It's been a while

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted. I guess I really got wrapped up in the Holiday hustle and bustle! We are really settling in to our new church, and Paul and I have both made some friends already. We've been making a conscious effort to get involved in activities other than on the weekends, and it seems to be working out very well! Just an example of how crazy life has been is last weekend. Last Saturday was Paul's work Christmas party. We went mostly for the free food, since there are only 2 or 3 people at work that he talks to on a regular basis. We ended up having a pretty fun time with the people at our table. Plus, it gave us an excuse to dress up and get out of the house without the munchkin! Then on Sunday afternoon, we had a birthday party for our nephew at Chuckie Cheese. I was originally not looking forward to this at all because of having an almost 2 year old. But, it turned out to be a fun day. Andrew wouldn't sit down long enough to eat anything, but he never got cranky, so I guess that's all we can ask for. Here's a couple pictures of him having fun in the little toddler area. And finally, this weekend they had one of the men at the church dressed up as Santa. Andrew went right up to him to sit on his lap, but then refused to smile.

Life

Well, last week was very stressful to say the least. Andrew had a cold almost all week, so I thought that might keep him from having surgery on Friday. Luckily, his lungs were clear, and the doctor gave him the o.k. We were there much longer than expected. He was taken back over an hour late and his surgery took almost an hour longer than expected. So, instead of being there for 3 hours, we were there for 6! Everything went great, though. Thank God we have a well behaved son. He didn't get to eat anything until he woke up from surgery at about 3:45, and he only whined once the entire time we were there. I was so proud of him that day. Paul and I are both so relieved to be done with that day! Before: After: It's crazy sometimes how God can teach you something when you least expect it. I have been kind of down lately. I don't really know why, I just have been feeling a little out of sorts. Then, I see this kid who went through surgery, and he is up bouncing around as if nothing happened. On Saturday, Andrew was running and climbing just like he was Friday morning. If it weren't for the stitches, you could never tell he had surgery. I think that's what God wants us to be like. Things happen to us, and God has to stitch us up. Scars are going to happen, but it doesn't mean our lives have to change. God does His part in healing us, and we need to do our part in letting Him! And, just like scars on the outside, it gives us a cool story to tell down the road.

My Birthday

My birthday was over a week ago, but I have to share about the crazy events leading up to it! The week leading up to my birthday, the power window on our new car broke so I had to sit in the shop for two hours with Andrew during his naptime. Then, the next day I got pulled over for speeding, but really my speedometer was messed up. Later that day, we found out that we didn't have the warranty for our car that we thought we did, so it would cost $800 to fix everything! Then, the day before my birthday, I locked myself out of the house!!! Sounds like a great week, doesn't it? My birthday weekend was great, though. Friday morning (my birthday), Paul had to leave the house at 6:30am to get to a meeting at work, but still managed to get up early enough to run to Wal-Mart and get me my daily morning fountain pop, and some Ben & Jerry's! And, he surprised me with this new camera! We have a nice camera that is great for trips to the zoo, or other big events, but I had wanted something small to fit in my purse for the everyday pictures I feel like taking. It's nothing fancy, but it is pink!! We went to Dave & Busters on Saturday night and had an awesome time playing the games, and acting like kids again. We both agreed that we need to get out more without the munchkin. It was all in all, an amazing weekend.

My hubby

Let me just take a moment to brag on the wonderful man I call my husband! We have been having some car difficulties this week, and just found out last night that we don't have the warranty that we thought we did! So, this problem we thought we would just pay our $100 deductible for, has turned into at least a $500 problem (maybe more). I say all of this to say that a year ago, this information would have sent Paul off the edge. He would have lost his temper at the guy on the phone, he would have screamed, thrown something, etc. None of that happened yesterday! He spoke with a very calm voice the entire time he was talking on the phone, and there was no shouting or throwing of anything in anger at any point in the evening. He's a much calmer version of the Paul I used to know. He's a very passionate man with many talents. I truly believe that he is a happier and calmer person now because he finally has an outlet for those talents. We love our new church, and the Pastor has really moved quickly to get Paul involved in worship. I love watching him up there playing, singing, leading, whatever! I know it's cheesy, but I have caught myself just watching him with a smile on my face. I know that this is what he was made for. It is such an awesome opportunity for him to get to work with this man who was a mentor to him so many years ago, and he is just soaking it all up! OK, I'm done now, thanks for letting me brag!

Family Day

So, after Andrew's doctor appointment the other day, we went to the pumpkin farm to have a little family outing. The weather turned out beautiful, and since it was a weekday, there were hardly any people there. Andrew had a fabulous time, and actually cried when we made him leave! I just wanted to share some pictures from our great family day.

Andrew wasn't sure about the goats until daddy showed him how to feed them. After that, he wouldn't leave them alone! This picture on the train is my absolute favorite picture of the whole day! I'm pretty sure it will end up in a frame on my wall! This is the pumpkin he went right to. Of course, it's the one we had to buy!

Paul thought he would be creative and take a picture of my wide behind!

Surgery

About 6 weeks ago, we went to see a urologist on a recommendation from Andrew's pediatrician. At that time, we were told that he would probably have to have surgery, but were given a steroid cream to try just in case it would take care of the issue. Well, with 6 weeks past, and no change, we went back to the doctor today. So, Andrew has been officially scheduled for surgery Nov. 7th. The doctor is amazing, and was very careful to explain everything to us (I'm sure part of the reason was the tears that were filling my eyes). The surgery should only take an hour, and we will get to go home that same day. I know that it is very minor surgery, but it is surgery just the same! My little guy is tough, so I know he will be just fine!

My Favorite Person

I just wanted to show off some newer pictures of my favorite person in the whole world! These are all from our recent trip to Michigan to see my parents and grandparents. We went to see my little brother's soccer game, then went over to my Grandma's house where Andrew got to ride in a wagon for the first time ever! This last picture here is one of my new favorites since playing with the color in Photoshop!

That bright yellow toy is some silly dollar store toy that my Grandma bought for him to keep him entertained at the soccer game. (I guess it worked!)

Here we go!

We're on our way. We have stepped out in faith for what we KNOW is right for us right now. It's definitely not an easy step. Even though it was hard, Paul and I are completely at peace with our decision, and that is what tells me it was the right thing to do. This morning a coworker/friend of mine shared a great devotion with me. It was the story of Jesus walking on water, and Peter taking that step out of the boat. I had always thought that Peter failed to walk on water because he did not trust Jesus enough, but Steve opened my eyes to the fact that Peter did not trust himself enough. It makes so much sense to me, but I never thought of it that way. Steve's last comment to us was, if you step out in faith and don't succeed in the world's eyes, it doesn't mean you have failed. Thanks Steve, I needed that devotion this morning. It's important for us to know that sometimes stepping out in faith is succeeding in itself!

Timing

So, you know how when you're cooking, the longest part of making pasta is waiting for the water to boil? It's funny how that happens with life, too. You wait so long for the first thing to happen, then once you take that first step it feels like you have to start running to keep up. Does that make sense? I know it's all about timing. It's all about knowing when to take that first step. Once you take that step, as scary as it is, you're committed to whatever comes next! So here we are, we have taken that step, and are trusting God to know when to start running.

Pushed or Pulled?

Paul and I are in this place right now where we feel like we are being pushed out the doors of the church we have attended and served in for 3 years. Just today it hit me that it is completely possible that we are not being pushed at all. It is quite probable that God is pulling us somewhere else. I feel like, whether pushed or pulled, we are starting down a path that God has set before us. I can only pray that the path is not too long!! I guess at this point I am thankful that I get to go through this journey and trial with such a wonderful man by my side. I couldn't ask for a better partner!

Number One!

My first blog post!! Lately, I have found myself so wrapped up in so many things, that I finally decided it was time to get some of it out. My husband, Paul and I are trying so hard to listen to God speak to us that sometimes we wonder if we are just hearing what we want to. So this blog will be my release.