After landing in Port Au Prince, the first thing I noticed was how much nicer the immigration and baggage claim areas were! Much improved from just 6 months ago. Upon getting to the baggage claim area, we were immediately offered help from multiple Haitian men who work for tips by carrying luggage out for people. One guy walked with us and then another guy tried to move in once we got to the baggage carousel. I quickly nixed the 2nd guy and said the 1st guy was "our" guy. No problem after that. Got our bags and headed out to a mass of people just outside. Scanned the crowd and saw Keith and Leonard right away. YAY!
The whole team had gotten in earlier then us and had come to airport to pick us up.
The drive to Gertrude's was familiar and it was so good to pull up along side her gate.
As soon as we got inside I recognized all kinds of faces from a few months ago. At first a few of the boys just looked at me, then Wolton or Edson yelled, "Sawah!" Heart soaring kind of happy!
I joked and played with a few of the boys and little Christina, who doesn't know much English, but yells "Sawah" the loudest. I call her party girl! She's always smiling and hanging with the boys!
Spent the evening getting settled in, had dinner, and checked out the new space in back that the girls and the handicapped kids are living in. SO much better then before!!
The first full day was spent at Gertrude's. A group of us went to buy rice and beans at a warehouse. Keith had a good chunk of money from donations and was able to buy 50-50lb bags of rice and 3-100lb bags of beans. $22.50 for each bag of rice and $84.75 for each bag of beans. Some of the Haitians there brought out the bags, 4 stacked on each one's back! Pretty incredible.
Back at Gertrude's several people started in on filling the baggies with rice or beans and Kim S. and I headed to the back to help feed the handicapped children. That was a new experience. The disabilities range from cerebral palsy, to Down's syndrome, to autistic to unknown mental illnesses. A very "in the moment" kind of experience and a true joy to spend that time with a few of them.
We went through donations and WOW do we have generous friends!! Divided it up into different bags to take to different places, Children's hospital, Home for the Dying, Pastor Bernard, Josie, and Gertrude were all recipients of people's generosity!
Spent the evening playing with the kids, holding little Alvarez who is walking now and made paper footballs for some of the boys.
It was certainly time well spent that first day. We didn't get to spend that much time at Gertrude's last time.
Gertrude, herself, is really amazing. The handicapped in Haiti are thrown away. Literally. Many of the children under her care where found in the "abandoned" room at the hospital. Some were left at her gate. One she found on a trash heap.
I had a great conversation with a woman, Rachel, who is good friends with Gertrude and lived at the guesthouse/orphanage for 6 months. Although the conditions at this orphanage are still not what many in the US would deem acceptable, they are good. Really good considering most would not even consider caring for the handicapped let alone 20 of them.
Rachel said there was one time some guests came and saw one of the handicapped girls roped across her waist to a chair. They were appalled, as many of us would be. Rachel explained that this particular girl, who has Down's, was able to open the gates and had been running away. As they frantically searched the streets for this little girl, the fear of losing her was profound.
There are 20 handicapped children here and about 3-5 workers at a time. Obviously tying her to a chair is not the best option, but it was the best they could do in order to keep her safe while they took care of the other children for that time.
Perspective is such a powerful thing. We often assume things about what we see without knowing the whole story.
If nothing else, traveling to Haiti, making friendships there, has given me perspective. And compassion. And a better understanding of truly how we are all trying to do our best and that can look vastly different.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
One step at a time.
Breaking down Haiti into little bites seems less overwhelming then to try to explain a week of profound experience in one shot.
The going and the leaving are oddly the hardest parts for me. Both mean I abandon one place I love for another place I love. My family. Chad. My life here. Haiti. My friends there. My family there. I truly love them all. Going to Haiti is exciting, intoxicating, difficult and easy. It has taken 3 flights to get there and back both times and I've noticed a very distinct mental shift through those flights.
My first step away from home is so hard. Always my family is cared for and I love that, but this trip in particular felt very selfish as I left. The logistics were complicated and people sacrificed for me beyond what I had planned. I let them, but it was not easy. That first flight is filled with thoughts of home, the kids, Chad, my mom and whoever else was taking my place for the week. The second flight is a mix of my family at home and my undeniable love for Haiti and my friends there. And the third flight is all Haiti. Heart pounding excitement. Visions of streets and faces and hugs and Creole words. As we touched down, tears welled up and the song "I'm coming home." repeated in my head.
The week of course went so quickly and I'll work through those days and write more. But always the low point is leaving. As we said goodbye Wednesday morning to our new friends from the team and Leonard and Pierre and Gertrude and Rosie, all I can think about is how quickly can I come back.
As our plane picked up speed the voice in my head repeated over and over, "No, No, No." I hate leaving Haiti. This time was harder because I know we have 2 children there. If those children ever come to live with us, I do not know. I can only pray that we are able to love and care for them there or at some point in our home. It's not popular to ugly cry on an airplane so I kept it in check, but it wasn't easy.
And so the transition began. All Haiti that first flight. New faces and places, plans to find out more adoption-wise, plans to come back. Second flight is flashes of home, Elijah, Autumn, Cory, Caleb, Chad, the gym, friends, and back to Haiti, Mintha, Nixon, Josie, the orphanage.
Last flight and drive is all home. My bed, my shower, clean clothes, smooth roads. And still thoughts of how strange it feels to love a foreign place so deeply, to love it's children like my own and wanting so fervently to love on it's brokenhearted.
I'm home now and I'll return to my other home again.
The going and the leaving are oddly the hardest parts for me. Both mean I abandon one place I love for another place I love. My family. Chad. My life here. Haiti. My friends there. My family there. I truly love them all. Going to Haiti is exciting, intoxicating, difficult and easy. It has taken 3 flights to get there and back both times and I've noticed a very distinct mental shift through those flights.
My first step away from home is so hard. Always my family is cared for and I love that, but this trip in particular felt very selfish as I left. The logistics were complicated and people sacrificed for me beyond what I had planned. I let them, but it was not easy. That first flight is filled with thoughts of home, the kids, Chad, my mom and whoever else was taking my place for the week. The second flight is a mix of my family at home and my undeniable love for Haiti and my friends there. And the third flight is all Haiti. Heart pounding excitement. Visions of streets and faces and hugs and Creole words. As we touched down, tears welled up and the song "I'm coming home." repeated in my head.
The week of course went so quickly and I'll work through those days and write more. But always the low point is leaving. As we said goodbye Wednesday morning to our new friends from the team and Leonard and Pierre and Gertrude and Rosie, all I can think about is how quickly can I come back.
As our plane picked up speed the voice in my head repeated over and over, "No, No, No." I hate leaving Haiti. This time was harder because I know we have 2 children there. If those children ever come to live with us, I do not know. I can only pray that we are able to love and care for them there or at some point in our home. It's not popular to ugly cry on an airplane so I kept it in check, but it wasn't easy.
And so the transition began. All Haiti that first flight. New faces and places, plans to find out more adoption-wise, plans to come back. Second flight is flashes of home, Elijah, Autumn, Cory, Caleb, Chad, the gym, friends, and back to Haiti, Mintha, Nixon, Josie, the orphanage.
Last flight and drive is all home. My bed, my shower, clean clothes, smooth roads. And still thoughts of how strange it feels to love a foreign place so deeply, to love it's children like my own and wanting so fervently to love on it's brokenhearted.
I'm home now and I'll return to my other home again.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
One week
In one week, I go again to Haiti. It feels different this time. Less unknowns, more excitement for the known. More work this trip, but opportunities to meet more people and literally have a hand in a project or two.
The lead up to this trip has been stressful to say the least. The logistics have been challenging. Chad will be gone for part of the time I am gone which means we had 2 older unattended children that needed to be taken care of. It's all worked out thanks to yet, again, the rockstar group of people I get to call friends. Cory and Caleb will be with my mom, who not only agrees to take care of my babies, but relishes their time together!
To add a little excitement to the buildup, Elijah was sick last week/weekend, Autumn got sick Sunday night (but should be good to go tomorrow), Cory and Caleb got sick last night. Here is one thing I'm certain of...I have really good sick kids. They are not overly demanding or whiny. They want to lay on the couch, watch movies, and drink juice or water. I snuggle them and give them meds if needed, but mostly they just rest. I hope this translates to quick recoveries. I'm fully anticipating getting sick as well, but pray that it is sooner rather then later.
I had a bit of a meltdown this afternoon. I may have another one later just for good measure. It's a complicated mess of feelings and emotions.
I truly cannot explain the attachment I have to Haiti. It is bizarre even to me. It does not seem foreign when I'm there. It feels a little like home. I "joke" that I would move there if I could, when in reality, it's no joke. I feel like we have children there in some manner. Not yet adopted/sponsored/mentored. Something. I wish I could put better words to these feelings. They are elusive, but I know I can cry in an instant thinking about it.
So in one week, I go. And I'll come back to my well cared for babies, my ultra capable husband and another little piece of my heart left behind in Haiti.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Logistics
The logistics of a Saturday during basketball season for us would have made my 20 year old self run to bed crying for my momma.
Thankfully, we ease into a schedule like this over years rather then thrown into it so I have convinced myself that it's not a big deal. :/
5 basketball games today at 5 different times in 3 different places, 2 CrossFit classes to each, 2 workouts that needed to be done by Chad and I, demolition on a wall in the gym(Thank you, Jeramy!!), 2 windows getting replaced that little people shattered being fixed( Thank you, George!!) and I think that's it.....needless to say, I'm not getting any housework done today.
And to just had a little flavor to the weekend, cause who needs downtime...my car is done and we'll be driving to my parents tomorrow to pick up the car and get a whole lot of cow we bought from a farmer.
And so goes our weekend!! Hope yours are much more relaxed!!
Thankfully, we ease into a schedule like this over years rather then thrown into it so I have convinced myself that it's not a big deal. :/
5 basketball games today at 5 different times in 3 different places, 2 CrossFit classes to each, 2 workouts that needed to be done by Chad and I, demolition on a wall in the gym(Thank you, Jeramy!!), 2 windows getting replaced that little people shattered being fixed( Thank you, George!!) and I think that's it.....needless to say, I'm not getting any housework done today.
And to just had a little flavor to the weekend, cause who needs downtime...my car is done and we'll be driving to my parents tomorrow to pick up the car and get a whole lot of cow we bought from a farmer.
And so goes our weekend!! Hope yours are much more relaxed!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
On why I CrossFit...
Seeing as today is one of those days where I haven't gotten enough sleep, we have sick kids in the house, I haven't worked out in 2 days and I'm not sure that I'll get to it today, and I have munched on a BBQ chicken pizza all afternoon, it's a good time to remind myself and maybe you, as well, why I CrossFit.
One of the things we're taught about is that we are all on a continuum that can range from sickness to wellness to fitness. Part of the reason I find CrossFit so effective is that I know I am closer to fitness then sickness. What that means is I've created somewhat of a hedge against chronic sickness. Now that does not mean, I never get sick. What it does mean is that on this continuum of health, it will take a disease, a catastrophic injury, or profound and extensive reversal of exercise and nutrition practices to move me past wellness to sickness.
x---------------------------x---------------------------x
sickness wellness fitness
Not the best graph, but you get the idea.
This really helps me remember on days like today when I'm not feeling very "Crossfitty", that all those times I did the workouts when I didn't feel like it, that those mattered to keep moving me towards fitness and health. And today, if I don't get a workout in, that that's ok, too. Missing a day here or there, doesn't throw me into disease and sickness.
Our lives as moms and wives and friends and sisters are busy. Working to move yourself past wellness and towards fitness should be a priority, but it's also important to remember we have a lot of things pulling us different directions and it's a process. You won't become "fit" in a week or undo any work you've done in a few days. Steady wins the race here. We'll all spend a lifetime building that hedge up.
One of the things we're taught about is that we are all on a continuum that can range from sickness to wellness to fitness. Part of the reason I find CrossFit so effective is that I know I am closer to fitness then sickness. What that means is I've created somewhat of a hedge against chronic sickness. Now that does not mean, I never get sick. What it does mean is that on this continuum of health, it will take a disease, a catastrophic injury, or profound and extensive reversal of exercise and nutrition practices to move me past wellness to sickness.
x---------------------------x---------------------------x
sickness wellness fitness
Not the best graph, but you get the idea.
This really helps me remember on days like today when I'm not feeling very "Crossfitty", that all those times I did the workouts when I didn't feel like it, that those mattered to keep moving me towards fitness and health. And today, if I don't get a workout in, that that's ok, too. Missing a day here or there, doesn't throw me into disease and sickness.
Our lives as moms and wives and friends and sisters are busy. Working to move yourself past wellness and towards fitness should be a priority, but it's also important to remember we have a lot of things pulling us different directions and it's a process. You won't become "fit" in a week or undo any work you've done in a few days. Steady wins the race here. We'll all spend a lifetime building that hedge up.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Playing catch up
Always, I'm "catching up."
Catching up on laundry, dishes, sleep(impossible to do), paperwork, blogging, with friends.
I've got to rephrase this. Catching up means I'm behind, which in reality, I'm not really. Being behind suggests there is some standard to keep up with and I'm just not a fan of standards that create guilt.
And so rather than say I'm catching up on the blog, I'll just say I'll inform you of the goings on of the past few days!! Better right?
It's always tough to follow the last post. Where do I go from there?
On, I guess.
A few things on my mind...
Saturday was the 3 year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Images and emotions were tough, especially having been there since the quake. The organization Help One Now that we had helped support through Pure Charity broke ground on the school that day, as well. A beautiful full circle moment for those affected by the earthquake.
I leave for Haiti in 3 weeks. I am excited and a little anxious. This will be a very different trip. No Chad, which will be difficult and very different experiences, as well. We'll be going to a children's hospital, Mother Teresa's Home for the Dying, putting on a VBS for some children in a village and working at a couple orphanages.
It will be a full week with very little communication to and from home. I have to keep telling myself, we're all going to be ok.
Elijah is part of a scholars program at school. As part of this, each student was given an Ipod Touch. Why? I still don't know. One, because Elijah declined his because he said he didn't need it. HUH?? Who does that? And two, because we haven't gotten any information from the school regarding it unless that info only came home with kids who took the Ipod. I asked Elijah what they were suppose to be using it for and he said so they could do research and educational things at home if they needed to. I'd like to know the % of kids that do not have internet access at home, in which this would be a useful tool to have. I'm guessing it's 0%. My other thought is I think it's my decision whether my child gets a device that has internet access. Who is regulating the use of these? I asked Elijah what apps kids had on their Ipod's. NBA Access. Sports apps. Games.
Really? So very educational. I love it that he declined it. He is not moved by the masses. I adore that about him. And I kinda want him to bring it home so I can play with it cause apparently I can get some sweet games on them. :)
I went to Vegas, had a blast, met some awesome people, absorbed a ton of CF info, and PASSED THE TEST! I'm officially a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Sounds fancy, huh? It's the only title I've ever had!
And along those lines, this gym thing is rockin'! We're up to 28 members! It's an awesome group to work with and we're loving the community these people are creating with us.
Our car is still in MO. It's become quite the episode. We're getting a totally "new" engine. Used, but new. 44000 miles on it, which is quite the upgrade. What this means is it will hopefully run for years to come. Going on 3 weeks now without it and it's been fine. Thankfully, we've done the 1 car thing for years so it hasn't been too traumatic or inconvenient.
I think that may be it. And now you're informed! :)
Catching up on laundry, dishes, sleep(impossible to do), paperwork, blogging, with friends.
I've got to rephrase this. Catching up means I'm behind, which in reality, I'm not really. Being behind suggests there is some standard to keep up with and I'm just not a fan of standards that create guilt.
And so rather than say I'm catching up on the blog, I'll just say I'll inform you of the goings on of the past few days!! Better right?
It's always tough to follow the last post. Where do I go from there?
On, I guess.
A few things on my mind...
Saturday was the 3 year anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti. Images and emotions were tough, especially having been there since the quake. The organization Help One Now that we had helped support through Pure Charity broke ground on the school that day, as well. A beautiful full circle moment for those affected by the earthquake.
I leave for Haiti in 3 weeks. I am excited and a little anxious. This will be a very different trip. No Chad, which will be difficult and very different experiences, as well. We'll be going to a children's hospital, Mother Teresa's Home for the Dying, putting on a VBS for some children in a village and working at a couple orphanages.
It will be a full week with very little communication to and from home. I have to keep telling myself, we're all going to be ok.
Elijah is part of a scholars program at school. As part of this, each student was given an Ipod Touch. Why? I still don't know. One, because Elijah declined his because he said he didn't need it. HUH?? Who does that? And two, because we haven't gotten any information from the school regarding it unless that info only came home with kids who took the Ipod. I asked Elijah what they were suppose to be using it for and he said so they could do research and educational things at home if they needed to. I'd like to know the % of kids that do not have internet access at home, in which this would be a useful tool to have. I'm guessing it's 0%. My other thought is I think it's my decision whether my child gets a device that has internet access. Who is regulating the use of these? I asked Elijah what apps kids had on their Ipod's. NBA Access. Sports apps. Games.
Really? So very educational. I love it that he declined it. He is not moved by the masses. I adore that about him. And I kinda want him to bring it home so I can play with it cause apparently I can get some sweet games on them. :)
I went to Vegas, had a blast, met some awesome people, absorbed a ton of CF info, and PASSED THE TEST! I'm officially a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer. Sounds fancy, huh? It's the only title I've ever had!
And along those lines, this gym thing is rockin'! We're up to 28 members! It's an awesome group to work with and we're loving the community these people are creating with us.
Our car is still in MO. It's become quite the episode. We're getting a totally "new" engine. Used, but new. 44000 miles on it, which is quite the upgrade. What this means is it will hopefully run for years to come. Going on 3 weeks now without it and it's been fine. Thankfully, we've done the 1 car thing for years so it hasn't been too traumatic or inconvenient.
I think that may be it. And now you're informed! :)
Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's that day.
The one that hurts. Makes me a bit melancholy some years, a sobbing mess others and fiercely introspective others.
This year, I am melancholy. I woke up too early today. 440am. I hurried through the first few hours of the day before I realized what today is.
Ten years go by so fast.
I'm merely a shadow of who I was 10 years ago. The girl who got the call that her little brother had passed on handled it as best she could.
Gut wrenching sadness. Auto-pilot days and nights. Some things felt painfully harsh. The air was colder, the wind stronger. And other things dulled. Colors and sounds.
Today I am sad, but hopeful. Luke provides me with such a perspective. That kind of loss at that time in my life was profound. Life-shaping. World-shifting.
I would gladly trade those life lessons for my baby brother. He always saw the good in things. If he could find the good, surely it's in me to see the good, as well. And so I try, in everything, to find that silver lining however small. It's there, sometimes hidden under pain and loss and sadness and anger.
Look for it. Dig for it. It's worth the effort to find the good.
This year, I am melancholy. I woke up too early today. 440am. I hurried through the first few hours of the day before I realized what today is.
Ten years go by so fast.
I'm merely a shadow of who I was 10 years ago. The girl who got the call that her little brother had passed on handled it as best she could.
Gut wrenching sadness. Auto-pilot days and nights. Some things felt painfully harsh. The air was colder, the wind stronger. And other things dulled. Colors and sounds.
Today I am sad, but hopeful. Luke provides me with such a perspective. That kind of loss at that time in my life was profound. Life-shaping. World-shifting.
I would gladly trade those life lessons for my baby brother. He always saw the good in things. If he could find the good, surely it's in me to see the good, as well. And so I try, in everything, to find that silver lining however small. It's there, sometimes hidden under pain and loss and sadness and anger.
Look for it. Dig for it. It's worth the effort to find the good.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Nerves
Big weekend coming up.
This thing we've taken on called a CrossFit gym has been a total blast so far.
Next step for me is become certified rather than being an "apprentice."
That means a weekend away by myself (YAY!), 2 full days of instruction (YAY!), and a 50 question test. (UGH!)
I don't have a problem with taking tests, per se. It's just that I haven't taken a test in oh, probably a decade. I haven't studied for anything in well over 5 years and I'm just a wee bit nervous about this test.
I know I know what I know and I think I know what I need to know. It's just that little voice inside that says, "maybe you won't pass."
Thankfully, CrossFit carries over even into this. Shocker. I've had to silence many a voices over the years of doing CrossFit. Many, "you can't do that", "it's not worth the effort", "don't bother", "why would you want to". I'll silence this voice like I silence the others by just doing it anyway. Nothing fancy. No big motivational talks. Just, go do it and see how it goes down.
I'm super excited to go learn alongside what I'm sure to be are excellent coaches. I hope what I come back with is helpful to those at our box. And, quite frankly, I hope I don't learn a whole lot cause I've been studying this stuff ALOT!
This thing we've taken on called a CrossFit gym has been a total blast so far.
Next step for me is become certified rather than being an "apprentice."
That means a weekend away by myself (YAY!), 2 full days of instruction (YAY!), and a 50 question test. (UGH!)
I don't have a problem with taking tests, per se. It's just that I haven't taken a test in oh, probably a decade. I haven't studied for anything in well over 5 years and I'm just a wee bit nervous about this test.
I know I know what I know and I think I know what I need to know. It's just that little voice inside that says, "maybe you won't pass."
Thankfully, CrossFit carries over even into this. Shocker. I've had to silence many a voices over the years of doing CrossFit. Many, "you can't do that", "it's not worth the effort", "don't bother", "why would you want to". I'll silence this voice like I silence the others by just doing it anyway. Nothing fancy. No big motivational talks. Just, go do it and see how it goes down.
I'm super excited to go learn alongside what I'm sure to be are excellent coaches. I hope what I come back with is helpful to those at our box. And, quite frankly, I hope I don't learn a whole lot cause I've been studying this stuff ALOT!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
A year in review
2012 in bullet points...(if you don't want to reread my 2012, you may want to skip this one!)
*3 year olds are hard to deal with, hilarious to talk to, impossible not to love and mind-boggling obnoxious. Early 2012 was filled with retelling this bit of proof.
*We spent a quick weekend in Frisco to cheer on our favorite people in the FCS Championship game! A few things to remember here.
*February brought a forever change, our first house project and a mishap.
*A trifecta of vision changing books started with Kisses from Katie, then here and finally with an experiment.
*Epic birthday party, dance girl, and our first pet loss...here.
*A "NO WAY!" moment, clarity and a community of love were all pivotal moments in 2012!
*A job change and a much anticipated 4th birthday for THIS GUY!
*3 year olds are hard to deal with, hilarious to talk to, impossible not to love and mind-boggling obnoxious. Early 2012 was filled with retelling this bit of proof.
*We spent a quick weekend in Frisco to cheer on our favorite people in the FCS Championship game! A few things to remember here.
*February brought a forever change, our first house project and a mishap.
*A trifecta of vision changing books started with Kisses from Katie, then here and finally with an experiment.
*Epic birthday party, dance girl, and our first pet loss...here.
*A "NO WAY!" moment, clarity and a community of love were all pivotal moments in 2012!
*A job change and a much anticipated 4th birthday for THIS GUY!
*No football for the first time in 8 years meant a very different fall season for us. But it also allowed us to fulfill a dream.
*Questions were answered, birthday revelations were revealed, and a much needed trip.
What a year!! Many changes for us and lots to look forward to in the coming year!!
Happy New Year!!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Life's an adventure!
We're home. Without our car.
Turns out it's pretty banged up. To the point that the insurance co. needs to go check it out and decide if they want to total it.
So, my parents, in all their gracious kindness, borrowed a van yesterday and hauled our brood 4 hours home only to turn around and drive 4 hours back. Saints, these people.
At every turn of this saga, one of my parents would say with a big grin and a hug, "Life's an adventure."
Never were more true words said.
I've been mulling that over the past day or so. I attribute my "rollin' with it" attitude to them. It is the thing about myself that I may appreciate more then anything else. It has saved me endless stress, I'm sure. And, if I'm honest, it is the one thing that can get pretty annoying too. Sometimes I get tired of rolllin' with it. I'd kinda like to whine and complain and make a big stupid deal about something. And I do occasionally. It feels good to whine...for about 2 seconds.
The conclusion I've come to is that it takes too much energy to whine for very long. I have an extremely limited amount of energy and conservation is what keeps me going...and coffee.
I like this adventure we're living. I'd rather it be a little less adventuresome at times, but most of this crazy we chose so we keep rollin'!
Turns out it's pretty banged up. To the point that the insurance co. needs to go check it out and decide if they want to total it.
So, my parents, in all their gracious kindness, borrowed a van yesterday and hauled our brood 4 hours home only to turn around and drive 4 hours back. Saints, these people.
At every turn of this saga, one of my parents would say with a big grin and a hug, "Life's an adventure."
Never were more true words said.
I've been mulling that over the past day or so. I attribute my "rollin' with it" attitude to them. It is the thing about myself that I may appreciate more then anything else. It has saved me endless stress, I'm sure. And, if I'm honest, it is the one thing that can get pretty annoying too. Sometimes I get tired of rolllin' with it. I'd kinda like to whine and complain and make a big stupid deal about something. And I do occasionally. It feels good to whine...for about 2 seconds.
The conclusion I've come to is that it takes too much energy to whine for very long. I have an extremely limited amount of energy and conservation is what keeps me going...and coffee.
I like this adventure we're living. I'd rather it be a little less adventuresome at times, but most of this crazy we chose so we keep rollin'!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas
As I'm sitting at my parents' this morning, not going to church, without Chad and half our Christmas presents at home, I'm reminded, yet again, that our best laid plans are sometimes interrupted.
The plan was to go home yesterday morning in time to get to the gym and for Chad to get to work on time. Our plans were derailed with an incident involving a deer the evening before. Bambi's mom (sorry!!) decided to jump in front of our car and did what we thought was manageable damage. The next morning, Christmas Eve, we made it about 30 minutes down the road when we concluded we weren't making it home without a mechanic's help. After stalling at the top of an off ramp, pushing the car into a truck stop and some help from the cashiers, we found a mechanic that was actually open on Christmas Eve.
At this point we were still hopeful we would get home that night, as we thought the damage was a coolant line.
Turns out we busted our radiator beyond repair and our car had a rare setup that requires the car to be essentially dismantled in order to replace a radiator. Poor mechanic was so kind. I felt horrible that he was here on Christmas Eve working. He said it would be the evening before he would get it done as the new radiator wouldn't get in til 130. So, mom, dad and Dan came and got us and we headed back to my parents, without our luggage/stuff, thinking we would be back that evening.
Phone call around 130. Wrong radiator came in and now the car wouldn't get fixed til Wednesday morning.
With Chad having to work and a now HEFTY bill for the car, we had to get Chad home. My parents, again, selfless and beyond kind, offered their car for him to take. So he took off for home and the kids and I are here til Wednesday with only our clothes we are wearing, when we'll get the car, pay the bill(ugh), and head home.
With Chad having to work and a now HEFTY bill for the car, we had to get Chad home. My parents, again, selfless and beyond kind, offered their car for him to take. So he took off for home and the kids and I are here til Wednesday with only our clothes we are wearing, when we'll get the car, pay the bill(ugh), and head home.
Now the good parts...we get a few more days at my parents. Never a bad thing. My mom's dear friend down the road heard we were without most of our presents and delivered a bag of gifts for the kids and one for me!! Tears ensued. My sweet friend had given us her camera to give to Autumn when she heard that is what she wanted. I was able to go pick it up and wrap it for her to have here! Being the procrastinator I am, I still had a few things left to get and was able to pick those up so the kids did have a few things to open.
It's easy to throw a pity party, but I can't stay there. I'm bummed we aren't together on Christmas. I'm bummed our "big" present is at home. I'm bummed Chad is at home alone on Christmas, although he'll sleep the day away since he has to work tonight. I'm bummed I didn't think to grab extra clothes so my boys are in PJs til Wednesday and I'm in baggy jeans and a sweatshirt. I'm bummed we aren't in church this morning because I'm too proud to take my kids to church in their PJs(I know! No one would care.)
But really and truly, its ok. Pity parties make me grumpy, anyway. We are warm, loved, and cared for. We are quite literally out of money, but we're safe. We're not together, but it's not the first time, and we'll celebrate on Wednesday. We were blessed beyond measure by friends and family. My kids are super low maintainence at my parents which is a welcome break for this over-worked momma. I'm so very grateful for this day. This unplanned, interrupted, not what I expected Christmas day.
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Evil
It's several days now since Sandy Hook Elementary was shot up by a lone gunman. It's what every one is talking about. Every news outlet leads with a story about this town in Connecticut that I'm sure I would have never heard of had this not happened. Newtown.
Everyone seems to have an opinion, a thought, a prayer, a solution, or a reason. I have nothing. Literally nothing, but what I heard said in a news story that "evil visited" that school that day. That resonated with me as the only thing. The only opinion, thought, prayer or reason that could for one second make sense of the senseless.
We as a society don't do well with things that don't make sense.
We want things to fit together nicely. Nothing about shooting 20 kindergarteners and 6 adults can be understood. Evil. Pure evil in the shape of a 20 year old boy with a crazed mind. There is no comfort in that.
I think of those babies and the adults who tried to stand in his way, how that community is shattered. I think about the gunman's family and how they must have struggled with him throughout his life. I think about my babies and how I quite literally can't protect them from evil on my own. And, there can be no comfort outside of Jesus in this mess. I can't logically understand how God could allow this to happen. I can't in good faith provide any sort of reason or opinion on why those children and adults were killed. All I know is that when tragedy beyond understanding comes upon us, we can only find peace that passes understanding in Christ. It's not easy. It's not logical. And it does not fit nicely with the emotions of 26 senseless murders, but it is the only place I feel safe.
Everyone seems to have an opinion, a thought, a prayer, a solution, or a reason. I have nothing. Literally nothing, but what I heard said in a news story that "evil visited" that school that day. That resonated with me as the only thing. The only opinion, thought, prayer or reason that could for one second make sense of the senseless.
We as a society don't do well with things that don't make sense.
We want things to fit together nicely. Nothing about shooting 20 kindergarteners and 6 adults can be understood. Evil. Pure evil in the shape of a 20 year old boy with a crazed mind. There is no comfort in that.
I think of those babies and the adults who tried to stand in his way, how that community is shattered. I think about the gunman's family and how they must have struggled with him throughout his life. I think about my babies and how I quite literally can't protect them from evil on my own. And, there can be no comfort outside of Jesus in this mess. I can't logically understand how God could allow this to happen. I can't in good faith provide any sort of reason or opinion on why those children and adults were killed. All I know is that when tragedy beyond understanding comes upon us, we can only find peace that passes understanding in Christ. It's not easy. It's not logical. And it does not fit nicely with the emotions of 26 senseless murders, but it is the only place I feel safe.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Willpower
I am seriously trying to use willpower to keep myself from getting horribly sick and I think I'm failing.
There are horror stories going around town about the kind of nastiness that is sweeping through the schools. Only 6 out of 21 kids in a class one day. Violent vomiting. Influenza A and B.
Caleb was sick for about 2 days this past week and he likes to get up close and personal when he's feeling puny. I'm sure if there were germs that wanted me to be sick, I've got 'em.
I'm right on that line of getting nasty sick and just moderately but still functioning sick.
I will not get sick. I will not get sick. I will not get sick.
Who has time to get sick?? Not me!!
So I will drink my tea, go to sleep and pray I feel semi-normal in the morning.
There are horror stories going around town about the kind of nastiness that is sweeping through the schools. Only 6 out of 21 kids in a class one day. Violent vomiting. Influenza A and B.
Caleb was sick for about 2 days this past week and he likes to get up close and personal when he's feeling puny. I'm sure if there were germs that wanted me to be sick, I've got 'em.
I'm right on that line of getting nasty sick and just moderately but still functioning sick.
I will not get sick. I will not get sick. I will not get sick.
Who has time to get sick?? Not me!!
So I will drink my tea, go to sleep and pray I feel semi-normal in the morning.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Gym Rat
The majority of my childhood/teen years were spent in a gym. Basketball gym. My dad always coached and I played or my brothers played or sister played. We were in the gym ALOT.
I loved it. To this day walking into my old high school gym floods me with good, happy emotions. I love the sounds of sneakers squeaking on the gym floor, shouts and hollers echoing off the walls, the smell of the waxed floors.
This adventure of starting a CrossFit gym is beginning to conjure up those same feelings and connections. Our first week has been really incredible. We super love our initial groupies and are excited about our newbies starting!
I find myself wanting to go down the street to the gym. Where I use to grab a ball and shoot around at the basketball gym, now I sit on the rower for a few 100 meters, do a few pull-ups, and work on some Olympic lifts. I love hearing the door open and our people coming in for their wod. I love hearing them joke and chat together as they get warmed up. I love coaching.
I am certain that may wane some as time goes on...or maybe it won't. We're still honeymooning right now :) What I am sure about is we're really happy we ventured down this path. And I super like being a gym rat again.
I loved it. To this day walking into my old high school gym floods me with good, happy emotions. I love the sounds of sneakers squeaking on the gym floor, shouts and hollers echoing off the walls, the smell of the waxed floors.
This adventure of starting a CrossFit gym is beginning to conjure up those same feelings and connections. Our first week has been really incredible. We super love our initial groupies and are excited about our newbies starting!
I find myself wanting to go down the street to the gym. Where I use to grab a ball and shoot around at the basketball gym, now I sit on the rower for a few 100 meters, do a few pull-ups, and work on some Olympic lifts. I love hearing the door open and our people coming in for their wod. I love hearing them joke and chat together as they get warmed up. I love coaching.
I am certain that may wane some as time goes on...or maybe it won't. We're still honeymooning right now :) What I am sure about is we're really happy we ventured down this path. And I super like being a gym rat again.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Mystery solved
So when he decided to tell me this morning that he was our anonymous donor, I really was not surprised. It is just something he would do. The reason he told me was because he wanted me to know that he really does care for our family and he and his wife had done this every Christmas and he was so happy to do it.
So I did get to cry and thank this sweet man who really not only made our Christmas season extra special, but I told him where some of that money went so he knew that his generosity affected children and families he has never known!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Anonymous
I honestly do not know why some people do some things. Good things, bad things, nothings.
We have been the recipients of many a good things.
Yesterday, I stepped out on the porch to grab the mail, sat on the couch and opened a few Christmas cards (Seriously, people?? It's the first week of Dec. How do you get these done?? Never, not once have I done Christmas cards. It's sad.)
Anyway, one did not have a return address and the card had a cute German shepherd in the snow on the front...and 6 $100 dollar bills in it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even kidding. WHO does THAT????????
I'm still in shock and honestly humbled beyond words. We knowingly stretched ourselves tight this year with opening a business, but this kindness goes beyond our needs! I immediately put that $ in the bank and sent a good chunk to where our heart is, House of Love and Hope in Haiti.
What a ripple affect this person created?? I hate that I can't hug this person and cry and tell them thank you. That is what my heart wants, but with an anonymous gifts, I'm out of luck. So I will be keeping my eyes and ears open to "re-gift" some of this kindness shown to us!! :-)
Merry Christmas!!
We have been the recipients of many a good things.
Yesterday, I stepped out on the porch to grab the mail, sat on the couch and opened a few Christmas cards (Seriously, people?? It's the first week of Dec. How do you get these done?? Never, not once have I done Christmas cards. It's sad.)
Anyway, one did not have a return address and the card had a cute German shepherd in the snow on the front...and 6 $100 dollar bills in it!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not even kidding. WHO does THAT????????
I'm still in shock and honestly humbled beyond words. We knowingly stretched ourselves tight this year with opening a business, but this kindness goes beyond our needs! I immediately put that $ in the bank and sent a good chunk to where our heart is, House of Love and Hope in Haiti.
What a ripple affect this person created?? I hate that I can't hug this person and cry and tell them thank you. That is what my heart wants, but with an anonymous gifts, I'm out of luck. So I will be keeping my eyes and ears open to "re-gift" some of this kindness shown to us!! :-)
Merry Christmas!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Confession
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am not a morning person. Basically anything before 7:00 a.m. hurts. Sometimes really badly.
Maybe if I got up at that time enough, I would become a morning person, you say? Nope. I have had my share of mornings to test this out.
Most recently, I have tested this theory out as we offer a 6:15 a.m. class at CrossFit Pathos and with Chad at work at that time some days and our friend/fellow trainer, Anna, in a different town, that means little non-morning person me will teach some of those times. Chad was laughing at me this morning as he left for work and I dragged myself to the bathroom at 5:20 a.m. I was a sorry sight.
Really and truly, it's fine. I can fake being happy to be up before the sun. And if I'm going to get up that early there are worse things to get up for then something I truly enjoy like coaching CrossFit.
I am just one of those people that believe not much should take place before noon. Very few things actually. Getting out of bed before noon is probably good. Eating breakfast before noon, also beneficial. Um, I can't really think of anything else.
And so in the hopes of "being real." I just wanted to get that out there. Those of you who know me already know this, but still. It's valuable information to repeat.
My name is Sarah and I am not a morning person.
Maybe if I got up at that time enough, I would become a morning person, you say? Nope. I have had my share of mornings to test this out.
Most recently, I have tested this theory out as we offer a 6:15 a.m. class at CrossFit Pathos and with Chad at work at that time some days and our friend/fellow trainer, Anna, in a different town, that means little non-morning person me will teach some of those times. Chad was laughing at me this morning as he left for work and I dragged myself to the bathroom at 5:20 a.m. I was a sorry sight.
Really and truly, it's fine. I can fake being happy to be up before the sun. And if I'm going to get up that early there are worse things to get up for then something I truly enjoy like coaching CrossFit.
I am just one of those people that believe not much should take place before noon. Very few things actually. Getting out of bed before noon is probably good. Eating breakfast before noon, also beneficial. Um, I can't really think of anything else.
And so in the hopes of "being real." I just wanted to get that out there. Those of you who know me already know this, but still. It's valuable information to repeat.
My name is Sarah and I am not a morning person.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Blood, sweat and tears
Starting a business is no easy task. I knew that heading into the beast, but it really has gone smoothly. A few hiccups here and there, but nothing major.
I was in tears on Tuesday due to computer issues that were holding up the single document that would allow us to sign our lease and move forward. It was a painful reminder of how dependent we are on technology!
This weekend we literally poured blood and sweat into getting the building ready for Monday. My hands are pretty banged up from mishaps with tools or dragging rubber flooring, but I was very glad for my already calloused hands!
And I can honestly say our CrossFit training played right into the set up of the gym! Functional training usage at its best!!
We spent the large majority of our time cleaning, prepping, planning, cleaning, setting up, cleaning, organizing, and did I mention cleaning??
This place was D.I.R.T.Y! Dirt and grime, dust and debris.
We were covered in filth the first day and a little less filth the second day. We're hoping with a few more spray downs, mop ups, and more flooring down the road, we'll be able to keep it relatively neat.
We are so ready to get this going and hope that our gym is an integral part of this community for a LONG time!
I was in tears on Tuesday due to computer issues that were holding up the single document that would allow us to sign our lease and move forward. It was a painful reminder of how dependent we are on technology!
This weekend we literally poured blood and sweat into getting the building ready for Monday. My hands are pretty banged up from mishaps with tools or dragging rubber flooring, but I was very glad for my already calloused hands!
And I can honestly say our CrossFit training played right into the set up of the gym! Functional training usage at its best!!
We spent the large majority of our time cleaning, prepping, planning, cleaning, setting up, cleaning, organizing, and did I mention cleaning??
This place was D.I.R.T.Y! Dirt and grime, dust and debris.
We were covered in filth the first day and a little less filth the second day. We're hoping with a few more spray downs, mop ups, and more flooring down the road, we'll be able to keep it relatively neat.
We are so ready to get this going and hope that our gym is an integral part of this community for a LONG time!
Monday, November 26, 2012
On the brink.
We've been sitting here on the brink of this new adventure for what seems like an eternity, but in actuality has only been a few months.
We are so close to diving in to our new CrossFit gym.
It's exhausting, exhilarating, and daunting.
It's a lot of moolah up front. It's trusting that moolah will come back around on the other side.
It's me squelching a lot of "what ifs", "I don't knows" and "I can'ts".
It's a lot of talk, rehash, re-evaluate, talk, "CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE!", rest, discuss, decide...
My prayer is that people will see in Chad and I a pure desire to help others. That this is not a trend. That CrossFit is more then the latest fitness bandwagon. That improved fitness is possible with any subset of people. I hope this reaches wide in our community.
There is no way I would have thought a few years back that this was in our future. I've become quite accustomed to not trying to figure out our future. Generally that means I try to keep super low expectations. With this though, in the quiet places of my mind, they are high.
I hope we reach the heights.
We are so close to diving in to our new CrossFit gym.
It's exhausting, exhilarating, and daunting.
It's a lot of moolah up front. It's trusting that moolah will come back around on the other side.
It's me squelching a lot of "what ifs", "I don't knows" and "I can'ts".
It's a lot of talk, rehash, re-evaluate, talk, "CAN WE PLEASE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE!", rest, discuss, decide...
My prayer is that people will see in Chad and I a pure desire to help others. That this is not a trend. That CrossFit is more then the latest fitness bandwagon. That improved fitness is possible with any subset of people. I hope this reaches wide in our community.
There is no way I would have thought a few years back that this was in our future. I've become quite accustomed to not trying to figure out our future. Generally that means I try to keep super low expectations. With this though, in the quiet places of my mind, they are high.
I hope we reach the heights.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Laundry
I would like to apologize beforehand.
Scene: Me laying on the bed looking at my phone.
Chad getting ready to work out.
Chad: "I think my abs are almost back to normal," as he raises his shirt to reveal his washboard abs. "Can you massage them a little though?"
Me: "It's hard to massage stone, babe."
Chad: "Yeah. Anyone need some laundry done around here?"
This is my world.
Scene: Me laying on the bed looking at my phone.
Chad getting ready to work out.
Chad: "I think my abs are almost back to normal," as he raises his shirt to reveal his washboard abs. "Can you massage them a little though?"
Me: "It's hard to massage stone, babe."
Chad: "Yeah. Anyone need some laundry done around here?"
This is my world.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Genius
Scene: Coloring in a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle coloring book with Caleb. Caleb hands me a red and a yellow.
Me: Caleb, what color will these two make?
Caleb: Orange.
Me: Wow, Caleb. That's right. You're smarter then some kindergarteners.
Caleb: I know. It's cuz I'm a genius.
Well, there you have it. We have a genius.
Me: Caleb, what color will these two make?
Caleb: Orange.
Me: Wow, Caleb. That's right. You're smarter then some kindergarteners.
Caleb: I know. It's cuz I'm a genius.
Well, there you have it. We have a genius.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
For the love of smart people
Some people have good ideas. Some people have great ideas. People like me like to use other people's ideas.
Hence, why I like Pinterest. I am not an idea's person. I'm good with someone else coming up with something genius and using it!
So, the latest genius idea that came from someone else that I've come across is Pure Charity!
Oh my stinkin' goodness. It's so smart, it hurts. Lots of bloggers I read have jumped on this one and I wanted to spread the word too. My blog reach is SUPER limited, but if all 4 of you tell a few people then SOMEONE will join, right??!!?
So go to Pure Charity, create an account, register your card or cards, download the online app and get to making some moolah for charity. I was blown away by all the online retailers that are a part of this. Big names. Walmart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Sephora, Best Buy, Gap. ENDLESS!!! You could literally spend every penny of every purchase for the rest of your life at one of the stores. AND get $ to give to any of the projects listed! JACKPOT!
What's cool too is you can just put some money in your account whenever too. So if you want to give $20 to a project, just go ahead. No shopping required.
Genius, people, pure genius. Now if I can just get ahold of someone there so I can figure out how to get the orphanage up as a project, I'll be comatose with excitement!
Go. Do it. Now. Or at least tell someone else to do it!
Hence, why I like Pinterest. I am not an idea's person. I'm good with someone else coming up with something genius and using it!
So, the latest genius idea that came from someone else that I've come across is Pure Charity!
Oh my stinkin' goodness. It's so smart, it hurts. Lots of bloggers I read have jumped on this one and I wanted to spread the word too. My blog reach is SUPER limited, but if all 4 of you tell a few people then SOMEONE will join, right??!!?
So go to Pure Charity, create an account, register your card or cards, download the online app and get to making some moolah for charity. I was blown away by all the online retailers that are a part of this. Big names. Walmart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Sephora, Best Buy, Gap. ENDLESS!!! You could literally spend every penny of every purchase for the rest of your life at one of the stores. AND get $ to give to any of the projects listed! JACKPOT!
What's cool too is you can just put some money in your account whenever too. So if you want to give $20 to a project, just go ahead. No shopping required.
Genius, people, pure genius. Now if I can just get ahold of someone there so I can figure out how to get the orphanage up as a project, I'll be comatose with excitement!
Go. Do it. Now. Or at least tell someone else to do it!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Awe
Do you ever look at your own life or maybe someone else's in awe?
Maybe its because they seem to have it all together and it's hard to imagine them yelling at their kids, having a dirty house or a real care in the world and you're in awe that they keep it all together.
Maybe it's because they have succumbed to the stress life can produce and are wrapped up in alcohol, drugs or maybe seemingly more benign vices, like body image issues or food addictions and you're in awe because pain and stress can pull someone so far from themselves.
Maybe it's because they are thrown nearly every imaginable trial and still get up every morning. Smile and laugh occasionally. And live on in the face of heartbreaking pain.
Anymore, I am rarely in awe of the first example because I think it rarely holds true.
I am sometimes in awe at how painful it is to watch someone self-destruct. Not in a self-righteous way, but in a manner that makes me want to meet them in their pain somehow.
But I am never more in awe than when I see someone fight for sanity, for peace, for life, for health against all the odds. I am in awe at people that want to make the trivial important when so many literally have to convince themselves that tomorrow is worth it.
I am in awe tonight. Not of myself, but of another. She takes the pain because she has no choice. And she will be the first to tell you she'd gladly choose otherwise. She would happily pass on any one burden she carries.
She wouldn't agree, but it's beyond understanding how she handles her ever changing world, the emotions, the pain, the good and the bad.
There are moments I have no words of comfort, no way to ease the burdens, no means to make it better, but I stand in awe as she chooses to take on the next day. Believe me, it's awe-worthy.
Maybe its because they seem to have it all together and it's hard to imagine them yelling at their kids, having a dirty house or a real care in the world and you're in awe that they keep it all together.
Maybe it's because they have succumbed to the stress life can produce and are wrapped up in alcohol, drugs or maybe seemingly more benign vices, like body image issues or food addictions and you're in awe because pain and stress can pull someone so far from themselves.
Maybe it's because they are thrown nearly every imaginable trial and still get up every morning. Smile and laugh occasionally. And live on in the face of heartbreaking pain.
Anymore, I am rarely in awe of the first example because I think it rarely holds true.
I am sometimes in awe at how painful it is to watch someone self-destruct. Not in a self-righteous way, but in a manner that makes me want to meet them in their pain somehow.
But I am never more in awe than when I see someone fight for sanity, for peace, for life, for health against all the odds. I am in awe at people that want to make the trivial important when so many literally have to convince themselves that tomorrow is worth it.
I am in awe tonight. Not of myself, but of another. She takes the pain because she has no choice. And she will be the first to tell you she'd gladly choose otherwise. She would happily pass on any one burden she carries.
She wouldn't agree, but it's beyond understanding how she handles her ever changing world, the emotions, the pain, the good and the bad.
There are moments I have no words of comfort, no way to ease the burdens, no means to make it better, but I stand in awe as she chooses to take on the next day. Believe me, it's awe-worthy.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Photo Dump!
Bruises from kettlebell snatches that I apparently don't do properly.
Running with the post of a horseshoe game + falling on concrete=ER visit.
No stitches! We had a very lengthy conversation prior to the doctor coming. in which I tried to convince him that if the Hulk hurt his hand, he would let the doctor fix it and thereby default, Caleb should let the doctor fix his hand, as well. Caleb was unconvinced by this logic, as Hulk doesn't do anything he doesn't want and Caleb did not want stitches.
Guess we both won that one, right?
Guess we both won that one, right?
Lucky #7. I love watching this boy play sports. Kinda makes me giddy.
My current chalkboard. Something I need to hear E.V.E.R.Y day.
Oh baby love. Not a bad reason to go to Virginia for a few days, aye?
Beautiful beach girls!
Many, many hours spent along this coastline. Made me very nostalgic for the "early years" of our marriage.
Halloween 2012-like no other.
Batgirl, 80s rocker, ninja, "wacky boy"(I didn't really get it either), army guy (or navy special forces guy), red dragon, red ninja, and Venom without the mask.
A motley crew to say the least.
A motley crew to say the least.
Halloween, again?
Nope. Just another day in the life of Cory Luke. He has been wearing this nearly every day for about a week now. The glasses just put me over the edge :)
Ran an errand and left Cory to do some handwriting. This was taped to the door upon my return. 1. Beautiful handwriting for the little guy. 2. He taped the pen with it so I could "star" the best ones.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Oh! Hello again.
Where does the time go? I am telling you, it feels like my last post was just a few days ago, but it's been weeks. WEEKS!!
I don't know how to catch up on weeks.
Little things happened. Big things happened.
So here's a recap and hopefully I can be a little more on top of things in the coming weeks (we all know not to hold our breath on that one, right?)...
I came back from VA with a nasty cold. It didn't settle in really bad for a few days, but it took me down a notch for several days and is still lingering slightly. Totally manageable and totally worth the trip!
Before I got too sick, Chad and I were able to compete with some of our friends in a CrossFit competition in Olathe. It was wicked fun in a painful, sweaty way.
We drove home late that night with 4 extra kiddos. 3 of our nephews and 1 niece came back home with us for a few days while their parents, Chad's brother and wife, finished up some packing/moving details. Sadly for us they will be in Hawaii the next 3 years. I keep dreaming we'll be able to visit them.
In other news, we're a few steps closer to opening our own CrossFit gym. I'm so excited for Chad to be able to spend his free time doing something he is so passionate about. I will also be coaching and will get certified in the next few months. I'm excited and nervous about that. I have learned so much in the past few years about body mechanics, olympic lifting, training, and the list goes on. I hope I am able to convey those things to others! It's a daunting task and not one I thought I'd ever take on, but I'd love to pass on my knowledge (however limited, at this point) to anyone who wants to learn!
So I suppose that's the recap. The day to day continues as usual with our little peeps. Lots of practices and school.
Life marches on...
I don't know how to catch up on weeks.
Little things happened. Big things happened.
So here's a recap and hopefully I can be a little more on top of things in the coming weeks (we all know not to hold our breath on that one, right?)...
I came back from VA with a nasty cold. It didn't settle in really bad for a few days, but it took me down a notch for several days and is still lingering slightly. Totally manageable and totally worth the trip!
Before I got too sick, Chad and I were able to compete with some of our friends in a CrossFit competition in Olathe. It was wicked fun in a painful, sweaty way.
 |
| Natasha, Anna, me, Becky and Shelly |
 |
| Go McPherson CrossFitters! |
 |
| Snatchin' |
 |
| Such good form |
 |
| The guys goofing off. Dan, Matt, Jeramy, Chad and Eric
|
In other news, we're a few steps closer to opening our own CrossFit gym. I'm so excited for Chad to be able to spend his free time doing something he is so passionate about. I will also be coaching and will get certified in the next few months. I'm excited and nervous about that. I have learned so much in the past few years about body mechanics, olympic lifting, training, and the list goes on. I hope I am able to convey those things to others! It's a daunting task and not one I thought I'd ever take on, but I'd love to pass on my knowledge (however limited, at this point) to anyone who wants to learn!
So I suppose that's the recap. The day to day continues as usual with our little peeps. Lots of practices and school.
Life marches on...
Friday, October 26, 2012
VA Bch
I spent the last 5 days in Virginia Beach. I love it there. It feels so beautifully familiar. We spent 3+ years there very early on in our marriage. Elijah and Autumn were both born in Portsmouth. Such great memories and painfully hard ones, as well. My brother died while we were there. I struggled as a single mom for months there. I grew tremendously there.
This trip was spent with my sister/friend, Caroline and her new baby, Easton. It meant restless nights snuggling this beautiful baby. I loved every second of it and would go back if I could. Watching this young girl, who happens to be about the same age I was when we first met her family, was amazing. She is maternal and calm and courageous. She's a single mom determined to make a life for this baby boy. It is beyond encouraging to see her mothering and her family rally around her with support and love. The youngest sister, Morgan, is a huge help to her and her other 2 sisters support her unconditionally. Her mother would be busting with pride at her girls right now.
We had dinner every night at Katy and Adam's house. It was so fun for me to spend time with them and their little girl, Kyrie. These two were just young and in love when we first met. Elijah was their ring bearer. Adam was Autumn's favorite person as a tiny baby. They are wonderful parents and as usual, completely fun and enjoyable to be around!
Between Starbucks runs, delicious foods, a quick beach visit, newborn snuggles, and laughs with the sisters and Adam, it was a great trip.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Let's get ready to RAMBLE!!!!!
Thoughts are going a mile a minute...
Could be the large latte I had a bit ago...
Or....
It could be that I bought a ticket to Haiti today!!(Well, I didn't, but my friend Heather did it for me and for her and her husband who will be going too!) YIPPEE!
It's just going to be me this time. Chad will stay home with work and kids. Slightly bummed about that, but it's the way it is this time. So grateful that our first trip was together and he'll know what I mean when I cry and wail and laugh and rejoice about what I'll see and do.
Oh happy day!!
AND!!! We've made major progress towards securing a building for our CrossFit gym! Haven't blogged about all that business yet, but it's in the works! Big things, people, big things.
And!! My sweet friend/sister from another mister, Caroline, is in labor RIGHT NOW! Baby Easton will be making his arrival soon.
And!! I've been following some superstar bloggers this past week as they visited Haiti with Help One Now, an awesome organization bent on serving Haiti from the ground. Check them out at www.helponenow.org Amazing group of people!
And! That's all.
Could be the large latte I had a bit ago...
Or....
It could be that I bought a ticket to Haiti today!!(Well, I didn't, but my friend Heather did it for me and for her and her husband who will be going too!) YIPPEE!
It's just going to be me this time. Chad will stay home with work and kids. Slightly bummed about that, but it's the way it is this time. So grateful that our first trip was together and he'll know what I mean when I cry and wail and laugh and rejoice about what I'll see and do.
Oh happy day!!
AND!!! We've made major progress towards securing a building for our CrossFit gym! Haven't blogged about all that business yet, but it's in the works! Big things, people, big things.
And!! My sweet friend/sister from another mister, Caroline, is in labor RIGHT NOW! Baby Easton will be making his arrival soon.
And!! I've been following some superstar bloggers this past week as they visited Haiti with Help One Now, an awesome organization bent on serving Haiti from the ground. Check them out at www.helponenow.org Amazing group of people!
And! That's all.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Photo dump
I could write a whole post about each of these pics, but I want to catch up a bit!
Summertime at my parent often involves bonfires..
Hot guy working out...
Relaxing on the front yard swing...
Lots of trips back and forth across the park to the Y.
School days! Elijah at his new "big" middle school and Cory working hard at home! No picture of Autumn at Lincoln yet.
The ocean flying home from Haiti...makes me a little teary.
Football in full force for Elijah. He won this MASSIVE trophy for blocking...makes me giggle :)
Our coffee shop friend, Mr. Groves.
Dillon Nature Center in Hutch. SUPER AWESOME for the boys!
State Fair for the day!
What our cart looks like after going through Aldi.
Summertime at my parent often involves bonfires..
Hot guy working out...
Relaxing on the front yard swing...
and snuggles with Uncle Sethy.
Lots of trips back and forth across the park to the Y.
School days! Elijah at his new "big" middle school and Cory working hard at home! No picture of Autumn at Lincoln yet.
The ocean flying home from Haiti...makes me a little teary.
Football in full force for Elijah. He won this MASSIVE trophy for blocking...makes me giggle :)
Our coffee shop friend, Mr. Groves.
Dillon Nature Center in Hutch. SUPER AWESOME for the boys!State Fair for the day!
Dirt
An excessively dry summer plus not enough dirt around the house anyway meant a whole dump truck of dirt was needed to go around the house!
Caleb, of course, LOVES IT! I will be hard pressed to find something for the boys to do after it's all spread out.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
My People
I think everyone has their people.
You know, the ones you'd drop everything and run to if they so much as hinted that they needed you.
I can look back through life and even see now that there are just some people that are MY people. I don't know if I'm their person, but that's not really the point.
The point is that when push comes to shove and they need you, you go.I may not talk to them for months or sometimes even years, but I would literally go to the ends of the earth if they said they needed me.
I got a message today from one of my people. She's like a little sister to me. She's having a baby in a few weeks. She and her sisters are my people. Their mother passed away 2 years ago and I have a deep, deep place for them in my heart.
She kinda mentioned that she would really like it if I could maybe come out sometime kinda around when she has her baby.
I've been thinking about it for weeks. Sometimes we just need a little nudge from our people to set the wheels in motion.
So I'm going to Virginia. Cause my people asked me and because I SO desperately want to be there for this girl when she has her first baby. Last time I saw these beautiful girls was their mother's funeral. This may be just as difficult. And I can't wait to see their beautiful faces!
You know, the ones you'd drop everything and run to if they so much as hinted that they needed you.
I can look back through life and even see now that there are just some people that are MY people. I don't know if I'm their person, but that's not really the point.
The point is that when push comes to shove and they need you, you go.I may not talk to them for months or sometimes even years, but I would literally go to the ends of the earth if they said they needed me.
I got a message today from one of my people. She's like a little sister to me. She's having a baby in a few weeks. She and her sisters are my people. Their mother passed away 2 years ago and I have a deep, deep place for them in my heart.
She kinda mentioned that she would really like it if I could maybe come out sometime kinda around when she has her baby.
I've been thinking about it for weeks. Sometimes we just need a little nudge from our people to set the wheels in motion.
So I'm going to Virginia. Cause my people asked me and because I SO desperately want to be there for this girl when she has her first baby. Last time I saw these beautiful girls was their mother's funeral. This may be just as difficult. And I can't wait to see their beautiful faces!
Monday, September 24, 2012
The daily grind.
That's probably the name of a coffee shop.
I know I've seen it.
This is the time of year that days run together.
And so because I love bullet points and I have nothing of real substance to write about here are some bullet point thoughts for you.
Lucky, lucky you.
*We bought a grill a month back. First grill we've ever had. Nothing fancy. 12+ years without a grill. How? How, I say, did we make it without a grill?? I do not know. Burgers, pork chops, chicken, veggies. Grilled to amateur perfection.
* I miss Haiti. Like pain in my heart kind of miss. Like bring me to tears if you catch me at the right time kind of miss.
*February is the next scheduled trip to Haiti. I am having the great debate. Go or send the money? I'm sure $1000 would go so much further then my manual labor. But, UGH, I miss these people. See previous bullet point.
*Caleb had the line of the week on Friday. I will not do it justice in writing. Upon coming back from grocery shopping I told him to go help unload the car. (Hand on hip, other hand on the couch, leaning, deep sigh...) "I'm thinking about it! Mom, I always tink about ebery-ting." Long pause. Deep sigh... "OK!! I'll do it!"--with a big smile. Well, thank you for that thoughtful gesture. Geez.
*I have a problem. I kill things. Green, beautiful, lovely things. I deeply admirecovet the lawns around town with their shrubs and bushes and flowers. I understand the logistics of growing things. Water, sunshine, pruning. I just suck at it. Meaning I forget or don't transplant things properly or forget. I think I would have a nice lawn in say, Arizona, where it's all concrete and rocks.
*I've been cooking quite a bit lately. A few observations: I do like to cook. I do not like cleaning up. At all!! I hate it. The disdain I have for doing dishes FAR outweighs my desire to cook. I have to just push through sometimes. I'm trying. It won't last.
And there you go. Happy Monday!
I know I've seen it.
This is the time of year that days run together.
And so because I love bullet points and I have nothing of real substance to write about here are some bullet point thoughts for you.
Lucky, lucky you.
*We bought a grill a month back. First grill we've ever had. Nothing fancy. 12+ years without a grill. How? How, I say, did we make it without a grill?? I do not know. Burgers, pork chops, chicken, veggies. Grilled to amateur perfection.
* I miss Haiti. Like pain in my heart kind of miss. Like bring me to tears if you catch me at the right time kind of miss.
*February is the next scheduled trip to Haiti. I am having the great debate. Go or send the money? I'm sure $1000 would go so much further then my manual labor. But, UGH, I miss these people. See previous bullet point.
*Caleb had the line of the week on Friday. I will not do it justice in writing. Upon coming back from grocery shopping I told him to go help unload the car. (Hand on hip, other hand on the couch, leaning, deep sigh...) "I'm thinking about it! Mom, I always tink about ebery-ting." Long pause. Deep sigh... "OK!! I'll do it!"--with a big smile. Well, thank you for that thoughtful gesture. Geez.
*I have a problem. I kill things. Green, beautiful, lovely things. I deeply admire
*I've been cooking quite a bit lately. A few observations: I do like to cook. I do not like cleaning up. At all!! I hate it. The disdain I have for doing dishes FAR outweighs my desire to cook. I have to just push through sometimes. I'm trying. It won't last.
And there you go. Happy Monday!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
32
I am loving the 30s. Truly. I wonder if this shifts the closer I get to 40??? Don't tell me if it tanks as the number ticks up.
The 20s were no joke. Major life happened in my 20s. Marriage (technically that was the teens), all my children (so far), big moves, major life changing months of single parenting, death of my brother, friendships gained and lost, identity struggles, financial struggles. The list is endless. I didn't know if I would make it out of my 20s whole.
Well, obviously, I did, but not without a few scars.
Much has changed in these past few years of my new decade. Not much outwardly, but I feel it in my soul. A solidarity with who and whose I am. A peace. A calm. An understanding. I cannot explain it fully, but I like it.
I don't feel rattled by the everyday or the unknown.
I don't feel driven by some arbitrary set of ideals. I don't feel bullied by what the world thinks I need to know or believe or aspire to.
I am happy with my life. Not because it is perfect or easy or simple, but because it is none of those thing. It is made up of all the things I have chosen, worked for, cried over, and prayed about. Many times, I wondered if I'd chosen correctly, or if some things were worth the work.
If I could, I'd go back and hug my 20 something self and tell her to just keep holding on...the fog lifts, the heart settles, the babies grow. The "old" life I had so young rapidly becomes today. A young me with "old" kids, a miraculously good marriage, solid friendships and family relationships and I'd tell her to choose it all again.
The 20s were no joke. Major life happened in my 20s. Marriage (technically that was the teens), all my children (so far), big moves, major life changing months of single parenting, death of my brother, friendships gained and lost, identity struggles, financial struggles. The list is endless. I didn't know if I would make it out of my 20s whole.
Well, obviously, I did, but not without a few scars.
Much has changed in these past few years of my new decade. Not much outwardly, but I feel it in my soul. A solidarity with who and whose I am. A peace. A calm. An understanding. I cannot explain it fully, but I like it.
I don't feel rattled by the everyday or the unknown.
I don't feel driven by some arbitrary set of ideals. I don't feel bullied by what the world thinks I need to know or believe or aspire to.
I am happy with my life. Not because it is perfect or easy or simple, but because it is none of those thing. It is made up of all the things I have chosen, worked for, cried over, and prayed about. Many times, I wondered if I'd chosen correctly, or if some things were worth the work.
If I could, I'd go back and hug my 20 something self and tell her to just keep holding on...the fog lifts, the heart settles, the babies grow. The "old" life I had so young rapidly becomes today. A young me with "old" kids, a miraculously good marriage, solid friendships and family relationships and I'd tell her to choose it all again.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Football
It rained today. And the temp dropped 10+ degrees. It was GLORIOUS! My windows are open. The air is cool and I'm barely restraining myself from pulling on a sweater even though it's not quite sweater weather.
I love fall. I love summer too, but fall...It's so comfy and cozy and cool and wonderful.
And every fall for the past 8 years, it's included football. Our lives from August through November have revolved around football. This year there is football, but we will only be spectators to Elijah's games. No coaching responsibilities, no afternoons at the field, no running around the athletic center waiting for dad to get done, no Saturdays spent entirely invested in a team and a staff.
I miss it. Some of the time. I miss the excitement of gearing up for a game. I miss knowing the players and cheering them on. I miss being a part of a team.
I do not miss the long hours. I do not miss navigating weeks on end without a partner.
We're having a few of the players over for dinner tonight. I'm SO glad we can still do that! These guys mean alot to Chad and I'm glad he's keeping that connection. We'll go to a few games, I'm sure. We'll keep tabs on some of the guys.
It's not the same, but it will do.
I love fall. I love summer too, but fall...It's so comfy and cozy and cool and wonderful.
And every fall for the past 8 years, it's included football. Our lives from August through November have revolved around football. This year there is football, but we will only be spectators to Elijah's games. No coaching responsibilities, no afternoons at the field, no running around the athletic center waiting for dad to get done, no Saturdays spent entirely invested in a team and a staff.
I miss it. Some of the time. I miss the excitement of gearing up for a game. I miss knowing the players and cheering them on. I miss being a part of a team.
I do not miss the long hours. I do not miss navigating weeks on end without a partner.
We're having a few of the players over for dinner tonight. I'm SO glad we can still do that! These guys mean alot to Chad and I'm glad he's keeping that connection. We'll go to a few games, I'm sure. We'll keep tabs on some of the guys.
It's not the same, but it will do.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Answers. Just not the ones we wanted.
Well, after many, many phone calls, emails and conversations with a variety of people we have come to the conclusion that we have to wait to start the adoption process for our Haiti babies.
I've learned more about Haiti adoptions in the past weeks then I thought I could without actually adopting.
Here's the details: Haiti recently ratified the Hague Convention which means they will at some point implement certain requirements about how the US and Haiti process adoptions. This means that any agency that wants to process Haitian adoptions has to submit paperwork for the Haitian government and then the government will decide which agencies will be allowed to do adoptions. So, many agencies have submitted that paperwork but are not sure if they will be allowed to do Haitian adoptions once they implement the Hague regulations.
Second strike against us for now is that we're not 35. There is rumor that that requirement will be changed along with the new Hague regulations, but no one knows for sure.
We could get a presidential waiver for this and our 4 children, but that adds a lot of time to the process and if one of us isn't 35, our dossier sits and gets outdated.
And finally, the nail in the coffin...the orphanage that we would like to adopt from is, as far as we know, not licensed to do adoptions. Apparently, all orphanages must be accredited to operate as an orphanage. In order to process adoptions though, they must be licensed and by definition are now called a creche.
So there you have it. 3 strikes. Honestly, I'm ok. I've spent the past few weeks just trying to get a definite answer so I'm happy to actually have that info so we can move on to fully focusing on raising money for the orphanage and possibly helping Josie get licensed!
I still think we will adopt at some point, but it appears that may be farther down the road then we thought.
I've learned more about Haiti adoptions in the past weeks then I thought I could without actually adopting.
Here's the details: Haiti recently ratified the Hague Convention which means they will at some point implement certain requirements about how the US and Haiti process adoptions. This means that any agency that wants to process Haitian adoptions has to submit paperwork for the Haitian government and then the government will decide which agencies will be allowed to do adoptions. So, many agencies have submitted that paperwork but are not sure if they will be allowed to do Haitian adoptions once they implement the Hague regulations.
Second strike against us for now is that we're not 35. There is rumor that that requirement will be changed along with the new Hague regulations, but no one knows for sure.
We could get a presidential waiver for this and our 4 children, but that adds a lot of time to the process and if one of us isn't 35, our dossier sits and gets outdated.
And finally, the nail in the coffin...the orphanage that we would like to adopt from is, as far as we know, not licensed to do adoptions. Apparently, all orphanages must be accredited to operate as an orphanage. In order to process adoptions though, they must be licensed and by definition are now called a creche.
So there you have it. 3 strikes. Honestly, I'm ok. I've spent the past few weeks just trying to get a definite answer so I'm happy to actually have that info so we can move on to fully focusing on raising money for the orphanage and possibly helping Josie get licensed!
I still think we will adopt at some point, but it appears that may be farther down the road then we thought.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Is anyone tired of hearing about Haiti??
That's a rhetorical question cause I'm not done talking about it. So move along if you're kinda "over" me talking about Haiti. :-)
We gave our first talk/slideshow about our trip and House of Love and Hope Orphanage yesterday. I did not pass out, stutter or make TOO many stupid jokes. Chad spoke quite a bit which was not surprising to me, but may have surprised a few people. We did not talk over each other or interrupt each other mid-sentence. Which is a feat all it's own.
We would love the opportunity to do this again and again...and again to whomever will listen! If you know of a group or organization that would be interested, let me know! We would even travel some if it meant a few more people would commit to this orphanage!
*************************************************
In other news, I managed to do nearly nothing today. Chad is on nights this week so he was home all day.
This was our agenda:
Let the kids watch movies and play on the computer til about 1 so we could be ultra lazy.
Went to Dillons for essentials...donuts, milk, yogurt, fruit.
Read books.
Told the kids they coudn't watch any more TV or play on the computer cause I did not want their brains to stop functioning on a human level.
Listened to them fight most of the day because they were re-learning how to deal with other human beings.
Told Caleb 14 times in the span of 5 minutes that he could not play Angry Birds on my phone.
Finally let him play Angry Birds til my phone died.
Played a tortuous game of Spades in which Elijah and I forfeited because we had played for an hour and were -280 with no hope in sight.
Chad worked out and helped the kids through a CF Kids workout. I took a power nap.
And now it's 530 and I should think about some type of food to feed the crazies, but I'm kinda spazing out cause I just entered the kids' activity schedules for the month and I think I'm breaking out in hives.
My one activity rule is quickly going by the wayside. Mostly because I don't want to count piano lessons as an activity. That would be first thing Autumn and Cory would give up and I don't want them to so it's a freebie for now.
Then Autumn insists she will be fine doing dance and gymnastics. I'm sure she will be. My head might start spinning.
Then Cory is playing soccer and he REALLY wanted to try gymnastics so we're gonna give that a go. We know he loves soccer, but the older I get the more I wish I had learned some gymnastics skills when I was young.
So that's 3 activities for each of them. Yeah, I know. I'l see you sometime next summer.
Elijah is still good with just football and Caleb is the lucky winner of being dragged to all this madness.
Happy Fall Sports, friends!
We gave our first talk/slideshow about our trip and House of Love and Hope Orphanage yesterday. I did not pass out, stutter or make TOO many stupid jokes. Chad spoke quite a bit which was not surprising to me, but may have surprised a few people. We did not talk over each other or interrupt each other mid-sentence. Which is a feat all it's own.
We would love the opportunity to do this again and again...and again to whomever will listen! If you know of a group or organization that would be interested, let me know! We would even travel some if it meant a few more people would commit to this orphanage!
*************************************************
In other news, I managed to do nearly nothing today. Chad is on nights this week so he was home all day.
This was our agenda:
Let the kids watch movies and play on the computer til about 1 so we could be ultra lazy.
Went to Dillons for essentials...donuts, milk, yogurt, fruit.
Read books.
Told the kids they coudn't watch any more TV or play on the computer cause I did not want their brains to stop functioning on a human level.
Listened to them fight most of the day because they were re-learning how to deal with other human beings.
Told Caleb 14 times in the span of 5 minutes that he could not play Angry Birds on my phone.
Finally let him play Angry Birds til my phone died.
Played a tortuous game of Spades in which Elijah and I forfeited because we had played for an hour and were -280 with no hope in sight.
Chad worked out and helped the kids through a CF Kids workout. I took a power nap.
And now it's 530 and I should think about some type of food to feed the crazies, but I'm kinda spazing out cause I just entered the kids' activity schedules for the month and I think I'm breaking out in hives.
My one activity rule is quickly going by the wayside. Mostly because I don't want to count piano lessons as an activity. That would be first thing Autumn and Cory would give up and I don't want them to so it's a freebie for now.
Then Autumn insists she will be fine doing dance and gymnastics. I'm sure she will be. My head might start spinning.
Then Cory is playing soccer and he REALLY wanted to try gymnastics so we're gonna give that a go. We know he loves soccer, but the older I get the more I wish I had learned some gymnastics skills when I was young.
So that's 3 activities for each of them. Yeah, I know. I'l see you sometime next summer.
Elijah is still good with just football and Caleb is the lucky winner of being dragged to all this madness.
Happy Fall Sports, friends!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)