The other day my Sohl-sister had most of a day off from work, which coincidentally is an infrequent occurrence, and a cause to praise God. As we were talking, she let me know that she was having a difficult time coming up with things to fill her time, and had wondered how I, or other stay-at-home-moms, filled my time. She said she'd already cleaned up, paid bills, and watched TV, and had run out of things to do. Let's pray that she continues to have time to attend to her own interests and to fulfill her dreams as she discovers them, while completing God's work as He reveals His plan in His timing.
God blesses stay at home moms, or more specifically this stay at home mom with plenty of things to do. Thankfully so many things that I can push off the cleaning, bill paying, and other less desirable tasks. ;)
Today we enjoyed our first swim lesson with two of my Sohl son's friends. Thank you God for the blessings these two have shown me, as they've each in their own way helped me to appreciate my son for his own gifts and abilities. Thank you God, too, for helping me realize I'm not the only one who again won't win the "Mom of the Year" award, and for reminding me that that's o.k., too.
We then ventured to a craft store to locate some cutters and a few supplies for a new diaper cake order, and then stopped by Payless to pick up three new pairs of shoes (water shoes, flipflops, and sandals)for my Sohl son. While I did see some cute new flops for me, I resisted the temptation and was rewarded by a surprise sale on two of the three pairs! Sweet! I love surprise sales. Thank you God for cute new boy shoes, for flipflops and sandals, and for surprise sales at just the right time.
While at the store I learned some sad news about a couple we're close to, and would like to ask that you pray for peace to reign down over the couple, who we'll call the Smiths. Please ask God to bless them and help them in the ways he knows they need, and pray for their support systems to rev up and surround them completely in His love.
We came home, and while the kids "rested" (which was intended to be naptime, but was really just play in their rooms for some alone time for me), I completed my online bible study. I am really enjoying this study, and look forward to my quiet time as I find it. Thank you God for quiet time, for alone time, and for time to reflect with You.
Once my angels woke up, we went back to the park we visited yesterday (today we cheated and drove there). We played for a while, and I enjoyed another nice chat with my son about his friends, playdates he'd like to have, and the importance of bugs, drinking copious amounts of water, and dirt. Thank you God for protecting my son as he fell from the equipment today. Thank you for the blessings he shows me at random times, reminding me God loves him and that Jesus loves me. Thank you for his sweet sister who smiles at him regardless of what he's doing, reminding me of your unfailing love for us.
This evening we had dinner with friends who welcomed us into the Navy. They've sold their home here, and are moving to San Antonio this week. We pray they find a home to meet their needs there, in the school district where their children will thrive. We pray that they are able to rediscover You through the help of an amazing church You've chosen for them, and that you'll surround them with new friends and neighbors who will support and encourage them as he begins a new and exciting position.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Day by day...
The days have passed so quickly!
Of course, this month's been full of exciting events, which passess the time faster than I'd expect. We celebrated our fifth anniversary with dinner at our favorite seafood restaurant, followed by a wine-tasting at a local wine bar, where we discovered a new favorite white, and my Sohl-mate found a new red he loves. I look forward to trying the Moscato D'Asti at some point, which promises to be within my realm of sweetness.
My Sohl-son also ended his first year of "school," complete with an end-of-the-year program. While he didn't sing along, he fully enjoyed the stage, and danced his little heart out.
My Sohl-gal and I left early the next morning for my parents' home, where we helped my younger sister complete last minute details for her wedding. From picking up rings to laundry to cleaning to table decorating, my little Sohl-gal was a trooper. I had a wonderful time meeting my sister's friends, learning more first-hand information about my new brother, and spending some "unaccompanied" time being myself. Though my Sohl-mate and I were none to anxious to depart, we pray for strength for my sister and her new husband, and pray for peace and love to abound in their new home.
We're also praying for God's will for our future to become clear. We greatly miss the love and closeness of our family, and this trip made the distance, both physical and emotional, so much more real. While we love the Navy, love the opportunities it offers, love the benefits, love the idea of experiencing new places and people, and we love our church friends and family, who have become closer to us than I ever could have imagined, we both terribly miss the familiarity of our family. There's nothing else like that sense of belonging when someone completely gets you without even trying. So we're praying. Praying for signs, praying for peace. We're giving it to God, and trying to leave it there.
Once home, we enjoyed our mini-vacation from life's little distractions for a few days. We took the opportunity to do a little yard work, house work, and mostly soaked in some family time.
Last week we enjoyed a playdate at our friend Ethan's house, and while the boys didn't play together much, it seems they learned from each other nonetheless. Carter learned the sign for thank you, and Ethan said, "No thank you." His mom swears that Carter taught him, but I think the reinforcement that someone his age actually says something like that let him show the language he already had. I look forward to more playdates with Ethan, and with other friends from church and school this summer, as I know my son does. Playdate, anyone?
A friend's recent birthday saw my little Sohls and me at the local athletic club, enjoying their gymnastic equipment. I must say that this was the most enjoyable child's birthday party I've ever attended, as there were plenty of opportunities for children and adults alike to jump, swing, and flip off of all sorts of surfaces. While this Sohl doesn't do flips (nor did I ever), I enjoyed watching my friends cut loose, and cherished seeing my Sohl son tearing around a place completely designed for just such a purpose. (We even left completely unscathed!!) And, as a remarkable change, my Sohl-son was NOT the first to sample the cake! Hooray! (Sidenote, at each of his birthdays, and 3 others, he's sample the cake well before the birthday song had even been considered, so this is HUGE for us!)
Tomorrow he starts swim lessons, so we're praying for pictures to post. He's excited to finally get to see that particular pool. He loved the water on our trip, (our hotel had the best hotel pool I've ever seen) and has enjoyed the ocean so far this year, so I'm expecting that he'll be up for whatever his instructor asks of him.
Today I started a web-based bible study which was started by a friend. I am absolutely loving it. I like the freedom to complete it as I'm able, while still having the opportunity to read what others think about the content. This is my first bible study, and I so glad to be participating with this group of ladies. With their strong faith and knowledge, I know I'll learn much from them, and that God will reach my heart in ways I never expected.
Of course, this month's been full of exciting events, which passess the time faster than I'd expect. We celebrated our fifth anniversary with dinner at our favorite seafood restaurant, followed by a wine-tasting at a local wine bar, where we discovered a new favorite white, and my Sohl-mate found a new red he loves. I look forward to trying the Moscato D'Asti at some point, which promises to be within my realm of sweetness.
My Sohl-son also ended his first year of "school," complete with an end-of-the-year program. While he didn't sing along, he fully enjoyed the stage, and danced his little heart out.
My Sohl-gal and I left early the next morning for my parents' home, where we helped my younger sister complete last minute details for her wedding. From picking up rings to laundry to cleaning to table decorating, my little Sohl-gal was a trooper. I had a wonderful time meeting my sister's friends, learning more first-hand information about my new brother, and spending some "unaccompanied" time being myself. Though my Sohl-mate and I were none to anxious to depart, we pray for strength for my sister and her new husband, and pray for peace and love to abound in their new home.
We're also praying for God's will for our future to become clear. We greatly miss the love and closeness of our family, and this trip made the distance, both physical and emotional, so much more real. While we love the Navy, love the opportunities it offers, love the benefits, love the idea of experiencing new places and people, and we love our church friends and family, who have become closer to us than I ever could have imagined, we both terribly miss the familiarity of our family. There's nothing else like that sense of belonging when someone completely gets you without even trying. So we're praying. Praying for signs, praying for peace. We're giving it to God, and trying to leave it there.
Once home, we enjoyed our mini-vacation from life's little distractions for a few days. We took the opportunity to do a little yard work, house work, and mostly soaked in some family time.
Last week we enjoyed a playdate at our friend Ethan's house, and while the boys didn't play together much, it seems they learned from each other nonetheless. Carter learned the sign for thank you, and Ethan said, "No thank you." His mom swears that Carter taught him, but I think the reinforcement that someone his age actually says something like that let him show the language he already had. I look forward to more playdates with Ethan, and with other friends from church and school this summer, as I know my son does. Playdate, anyone?
A friend's recent birthday saw my little Sohls and me at the local athletic club, enjoying their gymnastic equipment. I must say that this was the most enjoyable child's birthday party I've ever attended, as there were plenty of opportunities for children and adults alike to jump, swing, and flip off of all sorts of surfaces. While this Sohl doesn't do flips (nor did I ever), I enjoyed watching my friends cut loose, and cherished seeing my Sohl son tearing around a place completely designed for just such a purpose. (We even left completely unscathed!!) And, as a remarkable change, my Sohl-son was NOT the first to sample the cake! Hooray! (Sidenote, at each of his birthdays, and 3 others, he's sample the cake well before the birthday song had even been considered, so this is HUGE for us!)
Tomorrow he starts swim lessons, so we're praying for pictures to post. He's excited to finally get to see that particular pool. He loved the water on our trip, (our hotel had the best hotel pool I've ever seen) and has enjoyed the ocean so far this year, so I'm expecting that he'll be up for whatever his instructor asks of him.
Today I started a web-based bible study which was started by a friend. I am absolutely loving it. I like the freedom to complete it as I'm able, while still having the opportunity to read what others think about the content. This is my first bible study, and I so glad to be participating with this group of ladies. With their strong faith and knowledge, I know I'll learn much from them, and that God will reach my heart in ways I never expected.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Wedding Chat
Today my Sohl-mate and I celebrate 5 years of wedded bliss. We met my freshman year of college, and started dating just after Christmas of that year. The following fall, we continued dating, and I let my friends know that I'd decided that it would be a while before we'd get engaged, since we didn't have any money set aside. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, David was asking my parents' permission to marry me. My dad offered his response in classic-Jim style, saying something to the effect of, "Sure, but I don't know why you'd want to."
For several weeks afterward, my then boyfriend pressured me to get assigned to cater (my work-study job in college) his fraternity's founder's day banquet. I fought this idea - I was not interested in being teased, nor did I put it past his brothers to "drop" things, just to give me something to do. But, with the support of my roommates, I decided to follow along. That night, much to my complete embarrassment, and anger, he grabbed my arm, and stood to make an announcement. I was stunned, and angrily muttered at him, clutching the full pitcher of tea under my arm while he said, "I don't think it would be right for you guys to make fun of someone who just got engaged."
*Imagine that sound you hear on tv shows when someone's world is completely rocked. That "rrrrrrtttt" sound, like a needle being pulled across a record. This is the sound that would be played were I to be living a Truman-show-style life.*
After a two and a half year engagement, we were married in the chapel of the college where we met, a week before my college graduation. It was a fantastic day, where we were surrounded by our friends and family.
I loved him so much then, and have grown to love him more each day since. I can't wait to see what come to pass in the years ahead.
This month also marks the 30th anniversary of my parent's vows, and my sister's wedding is next weekend. We are so excited to mark these events all in the same month, and look forward to taking a family-wide vacation on the 35/10/5 mark.
For several weeks afterward, my then boyfriend pressured me to get assigned to cater (my work-study job in college) his fraternity's founder's day banquet. I fought this idea - I was not interested in being teased, nor did I put it past his brothers to "drop" things, just to give me something to do. But, with the support of my roommates, I decided to follow along. That night, much to my complete embarrassment, and anger, he grabbed my arm, and stood to make an announcement. I was stunned, and angrily muttered at him, clutching the full pitcher of tea under my arm while he said, "I don't think it would be right for you guys to make fun of someone who just got engaged."
*Imagine that sound you hear on tv shows when someone's world is completely rocked. That "rrrrrrtttt" sound, like a needle being pulled across a record. This is the sound that would be played were I to be living a Truman-show-style life.*
After a two and a half year engagement, we were married in the chapel of the college where we met, a week before my college graduation. It was a fantastic day, where we were surrounded by our friends and family.
I loved him so much then, and have grown to love him more each day since. I can't wait to see what come to pass in the years ahead.
This month also marks the 30th anniversary of my parent's vows, and my sister's wedding is next weekend. We are so excited to mark these events all in the same month, and look forward to taking a family-wide vacation on the 35/10/5 mark.
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