word pain when talking about childbirth...but, when talking about Adam, the word sorrow is replaced with the word toil. Interesting, since in the Hebrew the same word is used for both Adam and Eve..."etsev" which basically means "giving up of oneself as in toil." If you look at an even newer translation, the New Living Translation, when referring to Eve it says, "You will bear children with intense pain and suffering." The childbearing scenario just gets worse and worse with every translation. Interesting isn't it? By the way, in the New Living Translation, when referring to Adam, it just talks about hard work and struggle...no pain. Again, in the Hebrew the same word is used for both Adam and Eve.

Anyhow, there is your little Bible lesson for today...and why we do what we do. Will we always do it that way...I can't think why we wouldn't, but God always has things up His sleeve, doesn't He? If He wants us to give birth differently in the future, He will let us know. I pray that we are always listening to His direction and not just doing things because that's the way we've always done them.

Thanks for all of your prayers concerning this new little baby and our birth experience. We are praying that it is a great experience all the way around. We are excited.

Angelina Lips

I was just thinking this morning how I felt like I have Angelina lips. Unfortunately, I don't really have those beautiful lips, but I feel like I do. The last couple of months of pregnancy for me, I always just feel like even my lips are huge, even though in reality they aren't. I feel like I can't talk right...maybe even like my tongue is swollen or something. It's weird and maybe not reality, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, today I went to the midwife. By the way, an update is that I still have no dilation, but am now about 60% effaced. The baby's head, which was "way down there" last week, is now up high again...normal for babies other than your first (to bob up and down).

Anyhow, Mama got a treat. I went by myself today. Sometimes Joel and the kids go too, but not today. The ultrasound people were there today testing out a new ultrasound machine. It's apparently way more high-tech than the one they had previously. Well, I was asked if I wanted to be a guinea pig and I said sure. So, I got to see the little one again...for free. It was really fun. I've always just seen one ultrasound at around 20 weeks with each one. It was fun to get to see this one so well developed and basically ready to come out. I even got to see a 3-D image of his/her little face. And, lo and behold, he/she has Angelina lips. :) Now, could be that this poor little one is very smushed and therefore the lips are a little poked out looking. But, definitely some pokey lips. It was super cute.

The ultrasound machine was really cool. They could even set it to where the amniotic fluid around the baby's nostrils was colored a little...and we could see the baby breathing the fluid in and out of its nostrils.

We can't wait to meet this little one with pokey lips.

Pretty Girl, Pretty Boy, Fun Family

Fun Family Pic

While we were in Boston, we took advantage of Joel's little brother's photography talents and took some family pictures on the beach. It had turned a bit chilly the week before we actually got around to taking them, but it was still fun and we got some GREAT shots...or, Danny got some great shots that is.

I'll just share one of them with you today. This is a fun one that we have as our computer background right now. Just thought you might enjoy seeing it.

Noah Steven

There are so many in the world who need our prayers.

I don't know these people from Adam, but they are good friends of some acquaintances of mine. I've been following their blog about their newborn for a month or 2 now. It is very encouraging despite the monumental challenges they face.

I woke up with them on my mind and thought I would just put their link on this blog...you can be praying for them too. They need it.

www.noahsteven.blogspot.com

Out Of It

Today has been a VERY relaxing day for me. I got up with the kids around 7 or so. But, then Joel got up and I went to bed again around 10. I slept until almost 1. We put the kids down and I took a shower. Then, I went back to bed and read and relaxed until the kids woke up. It's been nice.

Yesterday I got all the last things we will need for the birth. I also did laundry. The only bummer about the guest house we are staying in is that there is no washer/dryer. So sad and inconvenient, esp. with toddlers, a home birth, and a newborn coming. For instance, when I got back from the laundrymat yesterday, the kids had leaked on their sheet during their nap. Laundry is neverending, but if that's the only inconvenience we have, we are doing mighty fine. We can deal with the laundry. But, back to what I was saying...got all the last things needed and went to the laundrymat.

So, I guess after a week's worth of working, working, working, my body was telling me to go to bed. All of the "stuff" we need is here and there are 8 meals in the freezer (that's all that would fit).

I've also felt very nauseous today...just yucky. I've hardly eaten, which is very odd for me. :)

Anyhow, just a quick little update. There is a worship concert at church tonight that we will be going to...I plan to go anyway. It'll be really good I'm sure. And, childcare provided...always a great thing.

The Ezzo's Would Be Proud

So, I mentioned earlier about how we have put the kiddos on a more structured schedule. We have been doing it for 3 days now, and we are loving it. So are the kids. They are much happier and therefore, so are we. It is MUCH less work than I thought it would be (in fact, it makes for much less work than before) and it just makes for a more fun day spent with the kids.

I thought I'd give a sample day for the kids from the Ebersole's dry-erase board: :)

7:30 - wake, change clothes, make bed
8:00 - breakfast
8:30 - there are 2 options for this time: free play (where they get to just play
with whatever in the living room or in their room)...this gives us time to
clean up the kitchen and such, or blanket time (where they both get their
blankets and spread it out on the floor with some books and toys; they have
to stay on their blankets during this time); we alternate free play and
blanket time each day
9:00 - outside (at this point in the year, outside time is great...we are taking
advantage of just going outside to play as long as possible); they swing on
the swingset, go for walks in the woods (they built a fort with Daddy the
other day), take wagon rides, and yesterday they got to go swimming in the
Brockway's pool during the afternoon outside time
10:00- snack time
10:15- quiet time (this is when they both get on their bed and just look at
books...they must stay on their bed during this time)
10:45- the activity varies from day-to-day during this time; we can choose between
activities such as wrestling, cutting out shapes, playing with sticker books,
singing, exercising, water colors, etc.; it's fun; today we cut circles out
of construction paper using their new child scissors, which they loved of
course; Grady surprised us with some really artistic
cutting...seriously...very cool designs...and he was very serious about it too
11:15- highchair time, so lunch can be prepared; during this time we can choose
between playing with play-doh, coloring, drawing, looking at books, etc.
12:00- lunch
12:30- Grady time (one-on-one time with Mama or Daddy)
1:00 - Hadley time (her one-on-one time)...we alternate who gets to go first each
day, and at this time Grady will be playing on his own or looking at a book
or whatever...same with Hadley during Grady's time
1:30 - naptime
3:30 - snack
4:00 - outside again...like I said, really taking advantage of warm weather right
now...and really will probably be able to do this always when we're in this
part of the country except for maybe during January and February
5:00 - roomtime (where they can play with anything, but they are limited to playing
in their room...gives Mama a good jump on supper)
5:30 - again, highchair time, where we alternate between the above-mentioned
highchair activities...and supper is finished up
6:00 - supper
6:30 - bath
7:00 - family time, read, Bible time
7:30 - bed, lights out, parents leave the room (the kids don't usually actually fall
asleep until 8 or a little after)
*on Wednesday nights the schedule changes a bit in the afternoon:
4:00 - outside
5:15 - bath
6:00 - supper
6:30 - to church
9:00 - family time, read, Bible time
9:30 - bed

This may seem a bit hyper and rigid to some, but of course we aren't a slave to it. It is a guideline that keeps us on track and gives our kids some great things to do. For instance, we put them down for a nap at 1:30. That doesn't mean they go to sleep at that time. And, they don't necessarily wake up at 3:30, but whenever they wake up is snack time. Like I said, we've only been doing it for the past 3 days, but even since day 1 the kids have been SO less fussy (almost no fussiness at all) and MUCH more obedient. It's been great.

Since Joel is home these days and I've been SUPER busy getting meals frozen and setting up house and all of those other things, he's been doing about 90% (at least) of raising the kids this week. He's been so super all the way around actually. I have a hard time getting down on the floor these days, which is where we do most of our diaper changing, so he does pretty much all of that. He also gets up with them in the mornings and feeds them breakfast while I sleep or just get ready for the day. He does all the lifting of the kids. He has been the one taking them outside...pretty much everything. :) He's such a great daddy...and husband.

But, all of that to say (along with how great my husband is) that I'm not sure how this schedule will be done if/when Joel starts working again and we have a newborn. Like I said, we aren't a slave to it even now. Out of these last 3 days, at least 1 or 2 things have been changed each day, or the times changed around or whatever. But, hopefully even after the baby comes we will be able to maintain some semblance of a nice schedule like this. It's been great.

Nesting is For Real

I used to think that the thing people called "nesting" was a bit overexaggerated. I mean, yes, you get things ready and together, but that's just the smart thing to do. It's important...it's responsible.

But, since I've not been able to "nest" this pregnancy, I have come to realize that, for me anyway, it is a very real need, not just a nice thing to do. I enjoyed my time in Saline and Boston and Brazil and then Boston and Saline again. But, I was very ready to get back to the Longview area (Kilgore to be precise) and nest.

On Sunday we got to the guest house where we are staying until after the baby is born. It is so cute and nice...we LOVE it. We wish it was portable and we could just take it wherever we go here in the states.

The first thing I did was unpack our suitcases completely. We've had our suitcases out and packed since we left for Dallas back in March...hello...that's a long time. I was itching to put those things away (the suitcases that is). I am very grateful for suitcases...they serve a great purpose. But, I definitely won't miss them for the next few weeks.

So, the past 3 days these are some of the things I've been doing:
1. setting up house - really about done with that except for the kitchen; but, it has been a lot of work for just a few weeks; I even put in drawer liners in the bathroom; I mean, I've been setting up house
2. went to the midwife on Monday afternoon - for those of you needing an update, I am perfectly healthy; the head is "way down there" in my pelvis; my cervix is soft, but no dilation or effacement yet; I have started to take some herbs...not to induce labor, but just to try to get my cervix more progressed for when labor does start...it would be nice to have some nice dilation and effacement before labor begins; on Friday, I will be 3 weeks away from my due date
3. went grocery shopping - had 2 carts full; this house was without some basics that we didn't bring along (pots/pans, measuring cups/spoons, etc.); I also got some stuff for the home birth and food for meals for the next couple of weeks
4. went grocery shopping again - planned out some meals to make to freeze for after the baby comes...had to go get everything for that; we are also putting the kids on a major schedule...they've always had a good routine, but we are really structuring their day (the information we read about structuring your child's day is found in the Toddlerwise book by the Ezzo's)...we've found that kids are fine and parenting is much more easy when you just pop in a video and let your kids veg. all day long, but usually they are SO FUSSY; and, you don't really spend time with them; don't get me wrong, videos are nice when you are super busy and don't have an option (one parent at home with the kids and also trying to pack up a house), but right now is a great time to get this whole structure down and hopefully reduce/eliminate the fussing, since Joel is home now too and we won't be traveling anymore for the next few weeks; so anyway, I got some things for that
5. ordering things for the birth - the spa-n-a-box came a couple of days ago (our birthing tub...it's a portable hot tub) and ordering the birth kit, etc.
6. making the new schedule for the kids and putting it all on a dry-erase board
7. making all the meals to freeze - I started a couple of hours ago and have one in the freezer and 2 more in progress...I have a total of 10 to do, although I'm not sure they will all fit in the freezer :(

Anyhow, other piddly stuff, but you get the idea...nesting galore. Ahhh...so glad to finally be able to do it. Just really hope that I get everything done and get my fill of nesting before the little one comes...I'm sure I will.

Welp, off to nest some more.

Bathrooms Are Gross

Yes, the 2nd thing that I don't enjoy...bathrooms. For those of you who know me well, you probably guessed that.

Public restrooms are just not cool. I think that most people across the board agree with me in their opinion of public restrooms. Most of the people who are thinkers in this world don't enjoy public restrooms.

When I was going through my germ-freakout phase, I wouldn't even step into a public restroom. Nowadays, I can use them of course, but I don't enjoy it. I can't provide a list of reasons like I did with the dogs...they are just nasty, that's all there is to it. But, I can give you an example of one thing that is just not acceptable to me: toilet water...on me.

Here's how it works: The new-fangled gadgets called automatic flushers, which were, in theory, supposed to be cleaner and more convenient I suppose...well, some tend to be so powerful that they spray water all up on you as they go off. If you are still sitting on the toilet, that means that you get nasty toilet water all up on your hiney. And, if your hiney isn't completely covering the bowl, you also get it up on your back and clothes as well. Lovely.

In attempts to avoid nasty toilet water on my hiney and back and clothes, when I hear the bowl about to go off flushing, I jump up and practically hug the door (although I don't really hug the door...I try not to touch anything in public restrooms, so no hugging of the door allowed). The problem with this is this...and it's happened to me on several occasions: The flushing system on these suckers are just so dang powerful that it goes outside the toilet bowl to the surrounding areas...even as far as the door...which, therefore, again...nasty toilet water on me (although, in this position, on my legs and feet). Again, lovely.

I don't enjoy anything about toilets, accept that they do generously provide a place to relieve yourself. But, I just don't enjoy them, even my own toilet. I don't even touch my own toilet. I think that most people are probably fine with constantly being in contact with their own toilet (and by this I mean leaning up against it, touching the lids and such with their hands without washing their hands, etc....touching it other than using it to go pee pee or poo poo), but not something I do...it is for waste...not interested in touching it. But, that's just me. The toilet itself (the outside of it) may not be dirty...but, then again, maybe it is dirty. I'd just rather not touch.

Also, people who don't wash their hands after they use the bathroom...um, disgusting. I even know girls who will change their tampon and never wash their hands. HELLO!! I mean, people...please wash your hands. You are spreading germs everywhere you go. And that is not the part of me speaking that was once considered a germaphobic...that is just plain common sense, Cleanliness 101. Washing your hands after you go to the bathroom (peeing, pooing...anything) is just a basic. If not for you, do it out of consideration for others. I've seriously known people who got sick and had to be hospitalized because of failure to wash hands after bathroom activity (for instance, a baby that was in a nursery with a sick kid...the caretakers weren't washing their hands after changing poo diapers and passed on a sickness that was serious).

Also, as far as bathrooms and me go, I'm sure it doesn't help that I've been trained in sterile technique. You see, if you touch something dirty, whatever part of your body (your index finger for example) you touched it with is now dirty also and shouldn't touch anything else unless you want to contaminate some more. So, therefore if you touch something dirty with your right index finger, you wouldn't want to turn on the water faucet using your right index finger...follow me? If you used your right index finger to turn on the faucet, then the faucet would be dirty...and therefore if you turned off the faucet without cleaning it first, you would cancel out the hand-washing that you just did. See what I'm saying?

Anyhow, just wanted to finish up my rantings and ravings about the 2 things that I have always found to be nasty and therefore don't enjoy...O.K., yes, I despise.

Now, on to new things in the next post.

I Hate Dogs

Hate is a strong word. I started to call it a "dislike," or "strong aversion to," but, I've come to realize and accept...I just hate dogs. That's the only word for it.

I think they are cute when they are on TV, but that's as far as my appreciation goes I must say.

In my previous post I talked about how I had overcome an attack of issues with germs. But, there are 2 things that I have never enjoyed, in fact, I despise. In no particular order, the first thing is dogs and the 2nd thing...well, we'll get to that in the next post.

I have so many friends and family who are dog lovers. So, I don't mean to offend. But, this is my blog and I reserve the right to gripe about whatever I want all I want. :)

My reasons for hating dogs:
1. They slobber - and usually it's all over you.
2. They lick - which goes hand-in-hand with slobbering, but just another facet of dog irritation; also, it's usually right after they've licked their butthole or drug up something dead and decomposing in the yard or drank out of the toilet bowl or dug through the trash...um, disgusting. And we all know how dogs "drag" things...yes, with their mouths.
3. They clobber - this is often seen as a sign of friendliness and doted on since dogs are "man's best friend" after all; but, again...another facet of dog irritation; I for one do not want a big nasty beast even touching me, much less giving me a full-out jump-on hug.
4. They stink to high heaven - even inside dogs who are given baths regularly...and teeth brushed (yes, some people do that)...they still stink; there is always an odor, esp. when they open their mouth...ugh!; and, of course, they usually open their stinky old nasty breath mouths when they are begging for food at your feet right as you are about to take that first bite at the table...yuck!!
5. They bark - Whether it's the deep-throated bark of a big dog or a yappy annoying bark of a small dog, it's enough to drive someone crazy...esp. at 2 o'clock in the morning...and esp. when it lasts for 2 hours; or, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon when your babies are trying to take a nap; sometimes I am very tempted to go and buy a gun and use it.

So, obviously not an exhaustive list, but you get the idea. I just hate dogs.

Some of you know that we had a kitten for a while this summer. Some would argue that cats are just as "nasty." But, #1 - our cat never went out of the house. #2 - if it did go out of the house (to the vet. or something), it got a bath. #3 - cats leave you alone...none of that clobbering, licking, stinking, slobbering, barking nonsense. Much, much better than a dog in my mind. It was still a stretch for me at times to even have a cat.

I've just come to accept that I'm a much happier person when dogs are far, far away. Why? Because I hate dogs.

Germs

I don't think that I've ever blogged about this. That in itself is a testament to what God has done. You see, germs used to be the bulk of what I thought about.

About 6 months after Joel and I got married, I started to be very aware of the filth of things. In reality, what really started to happen was that I believed a lie. And, after buying into that lie, I believed another lie. After that, another lie was told and I believed that.

Up to that point in my life, I'm sure that Satan had worked his ways with me, even if it was only to get me to think that he wasn't really around...he wasn't the cause for things. In fact, that is his most successful way of working here in the U.S....to lull us to sleep and blind us to the things he does. But...

"Be careful! Watch our for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour." --1 Peter 5:8

He hates to see things being done to increase God's Kingdom. Remember, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy!

And, he did. He came straight to me to destroy. I heard it once preached that the enemy likes to set up fear right over the door of our destiny. He succeeded with me. The things that I feel a call on my life to do...go to a 3rd world country to be a missionary, have many kids, adopt many kids (including street kids), etc....my destiny. Throwing a fear of germs over that door of my destiny would've stopped me in my tracks. The enemy would've won. How could I ever bring little street kids into my home when I didn't even want to touch them?

Thankfully, we recognized it for what it was quickly. We knew that it was a spiritual battle.

Many would say that I had "OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder." And, it definitely fit the OCD profile. I wasn't afraid of the germs making me sick, but I just thought of things as nasty and therefore didn't want to touch them...and didn't want them to touch me. Example: doorknobs in public places. Now, we can totally rationalize that. I mean how many hands touch the doorknobs/handles day in and day out at your local grocery store, mall, or restaurant? And then how often do you think that doorknob gets cleaned? But, you just can't live like that. I believed that "lie" and then I stopped touching doorknobs...then I would believe another lie and stop touching table tops at restaurants, etc. It just went on and on until I was a prisoner of the lies from Satan that I believed.

I dare say, though, that I believe that MANY of our mental disorders and cases like OCD are in fact spiritual. We so often run to a doctor for help that they can't really give. Sometimes they can put a band-aid on something, but the cause and the problem is still there, only masked. Sometimes they can't even do that. Most often what we need to do is run to God and allow Him alone to do the job.

Those of you that know me know that the whole germ-freakout was SO NOT LIKE ME. I could swim in any mudhole you put before me, sit down on the bed next to the most infectious patient I had, etc. Nothing bothered me. But, when it hit, it hit hard.

Joel was the most amazing man during that time. He would submit to my every request about washing this or that or taking a shower when he really wasn't dirty. He would tell me that he didn't agree, but that he just wanted to honor me. I would melt at that point and become more determined than ever to beat it...I didn't want him to be a prisoner too. We both knew that I had a problem and we were attacking Satan back through major spiritual warfare constantly, but it took a long time. And, Joel's actions and the way he "went along" with my craziness gave me more determination each time to fight and win. I didn't want to do that to him...I didn't want us to live like that.

Battling a satanic attack is hard and takes time sometimes. It's not always an instant, quick fix. We fought for about 3 1/2 years. It was INTENSE!! At the end of that time, I just supernaturally knew that it was all coming to a head...either Satan was about to win or this oppression would be broken over me. God won out. Praise the Lord!!

So many people don't recognize a spiritual attack. For them, everything that happens has a natural, physical, emotional, or coincidental cause. For that reason, many people, day after day, continue to live in bondage and the devil loves it. They aren't living up to their full potential in God because Satan has set up huge obstacles right over the door of their destiny. It's so sad...they don't even know to fight through and push through those obstacles. They don't understand spiritual warfare at all.

Don't get me wrong...I don't see a demon around every corner. And, I take full responsibility for allowing Satan to work in my life...believing the lies in the first place. But, through this my eyes have really been opened to the wiles of the devil and his workers. There is definitely a spiritual realm that is at work at all times. Some say that isn't reality, but indeed, that is the greater reality.

So, if you yourself or someone you know is going through a hard time...a spiritual attack...take courage. I've always loved the story in Daniel. I REALLY held onto this story while we were going through this battle. Daniel had started praying for something. He prayed and fasted for 21 days. An angel appeared to him and told him that the very first day Daniel had started praying, he (the angel) had been sent. But, he met up with great opposition as he was on his way. "For 21 days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way," he said. But, then Michael, another angel, was sent to free him so that he could get to Daniel to deliver his answer to his prayer. (Daniel 10) What would've happened if Daniel had given up before he got an answer...on the 5th day of praying, or the 12th, or even on the 20th day? So many times we want the answers, but we aren't willing to do the battle to get them.

We just don't know sometimes what is going on in the supernatural realm. We can't just rely on the natural circumstances to be indicative of what's really going on. So, be encouraged and pray and keep on praying. Your life and your life's calling might depend on it.

Goodbye Boston

We are headed back to Louisiana this afternoon. We will be there until Friday or Saturday at which point we will head on over to the Longview area (Kilgore to be precise).

While in Saline, we will be checking out the housing situation. We have been offered a wonderful house to live in on the lake until we go to Brazil. We are so grateful for this offer and we love our neighbors there (the owners of the house offered). But, we are also checking out, as I've mentioned before, the possibility of long-term housing there in Saline...a house to buy. So, be remembering us in that the next few days if you will. It would have to be God (financially), but if it's of Him, He will provide.

Once in Kilgore, we will be busy at work preparing for baby. We are staying in another great house there offered by some really great people from our church. It's amazing how God has provided such wonderful houses through such wonderful and generous people. Please be remembering us in the preparation for the baby and the birth of the baby also. My due date is Oct. 6th, but the end of Sept. is sounding really nice to me. :) My friend Mitsy's birthday is Sept. 28th...I've always liked the sound of that date. :) But, whatever God has...I'm not one to "rush" a birth just because it is more convenient...it would be nice though. :)

We are also in need of a birthing pool/tub. Not sure how many of you that read this are into the whole natural, drug-free birth using water, but if you have any recommendations at all for a great birthing tub, please let me know.

O.K., off to pack up. Hope you had a great Labor Day.

Planes, Trains, and...Buses

In the past 3 weeks, we as a family have done the planes. We've done the trains. And, today we took a bus ride.

Grady has been asking for months to ride a bus. EVERY time we see a bus of any kind (including RVs) he says, "Ride a bus, Mama, ride a bus?" We've been promising a bus ride of some sort and today was his day. We rode a bus here in Beverly (where Joel's parents live...just north of Boston) and were on for a total of probably about 45 minutes. At one point (the end of the northern route before we turned back around) we had to just sit and wait for 6 minutes. We were the only ones on at that time, so the very gracious driver invited the kids up to check out things from her perspective. They got to push buttons, "drive," and honk the horn. It was great.

Also, FINALLY some pictures for you folks. It's just of today, although we have about 2 1/2 months of pictures to catch up on as soon as we get our website up and running (who knows when that will be, but we'll catch up). Anyhow, these were taken with our new super-great camera, a Canon Digital Rebel. We love it. Enjoy.

Oh, and a sidenote: It never dawned on me until we came up here and have been around Alexa, Grady's and Hadley's little cousin. Alexa was born with an adult head of hair. They cut her bangs regularly and have since she was probably a day old (exaggeration, but she has lots of hair). Some of Joel's family were surprised to find out that we've never cut Hadley's hair. And, to our realization, it does look like we cut her bangs too. But, just so you know (not that it really matters, just thought it was interesting), we have never cut her hair...the front of her hair just never has really grown. The back of her hair though, when wet and not in her little ringlets, is down to her shoulder blades. :) Funny. Now, on with the pictures.


A picture of the kids in the driver's seat. They really enjoyed themselves. It was such a treat.



A new favorite picture of Hadley. After we got off the bus, we walked to Dane Street Beach. On the way is a little park area. The kids got out of their stroller and ran around a bit. Joel shot away like a professional photographer. Hadley was cracking up the whole time.



Grady and Hadley posing in the gazebo there.



We had a picnic at the beach. Grady had tons of fun feeding the seagulls chips. The seagulls seemed to enjoy themselves too.



For those of you who want to see the H-Ruge belly, here it is. This picture doesn't do it justice though...it really is big. Most of my shirts are no longer able to cover it, including this one (I pulled it down just for y'all). As of today, I have 5 more weeks until my due date. :)

Next Steps

Many have asked about our next steps and when we will actually be going to Brazil. Well, here is what needs to be done in the next few months before we go.

1. Wrap up things in Saline, LA. As I've mentioned before I believe, we would LOVE to have a place to come back to on furloughs and such. The best place to have that place, as far as we can see so far, would be in Saline...kind of a good home base. For some, having a house here in the States would be a little frivolous. But, for several reasons, we feel the need to at least explore the options...one being that we were actually strongly advised and encouraged to do so by a missionary there in Brazil. Also, it just seems that it would be so practical for us specifically since we will most likely have a jillion kiddos. O.K., maybe not a jillion, but too many to just stay anywhere with anyone. Not quite do-able with a slew of children, all ages. But, we'll see...just going to look and see what opens up to us, if anything.

2. Find and set up everything with a "sending agency." This is a group/company/church that would basically handle the finances, etc. for us. It is much more involved than that really. But, another thing that must be done and set up through a series of meetings.

3. Raise support.

4. Get together a "packet" of information about Asas de Socorro and our involvement there to share with friends, family, church groups.

5. And, of course, last but not least...we are to add another baby to our family in the next 5 weeks. So, that will take some time out of our schedule too. :)

These are just some of the big things that need to be done...along with many small things. So, maybe you can get an idea of how we are just not sure how long these things will take, or the timeframe in which we will work on each. But, we will just let you know what we are up to day by day. It will be a fun time of continuing to just "play things by ear."

Please continue to keep us in prayer concerning all of these things. We are very excited to see how everything unfolds.

We're In

We have been accepted with Asas de Socorro!!

After a long day of more processes, we just had a meeting with the main recruitment couple and the president and his wife. It was a GREAT meeting. And, we were accepted.

First of all, today started early as usual. Joel went to fly the simulator and do more maintenance testing. I went to get my nails done. :) Seriously, it was part of my "cultural" experience. :) Anyhow, so me and Kristin spent a few hours at the salon getting all prettied up.

We got back and Joel and I had lunch with Milton and Haidi. Then we came back to the aviation school to get grilled...it was interview time. This whole week has been one big interview really, but this afternoon was the time when the whole group (almost) was together and got to ask us a jillion and one questions if they wanted to. It was a fun time and they asked great questions.

Then we had free time...the first free time we've had all week. We drove around the city (Anapolis isn't huge, but the population is about 300,000 just to give you an idea) for a while and wanted to go gift and souvenir shopping, but everything closes around 1:30 on Saturdays here. So, we drove around and then found ourselves at McDonald's. :) Yes, we came to Brazil to go to McDonald's. But, we have had Brazilian food all week and didn't really know of where the best places were to go (we were by ourselves), so Mickey D's it was.

We came back to our room, did a few last-minute things, talked to Freda (the owner of the gorgeous house where we are staying), and then headed over to Steve and Kristin's to find out our fate.

Like I said, it was a great meeting and we are just super excited to be accepted with such a SUPER organization. We love these people already and we feel like God has already knit our hearts together. It's all very exciting.

There is much to be done and many things to pray about and figure out. We still aren't sure of a timeframe and won't be until we look into some things after we get back to the States. But, we will definitely keep you posted.

Thanks so much for your prayers during this time. We have had a great trip!! We will start our travel back to Boston tomorrow afternoon. Our first flight leaves at 7:40PM Brazilian time (1 hour ahead of Boston time; 2 hours ahead of Texas/Louisiana time) and we arrive in Boston Monday afternoon at 2:43 Boston time. So, please just continue to pray for safe travel...and comfortable travel esp. for me and my feet, which have started becoming tree trunks by the end of the day if I don't put them up regularly.

Again, thanks so much and I will post again after we get back to the States.

Anapolis - Day 3

Friday is almost done (although we still have a few more things to do on the schedule before our day is done and it is already past 9PM...Joel is still at the hangar...eeek) and I can't believe it. They are keeping us SO busy that the time is just flying by like crazy.

Last night for supper we went to Josemil and Drucilla's house. They seem to have the hang-out house, as there were several other young people there...5 to be exact, one being their daughter. I tell you what, the people here are so much fun. I don't even know their language and still I am impressed with how much fun they are. Anyway, after we ate we walked over to Steve and Kristin's house. This whole little dirt street between the hangar and Asas de Socorro's offices is where most of the missionaries live. So, you can just walk to each other's houses, walk to Asas, walk to the airport, etc.

So, anyhow, we walked over to Steve and Kristin's and watched a short video which had Asas planes in it. Then we got to know each other alot better...it was me and Joel, Steve and Kristin, Josemil and Drucilla, and Rocindes (the president) and his wife, Edna. So fun!! We just did a few little activities that revealed more about each one of us. It was great.

This morning Joel went on a cross-country flight, so he had to be at the airport earlier than planned...7AM. I stayed in my room this morning to do my work...I had to answer a Values questionnaire and write an essay. After that I went to the Asas offices and did an activity with newspaper...I had to build a house with it that I could go into...and had to be on the floor. For someone who is 34 weeks pregnant, not an easy thing to be crawling around on the hard floor stapling newspaper together, but it was a good activity. I'm telling you, these ladies are getting to know me really well through all of these really crazy activities and the questions they ask regarding the activities.

I then worked on some promotional material (making posters to show to people about Asas) until lunch. Joel got done with his cross-country flight and we went to lunch with Rocindes and Edna. We went to a restaurant in town since we were pressed for time. It was really good. Joel did a maintenance test and I worked on the posters some more after lunch until it was time to go for the psychological evaluation again. Joel went first (they do more with him than they do the wife) and then me (I saw more of the city while Joel was being evaluated)...then we both did one things together. Man, I felt like I had taken a mini-ACT test when I got done, and I didn't have to do half the stuff Joel did. It is crazy the things psych. people do to try to evaluate you. For instance, one was a personality test...but, to evaluate that what you had to do was draw lines on a paper...try to draw them perfectly straight and the same distance apart. It was a little crazy.

After we got done with the psych. evaluations, we headed back to the hangar and dropped Joel off for more maintenance testing. Be praying for him. He is having a rough day. His flight was a little rough this morning (things are just much different flying in another country). He did well on his maintenance test this morning, but the psych. eval. was very draining for him and now he is still over at the hangar looking up things on microfiche...ugh...I hated having to do that the couple of times that I've ever done that. Anyway, he did that sort of thing in college to look up maintenance things, but not since college, so just pray for him and that he has a much brighter day tomorrow.

So, after we dropped Joel off I went with Steve and Kristin and their kiddos to an outdoor churrascaria (shish-ka-bob place). It was really good. We came home and I went back to where we are staying for the first time since this morning. Now I am about to finish the posters and Joel still isn't back (it's 9:30). We are going to need a vacation after this. :)

Thanks for your prayers. We are doing well, although tired. And we are still very excited about Asas, even though they are working us to death. :) Just kidding. They are super great. And, the kids continue to do great there in Boston. If any of you read the comments, you know that it sounds like they had a blast with their Uncle Andre, Aunt Kristin, and cousin Alexa at Chuck E. Cheese. SO FUN!! I can just see Grady staring blinkless...it's very common for him when seeing any form of entertainment. :)

O.K., the posters are calling my name. I'll update again tomorrow.

Anapolis - Days 1 & 2

Hello everyone. Thank you so much for the prayers. By the way, Auny...dinner and a movie...we flew TAM, which is Brazilian. Not sure if other international flights do that. I kind of assume they would though, since you are traveling so long in some cases, but maybe not. Did Brock have that sort of thing when he traveled overseas to do the Discovery Channel show?

Anyhow...update on us...we arrived in Brasilia around 7AM yesterday morning and were picked up by Steve, our main contact here. He drove us to Anapolis where we grabbed a bite to eat for breakfast (cheesy bread...Joel said that there are lots of pastries here) and then went shopping. We then went to Steve and Kristin's house for lunch and then for a tour of Asas de Socorro's offices, hangar, and flight school. We had a small break where we were able to take about an hour nap before we went back to Steve and Kristin's for supper. There we met Rezindes and Edna, Haidi, Brian and Shirlee, and Josemil and Drucilla. Rezindes is the president of Asas de Socorro. They are all SUPER great people...and, a big plus, they are also REALLY fun.

After supper and some socializing, we came back and crashed...after getting about 2-3 hours of sleep at the most on our flights down. By the way, the place we are staying is great. It is a little "suite" on the side of a house...they are retired Asas people. They now work doing other things ministry-wise here in Anapolis. But, we have a room with a sink, little fridge, and microwave, and a bathroom all to ourselves.

Today we woke up and Joel went flying and got checked out doing several things in the air. I went and did a little "devotional" with Kristin, Edna, and Drucilla. Then we went to Brian and Shirlee's for lunch. Joel then had a maintenance test and I watched a video about Asas and learned some more about the bases they have along the Amazon. After Joel's test, Kristin and I drove him to have part of his psychological evaluation done (I will have that too...I think tomorrow) and then we ran some errands. We picked him up and then went for some Brazilian ice cream...not quite the same as my wonderful Baskin Robbins, but still good. Now we are back in our room resting for about 30 minutes before we have to go to supper.

2 pieces of fun news:
1. We have access to wireless internet on our laptop here in our room. We thought we'd just try it, but didn't really expect to get it. Well, I guess either the couple we are staying with has it, or someone really nearby, but we can email in our room now, even though we are hardly ever here.
2. Our bags should be getting here around 7PM...a huge answered prayer. Thanks so much for praying for that.

Anyway, that's about it for the update. Oh, and our kids are doing great. They are enjoying their gifts each day that we left for them and their time with Grandpa, Grandma, and extended family there in Boston. Joel's mom said that once yesterday they asked about us, but she just got the book that I wrote for them (I wrote a little book "illustrated" with stickers explaining that we were taking a trip and what they would be doing, etc....we read it for a few days before we left, just to prepare them) and read it and they were fine...didn't ask anything else about us.

Better go. We have about 10 minutes to walk to where we are having supper.

I'll update more tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers. We are having a great time.

We´re Here

We are in Manaus, Brazil. Our bags are not here. :(

That´s a super bummer, but oh well...the up side is that, although terribly inconvenient after traveling forEVER, we get to go shopping once we reach our final destination in a few hours.

As I said, we are in Manaus. They have a little area where you can use the internet for $2 per half-hour. We have about another hour and a half here before our 2-hour flight to Brasilia takes off. Then, we will be met by an Asas de Socorro friend and have about a 2-hour drive to Anapolis, our final destination.

The flights have been really good. The first flight we had 3 seats for us 2. Then, the longer flight (5 hours) we each had 3 seats. It was nice. And, we watched Mission Impossible 3, got gifts from the airline, and had dinner as we watched the movie.

This is the first time I´ve flown without kids since we had them. It´s amazing how much time you have to just do whatever you want. Although we miss our kids immensely already, we are enjoying our ``free time`` too. Thanks so much, by the way, for your prayers regarding our saying goodbye to our kiddos. It went very smoothly, just laughing and hugging and having fun. They will have a great time and will get a gift from us each day, so I´m sure they will be loving us ``going on a trip.``

I will update more later. Just wanted to let you all know that we arrived in Brazil. Be remembering us, our kids, and now our luggage too (we should be getting it sometime Thursday). Thank you so much.

Giving Up

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for My sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life. -Matthew 19:29

About 6 years ago, this became one of my "life verses." Actually, it is probably my most favorite and most prominent life verse. The spring of 2000 was the start of this verse being true in my life...the giving up part, and also the receiving a hundred times more part. God is faithful and His Word is true.

Lately I've been feeling like we are living smack-dab in the middle of that verse. Tomorrow is no different. We are headed to Brazil. Please remember to keep us in your prayers concerning our future and our time with the organization that we will possibly be going with there. Also, remember us as we are away from our kids for the first time...and for 6 days. And remember them too. Thank you.

Here we go.

Armor

Back when Mrs. Kay Gabbard warned me about always putting on the armor of God, I did a little study on the actual pieces of the armor. This is what I found:

1. Belt of Truth - Satan fights with lies, and sometimes his lies sound like truth; but believers have God's truth, which can defeat Satan's lies. Living a life of honesty and integrity enables the Christian to be one in purpose with Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, and to be unhindered in the battle against Satan. You must be able to differentiate between Satan's lies and God's Truth to truly be able to win and live victoriously (and you can live victoriously no matter your circumstances).

2. Breastplate of Righteousness - Satan often attacks our heart--the seat of our emotions, self-worth, and trust. God's approval is the breastplate that protects our heart. He approves of us because we have trusted Christ to save us and cleanse our hearts from sin. The breastplate covered the body from neck to thigh. The heart must be kept pure and righteous because sin gives a foothold to the enemy. Confession and forgiveness cleanse the heart.

3. Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace - or, readiness to spread the Good News. Satan wants us to think that telling other the Good News is a worthless and hopeless task--the size of the task is too big, and the negative responses are too much to handle. But the "shoes" God gives us are the motivation to continually proclaim the true peace that is available in God--news everyone needs to hear. Be about your Father's business. The Roman soldier wore sandals with cleats made of sharp nails designed to give firm footing on even the most rugged terrain.

4. Shield of Faith - with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. The shield of faith protects us from Satan's flaming arrows in the form of insults, setbacks, and temptations. With God's perspective, we can see beyond our circumstances and know that ultimate victory is ours. The fiery darts try to instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations. The Roman shield was a long, oblong, or oval shield which was crafted from two layers of wood covered with linen or animal hides, bound together with iron. When fighting side by side, soldiers could hold these shields together to form a long wall (speaks of the power of a group of like-minded believers). Soaked in water, they served as adequate defense against the enemy's "fiery darts"--arrows that had been dipped in pitch and ignited. The shield of faith offers God's unlimited resources of power and wisdom to resist the fiery darts of distressing circumstances and temptations to evil.

5. Helmet of Salvation - Satan wants to make us doubt God, Jesus, and our salvation. The helmet protects our mind from doubting God's saving work for us. A helmet protects the head, that is, the brain and thoughts. Assurance of salvation is a mighty defense against doubt and insecurity and the kinds of works bred by them. The Roman soldier's bronze helmet had leather attachments to hold it in place. Christians can experience protection from Satan's attacks as they rest confidently in their position as members of God's family, set apart for His purposes. Further, they can know God's present work of sanctification in their lives, experiencing deliverance from sin and having the guarantee of future, eternal deliverance from every kind of evil.

6. Sword of the Spirit - which is the Word of God. The sword is the only weapon of offense in this list of armor. There are times when we need to take the offensive against Satan. When we are tempted, we need to trust in the truth of God's Word. The Word of God was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful, effective, and instructive. The Roman soldier's short, two-edged sword enabled the heavily-armed soldier to attack deftly and defeat his enemy at close range. The believer's sword may be understood to be either "supplied by the Spirit" or "used by the Spirit." Paul further identified this sword as "the Word of God." "Word" most probably refers to specific sections of Scripture the Holy Spirit brings to mind to meet a particular need (therefore, you must know the Word). All of the armor is obviously important, but basically if you don't know the Word and if you can't hear personally from God, then you don't know true Truth (even though you may think you do), so the Sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God, is very important and ties into all of the other armor.

And, we can't forget what Paul tells us after he lists out the armor...PRAY. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Prayer - In the midst of battle, we as believers must keep in constant communication with our Leader for directions and encouragement. Our prayers for one another are important and effectual. Prayer is to be constant as the Christian prepares for battle, engages in it, and rests from it. All kinds of prayer are to be offered through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Get Dressed & Dress Your Kids

A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground,...
--Ephesians 6:10-14

Once when I was having a REALLY hard time with something, I asked a wonderful friend at our church in Phoenix to pray for me. She wanted to make sure that I was putting on my armor every day. I wasn't. I would haphazardly do it, but not every day. She stressed the importance of literally praying the armor on every morning, just like we put on our clothes. God gave it to us for a reason...we should use it.

The best advice she gave me that day was this though...something that I had never really thought about at all: She told me that just as my kids weren't old enough to dress themselves and I was responsible for putting clothes on them every day, I am also responsible for putting their protective clothes on them too, God's armor. She said that I needed to be sure to dress them in the armor until I had trained them up to do that themselves, just like I put their clothes on until they learn how to dress themselves. It was a huge piece of advice. I will remember it always...it is so important.

So, put it on:
1. Belt of Truth
2. Breastplate of Righteousness
3. Shoes of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace
4. Shield of Faith
5. Helmet of Salvation
6. Sword of the Spirit

Camera Considerations

We are in the middle of an electronics shopping spree. We said that when we sold our house, we would buy some updated electronics...actually just some that actually worked. So, we have now bought a laptop (HP DV5220 Notebook) and a videocamera (Sony DCR-HC26 Mini-DV Handycam) in the past week. As with all shopping, it's kind of fun, but kind of a pain in my booty...except for shopping for the kids...that's always fun to me. Anyhow, just wanted to ask for any advice you might want to give:

We are now in the market for a new camera...digital one...a good-quality one. I personally love the Canon Rebel, but Joel likes the kind that you can just put in your pocket. You know my love for pictures. And, I would love to really get good at taking pictures, esp. of the kids...and then also, looking ahead, of the missions activities we are involved in in the future.

What are your thoughts? Anyone just love their camera? Please, give us all the input you can. I want to hear about all kinds of cameras so that we can make a good decision. Thanks.

Family Lesson

A couple of weeks ago, we were in Saline. We were driving down the road at the regular speed limit. We were all talking (Joel, the kids, and me) and didn't notice the signs for road construction up ahead. We were about to the top of the hill where the road workers were and noticed that a man was waving his cap at us. We immediately started slowing down of course and were slowed very sufficiently by the time we got to him. We weren't slowed enough to suit this guy though, and he let us know that by yelling at the top of his lungs and hitting the van as we drove by. I was appalled...appalled and EXTREMELY ticked off. We had stopped the van at this point and I promptly rolled down my window and started yelling at the man. It went something like this: "What the heck?!?! You don't hit somebody's vehicle like that!! We were slowing down, you just need to calm yourself!!! Geez!!!!!!" The man proceeded to yell back, just as much as I was yelling and then we drove off. I was so mad. But, the bummer was that I was so sad too.

Since I've been married to Joel and since I've become more and more like Jesus (as we Christians are all doing hopefully), I have become more and more tenderhearted. I had never even really seen "tenderhearted"...the Jesus kind of tenderhearted...until I met Joel. Not weak or a pushover, but just meek and tenderhearted. Anyhow, it is a good thing and a few seconds after we drove off, I started bauling like a baby. Had I really acted that way? It was very disappointing. I knew that it hurt God to see me reacting in such a way. Even if I didn't have kids that I am trying to be an example to it would be horrible. It wasn't about the kids. But, the kids were with us and it made it that much worse.

We went to where we needed to go and then were driving back by the construction and that man about 30 minutes later. I knew that I was supposed to stop and apologize to him. That wouldn't even have been an option for me about 6 years ago. I hadn't had much practice or example of apologizing when wrong. But, now I am much quicker to know when I need to apologize and I know that I am at peace when I obey and do it. So, even though it still doesn't come easily at times, when I am supposed to apologize I do it.

We stopped as we passed by the man. He was abrupt at first and probably wasn't expecting an apology...probably expecting more griping. But, he was nice and seemed softened by the apology when he heard it. We pulled off the road after we left. I was crying, Joel was crying, and the kids were just looking at us. :) We turned around and explained in the simplest terms possible what had just happened and why it was important to apologize. Then Grady noticed some horses on the side of the road and started screaming with glee. :) It may not have made a huge impact on our kids at present, but I'm excited about raising them and being an example of humility and tenderness to them. God help us.

Fever Blisters

On my list of things I despise (along with leaving my kids per the previous post).

Does anyone else get them? I HATE them I tell you. I always feel like I should shout, "Unclean, unclean!" wherever I go.

I usually get a fever blister about once or twice a year. Sometimes they are really bad. Sometimes they aren't so severe. I developed one on Monday that is a pretty fierce one though...so not fun.

Fever blisters are so gross though. I mean, it is herpes on your lip. Yeah, a little disgusting to think about. But, just to clear up the whole "herpes" thing...it is a different strain of herpes than the other kind. And, just to make it clear, I started getting fever blisters at a very young age before I had ever even kissed anyone. So, clearly not a result of bad behavior or anything. Is that too much technical nursey information for y'all? O.K., let's move on.

I am one who likes to get things out in the open. I feel like just making an announcement everywhere I go..."Yes, this thing on my lip? It's a fever blister. I have a fever blister. Now, it's out in the open. Let's talk."

Hopefully this thing will go away soon. It is not only disgusting, but also very painful I must say. Although, last summer when I came to Boston I developed a mouthful of ulcers...I couldn't eat or talk or hardly even swallow...it was one of the most painful (worse than childbirth honestly because it lasted way longer and there was no wonderful joy of a baby at the end) and uncomfortable and inconvenient things ever. I finally had to go to the ER and get some lidocaine swish and swallow for it. It was horrible. I guess I'll take a "leprous lip" over that any day.

Going to Brazil

Well, it is official. Joel and I are going to visit Brazil and get evaluated by Asas de Socorro. We leave the 22nd and get back the 28th of this month. The kids will be staying here in Boston with Joel's parents.

Be praying for us. We will be traveling around 20 hours each way. Whew...makes me tired to think about it. :) On the other hand though, we won't have the kids with us...that will be much less tiring. But, that is the other prayer request...we won't have the kids with us. Pray for me especially...I DEPISE the thought of leaving them for 6 days...ugh. We have left Grady overnight, but only a couple of times...and have never left Hadley overnight. Pray for me. Pray for the kids too, that they will just have so much fun here (as I'm sure they will) and not even miss us. Leaving the kids is hard, but we really do feel peace about that decision. I know that that is what God wants, for both of us to go. It will be a good trip.

Besides leaving the kids, we are super excited about this opportunity to go to Brazil. Thanks for your prayers.

With Some Hitches

You know that saying, "that went off without a hitch." Well, yesterday we traveled to Boston from Saline...with a few hitches. :)

First, we had stayed up late Thursday night getting everything packed and in order. I had a load of laundry to do, but all of those clothes were just going to be thrown in the suitcases and off we go Friday morning. Didn't really work that way. Grady woke up around 7:15 (we were supposed to leave at 8) sopping wet (with pee). Joel ran him through the bath and I quickly grabbed his blanket that we take everywhere to throw in the wash. I took along Hadley's too since I was going to wash Grady's. I went out to the washer/dryer and threw them in, then discovered that the laundry from the night before wasn't quite dry. So, those clothes had to dry more before I could put the blankets in the dryer. It was an unfortunate setback.

We finally got all the laundry done, the house straightened, and the kids and luggage in the van. Then, Grady's suitcase stopped latching. We threw it in the van anyway and headed for Mama's house (she was driving us to the airport). Again, an unfortunate setback (that we thought we'd have plenty of time for the night before...besides, we didn't have a choice...there were no gas stations open the night before)...yes, we needed gas. So, we stopped for gas. We made it to Mama's house and had to unload some things that were staying there and borrow one of their suitcases and switch all of Grady's things to that suitcase.

Finally on the road about 45 minutes late, we were able to make up some time due to my husband's unmatchable (well, matched only by his wife) speeding skills. We made it to the airport, but only to find that we had missed the absolute last cut-off time to check in by about 5 minutes. Oh, and there was a very lengthy detour surrounding the airport, and a very slow driver in front of us...both of which added to our unfortunate events.

So, we headed to McDonald's and ate and let the kids play on the nice, oversized inside playground.

One gift that was just from God...they had originally said that we would be flying standby from Houston to Boston (our 2nd leg of the trip), but right before we boarded in Alexandria, LA they told us that we had definite seats...whew...always iffy flying standby.

So, on the plane we got. A quick jump over to Houston, about an hour layover, then on a bigger plane to Boston. The kids did GREAT, helped out at the very end (the last hour) by the new bags we got them full of new fun things. But, we only had to pull those out the last hour of our 14 hour travel day. They are great travelers.

One other unfortunate event we found out about when we got to baggage claim. Thankfully all of our suitcases were here, but the kids' carseats were not. The airline had one loaner carseat. And, it just so happened that Joel's brother and his wife had gone out to a movie not far from the airport without their little girl who is 3 months younger than Hadley. Therefore, they were close by with an empty carseat, so they swung through and we had carseats for each of our kids for the ride back to Joel's parents' house.

Oh yeah, one other little thing. We got to their house, visited a while, and then started getting ready for bed around 11pm. At that point, we realized that another one of our bags was missing although we had gotten it from baggage claim. It was the bag that had all of our shoes and toiletries in it, along with some other random but necessary stuff. It was just a great way to top off our day of unfortunate events. :)

Thankfully this morning Joel called his brother and it had been inadvertantly left in his vehicle last night. Whew...thankful for that. The airline promised to have our carseats delivered to us this morning, although we still haven't heard from them. I'm sure we will get them soon, it's just a hassle is all.

Anyhow, I can laugh about it now, but last night at about midnight I was done looking at the bright side and really wanted to let somebody (anybody) have it. Thank goodness it was time to go to bed, so I just went to sleep (although, as Joel would tell you, I did "vent" a little). :) Oh well, we got here safely and are having fun. We spent today at the beach...so nice.

Still, you gotta love hitches.

Goodbye Castle

As you all know, we closed on our house last Friday. The weekend brought some more major emotions as we had to give up our cat. The WONDERFUL people who took her, Ernie and Trudy Williams (and their daughter Jamie) actually offered to just "babysit" her for us to ease the pain. It's funny how looking forward to and the actual moment of that critical time of separation can be so hard, but sometimes after the moment is gone you are fine again. I love Sassy cat and it makes me sad that the kids don't have that perfect cat for them right now, but I don't know that we'll take her back. I'm totally fine at this point and Grady was sad and crying when they left with her, but they went right down for a nap...after they woke up, they never mentioned her again. So, great times with Sassy, but we may just wait and get another cat in Brazil...and pray for a cat as perfect and wonderful as Sassy. We'll see...maybe we'll run to the Williams' in October and beg for her back. :)

We moved out of our house Monday and ended up spending the night with John and Nicole Graves and their brood of 5. It was a really great and fun night with them and a great send-off.

We are now in Saline and will be here until Friday...at that point we will board a plane to Boston and be there for a month. Things are absolutely crazy and nutso...but, it's not chaotic, which is a sign that God is totally in this and in control. We have to remind ourselves of that at times, but it is definitely evident. The big prayer requests at this time are:

1. what to do mid-October after the baby is born - God has so faithfully provided for us up until that point as far as a place to stay. And, He technically has provided a place to stay after that as well, here in Saline. But, we just need wisdom as to what to do with our remaining time in the states at that point and what to invest our time and money in (buy land?, build a basic house for furloughs?, etc.).

2. trip to Brazil - We had tentatively planned to head there at the end of August for Joel to get evaluated and just to check it all out. Well, we may not be able to go then. It all depends on whether or not the guy down there who has to evaluate Joel will be available at that time or not. That is what we are waiting to hear. So, just pray for that and the perfect timing for us to go.

It's like I told a friend a few days ago...God is definitely leading and guiding us along. He is moving us this way and that...and through "supernatural" (although I guess everything He does is supernatural) means at times (dreams, divine appointments, etc.) and it is so encouraging. But, it is crazy. Mostly these days it seems we are mid-step, going in slow motion, and God is literally bending down and taking our leg to place our foot where He wants it to be. It really is crazy, but wonderful to have to rely on that kind of dependency on Him. He is teaching and preparing us for many things and times like this to come I'm sure, as He does in every season of our lives.

By the way, hopefully in the next month or so we will have a website of our own up and running. It will be filled with news and pictures, so be on the look-out. I'll let you know all about it when it's ready.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers.