MICHAWN'S MEANDERINGS

Michawn - age 37 1/2

2011-11-26T14:22:00.000-02:00

:) Just following along with the trend of blog post titles. ;) But, yes...getting on up there in the numbers. So much so that as of May, I will have been graduated from high school for 20 years. HUGE GASP!!!! :) Anyway...

Michawn...hmmm, let's see...what to write...

On the homefront, things are going well. I struggle to stay organized and on top of things, but hopefully that is getting better (I'd say it is). I love love love being Mama and homeschooling my kiddos. So so very thankful for that opportunity and I guard it with my life. ;) I'm very protective of my time at home with my kids. Some people may think too much so, but I have to disagree. I see the fruit of that, so to me, there's no mistaking that I'm doing the right thing. Grateful for the option to do that (although I do believe more people really do have that option if they really want it...if they just make the choice to alter their lifestyle a bit). Anyway, loving my housewife/stay-at-home mom/homeschool teacher status. Fo sho! ;) (pictures: me and the kids at a nearby festival type thing; Hadley had a God party in the tent...asked me to put on my fanciest jewelry and we had devotionals and sang to God)

As far as 'community involvement,' the doors have really opened up lately for several things. In fact, the doors are opening up too rapidly for my liking, but that's usually when God is just sweetly nudging you through in His timing, not yours. So.....I go through. Somewhat reluctantly, but I go.

Back during our furlough in 2010, if you remember, I took a childbirth educator course. I then took another course online this past spring. Starting in August, I began to teach this class weekly. I just recently finished up. It was really great and I was so glad for the opportunity to do it in English, it being my first experience and all. During this time, I found out about a group that meets in Goiania (a city about an hour away) that a friend of mine leads...a friend I had ties with in Campinas (the city we lived in when I went to language school last year). I had been a part of the same kind of group there in Campinas...hearing about the group in Goiania was very exciting. I went with my childbirth students one night to check out the group in Goiania...such a great and needed group here (just to remind you, the C-section rate here is around 90%). I've been back since and I really love it.

Long story short, the leader there in Goiania is in touch with a naturopath (kind of doctor) here in our city of Anapolis who is interested in starting a group like that here...just a healthy pregnancy/healthy childbirth/healthy postpartum informational group. The leader in Goiania put the naturopath in touch with me. I met with her a couple of weeks ago. Two of my other friends had expressed interest in helping out with something like this that same week and offered exactly what this doctor didn't have in place yet. Basically, it all fell right into place like an easy toddler puzzle.

So, see what I mean about the doors that just keep flying open? Right now we are just working out the details of all of this coming about. I will keep you posted, but I'm just glad to be a part of hopefully turning women's pregnancy/birth/postpartum experience into something more positive here in Brazil...for them and their families. And of course, what a great ministry opportunity this is...just like everything we do should be.

Also, about a week and a half ago, I got the wonderful experience of being doula for my childbirth students. So so great to be there helping a woman experience the birth of her dreams. The labor was a perfect 7 hour uncomplicated labor (the couple was amazing and really got the Bradley Method down), the baby is perfect, and the couple is such a testimony to others here of what God can do through childbirth when we let Him (you can read the birth story here and get a real sense of the impact it can have here in this culture). In fact, another couple who is expecting their second baby got in touch with me that very night after the baby was born asking me to teach them. So, last week I began another childbirth class for this couple. This time in Portuguese. Ahh! ;) The first class went well and I'm excited to see how it all unfolds for them. (pictures: baby Elijah only a couple of hours old, before bath and all...I got to snuggle him while his Dad helped his Mom get a shower; me, Elijah, and the happy Mama...my deed was done and I was about to head out, leaving the ecstatic brand new family of 3 to themselves)

Then, of course, there is the adoption that is close at hand (we think)...definitely closer than it ever has been before anyway. ;) Many things to think about as far as that goes. Praying for the perfect timing and the perfect match of children for our family. God has it all planned out and we're excited to be let in on His plans for us.

And then there's just me. Personal me. I entered into another time of concentrated God time a couple of weeks ago like I did during Lent. It's been really good. Same kind of thing...no sugar, no grains, no Facebook during the day during the week (although I've allowed it for special circumstances like watching out for the birth of a baby, my nephew, or when someone is about to buy tickets to come see us and needs to ask me questions at any time on a given day...on these days I just log on but don't check the news feed...just am there to receive chats, etc.), daily special time with God, and more discipline in general in all areas (exercise, etc.). Like I said, it's been really good. This is really the way I want to live my life in general...and I did for months after Lent in the spring. But, then the trip to the states at the end of June kind of sent me into a 'relapse.' ;) Never got back on track completely until now. This is just what it takes for me, so that's what I'll do. I'll keep you posted and will probably have more to say about all of that in the near future.

And, well...my uterus. Hahaha. Don't worry, guys, nothing detailed here. But, I did want to update you all on our 'family planning' aside from the adoption. If you remember, I had the miscarriage back in April. We still want more children biologically. But, I kid you not when I say that it has been virtually impossible...naturally speaking anyway. Which is probably just God's divine answer for us at this point...'not right now.' But, since the time of the miscarriage, Joel and I have been in the same city/country only twice at the appropriate time of the month for a baby to occur. And one of those 'twice' was right after I had the miscarriage, when really your body is usually still whacked out anyway. So, again...just God's answer made very clear to us that it's not His timing.

And, now with a trip planned to the United States over the summer (not sure of exact dates just yet...the little brothers are getting married if you haven't heard), it might be a while, if ever (although I really hope it's just a while and not never). But, I will definitely keep you posted. (pictures: a couple taken on Easter, and then me riding bikes with my crew and Tucker, my little brother)

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before, but I am also a part of a weekly Bible study of English speakers...have been for the past 3 years or so. We meet every week here at our house. It's a great group and we have done some amazing studies so far...several Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, etc. Right now we are going through the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. An incredible and hugely interesting book about understanding the Jewishness of Jesus and how that changes pretty much everything about Christianity and Scripture. Incredibly interesting, so check it out. (picture: a couple of the chicas that come to my house for the Bible study weekly...there are about 5-6 more that I don't have a picture with)

Anyway, it is a very interesting group...we're all very different. Ha. You who live in the states just naturally kind of gravitate toward very like-minded people...people who generally see things very much the same way you do, their families are very similar to yours, the way they live their lives, etc. When you live outside the states, that isn't always an option. There may not be anyone anywhere near you who does things the way you do, American or native. :) It sometimes makes for very interesting conversations. But, we all love the Lord. And you just have to master the art of focusing on the majors and not the minors...working with the things you do have in common and not letting the things you don't have in common take over. I love the ladies that I get to hang out with weekly here. It's a real blessing.

Hmmm, and I guess that's lil ole me in a nutshell. ;) Hope you didn't fall asleep. Haha. Next time, you guessed it, I'll talk about the big cheese, himself...my master and head. :) Joel Stanley Ebersole. So stay tuned. (picture: me and the Man himself on our 10th wedding anniversay, wow, back in February)

And We Add...

2011-11-12T12:02:00.002-02:00

We've been on 'THE LIST' now for about a year and a half. The list of people who are waiting to adopt a child. Can you believe it's been a year and a half? Gosh, time and its passing...it'll always boggle our human minds, won't it?

We hadn't heard anything. I was beginning to wonder it they'd forgotten about us, if our names somehow mysteriously vanished off the list or something.

So...well, I decided to make sure everything was O.K. I called last week.

-"Hi, I just wanted to make sure everything is in order...that we are still on the list and have done all that we need to do, etc. It's been a while."
-"Well, when it's God's timing, it will happen. It's all in His hands."
-"Totally. But I wanted to make sure all of the logistics were indeed in place so that He can do His work. Like I said, it's been a while."
-"How long has it been?"
-"A year and a half."
-"Ohh. Well, let me make sure." :)
-"That'd be great. Thanks."

She checked and we were there. In fact, I said our names and she was like, "Oh, yeah, you are there. I don't even have to check. I remember you."

So...Thursday we got a call. They called Joel and then he called me. I was so so excited when he said the 'juizado' had called. But, I tried to contain myself, even though immediately my heart got all fluttery and my breathing speeded up a bit. ;)

It was a sibling group that included a few characteristics that we quickly knew would not fit with our family and what we can take in right now. But, it was great to finally be called. We are there...where we've dreamed of being for a long time. We are number one on the list for the things that we put on our profile (sibling groups accepted, doesn't matter the race or gender, under 4 years old).

Number 1!!

The next to be called.

Ahhhh!!

:)

Of course, unfortunately with the way the system works in Brazil, children are very, very slow to be placed. There is an abundance of people who want to adopt (which is wonderful) and an abundance of children, but it takes forever for a child to be released to be adopt-able (which is so so so sad). So, it could be a while until we are called again...you just never know.

But, there are a few things that we will need in order for us to be functional with more children.

A vehicle. The car we have now seats 7. We have 6 in our family now. So, we have room for one more. Since we said that we'd be glad to take sibling groups, it is highly likely that we will be getting a sibling group. You see what that means in terms of our mode of transportation. So, please be in prayer for us for God to provide the finances and the perfect vehicle for us.

A house. Or, the means to make our current house work. We rent. The place where we live is PERFECT for us. But, the house itself, although we LOVE it, is closing in on us already, even with just our 4 children. We have 3 bedrooms (small) and 2 bathrooms. It has worked for us just fine the past couple of years, the kids being all in one room and having a guest room at first. Then Grady having a room, the girls being in the other, and Grady just moving to the girls' room (which is already crowded) when we have visitors. But, as they get older (and bigger), that is working less and less. We really do need a guest room...it's changed from a want that would be great to have one day, to a need that is current. And if we add to our family with more boys and more girls, bigger rooms would be very nice (so they can walk between their beds and pull both trundle beds out). To give up our location would not be ideal, but at the same time, our house isn't really meeting our needs even now...imagine when we add more to the mix. So, please be in prayer with us for wisdom in our housing situation...that something would clearly open up for us somewhere else and for finances for that, or that we could be given
practical wisdom as to how to function using this house that we have now.

Thank you so much, friends. We know that God will work out the details. Thank you for lifting us up and praying with us for that to happen and for those things to be made completely clear to us.

These are just the physical logistics of adding on to our family. Please pray also for all the rest of course...for smooth transitions for the children coming our way and for our biological children...and us, the parents. So much wisdom needed. Pray that we would be diligent in it all. Thank you. Very exciting. I'll keep you posted.

Cass - Thumb Update and Pictures Continued

2011-10-30T12:30:00.001-02:00

I mentioned in the last post about something that had happened that very day that made me think the end of the thumb-sucking days for Cass was near. So, let me tell you about it...

For the past few months we've just mentioned little things here and there to her about what sucking her thumb can do. Little things about her teeth, her mouth, etc.

The other day she was in the kitchen with me as I made breakfast. Remember that Cass is our fashion designer/personal stylist. She loves to look cute. That's important to her. Just like horses are important to Eissa and being a servant of God is important to Hadley and being heard/spending time discussing people in the Bible is important to Grady. That's just where they are right now (and maybe always). Anyway, we were talking and I just said, "Cass, do you want to be pretty?" Cass said yes. "Did you know that sucking your thumb can mess up your mouth and change the way you look?" Don't worry...I'm not a 'pageant mom.' But, like I said, that's important to her. Not because she's a shallow 3 year old :), but that's just who she is. I knew that it would strike a chord and might provide some motivation (everybody needs a 'why'). And guess what...it did.

I could immediately see the wheels turning and she looked away and was silent. That was all that was said.

Later in the day, as I was working on that blog post, she came into my room. She told me that she was going to stop sucking her thumb. And that if she was going to stop sucking her thumb, she needed to give me her blankets. She has never had one particular blanket. She's always claimed as her blankets the soft, thin, thermal baby blankets...only that kind, but we have several. I've seen a correlation between them and the thumb. Every time she would grab her blanket to snuggle, it was automatic to stick her thumb in her mouth. But, I thought it was SOOOO interesting that she made that connection. And she brought me the two blankets that she had out using at the time.

When we were in the states on furlough, I had kind of foreseen this possibility coming one day...breaking the thumb habit by separating her from the blankets. So, I had gotten a special blanket for her for the occasion. She had no idea about this...but she gave up her blankets even without knowing she had a replacement. I was so impressed with her and proud of her.

After she gave me the blankets and we talked for a bit, I told her that I had something for her. I said that I had a special blanket for a little girl who doesn't suck her thumb...a blanket that would help her remember not to suck her thumb. She was so so excited. ;) It was so cute.

We went to the closet and I gave her her new blanket. She loves it and was so excited.

And she has done GREAT. It is a habit that she has literally had since the womb, so it's not an overnight thing. But she is very, very aware. The other day she woke up and came to me and said, "Sorry, Mama." I asked her why and she said, "Because when I woke up, I was sucking my thumb." She has come to sleep with me or I have watched her as she slept (or went to sleep) a few times since she started this. She makes it a very clear point to not suck her thumb as she goes to sleep. But, sometimes in her sleep that 'reflex' happens. I'll just tap her little hand and she'll pull it out. :)

I have to say that I'm going to miss that a little bit. She's still little, so it was still cute when she did it. But, it was time, as evidenced by the the fact that she initiated and it just all fell into place. She really is doing so so good and we are so very proud of her. Good job, Cass!

And now the rest of the hundreds (literally) of Cass pictures. Enjoy...

"Riding the airplane" on the way to the United States.

Some sweet time with brother.

Fun with Aunt Cheryl.
Hanging out with Uncle Vernon.

Modeling their new swimsuits.

Hahaha...she is seriously crazy.

:)

Cute little country girl.

Playing with the soon-to-be Aunt Bonnie...this was the first day they met. ;)
Horsin' around.

What are they doing? ;)
Getting her nails done for Gillian's wedding.
Talking with her friend, Mallory.
At the rehearsal showing the bride and groom that she *didn't* get her ears pierced. ;)
Sweet snuggles.
Getting all wedding-ed up with me and Gillian.
Hanging out, waiting for her big job at the wedding.

Goodbye hug for Papaw.
Fun with Ariel.

Cass and Mama at the wedding.

Getting dressed in cowgirl clothes with Granny is just hilarious apparently. ;)
Happy girl.
Such a big girl riding the horse all by herself.
Big cowgirl conversations with Papaw.
Aww. With my super great friend, Nicole. Love her!
Hannah Graves. What a great picture of Cass with my little flower girl. :)
So tired. Airport-bound. See that strap on the outside of the window? We didn't have a luggage rack, so my dad and brother strapped our luggage to the top of the van for me, wrapping those straps all the way around the van. Haha...missionaries just have to do what they can with what they have.

Tucker with a little jet lag. Cass apparently totally oblivious to the fact that Tucker was completely passed out. ;) Haha.

My little teenager with an iPod.
Singing in VBS.
This girl is crazy. She was not cooperating with taking a picture. Hilarious.
Hahaha...she loves to get in front of the camera.
Being a good Mama.
Cowgirl.
She looked so cute sitting there in her cowboy boots.

Hahahaha. She was cracking herself up.
Proud of a job well done.

Sweet picture of Cass and Daddy.
Seriously...such personality. :)
Playing with our friend, Carol.
And, of course, doing her hair. :)
I love these with Marcelo and 'his princesses.' ;)

Haha. Soooo silly.

Tio Marcelo.

She did her own hair here. She said, "I did it just like yours. Let's take a picture." ;)
Duet. :)

Riding a bike with Uncle Tucker.
She fell asleep on me at church...hasn't happened since she was a bitty baby. I loved it. ;)
Love these. ;)

So proud of making her shoes all nice and neat for me. Sweet girl.
Doing her own hair now. Got a little 80s hair going on.

Another 80s hair day. Beautiful. :)

Sweet little girl singing on stage at church...a little VBS commencement. She had just been crying about an accident she had. But, was super brave and got up on stage anyway.
"Look, Mama...I made a dinosaur with my pancake!" ;)

Busted.

One day when I was sickly, she came to keep me company. Then this happened. ;)
She's still pretty compact. She's been so tiny for so long...since we still don't have another baby in our family, that's been really nice. Our arms have still had a little one to snuggle with. ;)

A beautiful picture, that she even decorated with barrettes.

:) She can be sooo silly.

Again with the silly. And, she is looking so old in these pictures.
Love those deep belly laughs.
Playing around on brother's skateboard.

She wanted me to take a picture of her and her arrangment she made.
In a variation of ways. ;)
Konked out one night before she made it to bed.
Posing.
Bouncing on the couch.
So fun. Haha.
Our friend's name is Emily...she wanted to write her name. I wrote it out for her and she copied. Pretty good, right?
Holding my hand. Love this.
Mmm, chocolate ice cream.

Little stinker not looking at the camera. ;)

My little helper.
:) Right in the middle of everything.

My little Mary girl. ;) Wonder if the mother of Jesus sucked her thumb? I loved this, but this is no longer a scene in our house. So proud of her. :)

Cass - age 3 1/2

2011-10-23T15:08:00.003-02:00

Oh Cass...what do I say about this crazy, fun little girl who is, as I type this, decorating my computer with a beautiful blue boa. ;)

Oh how she holds her own in this family! It's so entertaining to watch.

(little side note: I've tried for the past 3 weeks to figure out some way to post using a method that would keep the captions lined up with the pictures. I thought I had it figured out, wrote up the whole post, and lost the whole thing...had to start all over again. :( So, yeah...sorry about the pictures/captions thing, guys...I know it works in Google Chrome and Explorer, but Firefox messes the alignment up for some reason. I'll keep working on it. But...just in case you are reading this someday, Cass, and you notice that I did the posts about the other children a week apart, it wasn't because you weren't important to me and I just dawdled in getting around to yours...I really was trying to make it better. :) Haha. Just a little FYI.) :)

She has never, ever seemed to feel herself to be any younger than the rest of the kids. And in fact, at times seems older than some, as far as assertiveness goes especially. And...her siblings seem to return this sentiment...treating her as an equal, never as the baby.

If I were to 'sum up' and compare my kids, I'd say that Grady and Eissa are a lot alike and Hadley and Cass are a lot alike. And to analyze further, that dynamic really works as far as complementing each other...Grady (firstborn) and Hadley (secondborn) work well together, Hadley and Eissa (thirdborn) work well together, Eissa and Cass (fourthborn) work well together. Hadley and Cass also work very well together, even though they both have pretty strong personalities. The only ones who don't work very well together sometimes are the two more passive ones...Grady and Eissa. Isn't that interesting? ;) You'd think it'd be the more assertive ones who would have that issue, not the passive ones. Having kids is so interesting and so much fun.

Anyway...back to Cass.

She is just a big ball of fun. I think I've mentioned before that she is very, very opinionated as far as her wardrobe. She very much has her ideas about what looks good and what should go together and what she needs in order to be cute for the day. Hilarious. (picture at left: She insisted on having a green bow/belt with that little dress. I had to tie two ribbons together for it to work. Haha.) I was never like that and neither were her sisters. But, this one came out different. ;) So funny. Tiring sometimes, but funny. And she loves to be pretty. One day a few months ago (she was still 2), she got dressed and was very satisfied with what she had on. Then she said matter-of-factly, "Now everybody will see me and say, 'Que linnnnda!'" That means 'How beautiful!' Hahaha. She was not being conceited at all...very innocently just told the truth. That is what she hears from everyone down here. But, it was just so funny that she had picked up on that and had that in mind as she got dressed.

She has also taken to doing her own hair. She loves to fix her hair and at any given moment you will find at least 6 'hair thingies' in her hair...bows, barrettes, clips, whatever she grabs and thinks looks beautiful. :) She also loves to do others' hair, which works out great for me. Love that.

She's smart as a whip, this one. She seriously repeats *every*thing. I'll be saying something that I have no idea anybody is even listening to and then I'll hear this little echo a few feet away. A little Cass voice. ;) And what a cute little sweet voice it is, too.

The kids are constantly playing make-believe. The other day Cass came to me and wanted a Band-Aid. The rule in this house is that you have to have blood to warrant a Band-Aid. Can you imagine the amount of Band-Aids we'd go through if that rule wasn't in place...lawt! So...I asked her if she had blood and she said no. She hung out a little with me and in a few minutes said, "Mama, let's play like I'm the Mama and you're the sweetie." (remember from the post on Eissa that 'sweetie' = child) I said that of course I would play that with her. She promptly went into Mama mode and said, "Sweetie, aww Sweetie...Mama hurt herself and needs a Band-Aid, so Mama's gonna get a Band-Aid now, ok, Sweetie?" Hahaha...smart one.

She really has a very vibrant imagination, which is so funny to me. You'd think with all the stimulation she gets from having 3 older siblings and all the constant play she is involved in, she might need that and feel a lack when they are busy with other things. But, no. She is very, very content playing all alone. Sometimes when the other kids go outside to play, she chooses to stay inside and play by herself. She is constantly making things up and talking to herself/playing by herself. She makes a great playmate for herself. ;) And who needs dolls? She loves her babies, but she can easily take a couple of crayons and have a conversation between red and blue for an hour or more. And interestingly enough, more often than not her make-believe times are held in Portuguese. :)

Also, she loves to entertain...loves to make people laugh. Again with the confidence...doesn't mind an audience (usually). Sometimes when we are out and about she will get all shy and not want to talk...but I think that more corresponds with just a feeling that she just isn't in the mood, not that she's a shy person. Mostly she doesn't meet a stranger and is happy to talk to whoever is talking to her in the grocery store or mall. And she loves to talk to and 'pet' babies. ;)

She is still a thumb-sucker. I got some stuff to put on her thumb to help her not to do that, but we haven't used it yet. Honestly, I just love our little thumb-sucker. It's so cute and it's so nice that she can soothe herself that way. She hardly ever has to 'soothe' herself though, so 99% of her thumb-sucking is done only at night when she is falling asleep with her blanket. The only time she sucks it during the day is when she is tired and has her blanket in her hand (there is a definite connection between the blanket and the thumb, which might make it easier, we'll see). 'Teeth people,' I know you are cringing right now, but we'll eventually get to it and she will stop. (In other words, don't leave comments...we know, we know.) For right now though...it really is super sweet and cute still. UPDATE: Wrote this 2-3 weeks ago and just today I think we may have started the no-thumb-sucking phase...we shall see. But, she initiated...and I think it might just be the end of the thumb-sucking. She even went to sleep without sucking her thumb. I'll post about it later in detail.

She is so very sure of herself. She doesn't like to do very risky things, but even in that she is very sure of herself...perfectly content in seeing her older siblings go do risky things, being completely confident in her decision of not doing those things. She makes a fantastic cheerleader though and really sees that as her role. It's really cute.

I just asked her what she wants to be when she grows up. She said, "I don't know...like you, Mama?" ;) Cute answer. I don't know...only time will tell. Her usual answer is that she wants to be a musketeer. Yeah, we've watched the Barbie musketeer movie...she loves it. ;) If I had to guess her future right now, I'd say a fashion designer or personal stylist. I can totally see her telling other people what to wear. Ha. She is very convincing and confident and I'm quite sure that people would trust her with her wardrobe ideas. :)

As strong as she is, she is also very tender, sweet, and obedient, always eager to please. And she hates punishment for disobedience (it breaks her little heart), therefore she avoids it very well.

A couple of days ago, we had a first. We were on our way somewhere. We were trying to leave the house and it was raining. Everyone ran to get in the car. She was still standing there in the garage (the car was parked outside the garage at the time). She was not happy about the rain and getting wet, etc. I told her very firmly, "Just get in." She did. She was crying and a minute later she said, "Mama, you broked my heart." And then she just wailed and let the sadness spill out. Awww, it was soooo sad. It was sweet and sad and so very cute all at the same time. And a little funny because I hadn't done anything necessarily heartbreaking...had spoken to her with that same tone of voice many times before. But, this time it 'broked' her heart. Of course I apologized profusely for breaking her heart. We couldn't wait to get out of the car so we could hug and snuggle. But yes...she's very sweet and tender within that strong little self of hers. ;)

We just love this little chicken. She really does make the perfect baby of the family (for now). Can't wait to see what God does in this little life. So, so fun to watch.

I have a ridiculous amount of pictures that I picked out for Cass. So, I am going to post some of them now and some of them in another post. These are of the first part of this past year...November 2010 - June 2011. :) Enjoy...

Shakin' it.

Mmmm.
This is Marcelo. He and Joel are friends from childhood. He's our family here.
She loves her Tio ('Uncle') Marcelo.

We were all gathered around the Christmas tree. Joel was praying and we were being all reverent...but, Cass wasn't feelin' the reverence and had something else in mind. ;) She crawled up here and liked the idea of playing a lot more. :)

I love these...

I love how she sleeps in her carseat...always Indian style. Too cute.
Dancing in her flapper dress.

She loves babies. Fun with our friends' son, Davi.

I love these too...

Intent on Daddy's gingerbread house skills.

Cute little girl with a cute dress and cute shoes to match. :)
We were decorating gingerbread cookies with our Brazilian friends...definitely an American thing. It was our friends' first time. I love this picture though...showing Cass right up in the middle of it all. That is usually her preferred place. :)
Concentrating hard on painting a Christmas tree ornament.

Love her little bedhead.

Cute little girl with pigtails and a dirty mouth. :)
Spaghetti or chili...hmm.
Cute outfit she came up with...look at her cute little shoes. ;)
Cass put all these chairs together and layed all her blankets on top so they could have a special place to watch their video. She was so proud of her 'gift' to them...her special place she'd made.
I just love this progression of shots...

At a birthday party of a friend's son. Joel actually went to LeTourneau University with Jonatas and Jonatas is actually the one that told Joel about the job at Honeywell back in 2000...the point is that we have a history with them. Love that. They now live in Goiania, a city nearby.

A familiar sight. An older kid just loving on and taking care of Cass...and Cass loves it. ;)
Playing with our babysitter, Carol, who has been our babysitter for the entire 4 years we've been here. We love her!!

There was a little girl...
...who had a little curl...
...right in the middle of her forehead.

With our sweet friend, Fany. This was early in the year...she's grown up some now. But, she was the 'baby' of the neighborhood for a long time. She's grown up a little, but they still love to play with little Cass. ;)
Excited about getting a package in the mail.

Some potty time. No more diapers for Cass.

So tired.

This is Salto Corumba. Joel's parents were here (in February) and we went to visit there...Joel's parents have a lifetime membership there. :) They used to go camping there when Joel and his siblings were kids. Priscilla was able to come down from Recife, another city in Brazil (where she was doing a stint with YWAM), for the weekend.

Such a little performer. :)
A great picture of 3 generations.
Getting her nails done...special treat from Grandma.

What a cute little girl by a pond.
Mmm...cucumbers.

I love watching the different phases our kids go through. This was her Little People playdate phase. Every day, at least once a day, she would lay out her blankets and gather all the Little People and say they were going to have a playdate. ;)

I loved her final arrangement. And I love that Noah can hang out with a modern-day pilot and Hawaiian hula girl.

Very nice drawing.

Sometimes Eissa just looks at me and says, "She's crazy." Haha.

All dressed up for a friend's tea party birthday party. Love the rubber boots! ;)
Another playdate.
I love her outfit...guess she was having a Punky Brewster day...cute.
Another phase...she would get her chair and put it just so and get her books and put them just so and then she would read and read and read.

Time to turn 3! Cass with her whale party invitations.
Running off excitedly to deliver her invitations with the help of her big sister.
Having fun at her party. We had a pool party and this little life vest was one of her gifts.
"Happy birthday to you"
Family picture, minus Eissa...she had just fallen poolside pretty hard and was still very upset, poor girl. :(
I know it's blurry, but I thought it was cute. And no, they aren't supposed to jump on the couch. :)
Some chicky love. I love her cute little pink tights she picked out to wear. ;)

Laying in my lap. I'm soaking this up while it is still happening.

Cass had no interest in doing the zipline. She quickly found her place though...greeting and congratulating the zipliners and helping them back up the hill. ;)
Even the strangers.

So proud of her 'city.'
Cozy on the couch.

Sleeping again. ;) She really doesn't do this often, maybe once or twice a month. But, when she does, I always take a picture. It's just really cute.

"Um, are we done yet?" The answer was no...the little boy wasn't really cooperating. Cass was a pro and just kept posing until the dad gave up. Haha.

With another friend, Marceline...from Germany. She stayed with us for a while back in May.
Loving on my friend, Kelma. And Kelma loving every single minute of it. :)

Eissa - age almost 5

2011-10-02T20:47:00.002-03:00

Sweet Eissa Rose. Soooooo sweet. (Do you love that picture or what?!?...I love it!!)

I really, really like this sweet girl. She is so interesting. Sweet and stoic all at the same time. Gentle and strong...goofy and serious...quiet, but loud...reserved, but fearless. ;)

She is...very, very sweet. But at the same time...don't cross her. Haha. She is super, super sweet, but truthfully, also is still working on her self-control when she doesn't get her way. It's quite incredible what a different person she can become. Very, very interesting.

But...afterwards, she is also very, very remorseful. That's progress. ;) She's so gentle and sweet though, so soon she will overcome that in her life, I am sure of it. Just recently we've been working on how she can combat this...praying right when she finds herself headed toward total out-of-control-ness. :) She's getting it, slowly but surely. She's really doing well actually.

She is such a sweet sister and can be very sensitive. She's sooooo cuddly and snuggly. I would say that touch is definitely her love language. She's constantly 'petting' and rubbing up against one of us.

She has such a romantic look about her to me...very feminine and Kate Winslet-like. Think Sense and Sensibility. :)

She's very quiet and calm and calculated in her moves. Love to watch her. Very different than her more boisterous, outgoing sisters, but much more fearless in most things...it's very interesting to watch.

And even though she is quieter and more reserved, at the same time she is the one who is so quick to model for the camera...and I do mean model, as you'll see in some of the pictures below. I'll also do a separate post soon of some of their modeling shoots...all started by our very uncharacteristic-of-her model, Eissa. The tables turn...she's fearless in front of the camera while her more outgoing sisters are a little more reserved. (sidenote: not trying to raise models here...never even did that for them to see; Eissa just started it up one day and the others followed...guess it's just instinctive; they have been raised with a camera on them at all times) :)

For months now, she has been obsessed with being a 'cowboy girl.' That is what she is going to be when she grows up after all. Hadley, the preacher, a while back was giving her a little talk about how to become a Christian and how important it is. Eissa kept saying that she just wanted to be a cowboy girl. (We did assure her she could do both.) When talking about what classes they'd love to take (judo, ballet, etc.), Eissa only wants to take cowboy girl classes. ;) When talking about the future and what we want to study/learn how to do...yes, I'm sure you can guess what Eissa's answer is.

When we were in the states in June for two weeks, when we got there, my dad (who always has horses...buys and sells often) had bought the kids a horse. They had a ball on Ladybug while we were there...especially, of course, Eissa.

She really is so very stoic and fearless in so many aspects. For instance, back at Easter the seminary here had a zipline and other fun things on campus...they had had a camp here. After all the campers left on Sunday, all the seminary folks got to try out all the toys...like the zipline. Hadley was anxious and nervous to do it. Eissa didn't say a word...only that she wanted to do it. So very funny...she's so very nonchalant about it all. Some of the seminary teachers/students were going on and on about how surely she was scared...they thought they were going to die, etc. Haha...Eissa just looked at them like they were crazy. Didn't say a word, just smiled politely and looked like she was wondering what was wrong with them. People kept asking if she was scared, she just said very nonchalantly, 'no'...again, looking at them like 'why do they keep asking me that?' ;)

While in the states, we all had a fun day on the boat. Eissa was all gung ho to go tubing. Hadley wanted to, but decided to watch Eissa go first. Then Hadley went. That happens most of the time. Hadley is so outgoing in all other areas, but Eissa helps her so much in things like that. Eissa is like the 'wind beneath her wings.' Hahaha...so cheesy I know, but for real, that's kind of how I see it. Eissa is very much a 'background girl' and is completely content in that. But, really helps the 'on stage girls' so much. :) So cool how God placed her right in the middle to help them like that.

I love that she loves very girly, feminine things (Barbies, doing hair, squealing...and she has the best squeal of excitement I've ever heard, haha). But, she also loves things like dirt and riding her bike and finding bugs to take care of, etc. She is very much an animal lover and seems to really have a way with them.

She is our resident mispronouncer. She gets that from Joel...we have Joelisms in our house already, apparently Eissa-isms are going to be common too. ;) She is constantly saying something that's not quite right. A while back she took Joel's shoes off and said, "Daddy, you're feet smell gistuckin." She says 'give' instead of 'forgive' sometimes, but quickly corrects it. Sometimes she hears what she says and stops, looks a little confused, and realizes she's a little off. Haha...sometimes she figures it out on her own and sometimes she says, "How do you say that again?" Haha...hilarious.

Also, along with wanting to be a cowgirl, the only other thing she's ever said she wanted to be was a mama. And she says it a lot. Seriously, the girl is ALL ABOUT becoming a mama. When Grady and Hadley have dreamed out loud about what lofty things they want to be, Eissa's answer has always been 'a mama.' :) Too cute. Love her contentment with the basic, simple things...and that she never feels the need to be someone she's not. And...she calls them 'sweeties.' Children/sons and daughters are called 'sweeties.' I love this...so very cute. For instance, this morning I was playing with Eissa and Cass and we were pretending...several different scenarios. At one point, Eissa suggested that Cass be the Mama and I be her 'sweetie.' The other day a lady showed Eissa pictures of her kids. When I got back, Eissa said, "Renata has three sweeties...she showed me pictures." So love that.

Eissa will be turning 5 in a week, on the 10th. Of course, she has chosen a cowgirl theme. :) Too bad Ladybug isn't down here in Brazil. But, we are going to do the best we can.

She will be starting to learn to read soon...we start that after they turn 5. So fun to see this girl grow and change and mature.

We sure do love this peaceful spirited little girl. Such diversity she brings to our family. Love it.

And now...a bajillion pictures. With every post of this series of updates of the kids I choose more pics. ;) But, truthfully, Eissa is always modeling (I'll post on that another day), so naturally there would be more of her...too many to choose from. :) So, here you go...

With Tio ("Uncle") Marcelo...she loves him.

Basking in the glow of the Christmas tree. So cozy.

Haha...she went through a phase of crossing her eyes. Hilarious.
Helping Daddy at work. :)
Getting her nails done.
Pretty nails. Thanks Grandma.
Jumping with her friend, Talita...who is also the next door neighbor.
Cuteness.
I love her little hands...they were more pudgy and baby-fattish then. :)
:) Adorable.
Make-up time.
Good job!

So cute! Taking her elephant on a little walk in the rain.

Oh dear.
Hadley started it. ;)
She's a great big sister...
...and a great little sister. ;)
I liked them all.
Pretty, even with vampire teeth. ;)

:)
Folding and putting away her clothes.
Christmas ornament.

I love this cute outfit. ;)

Loves her Barbies and babies.
She's quiet, but she likes to shake her booty. ;)
Breakin' it down.

Cheerleader Eissa.

I loved her expressions in all of these...couldn't choose just one. ;)

She fell hard at Cass' 3rd birthday party. Poor girl.

Before going to the states in June...making due with the cowgirl stuff we had here.

Great job, Eissa. She loves to do school.

She loves her little sister. :)

Getting all ready to do the zipline.
Her smiling at all the people making a big deal about her doing the zipline. ;) Haha.

Zipline fun.

:) Love this girl.

Mmmm, popsicles!
Showing some siamese tomatoes. :)
Happy to see Papaw.
She did this over and over and over. Loved jumping off the dock.
Snuggling with Uncle Tucker.
Papaw was in the hospital for a few days while we were there (he has kidney stones issues)...very snuggly Eissa giving him some lovin' while he eats his lunch.

:) Crazy hair on the boat.
Tubing with Hadley.
Doing a great job at really coloring in the lines at Granny's house.
She was very proud of herself standing there at Mr. Stu and Mrs. Gail Ferguson's house.
She had done her very first ponytail all by herself. She is constantly doing her own hair these days, but this was the first time...had to capture it. Pretty good job.
She was so excited! Aww, look at that sweet face of anticipation! :)
First time on a horse...and loving every minute of it. Sooooo overjoyed!

How many times did I sit on the tailgate of my Daddy's truck when I was a girl? Loved this shot.
A liiiittle bit dirty. ;)
She loves Ladybug and is so thankful for the best gift ever. :)

Getting earrings. Going first to show Hadley that there's nothing to be scared of. ;)
Just did it. Not even a flinch of blink from this girl. ;) Ha. So great.
Checking out her new earrings with Uncle Tucker.
Beautiful little flower girl.
I love this one of Eissa and her Uncle Tucker. ;)

Cowgirl Eissa.
She makes a good one.
Last time with Ladybug.

Special times with Papaw.
With Ms. Judy's cat...which she said never lets people near her. Eissa is seriously the animal whisperer. :)

She can be so goofy...haha.

At a friend's house...she loved the puppy. ;)
Pool-ready.
So excited to jump HIGH.

She loved it.
Singing in a little program...VBS commencement here in Brazil.
Going on a date with Aunt Priscilla.

On a special outing with me, Daddy, and Aunt Priscilla.

:) Fun girl.

A special card she made for Daddy when he was on his big trip recently.

Hadley Cloteal - age 6 1/2

2011-09-25T19:39:00.005-03:00

Oh Hadley...she's a fun, fun girl. We are a lot alike in many ways already and we just seem to click, so that's fun.

She's such a sweet, yet sparky girl. A great combo to have! I knew from the start with her that she was going to be a leader. She's very spunky. I remember being in the waiting room somewhere with several other kids when she had just turned 2. The other kids were all older than her...4-5 range. But, who was in charge? Hadley. Haha. She had them all lined up against the wall, just like she wanted them. Hilarious.

Because of that sparky side of her, I really was honestly a little concerned by her 'mean girl' potential early on. But, I knew that through some molding and shaping and Holy Spirit work, that 'sparkiness' could definitely be used for good and not bad. What I believed has been proven true in her life.

She has 'mellowed' through the years. It took some work on her parents' part. And God's part of course. She became a Christian back in March of this year and it's so very cool to see the change in her. She is young, but even in a young child you can see the difference God makes in a person's life. She soooo loves her Savior and is always wanting so badly to please Him. Makes parenting easier too...pleasing us or just doing good isn't the focus. Now she is focused on pleasing Someone much bigger than us or herself. Very cool.

She is such a great mix of girl/tomboy. She loves girly things...fixing hair, doing fingernails, make-up, playing with dolls, pretty things in general. But, she also loves climbing trees and riding bikes. She is very athletic naturally. A few years ago (they were 4 and 3 years old), she could run faster than her brother. Grady didn't mind. He decided to become her coach and started 'training' her. ;) It was so cute. But, she just picks up on things like that very easily...comes natural to her. She is taking ballet right now and loves doing that with her sisters. But, she also really, really wants to do judo with her brother. ;) We shall see how it all pans out.

She loves to take my iPhone and headphones and go running. Loves it. Loves to exercise in general. Very cool to see. She is also very health-conscious. We've taught them about what's good for them and what's not. Not that we never eat bad-for-you foods, but when we do, she announces that it's not good for you and we shouldn't eat very much of it. ;) Love the accountability we have with her.

Speaking of that, because she's spunky, when she sees somebody doing something wrong, she's not afraid to speak up. Her Daddy and me included. ;) So, yeah, like I said...we can always count on her as an accountability partner...which we honestly love and encourage.

I really am so impressed with the softening of her heart over the years, esp. since this past March. She is such a sweet sister. Her greatest desire these days is literally to 'be a servant.' Seriously...I'm in awe of her so much. She really is achieving that goal of being a servant. And leading her siblings in that way too. So very cool to watch. She really is a leader around here. And when she senses that I am tired or overwhelmed or just 'done'...she steps up (without being asked) and takes up the slack. I think that's pretty cool at the age of 6.

A couple of other things is that she is really good at writing...her favorite thing to do is write letters to us and others, including God (she has a whole tablet where she writes letters to God...I didn't even know about it until I stumbled upon it one day not too long ago). She is constantly writing. That seems to be how she chooses to express herself. She also loves to make things. She just recently went through a phase where she made tons(!) of little notebooks out of scrap paper, decorating the front. They were really cute. She gave them away to all our neighbors and her friends at the seminary.

Speaking of that, she has recently been going up to the patio of the library on the hill to have God time...spend time alone and read her Bible (she is already in Exodus). She's made several friends up there...including one young man from Guinea Bissau (it's in Africa...I had never heard of it either, but there are lots of students who come here to the seminary where we live from there). They really hit it off and he was taken with her and her love of the Word. So cute. She took him a homemade notebook one day. Then, a few days later, he and another friend of ours from Guinea Bissau came to our house bearing gifts...very cool little homemade bags, made in their country. Love that. It was really, really sweet. Love all the different people my kids get to meet.

She also loves babies and loves to hear about pregnancy/birth.

She currently wants to be a 'servant of God' and preacher. :)

I'll wrap it up now, but needless to say, we love this little spunky, sweet joy of ours. Can't wait to see who she becomes.

And now, just a few (haha) Hadley pictures taken this year...

On a date with Daddy, eating some yummy yogurt.
Losing her first tooth.
Painting a cute Christmas tree ornament.
She drew this back in December. Haha. What? She has a childbirth educator as a mom.
Love the detail. The dad is about to cut the umbilical cord. Love how both parents are smiling from ear to ear. :) Cute. And really good I thought. Way better than I could draw that, that's for sure. The posture of the mom? It really does look like an actual position of a mom grabbing her baby for the first time like that. Loved it. ;)

Pretty girl in her pretty new (to her) dress. :)

Yes, lordie...this was all her. We had nothing to do with it. :) Balloons.
Being Mamas.
Folding and putting her clothes away.

Some of her artwork.
The picture that was on the panda invitations for her birthday.
For her 6th birthday we all went and took some friends to see Tangled. Then another day we had cake, ice cream, and presents.
Family pic, February 2011.
Praying for her.
Her panda birthday party cupcakes.
Getting her 2nd haircut.
A letter to Uncle Jared, my brother. "Dear Jared, I miss you. This is a message from Hadley. I love you. Where do you live? This is a picture for you." :)

She wrote this when Joel went on a trip to the Amazon region during the spring. "Dear Daddy, I miss you. This is a letter from Hadley. I hope you have a great day visiting the Indians. I love you. We can't have fun without you. Love, Hadley Goodbye!"
At a tea party birthday party with friends and cute kittens.
:) At a friend's house playing with costumes.
Discoveries. We love where we live. We're in the city, but the kids have a GREAT place to run and play and experience 'wildlife' and such...'country' life. It's perfect.
She and her friend (and our next door neighbor) were having a 'rock and roll party' one day. She dressed up for it. ;)

A GREAT big sister.

Fun with make-up.
A little photo shoot...

Silly.
Just got her nails done when Grandma was here and treated us all to a mani/pedi.

1st communion, at the Asas de Socorro Easter service.
"Dear Granny, Easter is about Jesus. I just learned this on Lent. I am 6, and you? Goodbye."
Zipline. With her flip-flops holding tied on for the ride. Ha...cute.
"Mama, you are super duper loved by Hadley. But can I love God most please? Thank you."
She had made 'shaky' bracelets...she was dancing and making music with her bracelets. ;)

Love her little notes. 'Fight the devil, but honor the Lord.'
With her chicken, who is at least twice that size now. :)

This is a shawl that I wore when I was little.

Love Jesus (Geazus). ;)

Tubing with Grady.
Trying on Gillian's crown. Princess Hadley. :)
She was being a 'servant.' :) She seriously is always mindful of this. Sweet to watch.
Playing Guitar Hero at some friends' house. There young adult sons said she was a natural. ;)
Hadley on Ladybug...the horse my dad got for them.
Getting her nails done for Gillian's and Jacob's wedding. It's just soooo tickley. ;)
We always said that whenever they started asking and really wanted them, we'd let them get earrings. Here she is with her new earrings in June...she got them the day of Gillian's wedding rehearsal (here she is at the rehearsal).
I never noticed how similar our hair had become until someone took this picture. ;)
Hair all done.
Pretty.
Always leading. She did a great job being flower girl along with her sisters.
At the reception.
Yum. Eating some of Granny Hough's pudding cake. ;)
Cowgirl Hadley.
Sticker face.
Computing with Uncle Tucker when he was here. ;)
Treasure map.
She made a treasure hunt for her siblings in the house. ;) Fun.
Fun jumping in the mall.
She LOVED it, as you can tell.
She found a little dead bird and had to inspect it. :)
She planned a party for me (Daddy was traveling and told them to take good care of me:) )...and made these all on her own (I didn't even know she was doing it).
Getting her hair cut for the 3rd time.
About 4 1/2 inches off.
One of the letters to God I found when I stumbled upon her notebook of notes to God.
Hadley with her notebooks. ;)
I found this one day. Love her little notes to God she leaves everywhere. Love where her mind is all the time.
It's been very hot around here up until the past few days. Hadley found a way to make popsicles (just made of water). I have popsicle forms, but she didn't know that and just set out to make it herself. I asked her how she kept the stick straight up as it froze. She shrugged her shoulders (easy answer, silly Mama) and said, "Tape." ;) Hmm...yep, it works.
She leaves little notes like this all over. Sooo sweet. Really blesses us.
Hadley's chicken, Lily, has recently started supplying our family with an egg a day. Thanks, Lily!

Fun silliness with her sisters at bedtime.
Roller blades!! Finally!!
She'd been asking for these for a loooong time. Daddy brought her some from the states. She picked it up quickly and loves her new form of exercise. ;)

Grady Lester - age 7 1/2

2011-09-17T17:03:00.000-03:00

This blog has seriously been neglected. With more and more people using Facebook to keep in touch and hear cute little stories of each others' kids the past couple of years, it's tempting to only, or at least primarily, use Facebook. But, then you can't turn Facebook history into a great book that you have forever, can you? So, I've really been grieving that the past few weeks...that I haven't been documenting things here nearly as much as I used to. Therefore...back to the blog we go. Have to make some changes.

We begin with a great little update on everyone...what are we doing these days...what are we like? ;) We'll start with Grady...

Grady is so cool. I love his individuality. He is very introspective, this one. You can almost literally watch the wheels turning in his head, yet he hardly ever blurts out what those wheels are coming up with. He's very quiet, but does freely share when asked...as long as he gets the sense that that asker for his thoughts really cares. It's going to be very important to keep open communication with him...and to really be sure I stay someone that he can respect. If not, he will not have time for me. Not that he's not gracious and forgiving...but he is very much watching. Always watching. Staying transparent will always be important with him. If I'm professing to be a Jesus follower, but do something that is not at all what Jesus would do...if I do not acknowledge that and ask forgiveness, he's watching. He's the kind that can spot a hypocrite from a mile away...and has zero tolerance for that. I think because of that, he is not one to just make decisions lightly, go with the crowd, do just whatever on a whim. For instance, salvation. I've written about this before, but it is so very interesting to me to watch him walk this out in his life. It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds for him. He loves (and I mean LOVES) hearing the stories of the Bible...great men and women who have given their all...messed up, yes, but had a heart for God. King David is his favorite...just yesterday he said out of the blue, "King David was the best king ever. He messed up, but he never stopped loving God. All the other kings loved God, but then they stopped." He loves stories of great men and women in general. His favorite book right now that we are doing in school is "Missionary Stories with the Millers." There are no pictures, nothing fancy or captivating about the book itself, except the stories...great stories of men and women who really did give their all. He loves that. Stories of people like that really do inspire him. Just last night he said, "Wouldn't it have been great to live during the Bible...to be like one of those guys?" He's made remarks like that many times. I told him last night that even though we don't live in the Bible, he can make his life a story like that, doing amazing things that someone will one day write about. Love his thoughts and our conversations with him.

It's not all deep and introspective...although that is his main bent. He loves playing with his friends of course. Loves building things and turning things into a work of art...mostly now in the form of buildings or cars or, you know, boy things. ;) He definitely has an engineering type mind like his Daddy. He's always getting the tools out, loves tinkering with things. The other day I couldn't get something to work and I just laid it down. Without a word he got it, went back to Joel's toolbox and tinkered a bit, then brought it back working...I didn't even know he had gotten it. He laid it down all fixed and walked away. Didn't say a word, didn't smile and look at me expecting praise...just acted like it was his job. So cool. He has a great model for a Daddy...he's already taking care of the womenfolk automatically, without them even asking. ;) Love.

He's been asking for a skateboard for a while. Joel's brother, Andre, sent his down with Joel and Grady is LOVE-ing it (thanks, Andre!!).

Grady also still loves his media. Out of all of our kids, he is the one that loves media the most...TV, movies, Leapster/video games. And I love his variety...he loves a wide range of things. He of course has my heart :) because one of his very favorites to watch is Little House on the Prairie (was always my fave growing up...still is). He also loves Anne of Green Gables...I think he just loves a good story in general of real life people...and that's a great story. When the girls are watching a Barbie movie though, he'll join right in (they do have good storylines and good always wins out over evil of course). He loves old cartoons...like really old...like black and whites. And while Joel was gone I gave him a treat. Some of the nights, I would put them down for bed, then I'd let Grady get up and while I took a shower he would watch...Star Wars. He'd been asking for a while so I got the cartoon ones, Clone Wars, for him to watch. He loves them. He is all into the story of it all...his friend Michael has told him lots of what the movies are about. He found out the other day that one of his favorites ends up dying. He went to his room and grieved a little bit...like a couple of tears worth. I love the way he just lets the emotions come and show and isn't afraid of that. ;) Sometimes while reading our books for school, we'll all three have tears streaming down our faces, but esp. me and Grady. ;) (Yes, our homeschool books are really that amazing)

Grady also loves to be really silly, especially with Hadley. And even though he loves his sisters, he does have a deep desire to have a little brother. We shall see how that all unfolds, but in the meantime, he has started to say things like, "I'll save this for my little brother." ;) I'd say he has faith that somehow he will have one someday. :) (which in all likelihood he will somehow, whether biologically or through adoption)

He is so very sweet and completely concerned for the well-being of others. He remarks often about the homeless we see around our city. It hurts him deeply to see someone mistreated or sad or down on their luck.

He has taken up Judo and loves that. Our neighbor and Grady's friend, Luis Felipe, is in the same Judo class, so that's fun. Grady also studies Portuguese at Kumon...a tutoring type place. He goes for one hour twice a week. He is so very responsible...we have never had to remind him or say anything about him doing his homework assignments...truly, we've never said a word. He just automatically does them. He also continues to be very organized and orderly in life in general. :) Very nice.

Right now he's decided that he wants to grow his hair out a little...not keep the clippers cut. People have said it makes him look more like Joel...his hair is curling up a bit being longer. ;) It's cute.

We love our sweet, sweet boy who is also very creative, very much a silent leader, and is just very, very cool.

And now just some fun pictures that have been taken over the last few months...

These Lincoln Logs have been a priceless gift for the past few years, Adam Hough. Thank you so much for that!

Good friends. And so fun that he lives right next door.

A Christmas gift from Papaw. Spent a full 3 days on it, loving every minute of it.
Finished product. He LOVES projects like that.
Some lego action with a little tagalong. :)
He loves smoothies.
Turning 7. He wanted to just go to the movies with a couple of friends, Luis Felipe and Michael, then have cake, ice cream, and gifts at home afterward. So that's what we did. He's a keeping-it-low-key kind of guy.

A wonderful Christmas gift from the Johnsons. Thanks Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Leslie.
:) Love this picture.
After reading about this in school, he tried it out the next day...even though it was about 9am and cloudy at the time of this picture, he couldn't wait. ;)
He loves to write letters to people.
Sometimes he's contracted out.
Some last minute goodbyes before Daddy took off on a little trip in the spring.
The last glimpses of Daddy in the plane. He loves his binoculars.

Zipline.

Yep...he had to start using this. Not every day, but some.

Lake time.
Tubing.
He loves the little library in Saline. He loves Saline. ;) Something else we have in common.
A hug for Granddaddy Hough.
I love this picture...Grady enjoying something funny. Too cute.

Cowboy Grady.
Rugged.
Cool tattoo.

Watching 'Davy Crockett' with Uncle Tucker.
He loves being in trees. He really is a master climber and goes soooo high. ;)
He got to go out to eat with us when Tucker was here one night. Fun.

Eww. ;)

Fun in the mall.

Best friends.

Giving Cass a little foot massage during a 'slow' part of church. ;) His wife one day is going to love the fact that he had 3 little sisters.
He found a baby lizard.

Grady and his friend at Judo.
Found him like this one night.
Hanging out with the guinea pig.

Taking a test with some little sister admiration.
Skateboard fun.

He's Back!!

2011-09-12T12:27:00.003-03:00

After 3 weeks and 3 days away, our wonderful, sweet, loving, nobody-like-him husband/daddy is back. We are so thankful he got the opportunity to go on his adventure. We are also soooooo thankful to have him back. Love is in the air. ;)

The Adventure Continues...And Continues...And Continues...

2011-09-09T09:30:00.005-03:00

:)

For those of you tracking Joel's and Uncle Cliff's progress, you know that they are still on their way...slowly but surely. In my last post, they were stuck in the Bahamas. They spent about 5 days there and were then able to head out again on the 2nd. The trip from there to Brazil was pretty smooth and straightforward, with just a couple of glitches along the way. Then they arrived into Boa Vista on the 4th, a city in the very north tip of Brazil. There they discovered that some of the paperwork Joel had filled out prior to the trip never got to where it needed to go. So, they had to fill that paperwork out again. And then more waiting. Waiting for it to clear.

Wednesday, the 7th, was a holiday here. So, we were just praying for the miracle of the paperwork going through on the 6th. With lots and lots of what some would label 'hounding' (we call it 'diligence' here) :), the document was finally cleared at the very end of the day on the 6th. A big praise.

So Wednesday, the 7th, they were able to head out again. (picture: the vast Amazon region) They had strong headwinds and a bit of a bumpy ride, so they didn't make it as far as they were hoping (1st picture: them on their unplanned stop in Itaituba). Yesterday was a good smooth day. And today would've been their last day of travel...arriving in Asuncion, Paraguay this afternoon. But...

They have hit bad weather. Weather has been perfect for them...until the last day. Haha...you just have to chuckle. I think at this point, their families are fine. But, the pilots are a bit weary and ready to make it home.

Today marks 3 weeks that Joel has been gone. Praying for them...for the weather not to discourage them. For the weather to move along and get out of their way. ;) For just a joy and fun time for them (as you can see in the picture, looks like they still have some of that left in them) :), even as they wait some more...for them to soak up this last little bit of time together, last little bit of this adventure. For wisdom for them to know the right course of action for planning the rest of the trip. They are about 2 legs away from their destination (about 1 day of travel). So, maybe the weather will cease and they will be able to make it to Paraguay at least by tomorrow. The hope was for Joel to be back by Sunday. We'll see.

They've had a great trip though...lots of adventures, lots of stories, lots of great memories, very special time for Joel with his uncle. Very, very grateful. So so glad he could do this.

Here's a link to a blog post that one of Uncle Cliff's other nephews posted...pretty interesting. And, here's the link again to follow them on their journey as they fly. Thanks for the prayers, y'all.

An Adventure For Sure

2011-08-29T13:31:00.003-03:00

Joel and Uncle Cliff had a great flight from St. Louis to Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday. Then yesterday they had a great flight from Ft. Lauderdale to an island that is part of the Bahamas (south of the Bahamas) called Long Island...a place called Stella Maris there. They landed, were going to refuel, and head out again to their final destination for yesterday, the Dominican Republic. Joel had mentioned some possible weather issues that might meet them there and make them stay in Stella Maris for the night. So, when he stopped there yesterday, I just had to assume that maybe the weather had kept them from continuing. When they didn't resume travel this morning (according to our trusty Spot), I was disappointed that apparently the weather wasn't quite up to par again. I was keeping an eye on the website that tracks their progress, but there was no change.

Then I got a call around noon today. It was Joel. He was calling me from Nassau. What? Nassau? That's not where he was supposed to be.

He explained that yesterday as they were checking the plane before heading on to the Dominican Republic, they found that one of the magnetos had stopped working. No, I don't know what a magneto is either, but it's important. Thankfully the plane has two, so the one was sufficient for them to not have any problems in the air. Oh man, God is so with them. But, they were grounded.

And Stella Maris was a great spot for them for what they had needed it for...a perfect place to land, refuel, and keep going. But...now they couldn't keep going. And unfortunately, Irene was not so nice to that island, so all their phone lines and electricity is down. Wow...ok. :)

So, they prayed about what to do. This morning they felt the best decision was for Joel to take a commercial flight (on Pineapple Airlines...love the name) back to Nassau...also part of the Bahamas, about a 25 minute flight back. So, he arrived there and found that he couldn't really get much help there. But, he was able to talk to Wings of Hope back in St. Louis. It's funny...the plane is a 1959 plane and is working fine. But, the brand new magneto is what gave them problems. :) Anyway, Wings of Hope said that they were going to send them a new part ASAP...but, that will still be 2-3 days from now that it will arrive, at the least. But, we are very thankful that they are going to send that $700 part ASAP, no hesitation. I like that organization more and more. :)

Uncle Cliff didn't travel back to Nassau, so he is still there in Stella Maris. And, since the phones and electricity is down there, Joel has no way of getting in touch with him to let him know what's going on. But, Uncle Cliff's personality is a bit like Joel's...very relaxed, not one to get in a tizzy about *any*thing, very full of faith that God's purposes are being fulfilled even when we don't have any idea what those purposes are or what's going on. So, when Joel left, Uncle Cliff just told him, "Well, I'll see you when I see you."

But, just pray for the part to get there without any problem, as quickly as possible. Pray also for Uncle Cliff as he waits with no word...or that a way would open up for word to get to him. Pray for their continued safety as usual, and for God to continue to provide for their every need.

It was funny. Joel said that when they were flying in, they had remarked that they'd love to just come back there someday alone...to spend a few days there and really spend time with God, etc. After the problem was discovered, they were saying that God heard that and said, "Hmm, how 'bout now?" ;)

So, I hope they are getting some great time in a beautiful place, listening to and soaking up God. I'll keep you posted.

Trek to Paraguay

2011-08-28T09:05:00.012-03:00

A few months ago, Joel got a message from his Uncle Cliff, who is a missionary in Paraguay, saying that someone in the states had given his ministry an airplane. Uncle Cliff was wondering if Joel was interested in helping him bring it down from the states.

Sooooo cool. Occasionally Asas de Socorro needs to do that, or one of the pilots associated with Asas, but usually it's an instructor who takes along a student to build hours. Joel is not a student and although he's always thought it would be such a neat experience to do that, he knew he'd probably never have the opportunity to do it with Asas. So, when this opportunity came up, we jumped at it of course. Plus, to spend some really great quality time with his uncle (who is a great missionary, great man, wise, etc.) who he'd never gotten to spend much time with...um, yes please. :)

Joel left last Friday, the 19th, headed to the Boston area. He spent a wonderful weekend with his fam there and then headed to St. Louis last Monday night. He met up with his uncle there and Tuesday they headed over to a place called Wings of Hope (really cool non-profit organization...check it out...pilots and others, look at the 'today!' section...fully paid opportunities to serve).

They received training on their specific 4-seater airplane, finished up some paperwork, did some maintenance on the plane, and then headed out yesterday morning from St. Louis to Ft. Lauderdale for their first leg of the trip. In a little 4-seater, that kind of travel takes all day, with 2 stops along the way, just to give you an idea.

This morning they are headed to the Bahamas and then possibly on to the Dominican Republic, depending on the weather. They are flying down to Paraguay and should get there sometime at the end of the week if the weather cooperates (which of course we are praying that it does). ;) Then Joel will fly commercially back here to us in Brazil, I'm projecting a little over a week from now. We shall see when that actually happens...maybe before that, maybe later. :)

The very cool thing is that you can watch this all take place. Oh yes you can. There's a nifty little program that our friend let us borrow that allows us to see where the little plane with two special packages (Joel and his uncle of course) is at all times. Wanna see? Just check out this site and watch their progress over the next few days.

Me and the kiddos are doing fine. Been keeping busy with all the normal stuff along with some birthday parties and some new neighbors, so we are having fun...as much fun as we can have without Joely that is. :) Thank you for the prayers that you are praying for us, and for Joel and Uncle Cliff as they travel. You are very much appreciated!

I lifted some of their pictures off Facebook for you to get a glimpse...

pictures above: Wings of Hope, Joel and his uncle with their flight instructor who trained them with this airplane, and the kids last night at a birthday party with their friends (not sure why the pic is split like that...??).

The most important thing they did on this trip...introduced Uncle Cliff to Chick-Fil-A and had a meal in my honor. ;) Kidding, but yum!!
Joel with the plane that was donated to Uncle Cliff's work. It's not new (1959), but it runs good...and it's cute, wouldn't ya say? I'm just glad there's a 0 in that number. :) Yikes. Haha.
Uncle Cliff and the donor of the airplane.
Good thing there were two double beds in their room...lots of maps. :) Doing a little flight planning.
Doing some maintenance.
More maintenance.
Not much stretching room. :) This is Joel's and Uncle Cliff's 'living situation' for the next few days...now you can have a visual as you pray. :)

Thanks so much and be sure to watch them as they go.

Stretching to Fit God's Heart

2011-08-17T08:30:00.004-03:00

So much that could be posted about on this blog...pictures, memories, the funny/sweet/cute things the kids say. Our plans and upcoming trips and reports of those trips. Our ponderings about life and the big life questions that come up. Along with some answers sprinkled here and there. Joel's leaving on another trip...yes, before we've even updated the blog about the last one. And, maybe while he is gone, this ole blog will get some attention. But, for today...

Today this (Katie again...she always brings perspective...thank God for her stretch marks) and this...

Amazing video. Let us get our eyes off ourselves and onto the treasured ones of God. Instead of just singing about being His hands and feet, let us truly, really BE His hands that are reaching out to the fallen and needy and lonely. Let us be His feet that will GO to them, that will carry them, that will stand with them. Let us really care and be willing to do anything in order to be Jesus to them. Anything.

Curuai

2011-07-22T12:14:00.003-03:00

YAAAAAAY! I heard from Joel.

This summer has been a little crazy already...and we still have a ways to go. Me and the kids took a trip, which was glorious. I'll post about it someday. Got back and my brother visited...also glorious. Then, on Tuesday, Joel set out for the annual big mission trip that Asas de Socorro does in July (they do many smaller outreaches during the year, but this is the big national whammy).

He set out at 9am on Tuesday morning headed for the airport. They were in several airplanes/airports until around 1am Wednesday morning. Then they went and rested for a few hours when they arrived in Santarem. At 8am on Wednesday they headed out from Santarem by boat. They traveled 8 hours by boat and arrived in the community they will be serving...a place called Curuai. Click here for a very basic map and here for a Google Earth map. On the map below, we live in a city near Goiania (central Brazil)...between Goiania and the national capital, Brasilia. You can see Santarem (where the team caught the boat) there at the top on the Amazon River.

When I think river community in a very remote place, I think of just tiny little communities. But, when Joel called me today (from a very flaky satellite payphone the government put in), he said that it is a community of about 10,000 people. What? ;) That's crazy to me...and awesome...and mind-boggling. 10,000 people living far, far away in the middle of nowhere where you can only get to by hours on a boat. No phones, no paved roads, electricity but not very reliable, no internet. So incredible to me. Oh world...you continue to surprise me.

Joel and the team (about 140 total) are split into several different teams consisting of medical/dental outreach, kids/youth team, evangelism team, etc. Yesterday was their first day and it was a training day. So today is the first day of actual ministry. Joel is overseeing 3 evangelism teams and helping out with the Jesus film that is shown every night. So, Joel's days are full of just going door-to-door...meeting people on the streets...getting to know the community. So cool. Today as they walked along, Joel met the DJ of the radio station (the only radio station you can get on the radio there) and she invited them to come speak on the radio, so they did. There are 4 churches there in the community, 3 of which are partnering with Asas to accomplish this outreach.

He said it's been really, really cool so far and the people there are really great. They walk everywhere they go. They sleep in the high school which has no walls. He said the weather there is comfortable...hot and humid (like 90s in Louisiana he said), but with a nice breeze. They are right on the river/lake (he can see it at all times). And, things are just going really well in general.

I'm so glad I got to hear from him. He had tried to call on Wednesday and yesterday, but the phone finally worked after about 5 tries today. ;) So...I'm not sure when/if I'll hear from him again. But, I'll keep you posted. And thanks for the prayers for Joel and the team (which includes Joel's sister, Priscilla)...and the people of Curuai.

Memorial Day

2011-06-10T23:17:00.000-03:00

Well, this is a little late. But, I was in the middle of talking about food when Memorial Day rolled around. :) So...here it is...

Oh how I love my country...my 1st country that is. I have another now that I happen to like a lot too. ;) But, of course the United States is my favorite (as it should be...my home).

I LOVE the history we have. I love that we are willing to fight for right things...sometimes physically, sometimes not...without backing down. We catch a LOT of criticism...and I've found out even more about that since living in another country. But, I'm very proud of the job our country does in helping others. Because no matter what the critics say or even what the ulterior motives might be, the truth is that the effect of the United States stepping in is overwhelmingly good.

Our family has always been very patriotic and considered it an honor to serve our country in that way. My grandfather fought in Okinawa during World War II (getting several fingers shot off one hand and being injured badly). Received the purple heart. Many of my other family members also served in WWII and in the military after that. Even I came very close to joining the Air Force after nursing school.

Words can't express how I feel about our soldiers and their families. Really. I hate when Joel is gone for just a few days at a time. I hate for him (or myself) to miss anything special with our family. Can't even imagine the sacrifice of missing out on a full year or more with your spouse/kids. And then of course the ultimate sacrifice that some have paid.

My brother is currently serving. He is a veterinarian. Did you know the Army employed veterinarians? ;) Yes, he told me that many people in the Army don't even know that. Haha. But, they do. And he is serving our country very well. So proud to be his sister. He has already served overseas for over a year in the past. He will be doing so again at some point.

Please pray for our servicemen. Not just on Memorial Day. Pray for their families who they have left behind to serve and keep you free. As you run by Starbucks or have lunch with friends today, don't forget what others are doing for your benefit many, many miles away.

Eating Well - Part 4

2011-06-05T12:52:00.002-03:00

So...what does all this mean? What does it look like?

There are many things that can be done. As I mentioned last time, soaking grains, sprouting, lacto-fermentation, cultures galore. ;) But, for right now, we have started simple. These are some of the guidelines we try to follow...

Basically we eat all our food as close to the way God made it/meant it as possible. For instance, instead of processed grains, we eat whole grains...non-processed (when we eat them...more on that below). Fresh is always best when talking about fruits and vegetables (as opposed to canned). Everything as close to its natural state as possible, bottom line.

Beef and chicken (and other meats/animal products) should be:
--grass-fed (cattle, sheep, goats, and game)...raised on grass and hay as opposed to grain, corn, soybeans, or something called 'sorghum silage'
--pastured (applies to pork, poultry, and eggs)...'grass-fed' bacon and eggs is not correct, because a diet of grass is not enough for these omnivores; they eat corn, insects, and sour milk as well as grass, but the point is that they are not held in cages/houses, but are free to roam pasture
--organic...means the food was produced without synthetic fertilizer, antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, genetically engineered ingredients, and irradiation; but, does not mean that the animals were grass-fed or pastured, so be careful; and the label natural says nothing about the animal's diet either; according to the USDA, "all fresh meat" qualifies as "natural;" just watch your labels

We use raw milk. Yes, yes...I know it's controversial. But, before you speak evil of it, do lots and lots of research on both sides like I did. Just be assured, we've researched and have made an educated decision. Also, raw cheese is good, but basically I don't know anything about raw cheese just yet. I know that it can be controversial too, but not sure if it's outlawed like raw milk is in some states there. Here, raw milk is very, very simple to get (is brought to my door) and much cheaper than store-bought (don't hate me, raw milk enthusiasts). ;) And, you can make your own cheese of course. But, even if you don't, don't get the lowfat/nonfat kind at least. As close to its natural state as possible. Key phrase. And with the milk, if you can't get raw milk, or don't want to go the raw milk route, it is possible to find milk that has been pasteurized (process of heating liquids for the purpose of destroying bacteria, protozoa, molds, and yeasts) but not homogenized (The fat in milk normally separates from the water and collects at the top. Homogenization is the process of breaking up that fat into smaller sizes so that it no longer separates from the milk, allowing the sale of non-separating 2% and whole milk. This is accomplished by forcing the milk at high pressure through small orifices.). And, even if you buy pasteurized and homogenized milk, again, stay away from the non-natural lowfat/nonfat.

Fats...we aren't afraid of them. But, they must be in their natural state of course. Nuts, butter, cream, etc. All of these things are good for you. Yes...they really are. YAY! ;) The truth is that if you eat these foods, you are more full and more satisfied for longer...and you aren't unsatisfied, roaming through the pantry for something to snack on all the time. Truly...it really does work.

Imitation...don't do it. For instance, margarine is imitation butter. Soy ice cream is imitation ice cream. We stick to the original (which is better for you). Interesting interview about this (and more) here.

Junk...we limit big-time. Occasionally we have a treat. But, that's not even an everyday thing. Water has always been our main drink. So, no soda in the house. Occasionally I'll make some sweet tea (rarely actually...because I love it and am emotionally attached...hahaha...and it's just better not to have that temptation in the fridge) and when we go out to eat sometimes we get soda. Sweets/candy are super limited. Sometimes for afternoon snack, the kids will get a couple of little cookies along with their fruit or popcorn. But, not everyday and not many. As close to its natural state as possible. Store-bought cookies are pretty processed obviously. Homemade cookies are better of course, but still aren't the ideal, everyday snack in my opinion. Sometimes, but not every day.

Bottom line...we just try to stay away from processed foods and stick with whole foods in their natural state.

My usual day's menu...
Breakfast: 2 egg omelet with tomatoes, onions, salt, and cheese with 2-4 pieces of bacon on the side (mostly 2...but sometimes 4 :))...or another version of the omelet is with tomatoes, onions, chicken, cilantro, salt, and cheese...yum! I don't usually eat right away after waking up...never have. If I'm going to work out before breakfast (which I usually do), sometimes I'll have a banana beforehand. This breakfast fills me up until lunchtime...and I usually eat lunch after the kids actually, so around 1-2pm.
Lunch: HUGE salad. Seriously huge. Lots of lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, bacon pieces, yogurt (natural of course...no sugar, full fat...plain yogurt replaces sour cream for us), and Tabasco. Yep...and it's SOOOO good.
Snack/Supper: I usually eat pretty light the rest of the day. Just not hungry because the wonderful, filling breakfast and lunch were enough. Sometimes I have a protein powder shake (made with yogurt), sometimes just some cashews, sometimes another salad for supper. If I have a hankering for anything 'treaty' I have a cup of tea (lemongrass, mint, etc.) sweetened with honey. Yum.

And that's it. Joel and the kids eat a little differently usually, but still really simply. Granola or oatmeal or eggs for breakfast, rice and beans or a grilled meat and rice and veggie for lunch, sandwiches for supper...and tons of fruit and veggies. I generally don't eat grains. And even the kids don't always eat them. Basically because from what I've read, they just really aren't that necessary. And, actually are considered unhealthy and warned against by some. But, what? Even Jesus ate grains. True. But I found this great post on the matter by a nutritional consultant.

IF you are going to eat grains though, how should you prepare them? As that site said, they need to be prepared a certain way. This is a great article on preparing grains...and of course you can google and find out more. I mean, who knew this?!? For years we've been preparing (or not preparing) grains a certain way...but then again, look at the health of our country. Yikes. Time to make some changes, folks.

Now, will I be eating some Oreos when I get to the United States next week? Yes...a few at least. Will I have Mexican, Chick-Fil-A, Bodacious, Munchbox, sweet tea, and Granny Hough's PB&J (best sandwich in the world) on white bread? Yes...yes I will. The lifestyle of all of this allows for occasionally having things like this...it's just that my 'occasional' is all crammed into 2 weeks in the states. ;) Just be forewarned when you see the Facebook statuses...that's all.

But, I am so very at peace. This is the way it should be. This is a normal lifestyle. This is health. With all that I've been learning about this and through my time of Lent/concentrated time with God, something has been changed. I am a new creature with my mind renewed in the area of food. Thank the Lord. My kids will grow up in this health and will be better off for it. I'm still learning and it is definitely a process. We're not at all perfect in this area, but getting closer and closer all the time is the goal. ;)

What can you do to get started? For one thing, look at all these fabulous sites and books that I've linked to in these past few posts (2 more: 1) Can't remember if I said that you need to watch Food, Inc., but if you haven't you need to...there are other similar documentaries/books on the subject too, and 2) Here is another good site that I ran across recently...check it out). And, here is a simple list by Michael Pollan that was given in this article (the whole article is good):

1. Don't eat anything your great grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. "When you pick up that box of portable yogurt tubes, or eat something with 15 ingredients you can't pronounce, ask yourself, "What are those things doing there?" Pollan says.
2. Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can't pronounce.
3. Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store. Real food tends to be on the outer edge of the store near the loading docks, where it can be replaced with fresh foods when it goes bad.
4. Don't eat anything that won't eventually rot. "There are exceptions -- honey -- but as a rule, things like Twinkies that never go bad aren't food," Pollan says.
5. It is not just what you eat but how you eat. "Always leave the table a little hungry," Pollan says. "Many cultures have rules that you stop eating before you are full. In Japan, they say eat until you are four-fifths full. Islamic culture has a similar rule, and in German culture they say, 'Tie off the sack before it's full.'"
6. Families traditionally ate together, around a table and not a TV, at regular meal times. It's a good tradition. Enjoy meals with the people you love. "Remember when eating between meals felt wrong?" Pollan asks.
7. Don't buy food where you buy your gasoline. In the U.S., 20% of food is eaten in the car.

And lastly, the first part of a great series. Click on YouTube and watch the rest of the series...great stuff.

Thoughts? Hope this has been helpful and I truly hope that we can all live more healthfully. Do your research. Put those things into place. And live a better life. I know I plan to. ;)

Eating Well - Part 3

2011-05-28T13:47:00.000-03:00

So...with all of those things combined (from the last couple of posts), I was well on my way to a new way of looking at food and thinking of food. Much different way than the 'conventional' or 'modern' way.

Basically, like I said, back to basics. Back to the way our ancestors did it. Before all the conveniences and junk got added in there. There are still people who eat like that...but unfortunately, they also add in the processed junk food and sugary processed treats.

I mentioned that I stumbled upon many blogs. Really great blogs...of people who had found the same thing and were journeying toward health in this way. Here's a list of a few of them, for your reading and learning pleasure:

astepofhealth.blogspot.com - This is one of the first I came across. She doesn't post very often, but her steps (left sidebar) on how to get started in this way of life are interesting. You don't have to do everything, but it's interesting to learn from.

www.passionatehomemaking.com - But then I found this one and it quickly became my favorite. This chic is really young, but is very inspiring. She blogs about all kinds of stuff and even has monthly guest bloggers, but check out her 'about' section and her 'resources' section...and of course her recipes. And she has a list of topics on her right sidebar. Really great stuff!!

www.keeperofthehome.org/real-food-and-nutrition - This link is straight to the posts about food and nutrition, but the rest of her blog is good too. I especially love this bottom liner about fats which is EXTREMELY informational and excellent and full of links of resources for more learning. You HAVE to read it...a complete departure from the standard advice given today for healthy living.

heavenlyhomemakers.com - Also a great resource.

There are many things that are just foreign to me that I'm learning about...soaking your grains; sprouting seeds; things like kefir, kombucha, the benefits of fermentation, raw milk, and making sourdough. (just google or search those blogs to learn more) But, I'm learning. A very slow process, a little here and a little there, but it's happening. And, I may not ever actually do all of these things on a regular basis, but they are good things to know and incorporate a bit at a time. Maybe it will become routine for me...that would be ideal. But, maybe I'll just keep it simple...we'll see.

There is a GREAT website for those of you who are interested in really learning more. GNOWFGLINS.com is a great resource for so many things, but I especially love that they have online classes available to learn some of these new, old things. ;)

And, I also ran across a couple of books by Nina Planck. This one and this one. Very, very good. Here is a little interview she did (clip below). And this is a big interview she did that I watched a while back...not sure if it's still up, but this is the link if you can get it to play.

Hmmm...I think that's enough for today. I'll have to post again with a little summary and what this all looks like in our family from day to day. Very, very interesting stuff though. What do you think?

Eating Well - Part 2

2011-05-22T13:04:00.002-03:00

I have a friend who is a chiropractor. Chiropractors are known for their health and so I always like to glean from all my chiropractor friends. This particular one is a part of a way of life and 'program' called Maximized Living. Really incredible way of living. My friend posts stuff on Facebook about it ALL the time, so I would just glance at these things every now and then. My interest was piqued. I started asking questions and then met a couple of other people who had started with Maximized Living. I read a LOT about it on the internet...Google and YouTube are just so great. And then my wonderful friend sent me a gift...a Maximized Living book. So, there's that.

I also have a another friend who had started following the Paleo way of eating. Although I for sure don't agree with the evolution part of it all, I did find some of the nuts and bolts of it interesting.

And then I also found many, many websites/blogs of just regular ole mamas like me that had stumbled upon a couple of books that had changed the way they did things in their kitchen/lives. I'll include the sites/blogs next time.

But one of the books was written by a guy named Weston A. Price. His book is "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" and basically chronicles his journey to several different 'primitive' people groups to find out what they were doing right and what us 'modern' people were doing wrong because all of the primitive people were healthier than the moderns.

The other book is by Sally Fallon, called "Nourishing Traditions." She also wrote co-wrote the "Eat Fat, Lost Fat" book. And here is a great clip of her giving a very brief rundown of what a 'traditional diet' is like. I also encourage you to watch some of her other things there on YouTube.

And that should be enough for today to get you going...now you can do some research of your own. Next time I'll tell you more of what I found and what it all looks like in my own life. I am loving it though. So...look at all this stuff and see for yourself what you think.

Eating Well - Part 1

2011-05-20T10:26:00.004-03:00

I've been on a little trip these past few years...since around 2001 to be exact. 10 YEARS! Wow. That's when things started to change as far as my relationship with food. Here's how it happened...

I got married. :) Yep, that did it really. I started having a normal routine and eating 3 meals a day and well, that did it. Before that, I worked nights and had no real routine and usually ate like a horse when I ate, but eating was sporadic and not all that important really. Not nearly as important as running the roads and spending time with friends and swimming and laying out. Ahh, the carefree days. :) Anyway, there were probably other factors involved...for instance, I turned 27 a few months after I got married. Getting older may have had a little to do with it too. But, gone were the days of just eating whatever I wanted with no ill effects showing up. Eating whatever you want (junk) is never good internally, but it had never showed up externally for me until 2001. :)

More importantly, I also, at the time, was really searching out what I wanted to do as far as my family...what I wanted my family to look like (figure of speech, not necessarily physical appearance)...what I wanted my family to be like, etc. This included everything from church activities to child-raising to healthy lifestyle, etc....what did we believe and want for our family?

So...all of that combined sent me on a search of what 'healthy' is. It has been an interesting 10 years in that regard. I've had to face some yuck about myself and some of the things/lies that I've believed. Battling what has always been normal for you and going after what is not the norm but is SO MUCH better is so very hard. It's a constant struggle if you don't continually rely on the Holy Spirit to help you battle and overcome with His power. This applies to many areas of my life actually (and yours), but right now I'm talkin' 'bout food. So, here we go...

As you all know, there are SO MANY opinions/methods out there. Veganism, vegetarianism, food combining, raw foodism, etc. It's incredible the options we have these days from cloth diapers to salad dressings to house plans. Can we say overwhelming?

I've experimented with many things. I lived as a vegan for basically a year and a half. There were good things about it, but just not quite right I felt...something missing to it, for me. I've done Weight Watchers sporadically to lose baby weight through the years. I love that they teach you proper portions and they do teach about eating whole foods, but still...something missing. There still wasn't any one belief/method/way of eating that was grabbing me completely. But, I kept researching. Joel says he wishes I could get paid for my researching. ;)

Just in the past year I stumbled upon one thing that led me to another thing that led me to another thing that led me to a few other things. And all of those combined, I feel, is my answer finally come. And I'm pretty doggone excited about it, too.

You know I'm a little bit old school in the ways I like to do things. A little bit back to the basics...cloth diapering, breastfeeding, natural birthing, etc. Why? Because they are better. :) Ha. Truly though...I don't think that anyone would argue that point, but for some they just choose to not do it even though they know that it's better. Totally their prerogative. But, all of that to say, when I found the back-to-basics approach of eating, I knew it was for me.

I'll write more about what I found in my next post.

Make-Up

2011-05-15T15:52:00.101-03:00

One day last week Hadley asked me to do her make-up. She's never really asked me to do that before...to use my make-up and me put it on her. So, we did...and her sisters wanted to join in of course. The pictures of when I was applying make-up are courtesy of their helpful older brother, Grady, the official make-up photographer. And, believe it or not, Eissa has become the choreographer of the family as far as photo shoots go...she's the go-to model of the bunch (I'll have to do a post of just her photo shoots alone...they are a-plenty...she loves to model which cracks me up since she has such a quiet, almost timid personality)...the photos where they are all looking in the mirror and are at the piano were were all orchestrated by her (and by the way, just ignore the mess of my room...I was going through tons of clothes, organizing). Anyway, enjoy these beautiful girls. Oh, and the picture up top is of the next day...the feeling of make-up-ness had not yet worn off and they were quite princess-like all day long. :) Love them.

Looking in the mirror.

They are SO much fun!!

Hadley's Salvation

2011-04-21T17:56:00.003-03:00

As we were reading the story of Lazarus during school on March 14, 2011, Hadley made the decision for Christ.

It went like this...

We were at the part where Lazarus had already died. Jesus had taken His sweet time about getting there and of course by the time He did arrive, Lazarus had been dead for 4 days. And his sisters were very, very sad...not only with Lazarus' passing, but with disappointment and heartbreak in Jesus' actions. They had been friends. Why didn't He come? Why didn't He heal and save?

Jesus got there and our Bible storybook reads like this:

To comfort her Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again."

"I know he will be resurrected in the last day," she answered.

At that point, I explained to the kids that she thought He meant just that her brother, Lazarus, would be raised only when all are raised...when they go to heaven and live with God there. I explained how everyone who has made the decision to live for Jesus all of their days here on earth, really making Him their boss and giving Him control of their lives, really asking Him for wisdom in how to live their lives and what He wants them to do every second of every day...they are the ones who are raised and go to live with God in heaven. We talked about the ones who don't follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives when He is prompting them to make that decision...and the life that they live here on earth that can sometimes be still a good life, but it is not abundant and not full and doesn't include God's peace or guidance. And, that when they die, it is very tragic and very sad...and they don't get to go to heaven, but will spend forever in hell with the enemy, who does not comfort.

Sidenote: I'm not a dramatic person in general. But especially with things like this, I just present the facts...in a very factual tone of voice (not monotone and with expression, but no hype or sensationalism) and never harping on things. It is not my job to coax my children, or anyone else, into a relationship with or decision for Christ. That is the job of the Holy Spirit and that person responding to the Holy Spirit. Just to clarify. :)

So I explained that Martha thought that Jesus was talking about that...and how Lazarus had made the decision for Christ, so he would be raised to live in heaven.

At that point, Hadley asked a couple of questions about Lazarus and what he had done, the decision he had made. I made it very clear that Lazarus made this decision because he loved the Lord and because he wanted to live all of his days living for Him, working for Him, serving Him, asking Him what to do with his life, what His plans were for him.

Hadley said, very matter-of-factly, but full of excitement and certainty on her face, "Well, I want to do that."

:)

I asked her a few questions to make sure she understood exactly what she was doing. She did. And so, she did just that.

All of this conversation was going on with Grady sitting between us. I love that boy. He is not a conformist, that is for sure. I just asked him, "Grady, what do you think about all of this? Do you want to do this too?" He simply said, "Not now. I'm not ready." :) Love it. I am quite sure that one day it will be his time (God's time for him), but I'm so thankful that he will not do it just because others are. He will not be moved, even by his little sister 'beating him to' something. Great quality.

So, I led Hadley in a prayer and she prayed. And she was just beside herself after that. She was trying to pay attention to the rest of the Lazarus story and our other school books after that, but I kept looking over to find her with a huge smile on her face and shaking with excitement. Haha. Too cute. She kept saying, "Ahh, I'm so excited. I'm saved!"

I remember that feeling well. The initial feelings right after you make your decision for Christ. That wash and flood of excitement and relief. I remember after I 'walked the aisle' on a Monday night of revival (preached by Bro. Doyle McGrew) at Briarwood Baptist Church in Readhimer, Louisiana, May 1982. :) Our friend, Rebekah, looked over at me as she was talking to someone about something else. Apparently I had that same smile that Hadley had. Rebekah said, "Feels good dudnit?" (that's Southern for "doesn't it") And it did.

Hadley has been excited ever since. She went around for days, and still sometimes even now, proclaiming "I'm saved! Oh, I'm so excited that I'm a Christian!" Every now and then she would get mixed up with the words and say, "I'm a missionary!" :) Which, we do live as missionaries in a foreign land. But, I didn't correct her. Because as Christians, we are all missionaries, wherever you live, wherever you work, whoever you are with.

Shortly after that day, she finished up her 'reading lesson' for this year. She learned to read and after they finish up learning to read, they get a Bible. We put the message in it that that is the most important book they will ever read. She is in love with her Bible. She can be found on the couch, before anyone else gets out of bed in the morning, reading her Bible. She is constantly asking us to read it with her.

She also is on the lookout for God in all things. Yesterday she came in and said that she saw 'God birds.' If you call them in a certain way, the birds ("and all animals actually" she said) come to her and all the ones that come with that certain call she does are Godly. :) I asked her how she knew that. "Because God told me." I just now went outside to ask her about it again to make sure I had my story straight and what did I find her doing? The same thing again. And this time she was in the middle of teaching Eissa how to do it too. :) She said, "Come on, Mama. You need to try this. It's incredible."

Are they really 'God birds?' I don't know. But, God said to be like a little child. She definitely has child-like faith. And that? That's a good thing. She is looking for Him in EVERYthing. She is constantly praying and constantly looking. And that's the Holy Spirit leading...not anything we as her parents have told her to do. We've taught her the Biblical principles of doing those things, but we haven't ever said, "Go pray." She's doing it. She's listening to the leading of God.

I posted on Facebook a few days ago that one day she didn't eat her lunch. The rule here is that if you don't eat your lunch, you don't get a snack...and then you eat that lunch for supper (and then breakfast if you don't eat it at supper...you get the idea...it usually ends at supper though:) ). I was giving out snacks that day and forgot about Hadley not eating her lunch. She forgot too. They took their snacks outside and a few seconds later Hadley came in and put her snack back on the counter. She casually said, "I didn't eat my lunch" and started walking away. I thanked her for being honest and she said, "Well, God told me. Thank Him." :) She is listening for God's reminders of things, His leading. Soooo great to watch in your kids.

She is still learning what it means to be saved. For instance, that it doesn't mean that you are perfect. When she makes a wrong choice, it grieves her. A good thing. But, a couple of times she's said through tears, "I'm not saved. I can't be saved. I keep doing wrong things." :) She is learning about still being saved and the power of forgiveness. But, I am glad that making wrong choices grieves her. Oh that we would all react that way!

She can't wait to be baptized (yet to be determined when and how that will happen). And last night at the Easter service at Asas de Socorro, she participated in her first communion. She was beside herself. :) And so thankful for all that it signifies. We said a little prayer together before she ate the bread (way before the guy said to...hahaha) and grape juice. Then she hugged me in excitement. :) Special that it worked out that her first communion happened at Easter time.

So, that's how it went down and how things have progressed since. SO FUN to watch Hadley growing in the things of God. And really fun to gently guide and steer her along in it all. Parenting is great!

Reading her last 'reading lesson.' :) GREAT day! ;)
"What is it?!?"
"A BIBLE!"

The siblings excited about Hadley's Bible.

Well, I'm Statistical...

2011-04-17T18:10:00.000-03:00

That is a horrid title, but it's the best I could come up with. Not trying to minimize what happened, so I pray that it's not offensive to anyone. But, also don't want to focus on the bad either. So, that's the title.

They say that 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage. My first pregnancy ended in miscarriage, then I had 4 wonderful, healthy, fun children. Then...

Yes, I had a miscarriage.

We found out that I was pregnant on the 4th. We don't wait to tell people, but being in the middle of this concentrated time with God, Lent, I wanted to wait until Easter. I knew that if I told people about the pregnancy right away, my focus would change...my life would quickly become about answering the 'congratulations' messages from others (which is so fun) and focusing on the exciting news of baby on the way...planning and dreaming like we all always do. I did that personally of course, but was able to keep my life/dreams/plans simple and controlled by not telling just yet. Therefore, maximizing my time with God during this time.

Unfortunately, last Monday night I began to bleed (only a week after the positive pregnancy test). Some women spot during their pregnancies and some even bleed and that is the norm for them...everything is just fine and they have a baby at the end of 9ish months. But, I had never bled...never even spotted. Even when I had my first miscarriage, I never bled (the heartbeat that I had seen by ultrasound at 6 weeks just wasn't beating anymore at 8 weeks...and I had a D&C the next day). So, when I started bleeding, of course I felt that something was definitely not right.

But, there can technically be many causes of bleeding in pregnancy. Many. It's not always miscarriage. Implantation, cervical changes, and infection are just a very short list of the possible reasons for bleeding other than miscarriage. And sometimes there are no 'reasons' that can be seen. You just bleed...and have to trust God. So Tuesday, off we went to determine my cause for bleeding. The bleeding started the night before as bright red, but not that much...spotting basically. Actually, what it looked like (and felt like to my body...I have a little practice with this) at the very first was like my mucus plug coming out. I knew that wasn't good. And during the night, it felt like my uterus was very tight and in a constant contraction. Tuesday morning the bleeding progressed to something like a light period. I wasn't cramping, but knew that (the bleeding like a light period thing) wasn't a good sign of course.

By the time we were able to get an ultrasound Tuesday afternoon, I was back to minimal bleeding and still had not really cramped. It was a very interesting afternoon.

The ultrasound showed no signs of my pregnancy. Well, what it showed was that there could've been a pregnancy, but that everything had exited already (my corpus luteum was there in my right ovary and I had a thickened area in my uterus, but no sac or anything), OR that there was a pregnancy in progress and it was still too early to even see anything. The first option was the case, because I know my body and knew what was going on. Then, the radiologist called a doctor in town who had actually requested the ultrasound for us (a doc here in town had to do it instead of my own doctor who lives and practices in another town) and he thought that maybe I hadn't been pregnant at all.

Long story short, which includes the ultrasound, going to meet with that doctor, going back to talk with the radiologist, and having my HCG blood levels checked (the result was 430, which according to this is right on for where I was in my pregnancy)...yes, I was pregnant and I had a miscarriage.

As of Tuesday I was 5 weeks 5 days along. Very early (my first miscarriage was at 8 weeks along). I was due on December 8th.

I'm doing fine...physically, mentally, emotionally. It's sad, yes. But I generally view a miscarriage as, well...a blessing in a way. An act of God's mercy. I just think that when a miscarriage happens, something was wrong. And God in His mercy takes that wee one to be with Him.

There are a couple of things I'm bummed about (other than the obvious...it is a death after all). I was excited to have a baby this year. And even if we decide to/God decides to let us conceive again, 2011 won't be the year for a baby for us. Silly maybe, but our last baby was born in 2008...2011 was a good year for the next. :)

3 days after we had our pregnancy test show positive, Joel's brother called to let us know that he and his wife are expecting a baby. So fun, we thought. Our 3rd and their 2nd were born 2 weeks apart. It was going to happen again, this time 3 weeks apart.

As of right now the first quarter of our years are pretty full...as you saw a few posts ago. January is when everybody kind of recovers from the holidays. But we also have Grady's birthday. February brings Joel's birthday, our anniversary, and Hadley's birthday (and of course Valentine's Day when we celebrate that the American way). March is Cass' birthday. So, I was glad when this baby was to be due in December...kind of spread things out a bit. December 8th is a busy time too (smack dab in the middle of holidays), but I was already dreaming about how sweet it would be to have a brand new little newborn to snuggle with on Christmas. :)

So, disappointed, yes. Those things are all things that I'd already thought about and daydreamed about and even planned a bit. But, then I realize how silly those things are in light of what God must know. Obviously, He must know some information that is a bit more substantial than all of those things I was thinking of. My timing is not perfect, His is.

Plus, there are many things to be thankful for. 2 sweet babies that we get to meet in heaven. 4 sweet kiddos here with me in my home all day every day. As far as miscarriages go, mine was very painless and straightforward and the ultrasound showed that I was already all 'clean' in there (for the most part...I will have a follow-up ultrasound next week to confirm that nothing remains). I got to experience pregnancy again, even if only for a couple of weeks. I do love being pregnant and consider it a privilege. And, if we and God so choose, we can 'do this again.' :) I'm a healthy, not-so-young-but-still-young woman who has all her parts and they are all working. :)

We told the kids that night before we prayed at bedtime. They are so grown up and understanding. They said, "Awww." and actually asked why we hadn't told them yet that we had a baby in our belly. :) Grady: "Why didn't you tell us?" :) We explained how the baby was very, very tiny and we had only found out ourselves. They talked about how both our babies were in a house that God gave them for us, up there waiting for us to meet them there. After a while, Grady did say he was kind of sad..."What if that was a brother for me?" :) Sweeeet. I assured him that God would send him a brother if that is what He thinks is best for him. He smiled and was fine. (I personally hope God gives that to him, but then again I know many guys who have multiple sisters and no brothers and they are just fine. And, Grady recently recognized the fact that I have no sisters, and found pleasure in us being alike in that. So for right now, we just focus on those things. :) We'll see if a brother comes along for him someday...I do hope so, but we'll see.)

Interesting sidenote: Cass randomly came up, put her hands on my belly, and prayed "for the baby in my belly" Tuesday morning (I was bleeding at the time...they had no idea). They occasionally talk about the baby in my belly...mostly just wishingly I think. But, they've never prayed for the baby in my belly. It was very, very sweet. And very timely.

People definitely handle miscarriages in different ways. I know that God knows and for me that's enough. I trust that this was best for whatever reason. And I don't have to know any answers. Therefore, I truly am fine. It also helps that I've been through a miscarriage before and that I have 4 sweet precious 'babies' at home already. I was a bit sadder the first time (although HUGE needed lessons during that time as you can read about...Part 1 link there and Part 2 here)...and I had no babies at home to be swept up in gratefulness about. So thankful for my babies this time...and thankful that I'm still 'Mama' even after miscarriage. That's a huge difference in the amount of disappointment and sadness that can be felt in miscarriages.

Easter marks the end of Lent. That's when we had planned on telling our family and starting the announcing process. Very cool and special, too, because exactly 8 years ago on Easter we were announcing our pregnancy with Grady. We thought we'd be sharing the wonderful news of new life and God's blessing.

But, this is still news of new life and God's blessing. A little life that is now with Him...and the blessing of many things that we can be thankful for that I've already listed. And...health, family, and peace.

Little Victories

2011-04-05T23:09:00.006-03:00

I am on day 28 of Lent (which is 40 days total). It's been really, really great. I'll write more about it specifically later.

But, for years now my little family and I have been working on something. Specifically a little thing called temper...or 'temperature' as the kids call it. While I don't yell at them or hit them or anything like that, even the slightest bit of unkindness I do not want to spread. And unkindness I tend to show when things don't go according to planned, even if it's just a little huff or puff, and not the blowing down of the house. I come from a long line of 'temperature'-losers. And in the name of Jesus, we goan break this!! (that's Southern for 'we are going to break this'). ;)

So, I have always been very honest about this with my kids and they know that they can/need to call me out on it. I need their help to break this bad habit and not pass this on to them. They recognize it as wrong and bad, so hopefully it will stop with me and not pass on to them. But, I plan to be free from it too! ;)

Anyway, today Hadley spilled her cereal at breakfast. I was busy as mothers usually are around breakfast time. But, instead of doing a disappointed, huffy sigh or saying, "Hadley..." with a frown on my face, I just grabbed some paper towels and set to work cleaning it up.

Grady's comment made me chuckle. "See?.....you're trying to keep your temperature. And you're doing a good job." Haha...it was so funny, but also so very praiseworthy. God is growing me and I am changing. Praise. The. Lord!! Seriously.

Now, I'm quite sure that I will still need to apologize to them in the future about something. Thank God I learned how to humble myself and apologize. It's come in handy with them. But, I love that they are rooting me on and helping me, holding me accountable. And I love that they are encouraged by the changes that God has made in me. We're all in this together after all. The future of all of us will be affected by our (my in this case) willingness to grow and change. It's so much easier for children to just walk in the footsteps of their parents instead of trying to find another path. The kids are helping me to provide that for them. That is definitely our goal.

Loved today's little stepping stone toward that. Temperature, be gone!! :)