We moved! Yeah, I know. We do it all of the time. Really and truly though, we hope that this is the last time in a very long time. And if it isn't, oh well. We're pros at this whole packing, moving and unpacking thing. It builds character. This was a short move- just 10 minutes up the road from the church parsonage to a home in Taneytown that we now own (well, the bank let's us say we own it). There are lots of reasons why we decided to move. It really just ended up being the best decision for our family for this season of our lives.
The new house is beautiful. It is much more than what I had envisioned when we first started house shopping-two stories, almost finished basement, garage, on a dead end street- it is really and truly perfect for us. But the very best part has nothing to do with bricks, rooms and grass. The very best thing about the new house is the neighbors. I will post pictures of all of the kids playing together when I get to my camera.
Gene (no idea if that's how you spell his name) and Amanda have 3 children- 2 girls and a boy. Their daughter Erin is Elijah's age (2 months younger), Elizabeth is Micah's age and Austin is 4 years old. They play together at every opportunity. Even better is the fact that Elijah and Micah are getting along with them so well. They always struggle with change a bit, but this time around, they have felt welcomed and included immediately. It has been the biggest blessing of this whole move. Thank you Lord for providing friends.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Birthday Reflections
It is now February, the season of birthdays in our house. I posted all of pictures on facebook this year, and I don't have them handy. More than anything, what stands out this year is maturity. These boys are becoming young men.
Micah can be thoughtful and contemplative, but sometimes clowny and silly. He spent his birthday money on a desk, and love to be studious. He made thank you cards for his friends on the computer tonight.
Elijah is increasingly interested in things like: what he'll be when he grows up, what you learn in college, TV shows that he hears his friends talking about, and the rituals and prayers he is learning at school.
Isaiah (even though his birthday is in 2 months) listens, watches, soaks everything in and makes sense of it all. Fiercely stubborn and smart, he lives life at his own pace and is a friendly face to everyone he meets.
Bottom line- I love these sons God has given us, and I'm thankful for every grace and mercy he offers us.
Micah can be thoughtful and contemplative, but sometimes clowny and silly. He spent his birthday money on a desk, and love to be studious. He made thank you cards for his friends on the computer tonight.
Elijah is increasingly interested in things like: what he'll be when he grows up, what you learn in college, TV shows that he hears his friends talking about, and the rituals and prayers he is learning at school.
Isaiah (even though his birthday is in 2 months) listens, watches, soaks everything in and makes sense of it all. Fiercely stubborn and smart, he lives life at his own pace and is a friendly face to everyone he meets.
Bottom line- I love these sons God has given us, and I'm thankful for every grace and mercy he offers us.
Graduation
Christmas in Canada
Watching a movie with Grammie
AND
We found out that Garth and Jodi are going to have a baby. We know now that it will be a girl. The best Christmas gift- the hope of new life.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Baptism
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| Nora, Isaiah and Micah- Looks chilly. Olivia looks on. |
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| Family and friends wait for the pastor and church members to arrive. |
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| Pre-Baptism conference. Daddy and boys- so sweet. |
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| Micah in the water- it was really chilly. |
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| "Death, burial and resurrection!" |
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| Isaiah ready to go under. |
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| Death, burial and resurrection! |
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| Family and friends hug, kiss and congratulate. |
Elijah decided to wait for a while which is totally fine. We're glad he isn't swayed by his brothers. Micah was totally excited and wanted to share his Good News with everyone. He took the video of the baptism that Larry Foster made for us (thanks Larry) to school and the whole 2nd grade (31 kids) watched it together. We are so proud of all 3 of our boys! Praise God for their growing faith.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Elijah on hot rods and tomatoes
Tonight at bed time.
Elijah: Mommy, sometimes I feel like a hot rod and I just want to be a plain old Ford.
Me: Explain more please.
Elijah: You know how a hot rod revs up its engine and goes from 0-60 in like 2 seconds. Then you drive it fast like 3 times and it breaks down and its just a mess.
Me: Yup. How is that like you again?
Elijah: I get all mad too quickly instead of having peace. (Yes, he said that.) Instead, I just want to be a good old steady Ford. Just running all of the time, not speeding too fast, overheating and breaking down.
Me: That sounds like a great goal. You know the fruits of the spirit we talked about tonight with your brothers?
Elijah: Yeah. When you were praying about the fruits I was thinking I've got them all covered except for the self-control one. It's like a tiny little green tomato and the rest are big fat red ones, especially the love one. I've got lots of love. Its like that big green tomato we saw in the garden tonight only mine is red and ripe. I even started crying when you were praying tonight. But the self control one... I'm still working on that one. Its not ripe yet.
A beautiful conversation with this son who tries my patience on so many days. We prayed a precious prayer together, asking for help with self-control for him and patience for Mommy. So blessed and thankful tonight.
Elijah: Mommy, sometimes I feel like a hot rod and I just want to be a plain old Ford.
Me: Explain more please.
Elijah: You know how a hot rod revs up its engine and goes from 0-60 in like 2 seconds. Then you drive it fast like 3 times and it breaks down and its just a mess.
Me: Yup. How is that like you again?
Elijah: I get all mad too quickly instead of having peace. (Yes, he said that.) Instead, I just want to be a good old steady Ford. Just running all of the time, not speeding too fast, overheating and breaking down.
Me: That sounds like a great goal. You know the fruits of the spirit we talked about tonight with your brothers?
Elijah: Yeah. When you were praying about the fruits I was thinking I've got them all covered except for the self-control one. It's like a tiny little green tomato and the rest are big fat red ones, especially the love one. I've got lots of love. Its like that big green tomato we saw in the garden tonight only mine is red and ripe. I even started crying when you were praying tonight. But the self control one... I'm still working on that one. Its not ripe yet.
A beautiful conversation with this son who tries my patience on so many days. We prayed a precious prayer together, asking for help with self-control for him and patience for Mommy. So blessed and thankful tonight.
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Micah's Field Trip
Micah's class went to the Baltimore Zoo, and I was fortunate to travel in the 105 degree bus for a hour with him. Bonding time.
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| Rocking the rope bridge |
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| The giant tree slide |
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| Big tortoise... little tortoise |
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| I seriously love this guy! |
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| Bird habitat |
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| We walked and walked and walked to find the leopard. He was well hidden in a shady spot. Look, even he is panting. |
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| This was our group- two very energetic girls, and my Micah on a heron nest |
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| Now they're in the oriole nest. |
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| These kids were such troopers... having fun despite the absolutely crazy HOT day. |
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| Even the African animals were trying to cool off. |
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| This snake was NOT in a cage, just slithering along the boardwalk beside us. Wild. |
Two Months!
I'm not sure I've ever gone 2 whole months without posting. Here is the newsy bullet point update:
- Elijah went to overnight church camp for the 1st time- a whole week in Denton and he loved it. Micah and Isaiah want to go too next year.
- All 3 kids did 1 week at YMCA camp while our amazing babysitter Danielle was gone. They didn't love it, but they liked it, and the exercise and social time is good for them right?
- We all went to Canada for a week at the beginning of July. This included a lovely vacation weekend in Gorham, NH at Santa's Village and Attitash. If you've never been and you find yourself in the New England area, consider a stop in Gorham- beautiful drive through Vermont to get there too.
- The 3 older cousins came to stay with us for a week when we returned. It was also VBS week and performance week for Elijah's play. Ahh yes... forgot to mention
- Elijah was in a performance of Narnia this summer which took up amazing amounts of driving time... back and forth to Thurmont every. single. day. for a few weeks. BUT, he loved it and so it was totally worth it to see him engaged in something with other kids, conquering his nerves and having fun.
- Then, off to Illinois for commune reunion for 4 days. Relaxing days were spent at Rachel's parents' farm in Lovington, IL. tractors, hay loft, goats, chickens, fields of corn as far as the eye could see, and best of all, good friends who are water to the soul.
- On to Indiana for Led-a-palooza 2011... we even have the t-shirt. All of us, the whole family together for the weekend. "Whole family" in this case being Grandma and Grandpa Ledbetter, their 6 children with spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I think someone said there were over 50 of us this time around. Wow. Ledbetters know how to multiply. :)
- Back home to MD where my summer classes are done (Woo Hoo).
- I was hired as an adjunct instructor at Towson for the fall semester, teaching a research writing class, so I'm preparing for that. Also, I'll continue with my research assistantship as well.
- Isaiah starts soccer in 2 weeks.
- School starts in 3 weeks.
And.... we're done. OK. Now, the next post can be more meaningful.
- Elijah went to overnight church camp for the 1st time- a whole week in Denton and he loved it. Micah and Isaiah want to go too next year.
- All 3 kids did 1 week at YMCA camp while our amazing babysitter Danielle was gone. They didn't love it, but they liked it, and the exercise and social time is good for them right?
- We all went to Canada for a week at the beginning of July. This included a lovely vacation weekend in Gorham, NH at Santa's Village and Attitash. If you've never been and you find yourself in the New England area, consider a stop in Gorham- beautiful drive through Vermont to get there too.
- The 3 older cousins came to stay with us for a week when we returned. It was also VBS week and performance week for Elijah's play. Ahh yes... forgot to mention
- Elijah was in a performance of Narnia this summer which took up amazing amounts of driving time... back and forth to Thurmont every. single. day. for a few weeks. BUT, he loved it and so it was totally worth it to see him engaged in something with other kids, conquering his nerves and having fun.
- Then, off to Illinois for commune reunion for 4 days. Relaxing days were spent at Rachel's parents' farm in Lovington, IL. tractors, hay loft, goats, chickens, fields of corn as far as the eye could see, and best of all, good friends who are water to the soul.
- On to Indiana for Led-a-palooza 2011... we even have the t-shirt. All of us, the whole family together for the weekend. "Whole family" in this case being Grandma and Grandpa Ledbetter, their 6 children with spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I think someone said there were over 50 of us this time around. Wow. Ledbetters know how to multiply. :)
- Back home to MD where my summer classes are done (Woo Hoo).
- I was hired as an adjunct instructor at Towson for the fall semester, teaching a research writing class, so I'm preparing for that. Also, I'll continue with my research assistantship as well.
- Isaiah starts soccer in 2 weeks.
- School starts in 3 weeks.
And.... we're done. OK. Now, the next post can be more meaningful.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Lollipops and Field Trips
I know, I know, it has been a while. In school news, I finished my busiest semester (3 classes plus work), but all is finished and I moved on to 2 summer classes which are going well. I'm still working over the summer, but half of my hours are work-from-home and 1 of my 2 summer classes finishes June 26th, so after that the summer will feel much more relaxing.
Eric is awesome. The church is going well, and he looks after kid, family and home stuff in my absence without even blinking an eye. I've been on multiple field trips with the boys this month- the post office with Isaiah, the zoo with Micah and the farm museum with Elijah. Eric covered two school events- kindergarten tea and recorder recital tomorrow. Micah is doing REALLY well with his piano lessons, and Elijah picked up the recorder pretty quickly. Micah was the only one of the three boys to memorize all of his verses in Sunday School and received a prize along with 4 other children last Sunday (Isaiah and Elijah were just one verse short and seeing Micah receive a prize totally motivated them to try harder next time).
Which leads me to a great story. Sunday afternoon after the church picnic, I walked into the entryway of our house to see Isaiah crying (not unusual) but it was unusual that he didn't seem angry or hurt. I asked what was wrong because Elijah was standing there too, but Lij just shrugged his shoulders and went back to playing with the water balloon he was concentrating on tying. Zay sobbed out... no...thing.... shoulders still shaking.
I gave him a minute to catch a breath while I set my stuff down, looked back and Lij one more time who looked back at me blankly and shrugged. I asked Zay if he could tell me why he was crying. Here's what he gasped out between sobs.
"Mommy, I couldn't ask for a better brother than Elijah" and he collapsed into my arms still holding back sobs. I looked at Lij who promptly started talking.
"Mommy, Isaiah brought home the etch-a-sketch from church because he thought it was a prize. I told him it wasn't to keep so I took it back over to the church. I told him that I'd get him a real prize (dum dums and Twizzlers were the real prizes) and bring it back over to him. Well, when I took the etch a sketch back, I forgot to get him a real prize and so when I got home and he was sad I gave him my lollipop."
photo © 2010 Heather | more info (via: Wylio)
Isaiah again, clutched at me and held up the peach Dum Dum for me to see, proof of his brother's generosity.
Eric is awesome. The church is going well, and he looks after kid, family and home stuff in my absence without even blinking an eye. I've been on multiple field trips with the boys this month- the post office with Isaiah, the zoo with Micah and the farm museum with Elijah. Eric covered two school events- kindergarten tea and recorder recital tomorrow. Micah is doing REALLY well with his piano lessons, and Elijah picked up the recorder pretty quickly. Micah was the only one of the three boys to memorize all of his verses in Sunday School and received a prize along with 4 other children last Sunday (Isaiah and Elijah were just one verse short and seeing Micah receive a prize totally motivated them to try harder next time).
Which leads me to a great story. Sunday afternoon after the church picnic, I walked into the entryway of our house to see Isaiah crying (not unusual) but it was unusual that he didn't seem angry or hurt. I asked what was wrong because Elijah was standing there too, but Lij just shrugged his shoulders and went back to playing with the water balloon he was concentrating on tying. Zay sobbed out... no...thing.... shoulders still shaking.
I gave him a minute to catch a breath while I set my stuff down, looked back and Lij one more time who looked back at me blankly and shrugged. I asked Zay if he could tell me why he was crying. Here's what he gasped out between sobs.
"Mommy, I couldn't ask for a better brother than Elijah" and he collapsed into my arms still holding back sobs. I looked at Lij who promptly started talking.
"Mommy, Isaiah brought home the etch-a-sketch from church because he thought it was a prize. I told him it wasn't to keep so I took it back over to the church. I told him that I'd get him a real prize (dum dums and Twizzlers were the real prizes) and bring it back over to him. Well, when I took the etch a sketch back, I forgot to get him a real prize and so when I got home and he was sad I gave him my lollipop."
photo © 2010 Heather | more info (via: Wylio)Isaiah again, clutched at me and held up the peach Dum Dum for me to see, proof of his brother's generosity.
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