Ok, I (Heather) tend to have a pessimistic outlook. I am not happy about it. I think most people would rather assume they are the glass half full type, but I know enough about myself to know that I would probably claim it was half empty.
For example, I have been known to discuss the starving children of Africa during the occasional expensive meal with my husband. You can almost here the wah, wah, wah can't you? So, needless to say, I tend to dampen the mood with my outlook at times. Just call me Debbie Downer.
Who did I marry? None other than Phil Positive. In his eyes, the situation always looks better than it should. Everything is A-Ok! You know that kind of guy..... We may have a flat tire in the middle of the desert, and he figures there is a gas station right around the corner. Just last night, I was convinced after watching the news that a fire might kill Hudson before we could get to him. Will, without pause, knew exactly how he would save him and extinguish the fire. Of course, he also knew there would be no fire to speak of.
Who knows? Maybe Hudson will be more of a Steady Steve-not afraid to admit when things look grim, but doesn't depress everyone during everyday conversation.
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."-Hebrews 13:14
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
14 months (almost)
Our little one is changing everyday. Here is a quick update:
Favorite Things:
His wagon is by far his favorite possession. He guards it when friends are over to play.
I daily have to fight him for the broom.
We often find him playing on the typewriter I use as house décor. Will thinks he is prepping to be a writer.
He loves books. If we aren’t reading to him, he will sit and flip the pages alone! I hope he keeps this trait.
Food:
His favorites are scrambled eggs with cheese, granola bars, broccoli, carrots, hummus, peanut butter sandwiches, yogurt melts, turkey, cantaloupe, peaches, biscuits-(only at Maw Maw's), and strawberries. He dislikes eggs cooked any other way than scrambled, squash, cheese by itself, puffs, and plain cheerios. He will eat olives, pickles, and lemons if you give them to him!
Other Fun Facts:
If he decides to play with toys, he loves anything with wheels.
He will not watch anything but Praise Baby. We have 30 minute DVD time everyday. I have tried Baby Einsteen, Noggin, Barney, and Elmo’s World with no luck! He loves Praise Baby! He will usually take his daily poop while watching it!
He must have his snuggie while he sleeps. If you put him in his crib without it, he frantically sits up and looks around. As soon as you throw snuggie in, he will flop down and close his eyes. So cute!
He has decided it is absolutely hilarious to stand at the top of the stairs and throw toys over the gate.
He will FINALLY sleep with us. No, we don't let him sleep with us at night, but it is great to throw him in bed with us on Saturday mornings!
His favorite place to be in the entire world is outside. He stands by the door and pouts while I cook.
He is officially a walker.
We love you, Hudson. Everyday is an adventure!
Favorite Things:
His wagon is by far his favorite possession. He guards it when friends are over to play.
I daily have to fight him for the broom.
We often find him playing on the typewriter I use as house décor. Will thinks he is prepping to be a writer.
He loves books. If we aren’t reading to him, he will sit and flip the pages alone! I hope he keeps this trait.
Food:
His favorites are scrambled eggs with cheese, granola bars, broccoli, carrots, hummus, peanut butter sandwiches, yogurt melts, turkey, cantaloupe, peaches, biscuits-(only at Maw Maw's), and strawberries. He dislikes eggs cooked any other way than scrambled, squash, cheese by itself, puffs, and plain cheerios. He will eat olives, pickles, and lemons if you give them to him!
Other Fun Facts:
If he decides to play with toys, he loves anything with wheels.
He will not watch anything but Praise Baby. We have 30 minute DVD time everyday. I have tried Baby Einsteen, Noggin, Barney, and Elmo’s World with no luck! He loves Praise Baby! He will usually take his daily poop while watching it!
He must have his snuggie while he sleeps. If you put him in his crib without it, he frantically sits up and looks around. As soon as you throw snuggie in, he will flop down and close his eyes. So cute!
He has decided it is absolutely hilarious to stand at the top of the stairs and throw toys over the gate.
He will FINALLY sleep with us. No, we don't let him sleep with us at night, but it is great to throw him in bed with us on Saturday mornings!
His favorite place to be in the entire world is outside. He stands by the door and pouts while I cook.
He is officially a walker.
We love you, Hudson. Everyday is an adventure!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day!
Hudson and I woke Will up this morning with bacon, scrambled eggs, and honey toast. Hudson, with lots of Mommy help, gave his Dad three gifts with a card to explain them. The gifts were army men, play money, and a #1 Dad koozie. The card said thanks for protecting me, providing for me, and showing me how to have fun. The card also said thanks for telling me about Jesus, but we couldn't find a tiny Bible to go along with it! We then went to church, ate lunch, and napped. Will is working on his motorcycle, and later, we are meeting our family at Dreamland. We may even make a visit to TCBY for some free Father's Day ice cream. It is a good Father's Day!
I am grateful that Hudson has Will as a father. Here are just a few of the many, many reasons:
Hudson is blessed to have a father that puts Jesus first and leads his family to know, love, and serve him. While Hudson will never have a perfect earthly father, we pray he will find true satisfaction from our perfect Heavenly Father.
He has a dad that loves his wife and puts her second. Just seeing his dad show his affection for me through touch, words, time, and gifts is doing so much for his emotional security! His heart's desire is to have parents that put their marriage as their highest earthly priority! This makes him feel the most loved and also is a testimony to the love of God! Do we do this perfectly? By no means! We could write volumes of books on how we have messed up over and over!
He is blessed to have a dad that loves him! Though he won't remember these times, he will look back on his childhood and remember the countless hours his dad spent with him.
He also has a dad that works so hard to provide for us. He gladly sacrifices many of his "wants" for us.
As a bonus, He has a dad that is just plain fun! Hudson is in for some fun times in the future. I foresee lots of dirt bike riding, fishing, camping, grilling, working on cars, refinishing furniture, building things, etc... Not to mention zombie movie marathons!
This being said, My sweet husband and I are prayerfully building a Godly heritage. Although we won't live forever, our prayer is that generations after us will love and serve the Lord through the time we are investing in our children. I say this often because it truly is our heartbeat! Reflecting on our vision gets us through many of those "hard" days!
I am so thankful that Will is my partner on this journey. Happy Father's Day to my best friend and the absolute love of my life!
I am grateful that Hudson has Will as a father. Here are just a few of the many, many reasons:
Hudson is blessed to have a father that puts Jesus first and leads his family to know, love, and serve him. While Hudson will never have a perfect earthly father, we pray he will find true satisfaction from our perfect Heavenly Father.
He has a dad that loves his wife and puts her second. Just seeing his dad show his affection for me through touch, words, time, and gifts is doing so much for his emotional security! His heart's desire is to have parents that put their marriage as their highest earthly priority! This makes him feel the most loved and also is a testimony to the love of God! Do we do this perfectly? By no means! We could write volumes of books on how we have messed up over and over!
He is blessed to have a dad that loves him! Though he won't remember these times, he will look back on his childhood and remember the countless hours his dad spent with him.
He also has a dad that works so hard to provide for us. He gladly sacrifices many of his "wants" for us.
As a bonus, He has a dad that is just plain fun! Hudson is in for some fun times in the future. I foresee lots of dirt bike riding, fishing, camping, grilling, working on cars, refinishing furniture, building things, etc... Not to mention zombie movie marathons!
This being said, My sweet husband and I are prayerfully building a Godly heritage. Although we won't live forever, our prayer is that generations after us will love and serve the Lord through the time we are investing in our children. I say this often because it truly is our heartbeat! Reflecting on our vision gets us through many of those "hard" days!
I am so thankful that Will is my partner on this journey. Happy Father's Day to my best friend and the absolute love of my life!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
A Lesson in Patience
Hudson has been difficult lately. He is growing a molar. His naps are crazy. He wakes often, etc.
I pray daily. Lord, please let him take a long nap. Lord, please make him calm and not fussy. Lord, please let him get through this visit. Lord, please let him sleep all night.
Anyway, the other day we were in the all too familiar scenario. He was fussy. We had plans to stay out until around 8. We were in the car when Will told me to say a prayer. I threw my hands up in the air! I don't know what to pray. I can pray he won't be fussy, but it seems like God doesn't want to answer it.
Will told me I might be praying for the wrong things. He reminded me that I seem to be praying for my own personal satisfaction rather than for God's glory. He told me to start praying that I would have patience with Hudson and that God would teach me what he wants to teach me through these little trials. He said maybe afterwards he won't be fussy. Maybe he will stay fussy, but your perspective will change.
Thanks husband for you beautiful insight and for growing my heart each day.
I pray daily. Lord, please let him take a long nap. Lord, please make him calm and not fussy. Lord, please let him get through this visit. Lord, please let him sleep all night.
Anyway, the other day we were in the all too familiar scenario. He was fussy. We had plans to stay out until around 8. We were in the car when Will told me to say a prayer. I threw my hands up in the air! I don't know what to pray. I can pray he won't be fussy, but it seems like God doesn't want to answer it.
Will told me I might be praying for the wrong things. He reminded me that I seem to be praying for my own personal satisfaction rather than for God's glory. He told me to start praying that I would have patience with Hudson and that God would teach me what he wants to teach me through these little trials. He said maybe afterwards he won't be fussy. Maybe he will stay fussy, but your perspective will change.
Thanks husband for you beautiful insight and for growing my heart each day.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Motherhood
My friend Nikki shared the blog-www.passionatehomemaking.com with me. Below is one of the post I read called "Little Souls Entrusted to Our Care." It is so encouraging! This blog is a great resource.
“God designed motherhood to be a deeply meaningful role. We mothers have the opportunity to influence eternity by building a spiritual legacy in the lives of our children. Through our teaching and influence, morality can be learned and modeled, love and kindness are taught and received, purpose and vision are ignited and passed on.“ – Sally Clarkson
I have two precious souls (with one more making his/her entrance soon) entrusted to my care.
Two little hearts tender to be formed and molded into a man and a woman of God.
Two sweet bodies to be loved and nurtured so they may in turn love others.
Two bodies to dance with and enjoy the beauty of life together.
Two tender minds to be taught the love of learning so they might be equipped to discern truth from error.
Two little mouths to be filled with nourishing food to sustain them and grow them healthy and strong for the Master’s use.
Four little hands to be trained to help, serve, and give gifts of grace to others.
Two little warriors to be equipped with truth so they might be sent out to cause damage on the Enemy’s camp.
Two little voices to sing together in uttering God’s praises for all eternity.
I am called today to pray for these precious gifts, to create life together with them, to offer a listening ear to the cares of their hearts, while always depending hourly upon the Lord for the grace to fulfill this task. To abandon perfection and strive for faithfulness. To be willing to confess my stumbles and short comings.
It will require frequent trips to the bathroom to address heart issues, wiping of many noses, rocking of sick children, many sleepless nights, repeating the same book numerous times, preparing endless meals for thankless children, and many more seemingly mundane tasks. But when I focus on the goal that they are precious eternal souls entrusted to my nurturing care to be brought up as warriors for my King, then I can persevere, as it all becomes worth it. I stand in a very powerful influential place, one that I want to take seriously.
And when I see their smiles, their sweet “I love you, Mommy,” I know this is the best thing I could be doing. When I embrace God’s purpose for me during this season of my life, there is fresh joy to go the distance. They are part of the treasure I am storing up in heaven. Each moment is precious. Each moment is a gift.
I was designed to be a life-giver and to impart life into every day.
Are you giving life today?
“The world may not applaud us for wiping running noses, driving in carpools, or talking with our teenager into the wee hours of the morning. And until they are trained, our children might not thank us either. But as we set aside our own selfish desires and glorify God by joyfully serving our children, we are pursuing true greatness according to the Bible. Let us do so with tenderness, affection, and with a smile!” – Carolyn Mahaney
“God designed motherhood to be a deeply meaningful role. We mothers have the opportunity to influence eternity by building a spiritual legacy in the lives of our children. Through our teaching and influence, morality can be learned and modeled, love and kindness are taught and received, purpose and vision are ignited and passed on.“ – Sally Clarkson
I have two precious souls (with one more making his/her entrance soon) entrusted to my care.
Two little hearts tender to be formed and molded into a man and a woman of God.
Two sweet bodies to be loved and nurtured so they may in turn love others.
Two bodies to dance with and enjoy the beauty of life together.
Two tender minds to be taught the love of learning so they might be equipped to discern truth from error.
Two little mouths to be filled with nourishing food to sustain them and grow them healthy and strong for the Master’s use.
Four little hands to be trained to help, serve, and give gifts of grace to others.
Two little warriors to be equipped with truth so they might be sent out to cause damage on the Enemy’s camp.
Two little voices to sing together in uttering God’s praises for all eternity.
I am called today to pray for these precious gifts, to create life together with them, to offer a listening ear to the cares of their hearts, while always depending hourly upon the Lord for the grace to fulfill this task. To abandon perfection and strive for faithfulness. To be willing to confess my stumbles and short comings.
It will require frequent trips to the bathroom to address heart issues, wiping of many noses, rocking of sick children, many sleepless nights, repeating the same book numerous times, preparing endless meals for thankless children, and many more seemingly mundane tasks. But when I focus on the goal that they are precious eternal souls entrusted to my nurturing care to be brought up as warriors for my King, then I can persevere, as it all becomes worth it. I stand in a very powerful influential place, one that I want to take seriously.
And when I see their smiles, their sweet “I love you, Mommy,” I know this is the best thing I could be doing. When I embrace God’s purpose for me during this season of my life, there is fresh joy to go the distance. They are part of the treasure I am storing up in heaven. Each moment is precious. Each moment is a gift.
I was designed to be a life-giver and to impart life into every day.
Are you giving life today?
“The world may not applaud us for wiping running noses, driving in carpools, or talking with our teenager into the wee hours of the morning. And until they are trained, our children might not thank us either. But as we set aside our own selfish desires and glorify God by joyfully serving our children, we are pursuing true greatness according to the Bible. Let us do so with tenderness, affection, and with a smile!” – Carolyn Mahaney
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I'm on a boat!
The Hubs and I just got back from a 3 night cruise to the Bahamas. It was a great way to celebrate our anniversary, the end of the school year, and surviving our first year of parenthood. This was Will's 4th trip to the Caribbean and my first! We honeymooned in Cabo, so I'd never seen the beautiful water of the Caribbean until this trip!
We boarded in Port Canaveral, Florida on Friday afternoon. We spent the remainder of that day pigging out, hitting the casinos, and having the best conversations over cold drinks on the top deck. We also went to some of the shows on board and got to know our sweet waiter, Domingo. Domingo has a 7 month old baby who he hasn't seen since he was 2 months old. His family lives in India while he lives on a cruise ship supporting them. In 3 months, he will go home for 10 weeks. After that, he repeats the process. It broke my heart! It was crazy to see how many nationalities work on cruise ships. Will and I talked about how it would be a great way to help reach the nations if we were single.
Pictures of our first day:
Leaving Port Canaveral:
Watching our ship leave a tiny footprint in the big ocean:
The sunset:
After a yummy breakfast on our second day, We read on deck while waiting for our ship to port in Nassau.
Around 10, we were able to see the island. My camera does not do justice to how beautiful Nassau looked from our ship.
Once we docked, Will and I ate more yummy food before we made our way to the famous straw market. I was tricked into buying necklaces for starving children THREE times. These people came out of nowhere putting necklaces on me. First they said they were free, but after the necklace was on they said to give a donation to the starving children. Then, they proceeded to tell me how much to give. I may not be a great judge of character, but after the 4th person tried to put a necklace on me, I began to doubt that this money was actually going to any starving children!
We sampled some of the local brew at a little place called Casablanca. We talked with another couple while people watching and looking at our ship from port.
Afterwards, we explored the town. Will gave in and bought a pricey Cuban cigar from a very questionable man.
We headed back to the boat for an afternoon nap before our ship's formal dinner. Our waiter brought us two appetizers and four main courses. We were stuffed and that was before he brought us three desserts! The waiters sang "Happy Anniversary" to us and made us a flower out of a napkin.
We decided to walk back into Nassau later that night. I accidentally bought a $13.00 pina colada. If you know me, you know I'm cheap! This nearly put an end to my night, but I tried to forget it! We spent the remainder of the night on the boat participating in the entertainment. Will even had a part in the Battle of the Sexes game show.
Day 3 was by far our favorite! We went to Royal Caribbeans private island-Coco Cay. We started off by snorkeling. It was so much fun! I felt like I was in Finding Nemo. Sadly, Will lost his wedding ring. Don't worry, we replaced it back home with a Walmart special.
We spent the next three hours talking, eating barbeque, and reading in a hammock under the palm trees. My kind of paradise.
We spent the rest of the afternoon taking in the scenery.
We finally had to say goodbye to Coco Cay. We boarded the boat for our final night of food, shows, and casino fun. We ended our wonderful trip watching the sunset once again.
As much fun as we had, we missed our little guy so much! I cried real tears twice. It is good to be home.
t
We boarded in Port Canaveral, Florida on Friday afternoon. We spent the remainder of that day pigging out, hitting the casinos, and having the best conversations over cold drinks on the top deck. We also went to some of the shows on board and got to know our sweet waiter, Domingo. Domingo has a 7 month old baby who he hasn't seen since he was 2 months old. His family lives in India while he lives on a cruise ship supporting them. In 3 months, he will go home for 10 weeks. After that, he repeats the process. It broke my heart! It was crazy to see how many nationalities work on cruise ships. Will and I talked about how it would be a great way to help reach the nations if we were single.
Pictures of our first day:
Leaving Port Canaveral:
Watching our ship leave a tiny footprint in the big ocean:
The sunset:
After a yummy breakfast on our second day, We read on deck while waiting for our ship to port in Nassau.
Around 10, we were able to see the island. My camera does not do justice to how beautiful Nassau looked from our ship.
Once we docked, Will and I ate more yummy food before we made our way to the famous straw market. I was tricked into buying necklaces for starving children THREE times. These people came out of nowhere putting necklaces on me. First they said they were free, but after the necklace was on they said to give a donation to the starving children. Then, they proceeded to tell me how much to give. I may not be a great judge of character, but after the 4th person tried to put a necklace on me, I began to doubt that this money was actually going to any starving children!
We sampled some of the local brew at a little place called Casablanca. We talked with another couple while people watching and looking at our ship from port.
Afterwards, we explored the town. Will gave in and bought a pricey Cuban cigar from a very questionable man.
We headed back to the boat for an afternoon nap before our ship's formal dinner. Our waiter brought us two appetizers and four main courses. We were stuffed and that was before he brought us three desserts! The waiters sang "Happy Anniversary" to us and made us a flower out of a napkin.
We decided to walk back into Nassau later that night. I accidentally bought a $13.00 pina colada. If you know me, you know I'm cheap! This nearly put an end to my night, but I tried to forget it! We spent the remainder of the night on the boat participating in the entertainment. Will even had a part in the Battle of the Sexes game show.
Day 3 was by far our favorite! We went to Royal Caribbeans private island-Coco Cay. We started off by snorkeling. It was so much fun! I felt like I was in Finding Nemo. Sadly, Will lost his wedding ring. Don't worry, we replaced it back home with a Walmart special.
We spent the next three hours talking, eating barbeque, and reading in a hammock under the palm trees. My kind of paradise.
We spent the rest of the afternoon taking in the scenery.
We finally had to say goodbye to Coco Cay. We boarded the boat for our final night of food, shows, and casino fun. We ended our wonderful trip watching the sunset once again.
As much fun as we had, we missed our little guy so much! I cried real tears twice. It is good to be home.
t
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