So, my fellow bloggers out there, please help me. I kinda use this format as a way to record our journey- for family and friends, but mostly for Elisha, so he'll have a great way of looking back over our journey with him to see how he's loved.
That being said, I don't know much about the "blogger world," so if someone can tell me what it means to be "tagged" I'd appreciate it ;0)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
first vacation- installment 4- Biii Cra!!!
Thursday evening we all went for a walk over to the main house. Tim was going to try to see if he could hook up to the internet, and I just needed to be out of the room :0)
We ran into Lennox, a gentleman that works for Carambola that we have seen and talked with every year when we go. He was the first person we met there in 2000, and we always look forward to seeing him.
He was delighted to meet Elisha. If you remember my "ninging" post from before, you'll remember how much he loves to play the drums (Elisha, that is). So, he has been practicing on his "air drums" every time he gets a chance. He crosses one wrist over the other and keeps a steady beat, just "lii Jayon does" (Just like Jason does....) Jason is our drummer at church, and a major source of fascination for Elisha as he watches him play. So, he is "drumming" while I was talking to Lennox- who thought it was the best thing.
Since the power was still out all over the island, he brought his family to spend the night with him. We were so pleased to be able to meet his wife and 2 girls, whom we've only heard about up to this point. They came out and we spent a few hours together, just talking and getting to know each other.
After a little while, his older daughter came over and said she saw a crab down by the swimming pool. I thought it must be a little sand crab like we had seen by the shore on the beach. So, Elisha and I joined her and her little sister and we headed over to the edge of the patio we were on and looked over to the pool. Wow. It was a big crab- probably almost a foot- if you count foot to foot and not just the body. We went down to the pool to look at it.
I felt kinda bad for this crab- it kept going further away from the water. So I thought I'd try to shoo it away, toward the beach. After a few minutes of just trying to walk behind it, I saw a broom laying over to the side of the pool. I set Elisha down behind me- about 10 feet away, next to the 2 girls. But the crab didn't want to go in the direction I tried to steer him. He headed directly behind me. Straight toward the children.
The girls screamed and then peals of laughter broke forth as they ran toward the steps we had just come down. Elisha seemed to jump out of his skin and he was screaming, too. I took off after them, and realized my poor son's screams were pure terror- no laughter coming from him. I scooped him up and held him close and assured him the crab would not hurt him. After a few minutes he finally calmed down, but the little guy who kept running away from us a few minutes earlier, was suddenly quite content to sit on my lap, snuggled very close.
He'll now tell you about the Biii Cra!! holding his arms out to the side, opening and closing his hands- imitating the claws on the front.
Friday we were able to experience a few hours of sun and fun on the beach. We then went for a ride so we could call our families and let them know we made it through and were very safe and still able to come home on Sat. It was amazing to see the damage to the trees all over the area of the island we were on. A lot of trees down, branches snapped off. Looks a lot like what the remnants of the hurricane that came through Ohio a month or so ago left behind. We were glad to be packing up and heading home :0)
We ran into Lennox, a gentleman that works for Carambola that we have seen and talked with every year when we go. He was the first person we met there in 2000, and we always look forward to seeing him.
He was delighted to meet Elisha. If you remember my "ninging" post from before, you'll remember how much he loves to play the drums (Elisha, that is). So, he has been practicing on his "air drums" every time he gets a chance. He crosses one wrist over the other and keeps a steady beat, just "lii Jayon does" (Just like Jason does....) Jason is our drummer at church, and a major source of fascination for Elisha as he watches him play. So, he is "drumming" while I was talking to Lennox- who thought it was the best thing.
Since the power was still out all over the island, he brought his family to spend the night with him. We were so pleased to be able to meet his wife and 2 girls, whom we've only heard about up to this point. They came out and we spent a few hours together, just talking and getting to know each other.
After a little while, his older daughter came over and said she saw a crab down by the swimming pool. I thought it must be a little sand crab like we had seen by the shore on the beach. So, Elisha and I joined her and her little sister and we headed over to the edge of the patio we were on and looked over to the pool. Wow. It was a big crab- probably almost a foot- if you count foot to foot and not just the body. We went down to the pool to look at it.
I felt kinda bad for this crab- it kept going further away from the water. So I thought I'd try to shoo it away, toward the beach. After a few minutes of just trying to walk behind it, I saw a broom laying over to the side of the pool. I set Elisha down behind me- about 10 feet away, next to the 2 girls. But the crab didn't want to go in the direction I tried to steer him. He headed directly behind me. Straight toward the children.
The girls screamed and then peals of laughter broke forth as they ran toward the steps we had just come down. Elisha seemed to jump out of his skin and he was screaming, too. I took off after them, and realized my poor son's screams were pure terror- no laughter coming from him. I scooped him up and held him close and assured him the crab would not hurt him. After a few minutes he finally calmed down, but the little guy who kept running away from us a few minutes earlier, was suddenly quite content to sit on my lap, snuggled very close.
He'll now tell you about the Biii Cra!! holding his arms out to the side, opening and closing his hands- imitating the claws on the front.
Friday we were able to experience a few hours of sun and fun on the beach. We then went for a ride so we could call our families and let them know we made it through and were very safe and still able to come home on Sat. It was amazing to see the damage to the trees all over the area of the island we were on. A lot of trees down, branches snapped off. Looks a lot like what the remnants of the hurricane that came through Ohio a month or so ago left behind. We were glad to be packing up and heading home :0)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
First vacation- installment 3- Omar
So, after a couple of days being able to get out a little bit- even if only to splash around in the puddles, we were settling in tues evening- Elisha had just conked out in his crib (They placed one in our room Sunday while we were out shopping for groceries :0) Yay!!) and we had a knock at the door. Hhhmmmm..... strange. We weren't expecting anyone.
"Hello??" I said.
"Guest's services," a young man's voice replied.
I peeked through the peek hole and then opened the door.
There stood a young man with a bunch of papers in his hand. He handed me one.
That's when the reality of our Caribbean vacation at the end of hurricane season hit.
The letter was from the National Weather Service. A notice that hurricane Omar had just formed a bit south of us and would most likely hit landfall sometime Wed or Thurs.
Hmmmmmm....... how interesting.
On came the TV, and, instead of the DIY channel, or Law and Order, we watched the National Weather service for several hours. The day culminated with the 2 of us joined together in heartfelt prayer for the safety of ourselves and the people on the island around us
Sooooo, off to the store we went the next morning, just to make
sure we had enough food to get us through. Wow. Talk about pandemonium. The grocery store we stopped at, whose parking lot is usually only about 1/2 full or less was packed. It was already raining and windy- sort of misting at times. We got what we came for (Tim got the very last bottle of Mountain Dew on the shelf. Whew!! we came just in time!!!! :0) lol) and headed back out to our resort.
Amazingly enough, Tim's new AT&T cell phone actually had service there. We called our parents to let them know we were OK- guess we had "more bars" :0)
The power went out at lunch time, just as I finished preparing the meal. I was so glad we stopped and got some extra candles and matches at the main house on our way back from grocery shopping. We lit the candles, served the food and sat down to a rather romantic mid afternoon meal by candle light. Then the generators kicked on- YAY!!!! As lovely as candlelight is, it was nice to be able to have the air conditioning and fans running :0) (and keep an eye on the hurricane via the Weather channel.)
The weather was eerily quiet for most of Wed. We wondered what people do that don't have the advance warning we had- you would never know what was coming. The water was calm, and if not for the rain, one would never have known the weather was any different than any other day. The electricity was quite spotty throughout the day and into the evening. There was an almost palpable feeling of something impending. We all showered early and Elisha went to sleep pretty easily. I had a very specific prayer in my mind. That Elisha would sleep through the hurricane. I didn't want him to be terrified of this place that Tim and I have come to love.
We went to bed a little early- the wind was picking up, the rain was like a severe thunderstorm, without the thunder or lightning- and the sound. Hard to describe- and this was before the hurricane even came close!! Tim got a little bit of video before it got too dark. Reminded me of the amazing winds we had here a month or so ago that made our big trees out back dance like drunken soldiers.
Around midnight, when the storm was projected to hit land, I was wakened by the sound of the door bumping. Can't think of a better word to describe it. The doors going out to the screened in porch have a brass slider that locks them into place. The outer doors are glass, the inner doors are slats. Apparently, we hadn't pushed them in tight enough. I was earnestly praying that we could tighten it enough that the winds (projected at 80-100mph) wouldn't rip the door open- smashing the glass and allowing these strong winds (along with salt water) to fill our room.
It was quite bizarre as we ran around trying to see out the windows, to see if we could see anything. The moon was full and highlighting the waves, a mere 50 feet or so from our room. We could see them gather, crash and recede. The trees swaying, whipping back and forth and the rain. Again, it was like the most severe thunderstorm you've ever seen, without the thunder and lightning. We did see a few flashes way up in the clouds, but no corresponding thunder could be heard- at least not over the noise of the wind howling around us.
The closer palm trees were thumping against the building- every now and then we'd hear a thud or a whack- hmmmm- wonder if it was a coconut? But no broken glass :0)
I am continually blessed and amazed as God shows me more and more of Himself and answers these prayers we ask. I felt such a serene peace through the night- almost an acceptance. God knows the plans he has for us- and if his plan was to take us home to be with him- it would be perfect. If it was not yet time- even better- so we can spend more time together with family here on Earth.
Elisha slept through the worst of the storm. He woke up around 2- the power was out- and it was DARK!! and Hot and Stuffy in the room. We lit a candle and I thought everyone went back to sleep. I did. Thank you, God. Any of you who know me know what a miracle that is- I am such a light sleeper the slightest thing keeps me up. Tim later told me he and Elisha tossed and turned for a few hours before falling asleep ( the firefighter in him, I'm sure- he waited until Elisha fell asleep and then extinguished the flame in the bathroom from the candle we lit). Boy, I sure was surrounded by the peace that passes all understanding. It was AMAZING!!
We slept in that morning a little, ate some breakfast, found a mop and broom, cleaning up the place, and then, if you can believe this, headed out to the beach. A lot of sand had been washed off the beach, several trees were down, but the air!! The air was clear, the sky beautiful- with a few fluffy clouds. The temperature was not quite as warm and humid
as it had been and would soon again be. The beach still had plenty of sand- and the waves were like something you'd see in Hawaii- the body surfers were actually surfing on it. We went out to our knee/thighs with Tim holding Elisha- that's all the further we (I) felt comfortable going.
Tim went out a little further after a few minutes as I held Elisha. He got slammed!! He said the undertow was amazing- sucking his feet out from beneath him, while the wave slammed over him. Elisha thought it was hysterical. "Papa BIG Wave. Boom!" "Papaw BIG Sandbox" We had fun playing on the sand for a little while, not quite ready to leave, yet tired from the waves. There was about a 2 foot drop off in the sand where the water met it. We had a blast scooping sand up, knocking sand down and just being together.
Thank you God for all your answered prayers!! Tim placed our rental car in a different spot after we got back from shopping. We discovered the tree we usually parked under had been blown over. Our rental had a few leaves stuck on it- but otherwise- no damage. YAY!!!
"Hello??" I said.
"Guest's services," a young man's voice replied.
I peeked through the peek hole and then opened the door.
There stood a young man with a bunch of papers in his hand. He handed me one.
That's when the reality of our Caribbean vacation at the end of hurricane season hit.
The letter was from the National Weather Service. A notice that hurricane Omar had just formed a bit south of us and would most likely hit landfall sometime Wed or Thurs.
Hmmmmmm....... how interesting.
On came the TV, and, instead of the DIY channel, or Law and Order, we watched the National Weather service for several hours. The day culminated with the 2 of us joined together in heartfelt prayer for the safety of ourselves and the people on the island around us
Sooooo, off to the store we went the next morning, just to make
sure we had enough food to get us through. Wow. Talk about pandemonium. The grocery store we stopped at, whose parking lot is usually only about 1/2 full or less was packed. It was already raining and windy- sort of misting at times. We got what we came for (Tim got the very last bottle of Mountain Dew on the shelf. Whew!! we came just in time!!!! :0) lol) and headed back out to our resort.Amazingly enough, Tim's new AT&T cell phone actually had service there. We called our parents to let them know we were OK- guess we had "more bars" :0)
The power went out at lunch time, just as I finished preparing the meal. I was so glad we stopped and got some extra candles and matches at the main house on our way back from grocery shopping. We lit the candles, served the food and sat down to a rather romantic mid afternoon meal by candle light. Then the generators kicked on- YAY!!!! As lovely as candlelight is, it was nice to be able to have the air conditioning and fans running :0) (and keep an eye on the hurricane via the Weather channel.)
The weather was eerily quiet for most of Wed. We wondered what people do that don't have the advance warning we had- you would never know what was coming. The water was calm, and if not for the rain, one would never have known the weather was any different than any other day. The electricity was quite spotty throughout the day and into the evening. There was an almost palpable feeling of something impending. We all showered early and Elisha went to sleep pretty easily. I had a very specific prayer in my mind. That Elisha would sleep through the hurricane. I didn't want him to be terrified of this place that Tim and I have come to love.
We went to bed a little early- the wind was picking up, the rain was like a severe thunderstorm, without the thunder or lightning- and the sound. Hard to describe- and this was before the hurricane even came close!! Tim got a little bit of video before it got too dark. Reminded me of the amazing winds we had here a month or so ago that made our big trees out back dance like drunken soldiers.
Around midnight, when the storm was projected to hit land, I was wakened by the sound of the door bumping. Can't think of a better word to describe it. The doors going out to the screened in porch have a brass slider that locks them into place. The outer doors are glass, the inner doors are slats. Apparently, we hadn't pushed them in tight enough. I was earnestly praying that we could tighten it enough that the winds (projected at 80-100mph) wouldn't rip the door open- smashing the glass and allowing these strong winds (along with salt water) to fill our room.
It was quite bizarre as we ran around trying to see out the windows, to see if we could see anything. The moon was full and highlighting the waves, a mere 50 feet or so from our room. We could see them gather, crash and recede. The trees swaying, whipping back and forth and the rain. Again, it was like the most severe thunderstorm you've ever seen, without the thunder and lightning. We did see a few flashes way up in the clouds, but no corresponding thunder could be heard- at least not over the noise of the wind howling around us.
The closer palm trees were thumping against the building- every now and then we'd hear a thud or a whack- hmmmm- wonder if it was a coconut? But no broken glass :0)
I am continually blessed and amazed as God shows me more and more of Himself and answers these prayers we ask. I felt such a serene peace through the night- almost an acceptance. God knows the plans he has for us- and if his plan was to take us home to be with him- it would be perfect. If it was not yet time- even better- so we can spend more time together with family here on Earth.
Elisha slept through the worst of the storm. He woke up around 2- the power was out- and it was DARK!! and Hot and Stuffy in the room. We lit a candle and I thought everyone went back to sleep. I did. Thank you, God. Any of you who know me know what a miracle that is- I am such a light sleeper the slightest thing keeps me up. Tim later told me he and Elisha tossed and turned for a few hours before falling asleep ( the firefighter in him, I'm sure- he waited until Elisha fell asleep and then extinguished the flame in the bathroom from the candle we lit). Boy, I sure was surrounded by the peace that passes all understanding. It was AMAZING!!
We slept in that morning a little, ate some breakfast, found a mop and broom, cleaning up the place, and then, if you can believe this, headed out to the beach. A lot of sand had been washed off the beach, several trees were down, but the air!! The air was clear, the sky beautiful- with a few fluffy clouds. The temperature was not quite as warm and humid
as it had been and would soon again be. The beach still had plenty of sand- and the waves were like something you'd see in Hawaii- the body surfers were actually surfing on it. We went out to our knee/thighs with Tim holding Elisha- that's all the further we (I) felt comfortable going.Tim went out a little further after a few minutes as I held Elisha. He got slammed!! He said the undertow was amazing- sucking his feet out from beneath him, while the wave slammed over him. Elisha thought it was hysterical. "Papa BIG Wave. Boom!" "Papaw BIG Sandbox" We had fun playing on the sand for a little while, not quite ready to leave, yet tired from the waves. There was about a 2 foot drop off in the sand where the water met it. We had a blast scooping sand up, knocking sand down and just being together.
Thank you God for all your answered prayers!! Tim placed our rental car in a different spot after we got back from shopping. We discovered the tree we usually parked under had been blown over. Our rental had a few leaves stuck on it- but otherwise- no damage. YAY!!!
First vacation- installment 2- liquid sunshine- BIG sandbox
We went to the grocery store Sunday to get supplies. We discovered how hard travel is on all of us. Ahhhh-- the challenge of navigating a new grocery store, not sure what you need for the week, with a tired family- translate- grumpy family- whiny 2 year old. Good times!!
After we put Elisha down for his nap, we realized the true sense of the "rainy season" on one of our favorite islands. The island was more lush than we had ever seen it (since our travels are usually in the Feb-April timeframe) and we were able to see plants blooming we had never seen bloom before. The temperature was a wonderful balmy upper 80 something with very high humidity- and the liquid sunshine just kept pouring down.
I was so glad I packed several things for us to do with Elisha in the room, if need be. Need be!!
We were able to get out a little on Monday. (Don't you hate these teasers?) The day before we left, Elisha and I walked over to our closest relatives, Mamaw and Papaw & Paula and Scotts's houses, to say goodbye. As we were leaving Mamaw and Papaw's Elisha wanted to stop and play in the little sand box they had there. I literally had to drag him away.
I looked down at him and had an idea. I knelt down and said something to the effect of,, "Elisha, guess what? Tomorrow we are going to a BIG sandbox- bigger than Papaw and Mamaw's sandbox." As we turned away from their house and crossed the street to our house, I told him the sand box was even bigger than all the grass in our yard (about 2 or 3 acres).
So, he kept talking about going to Papaw's BIG sandbox.
On Monday, we got there. What a new world of discovery it is to take a 2 year old to a beach for the first time. The sand crabs were full of antics, the waves rather fun. He didn't mind practicing his swimming lessons with us- and I was so thankful that God had impressed upon my heart the need for them. He didn't seem fearful of the water- but he was very cautious. He had a blast in Papa's arms!!
We found some sand toys at the resort, so Tuesday we were able to find a little secluded place and play in the BIG sandbox. I love how he says it- the BIG part. In a deep voice, eyes a little wider, leaning back a little bit- BBBBIIIIIGGGGGG!!!!!! We took a little video- will try to post it here soon.
Lots of liquid sunshine throughout the days.
After we put Elisha down for his nap, we realized the true sense of the "rainy season" on one of our favorite islands. The island was more lush than we had ever seen it (since our travels are usually in the Feb-April timeframe) and we were able to see plants blooming we had never seen bloom before. The temperature was a wonderful balmy upper 80 something with very high humidity- and the liquid sunshine just kept pouring down.
I was so glad I packed several things for us to do with Elisha in the room, if need be. Need be!!
We were able to get out a little on Monday. (Don't you hate these teasers?) The day before we left, Elisha and I walked over to our closest relatives, Mamaw and Papaw & Paula and Scotts's houses, to say goodbye. As we were leaving Mamaw and Papaw's Elisha wanted to stop and play in the little sand box they had there. I literally had to drag him away.
I looked down at him and had an idea. I knelt down and said something to the effect of,, "Elisha, guess what? Tomorrow we are going to a BIG sandbox- bigger than Papaw and Mamaw's sandbox." As we turned away from their house and crossed the street to our house, I told him the sand box was even bigger than all the grass in our yard (about 2 or 3 acres).
So, he kept talking about going to Papaw's BIG sandbox.
On Monday, we got there. What a new world of discovery it is to take a 2 year old to a beach for the first time. The sand crabs were full of antics, the waves rather fun. He didn't mind practicing his swimming lessons with us- and I was so thankful that God had impressed upon my heart the need for them. He didn't seem fearful of the water- but he was very cautious. He had a blast in Papa's arms!!
We found some sand toys at the resort, so Tuesday we were able to find a little secluded place and play in the BIG sandbox. I love how he says it- the BIG part. In a deep voice, eyes a little wider, leaning back a little bit- BBBBIIIIIGGGGGG!!!!!! We took a little video- will try to post it here soon.
Lots of liquid sunshine throughout the days.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
first vacation, installment 1- crib lessons
We went on our first "vacation" with Elisha last week. It was so much an adventure, for all of us.
I love to be prepared- Tim often will tease me about forgetting the kitchen sink as we leave for a trip, because I have tried to pack everything I may think we will need.
This trip was no different.
We went to St Croix to enjoy a week on the beach at our time share. Tim and I have been there each year since we went on our honeymoon, and have so many amazing memories there. I called at least 5 or six times in the weeks before we left to make sure we would have a crib set up in our room upon our arrival. We were scheduled to land at 10:30 pm- so I knew if it wasn't already in place, we'd not have a crib for that first night.
I even went so far as to call from Texas during our layover there.
(Do you see where this is heading?)
We arrived, and experienced our first miracle on the island- the car rental place was open!!! We were excited and felt soo blessed- they even had a free car seat available. Elisha fell fast asleep in the car on the way to the resort, and stayed asleep as we removed him from the car, went to our bungalow and got him ready for bed.
No crib.
I repeat- NO CRIB!
I was shocked, a bit bitter, a little angry, and
then, I decided I had to let it go so I could have a fun week. We pulled out the couch bed, put the cushions on top of the unbelievably thin mattress, surrounded it with a sea of pillows, covered it with a beach towel and then lovingly placed our son on the little bed in the middle.
I think I slept as much that night as I did the first night we brought him home from the orphanage. I just knew he was going to roll off. So, at 2am, when I glanced over and jumped up, instantly awake, realizing he was no longer on the little bed in the middle, I was afraid my worst fears were realized. Body shaking all over, as one wakened from a deep sleep is wont to feel, I crept over to the bed and looked all around. And there, to my great delight and an answer to prayer, lay Elisha, nestle
d in between the pillows, barely visible, still sound asleep.
I picked him up and moved him back to the center island. :0) He just rolled on his side and stayed asleep.
Around 4 or 5 am, he again had gone missing, but, afraid to move him and wake him up ( I wasn't ready to get up for the day yet) I just watched him a bit. He moved. I jumped back. He sat up, looked around, saw the cushions in the middle, climbed back onto them, and promptly fell back asleep. Aahhhhhh. Now I could lay down and sleep. Thank you, God for removing this fear.
I love to be prepared- Tim often will tease me about forgetting the kitchen sink as we leave for a trip, because I have tried to pack everything I may think we will need.
This trip was no different.
We went to St Croix to enjoy a week on the beach at our time share. Tim and I have been there each year since we went on our honeymoon, and have so many amazing memories there. I called at least 5 or six times in the weeks before we left to make sure we would have a crib set up in our room upon our arrival. We were scheduled to land at 10:30 pm- so I knew if it wasn't already in place, we'd not have a crib for that first night.
I even went so far as to call from Texas during our layover there.
(Do you see where this is heading?)
We arrived, and experienced our first miracle on the island- the car rental place was open!!! We were excited and felt soo blessed- they even had a free car seat available. Elisha fell fast asleep in the car on the way to the resort, and stayed asleep as we removed him from the car, went to our bungalow and got him ready for bed.
No crib.
I repeat- NO CRIB!
I was shocked, a bit bitter, a little angry, and
then, I decided I had to let it go so I could have a fun week. We pulled out the couch bed, put the cushions on top of the unbelievably thin mattress, surrounded it with a sea of pillows, covered it with a beach towel and then lovingly placed our son on the little bed in the middle.I think I slept as much that night as I did the first night we brought him home from the orphanage. I just knew he was going to roll off. So, at 2am, when I glanced over and jumped up, instantly awake, realizing he was no longer on the little bed in the middle, I was afraid my worst fears were realized. Body shaking all over, as one wakened from a deep sleep is wont to feel, I crept over to the bed and looked all around. And there, to my great delight and an answer to prayer, lay Elisha, nestle
d in between the pillows, barely visible, still sound asleep.I picked him up and moved him back to the center island. :0) He just rolled on his side and stayed asleep.
Around 4 or 5 am, he again had gone missing, but, afraid to move him and wake him up ( I wasn't ready to get up for the day yet) I just watched him a bit. He moved. I jumped back. He sat up, looked around, saw the cushions in the middle, climbed back onto them, and promptly fell back asleep. Aahhhhhh. Now I could lay down and sleep. Thank you, God for removing this fear.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
It's the little things...
There are so many cute and funny little moments that go into this job we call parenting. It has been fun to watch as Elisha begins to grasp more of the English language- and I love that he realizes that there are words on the pages now in the books we read. Sometimes he wants to read word for word and have me point to the word, sometimes we make up stories, staying with the theme of the story, but adding in additionals- like the butterfly on the flower, the fox running past the tomb- those types of things.
Someone asked which Bible picture book we were reading the other day- he loves them all- but the particular one we have in the bedroom now is an American Bible Society toddler bible- I saw it at Walmart yesterday.
We have been reading from this particular book for several months now. As time goes by, different stories catch his fancy. When we first came home- Jeje mama was one of his favorites. Then we began to spend more time with other stories. Yesterday we got to the page where the picture of the nativity is. Of course we pointed out the rooster and crowed. The cow moood, the cat meowed, Joseph was holding the staff you touch to wawa, etc.
I pointed to Baby Jesus. "Who is this?" "Baby Jeje" and I moved on to point out the star ( he loves to sing the Hallelujah chorus) but he said," Kaka- poopoo" I paused, looked down at him- he had already gone potty before we started- "do you have to go poopoo?" "Baby Jeje kaka, Mama"
I was able to see the story through new eyes. Where once he would really look at the pictures here before, lately he had been skimming over the pages with baby Jesus laying in his manger with Mary and Joseph on the first page, the shepherds on the second page and the wise men on the third page. Know I know why!! He thought baby Jesus was on a potty chair!! And, you know, after he pointed it out, I could totally see why he thought so. Guess he figured he'd give him some privacy ;0)
Sooo, I explained that Jesus didn't even have a room, he shared the barn with the animals. And the cows, the donkey and sheep were more than happy to give him the little manger they used for food so he could have a bed. I told him the manger was just like Elisha's crib- where little baby Jesus would sleep, only not nearly as nice. He caught on really quickly- now every time we read it, he points to the crib and says, "Baby Jeje crib?"
The moments. Each and everyone. They are like the bits of scenery that flash by on your journey. Sometimes you are really looking and you see something so sweet. Other times you get so caught up with driving and "getting there," where ever there may be, that you miss those sweet memories.
God, please help us learn to savor the moments. You've given us care of these little ones for such a small amount of time. I pray you help us to make the most of every moment you've given us, sorting out what is really important and lasting and not trifling our time away on unimportant matters. Give us your eyes to see- our vision isn't very good- even our hindsight is only 20/20 :)
Thank you for family and friends, those who know us so well and continue to love and encourage us. Thank you for the time we have to spend here on earth with the other amazing folks you've placed around us.
Someone asked which Bible picture book we were reading the other day- he loves them all- but the particular one we have in the bedroom now is an American Bible Society toddler bible- I saw it at Walmart yesterday.
We have been reading from this particular book for several months now. As time goes by, different stories catch his fancy. When we first came home- Jeje mama was one of his favorites. Then we began to spend more time with other stories. Yesterday we got to the page where the picture of the nativity is. Of course we pointed out the rooster and crowed. The cow moood, the cat meowed, Joseph was holding the staff you touch to wawa, etc.
I pointed to Baby Jesus. "Who is this?" "Baby Jeje" and I moved on to point out the star ( he loves to sing the Hallelujah chorus) but he said," Kaka- poopoo" I paused, looked down at him- he had already gone potty before we started- "do you have to go poopoo?" "Baby Jeje kaka, Mama"
I was able to see the story through new eyes. Where once he would really look at the pictures here before, lately he had been skimming over the pages with baby Jesus laying in his manger with Mary and Joseph on the first page, the shepherds on the second page and the wise men on the third page. Know I know why!! He thought baby Jesus was on a potty chair!! And, you know, after he pointed it out, I could totally see why he thought so. Guess he figured he'd give him some privacy ;0)
Sooo, I explained that Jesus didn't even have a room, he shared the barn with the animals. And the cows, the donkey and sheep were more than happy to give him the little manger they used for food so he could have a bed. I told him the manger was just like Elisha's crib- where little baby Jesus would sleep, only not nearly as nice. He caught on really quickly- now every time we read it, he points to the crib and says, "Baby Jeje crib?"
The moments. Each and everyone. They are like the bits of scenery that flash by on your journey. Sometimes you are really looking and you see something so sweet. Other times you get so caught up with driving and "getting there," where ever there may be, that you miss those sweet memories.
God, please help us learn to savor the moments. You've given us care of these little ones for such a small amount of time. I pray you help us to make the most of every moment you've given us, sorting out what is really important and lasting and not trifling our time away on unimportant matters. Give us your eyes to see- our vision isn't very good- even our hindsight is only 20/20 :)
Thank you for family and friends, those who know us so well and continue to love and encourage us. Thank you for the time we have to spend here on earth with the other amazing folks you've placed around us.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Poppy and other amazing adventures of a two year old....
So, you've all enjoyed laughing with me about my inaugural "Mommy", so I only feel it fitting to share "the other half" of the story. The same week he began calling me "Mommy," Tim was gone quite a bit, preparing for the chicken bar-b-q at the fire department.
One afternoon, while he was gone, Elisha was standing by the back door, looking wistfully out to where Tim's car usually sits. He does this when Tim is at work, too, asking where Papa's car is. This time he looks out, and I hear him say, "Papa car?" Then I hear a lower, sweeter voice, "Poppy???" I guess this is "elementary, my dear Watson" that if Mama becomes Mommy in America, Papa..... you guessed it..... Poppy. Even though spoken the same- it doesn't quite conjure the same feelings, does it?
So, he did the same thing with Poppy. "Poppy????....... Poppy????..... Here Poppy, poppy, poppy.... smock, smock.... "
Again, trying so hard not to laugh aloud and encourage this, I gently admonished him that we only call our dogs or animals that way.....
I mentioned other amazing adventures......
We received many great toddler books before we went to get Elisha. I am sooooo very thankful- He loves to read!! The library was such a huge success.
This week he's begun his comparative analysis of the literature he is reading. (That's for you, sis- I know you'll love that one:0) You think I'm kidding- I am very serious. We have a little Bible book he has been reading. Every night. And at nap. I can read it to him while Tim is holding him and the book and I'm across the room..... but they are amazing stories, and, thankfully, Mama has not grown tired of the book at all.
Here is where the analysis I mentioned comes in. He used to blow by some of the more "boring" stories, racing the the adventurous ones- like David and Goliath. Each time we read it, I try to bring out a different fact about the story. Well, last week we went a little more in depth with Moses and his leading of the nation of Israel. Usually it goes something like this.....
"And who is this, Elisha?"
"Baby Momma Mama"
"That's right, very good!! That is baby Moses' Mama" And the page is quickly turned and Mama tries to keep up, so the next 4 pages go by so fast, all Mama gets out is, "And then he grew up and became a shepherd and led the people thru the desert, thru the water, Yeah Moses!! Ok- on to David and Goliath....."
Well, last week I backed up and added the part about the Israelites being trapped and God told Moses to touch the water with his staff, pointing to the staff in Moses' hand.
"So Moses reached down and touched the staff to the water- and guess what happened??? See the picture of the water? The water parted and one side went up this way," large, dramatic hand gestures, "and the other side went up this way." More dramatic gestures and sound effects. Well- this made quite an impression on him.
We got to the next story about David and Goliath. Of course, David, being a shepherd, has a staff in the picture. So Elisha stops, turns the page back a couple of pages to Moses, back to David- "Sta..... Sta..... tou wawa..." followed by dramatic rendition of waves parting, complete with Mama's sound effects.
Well, not quite. "No, honey, that is a shepherd's staff- it didn't part the water."
On to the story of Baby Jesus. Guess what Joseph has in his hands? Unfortunately, the illustrators gave Joseph the same staff as the one they gave Moses. He is most convinced, and will turn back as many times as I'll let him to show me that it is, indeed, the same staff.
Now that he has a taste of this comparative literature style, he is using it on other stories. It's like he's become a little fact checker or story line follower over night. He reads the story of the animals going into the ark. When we get to the picture of the ark with all the animals coming out under the big rainbow, he stops, flips back a few pages and compares the pictures of going in, coming out- "on, du, on, du, on, du" (one, two, one, two, one, two)
I just love that he's "getting it" and am doing crazy happy summersaults and handsprings in my mind (sorry- not that limber now to be able to do them in body..... :0P)
I am blown away at what this little guy is doing in my heart. Can you imagine that what I am feeling is not even an inkling of what God feels for me? The pastor of the church we went to today said that we can not really know how to love until we are loved. Thank you, God, that you give the shining example of perfect complete love- even the parts we don't let anyone else know about- you know and you love us in spite of it and through it. Your love is amazing and I pray we all begin to know your love more!!
One afternoon, while he was gone, Elisha was standing by the back door, looking wistfully out to where Tim's car usually sits. He does this when Tim is at work, too, asking where Papa's car is. This time he looks out, and I hear him say, "Papa car?" Then I hear a lower, sweeter voice, "Poppy???" I guess this is "elementary, my dear Watson" that if Mama becomes Mommy in America, Papa..... you guessed it..... Poppy. Even though spoken the same- it doesn't quite conjure the same feelings, does it?
So, he did the same thing with Poppy. "Poppy????....... Poppy????..... Here Poppy, poppy, poppy.... smock, smock.... "
Again, trying so hard not to laugh aloud and encourage this, I gently admonished him that we only call our dogs or animals that way.....
I mentioned other amazing adventures......
We received many great toddler books before we went to get Elisha. I am sooooo very thankful- He loves to read!! The library was such a huge success.
This week he's begun his comparative analysis of the literature he is reading. (That's for you, sis- I know you'll love that one:0) You think I'm kidding- I am very serious. We have a little Bible book he has been reading. Every night. And at nap. I can read it to him while Tim is holding him and the book and I'm across the room..... but they are amazing stories, and, thankfully, Mama has not grown tired of the book at all.
Here is where the analysis I mentioned comes in. He used to blow by some of the more "boring" stories, racing the the adventurous ones- like David and Goliath. Each time we read it, I try to bring out a different fact about the story. Well, last week we went a little more in depth with Moses and his leading of the nation of Israel. Usually it goes something like this.....
"And who is this, Elisha?"
"Baby Momma Mama"
"That's right, very good!! That is baby Moses' Mama" And the page is quickly turned and Mama tries to keep up, so the next 4 pages go by so fast, all Mama gets out is, "And then he grew up and became a shepherd and led the people thru the desert, thru the water, Yeah Moses!! Ok- on to David and Goliath....."
Well, last week I backed up and added the part about the Israelites being trapped and God told Moses to touch the water with his staff, pointing to the staff in Moses' hand.
"So Moses reached down and touched the staff to the water- and guess what happened??? See the picture of the water? The water parted and one side went up this way," large, dramatic hand gestures, "and the other side went up this way." More dramatic gestures and sound effects. Well- this made quite an impression on him.
We got to the next story about David and Goliath. Of course, David, being a shepherd, has a staff in the picture. So Elisha stops, turns the page back a couple of pages to Moses, back to David- "Sta..... Sta..... tou wawa..." followed by dramatic rendition of waves parting, complete with Mama's sound effects.
Well, not quite. "No, honey, that is a shepherd's staff- it didn't part the water."
On to the story of Baby Jesus. Guess what Joseph has in his hands? Unfortunately, the illustrators gave Joseph the same staff as the one they gave Moses. He is most convinced, and will turn back as many times as I'll let him to show me that it is, indeed, the same staff.
Now that he has a taste of this comparative literature style, he is using it on other stories. It's like he's become a little fact checker or story line follower over night. He reads the story of the animals going into the ark. When we get to the picture of the ark with all the animals coming out under the big rainbow, he stops, flips back a few pages and compares the pictures of going in, coming out- "on, du, on, du, on, du" (one, two, one, two, one, two)
I just love that he's "getting it" and am doing crazy happy summersaults and handsprings in my mind (sorry- not that limber now to be able to do them in body..... :0P)
I am blown away at what this little guy is doing in my heart. Can you imagine that what I am feeling is not even an inkling of what God feels for me? The pastor of the church we went to today said that we can not really know how to love until we are loved. Thank you, God, that you give the shining example of perfect complete love- even the parts we don't let anyone else know about- you know and you love us in spite of it and through it. Your love is amazing and I pray we all begin to know your love more!!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Mommeee
Last week Elisha started trying out "Mommy" on me. My Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law call me Mommy- as do many of our friends- when asking Elisha how I am doing. I think the icing on the cake was the library book he checked out- it talked about Elmo's Mommy.
So, he was sitting in the bathroom last week reading his books. He began to yell, "Mama!!,,,, Mama!!" and then, after a brief pause, in a very soft, kind of subdued voice, he quietly, almost reverently said, "Mommmeeeee?" My little heart just about melted. It was so incredibly sweet.
Then he, building up confidence, and before I could reach the door said, " Here Mommee, Mommeee, Mommmeee. smock, smock" ( Read the last smock, smock as how you call a dog....kind of a kissing sound...... )
As laughter bubbled up within me, I stuck my head around the corner, and lovingly said, "Sweetie, you can call Mama Mommy if you want- but we only call Baka (our dog) that way......"
Good times......
So, he was sitting in the bathroom last week reading his books. He began to yell, "Mama!!,,,, Mama!!" and then, after a brief pause, in a very soft, kind of subdued voice, he quietly, almost reverently said, "Mommmeeeee?" My little heart just about melted. It was so incredibly sweet.
Then he, building up confidence, and before I could reach the door said, " Here Mommee, Mommeee, Mommmeee. smock, smock" ( Read the last smock, smock as how you call a dog....kind of a kissing sound...... )
As laughter bubbled up within me, I stuck my head around the corner, and lovingly said, "Sweetie, you can call Mama Mommy if you want- but we only call Baka (our dog) that way......"
Good times......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)