This Little Chicken is 3

The other day in science we were reading about chicks and eggs. Did you know that mama chickens can hear their baby chicks when they are still in the eggs? I didn't know that...or didn't remember it anyway. So we were talking about how that's different than humans...mamas can't hear their babies when they are in their bellies.

But, then...wait.

Suddenly I thought about Cass. And how I heard her in my womb.

Around 25 weeks or so I started hearing this 'pop' in my belly. I had never heard that before and after a few weeks of hearing it several times a day, I finally remembered to google it. I thought the answer I saw was ludicrous personally...the baby is sucking his/her thumb and popping off and that's what I'm hearing? Absurd, I thought. Besides, I'd had three kids already and none had sucked their thumb...what were the chances?

About 5 minutes after she was born, she found that thumb. The next day we were both laying in the bed, and I heard that same 'pop'...this time it was outside my belly and coming from the sweet little bundle of baby laying nearby.

So...I heard little Cass in my womb.

"She's like a little chick," I told the kids. And then I thought of something else.

I call Cass 'Chicken.' It started out as just 'Chic'...like I call other girls sometimes...nothing specifically for Cass. But, then quickly it turned into 'Chicken' for Cass. "Good morning, my little Chicken," "Aww, Chicken...you fell down?" for example.

How funny that my little nickname for Cass is 'Chicken' and I heard her in the womb just as happens with real chickens. ;) Ha.

So...

Happy Birthday my cute little Chicken!!

Her birthday was actually Friday, but our internet hasn't been working. Still isn't...back to using the neighbor's every now and then.

But, we just love this little fun 3 year old! She is crazy and fun and opinionated. She is my first one who has very strong feelings about what she wears for example. Haha. She is very cuddly and loves her blankets...she doesn't just have one special blanket...she has a special type of blanket, so that's kind of handy (for washing purposes, etc.). She is very coordinated and graceful...has always been able to balance very well (and scare others around her half to death). She is 3, but honestly totally fits in with her 7, 6, and 4 1/2 year old siblings. She thinks that she is just their age...and acts accordingly.

We are so glad that God blessed us with this little girl 3 years ago!

Joel was traveling this past week and we weren't sure when he'd return, so a party this weekend didn't happen. We plan to do it next weekend. Little Miss Chicken has requested a Whale party. ;) I'll let you know how it goes.

And now for some pictures of the little birthday girl from the last few months...

One of my favorites.
"Like this, Daddy?"
"What about this?" ;)
Telling a big story to Daddy.
I just...
...love...
...her bedhead. There really is nothing that can compare. ;) (these all taken on Christmas morning)
This was also taken on Christmas morning...notice Cass and where her thumb is. (she had just woken up...she really only does it when tired or not quite sure of a new situation)
And this was just minutes after birth. She has a long history with that left thumb (only the left).
A little dancing.
My little swingster in her flapper. Yes, swing dancing is a part of our homeschooling. ;)
Dressing up with the sisters.
Helping big brother construct.

There was a little girl...
...who had a little curl...
...right in the middle of her forehead. (and no, I did not position that curl...just happened naturally like that)
Cass is the neighborhood doll.
At some nearby waterfalls when Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Priscilla were visiting...she had to pose a little bit.

We were hiking up a steep hill and this was right after Cass had said, "Oh lawwwdie, help me Jeeesus." (I have no idea where she gets this, by the way) :)
And just because I love this progression of shots.





Tippy-toes.



She's had that chocolate mole on her back since birth. Does that count as a birthmark or are people born with moles? ;)
Some dancing and twirling.



We love this girl!

40 Days

First of all, a tiny logistical update. Joel left yesterday to go to Manaus...one of our bases in the Amazon (the southern part of the Amazon). Really excited for him. We've lived here for 3 3/4 years and he's only been able to visit one base just briefly. There is a plane there that is needing some maintenance so he caught a ride with a plane on its way to Boa Vista and will be catching a ride back with a different plane coming down from Boa Vista (at the northern part of the Amazon region). Not sure when that will be, but hopefully within the week. The kids and I are fine...can I just shout from the rooftops how much easier something like this is now than when I had four 4 and under?!? :) Whew. So, we are doing well, but just pray for us all as we are separated...for safety and health and nothing major to go wrong with the house or car or anything like that and...you know what to pray for. ;)

Now...

A couple of posts ago I wrote about how I was entering into a time of separation. I knew that I was desperately needing that...desperately. So I began to pray about what that should look like and then I realized that it was Carnaval time here in Brazil (same as Mardi Gras). Which meant that Lent was arriving.
'
Growing up we never observed Lent. I didn't know anyone who did...that was 'for the Catholics' and there were really none of those in my small town, so I didn't rub shoulders with Lent-observers. Later as I moved around to several different places and met all kinds of people, I met many Protestants who definitely observed Lent. And why not? We observe Advent, why not Lent?

So, every now and then I would do a little something for Lent...nothing major, but something.

Of course it is my desire to always focus my kids on Jesus, no matter what season it is. But, certain seasons lend itself to even deeper focus, so I've always wanted to really commemorate Advent and Lent more at some point with them. This was the year to start...they are really at the age to understand and it was just a perfect time to introduce this family tradition.

And, I was desperate to meet with God in a really concentrated way.

So, quickly...what we are doing with the kids is this. It's fun, it's simple, and they really learn a lot. The enemy is not liking this. Literally the week Lent started, Joel started having to stay at work until the kids' bedtime practically every night. He's been swamped...and now he's not here at all. Not that that's the enemy's doing, but he's getting a kick out of it not working out the way we'd planned. We wanted to do it as a family, but I've determined to do it no matter what...even if Joel's not here. So, we are working through that and they love it.

As for me...I'm just in awe of how incredible this time has been. And I'm only on Day 11!!

What does this time look like for me? Well, I wake early and am going through two Bible studies.

1) A Call to Die by David Nasser (which I see is now in its 11th printing and has a new cover...I have this 'old' black copy). I got this book and actually started doing it the first time on March 23, 2000 (it's written in the front of the book). I wasn't even married yet...Joel and I weren't even together. Funny to think about. I met Nasser when my friend was working as his manager. They came through the D/FW area and he spoke at a conference and I met them over there (ironically, I hitched a ride with Joel and his friends who were all going camping over there). He gave me a copy of this book (which was brand new at the time) and let me just say...it is really, really good. And is hitting me in the gut once again, 11 years later, albeit in different areas.

2) Every Thursday morning we have an English-speaking ladies' Bible study here at my house. Right now we are doing One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer. Oh. My. Gosh. Seriously, again...God is just speaking straight to me each and every day. That link is for the book...and then you can purchase the video sessions for just 4.99 each. Or, honestly...when googling for this link I saw one site (a google site) that had the whole book online. Not sure how that works legally or ethically, but I'm sure if you just can't afford it and are needing some freedom in your life, Priscilla might not mind. You might want to ask her first though. ;)

Along with those two things, a sweet friend of mine pointed me to their Kairos ministry at their church...who has made available online teachings. Kairos is a freedom ministry and they have them all over...another friend of mine goes to a Kairos in Nashville. But I had no idea that I could access them online. So, I was thrilled to hear that and these teachings are SOOOOO INCREDIBLE. Really, you should listen.

I'm also fasting. 1) Sugar...as in the regular thing that we think of as sugar. But then also the things that really turn to sugar as soon as they enter your body anyway...grains/breads and fruits...all of them. I am using honey though...to sweeten my hot tea when I have it. 2) Internet. More specifically, I do not check Facebook or my email until after the kids' bedtime every day. I am occasionally still on the internet during the day, but only when I need a recipe or am using the computer for homeschool. It's been a significant difference. And just be aware...if you have a question for me or need to get in touch with me, I will not 'see you' until after 8pm (my time) every night. Fasting just brings a whole wonderful level of discipline, focus, and sound mind...and frees up more time to spend that concentrated time with God.

So, doing those things and spending lots of time with God. So refreshing and just what I needed. I'm already walking in a new level of freedom and peace and sound mind. And that is being made evident in my life daily.

This post has gotten really long, so I will save more for later. There are so many exciting things to tell.

2011 So Far

I will post soon about what's going on with me (as a follow-up to the last post), but I wanted to quickly just take note of some of the big things that have already happened this year.

January 3rd, Grady turned 7. SEVEN!! Oh my lordt, what on earth? ;) He wanted a small little celebration...just him and two of his friends to go to the movies (they saw Megamind) and then for them to come back afterward and have cake/ice cream/presents with me and the girls, spaceships theme. He knew that he wanted the movie to just be the boys, so earlier that week he asked me out for a date. ;) Melt my heart. He wanted to do something special with me too (I pray that trend continues for...forever). ;)

He's getting so big and is so handsome...loves to learn and figure out how things are done and work. He thinks a lot and I just love that about him. He's the best big brother there ever was and I just love who he is. We no longer have 'Bible time' every night, mostly because we are back to homeschooling here and have a lot of Bible time discussions during homeschool daily. But, occasionally I still put him to bed and have a little time of just me and him, reading about who he wants to read about in the Word. He's very tall (I need to measure him) and loves to ride his bike. And, I could just go on and on...but, the main point I wanted to make? He's 7 now. ;) And we love him! I love the fun things they all say and wish that I could write them all down, but it's just not feasible to do that...I'd spend so much time each day doing that. ;) But, one thing that Grady said the other day...we were playing War and I had won one of the battles and I said the old saying "I won, I won, I shot the BB gun; you lost, you lost, you ate the applesauce." Well, the next battle he won. He said, "I got the apple pie. You've got to go hunting for your food." Ha...nice.

February 17th, Joel and I celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss. ;) When we got back to the states at the end of 2009, we hadn't even been married quite 9 years yet, but we had a feeling that we'd make it to 10. ;) Plus, I'd never been and really wanted to go, so we took a little 3 or 4-day trip (I can't even remember now) to New York City. We kind of counted that as a little pre-celebration of the big 1-0 since we knew we'd probably not be able to get away on our actual 10-year. But, on the actual day of 10 years, Joel's parents were here. So, they stayed with the kids and we went to a favorite restaurant of ours here.

Sooo hilarious...over the course of conversation we actually came to the realization that the past 10 years have been really difficult. Hahaha. Not anything to do with our relationship/marriage. But, just all the other factors...lots of moves, lots of transition, several jobs, lots of lots of stuff (stressful stuff). Going through those things at the time we didn't really think about it...challenging things, yes, but we just put one foot in front of the other and went on with our daily lives. Only when looking back and 'summing up' our last 10 years did we realize it...and we just had to laugh. And toast our coke and juice glasses to a smoother, easier next 10 years. But, I have grown SOOO much the past 10 years with this incredible man I call my husband. It's been amazing and I'm so thankful for him and for the children that he helped to create. ;)

February 20th, Hadley turned 6. First, we took advantage of a movie that was showing a couple of weeks before her birthday. We all went to see Tangled, along with a couple of other friends that Hadley invited (she pointed out that her inviting Grady along was like putting hot things on him 'heaping lumps of coal on his head;' I promise that she wasn't mad at him for not inviting everyone when he went to the movies for his birthday, but she just thought it was funny and got a kick out of the fact that she was being soooo kind to him on her birthday by inviting him along; I guess you can tell which Bible verse they had learned that week...ha). She told me she wanted the bear that eats bamboo for her birthday. Not sure why I thought of koala first. Well, maybe because I have no idea what bears eat, good grief. But, a friend of ours was over and asked, "Panda?" And panda it was. We had a small little party with her friends here at the seminary and a couple of friends from Asas. We had it at the seminary park and they had lots of fun.

She continues to be such a spunky, fun little girl. I like her a lot. ;) She's really quick to learn things...picks them up fast, figures things out easily. And she's such a great big sister to Eissa and Cass and best friend to Grady. Hadley is forever saying cute little things, but today it was raining and she remarked that earlier she had thought it was only going to 'sparkle' (sprinkle). I'm going to have to try to just have my computer handy at all times to write down more cuteness that they say. I'll be glad I did later, even though they'll probably be like 'why are you always stopping our conversations to type on your computer?' Yeah, on second thought, it might not work. We'll see how much I get recorded.

Anyway, just wanted to take note of these things. Oh, Joel is also another year older as of February 6th (beginning of the year is a pretty busy time for us)...34 years old. :) And, that's it for the 2011 updates right now. Hope you are having a great weekend.

A Return and Departure

I've walked in freedom before.

Throughout the past several years, many things have been revealed about things in my life...some things that have involved others, some that do not. Generational things that I didn't even know existed in my freedom-walking of yesteryear.

What did I do with those things? Not always the right things I'm afraid...otherwise I'd be in a different spot right now probably. But it was all I could do at the time. And God in His mercy has kept me during this time. I held those things at bay best I could, but they must be destroyed.

Breaking free from the unhealthy things in your life is never easy. As unhealthy and undesirable as they are, they are also all you've ever known and 'comfortable.' It's like the poor Israelites...although slaves, that was all they knew for almost 400 years...for generations. In many ways, they were comfortable. And ripping yourself away from what you've always known, whether good or bad, is anything but comfortable or easy.

What are the things I speak of? The crazy thing is that as of now, I couldn't even provide you with a list of what those things are. But, they are very evident in my life.

So begins a time of major reflection, prayer, separation of 'the things of this world' in my life, and major meeting with God for empowerment, clarity, direction, peace, growth...and then moving forward, never to return.

I've walked in freedom before. And I will again.

Who Are You?

I've pondered this often...especially in recent months/years.

Circumstances change you. Where you live, who you are with, the things that happen to you in your life (good and bad). I am a very different person now in some ways at the age of 36 than I was when I was 16 or 26.

With time, things have come to light about certain things in my life...and it's changed me. We've moved, many times...and that's changed me. My 'job description' has changed many times, the types of people who surround me has changed many times...and both of these things can change a person. The things that you learn along the way (information) can really change you.

There are many outside factors that can mold and shape a person, but who you are at your core...who is that? One of my most favorite people did a post on her blog today about this very thing.

Who am I? The first thing that pops into my head is Mama. And, on some level, even if I didn't have children that would still be true. I've always had a heart for mothering. But, what word best describes me. As my friend's blog title said, what you do is not who you are. Mama could still be my description on some levels, like I said. But, what word best describes *all* that I am, *who* I am?

My friend's word is adventurous. Her husband's word is unusual.

I think I have a word for myself, something that describes me in all areas of life, including motherhood. It's actually a word that was given to me by others back in college. But, I'll have to think on it some more. What do you think my word should be?

And what about you? Tell me...who are you?

Been a While, Ay?

Someone asked me yesterday if I had decided to quit blogging. Whoops. It certainly looks like it, but there have been several factors that just prohibited me from updating. Two being...

1) Our internet has been HORRIBLE the past month. Even now, I am typing this up, but who knows when I'll actually get to publish it. It took me several hours yesterday just to get one email shot off. So, that definitely hinders the progress of blog posting (or communicating at all, for those of you who haven't gotten any replies to emails or other correspondence). Update: All day long I tried to post this. When Joel got home he put his laptop in the window and borrowed the neighbor's password/internet. I'm now standing on one leg holding my breath in the window as I try to publish. We'll see if it works.)
2) My laptop broke a few weeks ago (see #1...how Joel's laptop is the one in the window). So to use the computer at all I am confined to our study. Doesn't work so well when the chitlins are awake and then when they are asleep I prefer to do other things these days...like veg on the couch instead of sitting at a desk in the study.

There have been several things going on around here though. For those of you who are friends with me on Facebook (and I show up in your News Feed), you are more up to speed. But, then again I don't put everything on Facebook, so here's a little rundown...

We are so enjoying being back in Anápolis and in a routine. Life is good and we just LOVE where we live (have I ever mentioned that?). :) The seminary campus we live on is just so perfect for us...love love love it. I miss the states and all of you there and I always will. But I really love it here too and after years of travel and moving, I'm just feeling very...settled (ahh) at the moment. It's nice.

Homeschooling is going great. We are getting all caught up on what we got 'behind' on (according to my goal schedule) during our time of travel all last year. It's busy, but we are loving it. Little tangent: One of the books we are reading right now is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. There are so many things in the book that are not in the movie! ;) Who knew? ;) Tangent complete. We will finish up Kindergarten in March and then start on 1st Grade sometime in April...only a couple of months later than our normal projected start date for a new grade/school year (the goal always being February since we follow the Brazilian school year), but considering how far behind we were due to travel, I am very impressed with us. ;)

The kids have also been doing a 'money class.' It's been so great to watch them learn all about what God has in mind related to money according to His Word...to show them that He really does say a lot about it. They've learned all about being a good steward, giving, saving, spending, debt, honesty, and more. We only have one more lesson and then they will receive their very own bank with slots for giving, saving, and spending...and start receiving regular pay for specific jobs they do around here.

A couple of weeks ago Grady started Portuguese class at Kumon. He goes for an hour twice a week. He loves it and it's going really well. It involves a lot of reading...in Portuguese obviously. So, when Hadley has finished her 'learning to read' lessons and has a good grasp of reading in English (has had time practicing), she will start the same program...I'm thinking at the beginning of next year probably.

Eissa is chomping at the bits to start school...has been asking consistently for the past two weeks. So, I'm so glad that I got the Sonlight 3/4 curriculum (3/4 stands for 3 and 4 years old) for her and Cass back in December. It will be arriving shortly. It's basically just a curriculum full of great books to read and fun activities. But, they are great books and it will truly give them such satisfaction in having their very own 'school time.' We do that now a bit...not hard to do with a 4 and almost 3 year old...pictures to color, letters to trace. But, of course with her obsession with books, Eissa's and Cass' teacher is very excited about their formal school curriculum. ;)

How did the curriculum get to Brazil? Well, Joel's parents are in-country. They came with their church in Salem, Massachusetts for a mission trip and they have stayed on after the team left to travel and visit. I know they are LOVING being back 'home' after all these years...they moved to the states around '95/'96 or so (I don't remember exactly) and haven't been back to Brazil since. I'm very happy for them and also very happy that they will be showing up on our doorstep in just a few short days. Always great to have visitors.

Not sure if I have posted the top picture before or not. It was one of the picture we took when taking Christmas card pictures. And, that's all of the update for now. It's past time for breakfast and the kids' banana appetizer is going to wear off soon. ;) Have a great Friday everyone.

And...12 hours later literally, I'm hoping to post this. My Friday was horrible actually...lost Joel's wallet downtown, had a sick one (who threw up all over the couch...poor thing), ran out of diapers and milk (that I was supposed to get but lost the wallet instead). Ha. Glad it's over. I'm about to hit the reset button and hope for a great weekend. You have a great one too.

NEVER Hurts to Dream

You all know of our gypsy lives. We've lived in the grace of God for that kind of life for the past 10 years, 7 of those years with small children in tow.

The grace has been fleeting gradually as the years have worn on. In fact, so much so that last year about this time, Joel and I sat down and had a big heart-to-heart. Our time there in the states was so bad and stressful before we found a place to stay that I even told him that I wasn't going to be getting on the plane back to Brazil if we didn't have a place of our own in the states to come back to. Yes...yes I did. :) I had to be honest with him. That was literally the point I was at emotionally and physically. I'd say the grace was gone. ;)

Saline, Louisiana is our home base there in the states. Just logical...the big majority of our friends and prayer/financial supporters are there in the south, spread from Louisiana to Arizona (a big portion actually in Saline itself...Saline is small, but they are generous). I grew up there in Saline, so there is just a built-in sense of community (which Joel feels too), not to mention my extended family lives there. So, basically sense we've been married, but especially starting in 2006, we've been actively looking for and praying about a place of our own there.

Nothing ever panned out. Either it was just way out of our budget or not suitable for our family's needs...plus the fact that the options for something on sale are very slim around there. A community of about 300 people is typically just not booming in real estate. So, we prayed. And waited. And prayed. And waited.

But, let me take you back even further. I LOVED living in Saline. You all know that. 'Paradise' as you know. So, I often used to dream of the places I would live. There are some really great spots around there...almost every spot is a great spot really. But, there was one spot in particular that I remember dreaming about ever since I was a little girl.

This spot.


My Granddaddy's lake lots (the family hot spot during the summer) are right next to this spot (I'm taking the picture from the family dock) and at one point this spot was so fine and fixed up. The lawn was always beautiful and green. The sea wall was just really pretty. Loved everything about it. As a teenager/young 20-something chic I spent a lot of time just laying on that water. A blown-up raft was always with me in the back of my car and even if I had just a 20-minute block of time, I would head out there really quick and swim and lay. Always worked since I made it a practice to always have my swimsuit on (as my underwear) too.

As I would lay there, I would glance over at that spot. And dream.

It was Bro. Holloway's land. He and his wife no longer lived in the area, but would travel over occasionally from Dallas to stay on that spot...and attend the 5th Sunday Singing of course. ;) My family always 'put our names in' for that land, as did others. After Joel and I got married, I actually called him several times, every 2 years or so, just to see. He's an older gentlemen and he lost his wife a few years ago. Started not making the trip so often. So, occasionally after a trip out to the lake, I'd give him a ring. He wasn't a stranger, so it wasn't weird or anything. He was never interested in selling. His favorite answer was, "Wellllll...I'm not dead yet." :) Cute. And true. :)

Last spring I was in the process of getting his phone number again...for about 2 months. ;) Finally, on May 15th, my cousin was able to get it from her dad and gave it to me. But, that was the weekend that my brother was graduating from high school and my other brother was in town and we were all just really busy in general. I planned to call him that Monday.

Sunday night we got a call that Bro. Holloway, although still very alive (hahaha), was SELLING!! But, we weren't home and didn't get the message until Monday morning. I had a meeting in a nearby town that day, so had left early. Joel called me to tell me the message he had just listened to, that 'our spot' was for sale. I was in a library. I tried to be quiet. ;) We called and said we'd buy it that very hour. They were headed out to put the 'for sale' signs up that day...we called before they even had a chance.

Did I mention that it also happened to be my birthday?!?

Well, looooonnnnngggg story (May to December long) short, as of last month right before Christmas, that spot really is 'OUR SPOT.'

Yes, we are landowners. And we are happy.

Plans? Pay off the land (which was a stinkin' steal) and then build a little something there to house the Ebersoles when they make their way back home...and possibly even after retirement, if that happens for us (some people never retire you know) and if that is still our spot at that point. So, we won't actually have a physical place to stay in for a while yet, but we are well on our way and that was good enough for me to get on that plane. ;) Kidding. But, really...it did do so much for my heart. God saw and heard and knew...and provided. The gift of my dreams...literally.

Look at that view.

Sally's Wisdom

Again.

I've re-directed to her before. But, you guys...she's just that good. ;)

I haven't read her blog in a while. Just haven't made the time. But, we got all done with breakfast and the kids started playing together SO WELL and using their imaginations BIG TIME, so I just let them play instead of doing the other things we need to do. Sometimes they just need that. So I set aside my to-do list for a bit while they exercise those imaginations.

Today I read Sally while they were 'exercising.'

For those of you who read her blog already, my blog post is pointless for you today. But, if you haven't read it, head over. Truly great for you personally if you are this kind of person, and also great if you are trying to figure out what to do with a child like this. I am linking to the Part 2. But, be sure to go back and find the Part 1 part too...it's really good (and not directly before Part 2, so just keep pushing 'older post' until you get there).

And, here you go. Sally's wisdom.