I just got these from my dad. He got some cute shots!
I love this one of him explaining to his great-grandparents "how many" he is now!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
More Bryant's Birthday
I just got these from my dad. He got some cute shots!I love this one of him explaining to his great-grandparents "how many" he is now!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bryant's Birthday Party
I'm sure my dad has some much better pics of last night's event, but for now you'll have to settle for mine. We celebrated Bryant's third birthday pirate style with a very low-key family affair. Hamburgers, hot dogs, cake and ice cream. Oh, and lots of pirate tattoos. Always good on a Saturday night since they go so well with Sunday church outfits.
We now have our own copy of Cars. Bryant especially loves the line from Flo where she's asked what she has in her store and she answers, "I got gas. Lots of gas." I'm not sure why he inherently knows this is funny, but it must be in male DNA. He quotes it constantly.
Karen and Bill's anniversary is on Bryant's birthday, so we always get to celebrate together.
Mom and Dad gave the Bryster an automated tee ball machine, complete with ESPN sound effects. He's batting left-handed for now, but the kid can pack a punch!
I had to put this one in because my nephew's face is priceless This is Bryant opening his helmet and pads from Mimi and Poppa G that just happened to go perfectly with...
... his new bike! It's a 12-inch with training wheels, and it makes him look like such a big kid.
We got a lot of practice in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. He still needs a lot of pushing going uphill, but I think he's getting the hang of it. Bye bye, tricycle. We're in the big time now.Happy birthday tomorrow, Baby. Can't believe how fast the time has gone since you first brightened our world.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Hatcher Dairy Farm
We had a field trip this morning to the Hatcher Dairy Farm. When I didn't wake up until 8:00 after a particularly interrupted night of sleep courtesy of Bryant, I was definitely thinking of bailing. But after talking with the kids and realizing we probably had time to get it together, we decided to go. Yesterday's 74 degrees would have been much nicer than the 50s/rain combo we had, but it could have been a lot worse. At least the rain kept to a nice mist rather than a downpour.
Don't let the sweet-looking, attentive child in this picture fool you. It was one of the only times he was where he was actually supposed to be.
Brad's patience won out and he finally got one of the "kindergarten" cows to eat from his hand. That designation means they are older than the calves, but still not mature.
Bryant did get the chance to pet Emma, one of the dairy cows. He's a pretty brave little guy to get so close, I think.
This guy explained the whole milking process to us. I can't imagine having the job of milking 50 cows twice a day, but I guess there are a lot worse jobs out there.
The kids were able to climb up and look into the milk vat. I didn't see it, but they assured me it was way cool.
Afterwards we got to sample some fresh chocolate milk and amazing butter. Delish! Yes, I came home with some. The difference in that and what we drink from the store is striking. We might have to start making a pit stop at Whole Foods every now and then. Man, I hate turning into one of those people! (No offense, my green friends. And sister. You know I'm just jealous of your commitment to organic living. Carry on.)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Bradley's Birthday Party
I can't believe that my firstborn is turning ten years old tomorrow. I'm pretty much in denial about the whole thing, actually. When I think how fast these years have flown by, it frightens me to realize how few are left. How I pray we've prepared him well!To celebrate his birthday, he asked to take a few buddies to the Adventure Science Center downtown. As usual, McKenzie put up with being the only girl. I'll never forget his birthday about four years ago when Bradley wanted to have a sleepover. When he found out McKenzie couldn't come, he demanded to know why not.
"Boys and girls can't sleep over together until they're married, honey."
Look of complete bewilderment, followed by the words, "McKenzie's a girl?"
I'm quite sure one of these days in the near future he's going to realize that, and I'm not sure he's prepared for it. But for now she's just one of the guys.
Brave little thing went first on the anti-gravity pulley. She said going up was a lot easier than coming back down.
The boys didn't do a whole lot better!
One of the many moments of wonder.
Hanging out by Jupiter.
This thing completely grosses me out. But I love the serious faces here!
The whole gang.
Afterwards we went to CiCi's Pizza. I have to brag on the manager there. When Jeff asked if we could put in a request for a chocolate pizza with chocolate and peanut butter chips (forgetting we were at Cici's and not Snappy Tomato) the manager apologized and said they don't have those. The next thing we knew, he'd sent someone down to the grocery store to buy them just for us. Extremely impressive!
After dinner the kids hung out in the arcade for a few minutes. What is it with boys and video games? The Bryster was ready to go!
We had a fantastic day. I'm so grateful that our son has been in our lives for ten years. I look forward with excitement and anticipation to see who he becomes over the next ten. But for now, I'm savoring the fact that he still calls me "Mommy."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
If you were at Bible study tonight you have already heard this, so you can skip to the next person on your blog roll. :)
I've been meaning to post about how I've been feeling this past week since coming home from India. If you were with me on my last journey, you know that reentry wasn't so pretty. God showed me a lot of stuff last year, and a lot of it was painful. We've been on an incredible journey this past year, and I feel like this trip to India was sort of a landmark for that.
Last year I was confronted with so much pain and despair. Each day I witnessed living conditions that were unlike anything I had ever seen. I worshiped with gypsies in the middle of the wilderness whose church was the shade of a tree. I listened to the testimony of a woman about to be baptized as she poured out the suffering of being an abused Hindu wife, praying that Jesus would reach her husband. I heard miraculous stories of visions people saw of Christ calling them to Him. Each night I would have to unload into my blog the things that I had witnessed so that I would have room for more the next day.
But I was also confronted with issues in my own life that had to be dealt with. I went to India last year with the idea that I had something to offer. Here I was coming to share my great wealth of spiritual knowledge with a group of people that I guess I assumed needed me. I was quickly BLOWN AWAY by the fact that they didn't. I learned more from just sitting and listening to the prayers of the most committed group of believers I've ever known than 100 sermons. I saw faith in action in a world where being a believer not only makes you a minority, but could make you an outcast in your own family.
I learned what it looks like when following Christ is who you are and not just something you attempt to do. I feel like I was picked up off a road that led to mediocrity and put on one that leads to excellence. As Paul says, "not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
I was confronted with a culture where materialism is exposed for the trap that it is. I came home questioning my purpose and the very essence of my faith. I had seen things in my heart that I did not like and knew had to die if I was going to be able to pursue the path of righteousness. Praise God, He rescued me from the miry pit. He never left my side, even when I felt like my prayers never made it higher than the roof of my mouth.
This year I feel like India was a second chance for so many things. Since Jeff went with me, the wounds that we felt last year formed by experiences we didn't share are now completely healed. He now has the base to draw from when I talk about people, places and things. We can talk openly about every aspect of the trip. This is a HUGE blessing.
I know that I came to India this year a different person than the one that showed up last year. My walk with Christ is at a completely different place, and I was able to relish my time spent in prayer with Indian brothers and sisters, still learning from them but without the sense of shame I felt last time that my prayer life and faith walk pales in comparison.
This time, rather than just soak up and absorb the pain and poverty I saw all around me, I was able to actually do something about it. We decided to put the money we collected for Ramu last time into a trust that will continue to pay for his education at a blind school so that he can learn how to function and hopefully come out with a life skill that will keep him employed for the rest of his life. When I saw him this year, there was life in his face where I only saw darkness before. That was indescribable joy.
Being able to provide glasses and the cases for so many people was just constant gratification each day, every day. Watching faces light up in wonder when words suddenly came into clear view was like unwrapping present after present. What joy to have a senior adult lean over and kiss you on the cheeks because they can read the Bible for themselves after all this time. It was so beautiful.
I've told a few people that I almost feel guilty for how easily I've adjusted to being home this time around. The main reason, I'm sure, is because I know that as long as it is up to Jeff and me, we will be back in just a matter of time. I'm already looking forward to our next trip and can't wait to see what God will do then.
I have to close with something God showed me in my journal on Friday. I was looking back over what I'd written last year during some of the darkest days of my journey to date. I was just pouring myself out to God asking Him to rescue me from my despair, asking where He was and what was going on. I felt abandoned, and yet I knew He was right beside me. I asked Him to speak to me. I heard Him say, "Isaiah 42." I further heard to look at verses 5-10. This is what God spoke to me last March.
his praise from the ends of the earth.
How unbelievable is that? What an amazing God we serve. He knew exactly where my path was going to lead, and He has been faithful to work this thing out. I can't wait to see where we go next!
I've been meaning to post about how I've been feeling this past week since coming home from India. If you were with me on my last journey, you know that reentry wasn't so pretty. God showed me a lot of stuff last year, and a lot of it was painful. We've been on an incredible journey this past year, and I feel like this trip to India was sort of a landmark for that.
Last year I was confronted with so much pain and despair. Each day I witnessed living conditions that were unlike anything I had ever seen. I worshiped with gypsies in the middle of the wilderness whose church was the shade of a tree. I listened to the testimony of a woman about to be baptized as she poured out the suffering of being an abused Hindu wife, praying that Jesus would reach her husband. I heard miraculous stories of visions people saw of Christ calling them to Him. Each night I would have to unload into my blog the things that I had witnessed so that I would have room for more the next day.
But I was also confronted with issues in my own life that had to be dealt with. I went to India last year with the idea that I had something to offer. Here I was coming to share my great wealth of spiritual knowledge with a group of people that I guess I assumed needed me. I was quickly BLOWN AWAY by the fact that they didn't. I learned more from just sitting and listening to the prayers of the most committed group of believers I've ever known than 100 sermons. I saw faith in action in a world where being a believer not only makes you a minority, but could make you an outcast in your own family.
I learned what it looks like when following Christ is who you are and not just something you attempt to do. I feel like I was picked up off a road that led to mediocrity and put on one that leads to excellence. As Paul says, "not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
I was confronted with a culture where materialism is exposed for the trap that it is. I came home questioning my purpose and the very essence of my faith. I had seen things in my heart that I did not like and knew had to die if I was going to be able to pursue the path of righteousness. Praise God, He rescued me from the miry pit. He never left my side, even when I felt like my prayers never made it higher than the roof of my mouth.
This year I feel like India was a second chance for so many things. Since Jeff went with me, the wounds that we felt last year formed by experiences we didn't share are now completely healed. He now has the base to draw from when I talk about people, places and things. We can talk openly about every aspect of the trip. This is a HUGE blessing.
I know that I came to India this year a different person than the one that showed up last year. My walk with Christ is at a completely different place, and I was able to relish my time spent in prayer with Indian brothers and sisters, still learning from them but without the sense of shame I felt last time that my prayer life and faith walk pales in comparison.
This time, rather than just soak up and absorb the pain and poverty I saw all around me, I was able to actually do something about it. We decided to put the money we collected for Ramu last time into a trust that will continue to pay for his education at a blind school so that he can learn how to function and hopefully come out with a life skill that will keep him employed for the rest of his life. When I saw him this year, there was life in his face where I only saw darkness before. That was indescribable joy.
Being able to provide glasses and the cases for so many people was just constant gratification each day, every day. Watching faces light up in wonder when words suddenly came into clear view was like unwrapping present after present. What joy to have a senior adult lean over and kiss you on the cheeks because they can read the Bible for themselves after all this time. It was so beautiful.
I've told a few people that I almost feel guilty for how easily I've adjusted to being home this time around. The main reason, I'm sure, is because I know that as long as it is up to Jeff and me, we will be back in just a matter of time. I'm already looking forward to our next trip and can't wait to see what God will do then.
I have to close with something God showed me in my journal on Friday. I was looking back over what I'd written last year during some of the darkest days of my journey to date. I was just pouring myself out to God asking Him to rescue me from my despair, asking where He was and what was going on. I felt abandoned, and yet I knew He was right beside me. I asked Him to speak to me. I heard Him say, "Isaiah 42." I further heard to look at verses 5-10. This is what God spoke to me last March.
5 This is what God the LORD says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 "I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."
his praise from the ends of the earth.
How unbelievable is that? What an amazing God we serve. He knew exactly where my path was going to lead, and He has been faithful to work this thing out. I can't wait to see where we go next!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Since we got home so late on Sunday, the only one of our kids we got to speak to was Bradley, who was waiting for us on the couch. I tried to wake up Bailey, but even though she looked at me she had no idea I was there. I picked Bryant up out of bed and rocked him for several minutes. It was wonderful to hold him, even if he didn't know it was me. I think he did, though.
We waited until Monday night to bring out the presents. Bryant was pretty psyched about his new train.
Our friend Sagar sent Bailey a couple of necklaces. So he moved right up to the top of her favorite persons list, sight unseen.
Solomon presented me with some clothes for my kids right before we left. I haven't tried the boys' outfits on yet, but they sure looked cute holding them up.
This dress is absolutely beautiful. Bailey looks like a little Indian princess in it. Well, maybe just a princess. Her coloring is a little pale for India.
Don't know if Brad's will fit over his cast, but I hope so. It's a really cool shirt.
We bought Bradley this tic-tac-toe set at a handicraft shop we visited. He loved it!
We started back to school yesterday, amidst some pretty heavy whining. Two weeks off has made them a bit lazy, I think. Brad is having some trouble writing, which makes him completely ecstatic. Penmanship is out for now, and most of the other stuff I'm having to write for him. I know he's milking it a bit, but for now I'm giving in. Next week might be a different story.
We waited until Monday night to bring out the presents. Bryant was pretty psyched about his new train.
Our friend Sagar sent Bailey a couple of necklaces. So he moved right up to the top of her favorite persons list, sight unseen.
Solomon presented me with some clothes for my kids right before we left. I haven't tried the boys' outfits on yet, but they sure looked cute holding them up.
This dress is absolutely beautiful. Bailey looks like a little Indian princess in it. Well, maybe just a princess. Her coloring is a little pale for India.
Don't know if Brad's will fit over his cast, but I hope so. It's a really cool shirt.
We bought Bradley this tic-tac-toe set at a handicraft shop we visited. He loved it!
We started back to school yesterday, amidst some pretty heavy whining. Two weeks off has made them a bit lazy, I think. Brad is having some trouble writing, which makes him completely ecstatic. Penmanship is out for now, and most of the other stuff I'm having to write for him. I know he's milking it a bit, but for now I'm giving in. Next week might be a different story.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Saying Goodbye
Due to an early morning flight, we had to meet in the lobby at 3 a.m. on Sunday. I had decided to not go to bed, because I thought it would make me feel worse to sleep just a couple of hours, so that's what I did. Not sure it was the smartest, but at least I had a chance to get some blogging done.
What is so amazing about these guys is that they all showed up to see us off. Most of them stayed up all night just to be there when we left. I can't begin to describe the selfless nature that I see in these people. Their kindness and love for us is overwhelming. I missed them as soon as we left and there's a sadness that will remain until I see them again. As long as the Lord allows, that WILL happen.
Here's Chuckoo and the girls. Not sure how they feel about being tagged "the girls," but it just happened as the week went on. :)
Brothers from another mother.
Solomon is truly one of the best people I've ever known. My most accurate description of him is Matthew 5:8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This man reflects the light of Christ at all times and it is such a blessing to call him my friend.
We sent these shirts over last year when we returned, and it blessed my heart to see Emme wearing a Tennessee shirt. Even Jeff didn't mind, although I'm sure he's working on a plan to get them something from the Tide just for balance.
Joseph and Deepak, my two drivers. Jeff and I saw a story on the news this morning about a Nashville woman who is lying in a coma in an Indian hospital from a motorcycle accident and her family is trying to raise $100,000 to bring her home. We just looked at each other. So thankful God covered us on that one!
I have so much fun with Singing David. He has such a passion for worship and we love to share songs back and forth. I'm working on getting him some new stuff for their worship team. He's about to head to Australia for three years to attend the Hillsong Leadership College. He will be so on fire after that - I can't wait to learn from him!
I had the privilege of presenting Bibles to Chuckoo and Sagar on behalf of our group. They spent a ridiculous amount of hours with us, making sure things ran smoothly and that our every need was met. We are so spoiled by them! We gave Chuckoo a parallel Bible that has the NIV translation right next to the Message on each page. I think I need to get one of these for myself! It is so cool. We all signed it, and I hope that he loves it as much as we love him.
We gave Sagar the Quest Bible. It's filled with questions and answers on every page and hopefully it will be a great reference for him. Sagar let me use his Bible the first day of clinic for patients that could read English, so it was fun to give him one in return.
We left for the airport about 4:30. Sagar and Emme joined Nelson, Jeremy, Shane, Kellyn and Jena on a little excursion to the Taj Majal. I confess a little jealousy over missing that part of the trip, but I knew it was time to get home. Jeff says we can go next time, which makes me smile just to hear the words "next time." Lord, please make that so!
My fervent prayer is that the stories I've shared here have given some of you a passion for this amazing place and that you will begin to pray about going there. I can promise you that your time, effort and money would be so worth it. Whatever you put into it would come back to you 100-fold in the blessings you would receive. God is just good like that. I'm so grateful to Him!
What is so amazing about these guys is that they all showed up to see us off. Most of them stayed up all night just to be there when we left. I can't begin to describe the selfless nature that I see in these people. Their kindness and love for us is overwhelming. I missed them as soon as we left and there's a sadness that will remain until I see them again. As long as the Lord allows, that WILL happen.
Here's Chuckoo and the girls. Not sure how they feel about being tagged "the girls," but it just happened as the week went on. :)
Brothers from another mother.
Solomon is truly one of the best people I've ever known. My most accurate description of him is Matthew 5:8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." This man reflects the light of Christ at all times and it is such a blessing to call him my friend.
We sent these shirts over last year when we returned, and it blessed my heart to see Emme wearing a Tennessee shirt. Even Jeff didn't mind, although I'm sure he's working on a plan to get them something from the Tide just for balance.
Joseph and Deepak, my two drivers. Jeff and I saw a story on the news this morning about a Nashville woman who is lying in a coma in an Indian hospital from a motorcycle accident and her family is trying to raise $100,000 to bring her home. We just looked at each other. So thankful God covered us on that one!
I have so much fun with Singing David. He has such a passion for worship and we love to share songs back and forth. I'm working on getting him some new stuff for their worship team. He's about to head to Australia for three years to attend the Hillsong Leadership College. He will be so on fire after that - I can't wait to learn from him!
I had the privilege of presenting Bibles to Chuckoo and Sagar on behalf of our group. They spent a ridiculous amount of hours with us, making sure things ran smoothly and that our every need was met. We are so spoiled by them! We gave Chuckoo a parallel Bible that has the NIV translation right next to the Message on each page. I think I need to get one of these for myself! It is so cool. We all signed it, and I hope that he loves it as much as we love him.
We gave Sagar the Quest Bible. It's filled with questions and answers on every page and hopefully it will be a great reference for him. Sagar let me use his Bible the first day of clinic for patients that could read English, so it was fun to give him one in return.
We left for the airport about 4:30. Sagar and Emme joined Nelson, Jeremy, Shane, Kellyn and Jena on a little excursion to the Taj Majal. I confess a little jealousy over missing that part of the trip, but I knew it was time to get home. Jeff says we can go next time, which makes me smile just to hear the words "next time." Lord, please make that so!My fervent prayer is that the stories I've shared here have given some of you a passion for this amazing place and that you will begin to pray about going there. I can promise you that your time, effort and money would be so worth it. Whatever you put into it would come back to you 100-fold in the blessings you would receive. God is just good like that. I'm so grateful to Him!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
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