In six days I have to leave my baby for ELEVEN days!!! Chris and I are going on a Mission Trip to Bangladesh with seven other people from our church. This has been planned since before we knew we were getting Tucker and before I had any idea how hard it would be to leave him. To date he has spent two nights away from me and neither of those were for a full 24 hours. I cry just thinking about walking away from him knowing I won't see him for a small eternity. Seriously it makes me a little sick to my stomach every time I think about it for more then a passing moment.
I keep trying to remind myself that one salvation is more important then those few days with my son that he won't remember, and deep down I believe that. But it's stinkin' hard! We will basically be doing a youth camp while we are in Bangladesh and I know it will be good once we get there.
My goal is just to get on the plane. Just get on the plane. That's what I have to keep telling myself. Just get on the plane...
Who knew leaving my baby would be so hard? He will be fine. He's staying with my mom and has stick instructions not to start walking, say Momma, stand alone or do any other new trick while I'm gone. I just feel like my heart is being ripped from my chest. And I don't leave for six more days! To complicate things a little more we are leaving Wednesday from our house and won't come back between leaving for Bangladesh and Christmas so I have to pack for all three of us for three weeks, all our Christmases (seven to be exact) food and presents, and mentally prepare myself at least a little so I don't make a total fool of myself at the airport. I've never dreaded Christmas like I am this week.
Please pray for me and our team as we go. It's going to be a rough week getting ready and ELEVEN rough days for me to be away from my Tuck.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Finals Week
Remember when you biggest concern was cramming every last bit of information on ___________ subject into your head. We went without sleep, showering, really even putting clothes on just to feel confident when we walked into the classroom to regurgitate all we had studied. In honor of those days that now seem so trivial as I look back at them here is a list of some of my favorite finals week memories:
- All the late night breakfasts. I so looked forward to those every semester.
- My first finals week when Tristan and I stayed up all night "studying" for German. We had no idea that would be one of many nights we'd spend.
- Dance Party at the Georgia house with the Dief's, Leslie, Christina and Rachael trying to pass on our NM Tradition to the classes below us. I think we just scarred them for life. I don't think it caught on.
- Pancakes! Lots of pancakes and hours at IHOP.
- Inappropriate conversations with people because you were working on so little sleep and things you normally wouldn't say would just coming streaming out of your mouth.
- Every December finals week, we would watch Christmas Vacation on the steps of Raley Chapel under mounds of blankets.
- Jennie David-Sander's aluminum Christmas tree that became the best decoration for personal showers ever!
- Driving to Chickasha to see the lights.
- Staying up late watching a movie with Megan Guinn instead of studying for our psychology final our freshman year and literally running into class without even brushing our teeth because we over slept!Pretty sure I didn't do so well on that one.
I could go on and on remembering and reliving those fun filled days that seemed so stressful at the time.
God bless OBU and the friends, memories and lessons I gained there.
- All the late night breakfasts. I so looked forward to those every semester.
- My first finals week when Tristan and I stayed up all night "studying" for German. We had no idea that would be one of many nights we'd spend.
- Dance Party at the Georgia house with the Dief's, Leslie, Christina and Rachael trying to pass on our NM Tradition to the classes below us. I think we just scarred them for life. I don't think it caught on.
- Pancakes! Lots of pancakes and hours at IHOP.
- Inappropriate conversations with people because you were working on so little sleep and things you normally wouldn't say would just coming streaming out of your mouth.
- Every December finals week, we would watch Christmas Vacation on the steps of Raley Chapel under mounds of blankets.
- Jennie David-Sander's aluminum Christmas tree that became the best decoration for personal showers ever!
- Driving to Chickasha to see the lights.
- Staying up late watching a movie with Megan Guinn instead of studying for our psychology final our freshman year and literally running into class without even brushing our teeth because we over slept!Pretty sure I didn't do so well on that one.
I could go on and on remembering and reliving those fun filled days that seemed so stressful at the time.
God bless OBU and the friends, memories and lessons I gained there.
Friday, December 10, 2010
2010 Christmas Letter
MERRY CHRISTMAS Dear Family & Friends -
What a wonderful time of year to take time to reflect on the past months & look forward to what lies ahead. 2010 was definitely one for the record books in the Gordon family.
About this time last year Chris & I both felt like we were supposed to pursue adoption as a means to add to our family. It was a beautiful & fast process for us. In February, we attended an initial educational seminar & turned in our huge stack of paperwork, background checks, reference letters & profile book. On March 24th we were at the Sayre Golf Course & Coach Gordon was manning his first tournament. I had taken a call from our agency earlier that day setting up an appointment for our home study & while I was at the course they called back. I assumed they needed to reschedule or something, but when I answered (in the middle for 100+ high school golfers) it was a different person. I muddled my way through the sea of boys & heard, “I’ve got someone here who has some exciting news for you.” I immediately starting bawling because I knew we had been matched with a Birth Mother! Our Birth Mom, K, then introduced herself to me, told me she was having a baby boy & wanted Chris & I to parent him! Time stood still as I tried to form words through my sobs of joy. I don’t know that I managed anything but, “thank you.” I fought my way back to Chris & had her tell him. After the tournament, Chris & I called our families & shared our exciting news. Later that night we got to share with our students that Tucker would be here soon. We sprung into action in the following days. We spent every waking moment of the next three weeks getting a nursery ready & trying to process what was about to take place in our lives.
On April 16th, we were on our way to Lawton to go with K to her doctors appointment when we got a call from her saying she thought she was in labor. We rushed to Lawton & spent the next 16 hours waiting for Tucker. Chris & I had the pleasure of being in the delivery room & I got to be K’s birthing coach. It was the most incredible labor of love I’ve ever witnessed! At 2:50 A.M. we met Tucker William Gordon! Tucker weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. & was 20 inches long. We fell in love that night in ways we could not have imagined!
Tucker has been the biggest blessing we have ever received! He is a strong, sweet, smart, laid back guy that continues to amaze us on a daily basis. He is EXACTLY the baby we have been praying for & anxiously awaiting for three years worth of trying to conceive. Tuck loves to bang on things, he eats well, goes with the flow & genuinely loves people. He’ll go to anyone & is crawling everywhere. He draws people in & everywhere we go people want to speak to him or touch his hair. We are working on learning sign language & after only a couple of weeks Tucker can already sign, “dog.” His first spoken word was & is “Dada.” His favorite things include: Thatcher (our dog), a stuffed Monkey, his Momma & playing in the floor. Tucker is eight months old & weighs about 24 pounds & is approximately 27 inches long.
Chris is still serving as Youth Minister at First Baptist, Sayre. We had our two year anniversary here & things continue to go well. We had nine students go on overseas mission trips this year & have been blessed to watch students lead out. He is also looking forward to his second golf season for Sayre High School.
In October, I began a new job as the Sayre Chamber of Commerce Director. My job is well suited for me & I continue to get more & more comfortable with my position. Tucker gets to come with me everyday & that has been a tremendous blessing! I still help Chris with the students & they LOVE Tucker. I mean he doesn’t have a chance not to be rotten when he’s constantly surrounded by teenagers who fuss over him.
Thank you to all of you who have loved us & walked through this year with us. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends & family. Thank you for loving our Baby Boy & for accepting him as part of our family. We couldn’t do life without a single one of you in it. We pray your family will have a wonderful Christmas & a happy & safe 2011.
- Love - Chris, McKenzie & Tucker Gordon
What a wonderful time of year to take time to reflect on the past months & look forward to what lies ahead. 2010 was definitely one for the record books in the Gordon family.
About this time last year Chris & I both felt like we were supposed to pursue adoption as a means to add to our family. It was a beautiful & fast process for us. In February, we attended an initial educational seminar & turned in our huge stack of paperwork, background checks, reference letters & profile book. On March 24th we were at the Sayre Golf Course & Coach Gordon was manning his first tournament. I had taken a call from our agency earlier that day setting up an appointment for our home study & while I was at the course they called back. I assumed they needed to reschedule or something, but when I answered (in the middle for 100+ high school golfers) it was a different person. I muddled my way through the sea of boys & heard, “I’ve got someone here who has some exciting news for you.” I immediately starting bawling because I knew we had been matched with a Birth Mother! Our Birth Mom, K, then introduced herself to me, told me she was having a baby boy & wanted Chris & I to parent him! Time stood still as I tried to form words through my sobs of joy. I don’t know that I managed anything but, “thank you.” I fought my way back to Chris & had her tell him. After the tournament, Chris & I called our families & shared our exciting news. Later that night we got to share with our students that Tucker would be here soon. We sprung into action in the following days. We spent every waking moment of the next three weeks getting a nursery ready & trying to process what was about to take place in our lives.
On April 16th, we were on our way to Lawton to go with K to her doctors appointment when we got a call from her saying she thought she was in labor. We rushed to Lawton & spent the next 16 hours waiting for Tucker. Chris & I had the pleasure of being in the delivery room & I got to be K’s birthing coach. It was the most incredible labor of love I’ve ever witnessed! At 2:50 A.M. we met Tucker William Gordon! Tucker weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. & was 20 inches long. We fell in love that night in ways we could not have imagined!
Tucker has been the biggest blessing we have ever received! He is a strong, sweet, smart, laid back guy that continues to amaze us on a daily basis. He is EXACTLY the baby we have been praying for & anxiously awaiting for three years worth of trying to conceive. Tuck loves to bang on things, he eats well, goes with the flow & genuinely loves people. He’ll go to anyone & is crawling everywhere. He draws people in & everywhere we go people want to speak to him or touch his hair. We are working on learning sign language & after only a couple of weeks Tucker can already sign, “dog.” His first spoken word was & is “Dada.” His favorite things include: Thatcher (our dog), a stuffed Monkey, his Momma & playing in the floor. Tucker is eight months old & weighs about 24 pounds & is approximately 27 inches long.
Chris is still serving as Youth Minister at First Baptist, Sayre. We had our two year anniversary here & things continue to go well. We had nine students go on overseas mission trips this year & have been blessed to watch students lead out. He is also looking forward to his second golf season for Sayre High School.
In October, I began a new job as the Sayre Chamber of Commerce Director. My job is well suited for me & I continue to get more & more comfortable with my position. Tucker gets to come with me everyday & that has been a tremendous blessing! I still help Chris with the students & they LOVE Tucker. I mean he doesn’t have a chance not to be rotten when he’s constantly surrounded by teenagers who fuss over him.
Thank you to all of you who have loved us & walked through this year with us. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends & family. Thank you for loving our Baby Boy & for accepting him as part of our family. We couldn’t do life without a single one of you in it. We pray your family will have a wonderful Christmas & a happy & safe 2011.
- Love - Chris, McKenzie & Tucker Gordon
2010 Christmas Letter
MERRY CHRISTMAS Dear Family & Friends -
What a wonderful time of year to take time to reflect on the past months & look forward to what lies ahead. 2010 was definitely one for the record books in the Gordon family.
About this time last year Chris & I both felt like we were supposed to pursue adoption as a means to add to our family. It was a beautiful & fast process for us. In February, we attended an initial educational seminar & turned in our huge stack of paperwork, background checks, reference letters & profile book. On March 24th we were at the Sayre Golf Course & Coach Gordon was manning his first tournament. I had taken a call from our agency earlier that day setting up an appointment for our home study & while I was at the course they called back. I assumed they needed to reschedule or something, but when I answered (in the middle for 100+ high school golfers) it was a different person. I muddled my way through the sea of boys & heard, “I’ve got someone here who has some exciting news for you.” I immediately starting bawling because I knew we had been matched with a Birth Mother! Our Birth Mom, K, then introduced herself to me, told me she was having a baby boy & wanted Chris & I to parent him! Time stood still as I tried to form words through my sobs of joy. I don’t know that I managed anything but, “thank you.” I fought my way back to Chris & had her tell him. After the tournament, Chris & I called our families & shared our exciting news. Later that night we got to share with our students that Tucker would be here soon. We sprung into action in the following days. We spent every waking moment of the next three weeks getting a nursery ready & trying to process what was about to take place in our lives.
On April 16th, we were on our way to Lawton to go with K to her doctors appointment when we got a call from her saying she thought she was in labor. We rushed to Lawton & spent the next 16 hours waiting for Tucker. Chris & I had the pleasure of being in the delivery room & I got to be K’s birthing coach. It was the most incredible labor of love I’ve ever witnessed! At 2:50 A.M. we met Tucker William Gordon! Tucker weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. & was 20 inches long. We fell in love that night in ways we could not have imagined!
Tucker has been the biggest blessing we have ever received! He is a strong, sweet, smart, laid back guy that continues to amaze us on a daily basis. He is EXACTLY the baby we have been praying for & anxiously awaiting for three years worth of trying to conceive. Tuck loves to bang on things, he eats well, goes with the flow & genuinely loves people. He’ll go to anyone & is crawling everywhere. He draws people in & everywhere we go people want to speak to him or touch his hair. We are working on learning sign language & after only a couple of weeks Tucker can already sign, “dog.” His first spoken word was & is “Dada.” His favorite things include: Thatcher (our dog), a stuffed Monkey, his Momma & playing in the floor. Tucker is eight months old & weighs about 24 pounds & is approximately 27 inches long.
Chris is still serving as Youth Minister at First Baptist, Sayre. We had our two year anniversary here & things continue to go well. We had nine students go on overseas mission trips this year & have been blessed to watch students lead out. He is also looking forward to his second golf season for Sayre High School.
In October, I began a new job as the Sayre Chamber of Commerce Director. My job is well suited for me & I continue to get more & more comfortable with my position. Tucker gets to come with me everyday & that has been a tremendous blessing! I still help Chris with the students & they LOVE Tucker. I mean he doesn’t have a chance not to be rotten when he’s constantly surrounded by teenagers who fuss over him.
Thank you to all of you who have loved us & walked through this year with us. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends & family. Thank you for loving our Baby Boy & for accepting him as part of our family. We couldn’t do life without a single one of you in it. We pray your family will have a wonderful Christmas & a happy & safe 2011.
- Love - Chris, McKenzie & Tucker Gordon
What a wonderful time of year to take time to reflect on the past months & look forward to what lies ahead. 2010 was definitely one for the record books in the Gordon family.
About this time last year Chris & I both felt like we were supposed to pursue adoption as a means to add to our family. It was a beautiful & fast process for us. In February, we attended an initial educational seminar & turned in our huge stack of paperwork, background checks, reference letters & profile book. On March 24th we were at the Sayre Golf Course & Coach Gordon was manning his first tournament. I had taken a call from our agency earlier that day setting up an appointment for our home study & while I was at the course they called back. I assumed they needed to reschedule or something, but when I answered (in the middle for 100+ high school golfers) it was a different person. I muddled my way through the sea of boys & heard, “I’ve got someone here who has some exciting news for you.” I immediately starting bawling because I knew we had been matched with a Birth Mother! Our Birth Mom, K, then introduced herself to me, told me she was having a baby boy & wanted Chris & I to parent him! Time stood still as I tried to form words through my sobs of joy. I don’t know that I managed anything but, “thank you.” I fought my way back to Chris & had her tell him. After the tournament, Chris & I called our families & shared our exciting news. Later that night we got to share with our students that Tucker would be here soon. We sprung into action in the following days. We spent every waking moment of the next three weeks getting a nursery ready & trying to process what was about to take place in our lives.
On April 16th, we were on our way to Lawton to go with K to her doctors appointment when we got a call from her saying she thought she was in labor. We rushed to Lawton & spent the next 16 hours waiting for Tucker. Chris & I had the pleasure of being in the delivery room & I got to be K’s birthing coach. It was the most incredible labor of love I’ve ever witnessed! At 2:50 A.M. we met Tucker William Gordon! Tucker weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. & was 20 inches long. We fell in love that night in ways we could not have imagined!
Tucker has been the biggest blessing we have ever received! He is a strong, sweet, smart, laid back guy that continues to amaze us on a daily basis. He is EXACTLY the baby we have been praying for & anxiously awaiting for three years worth of trying to conceive. Tuck loves to bang on things, he eats well, goes with the flow & genuinely loves people. He’ll go to anyone & is crawling everywhere. He draws people in & everywhere we go people want to speak to him or touch his hair. We are working on learning sign language & after only a couple of weeks Tucker can already sign, “dog.” His first spoken word was & is “Dada.” His favorite things include: Thatcher (our dog), a stuffed Monkey, his Momma & playing in the floor. Tucker is eight months old & weighs about 24 pounds & is approximately 27 inches long.
Chris is still serving as Youth Minister at First Baptist, Sayre. We had our two year anniversary here & things continue to go well. We had nine students go on overseas mission trips this year & have been blessed to watch students lead out. He is also looking forward to his second golf season for Sayre High School.
In October, I began a new job as the Sayre Chamber of Commerce Director. My job is well suited for me & I continue to get more & more comfortable with my position. Tucker gets to come with me everyday & that has been a tremendous blessing! I still help Chris with the students & they LOVE Tucker. I mean he doesn’t have a chance not to be rotten when he’s constantly surrounded by teenagers who fuss over him.
Thank you to all of you who have loved us & walked through this year with us. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends & family. Thank you for loving our Baby Boy & for accepting him as part of our family. We couldn’t do life without a single one of you in it. We pray your family will have a wonderful Christmas & a happy & safe 2011.
- Love - Chris, McKenzie & Tucker Gordon
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Eight Months
Tucker Gordon,
This month you seem to have become super independent and opinionated. You know what you want and you go after it or let us know if you can't figure out how to get it. You are a busy boy these days! You crawl all over the place, pull up and walk holding our hands, the later is your favorite mode of transportation. You are so strong and still super observant. You like to inspect things and people before you make up your mind about them. You make the funniest expressions while you size things up. You definitely know new people, places and things. It took you a while to warm up to the Christmas tree, but now we can't keep you away from it for long.
You still go through about six bottles a day. And most days you still refuse baby food so we've just started giving you bites of what we are eating. You haven't not eaten anything so far. You do still eat baby food every once and a while but you have to be in the mood for it. We gave you a sippy cup with watered down juice for the first time this month and you love it. I don't know how much you actually drink but you do a good job of getting it in your mouth and holding it by yourself.
You have moved into size five diapers this week! You are so big!!! I think you weigh around 24 pounds. Sometimes you feel heavier. You are so strong and continue to surprise us with how soon you learn new tricks. You have been about two weeks early on everything your whole life. You still wear 6-12 months clothes but some of those are getting snug and short. It won't be long till we have to move you up another size. Everyone thinks you're older then you are because your so big and you have so much hair. You got haircut #3 this month and this time you got your trim in Aunt Cassie's new shower. Pretty funny day, but you did ok considering.
I love this picture because thiS Is a Tucker-face for sure! You always make this face when you are investigating something new. LOVE IT!
One of your favorite things to do is rock/jump depending on the position you're in. On the floor you get up on all fours and rock, if you're in our laps you jump in much the same motion. It's one of my favorite things to watch you do. You always have the cutest expression on your face. You just seem so proud of yourself.
You say "Dada" all the time and everything is "Dada" but we started learning sign language and you can already say "dog." We are working on more, all done, thank you, Momma and bottle. I'm excited for you to pick up on this so we can communicate even better.
You are a jewel most days and everyone that comes into our office fusses over you. You smile sweetly and flirt a little. I love getting to still spend my days with you, even though sometimes the combo of you and work is stressful. Your Daddy is a great help and has been so supportive through this latest transition.
You enjoyed your first Thanksgiving (and I hardly took any pictures) We had lunch with Gammy, Uncle Delton, Aunt Dayva and Uncle Brad. When you got ready for your afternoon nap we headed south to Poppers. You loved on Granny Meyer and the rest of the family that was still around that evening. Friday we spent the day at Granna's with Nana Lue and Papa Bill and the whole rest of the bunch. You still love Emrie a lot! You light up even at her picture.
Another holiday at our house is Bedlam. Momma and Daddy went to the game while you stayed with Granna, unfortunately our Cowboys lost! But you sure looked cute in your orange and black and you watched on TV. We can't wait till you're old enough to enjoy going to games with us. It's one of our favorite things to do as a family.
You also attended your first concert. Shane & Shane were in Elk City and we all three attended. You really seemed to enjoy it (especially the part you slept through) and afterwards you got to meet them and have your picture taken with them. It was a really fun night.
We are getting so excited about Christmas with you. We bought your first toy to unwrap yesterday! You also went on your first Christmas shopping trip with Granna and Momma. You were a TROOPER! We had a long day of shopping and you never complained once. We are so lucky to have such a sweet boy to shop with!
You have just made our lives so complete and full. You are a pleasure to watch grow and learn. Tucker you are truly the most perfect blessing I've ever been given. Merry Christmas Baby boy. I love you!
Momma
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
7 Months Old
My Precious Baby Boy,
I can't even put into words the way you make my heart feel and how much I love you. I fall more in love with you every day and it is my honor to watch you grow and learn. It seems like every day you are learning something else or doing another new trick. You are a true joy to your Daddy and I. I can't wait to watch what comes next and how else you'll bless our lives. How lucky we are to be a part of your life and how blessed we are to get to be your parents.
This month has been busy! I think our lives always are, but I don't feel like we've been home much at all in the last month. You are so flexible and sweet. It's a pleasure to show you off to friends and for our family to watch you grow.
The biggest thing that happened this month is you OFFICIALLY became a Gordon! We finalized your adoption this month. We got to go to court and got your birth certificate with your Mom and Dad listed as your parents and with Gordon as your last name. This was something I didn't realize I was anxious about, but I was definitely relived after it was all over. Now every year on November 3rd we will celebrate your Gotcha Day. What a blessing!
We went to Lawton about a week after our finalization to visit your Birth Mom and Half Sister. You had a great time playing with her and we loved getting to spend time with her at a special dinner to celebrate.
You are so big! I don't know how much you weigh, but it's a lot! You are just growing out of control. You have stopped eating baby food. You flat out refuse! I don't know what's going on. We keep trying, but after maybe three bites you decide that's all you want. I'm not sure what we're going to do with you. You wear size 6-12 months in most things, but some of your pants are too tight. You are also filling out size 4 diapers quite nicely.
You had your second hair cut this month. And you looked so handsome! But you were covered in hair so we gave you a little rinse in Aunt Cassie's sink!
You aren't crawling yet, but you can get where ever you wanna go. You roll, scoot backwards and pull your way to whatever you set your mind to. It's always fun to walk back into a room and you are on the other side of the room.
For your first Halloween you were a lion. Someone gave us your super cute costume and you were a pretty good sport. You looked so cute and we spent your first Halloween with Emrie at the Storybook Forest in Edmond.
We also got to go to my five year reunion at OBU. You were so sweet all day and attended your first basketball game, but you pooped out before we got any pictures. You loved on all of my old friends, and were especially glad to see Uncle Luke again.
You also got to spend a lot of time with Shelby and Hannah! They were excited to see you and to love on you for a whole day.
You are truly the joy of our life! We are looking forward to your first holiday season and can't wait to see you cross the next milestones. Thank you for making me a Momma. I tell you every night before I lay you in your bed I'm so glad I'm your Momma and I mean it! You are just my favorite thing!
I love you with all I am.
Momma
I can't even put into words the way you make my heart feel and how much I love you. I fall more in love with you every day and it is my honor to watch you grow and learn. It seems like every day you are learning something else or doing another new trick. You are a true joy to your Daddy and I. I can't wait to watch what comes next and how else you'll bless our lives. How lucky we are to be a part of your life and how blessed we are to get to be your parents.
This month has been busy! I think our lives always are, but I don't feel like we've been home much at all in the last month. You are so flexible and sweet. It's a pleasure to show you off to friends and for our family to watch you grow.
The biggest thing that happened this month is you OFFICIALLY became a Gordon! We finalized your adoption this month. We got to go to court and got your birth certificate with your Mom and Dad listed as your parents and with Gordon as your last name. This was something I didn't realize I was anxious about, but I was definitely relived after it was all over. Now every year on November 3rd we will celebrate your Gotcha Day. What a blessing!
We went to Lawton about a week after our finalization to visit your Birth Mom and Half Sister. You had a great time playing with her and we loved getting to spend time with her at a special dinner to celebrate.
You are so big! I don't know how much you weigh, but it's a lot! You are just growing out of control. You have stopped eating baby food. You flat out refuse! I don't know what's going on. We keep trying, but after maybe three bites you decide that's all you want. I'm not sure what we're going to do with you. You wear size 6-12 months in most things, but some of your pants are too tight. You are also filling out size 4 diapers quite nicely.
You had your second hair cut this month. And you looked so handsome! But you were covered in hair so we gave you a little rinse in Aunt Cassie's sink!
You aren't crawling yet, but you can get where ever you wanna go. You roll, scoot backwards and pull your way to whatever you set your mind to. It's always fun to walk back into a room and you are on the other side of the room.
For your first Halloween you were a lion. Someone gave us your super cute costume and you were a pretty good sport. You looked so cute and we spent your first Halloween with Emrie at the Storybook Forest in Edmond.
We also got to go to my five year reunion at OBU. You were so sweet all day and attended your first basketball game, but you pooped out before we got any pictures. You loved on all of my old friends, and were especially glad to see Uncle Luke again.
You also got to spend a lot of time with Shelby and Hannah! They were excited to see you and to love on you for a whole day.
You are truly the joy of our life! We are looking forward to your first holiday season and can't wait to see you cross the next milestones. Thank you for making me a Momma. I tell you every night before I lay you in your bed I'm so glad I'm your Momma and I mean it! You are just my favorite thing!
I love you with all I am.
Momma
Thursday, November 11, 2010
When was the Last Time You Left Home to Come Home
Saturday will be my first time ever attend a homecoming event and it feel like I am coming home. I've been to TONS of Homecoming celebrations: in high school watching friends get crowns and kisses and now I watch our students experience the same thing every year; in college I always attend Harvest Court and other Homecoming events; and I've been to "The Greatest College Homecoming in America" several times as well (at OSU.) But None of these places were MY home. They were either my home at the time or not ever. This weekend is my five year reunion at OBU and that was my home for four of the very happiest years of my life.
I'm excited to go home again. To see old friends and their families. To see how they have grown and changed since college and to show off my precious husband and baby. It's always fun to go back to OBU for Super Summer and reminisce with my husband and share college stories but this will be different because my friends have never been there as I've told the stories.
Tucker and I have been practicing Ka-Rip today and my sappy heart has been getting excited to go back.
Our Welcome Week theme is the title of this post and I remember move in day and not really understanding what it meant. But as I walked off campus four years later I cried because of how true that statement really was in my life.
I'm ready to leave home and come home...again!
I'm excited to go home again. To see old friends and their families. To see how they have grown and changed since college and to show off my precious husband and baby. It's always fun to go back to OBU for Super Summer and reminisce with my husband and share college stories but this will be different because my friends have never been there as I've told the stories.
Tucker and I have been practicing Ka-Rip today and my sappy heart has been getting excited to go back.
Our Welcome Week theme is the title of this post and I remember move in day and not really understanding what it meant. But as I walked off campus four years later I cried because of how true that statement really was in my life.
I'm ready to leave home and come home...again!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
It's here!
The long awaited six months is over and we have been waiting patiently to hear from our lawyer about finalization. It's probably no big deal, nothing is going to go wrong, but it's the last step in Tucker's adoption process. His birth mom signed away her rights April 27th and his birth dad didn't show up to court in May so really there hasn't been any chance of bumps in the road since then, but this still feels a little unnerving. Maybe it feels this way just because court always sounds scary.
We found out Friday that we have a court date! This Wednesday, November 3rd will be Tucker's official Gotcha Day and he will forever and technically be a Gordon. This is so emotional for me to even think about. I mean he's been ours since his very first breath, well really before that, but to know that it's official and NO MATTER WHAT no one can ever fight that is just an awesome feeling that I didn't realize I was missing until this weekend. I remember thinking about this day when he was first born and it just felt so far away, like one of those days you know will happen but you just can't imagine it being here kinda things.
So say a little prayer for our family, our judge, and our lawyer that all will go smoothly and that it will be a beautiful day of celebration and yet another milestone in our sons life.
We will celebrate his Gotcha Day every year and remember the special blessing he is in our lives and to our family. (To all you adoptive mommas: Ideas and fun tradition suggestions are welcomed!)
I can't put this journey we've been on for the past year into words. It's appropriate that it would be this week because one year ago this week we started talking about adoption for the very first time. I can't imagine going down another road and I can't imagine a more perfect child for us.
We found out Friday that we have a court date! This Wednesday, November 3rd will be Tucker's official Gotcha Day and he will forever and technically be a Gordon. This is so emotional for me to even think about. I mean he's been ours since his very first breath, well really before that, but to know that it's official and NO MATTER WHAT no one can ever fight that is just an awesome feeling that I didn't realize I was missing until this weekend. I remember thinking about this day when he was first born and it just felt so far away, like one of those days you know will happen but you just can't imagine it being here kinda things.
So say a little prayer for our family, our judge, and our lawyer that all will go smoothly and that it will be a beautiful day of celebration and yet another milestone in our sons life.
We will celebrate his Gotcha Day every year and remember the special blessing he is in our lives and to our family. (To all you adoptive mommas: Ideas and fun tradition suggestions are welcomed!)
I can't put this journey we've been on for the past year into words. It's appropriate that it would be this week because one year ago this week we started talking about adoption for the very first time. I can't imagine going down another road and I can't imagine a more perfect child for us.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Transitions & Training
I started my new job a week ago Monday. Things are going well and I think I'm going to like it, but it has demanded a lot of changes and adjustments in the Gordon house.
We have ALL started getting up at 7:30 and Chris has done a FABULOUS job of taking care of Tucker in the mornings and getting him ready so I can get ready. He has made me going back to work a breeze and I couldn't ask any more of my sweet hubby. I wasn't sure how we would all make this transition but so far, so good. It's the sweetest thing to watch the man you love fall deeper in love with the baby you adore. They make quite the pair and both get so excited to see each other. I really married the very best guy for me! I'm daily reminded of reasons I love him and count my blessings that he is mine.
Due to me having a schedule, this week we have started trying to get Tucker to sleep thru the night. He's done this on and off since he was very small, but it has recently become more of a necessity. Sunday night he slept all night by himself. Monday night we were all up for almost three hours trying to let him cry it out. He won Monday night! I finally caved and gave him a bottle as we rocked back to sleep. Tuesday night was a little better. I felt more prepared for what we were getting into and he only fussed for an hour and a half. But I think he's getting the hang of it. Last night he woke up three times about 30 minutes apart and fussed for a few minutes, but soothed himself back to sleep. I didn't get up and Chris didn't wake up! Hopefully this is the light at the end of the sleepy tunnel. But we're heading to my Mom's tonight for the weekend, so we'll see. She's not one to let him cry... It's been a rough week with little sleep for all three of us. On top of this Tucker has been super fussy and this morning woke up with a snotty nose. I think he might be cutting a tooth. It's either that or he's just worn out from the amount of tears he's had to shed this week.
It's funny how hard routines can be to establish. I function best in that environment, but struggle to get those things going sometimes. The hard work is paying off and in the long run we will all be better off.
We have ALL started getting up at 7:30 and Chris has done a FABULOUS job of taking care of Tucker in the mornings and getting him ready so I can get ready. He has made me going back to work a breeze and I couldn't ask any more of my sweet hubby. I wasn't sure how we would all make this transition but so far, so good. It's the sweetest thing to watch the man you love fall deeper in love with the baby you adore. They make quite the pair and both get so excited to see each other. I really married the very best guy for me! I'm daily reminded of reasons I love him and count my blessings that he is mine.
Due to me having a schedule, this week we have started trying to get Tucker to sleep thru the night. He's done this on and off since he was very small, but it has recently become more of a necessity. Sunday night he slept all night by himself. Monday night we were all up for almost three hours trying to let him cry it out. He won Monday night! I finally caved and gave him a bottle as we rocked back to sleep. Tuesday night was a little better. I felt more prepared for what we were getting into and he only fussed for an hour and a half. But I think he's getting the hang of it. Last night he woke up three times about 30 minutes apart and fussed for a few minutes, but soothed himself back to sleep. I didn't get up and Chris didn't wake up! Hopefully this is the light at the end of the sleepy tunnel. But we're heading to my Mom's tonight for the weekend, so we'll see. She's not one to let him cry... It's been a rough week with little sleep for all three of us. On top of this Tucker has been super fussy and this morning woke up with a snotty nose. I think he might be cutting a tooth. It's either that or he's just worn out from the amount of tears he's had to shed this week.
It's funny how hard routines can be to establish. I function best in that environment, but struggle to get those things going sometimes. The hard work is paying off and in the long run we will all be better off.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Half Birthday Letter
Tuck -
You are six months old today and everyday your personality is developing. You are such a fun loving baby and you are eager to make new friends. You smile easily, laugh a lot and giggle so sweetly. Your MAJOR development of the month is just yesterday you said your first word. "Dada" won! But either way you reduced both your parents to tears with your first sweet word!
We took you to get weighed and measured October 5th and you weighed 20 lbs. and 9 oz. and you were 26 inches long. We went early this month so that the adoption agency could get everything sent to the lawyer so we can finalize your adoption soon! We go back this Wednesday to get your 6 month shots and an official report.
You have moved into size 6-12 month clothes and you are still wearing size three diapers during the day but we have started putting you in size fours to sleep in.
Lately, you love to be in the floor. I think you will be crawling soon, definitely by Thanksgiving. You love to look at yourself in the mirror after your bath. You just think that baby is so funny!
You also had your first bubble bath this month. I got a little carried away with the vapor bath, but you had fun.
We have also started baby food this month. I made all of it with Granna's blender and saved a bundle. So far sweet potatoes seem to be your favorite.
You officially become a Gordon in the next month! We are so excited to go to court and for it to be FOREVER. I remember thinking of this time in the life of our family when we first brought you home and it felt like so far away, but it has snuck up on us quickly. We don't have an official court date but we know the petition will be filed this Monday and has to be on file for 20-25 days (because of your Native American blood) before we can finalize.
You continue to bless our lives in more ways then we ever thought possible. You are so loved by so many! You get passed around where ever we go and you just love on everyone right back. You are a local celebrity in Sayre and everyone fusses over you. I fall more in love with you every single day! You are such a blessing and I know you have a special purpose to fulfill. Thank you for making your Dada and I a family. We love you more then words can say!
Momma
You are six months old today and everyday your personality is developing. You are such a fun loving baby and you are eager to make new friends. You smile easily, laugh a lot and giggle so sweetly. Your MAJOR development of the month is just yesterday you said your first word. "Dada" won! But either way you reduced both your parents to tears with your first sweet word!
We took you to get weighed and measured October 5th and you weighed 20 lbs. and 9 oz. and you were 26 inches long. We went early this month so that the adoption agency could get everything sent to the lawyer so we can finalize your adoption soon! We go back this Wednesday to get your 6 month shots and an official report.
You have moved into size 6-12 month clothes and you are still wearing size three diapers during the day but we have started putting you in size fours to sleep in.
Lately, you love to be in the floor. I think you will be crawling soon, definitely by Thanksgiving. You love to look at yourself in the mirror after your bath. You just think that baby is so funny!
You also had your first bubble bath this month. I got a little carried away with the vapor bath, but you had fun.
We have also started baby food this month. I made all of it with Granna's blender and saved a bundle. So far sweet potatoes seem to be your favorite.
You officially become a Gordon in the next month! We are so excited to go to court and for it to be FOREVER. I remember thinking of this time in the life of our family when we first brought you home and it felt like so far away, but it has snuck up on us quickly. We don't have an official court date but we know the petition will be filed this Monday and has to be on file for 20-25 days (because of your Native American blood) before we can finalize.
You continue to bless our lives in more ways then we ever thought possible. You are so loved by so many! You get passed around where ever we go and you just love on everyone right back. You are a local celebrity in Sayre and everyone fusses over you. I fall more in love with you every single day! You are such a blessing and I know you have a special purpose to fulfill. Thank you for making your Dada and I a family. We love you more then words can say!
Momma
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Change is Coming
For a while I've felt like I needed to get a job. Not because Chris has said as much, but because with the speed of our adoption and the immediate need for a bigger car we depleted our savings account and are in the red that I despise so much! So I had began praying that an opportunity would present itself for me to be able to still be a Momma all the time, but would also allow for a little extra income.
About ten days ago a friend from church approached me about the Sayre Chamber of Commerce Director Position. I immediately said no thanks because it was more full-time then I wanted and I didn't think I could have Tucker at work. But she encouraged me to apply, Chris and I talked it over and I decided to throw my hat in the ring - really without knowing for sure if I wanted the job or not.
Well I interviewed last Thursday and I just knew as soon as I left that they were going to offer me the job. And sure enough, Friday afternoon I got a call and I took the job. It's one of those situations where I didn't feel like there was good or bad decision, but it did seem like God's provision.
The job fits my skill set and personality well, I can have Tucker at the office with me all the time, they will be flexible with church stuff, and it's only 9-3 everyday. I will have a lot of creative control and the job is mainly event planning, which is my very favorite thing to do. There's very little downside.
It's good. But it's scary. It's a job I will be invested in. My heart will be involved in a way that it hasn't in my past several positions. But I think that will be a positive. We're going to try it. I also think it will be good for all three of us to be on a more consistent schedule. It's also hard for me to think about losing my free time and easy schedule. I kinda like not having to get ready everyday and I LOVE my sweats.
But all of that is about to change - I start a week from today!
About ten days ago a friend from church approached me about the Sayre Chamber of Commerce Director Position. I immediately said no thanks because it was more full-time then I wanted and I didn't think I could have Tucker at work. But she encouraged me to apply, Chris and I talked it over and I decided to throw my hat in the ring - really without knowing for sure if I wanted the job or not.
Well I interviewed last Thursday and I just knew as soon as I left that they were going to offer me the job. And sure enough, Friday afternoon I got a call and I took the job. It's one of those situations where I didn't feel like there was good or bad decision, but it did seem like God's provision.
The job fits my skill set and personality well, I can have Tucker at the office with me all the time, they will be flexible with church stuff, and it's only 9-3 everyday. I will have a lot of creative control and the job is mainly event planning, which is my very favorite thing to do. There's very little downside.
It's good. But it's scary. It's a job I will be invested in. My heart will be involved in a way that it hasn't in my past several positions. But I think that will be a positive. We're going to try it. I also think it will be good for all three of us to be on a more consistent schedule. It's also hard for me to think about losing my free time and easy schedule. I kinda like not having to get ready everyday and I LOVE my sweats.
But all of that is about to change - I start a week from today!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Loyal & True
We got to take you, Emrie and Aunt Cassie to your first OSU Game Day. This was a big deal because it's one of your Daddy and I's very favorite things to do. We look forward to football season every year and this year we knew was gonna be a little different. We have season tickets but aren't going to many games for several reasons, but one of those is that you have to have a ticket. At five months.
We were leaving for vacation after the game and Emrie and Aunt Cassie decided to come up too. Granna came and kept you at Aunt Chelsie's house while everyone else went to the game. Here are a few shots from this fun day!
First Haircut
We knew from the first day of your sweet little life we wouldn't make it to one year before you would have to have a haircut. Aunt Cassie wanted to do it when you were two weeks old. Momma came around a little sooner then Daddy did but he finally agreed it was time. On September 18th you got your first haircut!
BEFORE...
DURING...
AFTER... Good job Aunt Cassie!
Your precious little locks
Happy Family after your first haircut
BEFORE...
DURING...
AFTER... Good job Aunt Cassie!
Your precious little locks
Happy Family after your first haircut
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Five Months
My Lovie,
I cannot believe you are five whole months old! I don't even remember my life before you. You have rocked my world and I'm so thankful it will never be the same again. You are such a blessing in every sense of the word. Every month on the 16th I've reminesed to that day in April. From the first moments with you and through all the milestones you've already accomplished. You amaze me everyday with some new trick.
You weigh 19 lbs. and 5 oz. Are you kidding me? You are gigantic! Everyone thinks you are older then you are because you are so big. In less then three pounds we will have to get a larger carseat because you have outgrown your infant seat already. You are 24 and 3/4 inches long. That my friend is the 75% in length and don't worry you're in the 90% in the weight category. You do get really heavy quickly for other people but I guess I'm just used to it because we manage ok for quite a while. You are wearing size 3 diapers and your about to grow out of your 3-6 months clothes. You have timed that just right for the seasons to change too. You're just good like that, I guess!
You went to the nursery at church for the first time a few weeks ago and while you were there you got your first major sickness. Some sweetness shared her bronchiolitis with you. You had a horrible cough and didn't rest well. It was so scary and pitiful to hear you coughing and not knowing what to do. It was a rough first week but it slowly went away in about two weeks. Needless to say you did not go back to the nursery the following week. After sitting out for one week, we did brave going back and you did great.
You eat 6 oz. of formula every three hours or so during the day. You eat the whole thing and then sit up and burp almost immediately. You still get it all over your chin. You have started craning your head around while you're eating to see what's going on around you, which has been a bit of a challenge to keep you clean. You never spit up until the last two weeks. Now you spit up a little at least once a day. I don't know where that came from, but we have learned to hang on to the burpie for a while after you eat. You still wake up once during the night, usually around 4 am, you eat and go right back to sleep.
We started rice cereal this month and after a few days of getting used to the spoon and texture and the addition of some banana you LOVE it! You dive at the spoon if I don't get it to you fast enough. You make a HUGE mess and we have to go straight to the bathtub after you eat. So cute though!
You are very tricky these days! You can sit up pretty well.
You grab your toes and the roll from your booty to your belly while you are sitting up.
While you are on your stomach you raise that sweet head up and look all around, pushing up on your strong arms.
You roll over both ways, but not very often. It's like you know you can but you chose not to. You have discovered the high register of your voice and you lay and scream as loud as you can and then laugh, take a deep breath and go again. It's so funny to watch you crack yourself up.
You suck on your fingers ALL the time, especially your thumb, and have recently added your toes to you snack list.
You LOVE water! Whether it's a bath or pool you just kick your fat little legs and giggle.
Your hair was super long, like to the middle of your back when it's wet. You got your first haircut at five months and two days old. Your Daddy took sometime to decide it was time for your beautiful locks to be cut.
But Aunt Cassie did a great job and you look SO handsome!
You are ticklish under your arms and hate when people mess with your feet. You are still so sweet and laid back. You have such a sweet contence and laugh easily. People still stop us to talk to or about you everywhere we go!
You love to be outside and now that the weather is cooling off we are spending a lot more time outside. You do great in your stroller and you are ok in the car seat if someone is in the backseat with you.
You give sweet lovies and grab our faces, especially Daddy's beard, a lot.
You like to read and I think you are starting to remember a couple of our favorite books.
You are just so observant. You really study new places and people. This is strange to me because you always wake up in new places and we are around so many different groups of people. You like new people but you give a good look over before making up your mind to show them your sweet smile.
You know Momma and Daddy for sure. You have started reaching for us when you want one or the other. You also recognize your Aunt Cassie, Aunt Chelsie, Uncle Delton, and Granna. I think you already know that they are apart of your Momma and Daddy so you love them extra. You also have your favorite among the kids at church. You are still a big hit and enjoy getting passed around and loved on by so many people.
You have noticed Thatcher and you LOVE him! Next to Emrie he is your very favorite toy. You reach and lunge for him whenever you see him. He likes you to, but he always wants to lick your hands and feet. I think in a few more months you will both be good friends.
Like I said, Emrie is still your very favorite! You both light up when you see each other and makes both Aunt Cassie and I so happy. It's so fun to watch you start to interact with her and reach for her. She does seem to get some of your best lovies.
When you wake up from a nap you cuddle down into my neck and it's just precious. You ease your eyes open and smile and nuzzle down into me again. One of my favorite times of my day.
We also took our first official vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas with Gammie Diana, Uncle Delton and Bob. You were so good! I wasn't sure how you'd do but as usual you were perfect!
We also went to Stillwater for your first OSU Gameday. You stayed with Granna at Aunt Chelsie's house while Momma, Daddy, Aunt Cassie, Emrie and Uncle Delton went to the game. We can't wait to take you to your first game! You Daddy is so excited to share that passion with you.
You have been a super busy little fella. We seem to stay that way. You are the perfect addition to our family and we couldn't have assembled a more perfect fit into our family. You are just precious to my heart in a way I only imagined and dreamed of before. You are the best thing that's ever been mine!
I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!
Momma
I cannot believe you are five whole months old! I don't even remember my life before you. You have rocked my world and I'm so thankful it will never be the same again. You are such a blessing in every sense of the word. Every month on the 16th I've reminesed to that day in April. From the first moments with you and through all the milestones you've already accomplished. You amaze me everyday with some new trick.
You weigh 19 lbs. and 5 oz. Are you kidding me? You are gigantic! Everyone thinks you are older then you are because you are so big. In less then three pounds we will have to get a larger carseat because you have outgrown your infant seat already. You are 24 and 3/4 inches long. That my friend is the 75% in length and don't worry you're in the 90% in the weight category. You do get really heavy quickly for other people but I guess I'm just used to it because we manage ok for quite a while. You are wearing size 3 diapers and your about to grow out of your 3-6 months clothes. You have timed that just right for the seasons to change too. You're just good like that, I guess!
You went to the nursery at church for the first time a few weeks ago and while you were there you got your first major sickness. Some sweetness shared her bronchiolitis with you. You had a horrible cough and didn't rest well. It was so scary and pitiful to hear you coughing and not knowing what to do. It was a rough first week but it slowly went away in about two weeks. Needless to say you did not go back to the nursery the following week. After sitting out for one week, we did brave going back and you did great.
You eat 6 oz. of formula every three hours or so during the day. You eat the whole thing and then sit up and burp almost immediately. You still get it all over your chin. You have started craning your head around while you're eating to see what's going on around you, which has been a bit of a challenge to keep you clean. You never spit up until the last two weeks. Now you spit up a little at least once a day. I don't know where that came from, but we have learned to hang on to the burpie for a while after you eat. You still wake up once during the night, usually around 4 am, you eat and go right back to sleep.
We started rice cereal this month and after a few days of getting used to the spoon and texture and the addition of some banana you LOVE it! You dive at the spoon if I don't get it to you fast enough. You make a HUGE mess and we have to go straight to the bathtub after you eat. So cute though!
You are very tricky these days! You can sit up pretty well.
You grab your toes and the roll from your booty to your belly while you are sitting up.
While you are on your stomach you raise that sweet head up and look all around, pushing up on your strong arms.
You roll over both ways, but not very often. It's like you know you can but you chose not to. You have discovered the high register of your voice and you lay and scream as loud as you can and then laugh, take a deep breath and go again. It's so funny to watch you crack yourself up.
You suck on your fingers ALL the time, especially your thumb, and have recently added your toes to you snack list.
You LOVE water! Whether it's a bath or pool you just kick your fat little legs and giggle.
Your hair was super long, like to the middle of your back when it's wet. You got your first haircut at five months and two days old. Your Daddy took sometime to decide it was time for your beautiful locks to be cut.
But Aunt Cassie did a great job and you look SO handsome!
You are ticklish under your arms and hate when people mess with your feet. You are still so sweet and laid back. You have such a sweet contence and laugh easily. People still stop us to talk to or about you everywhere we go!
You love to be outside and now that the weather is cooling off we are spending a lot more time outside. You do great in your stroller and you are ok in the car seat if someone is in the backseat with you.
You give sweet lovies and grab our faces, especially Daddy's beard, a lot.
You like to read and I think you are starting to remember a couple of our favorite books.
You are just so observant. You really study new places and people. This is strange to me because you always wake up in new places and we are around so many different groups of people. You like new people but you give a good look over before making up your mind to show them your sweet smile.
You know Momma and Daddy for sure. You have started reaching for us when you want one or the other. You also recognize your Aunt Cassie, Aunt Chelsie, Uncle Delton, and Granna. I think you already know that they are apart of your Momma and Daddy so you love them extra. You also have your favorite among the kids at church. You are still a big hit and enjoy getting passed around and loved on by so many people.
You have noticed Thatcher and you LOVE him! Next to Emrie he is your very favorite toy. You reach and lunge for him whenever you see him. He likes you to, but he always wants to lick your hands and feet. I think in a few more months you will both be good friends.
Like I said, Emrie is still your very favorite! You both light up when you see each other and makes both Aunt Cassie and I so happy. It's so fun to watch you start to interact with her and reach for her. She does seem to get some of your best lovies.
When you wake up from a nap you cuddle down into my neck and it's just precious. You ease your eyes open and smile and nuzzle down into me again. One of my favorite times of my day.
We also took our first official vacation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas with Gammie Diana, Uncle Delton and Bob. You were so good! I wasn't sure how you'd do but as usual you were perfect!
We also went to Stillwater for your first OSU Gameday. You stayed with Granna at Aunt Chelsie's house while Momma, Daddy, Aunt Cassie, Emrie and Uncle Delton went to the game. We can't wait to take you to your first game! You Daddy is so excited to share that passion with you.
You have been a super busy little fella. We seem to stay that way. You are the perfect addition to our family and we couldn't have assembled a more perfect fit into our family. You are just precious to my heart in a way I only imagined and dreamed of before. You are the best thing that's ever been mine!
I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!
Momma
For a reason
We have been on vacation in Eureka Springs with Chris's family this week, and while it hasn't been the smoothest week of my life, it has brought with it some fun memories from a summer I spent in Arkansas when I was in college. The summer between my sophomore and junior years at OBU I interned at Parkway Place Baptist Church in Little Rock. It was great experience overall, but it was hard. Mostly because I had never been that far from home for that long, but it was definitely a stepping stone as I began to spread my wings.
That summer we took an overnight trip to Eureka and it's been fun walking around and remembering.
While I was in Little Rock God provided a surrogate family, especially a Momma, for me. The Greer's. The pastor of the church had two students in the youth group and his wife was very active. I immediately feel in love with their family, especially both of the Greer Girls!
I spent lots of time with Megan, who I think was about to be an 8th grader and is now a junior in college. (Are you kidding me?) We went to the movies, out to eat and shopping a lot throughout the summer. And I spent plenty of time at their house, as well. She was so much fun and it was such a blessing to be able to love on her for three months.
Nancy, my Arkansas Mom, just loved on me every chance she got. I think somedays her support was the only reason I stayed around all summer. She showed me such a beautiful picture of hospitality, love and discipleship. We talked a lot about what it was like to be married to someone in the ministry (in 2003, three years before I'd marry right into a similar position) I remember her telling me the importance of being supportive and making our house an inviting place for my husband to come home to. She shared with me hard stories of struggle inside of church work and how tough it is when people aren't nice to the man you love. Sweet Nancy taught me so much that summer! She was so fun and such a hoot! She taught me to sew, took me on fun errands just to get me out of the church and we even shared a canoe on a river trip and laughed so hard we both wet our pants a little! Haha.
I hope someday I can be that kind of encouragement to a younger sister who so badly wants to follow the path that God has for her. It was such a pivotal time in my life and Nancy was such a blessing to me at the perfect time.
I made lots of good memories that summer in Arkansas but I think I learned even more.
That summer we took an overnight trip to Eureka and it's been fun walking around and remembering.
While I was in Little Rock God provided a surrogate family, especially a Momma, for me. The Greer's. The pastor of the church had two students in the youth group and his wife was very active. I immediately feel in love with their family, especially both of the Greer Girls!
I spent lots of time with Megan, who I think was about to be an 8th grader and is now a junior in college. (Are you kidding me?) We went to the movies, out to eat and shopping a lot throughout the summer. And I spent plenty of time at their house, as well. She was so much fun and it was such a blessing to be able to love on her for three months.
Nancy, my Arkansas Mom, just loved on me every chance she got. I think somedays her support was the only reason I stayed around all summer. She showed me such a beautiful picture of hospitality, love and discipleship. We talked a lot about what it was like to be married to someone in the ministry (in 2003, three years before I'd marry right into a similar position) I remember her telling me the importance of being supportive and making our house an inviting place for my husband to come home to. She shared with me hard stories of struggle inside of church work and how tough it is when people aren't nice to the man you love. Sweet Nancy taught me so much that summer! She was so fun and such a hoot! She taught me to sew, took me on fun errands just to get me out of the church and we even shared a canoe on a river trip and laughed so hard we both wet our pants a little! Haha.
I hope someday I can be that kind of encouragement to a younger sister who so badly wants to follow the path that God has for her. It was such a pivotal time in my life and Nancy was such a blessing to me at the perfect time.
I made lots of good memories that summer in Arkansas but I think I learned even more.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Four Whole Years
Four years ago this weekend I married my best friend. It was an excellent decision and I haven't regretted it one single time!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Emrie Lue
Today my sweet niece Emrie turned three! I cannot believe that she has been here for three whole years. She is a hoot to say the least. Her over-abundance of personality makes for lots of laughs and very few dull moments. She comes up with the craziest things! Emrie captured my heart the second I knew she was a girl during my sister's pregnancy. I was just so excited to meet her and love her. She will always hold a special piece of my heart. I have had the privilege of spending a lot of time with this sweet girl since day one and I still can't get enough of her. When I've gone a couple of weeks without a little Emrie-love I do all I can to arrange a little hang out time.
I got to take Emrie to her first movie this summer and she LOVED it! We saw Toy Story 3 and she just sat and watched so sweetly. We love to sing songs and count. She is so smart and it amazes me all she picks up on these days. That girl LOVES to shop, wear jewelry, dress up and get her nails done. She is a true girlie girl and full of drama.
It has been a true joy of my life to watch my sister love her baby girl. She makes no apologies when it comes to Emrie, but she is also paying for her raising a little bit. It's hilarious to watch! Emrie has so much of Cassie in her it is not even funny! The things she says, how she says them and her reactions to things are a mirror image of her sassy Momma.
And maybe my favorite thing lately is to watch how Emrie LOVES Tucker, most of the time. She is adjusting to not being the center of the universe all the time, but she is so sweet with him. She just kisses, hugs, pats, talks and entertains him constantly. And Tucker returns the love! He does all he can to get to her and return some of the love. They are so sweet together and are going to be good friends. She gets SUPER excited to see him and is a great little helper.
Oh my Emrie Lue what would our world look like without you? I don't even want to imagine it. You are precious, perfect, sassy and a true Meyer girl. We are all just crazy about you and it is our privilege to watch you grow and learn and change. You are so special! YOUR AUNT MAC, UNCLE CHRIS & TUCKER LOVE YOU TTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSS much!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Purcell, America
Purcell has always been home to me. Even though I haven't lived there in ten years when I say home I'm usually referring to my hometown. Probably because my entire family is there, my heart is there. Both parents. Grandparents. Sisters. Niece. Everyone, but my family of three lives within a few miles of each other.
Our long term plan has always been to end up in Purcell. Someday. Down the road. But since Tucker has joined our family I find myself longing for us to be there sooner rather then later. All of that would be fine and a non-issue really if my husband was in any other field besides ministry. We don't just move to where we want to live, we have to be called. And right now we are most definitely called to Sayre.
We have an amazing church. One like I've never been involved with before. A pastor who not only loves us but defends, encourages, and values both Chris' ministry and mine, as well as, has the same ministry viewpoint as we do. We have a group of students that is special and passionate and really when we talk about the future we say, "we can't leave until after _______ graduates." That says something. Planning our life and ministry around students who are such a part of our lives we can't bear the thought of leaving. We have NEVER had anything remotely close to the church family we have been blessed with in Sayre. Our church LOVES my husband. They support him. They value his role. They are proud of him in a way that only people who have watched a person grow from a child into adulthood can be proud of someone.
They have welcomed Tucker into our church family with open arms! He has more grandma's than anyone can count. He is dotted on constantly. We weren't sure how everyone would feel about our adoption and the fact that our baby isn't white like the other 98% of our congregation. But they love him almost as much as we do. They have played a huge role in Tucker's life before we even knew we would have Tucker. They were so faithful to pray for us and over throughout our journey of infertility and adoption.
I have a place in our church. A vital role and ministry. They love that Chris and I do ministry together and that is not the case with every church.
But even with all those great things I still I wish my sisters were just around the corner and my mom and Nana were down the street. Weeks go by where everyday I wake up and go to sleep wishing we were closer. The two and a half hour drive (especially with a four month old who isn't too fond of his car seat) just isn't feasible as a day trip to hang out or shop or go swimming. Sometimes all the church family in the world still can't compare to having your actual family close by.
I don't know how long we will be here. I don't know if we will ever actually live in Purcell. But I really hope we do. It's funny that I get more homesick as an adult then I ever did as a kid. Someday. Maybe.
Our long term plan has always been to end up in Purcell. Someday. Down the road. But since Tucker has joined our family I find myself longing for us to be there sooner rather then later. All of that would be fine and a non-issue really if my husband was in any other field besides ministry. We don't just move to where we want to live, we have to be called. And right now we are most definitely called to Sayre.
We have an amazing church. One like I've never been involved with before. A pastor who not only loves us but defends, encourages, and values both Chris' ministry and mine, as well as, has the same ministry viewpoint as we do. We have a group of students that is special and passionate and really when we talk about the future we say, "we can't leave until after _______ graduates." That says something. Planning our life and ministry around students who are such a part of our lives we can't bear the thought of leaving. We have NEVER had anything remotely close to the church family we have been blessed with in Sayre. Our church LOVES my husband. They support him. They value his role. They are proud of him in a way that only people who have watched a person grow from a child into adulthood can be proud of someone.
They have welcomed Tucker into our church family with open arms! He has more grandma's than anyone can count. He is dotted on constantly. We weren't sure how everyone would feel about our adoption and the fact that our baby isn't white like the other 98% of our congregation. But they love him almost as much as we do. They have played a huge role in Tucker's life before we even knew we would have Tucker. They were so faithful to pray for us and over throughout our journey of infertility and adoption.
I have a place in our church. A vital role and ministry. They love that Chris and I do ministry together and that is not the case with every church.
But even with all those great things I still I wish my sisters were just around the corner and my mom and Nana were down the street. Weeks go by where everyday I wake up and go to sleep wishing we were closer. The two and a half hour drive (especially with a four month old who isn't too fond of his car seat) just isn't feasible as a day trip to hang out or shop or go swimming. Sometimes all the church family in the world still can't compare to having your actual family close by.
I don't know how long we will be here. I don't know if we will ever actually live in Purcell. But I really hope we do. It's funny that I get more homesick as an adult then I ever did as a kid. Someday. Maybe.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Three Months
Tucker,
Three whole months have passed since that beautiful night we met you. Three months seems like such a short time, but I'm having trouble remembering what any part of my life was like before you made your grand entrance into our family. I can't put into words how full you make my heart. You are developing quite the personality and doing lots of tricks. You are very strong and a pretty big guy. We can't go anywhere without strangers complimenting you, usually on your hair, and some even try to touch (which makes me very anxious!) but they all mean well and ask lots of questions. You are a miracle to us and your story has touched many lives.
You are a regular celebrity at church. Our students adore you, grandmothers flock around you and most of the men are pretty enamored with you too. The last three months have been pretty busy. (I know I'm behind on these letters) I had a kidney stone stuck from the Sunday before you were born until you were six weeks old. So during that time we didn't spend much time alone because I was afraid of having an attack and not being able to care for you. We spent a lot of time at Granna's with the whole family. The week after I got my stone removed your Daddy started his camp schedule for the summer. He was gone to kids camp first and we spent our first night just the two of us. Your Daddy was worried but everything went fine. The next day, when I was trying to pack for both of us by myself didn't go quite as smooth. That was a stressful day!
Then came Super Summer and we spent the week at Granna's. We made two trips to Shawnee to visit. I must confess, this was a tough week for me. I love Super Summer and look forward to it every year so I was a little sad not to be there this year, but I had the best reason for missing it! We did love getting to show you off to some of our youth minister friends and even found a distant blood relative of yours. He's Kiowa too and his family is related to your birth mom's family. What a blessing to know you have a faith heritage.
Last week we all three, plus Granna, headed to Falls Creek for your first camp experience. You did great! It rained a lot which kept us inside and the weather cooler. You loved the worship services and fell asleep every night. (You did that at Super Summer too) You did pretty good during the preaching and made it almost all the way thru the services every night. You were tossed around a lot but you don't seem to mind. You love to flirt with the girls and you smile so sweetly for everyone. I think you liked Falls Creek just fine! It's a blessing to get to take you to do ministry and it's one of our goals to show our students that our family is always first. It is also important to us that we do ministry as a family, even from this point in your life. We want you to grow up loving the Lord and seeing Him work in the lives of those around you. It was different, but a good week for all of us.
Some of the things you're doing...
Pushing your butt in the air when you're on your stomach and scooting along the bed using your strong legs
Talking and smiling up a storm. This has been one of our favorite parts! You get so excited to tell us all of your stories.
You're very close to laughing out loud and sitting up. You can't quite balance your head and torso together but you're getting closer every day. And the laughing has got to be around the corner!
You found your hands last week and will not keep them out of your mouth! You LOVE them!
You love to lay on your back and kick and wiggle. You are a busy man with those arms and legs.
You definitely recognize people easily by voices and by how they hold you. You have always been a bit of a Momma's boy and you still are. Which I relish knowing how much you love me.
You have started slobbering a lot! I'm not sure why but unless you're laying down you are soaked with spit!
You follow us and other objects with your eyes and head.
You still don't act like you know Thatcher is alive but that's ok. You don't even react to his barking.
You hate sleeping on your back.
You HATE riding alone in the backseat. You aren't a fan of your car seat. I don't know if it's because it's hot or uncomfortable or what but you feel strongly about it.
You just moved into 3-6 months clothes, which is right on time. And we used your last size one diaper yesterday. You have very chunky thighs and those things just weren't cutting it.
You and I sing a lot and you get more chatty when I'm singing our fun songs and you instantly relax when we sing sleepy songs. I love that!
And my favorite new trick of yours is giving kisses. When I kiss your cheek or lean down for a kiss from above you you open your mouth and turn your head to give your Momma a kiss. It's the sweetest thing! Even if I do come away all slobbery.
You are still very laid back and sweet. I think God knew how crazy our life is and gave us a baby who'd fit right in. Someone told me last week that if God gives us what we can handle God knew he couldn't handle crazy kids and I think that might be true of us too. You are exactly what we needed!
I still look at you everyday and can barely wrap my mind around the idea that you are mine forever. You are so perfect and beautiful and you have changed my life in the very best way possible. I'm so proud to be your Momma and I love that I get to fill my days hanging out with you. You are more precious to me then any other thing in my life. I really can't put into words how your eyes melt my heart, your cries make my blood pressure shoot through the roof, how your smiles light up my world, or how your very existence intoxicates me. I love you so very much and I'm blessed by you every day. You are exactly the child God knew I needed. You are our perfect gift sweet boy!
Momma
Three whole months have passed since that beautiful night we met you. Three months seems like such a short time, but I'm having trouble remembering what any part of my life was like before you made your grand entrance into our family. I can't put into words how full you make my heart. You are developing quite the personality and doing lots of tricks. You are very strong and a pretty big guy. We can't go anywhere without strangers complimenting you, usually on your hair, and some even try to touch (which makes me very anxious!) but they all mean well and ask lots of questions. You are a miracle to us and your story has touched many lives.
You are a regular celebrity at church. Our students adore you, grandmothers flock around you and most of the men are pretty enamored with you too. The last three months have been pretty busy. (I know I'm behind on these letters) I had a kidney stone stuck from the Sunday before you were born until you were six weeks old. So during that time we didn't spend much time alone because I was afraid of having an attack and not being able to care for you. We spent a lot of time at Granna's with the whole family. The week after I got my stone removed your Daddy started his camp schedule for the summer. He was gone to kids camp first and we spent our first night just the two of us. Your Daddy was worried but everything went fine. The next day, when I was trying to pack for both of us by myself didn't go quite as smooth. That was a stressful day!
Then came Super Summer and we spent the week at Granna's. We made two trips to Shawnee to visit. I must confess, this was a tough week for me. I love Super Summer and look forward to it every year so I was a little sad not to be there this year, but I had the best reason for missing it! We did love getting to show you off to some of our youth minister friends and even found a distant blood relative of yours. He's Kiowa too and his family is related to your birth mom's family. What a blessing to know you have a faith heritage.
Last week we all three, plus Granna, headed to Falls Creek for your first camp experience. You did great! It rained a lot which kept us inside and the weather cooler. You loved the worship services and fell asleep every night. (You did that at Super Summer too) You did pretty good during the preaching and made it almost all the way thru the services every night. You were tossed around a lot but you don't seem to mind. You love to flirt with the girls and you smile so sweetly for everyone. I think you liked Falls Creek just fine! It's a blessing to get to take you to do ministry and it's one of our goals to show our students that our family is always first. It is also important to us that we do ministry as a family, even from this point in your life. We want you to grow up loving the Lord and seeing Him work in the lives of those around you. It was different, but a good week for all of us.
Some of the things you're doing...
Pushing your butt in the air when you're on your stomach and scooting along the bed using your strong legs
Talking and smiling up a storm. This has been one of our favorite parts! You get so excited to tell us all of your stories.
You're very close to laughing out loud and sitting up. You can't quite balance your head and torso together but you're getting closer every day. And the laughing has got to be around the corner!
You found your hands last week and will not keep them out of your mouth! You LOVE them!
You love to lay on your back and kick and wiggle. You are a busy man with those arms and legs.
You definitely recognize people easily by voices and by how they hold you. You have always been a bit of a Momma's boy and you still are. Which I relish knowing how much you love me.
You have started slobbering a lot! I'm not sure why but unless you're laying down you are soaked with spit!
You follow us and other objects with your eyes and head.
You still don't act like you know Thatcher is alive but that's ok. You don't even react to his barking.
You hate sleeping on your back.
You HATE riding alone in the backseat. You aren't a fan of your car seat. I don't know if it's because it's hot or uncomfortable or what but you feel strongly about it.
You just moved into 3-6 months clothes, which is right on time. And we used your last size one diaper yesterday. You have very chunky thighs and those things just weren't cutting it.
You and I sing a lot and you get more chatty when I'm singing our fun songs and you instantly relax when we sing sleepy songs. I love that!
And my favorite new trick of yours is giving kisses. When I kiss your cheek or lean down for a kiss from above you you open your mouth and turn your head to give your Momma a kiss. It's the sweetest thing! Even if I do come away all slobbery.
You are still very laid back and sweet. I think God knew how crazy our life is and gave us a baby who'd fit right in. Someone told me last week that if God gives us what we can handle God knew he couldn't handle crazy kids and I think that might be true of us too. You are exactly what we needed!
I still look at you everyday and can barely wrap my mind around the idea that you are mine forever. You are so perfect and beautiful and you have changed my life in the very best way possible. I'm so proud to be your Momma and I love that I get to fill my days hanging out with you. You are more precious to me then any other thing in my life. I really can't put into words how your eyes melt my heart, your cries make my blood pressure shoot through the roof, how your smiles light up my world, or how your very existence intoxicates me. I love you so very much and I'm blessed by you every day. You are exactly the child God knew I needed. You are our perfect gift sweet boy!
Momma
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Moments
There are moments in life that you know, even while they're happening, that afterwards you'll never be the same. Whether they are good or bad. You just know. From now on - I'm changed. Some are monumental events others are more happenstance. Your wedding day, birth of a child, Salvation... those are some big milestones. These moments affect your life, maybe in ways you never expected.
One of those moments in my life came in October of my senior year of high school. It was a Friday morning. I think it was rainy that day. I was rushing into school, as usual, when a classmate grabbed me and told me one of our friends had committed suicide. I heard her but went on with my routine. About a hour later, at a school assembly called to discuss the tragedy, it hit me. Brandon was one of my good friends. He had changed schools the previous year and I hadn't seen him in a while, but we talked often and he knew he could count on me and vice versa. I feel to pieces as teachers and school staff discussed the situation. They told us we shouldn't go to the hospital and wouldn't let me leave after the meeting. I distinctly remember trying hysterically to get around several teachers because I wanted to see him. I never went. I regret that. They put Brandon on life support that Friday and he "lived" until Sunday when they unplugged his machine. My friends spent a lot of time together that weekend praying and crying together. The following Monday a bunch of us went to his house to see his mom. I'll never forget walking into that familiar living room and seeing his letter jacket hanging on the coat rack and how his mother clung to me as we cried. The next day I went to the funeral home to see his body. My mom thought it'd be a good idea to be prepared. That was awful! His casket was filled with mementos and trinkets from friends. I added one of my own and continued to mourn. His service was packed and the only two things I really remember about that is they played Creed's With Arms Wide Open and when I hugged his mom she told me that Brandon had told her I was his "back-up wife" and that he loved me a lot. As we exited the funeral home, experiencing the loss of someone my age for the first time, several of us piled into a friends Mustang. We put the top down and sang all the way to the cemetery, remembering our friend. Knowing he'd have been the life of the party even that day. We had an empty chair for him at graduation and gave his mom a flower. He would've turned 28 today. His last birthday was 10 years ago. How is that possible? I remember his birthday and death day every year. It just always comes to my mind. I don't do it on purpose.
I loved Brandon. He was a good friend. His life and death have profoundly affected my life and continue to do so. He is one of my moments.
One of those moments in my life came in October of my senior year of high school. It was a Friday morning. I think it was rainy that day. I was rushing into school, as usual, when a classmate grabbed me and told me one of our friends had committed suicide. I heard her but went on with my routine. About a hour later, at a school assembly called to discuss the tragedy, it hit me. Brandon was one of my good friends. He had changed schools the previous year and I hadn't seen him in a while, but we talked often and he knew he could count on me and vice versa. I feel to pieces as teachers and school staff discussed the situation. They told us we shouldn't go to the hospital and wouldn't let me leave after the meeting. I distinctly remember trying hysterically to get around several teachers because I wanted to see him. I never went. I regret that. They put Brandon on life support that Friday and he "lived" until Sunday when they unplugged his machine. My friends spent a lot of time together that weekend praying and crying together. The following Monday a bunch of us went to his house to see his mom. I'll never forget walking into that familiar living room and seeing his letter jacket hanging on the coat rack and how his mother clung to me as we cried. The next day I went to the funeral home to see his body. My mom thought it'd be a good idea to be prepared. That was awful! His casket was filled with mementos and trinkets from friends. I added one of my own and continued to mourn. His service was packed and the only two things I really remember about that is they played Creed's With Arms Wide Open and when I hugged his mom she told me that Brandon had told her I was his "back-up wife" and that he loved me a lot. As we exited the funeral home, experiencing the loss of someone my age for the first time, several of us piled into a friends Mustang. We put the top down and sang all the way to the cemetery, remembering our friend. Knowing he'd have been the life of the party even that day. We had an empty chair for him at graduation and gave his mom a flower. He would've turned 28 today. His last birthday was 10 years ago. How is that possible? I remember his birthday and death day every year. It just always comes to my mind. I don't do it on purpose.
I loved Brandon. He was a good friend. His life and death have profoundly affected my life and continue to do so. He is one of my moments.
Long Days of Summer
It's been a long week. We've had a lot going on getting ready for Falls Creek next week and we had VBS at our church so that always makes things hectic. I think it's felt so long for several reasons.
#1. I've had a MAJOR sinus issue for the last week and have felt like poo most of the time. I have literally used 2 1/2 boxes of kleenex in the last week! I have just felt worthless! And I still have a baby to take care of even though I'm sick. (side note: that is a not so fun side of motherhood.)
#2. The week before camp is always worse then the actual week of camp. There feels like so much that needs to be done and planned for and packed. Add a two month old baby into that mix and that's enough to make anyone feel a little stressed.
#3. Because I have Tucker, Chris is having to do a lot more without me. Which he is doing a great job and is more than capable, but still it's different.
#4. We've had a bit of drama going on around our student ministry (not because of students) and this has been heavy on both our hearts. Very heavy.
Several things I've been wrestling with personally: Why as staff members of a church are we expected to take all people dish out without looking out for ourselves/families? Someone once told Chris that he was the only hired hand some people would ever have. I think that's awful, but what's worse is the truth of that statement. The church is a hard place to work sometimes. Being a wife of a minister isn't easy sometimes because you have to hear people be mean about/to your husband. Sometimes it's hard because people are mean to you! I think God gave us discerning minds and spirits just like everyone else and I'm not going to be guilty of not using them when I feel His leading!
Another thought: As a partner in my husband's ministry I've been having to remind myself that I am not a church employee. I don't have to be in the fat middle of every little thing at church like I have been for the past four years. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn. I'm still working on it. Tucker is without question my priority, but I still feel like I need to be doing all I've always done. A parent told me today that I didn't need to feel obligated to do all that and I really needed to hear that. Today God has sent me three separate encouragement's because He knew I needed them. It's been one of those weeks that I've felt attacked all week. I have been snappy at my husband for silly things because I can't express my feelings to anyone else. Poor guy! He's been a real trooper through my mood swings, sickness and stress this week!
But Falls Creek is almost here! I'm so excited to see what the Father is going to do in the lives of our students and in my own life next week. I'm excited to take Tucker to camp for the first time. Next week has to be good because of the things that have been put before us this week. His mercies are new every morning and this week I've needed a whole new batch everyday!
#1. I've had a MAJOR sinus issue for the last week and have felt like poo most of the time. I have literally used 2 1/2 boxes of kleenex in the last week! I have just felt worthless! And I still have a baby to take care of even though I'm sick. (side note: that is a not so fun side of motherhood.)
#2. The week before camp is always worse then the actual week of camp. There feels like so much that needs to be done and planned for and packed. Add a two month old baby into that mix and that's enough to make anyone feel a little stressed.
#3. Because I have Tucker, Chris is having to do a lot more without me. Which he is doing a great job and is more than capable, but still it's different.
#4. We've had a bit of drama going on around our student ministry (not because of students) and this has been heavy on both our hearts. Very heavy.
Several things I've been wrestling with personally: Why as staff members of a church are we expected to take all people dish out without looking out for ourselves/families? Someone once told Chris that he was the only hired hand some people would ever have. I think that's awful, but what's worse is the truth of that statement. The church is a hard place to work sometimes. Being a wife of a minister isn't easy sometimes because you have to hear people be mean about/to your husband. Sometimes it's hard because people are mean to you! I think God gave us discerning minds and spirits just like everyone else and I'm not going to be guilty of not using them when I feel His leading!
Another thought: As a partner in my husband's ministry I've been having to remind myself that I am not a church employee. I don't have to be in the fat middle of every little thing at church like I have been for the past four years. It's been a hard lesson for me to learn. I'm still working on it. Tucker is without question my priority, but I still feel like I need to be doing all I've always done. A parent told me today that I didn't need to feel obligated to do all that and I really needed to hear that. Today God has sent me three separate encouragement's because He knew I needed them. It's been one of those weeks that I've felt attacked all week. I have been snappy at my husband for silly things because I can't express my feelings to anyone else. Poor guy! He's been a real trooper through my mood swings, sickness and stress this week!
But Falls Creek is almost here! I'm so excited to see what the Father is going to do in the lives of our students and in my own life next week. I'm excited to take Tucker to camp for the first time. Next week has to be good because of the things that have been put before us this week. His mercies are new every morning and this week I've needed a whole new batch everyday!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Three Week HolliB pictures
These are a few of my favorite shots from HolliB's newborn session with Tucker. (www.hollibphotography.com) She's so good! When your best friends are immensely talented you gotta play to their strengths. He's so big now and already looks totally different but, enjoy my sweet baby anyway!
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