Big Picture

We are definitely into the year now. Micah and I have made plans for each month and even more plans for each week~ all the while hoping we have strength and energy for each day. It is difficult for me to remember that each day- more specifically each moment- I am a participant either consciously or unconsciously in a bigger story. Somehow, God is writing His story through my trips to the grocery store, cleaning the bathrooms (not as much as I maybe should:)), reading books to the boys, folding my husband's t-shirts, being stuck in traffic, inviting guests over for dinner, cleaning all the papers off the desk, paying the bills etc. etc. etc. This truth is astounding and comforting.

Recently, I was struck by this passage in Hebrews 11 after describing life-long faith; particularly the faith of Abraham and his family:

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.

I in no way am comparing my life to the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, or Jacob. I just think for sure they had mundane moments-Sarah sweeping out the tent or preparing another meal or Abraham, mending his sandals or carrying his sons on his shoulders- just like my experience. I am grateful that my unconsciousness does not affect eternal outcome in the slightest and that God is always conscious of all things and working toward our ultimate realization of His glory.

A more contemporary way of expressing this same realization I found in a Christine Dente song:

So I listen in and I hear the song

From another country and I sing along

And I play my part as the story goes

And the difference that it will make is yet to be told

All my life

Is an answer to the invitation

To be a part of the conversation

Living in a bigger story

All this time

Is history-in-the-making

Always headed for a destination

To take my place in a bigger story

This is where you all find me today. Now to zoom in on the other members of the Childs family. As for Micah, I have watched as God has turned my husband slowly into a businessman for the glory of God:) He has had some great opportunities with Chick-fil-a. In this economy, we are so thankful for God's provision for us. He worked at a Grand Opening a couple of weeks ago in Indiana and got great experience serving and leading a new store staff. He has consistency and resolute endurance that I am afraid I will never posses. He is truly gifted in his job. It is truly a complement to him that the minute he comes home, the boys joyfully announce his arrival. We celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary on March 1. How do two selfish, in many ways opposite people make it 11 years? First, we have been loved much and forgiven much. Secondly, the two-movies-at-a-time plan from Netflix helps:)

Andrew has almost finished his preschool book- every last page! He is diligent to complete each exercise and most of the time begs me to "do school"! He is really enjoying being read to right now. We have almost finished "The Magician's Nephew" from the Chronicles of Narnia series. He is looking forward to a summer full of bicycle riding, swimming, and hitting a baseball farther and farther up in the air.

Elijah keeps us laughing most of the time. We look at him, in his two-and-a-half year old stature and are constantly amazed at his vocabulary. He stored up quite a vocabulary while being mostly silent for two years. He is constantly coming up with the craziest things to say. Our favorites lately are:

"I can't eat this chicken. It makes me hiccups."
"Can you shoot me up to the (basketball) net?"
"You be the superhero... I'll be the good, bad guy."

Here they are at Meijer grocery shopping. Elijah was pushing the cart with Andrew guiding the front.

Potty Training Part 2

Well folks, it is that time again. I know you all have been waiting and waiting for another post on potty training. The wait is over! Elijah has graduated to the ripe age of two and a half and has already rounded the initial "using the potty" curve that begins at our house with two days camped out in the bathroom. I have absolutely no complaints. There were some tense moments where I thought maybe it was too soon or he was just not physically ready, but all my fears have subsided. Honestly, the kiddo pretty much trained himself. I think I have the secret, though. In order to potty train successfully and tearlessly, you must have a potty training song. Andrew had a potty training song as well, fitting for his situation that emphasized perseverance. Elijah's song was more broad and fitting for his experience. We thought we'd share it just in case you need such a song and think it might further your potty-training cause when the time is right.

Oh today we're learning how to use the potty!

Oh today we're learning how to use the potty!

No more diapers, no more wipes.

Using the potty's what we like~

Oh today we're learning how to use the potty!

(to the tune of Be Careful Little Eyes What You See)

It is especially fun to sing when you visit large public restrooms! My boys have tried it out all over Louisville and have thoroughly entertained all those within earshot:)
For Andrew's potty training experience... http://joyinourjourney.blogspot.com/2006/10/only-for-faithfully-interested.html

Vacation to NC

The first week in February, we were thankful to have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, once again. I have to mention the trip down. We didn't leave until really late in the evening and Micah had not slept very much the night before so I prayed for energy to drive the late-late shift. I drove through Knoxville, TN and then through the mountains to Asheville. There were hardly any cars or trucks on the road. The mountains through this stretch are beautiful- even in the dark. I even saw a shooting star in the still, black sky. I realized what a city girl I am; having to remind myself that stars are always this shiny. With good praise and worship music leading me on, I had a most peaceful time and Micah and the little ones got some much needed rest. Micah was refreshed enough to drive the extremely late shift from Asheville to Statesville and I got to sleep:)

The first half of the week, we spent in Stony Point, NC with the Childs family.

We had lunch the first day at a beautiful club in Conover.

We were thankful to be joined by so many of Micah's family. We learned at this lunch that Micah's brother and his wife are expecting. It was exciting for us to hear the news in person!

Of course, Andrew and Elijah spent some time with their cousin, Caleb. They were all sweet for this photo shoot.

Elijah wanted to "be Superman" the entire trip. When it was time to put on clothes, I ended up pinning his cape to the back of whatever he was wearing so he could continue to "fly"!

A highlight of every trip to Abba and Nana's house is a bath in the big Jacuzzi tub.

Dustin, Mary, Andrew, and I did this puzzle while talking one evening. Micah and I went through a few months where we did puzzles together. I had forgotten how enjoyable it is just to talk and "work a puzzle" as Andrew says.

One highlight of our trip was being able to visit Micah's cousin, Ben. He is doing so well after his recent surgery to insert a trach to help him breathe better. He has the sweetest spirit and a heart overflowing with thankfulness. He always greets us warm smiles and is such a gracious host.

It is always fun at the Childs' home to sing and play music. Andrew serenaded us with a loud version of the army song (O Church Arise). Micah's dad taught me scales on the violin and even let me bring home one for practice. Micah encouraged me to get "really good" before bring it home:) We also played a game of croquet. Micah was the victor! Andrew made friends with the cows and finally stopped worrying that one would make its way through the fence and chase him!

The second half of the week, we spent in Wilkesboro with the Abernethy family.

Papa and Mimi's backyard was super-fun for the boys. Elijah liked being pushed around in this cool, red ride.

We also found dad's old red wagon and put it to good use as a "grass-sled". No trips to the ER this time, despite the prediction of Micah who was sure that would be inevitable.

Andrew is really improving when it comes to hitting the baseball. No broken windows, but he did hit the roof of their house a few times:)

We decided to take off behind their house to see where we might end up ("take-off" and "end-up" prove there is some country girl in me somewhere). It was a perfect day to hike. It was sunny and mild. The air was crisp and clear. Did I mention that in February there are no spiders or snakes out yet? That made it PERFECT!

Elijah was thankful for Papa who carried him most of the way, because his little legs just couldn't make it very far.
At the end of the short hike, we came to a clearing. It wasn't difficult to remember why we think NC is so beautiful.

Definitely not the "wood between the worlds" but just as sleepy and peaceful~

This is Andrew and Elijah's 2nd (or something) cousin Caleb (they have a system for identifying Calebs... whichever one they are not with is the other Caleb:)) They were glad to have some playtime with him as well.

After 7 days and several photo-opportunities, the boys were not so excited about saying "cheese" anymore. I couldn't resist taking pictures of just their faces while they were supposed to be posing!

There were other fun things, like visits with Tiff's uncle and aunt from Clemmons, dessert with Micah's old high school friends, and really good food from Mimi's kitchen. I always liked good food:) ~that was for you, Dad. There was a little Rock Band here and there and a big family meal with more relatives we don't get to see very often. Remember the croquet victory for Micah? Well, unfortunately, he lost at the electronic game of LIFE. He made a lot of money, but had very few heart points. I however had the most heart points and was in debt around $250,000... but I was the winner! I had four kids and a salary of $5,000 a year. Go figure.

Time

About midnight last night, Elijah woke up and stood at the gate at his bedroom door and called for me. He has always been such a good sleeper and didn't afford me half as many opportunities to help him back to bed in the middle of the night as Andrew in toddler years. So I quickly got up and grabbed the little fella. I think he had a bad dream, pretty typical for his age. Anyway, as I held him, I realized very quickly how his body had grown from being able to fit right on my chest to now hanging off my shoulder, with limbs in every direction! I suddenly began feeling discontent with how quickly he was growing. I sat down on the couch and starting spiraling downward. My discontentment took over to such a degree that I starting feeling very sad- sad that time passes so quickly, sad that I couldn't remember every detail of days past, sad that he now says "Andrew" instead of "Drew" when calling for his brother , sad that he has outgrown some really cute clothes, sad that Andrew had outgrown those same clothes before him, sad that I had neglected such precious opportunities, sad that I hadn't spent my time more wisely... Wait a second! Thankfully, the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit convicted me at that very moment that I was sowing a future of discontentment and sadness by waisting my time right then. Memory is a precious gift and so is growing- for us all- and I can do nothing about the past. It has in fact been a means to my more sanctified present, which would be incomplete without it just as it was. I repented, thanked God for precious moments past and for the fresh, precious moments present and for the sweet, maturing, two-and-a-half year old on my lap. I gently kissed his head. Elijah in turn, feeling smothered by my attempt to cuddle him finally got frustrated with me and said, "Mommy, I want to go to Elijah's bed!" It was a nice 10 minutes.

Conviction is a wonderful thing.

Happy 5th Birthday Andrew!

January 12th marked Andrew's 5th year on this earth. We are so thankful and proud of him! He has grown from a little 5 lb. 13 oz. baby to be a strong and healthy kid. God's lavish and gracious gift of a precious baby boy was not deserved or owed to us. We are profoundly grateful for the time we have been given so far to spend with him in this life.

Andrew is a thinker. He recently shared with Micah's boss his ideas about improving the Chick-fil-a by adding outdoor seating. He wasn't going to let lack of space in the parking lot deter him from figuring out how it could work! He decided that a picnic table in the grass might be the best option~ He always wants to know what the plan is for each day and makes sure we stick to it. This is really helpful to Mommy who is easily distracted... He is still very driven in preschool and loves to write and read. I have to keep up with all he wants to learn. He loves legos and computer games. His favorite song is still the "army song" (refer to Tiffany's Tracks blog for more info on this one). He makes new friends very easily. It is not uncommon for him to introduce himself to people at random- especially at Chick-fil-a!
We spent his entire birthday playing legos. In the evening, we did go to Chick-fil-a (of course:)) for dinner. He got ice cream, cookie cake, and a make-shilk for dessert (for those of you who don't understand what a shake-milk is, our children are just determined not to call this frozen treat by its correct name!). The day following his birthday, we had friends meet us for bowling and cake. The kids all had a blast!

Converstaions With and Between a 2-Year-Old and 5-Year-Old

Elijah: "Daddy, You have a boo-boo. You have to go to the doctor and he'll shoot you... No.... he'll shot you. And you have to cry."

Elijah: "Thank you, Thank you, Mommy."
Tiffany: "For what Elijah?"
Elijah: "For holding me."

While the family is watching a new movie together, Elijah, anticipating something exciting (Which is once every couple of minutes) exclaims, "What's going to be?!? What's going to be?!?"

Tiffany: "Elijah, why are you up from the table before finishing your lunch?"
Elijah: "I had to fight the tiger, Mommy."

Andrew: "I have to go on the top bed!" ~the top bed is what the boys call the top bunk~
Tiffany: "Andrew, you know the top bed is just for sleeping and not playing."
Andrew: "I do need some rest, Mommy. I haven't had rest in years."

Elijah: "I like Tarheels!"
Tiffany: "Me too!"
Elijah: "Daddy doesn't like Tarheels?
Tiffany: "No, Elijah. Daddy likes Duke."
Elijah: "Duke is scary?"
Tiffany: "Yes, Elijah. Duke is scary!"

Andrew: "Elijah, let's play Superman! You go get stuck on something and I will rescue you!"


Nursery Worker says to Elijah: "You are so cute I could put you in my pocket!"
Andrew, overhearing what was said: "He's too big for your pocket!"

And my favorite comes from lunchtime today. I decided to start asking the boys while they are at the table how I can be praying for them that day. Andrew answered that he was thankful for his church and needed me to ask God to help him obey and not disobey (I really need this prayer for myself as well!). I then asked Elijah, "How can I pray for you?" Elijah said, "Mommy, you just say "Dear God.. Amen!" Just go like that!" I decided at that point that his advice was best; to stop talking about praying and just do it!

Welcome Chick-fil-a!

This past week has been very busy as a new Chick-fil-a opened near Mall St. Matthews here in Louisville. The boys have enjoyed driving by and watching the building progress over the last few of months. Micah had many opportunities provided by his boss to help in hiring and training some of the new employees. He was very thankful for the experience! As life in the US has been uncertain for so many, we are so thankful that God has taken care of us through Micah's job and more specifically through the generosity of Micah's boss. This makes us all the more thankful for the blessing of this new store for he and his family!

This past Monday, we attended the Dedication Dinner at The Olmstead. It was a 20's theme which made the evening fun and festive.

Tuesday night, there was a community dinner at the new store. We stopped by at the end of the festivities. The boys and I got a tour of the store and the boys got to break in the new play area.

Wednesday night, we went by to see the first 100 "raving fans" who received 52 free combos (one for each week of next year). It was freezing outside- actually below freezing. There were couples, families, college kids, and singles all camped out in the parking lot. I didn't get a picture of the tents but they covered the entire parking lot! We did meet up with a group from NC. One of the guys used to attend Western Avenue Baptist Church with us a long, long time ago:) This was his 17th Chick-fil-a grand-opening! He may almost eat more Chick-fil-a than Micah!

It was a party outside equipped with a DJ and outdoor heaters!

We also had the pleasure of meeting Dan Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-a's son and current president of the company. Also in this picture to the far left is Micah's boss' son, Nate. He is so sweet to Andrew and Elijah~

Just a Trip to NC

Just to forewarn you, this is going to be a long blog. If you aren't into stories that are detailed and dramatic, stop reading now! I have decided that in attempt to chronicle our last trip as well as get some cheap, much needed therapy to help me get over the last few days, I would share all of this with you. Enjoy!

It began with my husband's admonition to go to North Carolina the weekend before Christmas. To this very minute I have absolutely no regrets about choosing to go. This is just where it all started. I agreed that missing a good friend's engagement party and meeting her future husband would be regretful. Being the brave, too-big-for-my-britches gal that I am I loaded the boys and myself into the van along with Christmas gifts to share and headed out. We left at 5:00a.m. and made it to Wilkesboro by lunchtime. The only thing to report about the departing trip was the unfortunate fate that awaited a squirrel trying to decide whether or not to cross the interstate halfway between Lexington and Huntington. We were greeted in NC by family and crammed all we could into the first half-day.

This is Elijah's invention, bread on a fork!

Sunday began with time at church, running into old friends, and then a visit with my aunt and uncle who traveled from Clemmons. It was my brother's 18th birthday and we of course had some cake to celebrate.

Dad and Chelsea, getting some cake~

Elijah warmed up to my uncle Jeff while watching "Horton Hears a Who"

Then, the engagement party. It was so much fun to be reunited with friends and parents of old friends, many of whom I had spent nights sleeping over, watching movies, and, well, growing up with in middle and high school. The highlight was of course seeing my friend Devon and meeting her fiance Jeff. Expectation of marital bliss was oozing from the both of them and it was clear that he adores her. I was so happy to have a few minutes to talk to them both. Then the craziness began. In the middle of conversation with Jeff, I felt my throat swelling. For those of you who don't know this about me, I have a severe tree nut allergy. I had eaten a corner of a brownie that wasn't plain as I had thought, but had some type of nut. In my lifetime, this has happened many many times. It has been the source of many trips to the ER. There are times, though, when benedryl is all I need. I quickly excused myself for a minute and took a dose of benedryl and tried to rejoin the party. Very soon thereafter, I realized that the benedryl wasn't working. I took another dose and headed to my parents home. Needless to say, around 30 minutes later I found myself in an ambulance on my way to the ER. (No pics of the party... I left in too much of a hurry...)

Hindsight is pretty amusing though. When my parents first started searching for some help by way of neighborhood friends that were first responders, I found myself confronted by highschool kids (also Chelsea's X... if you know what I mean) rushing into their house with oxygen tanks. Then, when 911 was called, every first responder within a 15 mile radius- some of whom were old acquaintances- came rushing in as well followed by the EMS. It was quite a production. The boys were cared for by my loving grandparents and were distracted by Rock Band in the next room. Let me say assuredly that if you are in Wilkes County, know that if there is an emergency, help is readily available! I felt very taken care of:) EMS had my reaction under control in minutes and by the time I made it to the ER, I was already recovering. Of all the scary experiences with allergic reactions I have had, this was one of the most memorable.

I returned to my parent's home before midnight to a sing-along in their living room with my aunt, cousin, and friends. Thankfully due to all the medication, I slept great that night and felt rested the next morning. The boys and I drove to Micah's family 45 minutes away. I really enjoyed our time together and so did Andrew and Elijah. They got more gifts and even a really cold ride on Micah's Dad's new John Deere tractor. It was also good to see my little nephew, Caleb and how much he has grown!

Nana and her grand-boys.

Aunt Amy and Elijah became good buds as well on this trip.

Then Tuesday came- our departure day. I was pretty groggy coming off all the medication I had been on by this time, but was anxious to get home to Micah. With a jump start of caffeine, we left around 1:30 p.m. and the drive was easy through beautiful Fancy Gap. The boys slept most of the afternoon and watched movies the rest of the time (travel DVD players are a fabulous invention!).
We made good time until we reached west of Charleston, WV. Around 6:00, we started seeing accidents on the interstate. First one, then two, then three, then four and five. Traffic finally came to a halt in Huntington. We sat on the interstate for about an hour when I decided to inch over and exit at the next ramp a few yards in front of me. I called Micah and decided to be really smart and take a road parallel to the interstate until I could find an unblocked exit ramp. I had a pretty good plan, and I had Micah on the phone with me helping navigate.

After going as far west as I thought I could, I headed back toward the interstate. I stopped short of the ramp on a bridge headed uphill a few yards from the exit ramp. I could see I-64 traffic in both directions from where I sat still completely stopped. What was the problem you may ask? I wondered the same thing until I opened my van door, stuck my foot out and slid on a think layer of ice on the bridge. I flagged down a passing police officer who informed me that the entire interstate through Lexington, KY was closed. The boys were getting restless, Elijah had a leaky diaper, and no one had had dinner. We finally made it with the help of another officer to the exit ramp headed back east hoping to make it two exits where there are hotels. We went one mile, then stopped again. I think this is when God just picked me up and carried me. It is a blur-waiting and waiting, creeping along the interstate, checking in at a hotel in the freezing rain, making three trips to the van to get all we needed for the night, eating snacks from the van and hotel vending machine for dinner, and finally lying down to sleep. I was so thankful as I rested that we weren't involved in any of the multiple traffic accidents around us. As much as I had been frustrated with the way the drive had turned out, I was quickly reminded that it could have been much worse.

The next morning, the boys and I enjoyed breakfast at the hotel. They thought our stay there was so much fun. I rode them around on the luggage cart and they thought the indoor swimming pool was especially cool. We left fairly early and arrived safely in Louisville just after lunch. The trip was over. Praise the Lord for safety, family and friends, medicine and EMS workers, and the everyday help of my husband which gives me strength and stamina for tough situations.

The Childs Go To the Theater

Micah's Christmas gift this year included tickets to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. We saw them at the Brown Theater in downtown Louisville on Dec. 6. There are entertainers in the music biz and then there are musicians. These guys are incredible at both. Each member of the band could easily hold an audience captive going solo. Together, they are incredible. No glamor, glitz, or sell-out attitude; just serious talent. It was also fun being in such an beautiful theater. They were joined by Tuvan Throat Singers from Siberia. Their sound is fascinating. My wish at the end of the concert was to have a few minutes to play around with Future Man's drum machine (the Drumatar?!?!)!
Tonight, Andrew and I had a date. We went to see Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at The Actors Theater also downtown. He was such a little gentleman! He operated the elevator for Mommy, held the tickets, and handed them to the usher as we entered. This was Andrew's first experience with live acting. We were three rows from the front, so he was up close and personal with the cast. The story line was intriguing to him. Afterward, he and I talked about the means by which God uses to show us the sin in our hearts as well as the life of loving each other that Jesus exemplified and calls us to as we discussed the storyline. He also learned a lot about being an actor and working in a theater.