Traveling

Micah left on July 12th. Andrew, Elijah, my parents and I also left that day for NC. Thankfully, my mom and dad had come up to KY to help with all the packing. Since then, The boys and I have visited Wilkesboro, Statesville, Mooresville, Stony Point, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Jefferson, NC, as well as Greer, SC and Atlanta, GA (and many south Atlanta vicinities). Micah has been camped out in Atlanta of course. We will head back home Friday until we know where we will go from there. Here are some of my favorite pictures from our travels:

Micah and me right before he went through security at the airport.

The boys at "Sharks on the Parkway" (as we call it:)) headed for outer space!

Uncle Matt camping out with the boys in the backyard.

Helping Chelsea clean out the pool where she is a lifeguard.

Sir Andrew conquering the swing set.

The boys posing with "Bessie"--- who loves attention!

At the New River after inter tubing about a mile.

Visiting with Uncle Matt and Aunt Stacie- excited about having a new cousin!

In 5 p.m. Atlanta traffic~ We made it through!

In Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta...

At the Georgia Aquarium...

I just really liked the jellyfish~

Micah pointing out the huge fish and whale sharks...

Mommy trying to get a picture with the boys before they tried to climb up the rocks...

The look on Elijah's face is hilarious!!!

One of the many Chick-fil-a billboards in Atlanta and one of my favorites.

In the Chick-fil-a museum at the Dwarf House Diner replica.

Outside CFA Corporate Office.

The Long Goodbye

The last couple of weeks have been strange. First, as I mentioned before, Micah was accepted into the Interim Operator Program with Chick-fil-a. He is at training in Atlanta right now. It is very exciting and humbling to have been given this opportunity. He is being treated very well and enjoying meeting so many people within the company. After this training at the end of July, we hope he will be assigned to go to an Interim Position at a store. This would be anywhere. Before we all left Louisville for these three weeks away, we started preparing to go. We don't know how soon he will know where he will be relocated, so this has made us both consider seriously the way we speak to friends when we see them.

We moved to Louisville 8 years ago. There are many friends, especially those we met at SBTS, that have already moved on. There are also many friends from Bagdad (KY) to Shepherdsville we have been trying to see, maybe for the last time or at least the last time for a long time. For all our friends who are believers, Micah even began using the phrase, "If not before, we'll see you on the other side!" I have thought about this at length as you can imagine. What a hope we have in eternity to spend with those who love Jesus! This isn't a profound conclusion- as I have believed this for a long time. But the reality of it in our present situation is sobering and comforting. I have been convicted of all the times I take for granted either time I have or will have in the company of friends and family alike. I was especially convicted when I watched my husband go through security at the airport before boarding a plane for Atlanta. We are all in the hands of our Creator as we walk on earth and look beyond. Goodbyes are difficult and sad but ultimately, they are only temporal.

He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

One day in the fullness of time, we will know the reason for every part of our journey including our time with each of you! To our dear Louisville friends, if we don't see you again, we pray we see you on the other side. For friends all over the US, we may be headed to a CFA near you!

VBS Boomerang Express

This has been the busiest week! Here are the boys in VBS action:

Here they are with their good friend Lily:

After Family Night on Thursday, the boys took the platform:

Andrew singing Jesus Came to Earth

This is Elijah singing:

I've got Joy down in my heart

Deep deep down in my heart.

Spell it- JOY down in my heart

Deep deep down in my heart.

Who put it there?

Jesus put it there and nothing can destroy it, -stroy it, -stroy
it, HUH!

Blogging at the Speed of Life

I used to work for a pediatrician that had a theory about why time seems to move faster the older you are. He said that one year in the life of a five-year-old is 1/5 (or 0.2) of his life and therefore seems very long. One year in the life of a 30 year old is 1/30 (or 0.03333) of her life and seems to go by quickly. If I recall correctly, I wasn't always very good at fractions in school, but it sure appears like a valid theory to me! These last few weeks have flown by. The Bible definitely has something to say about this. In the book of James, I am reminded that my life is like a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. I have a friend whose entire blog is devoted to this idea. It is gracious of God to give us this perspective as we move from day to day.

One thing we do often is walk. This is a stretch of sidewalk we frequent on the way to Chick-fil-a. This particular day, Andrew saw the road ahead and told Elijah to hold his hand "for safety"!

Micah's boss and his family took us out on Taylorsville Lake recently. Micah and I tried- and I emphasize TRIED!- to water ski. The boys especially enjoyed the way the boat went really fast!

On June 6th, my baby brother graduated from high school. Congratulations Matt!!! We were fortunate to get to celebrate with him. I wrote a song in his honor that will tell you a little bit about what a cool brother/uncle he is.

Matt's Song
I hear Matt’s graduating this year
Moving to a brand new place in life
That will surely leave big basketball shoes to fill
What will the Journal Patriot write about next year?

Oh I hear Matt’s leaving town
Getting a ASU t-shirt instead of a graduation gown
All the high school girls around the state
Are out of luck finding another tall prom date

There is one less Eagle Scout to help if you’re caught in a bind
To put out your campfire and untangle your fishing line
One less day camp counselor and praise band drummer
Yard mower and guitar strummer

The road ahead for Matt is paved and promising
I’m sure he’ll miss the comforts home can bring
Though his parents might not know what to do with all the money they will save
With no more of Matt’s friends to feed brownies and grape kool-aid

Oh There is one less Eagle Scout to help if you’re caught in a bind
To put out your campfire and untangle your fishing line
One less day camp counselor and praise band drummer
Yard mower and guitar strummer

I hear Matt’s gone this year
And of course, I want to give him this advice
Find your place in God’s story and give Him all the glory
Be known for love and grace, in everything give thanks
To the One to whom your whole life belongs
Let His light in you shine strong

I have more pictures from our NC trip that I will share later. Our big news is that Micah has been accepted into the Interim Operator Program with Chick-fil-a. This summer, he will spend three weeks training to be put into a store for a trial period. God has blessed him so much in his abilities and we are so thankful and humbled by this next step for him. Please pray for us that we continue to work hard yet yield to God's will and leading for our family.

In the spirit of slowing down, I took a picture of the sky outside our window one evening. It was brilliant. The camera didn't do it justice.

Two Boys, Two Personalities

One thing I love about the life I have been given is the opportunity every day to get to know the little people in my home. It's not like getting to know another adult. I already know most everything about their lives- being their mom- but what I don't know and am learning is who God has made them to be. There are definitely things they do that are reminiscent of Micah or me... good things and not so good things! I am realizing that I share my life with boys being seasoned for a time I will not see. We like to talk about what they want to be when they grow up, but more importantly, how they will fit into God's story.

Andrew has grown into quite a conversationalist. His questions lately are things like, "What color is the wind?" and "Where does the sun go when it sets?" He is very curious and eager to figure things out. We talk about the wind and how it is invisible, but we still know it exists. He immediately related the lesson to God, which was where I was going with the whole thing, but he arrived at the conclusion himself! We recently had a conversation during a walk where Andrew declared that Mommy must know everything about God because she is an adult. He was shocked to find out that just because I am an adult, I don't know everything! I did assure him that God shows us enough of Himself in ways we can understand that we believe in Him. It has been fun-- and at times humbling-- to realize that he is at the age where he is putting things together. Micah loves having a philosopher in the house!

He just finished his second Awana book and was recognized at a ceremony at church this past Wednesday night.

Elijah, however, brings a different conversation to the table. Right now, he in convinced that the steeple on our church is a rocket ship. He is sure he can figure out how to get into it and blast off into space if he just asks the right person about it. We recently took the boys to eat on the waterfront near downtown. Elijah rounded a corner and ran right into a wall! He immediately looked up at me and the other people around and declared "that wall kinda moved!" I took a picture of him one night after he got himself ready to leave the house. He was really proud as he emerged from his closet in his tie and in his fancy, black shoes!

And here he and Andrew are with the "Rocket Ship".

One of the funniest things they do together is answer pages over the intercom system in stores. We will be shopping along when an employee will be paged over the intercom and both my boys, in unison, shout "I'll be right there!!!" It has certainlycaused us to get a lot of smiles from clerks and sales persons all over Louisville.

On a side note, I just want to acknowledge all the concern expressed for Micah's family and for Preston. God is healing him from such a devastating accident and for that we are so thankful. We are also thankful for the work He is doing in his family and even those who know- and know of- him. Please continue to join us in praying for him.

Dustin's Graduation Festivities

What a weekend! Micah's parents, Dustin, Mary, and Caleb, and Dustin's parents and grandparents came to KY for Dustin's graduation. We had a wonderful time with them. It made for full days and lots of dirty dishes! I love it though. I am always reminded of the admonition to be hospitable and share the things God has given us with others. Elijah- well... not so convinced this is the way to go; especially when it comes to sharing toys with Caleb! It was great practice for him and I think the three boys were good buddies by the end of their trip.

The boys were looking sharp!

After graduation, we had lunch at Huber Farms. I wanted to get some pictures there, but God had different plans. We had a huge storm and had to stay inside the building. Maybe next time!

On Friday evening, we had the whole crowd over for appetizers and fellowship. At one point, I suggested, being the contentious host that I am, that we all play a game. "Four on a Couch"came to mind, even though we hadn't played that one in SEVEN YEARS or so! After I had suggested it, I was not certain it was the best choice... but it was a blast! It's fun when you get a group together that would never be in the position to interact in this particular way and see how each personality adds to the action.

Here are the winners: the Men!

This is what Caleb thought of the action:

I love this picture of Micah's parents with the boys right before they left.

On the last day Mary and Dustin were here, we took all the kiddos to the park at the waterfront.

This summer will mark our eighth year here in Louisville. We love it when family and friends are able to visit.

Praise the Lord!

I would have loved to have heard from God's perspective the chorus of prayers lifted up for Preston this past week. God chose in His wisdom to heal Preston in a way that has kept him with us and for that we are grateful. He still has obstacles to overcome, but so far, what has happened in him is nothing short of a miracle! I know Micah's family appreciates all the love and concern shown for them during such a difficult trial. To read more about how Preston is doing, please follow the link below.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/prestonloyd

Pray for Preston

Yesterday evening, Micah's cousin's son, Preston, was in a terrible accident. He is 4 1/2 years old. His grandfather, not knowing he was behind him, backed over him with a riding lawnmower. Preston has been given an over 50% chance to survive this accident. He has had damage to many of his organs and head lacerations. He has already had one surgery to remove severely damaged organs and is on a respirator. At this point, the biggest challenges he faces are swelling and infection. Please pray for him- and for his family. We are all clinging to the throne of grace as we struggle through this situation, praying for healing. We know that God is able to give exactly what Preston needs to survive and what his family needs to persevere in the face of tragedy. This is a picture of him and Andrew a little over a year ago.

Joy in the Morning

Yesterday, I found myself in a place that I had spent countless hours dreading for many years. I was alone, sitting in my reproductive endocrinologist's office, just two floors above the labor and delivery unit where both my boys had been born. The office was quiet and dimly lit, I am assuming to calm those with reproductive anxieties. The ladies at the front desk even spoke with hushed tones. It was full of single women and couples either on the first leg of their "assisted" journey or at the end. For me, I was at the end- of this part at least.

It has been a complex journey. Since I first realized that I would be dealing with aggressive endometriosis 10 years ago, I anticipated it to be as such. For those of you who don't know this about me, you can imagine my apprehension in mentioning such a private, personal pain. But one thing that was clear yesterday- that really prompted this writing- was the heart change that has taken place in me over the last 10 years. It is truly a testimony of God's work. I know that 10 years ago, the thought of not achieving my child bearing goal would have been completely devastating. Totally incapacitating. But I sat there, listening to my doctor offering more assisted technologies that I knew were beyond what Micah and I had decided to pursue as the only available options, and I was at peace.

One thing I have learned through my own experience is not to take for granted my two precious boys. Through a lot of soul-searching, I have learned to separate (1)real, profound sadness over the effects of sin on my physical body and the challenges I have been faced with and (2)real, profound thankfulness for the wonderful gifts I have been given in Andrew and Elijah. I have even found joy in knowing I have a child I have never met that has spent all his or her days with Jesus and will one day lead me in worshiping Him- as that is all he or she has ever known. It may be difficult to see how these attitudes can co-exist, but God has graciously cultivated both in me. I think diving into the depths of sadness and rising again to the heights of thankfulness and trust in the Lord was a means to bring me peace yesterday. There have been days that I resented my physical form. In my expression of that to God, He slowly, gently reminded me over and over again that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that He has given me the body I need to live the life He has called me to on this earth. He always listened, never wringing His hands (as Micah reminds me often) or wondering what in the world He was going to do with me. He always waited patiently on me, even though I was many times slow to entertain His plan. The words of the Psalmist are true, "Weeping is for the night, but joy comes in the morning."

I think the thing that surprises me the most in all of this is that joy did come in the morning- or more literally the afternoon- very differently than I had imagined. I had initially thought that my feelings of joy would be when I, or the doctors, had finally figured out how to appropriately deal with my problems and I would have clear answers or that I would get what I wanted. But as with most things, God's way of enveloping us in joy is much different than mine. Now, in the face of fewer answers than questions, there is joy. Joy in knowing I am in just, capable, never-failing hands. I am sure there will be sad days. In some ways though, I hope an appropriate sadness remains in me... so I never take for granted life and breath and everything else. Then one day, when I am made wholly new, I will be able to feel the complexity and fullness of that change and find ultimate joy in Jesus Christ- the One who has made this transformation possible.

The Lord has been giving both Micah and me hearts for adoption for a long time. You can begin to pray for us as we pray for His will and leading in this. We want to be obedient in seeking contentment as well as responding to whatever calling we are given. We know that in His way and in His time, all we are meant to accomplish for His glory will be accomplished on this earth.

I will post Easter pictures soon of the boys in their matching shirts and vests. We all took a long nap Sunday afternoon and lost prime daylight, picture-taking hours. We all hope you had a great Resurrection Day!

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.