Well, we are officially done with the fast. To remind you, we started fasting meats and sweets January 29th. Wednesday was our last day. So, 31 days of no meats and sweets. It’s been great, spiritually and physically.
Balance is always a good thing. I’m not too good at balance in some areas. Food tends to be one. Usually I am either really bad or really good. It’s hard for me to be in between. I really do prefer the way I’ve been eating even when not fasting, but the problem is, do I really want to do what I prefer? I guess the real question is, DO I REALLY WANT TO EXERCISE THE SELF-CONTROL AND SELF-DISCIPLINE NEEDED TO EAT THAT WAY?
So, I am just praying that God give me wisdom and understanding in how to handle the “freedom” of not being in a fast. The fast was great because I had to eat that way. Now that I don’t have to, will I be able to avoid that tendency of swinging all the way to the other side of the pendulum? Will I be able to “treat” myself sometimes, but not go overboard and look for reasons to treat myself every day? Will I be able to treat myself (the occasional pizza, coke, or candy bar for instance) at all or should I just avoid those foods indefinitely? These are the things I am thinking about, praying about, working through. Now that I’ve had a full month of “cleansing”…haven’t put an unhealthy thing in my body in 31 days…I want to be mindful and do the right thing, not only for me but as a model to my children. A great quote: "If you are modeling something other than what you are teaching, you are teaching something entirely different." We need to be healthy and walk in self-control.
I did take yesterday off. I ate whatever I wanted to. We went to Natchitoches to take care of some things (passports for the kids, etc.) I knew that for lunch I would have to make a decision to either keep doing what I was doing or splurge. I splurged. We went to The Landing…a well-known seafood restaurant around here. Even though I grew up around here, I had never been there. So, I made the decision to really experience it. I got crab cakes and fried green tomatoes. It came with green beans (not freshly cooked green beans…the southern style green beans which are cooked in fat and seasoned by cooking it with pork of some kind) and white rice, with hollandaise sauce sprinkled with crab meat. It was tasty, esp. the rice, sauce and crab meat. The green beans I didn’t eat after I took one bite…no wonder I never liked green beans growing up (I like freshly cooked green beans…not the fatty, mushy ones). The fried crab cakes and green tomatoes were alright, but a weird thing has happened. In fact, I noticed this the other night. We were traveling and there was really nothing to eat. I stopped at McDonald’s because my kids NEEDED to get out of the van and play. So, I ate some of their fries. Now, up until about a month ago, that was one of my favorite foods of all…McDonald’s french fries. The other night when I had them, I found myself really wishing I had some rice and beans and corn instead. I couldn’t believe it. Anyhow, that same thing happened today. I’m glad. Even though I hesitate to say this, I think I might be a full-fledged healthy person now, in thought and action…and preference as far as actual taste and cravings. Time will tell. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Life Losers
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." -Luke 9:23-24
Demanding things never works. Even "demanding respect"...it just doesn't work. You have to earn it...then it will just come naturally for people to respect you. Even demanding things of my own children...yes, they must obey, but if there is no real relationship there, even if they obey, it's not willingly or with a soft heart. We want them to obey because they love us. Therefore, they are learning the whole "if you love Me, you will obey my commands" thing.
A friend of mine and I were talking a while back. She travels with her husband full time. She works with people non-stop and she was talking about how she used to be firm with people and "demand her rights." She's learned through the years though...it works so much better to be nice...out of the ordinary nice...supernatural nice (that is possible with supernatural God working through you). She said the more difficult they are, the nicer she gets. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger." -Proverbs 15:1.
I started learning this lesson when I married Joel. I was always of the "have it your way" Burger King mentality. You know, the customer is always right. I was firm and bold and determined. I would fight to the end. Mind you, these are all good qualities when used in the right way. But, when Luke 9 isn't heeded, bad things are sure to come. Thankfully Joel was patient with me, prayed for me, loved me. He always had a gentle answer, and God's Word is true...it always turned away wrath. He didn't fight with me. With disagreements, I had only ever known anger and fighting...if a resolution wasn't reached, silent treatment and pouting (even though, of course it was never called that) would soon follow, possibly even for days. That was just the norm. It didn't work that way with Joel. I began to learn his way. I'm still growing in that. Man, it's so much more peaceful that way.
We need to give up...give up our rights, give up our control, give up our offendable spirits (my uncle recently prayed that we would not be offendable...I've adopted that prayer). Stop clinging to your rights people. Enough is enough. "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." -Proverbs 14:12 Man, we need to know God's Word, His laws, His principles, His character (so that we can model it)..KNOW the Word. We don't want to be on the path that seems right. We want to be on the path that is right. If we stay on the path that just seems right, death will surely come. I've seen death (in many ways) come to someone I know...they are clinging to their rights and are losing out bigtime. Sadly, they aren't the only one affected.
Demanding things never works. Even "demanding respect"...it just doesn't work. You have to earn it...then it will just come naturally for people to respect you. Even demanding things of my own children...yes, they must obey, but if there is no real relationship there, even if they obey, it's not willingly or with a soft heart. We want them to obey because they love us. Therefore, they are learning the whole "if you love Me, you will obey my commands" thing.
A friend of mine and I were talking a while back. She travels with her husband full time. She works with people non-stop and she was talking about how she used to be firm with people and "demand her rights." She's learned through the years though...it works so much better to be nice...out of the ordinary nice...supernatural nice (that is possible with supernatural God working through you). She said the more difficult they are, the nicer she gets. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger." -Proverbs 15:1.
I started learning this lesson when I married Joel. I was always of the "have it your way" Burger King mentality. You know, the customer is always right. I was firm and bold and determined. I would fight to the end. Mind you, these are all good qualities when used in the right way. But, when Luke 9 isn't heeded, bad things are sure to come. Thankfully Joel was patient with me, prayed for me, loved me. He always had a gentle answer, and God's Word is true...it always turned away wrath. He didn't fight with me. With disagreements, I had only ever known anger and fighting...if a resolution wasn't reached, silent treatment and pouting (even though, of course it was never called that) would soon follow, possibly even for days. That was just the norm. It didn't work that way with Joel. I began to learn his way. I'm still growing in that. Man, it's so much more peaceful that way.
We need to give up...give up our rights, give up our control, give up our offendable spirits (my uncle recently prayed that we would not be offendable...I've adopted that prayer). Stop clinging to your rights people. Enough is enough. "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." -Proverbs 14:12 Man, we need to know God's Word, His laws, His principles, His character (so that we can model it)..KNOW the Word. We don't want to be on the path that seems right. We want to be on the path that is right. If we stay on the path that just seems right, death will surely come. I've seen death (in many ways) come to someone I know...they are clinging to their rights and are losing out bigtime. Sadly, they aren't the only one affected.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
There's Just Nothing Like Running
Man, nothing works you out like a good run. It has been SO VERY NICE here this week...highs of 70s and 80s (LOVING this weather). So, I've been taking full advantage of the combination of weather and the fact that Joel was off work (we're in Louisiana...it's Mardi Gras time and most universities were out). I'm up to 2 miles again and it is feeling great.
When I'm not able to run, I've been doing my Turbo Jam and that's been great too. I truly despise just walking though, even when I have company and have a scenic route. Walking is great for just hanging out and having some outside time. But, as far as your only exercise of the day...yeah, not for me. It bores me to the core. Sadly, that is what most experts recommend...and they almost all say that running is bad for you. I agree that it can be bad for you as far as your joints and all (I know I might regret running later in life), but man is it a good workout. :)
Update on my diastasis...the separation in my belly. Right after I typed out that blog about it, I checked it again...hadn't checked it in a while. It had actually gotten better, in my opinion due to the fact that I'd been doing standing ab exercises alot...almost daily. Instead of 3-4 finger widths, it was about 2...and it's still the same. I also got an exercise video off amazon.com that specifically works muscles that will hopefully fix the problem. It's called "Healing Exercises for Diastasis Recti." We'll see how it works.
Another update: As of this morning, I'm now down 12 pounds. Yay! Only 18 more. :)
When I'm not able to run, I've been doing my Turbo Jam and that's been great too. I truly despise just walking though, even when I have company and have a scenic route. Walking is great for just hanging out and having some outside time. But, as far as your only exercise of the day...yeah, not for me. It bores me to the core. Sadly, that is what most experts recommend...and they almost all say that running is bad for you. I agree that it can be bad for you as far as your joints and all (I know I might regret running later in life), but man is it a good workout. :)
Update on my diastasis...the separation in my belly. Right after I typed out that blog about it, I checked it again...hadn't checked it in a while. It had actually gotten better, in my opinion due to the fact that I'd been doing standing ab exercises alot...almost daily. Instead of 3-4 finger widths, it was about 2...and it's still the same. I also got an exercise video off amazon.com that specifically works muscles that will hopefully fix the problem. It's called "Healing Exercises for Diastasis Recti." We'll see how it works.
Another update: As of this morning, I'm now down 12 pounds. Yay! Only 18 more. :)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
A 2 Year Old Girl
Well, I only went about a month without a 2 year old. Miss Hadley Cloteal Ebersole...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
Yes, Hadley is 2 today! So fun. She is a crazy little girl...so much fun with her hats, her sunglasses, her strut, and her tiny but spirited little self. I'm not sure just how tall she is, but she weighed a couple of days ago and has gained a couple of pounds...she's now up to 25.5 pounds...she's a little thing, but has a big personality.
We had a birthday party for her on Sunday. She loves hats, so everyone was instructed to wear a fun hat. She also got a few hats as presents. It was a great time. She really enjoyed herself. Here are some pictures from the day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!
Yes, Hadley is 2 today! So fun. She is a crazy little girl...so much fun with her hats, her sunglasses, her strut, and her tiny but spirited little self. I'm not sure just how tall she is, but she weighed a couple of days ago and has gained a couple of pounds...she's now up to 25.5 pounds...she's a little thing, but has a big personality.
We had a birthday party for her on Sunday. She loves hats, so everyone was instructed to wear a fun hat. She also got a few hats as presents. It was a great time. She really enjoyed herself. Here are some pictures from the day.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Coolest House Ever
This is the house I want. When we were in Brazil in August, this house was up for grabs in just the exact perfect location. It's right between the Asas de Socorro headquarters and the airport. It's also on the street where mostly Asas people live, so it would be really fun...handy to live there. Besides all of that great stuff, I just LOVE the house itself...LOVE IT.
So, when we left Brazil we talked to the owner of the house, a former Asas de Socorro guy himself. We could've paid to have him hold the house for us, but we had no idea when we would be coming. So, the house is now occupied. Word is that the occupants are just temporarily there as they are supposedly building a house of their own. But, how long are they there? Will the house be up for grabs again soon? We just don't know.
Many have asked. We have raised about 44% of what we will need monthly and about 30% of what we need to get down there and set up house. We have started looking at plane tickets and thinking about housing while there. This might be selfish, but I really would LOVE to live here. :) I'm sure you understand. It is a great house. Pray. We've contacted the owner, but haven't heard back from him yet with answers to our questions. Obviously, I don't want to be in this house if God doesn't want us there. But, if He does, then I sure do want to pray it into existence. :) Because...I WANT THIS HOUSE!! :)
Either way, you get a good feel of a Brazilian house. And lest you think we will be "living it up," this is just a normal house...every house in Brazil has tile and marble countertops. It's common there. They think we are rich when they see pictures of our carpet. :) Isn't that funny?
O.K., more pictures...
The patio/porch and front door. Man, I love this house...everything about it. The red door and window trimming, the pale yellow paint inside, the huge porch with, of course, the hammock hooks built in. 
The kitchen. Through that brown door there to the right of the picture is the laundry room with a sink. 
The kids'/guest bathroom.
Hallway from kitchen to bedrooms/bathrooms.
Master bedroom. I love Latin American houses...they are always so open and breezy.
The master bathroom. There are 4 bedrooms total and another room that was used as a study but could be a 5th bedroom. Also, the 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, kitchen, and living room. The outside has a nice size front yard, a side yard where you hang laundry (dryers aren't common), another side yard with a nice little garden area and a storage shed, and another little yard/walkway at the back of the house. 
This is the street it's on. Our nextdoor neighbors on 2 sides (the other side is vacant) are Asas people too...one couple is American (would be a big help for me in the first few months for sure). That's Joel walking along and the roof of the house on the left. All houses in Brazil have a wall/gate like that.Isn't it cool? We'll see what God has in store.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Teach Us To Die
The other day, Grady was going around the house singing "Lord, teach us to die." Now, I thought that was what he was saying, but wasn't sure, so I asked him, "Grady, 'Lord, teach us to pray?'" His memory verse at church the night before had been something to that effect. He said, "No, 'Lord, teach us to die.'" Grasping at other possibilities, I said, "Grady, 'Lord, teach us to shine?'" He said, "No, 'Lord, teach us to die.'" He seemed to wonder why I kept questioning his song.
It was very interesting. It's a little strange at first to hear your 3-yr. old singing such a morbid thing. But, on the other hand, God quickly allowed me to see how very profound it was. Isn't that what we should be learning every day? It seems to me that selfishness is the root of most problems and bad situations...money problems, broken relationships, separation/divorce, etc. If we could just get that one little lesson down that Grady was singing about, what a better life we could be living!
I think sometimes God might whisper in their little ears some of the most profound things of all knowing that they will, in childlike faith, just repeat what they hear...and knowing that their parents are listening.
God, help us to die to our flesh, to our selfish desires today. Help us to remember the words of Grady's song forever.
It was very interesting. It's a little strange at first to hear your 3-yr. old singing such a morbid thing. But, on the other hand, God quickly allowed me to see how very profound it was. Isn't that what we should be learning every day? It seems to me that selfishness is the root of most problems and bad situations...money problems, broken relationships, separation/divorce, etc. If we could just get that one little lesson down that Grady was singing about, what a better life we could be living!
I think sometimes God might whisper in their little ears some of the most profound things of all knowing that they will, in childlike faith, just repeat what they hear...and knowing that their parents are listening.
God, help us to die to our flesh, to our selfish desires today. Help us to remember the words of Grady's song forever.
Friday, February 09, 2007
My Big Fat Body
Just thought I'd give you all an update on the past 9 days. We started our fast 9 days ago, as I posted. One of the things the fast was/is supposed to do involves the physical...our health. Well, can I just say...IT IS GOING GREAT! It really is. We are fasting meats and sweets (when I say meat I am talking about beef, poultry, fish). I haven't even been tempted...I really haven't. I mean if the thought of a Milky Way pops into my mind, I just don't entertain the thought...otherwise I would be tempted and really want a Milky Way (FYI: in the last 3 months or so, really had a craving for Milky Ways...not sure why...hadn't wanted a Milky Way in years before that, but I would totally satisfy my craving every time...by going to the store and getting a Milky Way of course).
Update on my body (the one that I still don't recognize when I look in the mirror...crazy how when I think about myself, I still picture the body that came along with the 25-yr. old, pre-kids me). Like I said, started eating healthy again 9 days ago. Well, as of this morning I was down 7 1/2 pounds and had lost about an inch off my waist. Not too bad.
Here is what I'm doing in my diet (diet as in way I like to eat, not as in "I'm going on a diet"):
1. avoiding anything with high fructose corn syrup...have just learned how to really read labels over the years
2. avoiding anything with hydrogenated oils
3. obviously I'm not having any sweets, but that includes basically eating nothing that has sugar period...not added sugar or simple sugars listed in the ingredients; now, for example, there is a Kashi cereal that I will eat occasionally that is "lightly sweetened," but it's with evaporated cane juice...I stay away from the highly processed, refined white table sugar
4. avoiding all bad carbs.; good carbs., like brown rice, whole grain bread (without high fructose corn syrup or refined flour of any kind), high-fiber cereal, etc....we eat those of course; it isn't tempting to me to overeat the good carbs. because frankly they don't taste as good as the bad ones in my opinion; you know, like that soft, white Wonder bread...the kind that is highly processed and refined...yeah, that tastes better to me...too bad it's toxic
5. drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day; lots of times I will end up drinking about 96, but at least 64
6. avoiding dairy; I've done this before and really liked the way I felt on no dairy...I replace milk with soymilk, although I don't really drink milk of any kind...it's just to use in my oatmeal, smoothies, etc.; I figure if I'm being bad enough to eat the chocolate cake or brownies (the only time I drink milk), I can go ahead and go all the way and drink cow's milk :)
So, what are we eating? Anything healthy that we want. :) I tried to do the Weight Watchers thing again, which worked so wonderfully for me to lose the weight after I had Hadley. But, for some reason, this time I just wasn't feeling it. I was not excited about counting points and measuring and stuff.
A sample day is something like this:
Breakfast - Oatmeal w/ Raisins or a 2-egg omelette with green bell peppers, onions, and tomato
Lunch/Supper - any combo of beans/peas and grains so that we make a complete protein...I've
found some great recipes online and borrowed some from friends...of course it also helps
that Joel's favorite food basically is Brazilian rice and beans :)
Snack - a handful of Pecans (from Granny's back yard) or maybe a smoothie (bananas, frozen
strawberries, soymilk, vanilla protein powder)
I like the idea of a vegetarian/vegan diet and am really pretty much doing a vegan diet now (except for my omelettes), but don't think it's realistic for me long-term...not 100% anyhow. I think it might be do-able to do that at home, but as far as traveling, family/church functions, eating out, etc....just not realistic to be able to avoid things like dairy and meat products. I tell you what though...man is it SO MUCH CHEAPER to not buy and cook meat.
I've also been exercising almost every day. It's too cold to go outside and run, and I wouldn't really get the chance to do that these days anyhow, so have just been doing videos. I highly recommend the Turbo Jam exercise videos...you may have seen them in an infomercial (that's where I saw them first). They are really good and really fun. I despise cheesy exercise videos.
And, usually it helps me to get on track if I can read a new book about health/fitness to really get informed and get motivated. I got the Natural Cures one, but it was honestly a little too "conspiracy theory" for me. I mean, good information and I don't necessarily refute the claims he makes...I just didn't like his presentation. So, I got the book by Dr. Oz (from the Oprah show)...You On a Diet. It is really very good. I've read about a b-jillion books on health/fitness (and pregnancy/childbirth and child-raising...). That being the case, Joel asked me if I was learning anything new from this book. I am. More than any of the other books I've read, it goes into great explanations about what food does to your body, good and bad. It just informs you about your body processes as related to food I guess. And it's very well written...not so in-depth that it's boring. I really like it.
Anyhow, like I said...just an update and a little detail about what I'm doing. More to come.
Update on my body (the one that I still don't recognize when I look in the mirror...crazy how when I think about myself, I still picture the body that came along with the 25-yr. old, pre-kids me). Like I said, started eating healthy again 9 days ago. Well, as of this morning I was down 7 1/2 pounds and had lost about an inch off my waist. Not too bad.
Here is what I'm doing in my diet (diet as in way I like to eat, not as in "I'm going on a diet"):
1. avoiding anything with high fructose corn syrup...have just learned how to really read labels over the years
2. avoiding anything with hydrogenated oils
3. obviously I'm not having any sweets, but that includes basically eating nothing that has sugar period...not added sugar or simple sugars listed in the ingredients; now, for example, there is a Kashi cereal that I will eat occasionally that is "lightly sweetened," but it's with evaporated cane juice...I stay away from the highly processed, refined white table sugar
4. avoiding all bad carbs.; good carbs., like brown rice, whole grain bread (without high fructose corn syrup or refined flour of any kind), high-fiber cereal, etc....we eat those of course; it isn't tempting to me to overeat the good carbs. because frankly they don't taste as good as the bad ones in my opinion; you know, like that soft, white Wonder bread...the kind that is highly processed and refined...yeah, that tastes better to me...too bad it's toxic
5. drinking at least 64 oz. of water a day; lots of times I will end up drinking about 96, but at least 64
6. avoiding dairy; I've done this before and really liked the way I felt on no dairy...I replace milk with soymilk, although I don't really drink milk of any kind...it's just to use in my oatmeal, smoothies, etc.; I figure if I'm being bad enough to eat the chocolate cake or brownies (the only time I drink milk), I can go ahead and go all the way and drink cow's milk :)
So, what are we eating? Anything healthy that we want. :) I tried to do the Weight Watchers thing again, which worked so wonderfully for me to lose the weight after I had Hadley. But, for some reason, this time I just wasn't feeling it. I was not excited about counting points and measuring and stuff.
A sample day is something like this:
Breakfast - Oatmeal w/ Raisins or a 2-egg omelette with green bell peppers, onions, and tomato
Lunch/Supper - any combo of beans/peas and grains so that we make a complete protein...I've
found some great recipes online and borrowed some from friends...of course it also helps
that Joel's favorite food basically is Brazilian rice and beans :)
Snack - a handful of Pecans (from Granny's back yard) or maybe a smoothie (bananas, frozen
strawberries, soymilk, vanilla protein powder)
I like the idea of a vegetarian/vegan diet and am really pretty much doing a vegan diet now (except for my omelettes), but don't think it's realistic for me long-term...not 100% anyhow. I think it might be do-able to do that at home, but as far as traveling, family/church functions, eating out, etc....just not realistic to be able to avoid things like dairy and meat products. I tell you what though...man is it SO MUCH CHEAPER to not buy and cook meat.
I've also been exercising almost every day. It's too cold to go outside and run, and I wouldn't really get the chance to do that these days anyhow, so have just been doing videos. I highly recommend the Turbo Jam exercise videos...you may have seen them in an infomercial (that's where I saw them first). They are really good and really fun. I despise cheesy exercise videos.
And, usually it helps me to get on track if I can read a new book about health/fitness to really get informed and get motivated. I got the Natural Cures one, but it was honestly a little too "conspiracy theory" for me. I mean, good information and I don't necessarily refute the claims he makes...I just didn't like his presentation. So, I got the book by Dr. Oz (from the Oprah show)...You On a Diet. It is really very good. I've read about a b-jillion books on health/fitness (and pregnancy/childbirth and child-raising...). That being the case, Joel asked me if I was learning anything new from this book. I am. More than any of the other books I've read, it goes into great explanations about what food does to your body, good and bad. It just informs you about your body processes as related to food I guess. And it's very well written...not so in-depth that it's boring. I really like it.
Anyhow, like I said...just an update and a little detail about what I'm doing. More to come.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Diastasis
I have had a "condition" since pregnant with Grady called diastasis. I hate it. This is what happens...
Some women, while they are pregnant, develop this. The muscles in your belly that come together in the middle form basically what's kind of like a zipper. I mean, they aren't really attached, but they are just right together. Well, while pregnant, the muscles come apart. For some women, this doesn't happen. Unfortunately, for me, it did.
I think that for some, after pregnancy, they go back together. For me, not so. I'm sure that having 3 babies in such a short amount of time and the fact that they were all pretty big babies didn't help much. But, I am hoping that they go back together. Otherwise, even when I do lose the weight, I will still have a pooch...that's the way it was after I lost all the weight after having Hadley...still a pooch. One friend of mine even had to have surgery to repair hers...I really hope my muscles find themselves back to each other on their own.
So, question for all of you out there in cyberland...any suggestions? Are there any exercises or anything that I can do to promote this repair? Any of you have any experience with diastasis? Are there things that I can do to exacerbate it? I certainly don't want to make it worse. Right now, my muscles are a good 3-4 fingerwidths apart...so sad. Help me out here.
But, let me show you why it's all worth it...
Some women, while they are pregnant, develop this. The muscles in your belly that come together in the middle form basically what's kind of like a zipper. I mean, they aren't really attached, but they are just right together. Well, while pregnant, the muscles come apart. For some women, this doesn't happen. Unfortunately, for me, it did.
I think that for some, after pregnancy, they go back together. For me, not so. I'm sure that having 3 babies in such a short amount of time and the fact that they were all pretty big babies didn't help much. But, I am hoping that they go back together. Otherwise, even when I do lose the weight, I will still have a pooch...that's the way it was after I lost all the weight after having Hadley...still a pooch. One friend of mine even had to have surgery to repair hers...I really hope my muscles find themselves back to each other on their own.
So, question for all of you out there in cyberland...any suggestions? Are there any exercises or anything that I can do to promote this repair? Any of you have any experience with diastasis? Are there things that I can do to exacerbate it? I certainly don't want to make it worse. Right now, my muscles are a good 3-4 fingerwidths apart...so sad. Help me out here.
But, let me show you why it's all worth it...
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Happy Birthday, Babe!!
I'm not sure why I absolutely love this picture so much. I think it's just so Joel though...laughing, joyful, sweet...all of the best adjectives there are in the world. I am still in awe that God hand-picked this amazing man, the most incredible man who ever lived besides Jesus, just for me. But, man am I ever so grateful that He did.
Joel, we love you so much! Hope you have the best birthday ever for your 30th.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Grady's Birthday Party
Grady was 3 on the 3rd. We celebrated in PA while we were there...we were there over his birthday. But, we hadn't ever had a party here in Saline with all of my family. So, yesterday was the day. We had a great train birthday. Everyone was instructed to bring something train-related for Grady, whether it be a colored train picture, a train photo, a toy train...whatever. It was a lot of fun to see what people brought for him. We also had some GREAT train decorations, drawn/made by my stupendously talented husband. We played "pin the caboose on the train" and had cake and ice cream. It was so much fun. Here a couple of pictures with Grady and his cake.
By the way, more pictures to come on the website next week...lots of pictures, including more of the birthday party (and the great decorations).
And, keep scrolling down for another post for today.
By the way, more pictures to come on the website next week...lots of pictures, including more of the birthday party (and the great decorations).
And, keep scrolling down for another post for today.
Jump Start
Just like a car sometimes needs a jump start to get things going, we are feeling the need for a jump start in a couple of areas: physical and spiritual.
So, we are fasting. I haven't been able to do a total fast in over 4 years since I've been either nursing or pregnant for over 4 years now. :) I have done little fasts from time to time, fasting certain things. But, we are now fasting meats and sweets, starting today and ending Mar. 1st.
Firstly, spiritually we just feel like we need to get things more in order. This discipline of fasting certainly does that. And calling on God to help in time of restraint is key, not just trying to use your own willpower to do it...that defeats the purpose.
Secondly, this will also hopefully get us back on track in eating healthy, no matter who is around, what food is around, or where we are.
We are buffeting our bodies. Not always fun, but good for the soul (our bodies too).
I'm telling you all of this because I will also be fasting from the computer for the first week. Craziness...I like to stay informed and in touch with all of you. But, just so you know, that's why you won't be hearing from me for a while.
If you need to get in touch with me before next Monday, just go to our website, click on Contact Us, and either call us or email Joel...www.EbersoleOnline.com.
Have a great week!
So, we are fasting. I haven't been able to do a total fast in over 4 years since I've been either nursing or pregnant for over 4 years now. :) I have done little fasts from time to time, fasting certain things. But, we are now fasting meats and sweets, starting today and ending Mar. 1st.
Firstly, spiritually we just feel like we need to get things more in order. This discipline of fasting certainly does that. And calling on God to help in time of restraint is key, not just trying to use your own willpower to do it...that defeats the purpose.
Secondly, this will also hopefully get us back on track in eating healthy, no matter who is around, what food is around, or where we are.
We are buffeting our bodies. Not always fun, but good for the soul (our bodies too).
I'm telling you all of this because I will also be fasting from the computer for the first week. Craziness...I like to stay informed and in touch with all of you. But, just so you know, that's why you won't be hearing from me for a while.
If you need to get in touch with me before next Monday, just go to our website, click on Contact Us, and either call us or email Joel...www.EbersoleOnline.com.
Have a great week!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Cut Off No More
To elaborate on my previous post and to also give those poor missionaries the benefit of the doubt, I want to bring out a point that I am super glad about...the world has become much smaller. Used to, when people announced that God had called them to be a foreign missionary, it meant that they would never again see their family. To even receive a letter or package from them would involve a small miracle of the postal service and even then they would have to wait weeks/months to get it.
These days, not that it's not a sacrifice, but the measures are much less drastic than they used to be and for that I am very grateful. Right now, I can talk to our friends in Brazil and China every day for free as long as I have Skype, headphones, and a microphone...a free "phone call" to people on the other side of the world. Incredible. Who would've even thought that 20 or even 10 years ago? Then there are the web cams so that you can see the people you are talking to too. If you don't have all that technology, there is at least just regular old email and instant messaging. Most of the time, even out in the bush these days (although not always that dependable) they have internet access at some level.
Missionaries used to be cut off from the rest of the world...not the case anymore. One of the reasons is because of this little thing that many people use, including my husband...an airplane! Trips that used to take days and even weeks can now be made in minutes. Amazing. People can go in and out of remote and isolated areas with relative ease now. Travel is easy and relatively inexpensive too. No more crossing oceans in big rocking boats, getting sea-sick and being stuck on a boat forever. Nope, that is much easier now too.
So, seriously, missionaries really have little excuse for being out of touch and unrelate-able these days. Another side note...even with the appearance of the missionaries I talked about in my last post, if they had had an attractive personality that probably would've helped. In truth, missionaries have sometimes gotten the reputation of being a little socially inept...and from what I saw that report was true. But, in recent years that has been proven false to me, thank goodness. To date, most of the missionaries I've come into contact with are just super dang cool...and so much fun.
Needless to say, it's a great day and age to be on the mission field. Sure there are still challenges (I'm sure you will hear me talking about them in future posts), but relatively speaking, compared to what the challenges used to be...well, let's just say that I'm glad to be in this day and age.
These days, not that it's not a sacrifice, but the measures are much less drastic than they used to be and for that I am very grateful. Right now, I can talk to our friends in Brazil and China every day for free as long as I have Skype, headphones, and a microphone...a free "phone call" to people on the other side of the world. Incredible. Who would've even thought that 20 or even 10 years ago? Then there are the web cams so that you can see the people you are talking to too. If you don't have all that technology, there is at least just regular old email and instant messaging. Most of the time, even out in the bush these days (although not always that dependable) they have internet access at some level.
Missionaries used to be cut off from the rest of the world...not the case anymore. One of the reasons is because of this little thing that many people use, including my husband...an airplane! Trips that used to take days and even weeks can now be made in minutes. Amazing. People can go in and out of remote and isolated areas with relative ease now. Travel is easy and relatively inexpensive too. No more crossing oceans in big rocking boats, getting sea-sick and being stuck on a boat forever. Nope, that is much easier now too.
So, seriously, missionaries really have little excuse for being out of touch and unrelate-able these days. Another side note...even with the appearance of the missionaries I talked about in my last post, if they had had an attractive personality that probably would've helped. In truth, missionaries have sometimes gotten the reputation of being a little socially inept...and from what I saw that report was true. But, in recent years that has been proven false to me, thank goodness. To date, most of the missionaries I've come into contact with are just super dang cool...and so much fun.
Needless to say, it's a great day and age to be on the mission field. Sure there are still challenges (I'm sure you will hear me talking about them in future posts), but relatively speaking, compared to what the challenges used to be...well, let's just say that I'm glad to be in this day and age.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Frumpy Missionary
My first memories of missionaries are not fond memories. As a young person, you are constantly, although unconsciously most of the time, looking for people to emulate. The missionaries I came into contact with growing up were not people I wanted to become like. Bless their little pea-picking hearts...I know that they were probably totally serving God wholeheartedly...they probably have huge mansions with all the upgrades imaginable waiting for them in heaven. But, I hope that we not only serve God with the people He sends us to, but I hope to always be relate-able to everyone I come into contact with.
Now, I have never claimed to be a stylish person. I am well aware that I am, in fact, borderline "What Not to Wear" material myself. But, I do try to keep somewhat up-to-date in my clothes, hair, etc.
I can't say that is always easy. I don't necessarily like those pants that you can't bend over in without looking like a plumber and don't even get me started with the thongs (and no, I'm not talking about flip flops). But, I do try to stay away from things that would "date" me...I try not to get stuck in a time period. I may not be succeeding completely, but hopefully I am doing an o.k. job.
So, if you ever see me back in the states on furlough with long limp hair, oversized bifocals, a button-down cotton shirt that is tucked into my pleated elastic long denim skirt, buckle sandals, with my handy slide projector in tow...please, please, please...nudge me and give me a friendly fashion police rebuke.
Now, I have never claimed to be a stylish person. I am well aware that I am, in fact, borderline "What Not to Wear" material myself. But, I do try to keep somewhat up-to-date in my clothes, hair, etc.
I can't say that is always easy. I don't necessarily like those pants that you can't bend over in without looking like a plumber and don't even get me started with the thongs (and no, I'm not talking about flip flops). But, I do try to stay away from things that would "date" me...I try not to get stuck in a time period. I may not be succeeding completely, but hopefully I am doing an o.k. job.
So, if you ever see me back in the states on furlough with long limp hair, oversized bifocals, a button-down cotton shirt that is tucked into my pleated elastic long denim skirt, buckle sandals, with my handy slide projector in tow...please, please, please...nudge me and give me a friendly fashion police rebuke.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sweet Success
O.K., so last night Asa slept through the night. Well, I guess in actuality we really just "started" the sleeping through the night thing. I'll explain.
With Grady, around this age (Asa is almost 3 1/2 months) he would wake up at the same time every night. We decided that he was probably just waking up out of habit and that we were going to see about helping him go all night without waking up. The first night we decided to do this, he cried...for 35 minutes. It wasn't continuous, but he did cry. For those of you who think this is horrible or something, just keep reading. The 2nd night, he only cried for 5 minutes. The 3rd night, he stirred a bit, but didn't wake up. The 4th night he didn't wake up at all. He never did again. Stupendous.
Well, we've been feeling like Asa is at that point. So, last night we decided to try it out. She ALWAYS wakes up between 3 and 4 every night. Last night, I fed her last at about 10:30 pm. She woke up at 3:41. We let her cry. It was a little harder this time to let her cry than it was with Grady...not sure why. But, I was just praying and knew that God would just lead me/us in what to do. I told myself that if she didn't go back to sleep by around 4:20, I would feed her. Well, she was sound asleep by 4:06...exactly 25 minutes. I knew that if she truly was waking up out of hunger, she would be awake again shortly. Well, I woke up at 8am and she was just starting to stir. I would say that she wasn't waking out of hunger, only habit.
We'll see how tonight goes and I will keep you posted on the sleep happenings. We're excited and encouraged from last night though.
Here's a sweet picture of sleeping beauty. I just LOVE those little dimples they have in their little hands. By the way, she has found her feet now. And, when you are holding her now, she reaches up and touches your face...it's SO sweet. I'm sure Grady and Hadley did that too, but I think she does it more, and more intensely...tonight she reached up and not only touched my face, she actually stroked my cheek as she cooed and smiled at me. SO SWEET. I could seriously just eat her up.
With Grady, around this age (Asa is almost 3 1/2 months) he would wake up at the same time every night. We decided that he was probably just waking up out of habit and that we were going to see about helping him go all night without waking up. The first night we decided to do this, he cried...for 35 minutes. It wasn't continuous, but he did cry. For those of you who think this is horrible or something, just keep reading. The 2nd night, he only cried for 5 minutes. The 3rd night, he stirred a bit, but didn't wake up. The 4th night he didn't wake up at all. He never did again. Stupendous.
Well, we've been feeling like Asa is at that point. So, last night we decided to try it out. She ALWAYS wakes up between 3 and 4 every night. Last night, I fed her last at about 10:30 pm. She woke up at 3:41. We let her cry. It was a little harder this time to let her cry than it was with Grady...not sure why. But, I was just praying and knew that God would just lead me/us in what to do. I told myself that if she didn't go back to sleep by around 4:20, I would feed her. Well, she was sound asleep by 4:06...exactly 25 minutes. I knew that if she truly was waking up out of hunger, she would be awake again shortly. Well, I woke up at 8am and she was just starting to stir. I would say that she wasn't waking out of hunger, only habit.
We'll see how tonight goes and I will keep you posted on the sleep happenings. We're excited and encouraged from last night though.
Here's a sweet picture of sleeping beauty. I just LOVE those little dimples they have in their little hands. By the way, she has found her feet now. And, when you are holding her now, she reaches up and touches your face...it's SO sweet. I'm sure Grady and Hadley did that too, but I think she does it more, and more intensely...tonight she reached up and not only touched my face, she actually stroked my cheek as she cooed and smiled at me. SO SWEET. I could seriously just eat her up.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Where We Are
Many have asked about where we are concerning our financial support raising. So, I thought I'd let you know a little bit about how it works.
All commitment cards (i.e. cards from people interested in supporting us financially and/or in prayer) are sent directly to CTEN, the organization that is handling all of our finances, among other services they provide. At the end of each month, they give us an update as to how things are going. So, in about 15 days I guess, we will know more about 'where we are.' :)
Joel started his job last week, although hasn't actually done anything to get paid yet. :) He is paid by the hour...flight hour with a student that is. Last week he went and got checked out by his boss. He is only going to be working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of every week. Well, Friday we were traveling for that wedding, Monday was a holiday, today the weather was too bad to fly...so, he's still here with his family and his family is happy about that. :) As soon as the weather is good enough to fly though, he will be heading up in the sky with students.
Things are going well here in Saline. It's nice to be home and not too busy...such a nice thing, since it has been VERY non-stop since Asa was born. Monday was really our first day here since our travels to Pennsylvania, so we cleaned house bigtime and have just been taking it a little easier and spending some great time together since then. Of course there are still the "dailys" to do (laundry, dishes, and in our case dirty diapers galore), but those are always there. We are truly loving this time.
Our next projects though...possible potty training and trying to get Asa sleeping through the night. I'll keep you posted on both.
Now, for a few pictures...these were taken back before Christmas. We went down to Daddy's barn and all the kids posed on his tractor (even Asa) and in the hay. We framed a couple of them and gave them as gifts to my family.
All commitment cards (i.e. cards from people interested in supporting us financially and/or in prayer) are sent directly to CTEN, the organization that is handling all of our finances, among other services they provide. At the end of each month, they give us an update as to how things are going. So, in about 15 days I guess, we will know more about 'where we are.' :)
Joel started his job last week, although hasn't actually done anything to get paid yet. :) He is paid by the hour...flight hour with a student that is. Last week he went and got checked out by his boss. He is only going to be working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of every week. Well, Friday we were traveling for that wedding, Monday was a holiday, today the weather was too bad to fly...so, he's still here with his family and his family is happy about that. :) As soon as the weather is good enough to fly though, he will be heading up in the sky with students.
Things are going well here in Saline. It's nice to be home and not too busy...such a nice thing, since it has been VERY non-stop since Asa was born. Monday was really our first day here since our travels to Pennsylvania, so we cleaned house bigtime and have just been taking it a little easier and spending some great time together since then. Of course there are still the "dailys" to do (laundry, dishes, and in our case dirty diapers galore), but those are always there. We are truly loving this time.
Our next projects though...possible potty training and trying to get Asa sleeping through the night. I'll keep you posted on both.
Now, for a few pictures...these were taken back before Christmas. We went down to Daddy's barn and all the kids posed on his tractor (even Asa) and in the hay. We framed a couple of them and gave them as gifts to my family.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Wedding
Well, the wedding was this Saturday. Kevin and Carrie May Clay are now officially married. It was a great time with some great people and a beautiful wedding.
Just to let you know about the dress, I had ordered a 10. I had to order it 2 weeks after Asa was born, so I had no idea what size to get. I was definitely worried driving to try it on for the first time on Friday. Turns out it did fit, but barely. Oopsies. :) I called David's Bridal and told them that a 12 would probably be perfect. They said they had one and that I could come exchange, so that's what I did. The 12 was perfect and I had a great (and comfortable) time. :)
Here are some pictures from the wedding.
I love that dress...it's so gorgeous to me.
Me and Carrie, the beautiful bride.
Me and my honeys. Grady and Hadley spent the weekend with my mom.
Me and sweet Asa Rose.
Full-length shot.
The hair.
Just to let you know about the dress, I had ordered a 10. I had to order it 2 weeks after Asa was born, so I had no idea what size to get. I was definitely worried driving to try it on for the first time on Friday. Turns out it did fit, but barely. Oopsies. :) I called David's Bridal and told them that a 12 would probably be perfect. They said they had one and that I could come exchange, so that's what I did. The 12 was perfect and I had a great (and comfortable) time. :)
Here are some pictures from the wedding.
I love that dress...it's so gorgeous to me.
Me and Carrie, the beautiful bride.
Me and my honeys. Grady and Hadley spent the weekend with my mom. 
Me and sweet Asa Rose. 
Full-length shot.
The hair.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Crowned In Peace
He's home. He's perfect. And he is definitely crowned in peace.
www.NoahSteven.blogspot.com
www.NoahSteven.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Asa Update
Asa is 3 months old today. I took these pictures today while I was holding her. She is such a gorgeous blue-eyed little girl. She smiles and coos ALL the time and HATES to sit or lay down. I can tell she's going to be a good candidate for a jumping seat soon. :) I weighed her the other day and she is a solid 14 pounds. She loves to eat. She doesn't sleep a whole lot during the day, but knows when it is bedtime at night. She still wakes up once during the night...hopefully for not much longer. She holds her head on her own just fine now (has for a long time actually) and rolled over, from back to front, for the first time last Friday (she has rolled from front to back before too of course). She never fusses unless she is tired, hungry, or has a dirty diaper. I think she might be teething also...her brother and sister had their first teeth around 3-4 months and she's been gnawing on her fingers alot lately. A new development as of today is that she is starting to notice her hands, just sitting and looking at them move around for a long time. So crazy...we take our hands for granted everyday...really fun to see someone noticing theirs for the first time. :)
Happy 3-Month Birthday, Asa! You are so much fun and we love you a ton!!
Also, hopefully soon I will have more pictures on the website. I know it needs to be done, but haven't had the time to do it. Hopefully soon though.
Here is Asa with some "presents" from Grady and Hadley...my kids love stickers. :)
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Saddened
This blogging world is so crazy. I don't know these people, but I've actually put their blogsite on here before. I've been reading their blog daily about their sweet and beautiful little boy, Noah, since they set it up in August I believe. It's amazing how you feel like you know someone so well just by reading their blogs, even though you've never met, talked, or even emailed.
They've made a really tough decision to take their sweet baby boy off of life support this Friday. I cried alot after I read that today. Makes you thankful for what you have. They have never even been able to find out what is wrong with Noah. So crazy, but with the blog, I've been on this journey with them. My heart breaks for them, although I know that they are at total peace and praising God no matter what.
Please pray for them. God can still do a miracle...it's never too late for Him.
Visit their website here if you'd like.
www.noahsteven.blogspot.com
They've made a really tough decision to take their sweet baby boy off of life support this Friday. I cried alot after I read that today. Makes you thankful for what you have. They have never even been able to find out what is wrong with Noah. So crazy, but with the blog, I've been on this journey with them. My heart breaks for them, although I know that they are at total peace and praising God no matter what.
Please pray for them. God can still do a miracle...it's never too late for Him.
Visit their website here if you'd like.
www.noahsteven.blogspot.com
Monday, January 08, 2007
My 3 Year Old
I can't believe I have a 3 yr. old, but I do. While we were in Pennsylvania, we celebrated his birthday which was Wednesday, the 3rd. Yep, he had his 3rd birthday on the 3rd. :) That'll never happen again.
He's so great. He is growing leaps and bounds as usual, but more mentally than physically these days. I am amazed at his vocabulary and comprehension of things sometimes. That comprehension makes a Mama's job easier.
Grady's favorite things right now: The Word (seriously) which is now in his new Bob and Larry Bible cover, his Jonah book, his train set that he got for Christmas, his dart gun, going to church (he was begging to go this morning...I think he's having withdrawals since we didn't go Wednesday night or yesterday), playing outside, watching movies (we have to seriously limit them...we are in the middle of a movie fast right now), and of course his family. :)
This is my current favorite Grady picture. Here he is, being cute and sweet (and fun) Grady.
He's so great. He is growing leaps and bounds as usual, but more mentally than physically these days. I am amazed at his vocabulary and comprehension of things sometimes. That comprehension makes a Mama's job easier.
Grady's favorite things right now: The Word (seriously) which is now in his new Bob and Larry Bible cover, his Jonah book, his train set that he got for Christmas, his dart gun, going to church (he was begging to go this morning...I think he's having withdrawals since we didn't go Wednesday night or yesterday), playing outside, watching movies (we have to seriously limit them...we are in the middle of a movie fast right now), and of course his family. :)
This is my current favorite Grady picture. Here he is, being cute and sweet (and fun) Grady.
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