Strong Finish

NaBloPoMo: Fail.

Have I ever mentioned on this blog that I have a hard time finishing things? I usually have about 5 different projects going at the same time and hardly ever really finish books. Seriously, it's a problem. Maybe one day I will explore why I don't finish things, but for today, all I will say is FAIL.

Here are some of the moments that I intended to share, but just never got around to:

There are more, but I am actually going to try to write a few stories from the past 2 weeks...or week..however long it's been since I posted.

True Blessings

I am reading through the book of Joel with some people at my church. We are using the commentary, The Minor Prophets: Volume 1 by James Montgomery Boice to guide our study and discussion, and I am really challenged by it.

For starters, while reading about Joel 2, the commentary says, "God's promise through Joel is striking because it is the book's first mention of spiritual rather than mere physical blessing. It is understandable that material things are emphasized - material prosperity (v.19) national security (v.20), the restoration of lost years (v.25) - because the locust plague was a material disaster and it formed the focal point and occasion of the prophecy. Still we are glad to find spiritual blessings too, for we know, as our Lord taught, that it is folly for a man "to gain the while world, yet forfeit his soul" (Mark 8:36).

What was the spiritual promise?

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh" Joel 2:28a

Joel then proceeds to elaborate "all" by talking about sons and daughters, old and young and servants...all people will be blessed.

Let me talk about our physical condition a little...

Jeff and I are able to live within the pay that God has blessed us with. We are able to buy groceries, pay bills, make rent, and usually go out for dinner once or twice a month (think Chik-fil-A) and a cup of coffee here or there (think latte -YUM!). We don't live a life of luxury as compared to some, but I am home with the girls full time, and we have never gone without food, clothes, or health care, which is a luxury compared to others. You all get a picture of what I'm saying...

In all our financial planning never once has Jeff said to me, "We're giving too much, let's cut our support to blah, blah, blah." Instead, Jeff's view of physical possessions is that we cannot out-give God. When there is a special need or offering, or if we somehow get unallocated money he is ready to give to some ministry. He has challenged me and taught me so much with his devotion to give God with our physical possessions. Really, it's a blessing to think that in some way we are ministering to college students, people in other countries, and children that have been orphaned as well as the community around us all while staying at home!!

Then preschool began. With the added monthly cost of preschool we were no longer sure we could make ends meet. The idea of somehow coming up with the amount needed for Hannah's school and not going into the negative was difficult for me to process. I prayed, and I held onto these verses in Matthew 6: Therefore do not be anxious, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.

I'm sharing all because God has blessed us this month in clear ways, and when you clearly see God in your life you want to share it...in the midst of all our finances and worry, through random raffles at Jeff's work God blessed us with two thirds the cost of Hannah's tuition for October...it's not a coincidence or just chance, even though the drawings are totally random experiences and we are sure they didn't happen last year. It is God blessing us by taking care of our needs. He knows what we need, and we can trust Him to provide. He brought manna out of the sky to feed his people, he can give us the money we need. (Some may argue that we don't need preschool, but that's another discussion...the point is that God has provided for us.)

I know this is getting long, but bear with me, because I want to take this a step further, beyond the physical part onto the spiritual part...

We see in the book of Joel that the physical needs are not what really matter to God. He does not care if my kids are wearing Gap jeans, or Target clothes, hand-me-downs or brand spanking new clothes. He wants to meet spiritual needs, and He wants to bless me with the gifts of His Holy Spirit so that others will also be blessed. He wants me to trust Him completely with my heart, soul and mind and to teach my kids and others around me to do the same.

My faith seems so weak. I get caught up in the physical aspect. Every day God is wanting to give me the forgiveness, patience, love, joy and peace that my heart longs for. I hold onto the fact that He has provided for my physical needs so abundantly, and know that his true blessing, the blessing of His Spirit, is even more satisfying and can impact my family more deeply than money or clothes or food or toys.

It is my prayer that I would see God's spiritual blessing in my life and that I will be able to post about His Spirit moving in my family and in me. What a life changing blessing!

Pumpkin Time (Day 19)

We did not plant pumpkins this year, but last year we composted a ton of pumpkin seeds and this year when we were planting our garden we used our compost to fertilize the soil and pumpkins planted themselves! So, here we are in our garden picking our home grown pumpkins.

A Weekend to Remember (Day 18)

It wasn't one of those weekends where you are booked before you begin. So, Jeff and I started talking about what to do this weekend on Friday night:

Jeff: Do you think you could cut my hair this weekend?
Sarah: Do you think I could have some down time this weekend?

So we started the weekend with two goals: relaxing time for me and a haircut for Jeff. Both very doable things, and yet usually get pushed off  for a couple weekends until the curls on Jeff's hair won't be controlled by any amount of hair or hair product and I am feeling tired beyond tired...so we were both determined to support each other's realistic goals.

Saturday at 5ish Rachel Lee began waking up. Jeff got up and turned the sound machine on for me so I could go back to sleep for a while. By 6:30am 4 out of the 5 of us were up (Kate has become somewhat of a "late" waker-uper, meaning she likes to sleep until 7/7:30sih) and Hannah ran out to the couch where Jeff was lying and jumped on him and said, "It's a daddy-stay-home-day and we're going to the zooooooo!!" She then gave Jeff a huge bear hug and it was one of those moments where you pause and appreciate how good life is, and how wonderful it is to wake up with such an excitement for the day.

So, Jeff took all three girls (!) to the zoo, and I stayed home for some down time. I chatted with a dear friend, went for a walk, and read at book at Starbucks while sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte. It was a delightful morning, and I was ready to greet my girls and Jeff when they all returned from the zoo.

When Kate returned she reported, "There are a lot of monkeys at the zoo!" and Hannah exclaimed, "I had the time of my life!" Rachel Lee was sleeping, having missed her morning nap from all the excitement, so she was clearly happy and content otherwise we would have heard about it. 

And Jeff got his haircut on Sunday, and he is looking quite handsome these days, as always.

Mission accomplished.

9 Months Up, 9 Months Down (Day 17)

When I was pregnant with Hannah I remember reading The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy by Vivki Iovine and she mentioned that it takes 9 months to gain all that baby weight, so allow yourself at least 9 months to lose the weight as well...9 months up, 9 months down. Well, my baby turned nine months this month, and there is still a lot of "down" that needs to happen. So although I have been able to run a little with my three munchkins, I've set a goal for myself to try to find some time every day this week to run, which means finding a time when all three of my girls are not: a. in pajamas, b. hungry, c. tired and d. misbehaving. You would think that being home all day I would have some time like that, but with three unpredictable little ones, it's harder than in sounds.

 So here's to mama finding time for herself to get fit and feel great. And speaking of misbehaving, check out this 9 month old cutie getting into trouble already!!

 

Yep, she found the cheerio box herself started shaking it until is exploded all over the floor. Life is definitely lively over here!

Hot-ober (Day 16)

It has been a hot October so far. So, although we thought that beach days were over we were able to meet Jeff at the beach for one last beach lunch for the season.

We also pulled the pool out this week and had a great time just playing in the water.

9 Months, 8 Days Old and 7 Steps (Day 15)

My baby is taking steps. I count 7 total in the video...see if you can see them all. I really can't believe she's taking steps now!!

Sleeping Like a Baby, and Crying Like One Too (Day 14)

My baby is so sweet. Just look at her sleeping peacefully. I have this new tirck that minimizes her crying while she is crying it out. I put her down on her back with a pacifier in her mouth and a pacifier in her hand. She then cries and switches pacifiers, which distracts her and then she quiets down and sleeps. It's super cute seeing her switch pacifiers.

And speaking of crying, today was Kate's first dentist appointment. I blogged and showed pictures of Hannah sitting in the dentist chair when it was her first appointment, but with Kate's whimpers and tears I thought it would be just mean to take pictures. Instead I sat beside her, holding her hand and encouraging her to open up. When it was all done she was given goodies and things, and she walked out very relieved to be done.

On the car ride home I said, "Wow, that was a fun time at the dentist. We got our teeth cleaned and some fun prizes." And Kate very acutely responded, "I don't like it so much. Hey, you didn't get your teeth cleaned!" Touche!

But, to be fair, I had an appointment today and had to cancel it because childcare fell through, and trying to take care of three kids and have my teeth cleaned seemed a little too much for me to handle. I am going to reschedule. Really. Soon. Let's just say the apple doesn't fall to far from the tree in this case...

62 Miles - WHAT?? (Day 13)

You've heard of Tour de France, but have you heard of the equally as important but less publicized Tour de Poway? Why is important you ask, well because Jeff rode in it!!

Jeff and a friend, Matt, decided to train and ride in a Metric Century (62 mile) portion of the Tour de Poway this October 2...yes, this post is a bit late! Matt originally wanted to do the Century ride (100 mile), but Jeff was worried about how much time it would take to train for it, and so the two guys settled for the Metric Century...fitting for two scientist (one of which is Canadian) to ride in! In the end, Jeff was thinking that they should have done the 100 and Matt, who cramped up a little, was really glad to be done at 62 miles. Cindy, the girls and I were there to greet the guys as they crossed the finish line.

 

Way to go Jeff and Matt!!

Drum Roll Please...

RACHEL LEE SLEPT ALL NIGHT!!! We have started crying it out. She is 9 months, and I am one tired mama. We have been wanting to sleep train her, but kept pushing it off since she wakes up her sisters which sleep in her room. But, enough was enough, and we decided if Rachel Lee's crying woke the girls they could come sleep on the floor in our room.

Monday and Tuesday Hannah ended up in our room. Apparently Kate sleeps like a rocks these days, because she slept through quite a bit of screaming.

This morning I woke up at 6:45 a little confused since I slept all night and there was no Hannah by my bed. I asked Jeff (who was already up with the girls having breakfast and watching sports highlights together) and he confirmed that he did not get up with her, he did not hear her, and she did not wake until 6am. Beautiful.

I am hopeful this is a new trend. But even if is it not, I am very grateful for a full night of sleep.

(cue song by U2) It's a beautiful day!!

9 Months (Day 12)

S: She can't do that!
J: Apparently she can.
S: No, I mean she shouldn't do that.

Rachel Lee is a climber these days. She climbs on step stools, chairs, her play equipment, her walker, the doll stroller...you name it she is trying to climb on it.

We had her 9 month doctor's appointment today and she is 98 percentile height and 17 percentile weight. Doesn't 17 seem like an odd number? You think doctors would round to 15th or 20th, but no, she's 17th percentile. Whatever her percentiles are, she is so stinkin' cute!!

Love this girl of mine!

This is my mom... (Day 11)

Today I went to Hannah's class to read. I was the first parent reader and have to admit that I was so excited to read to her and her class. It was just 15 minutes at the beginning of her class, so I asked a friend to come by and watch Kate and Rachel Lee for 30 minutes while I took Hannah to school, read to her class and then came home.

The teacher asked Hannah to introduce me to the class and Hannah proudly stood in front of the class, held my hand and said, "This is my mom. Her name is Sarah. I love her. She is going to read some funny books to us." I teared up. Having her tell her class that she loved me meant a lot. It was the highlight of my day because I love her to the moon and back!

Day 8, Day 9 and Day 10

So blogging every day is a little ambitious. Therefore I will tell you three things that I love, in no particular order, for days 8, 9 and 10:

1. Hannah
2. Kate
3. Rachel Lee

I think I've said it all. And here's a bonus thing I love just in case I don't get to blogging tomorrow:

Jeff Murry

Now I've said it all.

When No One Is Looking... (Day 6, a little late)

H: Mom, today [at school] I was the plant helper.
S: That sounds important. What does a plant helper do?
H: My teacher says you have to squirt the plant with the water bottle 10 times, but I did 22 squirts!
S: Why did you do 22 squirts?
H: Because no one was looking.

So honest, and yet so wrong. My little girl is learning that you can seemingly get away with things. Maybe it's a developmental stage, maybe it's because it's a preschool and the teacher's attention is divided 12 ways. I think it goes back to original sin though. Adam and Eve believed that God was not looking, and that He did not mean what He said, and so they ate the fruit. God does not watch to catch us sinning, but He is always watching and sees the good, the bad and the ugly.

Hannah and I had a great conversation about asking questions when you don't understand why (as in, Why should I only squirt the plant 10 times?...Oh, so I don't over water the plant.) and about God always there keeping us safe, encouraging us through His spirit, and celebrating with us when we overcome sin. I hope and pray that these lessons take root in her heart, and I love this stage where we can discuss deep truths together.

MY God (Day 7)

Listen to this everyone! This is a true story!

Hannah began her story as we were gathered around the table with Grandma and Grandad. She continued:

Once we were given this toy, it was a small kitchen, that had a small label on it. My mom thought she should take it (the label) off but didn't and then Rachel Lee chocked on it. She coughed, and coughed and my mom came running. Then she (Rachel Lee) didn't cough and my mom hit her back a lot. Then I prayed that God would save her and she threw up. And there was the label that she was chocking on. MY God saved her.

I hear Hannah retell this story and can't help but feel like I am reading a passage in the Bible where a prophet encourages people to gather around and hear how God has taken care of them, and have faith that God will take care of them in the future. I praise God for how He cares for us, and that we can say with confidence that MY God saved and will save us.

Ant Pooh (Day 5)

Every morning we walk Jeff out and wave good-bye as he rides his bike around the corner on his bike. We all wave bye and the girls call out things such as. "Bye dad!" "We love you!" and on occasion, "Don't let the cars hit you!"

Then we scotch hop up the stepping stones and begin the rest of our day. As we were scotch hopping up this was the conversation between Kate and Hannah

K: Have you seen a ant pooh?
H: No. It must be really small.
K: Yes, it is.

Chalk that one up to things I have never thought about: ant pooh.

Birthday Boy (Day 4)

"Daddy is the birthday boy, daddy is the birthday boy" Kate repeatedly said over and over today in a sing-songy manner. It was a mellow day, with dinner, cake, a card from Auntie Audrey, lots of art work from the girls and one present since we opened presents on Saturday with Cindy and Roger.

We were also delighted to share our birthday bash with Uncle Garth, who is in San Diego on business and was able to finagle some spare time to spend with us!! YAY!!

So, here's to the 33rd year of my dear husbands life. A day worth celebrating over and over and over!!

Rachel Lee

My sweet Rachel Lee turned 8 months, and although I celebrated it by snapping a few pictures, I never got around to posting them or to blogging about her incredible abilities as an 8 month old. Now here we are, just days away from her 9 month birthday and I find myself pondering how it can really be passing by so very quickly. My baby is still very much a baby, and yet is approaching toddlerness already!!

The first toddler-like display is her ability to eat small chunks of food. She really wants to feed herself, and since ultimately I want her to feed herself I have been giving her little chunks of food. She is really cute about food on her tray that she does not like (i.e. carrots). She will eat one or two and then wave her hands over the tray to clear all the food off. She's quite effective too. But, if the tray is full of something she likes (i.e. cheerios, pears, bananas) she is happy as a clam and only becomes upset when the food slips through her fingers and does not make it into her mouth. I love that I already understand what she likes and does not like.

She also has tantrums. "Really?" you ask, "already?" Yes, really. And yes, already. She really doesn't like when you take things away or when she puts something in her mouth off the floor (i.e. grass or food dropped by her older sisters) and I swipe through her mouth to retrieve the chocking hazard. The other day she cried for 30 minutes because I took away my coffee and would not let her play with it. Pictured below is an incident when I took away some beaded necklaces that Hannah and Kate wear that Rachel Lee found and was playing with. I took away the necklaces, hung them up high and gave her different toys to play with. She crawled over to where I hung the necklaces, pulled up on the wall and stood there fussing and looking at the necklaces. I took her to the playroom 5 times and every time she became more vocal and intense. Oh my, she is focused this one.

It's with that same intensity that she laughs. She is really the greatest laugher of my girls, and Jeff and Hannah seem to the be people in our family that can get Rachel Lee to laugh the loudest and longest.

And she is crawling, cruising, balancing and will take a shuffle step. Jeff calls it a shuffle step because he says she doesn't actually lift her leg, but slides her leg and then either bend to the ground or leans and grabs for what she wants. But walking is coming, and it is getting increasingly hard to keep our house safe for baby. Here she is in action:

Enjoying Life (Day 3)

It's a walk somewhere, usually to a park or around the block, and Hannah zooms on her bike while Kate lingers talking to her dolls. I push the stroller with Rachel Lee somewhere between my two older girls in the middle, yelling at one kid, "Red Light!" and at the other kid, "Come on, sweetie, let's catch up."

But not today. Today we were walking to a friend's house and Hannah said to Kate, "Kate, can I ride beside you?" Kate answered very maturely, "Yes, you may." And Hannah slowed her pedaling pace and Kate sped up her doll walking pace and they walked together enjoying each other and laughing together. It was a picture of how to truly love someone so much that you are willing to change your normal inclination so you can be with them.

Wow, my three year old and my four year old can display an incredible love for each other. We may be people with different strengths and weakness, different likes and dislikes, different needs and desires, but God has made us one family, and it's a blessing to be together.

Julian Apple Picking (Day 2)

This year to celebrate Jeff's birthday we headed to Julian for the day, picked apples, enjoyed a lovely lunch outside, and then Cindy and Roger took care of the girls so Jeff and I could go out on a date! What a great time, and what a wonderful way to celebrate 33 years...family, fun, and food!

The whole crew!

The birthday boy!

The girls really enjoyed being together and playing.

Kate loved picking apples. She's such a nibbler and actually has two apples that she is nibbling on at the same time!

Hannah loves Red Delicious apples, so she and Grandpa Roger made it their mission to search out the Red Delicious, not to be confused by the Johnny Apples!

Rachel Lee enjoyed being carried around and sucking on this apple. Such a cutie pie!!

The loving grandparents!

This tree is over 100 years old...it had a huge hole in the middle that they girls peeked in and discovered an apple inside. 

 Lunch time!! Although we snacked on the apples in the orchard we were ready to sit and eat some more!

The line for a Mom's Apple Pie was so long it was out the door. Roger stood in it for a while and then "lost his patience/" No worries, we have plenty of apples to make our own apple pies...and crisp, and cider, and sauce...we have a TON of apples in fact!