Passing the Faith Along...

I had held out as long as possible before throwing away my withering Valentine's Day roses from Derek. They stayed beautiful for quite some time this year and brought me a smile every time I looked at them. When I finally caved, and headed for the trash can with them, Sophie was so disappointed. "MOMMY! Do you really have to throw them away? They're still alive aren't they?"
Even Cameron joined in the protest, thinking I should give them another chance at rallying. :)

I thought it was rather cute that they were being such advocates for the poor flowers, but a thought struck me as I ignored their pleas and shoved the stems deep down into the wastebasket.

"Sophie, do you know when these roses started dying?" I asked her.

"Today???" she threw out uncertainly.

I sat the kids down at the table and read to them from John 15. I said, "Children, these flowers began to die the very instant they were cut from their bush. Even though we've enjoyed them for some time now, they have been in the process of dying the whole time."

We went on to have a discussion about the life-source of the flower, and then applied how the Scripture refers to us as being on a vine as well. There were many good points for discussion after that about truly living in Jesus, bearing fruit for Jesus, how we can be cut off and everything that means about spiritual death.

Still, I see Sophie with her little bedside cup of flowers that she was just given on Sunday, doing everything she can to tend to them and keep them alive as long as possible. We've talked again about the vine and the branches.

My poor children may grow weary of my habit for turning the simplest daily tasks into object lessons...and I assure you, I'm not the most creatively gifted for it...but it is the way that most helps me on my journey and I'm trying to pass it along to them. It's not about winning any blue ribbon for "most creative mom" or "best storyteller", or I'd be in big trouble. What it is about, to my way of thinking, is using the model that Jesus used so often to communicate important truths. Look around you: hardly a day goes by that there's not a life-truth to be learned that's quietly nestled into the common and ordinary things around us.

I'm praying for the Father to help me open my eyes, or just to see with spiritual eyes open, all the things that He would have me know and maybe even share along the Way.

Calling All Moms...

Or Dads. Or Smart People who know more about life's challenges than I do.

My little girl has a broken heart. I mean a truly devastated, crushed and bleeding heart. And I don't know the best way to comfort her and advise her.

Ever since Lauren learned to read, she has had a thing for horses. She would read every book she could get her hands on about horses. First, the fictional chapter books about a little girl with a horse, etc. Then the how-to guides on caring for horses, showing horses, riding horses, etc. She loved the "Felicity: An American Girl Movie " in which the main character shared her passion for the animal. All of this happened long before Lauren ever got up close and touched one. Much less rode one.

Then last fall, the opportunity presented itself for Lauren to ride. And she was such a natural, putting all that she's read and heard into practice, that she was offered free riding lessons looking toward a future of showing their horses at all the local fairs and the Horse Park. Lauren was beside herself with joy. So ecstatic. So we had begun the lessons every week that the weather permitted. Each time the owners were so complimentary of Lauren's natural talent with the horse. Lauren has suffered with asthma, eczema, and severe nut allergies since she was very small. So we already carry an epi-pen and Benadryl everywhere we go. Her first couple of times on the horse she had some itchy red eyes, nothing too serious. We didn't even worry about it. Then at her last lesson, she began to break out into hives from her neck all the way up her face. Soon she was swollen like something you'd see in a movie. She got sick, and wanted down from the horse. I knew something must be bad wrong since nothing can usually get her down from that horse.

There had been fresh cut hay, and we were hoping and praying that that was it. However, we have spent the last two afternoons at the allergist office. And Lauren is allergic to horses. And it's such a significant allergy that he strongly discourages further contact with the animal. He feels that her reaction is on a progression that could swiftly lead to ana-phylactic shock or even death.

Breaking this news has been one of the hardest things I've faced in parenting. Lauren has cried till her eyes are swollen miserably. She is bemoaning the "unfairness" of it all. I have encouraged her to get all her feelings and thoughts out and express any of it she wants to to me. She told me "I feel sadness, and madness, and green-eyed monster jealousy. I bet Satan's having a great day for what he's done to me. And this is all Adam and Eve's fault anyway. How could they do such a terrible thing to bring sin into this world?" I know...it's pitiful and humorous all at once.

Up to this point, I have let her express her pain, and I have told her how sorry I am for her. That my heart is broken with hers, and that I agree with her that it is unfair. I've promised to help her through it the best that I can. But I have left all "spiritualizing" of the subject left unspoken. Lauren brought up Satan and Adam and Eve all on her own. :) I admit I was relieved that she didn't naturally revert to blaming God. But there probably is a spiritual lesson in here. And I want to find it. I'm just VERY RELUCTANT AND HESITANT as to what I assign to God and "His will". I'm waiting till Daddy gets home to even pray about this with Lauren. Because I feel like this is an incident that she's going to remember for the rest of her life, and how we present God's role in this will stay with her forever. No pressure or anything on us, huh????

How can we make this a life lesson that will count for something? How can we take advantage of this moment to treat fragile faith with care?

I humbly ask for your prayers...and advice. Whatever ya got. Seriously!

Pictures from our Weekend

Our family had a very different vacation this year (or "staycation" as Kimberly pointed out!). We stayed home for the biggest part of it, doing fun stuff around here. Sticking it in the eye of oil companies, as it were. I'm sure they were devastated. :) We did leave for a short weekend trip to Indy where we spent time with G-Pa and Nana, as well as provided a service of music in their Sunday worship service. God really helped us with that, and we feel that we received a blessing as well as provided one. Before we did that, we had "Family Fun Splash Day" in our own back yard. Our kids are still the age that if you give anything a title and dance around saying "YAY!" about it they think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. We even have "Family Goes to Dentist Day!" and believe it or not it works. :) As a matter of fact, we did that last week too. Our kids have an AWESOME dentist that they are always very excited about going to. Anyway, I digress. The pics are basically in order. One pic of "splash day", on to Indy, Newport Aquarium on the way home (which I highly recommend to anyone who gets a chance to go), and then our local Japanese restaurant which we really love. Enjoy the pics!

Congratulations are in Order!

I just wanted to share some happy family news with those interested. My baby brother proposed to his sweet girlfriend over the weekend. Monee' is a beautiful lady inside and out, and our family is thrilled that Jonathan and she found each other. No wedding date set, yet. Congratulations and much love to you both!

One of Them Weeks

You know...the kind that make you deliberately abandon proper grammar for your blog post titles!

Sometimes little fingers can do big damage. Such was the case here early in the week. On Monday, Cameron reached down to pick up his little brother. Reagan raised his arms, and stuck a finger directly in Cameron's right eye. Even though his nails had just been clipped the day before, they are still razor-sharp little boogers. Cameron ended up with a very serious eye injury requiring nearly daily visits to doctors for evaluation and treatment. Initially on Tuesday, they were very concerned because 3 layers of membrane had been ripped in the cornea, and they thought it would take a special procedure to remove a "flap" of it. There was also a concern of infection due to the location of the scrape, since he could have ended up losing sight in that eye. We were sort of stunned all day Tuesday as we drove from the dr to the Specialist. Who would have dreamed such a little incident could be so alarming? As it turns out, we fully believe that the Lord intervened and touched Cameron's eye. It was still a very bad corneal abrasion, but it is healing nicely; so far no infection has set in. We take him back in the morning for a thorough evaluation. We have spent a lot of time thanking God for the gift of sight this week. Cameron was in so much pain the first few days that he could hardly even keep his "good" eye open. His sisters have fixed his breakfast, led him to his room, helped him brush his teeth, etc. It has been pitiful, but sweet.

On another annoying front, I am suffering an injustice at the hand of Homeland Security. There now, did that make ya sit up and take note?!? I'm still trying to sort out the details myself, but it goes something like this. I've been married for nearly 12 years. When I got married I took my birth and marriage certificates to the driver's license bureau in FL, and got a new license w/my married name on it. Moved to AL, and took my FL license to the AL bureau and got a valid license for that state w/my married name on it. Likewise when we moved to our current location. Well, recently my license was set to expire and so I went to the local branch to renew it. For some reason, I popped up in the system w/my maiden name on their computer. So they said something about new laws since 9/11 yada yada yada and that I would have to take my marriage license to the SS office, etc. Apparently I hadn't changed my name w/the SS office. I'm not sure that that's true, but that's what they tell me. So this week I took all my paraphernalia to the office and AGAIN they tell me that due to new laws put in place by Homeland Security that I will have to take my case to COURT, PEOPLE!!!! Actually get put on the docket and have a judge help me legally change my name to THE NAME I'VE BEEN LEGALLY USING FOR 12 YEARS!!!! GRRRRR!!!

I'm looking into all the possible options. I think there's some bureaucratic red tape here that can be avoided with a little intelligence and maybe civil servant bribery. JUST KIDDING. (maybe.)

Now, you see? It's been one of them weeks.

Holiday Happenins'

Just thought I'd check in with a little update on the goings on around here. Energy level is still a little low for any grandiose blogging these days. Here are a few of the highlights:

*We were proud of Lauren and Cameron performing in their Christmas Piano Recital a couple of weeks ago. They both did really well. Lauren played two songs, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Angels We Have Heard on High". Cameron played "We Three Kings". We are blessed to have a wonderful piano teacher for them, and they both enjoy learning to play the piano.

*Our family gave our first "concert" on Sunday night. Of course we sing a song here and there from week to week. But it is quite a different thing to do a non-stop hour of music and sharing. Can't say we were the most polished crew to ever roll down the road, but God definitely helped us. Couldn't have done it without Him, and most of all, I think we were able to be a blessing to a little church that hasn't had anything special in a long time.

*We have had flus of both the respiratory and digestive tract nature. That has been highly unpleasant. And that is all I will say about that. I think we are slowly on the mend.

*If the big winter storm doesn't strike, the kids are prepared for their Christmas play on Sunday night at church. There's rumors of snow and ice, though, so we'll see..............

*I'm rediscovering some of the things that are not my personal faves of the season. I don't care for colored lights; I strongly resist the appearance of any Christmas decor until Thanksgiving has been given due honor; I feel like a hypocrite when singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"(cuz I'm so NOT!); I really dislike Christmas cards with only a canned verse and someone's signature at the bottom, assembly-line style; I truly prefer my wonderful-smelling, freshly cut, not completely perfect Frasier Fir tree to an artificial one....but the immense PRESSURE to cave and go fake is starting to get to me!!! Even my husband is threatening mutiny due to the higher costs of the real trees each year. Some of my Christmas soul may die when I have to give in to the pressure. *sigh*

*Ah, but lest you think I am Scrooge-ish, let me assure you there are plenty of things about the season that warms me 'art. For one thing, I am SO appreciating the opportunity of recognizing the ADVENT SEASON this year as a family. We've never done it during family devotions, only during Advent Sundays at church. I think focusing on Advent is drawing our minds back to the real reason for the season (at the risk of sounding cliche') every evening. I also love the traditional Carols of Christmas. The last several years we have been reading about the stories behind the songs of Christmas, and sharing them with our congregation. Really makes the songs come alive. As aforementioned, I LOVE the smell of the fir tree in the living room. Love the mistletoe ball that hangs in the kitchen doorway, giving an excuse to Mommy and Daddy for a little extra smoochin'. I love it when someone says Merry Christmas. Get a little tingly feeling almost every time. Good stuff.

So that's about it for now. I don't have pics from the concert yet, and don't have my Christmas decor pics uploaded yet, don't have the videos ready to upload. But I do have a few recital pics, so I'm gonna post those in closing! Trust your season is Merry and Bright!

Mystery Dinner and Crazy Kids

Derek and I recently had the pleasure of attending a Mystery Dinner. So many times we wanted to do one of these with our close friends while we were living close enough, but we never got around to it. With our crazy gang of friends, it sure would be a blast! (I see Nate, Julia, Kayla....all playing their roles to the hilt~!) Anyway, this particular function was for the "YAMS" like group in our church, though not everyone wanted to participate in anything 'dress-up'. Spoil Sports! The mystery was entitled "Mystery in the Library"; we were each assigned roles to play and given just enough info about our particular character to share in conversation facilitated by Sherlock Holmes (our Pastor); all the characters were from classic works in a library who would come out of their books after dark and interact with one another. At the end of the evening we were each given individual time to reflect on all that was revealed by the various characters, and to write down who we thought had done away with King Henry VIII. Derek and I played Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter. We had a ball! I was most pleased with myself for piecing a costume together mostly from the Goodwill!:) Gotta love a bargain. Derek rented his hat and put the rest together from his closet. Here are a few pics...

As for the "crazy kids" part of this post....my children have kept me hopping in recent days. Our youngest, the beloved baby, is now crawling all over the place and into everything. My heart breaks that we have reached the constant "no-no" and hand smacking days. He's my baby! (uttered with a stifled wail.) The first time I had to do this, Lauren was horrified. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" I explained that the training process had begun and she had been through it too. She remains skeptical. Speaking of Lauren, after a lunch outing with Jam the other day (my kids' name for my mom), she informed me that Rafferty's was, (and I quote) "the most horriblest place I have ever aten, and I don't ever want to go there again." After which she dutifully shuddered. Can this really be my kid? Is a DNA test required? I promise I am teaching her the rules of grammar slowly. But it's that drama queen living in her somewhere.....now where could she possibly get that from????????? (asked innocently and with all sincerity). Cameron walks up to me with an ad for a hot ticket Christmas item the other day, and asks for my phone. I ask why. He informs me there is a number for the company, and he's gonna call and ask them to send him one of their toys. This said with a HUGE smile spread on his innocent little face, and with his tell-tale lilting lisp in his voice. Ah, to be so naive! Doesn't he know if it were that simple, Mama would be spending her days curled up on the couch with all her favorite flyers in her lap and her phone permanently attached to her ear?!? Now, to share something about the Sophster. Where do I begin? She is my "one". I guess I go back to Thanksgiving week while visiting at G-pa and Nana's. Sophie had mistreated her sister, for which she was reprimanded. I noticed a few minutes later she was no longer in the room. So I go down the hall to the bedroom, door slightly ajar, and hear her just talking away. I peek in and she has the big crocodile tears streaming, and she is bemoaning her plight in life. I step inside and quietly ask her what she's doing. My heart melts when she informs me that she is talking to God. (my long-term readers may remember this trend with her speaking to God and He to her!) So I say, "Did you ask Him to forgive you, Sophie?" Tears immediately gone. Face turned up to mine, wide-eyed. Small shoulder shrug. "Ohhhhh...I FORGOT about that part!!!!!!!!"

Yep, those are my kids! :)

The Dedication of Reagan Abbott

After the birth of our firstborn, our lives were in transition. We made a move, changed gears, and sort of started over. Part of that move involved attending a brand new, rather large congregation where we knew no one. Other than my parents, that is! We wanted to dedicate Lauren, of course, but the thought of the traditional method...walking down a long aisle on a Sunday morning...and standing before strangers or acquaintances, didn't really appeal to Derek or me. So we formed a plan, and ended up being SO thrilled with the results, that it has been our tradition with the arrival of each precious bundle. Something we look forward to almost as soon as we know they're coming!

To give you an idea of what it's like, it goes something like this: we gather at the church with family and any friends and church family that can come on a Saturday morning at 11:00. It's always been an intimate setting, where we can share personal thoughts and reflections unique to that child. Derek has written songs for a couple of them that were so beautiful and meaningful. For Lauren's, I sang the song "Masterpiece" (by Sandi Patty), and my sister did the sign language for it, which was so special. At Sophie's my dad read "Just in Case You Ever Wonder" by Max Lucado. We always share something about the baby's name...how we chose it, what it means, etc. Both mine and Derek's dads always have a part, and then the Pastor speaks a word of instruction and lifts the baby in dedication. We have a simple but yummy luncheon in the fellowship hall which we always look forward to. Each service has been wonderful, meaningful, and stored away in our hearts forever.

Reagan's dedication was Saturday. (and for my long-term readers...yes, he wore the gown. what else could I do?) It was no exception: in fact, it was a very special time for our families, both sides combined. My dad opened with words of welcome, and shared some thoughts from Proverbs 17:6 on the joys of being a grandparent. My Papaw had the invocation, after sharing thoughts on what he prays for Reagan's future. Then Lauren, Cameron, and Sophie sang "God Made You Special", which was just too cute! Derek's dad had a very touching time of speaking of the generations of men in their family, and the blessing that God promises to the 1000th generation of those that love him. He vowed to re-dedicate himself so that promise may be true of our family. Then Derek sang that beautiful Mark Harris song, "Find Your Wings"; after which he shared with everyone the choosing of Reagan's name. Our Pastor offered Reagan up to the Lord in dedication. Scott H, closed with the benediction. There were a lot of wet eyes as we dismissed. So grateful to God for the gift of another son to raise for Him. And so thankful that in that moment we were surrounded by family who love us and love God and seek to help us in that endeavor. I guess it's something we could easily take for granted, having never known another way. But how blessed we are for our Christian heritage!!!

For those interested, here is what Derek shared about Reagan's name:

The Choosing of Reagan’s Name

"Choosing a name for our children has always been something we approached with great thought and consideration. We search for names with deeper meaning, family connection, or historical value. Upon learning that we would be welcoming our second son into this world, we began that process once again. We live in a time now where leadership and biblical manhood are at a premium. Our nation and our world search for the rare, priceless gem of a leader who will never abandon his convictions and will never fail to lead. This country has known many fine and honorable Presidents. But in my lifetime, there has been none so great as our 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. He has left behind a legacy of unwavering courage, unfailing optimism, and unshakable convictions. As my son grows older, I want to point him to values like those. I want to be an example like that for him, and I want to point him to other men who have lived out principles such as these. I can proudly point him to the man whose name he shares…and urge him to treat his name with honor and pride.

But our Reagan is blessed to not only search the historical record for examples of greatness…he has many men in his own family that he can look to for a witness of godliness and leadership. There are examples in his extended family, and in his church family. When we found the Hebrew name, “Abbott”, meaning ‘father’, we felt this was a way for both Tara and I to honor our own fathers for the relationships that we have with them. Reagan will always know why he was given this middle name. He will always know the way his parents feel about the men for whom this name was chosen. It is our hope that he will recognize the importance of keeping the family connection strong, and the heritage passed down in good faith, and with honor.

Both of these names represent strength and greatness, perhaps a little much for such little shoes to fill. But we believe that with God’s help, and by virtue of this dedication that we make today, that our precious little Reagan Abbott H****** can grow into a true man of God, and a warrior for His kingdom."

Here are some pictures from this Saturday. Maybe sometime in the future I will post some from the other childrens' dedications. It was SO precious to have had some of our closest friends attend these in years past. Before we spread out quite so far, and they started having babies of their own! Wish you all could have been there this weekend! Thanks for letting me share the significance of this on my blog; I know it went a little long in the description, but I've decided to start saving these entries as sort of a "journal", and that way, I write it once and it's done! Blessings, friends...............

Oh, yes...one more thing...President Reagan once said, "You can tell a lot about the character of a person by his way of eating jelly beans." So, in honor of that, we had to put out a bowl for everyone to enjoy!