Our House

Here is a video tour of our house. I am really happy about it and feel like it is everything I had hoped it would be. It's a true blessing from the Lord and the price we got was amazing for here. Since we moved here when Greeks don't want to move we were able to get a great deal. Tonight we put up our first picture on the wall. It's a big landscape of NYC with Pier 17 and the Brooklyn Bridge which has some great memories for us. It makes me really happy. It didn't make the video but it is a good moment in settling down, hanging pictures.

Super Market Resolution

This isn't a huge deal but I discovered something about grocery shopping that has relieved my stress. Apparently certain stores do things a certain way and if you just know what they expect from you it relieves a ton of anxiety. The store Lidl I mentioned in an earlier blog happens to be a German store therefore efficiency is key. The process is that you unload your grocieries and the scan girl does her thing as fast as possible while you put them back in your cart. They you take them over to the windows where there are shelves and you bag them yourself thus keeping the line moving. I don't like it but it is so nice to know what they expect. I'm not trying to change the system, just trying to figure it out.

Kitty Cats

Brady and Mac have been pretending to be kitty cats for a week now. I only write it down because I hope to never forget their little game of pretend. They meow all the time and call each other kitty cat. They'll refer to each other in the third person and say "the kitty cat is hungry" or "the kitty cat needs to go potty". Mac is always saying "hold me kitty cat" to Brady which is a precious thing to watch when he actually does it.

Mr. Incredible

Brady watched the Incredibles last night. We found it in Greek and English and thought it would be good practice for our language. He is obsessed. He says that he is Dash (the little boy who runs fast) and bolts all over the house sometimes running into things. He refers to Tony as Mr. Incredible almost every time. Some of his favorites lines are "That was totally wicked" and "Honey, where is my SUPER SUIT". it is pretty funny.

In Style

We brought 12 suitcases to Greece most of them filled with clothes and a few things it was too hard to leave behind - but mostly clothes. That was sort of a mistake. I wouldn't say that I am the most stylish of almost 30 year olds but I do try to keep up with things. Unfortunately here I dress more like the 60 year old women which wouldn't matter if I was going home in a few days but since I live here I am going to have to try. These sunglasses I fell in love with when we visited the Cullens in Houston. Through some ebay sales I was able to buy them from the Sunglass Hut and back home I really didn't see anyone else with them or really with even a similar style which made me feel like perhaps I had made a bad choice. The good news is they are a very popular style here and so when my clothes don't fit in at least my sunglasses do. You see they wear things very tight here, which is a little slinky back home. Before we left I lost some weight too so my clothes were already a little too big and now they are about 2 sizes too big. Another thing that they do here is boots over their tight pants - every day, everywhere. I am not against this fashion choice I just never felt like it was me - but now I am in the market for some over the jeans boots. Even older ladies are more fashionable so this Christmas I am going to try and Europeanize my waredrobe, Tony is too so who knows what we'll be wearing the next time we're back.

The Zoo

I know that Tony wrote a blog on the zoo in Skopia but I thought I would add this video because it is so cute and funny. Brady didn't really like to feed the animals because they were "scary" but Mac was very into it and would have feed them his hand if we let him. We had a really fun time there and a blast with the White's who were so kind to take care of us as we hit the ground.

The Coolest Thing Ever

Pretty much living in Greece is the coolest thing ever. We have only been here a month and we have seen so much and the things we are going to do this year are really exciting. Perhaps I'll write more about each thing we've done and what I've learned but here is the overview. First we joined the Area Directors for an 8 hour tour of Philippi which is just under 2 hours from where we live. We saw the ancient city and walked on the same ground Paul walked on, we saw the prison he was kept in and a place that once held 50 toilets (impressive). We saw Lydia's pool there and the Lion of Amphipolis which Paul passed as he made his way from Philippi to Thessaloniki. We spent Thanksgiving with our new best friends in Athens (the Wislockys) and walked saw the Acropolis with the ever famous Parthenon which was the center of the Greek world for so many years, we stepped foot on Mars Hill, and saw the ancient theater. The next day we spent in Corinth and though it was rainy we had the best time ever. The sophistication of the ancient Greeks is simply astounding to think that some places today are not even as advanced as they were thousands of years ago. There was a huge mountain above Corinth which is where the temple of Aphrodite was were the pagans would go to "worship". There is the remains of a pretty impressive fortress there today and we could have easily spent a whole day climbing around up there. It was sort of steep and scary with the boys but perhaps we'll have a chance to trek around with some college kids some day. On our way back to Thess from Athens we stopped at Delphi which in the religion of the Greek gods was the place where god was closest to man and used to speak in very mystical/demonic ways through an oracle. The ruins there were pretty amazing and the view of the mountains surrounding it was breathtaking. We didn't have time to go through some of the shops but they looked so neat, perhaps we'll get to stay over night sometime. Driving all over Greece has been a trip too, I can't believe that people used to walk these roads. I really didn't know how mountainous the terrain is and some of the effort that people put towards their pagan religion is mind boggling especially considering some Christians find it too big of a chore to make it to church. Anyways I have had many eye opening God moments that perhaps I'll share later. Next, we will spend a day in Katerini and visit Mt. Olympus, everyday is an adventure learning the lay of the land.

Culture Shock - The 7 things I hate about shopping

One of the toughest things about living here is grocery shopping. I go to this store that is close to my house and I am still learning how to buy things. The first thing that slightly annoys me is the carts. You have to put in a Euro (equivalent to $1.30) in order to disconnect them from the other carts. When you put your cart back it gives you your coin back. In a way this is genius because everyone takes their carts back but it has been a tough thing to get used to and I am always the idiot searching for a coin. Once I even asked a lady for her cart as she was returning it, she did not give me a very nice look. Secondly I walk up and down the isles trying to figure stuff out and it is very tough. Thirdly, if you want produce you have to get a produce person to weigh and tag it and if you don't do it before you get to the check out they treat you like a big idiot. Fourthly, by the time I get everything that I think I need I go to the check out and if anyone has less items then you they automatically go ahead of you which sometimes is perfectly alright but today 3 people went ahead of me and I really didn't have that much stuff. Fifth, the check out ladies are not nice or helpful - I have not meet one yet so after suffering through the store and all of this I have to deal with their bad attitudes. Sixth, you have to pay for your bags to carry your stuff home - learned that the hard way. Lastly, nobody helps you pack your stuff and there is inadequate space for stuff that has been scanned. Even with Tony and I both bagging we can't clear it away fast enough. The check out girls sit on a little stole and push all your stuff over into this little area and stare at you annoyed with your very existence. If there is someone behind you they just keep going pushing everyone's stuff together. If there isn't anyone behind you they still don't help you they just stare. All that to say I hate grocery shopping here -- but I will master it -- oh I will.

Furniture Shopping with Brady & Mac

I remember furniture shopping when I was a kid. My brother, sister and I would get spanked every time and I never knew why, until now. It's like my kids have a crazy switch that they turn on every time we walk into a furniture store. They are out of control and it is highly embarrassing. I never realized how loud Brady talks but I feel like we are always telling him to talk quieter. The try to jump on every couch and climb on every table - they are animals and I have yet to find a way to make them behave. It is a loosing battle. Praise the Lord for IKEA. This has been our most visited store. Thess has a ton of furniture stores but they are so expensive and we have a limited budget - besides what you pay for what you get is outrageous. So having looked around we have come to the conclusion that IKEA is about half the price of the other stores and about 1/3 more from the states so all things considered we've bought about 90% of our stuff from there. Needless to say we've been putting together a lot of stuff since we moved in and Tony is beginning to think like IKEA.

The best part about IKEA is that they have a kids play place that you can drop your kids off while you shop. Kids have to be 3 years old so Mac doesn't qualify which upsets him but Brady loves it. The first time we went to the store I told Brady that he could only go in there if he went by himself and that nobody could go with him. He wasn't ready but by trip 3 he begged us to go in, understanding that he would be alone. I didn't want to discourage him even though I knew it would be hard since most 3-10 year olds are not bilingual. It turned out that he had a great time and has gone in to play every time since. I have to admit, I was shocked and very pleased that he did this all on his own. He will often ask to go back to IKEA and play, so I can't wait till Mac can go too. Actually, Tony asked Brady what country we live in and he said IKEA - and Mac can spot the building.

Thanksgiving

Oh my do we have so much to be thankful for. It rolls over and over in my mind minute after minute. Truthfully, I do not believe that things could have been any better, however, the uncertainty was a very heavy burden to bear. Right now I am sitting at my kitchen table typing my thoughts on my home internet in my own house. Really just that is so much to be thankful for. We came to Europe on Nov. 5. We flew into Skopia and adjusted for a few days. We came to Thess on Sunday and found a house by Wed. On Thursday we moved in and have been working to get settled ever since. The days between Sunday and Wednesday were overwhelmed with uncertainty though. There is a lady here named Sophie, she is an amazing woman and has helped us do everything here, we would not be where we are without her. Before we found a house she allowed us to stay at her aunts apartment which saved us so much money. Those were the hardest days. It is a difficult thing learning a new culture and without our own place it was maddening. The boys were always getting in trouble, and we couldn't rest. We were stressed and depressed and disconnected. One night I was praying with the boys, and I ALWAYS begin my prayers with thanksgiving - but as they were both laying on this pull out couch in granny's apartment I could think of nothing to say besides "Help us Jesus" with tears rolling down my checks trying to be positive and strong. Now I am a little embarrassed by my lack of thanksgiving because in reality there is always so much but that has been my spiritual low and I am sure Christ understands, for he answered my prayers and has helped us tremendously. The very next day we found our house and have been moving forward ever since. So this Thanksgiving didn't feel very much like our traditional Turkey Day but we have oh so much to be thankful for. On another positive note: There is an American Farm School here in Thess and I've been told you can buy Turkeys there for Thanksgiving and Christmas - oh la la

Our First Day in Greece

Today (Sunday) was our first day in Greece. When we crossed the boarder from Macedonia I saw a Greek flag standing alone and I have to admit it gave me goose bumps, I almost cried, this is my new home. It was sad leaving our country and everything we know but we are excited for what lies ahead and it is such an honor to follow the Lord. I've been really excited about it with the boys, we sing songs and cheer but the task ahead is a bit daunting. We were supposed to look at houses today but as often happens it didn't work out. We'll look tomorrow and do some shopping. PRAY THAT WE FIND THE RIGHT PLACE. There are so many things to think about. We want to be close to a bus stop, have a good landlord, be close to other kids, be near the school, etc. - We just need the Lord's wisdom. We met Sophie today, she is a Greek lady who worked for a former missionary and has agreed to help us out too. Her advice and help is vital and already she has done so much for us, we are very grateful for her help. One thing is for sure it feels good to be here after 2 years of talking about it.

Catch up time

Okay so I have been a little absent from the blog world and perhaps there has been good reason with the crazy travel, moving out of our house and heading overseas but I am back and I'll try to catch up a bit. It will be a little sporadic yet since we do not yet have a place to live and it will take a few weeks to set up a home with internet but we'll move as quick as they let us out here in the Balkans. We said good bye to our house in Sept. which was a little sad but not all at the same time since we are keeping it and renting it out, we said good bye to a lot of our stuff but that was sort of numb by the time we were through.... it's just stuff- (in fact I am excited to live a little lighter over here, there is just so much to buy in America it is overwhelming.) - we said good bye to our car, our beloved Honda Pilot, but saddest of all we said goodbye to our families. We came over to Skope, Macedonia where we stayed for a few days with Eddie & Patty White who have been so great to us and have really helped us to get to know this part of the world. Now we begin our new life.

It's Getting Hot in Here....

We have been staying at the Kope's house in Florida for a week and we've been having a great time. They have a beautiful house and a fantastic pool. However today was unforgettable for one specific reason. Tony was at a meeting with Chet and Janene was picking up Eli from surf camp, I was home getting stuff ready for dinner while my boys were taking a nap, (in essence I was home alone). While I was cutting up some raw chicken (gross) I saw a teenage boy outside on the patio, I knew Eli was bringing a friend home and assumed that it was him. After a little, I realized that Janene didn't come in and I didn't see Eli out there. I checked to see if their car was in the driveway and it wasn't so I went to the patio doors and was going to politely ask him what he was doing. When I got to the door I realized he was naked!! Ahahaahahahahah!!! And what was he doing?!?!?!? ahahahahah!!! This was unbelievable to me. How could someone go over to a stranger's house, take off all their clothes, and violate their their pool. I freaked out, after all I was home alone and I knew the door was unlocked. I called Chet and Janene and hid in the dinning room so he couldn't see me and more importantly I couldn't see him. I first talked to Chet and just didn't know what to do so he called the police, then I talked to Janene and it seemed to me that he might have some sort of special need issues. That made her think it was an autistic boy who lived down the street and she called her neighbor. Then the police called the house and I explained the situation. While on the phone I heard commotion outside and it seemed that his family had found him and were screaming at him. I was still hiding in the dinning room, I just don't have much experience with random naked men and I was afraid. Also I didn't know anything about the boy and his temperament and was unsure of how to handle the situation. I don't think I would have a problem if it was just an autistic boy swimming in the pool but it was a naked autistic boy in the pool and it was more then I could handle. I just wish Chet were here, he's made a living dealing with situations like this.

Brady and His Poop

So I have to write this down although it slightly crosses the line of things I think should be on my blog but I think that most will get a solid laugh out of it so I'll share. I have now completely potty trained Brady and I'd have to say it is my greatest accomplishment. The funniest thing he started was that when he poops he calls his deposit something new every time. About the 3rd time he had a successful "BM" he said "that's a dolphin mommy, I pooped a dolphin." He was so excited and he was right it looked just like a dolphin. This kind of started a trend and future specimen were described as; a daddy and a baby, a piece of cheese, scary, playdough, a camel, and a few others that I am forgetting.

My Little 3 Year Old

Today, August 6 my little boy turned 3! I can't believe it! Today, the actual day, was filled with itineration bliss so we made sure to celebrate it at a less busy time. On Friday, we had his party and spent the day at Dutch Wonderland (Brady calls it Touch Wonderland). They had great rides for little guys and that evening we had dinner with my family which was really special. Brady was very excited about his Diego cake which I made just for him. As soon as he blew out the candles he licked the icing and when he was all done it was disgusting. He had the best day ever. He got lots of Diego things and Backyardagins and Dora and some baseball stuff and several DVDs (which were the best since his case of 30 got lost). He couldn't have been happier. Above all of this his favorite part was when anyone sings Happy Birthday to him - he just glows - so thanks to everyone who sang.

A New Brady word

While we were in Arkansas sittin' on the back porch of Pop Pop Rando and Grandma Linda's Cabin there was an interesting smell and undeniable stench from one of natures stinkiest animals... a skunk. Brady is always talking about it but he calls it a STUNK - which is pretty appropriate. His little sniffer is getting pretty good, which is nice for me since mine is so bad. He lets me know when Mac has a dirty diaper by saying "I smell a poop mommy." Mac is getting really smart too. We have retired the pacifier for good now and he is talking a lot more. His comprehension astounds me. Now he can point out most of his body parts and follow most basic instructions. The cutest thing though was when we were first quizzing him he would always get nose and toes mixed up.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Sunday the whole family went along to our missions services. The first was in West Chester with a great pastor who had a good time with Mac at lunch, and the second was in Newark, DE. We had quite a few hours between services and the boys were napping in the car so I had the unique experience to take Tony a short way down memory lane. During my childhood/elementary years we lived in Elkton, MD which is only a few miles from Praise A/G in Newark. It was so wild to go by my old house in Manchester Park -- What I remembered as 193 Avalon Ave. has been changed to 164 Avalon Ave. but Maggie our GPS knew just where to go. I shared some of my most vivid memories of the old neighborhood and my best friend Megan Brown. It seems like so long ago and in reality it was about 20 years ago - that is a lifetime. Some say they don't like going back but I really enjoyed it. The past has a great piece of who we are today. For many years our family didn't live for Christ, we didn't ever go to church but it was in the living room of that house that my parents gave their hearts to Jesus and it has altered the destiny of our lives forever.

Mac's Surgery

Mac is doing well following the surgery. He is the most resiliant kid and I have so much awe in how he handled the whole thing. He really takes life in stride and makes the most out of everything. Even though he couldn't be as independent as he wanted he still found a way to do what he wanted to do. He learned to feed himself and to play normally with no functioning elbows. He was thankful to have the splints off though. It actually took a little getting used to though. After they were off a day he was still bringing us his pacifier to put in his mouth. I had to physically show him he could do it himself. He has one more day of the eye drops which he hates and he'll have to wear glasses for now at least. We are really praying that he doesn't damage things in any way. Apparently a fall or rubbing the eyes can do damage and of course he is 1 1/2 so that is a big part of his life. We truly appreciate your prayers through this whole thing.

Funny Moments in Motherhood

Before we left on a big trip I had a lot of errands to run. I do not usually enjoy doing this with both the boys but we were really crunched on time so I had no other choice. I listed the things we had to do for Brady. Because of Dora the Explorer he always likes to know where we are going. We usually sing a song and clap and it makes it bearable. On this particular day we had to go the bank and it was one of our last stops. I only had to go through the drive through, and I was done. When we got there Brady was extremely disappointed and started a mini display of disapproval. It turns out he thought the bank was going to be a giant pink pig where put all our money.

Mac Update

The date is set for surgery on Tuesday, July 15. We have a pre-op appt. on Friday July 11 which is a little tricky since we have our missionary commissioning service on Thursday July 10 in Springfield, MO. Mac and I will rent a car and fly home early Friday morning leaving Tony and Brady to drive again. It is a bit of chaos but the necessary things that need to be done. Pray for us through the whole process that we are safe, have no flight problems, and get all the paperwork done properly to make this a smooth as possible --- and then if God just miraculously healed him, that would be the best case scenario.

Chief Sisco

Brady is having a blast in his MK (missionary kid) class. They do so many fun things; pottery, painting, playing. They go on field trips to; the library, the zoo, the YMCA, these fountains, and Bass Pro. But the thing he loves most about his class is Chief Sisco. Each tribe leader gets a chief name and must be called by that name. Brady loves his chief so much, each time he runs to her as if she was a part of our family. It really sets my heart at ease knowing he is having such a great time. On a side note, for his pottery he painted a basketball (that a boy!) -- unfortunately he painted it pink, apparently that is his favorite color....

Brady & the slide

We had a service in OK and got to stay in Tim and Liz's house - it was beautiful and the boys had a great time playing with Jet's toys. Brady was sad that Jet wasn't there though. Before we got to their house we stopped by to see Liz's parents and they invited us to swim in their pool. It was by far the cleanest nicest pool I've been in all summer. Brady was a wild man as usual and loved the slide. Mac slid a few times at the half way point but much more enjoyed Michelle's homemade lemonade.

A video from the Zoo

A Day at the Zoo

Wednesday we had a day at the Sedgwick County Zoo - what a day it was. Brady loves the zoo!! This is only his second time, and thanks to Diego he loves animals so much. We had a blast watching them all, feeding some and discovering the cool things this place has to offer. Mac was not afraid of anything and got right in the animals faces, Brady too was so interested in them and didn't wince at anything. Tony, having grown up in Montana, commented about all the animals he's shot and eaten or seen and experienced the furry of.... and then there was me. I discovered something I didn't really know about myself that day, I don't really like animals - (does that make me a bad person?). They kind of scare me, I don't know why but even the gentle ones freak me out a bit. I couldn't feed the giraffe and any time he got near me I squirmed away. My 1 year old was right up in their faces and I was running away, is that normal? Tony even called me a city slicker.

P.F. Changs

Tuesday we went to Tony's favorite place for dinner. We had a great time with Pop Pop Rando and Grandma Linda and the boys made it through without any meltdowns. The best thing is that we ordered this fantastic desert - it was fried banana spring rolls with coconut ice cream and topped with vanilla & caramel sauce. I am still thinking about that!

Beautiful People

Last weekend I flew out to Wichita to go to the wedding of Chelsey Dull and Jeremy Saterfield. It was a beautiful wedding to say the very least. Chelsea was one of the girls in junior high when I did my internship at Evangel Assembly (8 years ago) and now she is married. The one thing that is so remarkable about this couple is the way they adore one another. It is such pure and precious love and it is just as beautiful as they are.

Say a little prayer....

Well the plans are set. Mac needs eye surgery. It is a sad thing for me personally but I feel like I already knew he did and it has not hit me as hard as the news that there was a problem. The surgery is sort of hard to explain and a bit eire but the doctor does it all the time and has for 20 years so I trust him, it's sad that he needs it.

My New Haircut

Andrea Smith does it again! I love Andrea, she is simply an amazing person. I was sick of my hair and bored and needed something different and she gave me something I am very happy with. There is nothing quite like a fun new look. Not only is Andrea a genius with hair she is a sensational person. She is a fantastic mother, passionate about the Lord, and such a giver. I know many people have been blessed by her skill, her friendship, and her love for the Lord. The world is a better place with people like Andrea.

Mac's New Glasses

Accommodative Esotropia this is what Dr.Mcmannaway says Mac has. About a month ago we started to notice his eyes going crossed and one or the other eye turning in, so with our family history of eye problems and impending move to Greece we did not delay in making an appointment with a pediatric opthamologist. This doctor is amazing and did a really great job with Mac but it was very traumatic for both of us. Fortunately I had been through it before with Brady, solely for precautionary measures, and knew what to expect. However, I was kind of hoping that there was nothing wrong, although it was pretty obvious to everyone that there was. Mac has been really good about wearing his glasses, they are a little uncomfortable and when he remembers he is wearing them he ripes them off with a vengeance but if I can distract him, he forgets and leaves them alone for a while. Though this has made me an emotional wreak, the Lord has done so many things in my favor otherwise. It is like he is saying, "I know this is hard for you but look at all these ways I am moving in your life and know that I have this big thing under control." Some of the little things are; I lost one of my diamond earrings and found it the night before the appointment (I know that was the Lord), Brady took a potty training turn for the best and has been accident free for a couple of days (very encouraging),and we made lots of money and moved lots of stuff at our yard sale. We have another appointment on Fri. June 13 to see if the glasses are improving his eyes. If they are not then Mac will need eye surgery. I really don't know what to pray for, whether he should have surgery and not have to wear glasses, or just wear glasses his whole life. I guess worst case scenario he will have to have surgery and wear glasses his whole life, but on the flip side he'll be able to see --- so I am just leaving it in the Lord's hands. It is a little tough to deal with the reality of our flawed bodies, but he does look real cute in his baby specs.

Playtime with PA

I love watching videos of my boys playing. Here is some footage of playtime with Pa. These boys love their Pa, and Brady always wants to go to Pa's house. The funniest thing is that my dad is always teaching him new stuff. The other day he was trying to teach him the phrase "Okie Dokie" and every time Brady says "Donkey Donkey" -- it is so funny. That is typical of what he does, when he learns new words he substitutes words he already knows. Tonight he met a boy named Dougy and he called him Duckie - easy mistake.

Awesome or Scary

Here is one of the many street performers we saw in New York. This guy was giving it his all and I couldn't decide whether it was awesome or scary! This is for peoples cash - what would God want us to do for people's souls?

NYC

I heart NY for sure. Tony and I had a quick trip to the big apple to do some missionary stuff and to spend some time with some people we love (mostly each other). While we were there we were able to run into his youth pastor and one of our heros Doug Reed. We always try to do something we've never done before, unfortuneatly this time Tony wanted to go to a Yankees game -- ug that is all I have to say. I grew up a Baltimore fan and have therefore HATED the Yankees but I like to do things Tony wants. They were playing the Orioles so I was hoping for an Os win but not this time. Before the game we ate at this Greek diner and had great Gyros. The next day we got to do things for me. First we met up with some of him high school youth group friends and saw a part of their city. Jeremy and Ritt are working so hard to do something significant in Forest Hills and peoples lives are being changed. I have so much respect for them and what they are doing. It made my heart was so happy to see my pal SHmal and her boy Judah who was one of Brady's first pals. It was the only time I was sad my boys weren't there with us, they would have loved playing with Judah and Carter. Afterward we headed back to Manhattan. We had dinner at Carmines as recommended by P.Dan and then saw the musical Hairspray. We had great tix and enjoyed it very much. It was a great time. We even got to stay in the city in a fantastic hotel right across from Madison Square Garden. Getaways are the best and Saturday morning I was so excited to hang out with my boys.

Brady and his Bwankie

For our Montana shower one of Tony's best friends growing up, Lisa, gave Brady a nice soft blanket that is tan and white. It quickly became his most treasured possession. For a while he called it his Nigha Night. It is very common for boys to clinge to some form of security, whether it be a blanket or a pacifier or a stuffed animal. They say it helps them learn to cope with emotions because it can be a constant in an ever changing world. Mac also has a blanket that is soft and blue and Brady often times steals it to make him cry. Recently Brady has developed the perfect way to hold his blanket. He wraps it around his pointer finger. Sometimes he makes a loop for his finger. The cutest thing is that the other day he and Mac were sitting together and Brady made Mac a loop for his finger - sharing his blankie. If that isn't true love, I don't know what is. Today I asked him who his best friend was and without delay he said MAC - I asked "what about me?" and he reassured me that he loved me by gently stroking my checks but that Mac was his best friend. It is so precious when the are good to each other.

The Roller Coaster Ride of Motherhood

Since Mother's Day I've been processing all that it is for me to be a mom personally. It is something I've always wanted to be and something that I love very much. In fact I wouldn't trade it for anything. However, I also feel like it is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. The title of this blog happens to be the theme for my MOPS (mothers of pre schoolers) group next semester and I can not think of a better way to describe it. The thing I love most about it is the opportunity to be there for my boys almost all the time. It is such a precious feeling knowing that I make them feel better, I set everything right in their little world and if I can't fix it, no one can. I love being their world and making their life happy. I love calming fears and kissing tears. I love picking them up each day and telling them how much I love them and how glad I am to have them a part of my life. They bring me joy and laughter every day. They love me and listen to me every day. I am their mom, and I am so proud to be so.

On the flip side:
The hardest part about being a mom (for me) is the range of emotions I feel every day. It is so exhausting. There is a lot of work but everyone works - it is the emotional highs and lows that I find the most difficult. At some point every day my boys push me to the point of frustration, even to the point of anger. Every day I exercise extreme patience, I would even say supernatural patience (because I know it's not in me). In some instances I feel like I am faking it, that I am just faking being patient to keep things from getting worse. However, some days I don't make it - I can't fake it and I loose it. I yell. I get angry. I over react. It is in these moments that I feel so disappointed in myself and that is a hard thing to deal with. Thankfully I have never said anything that I regret. I've never said anything mean to my boys or husband, but I've acted in ways that I am ashamed of. It just can be so difficult correcting the same things over and over, especially when Brady hurts Mac. Before I had kids I hardly ever got angry, I would go days even weeks without getting worked up and now every day I am confronted with some form of this emotion, it is difficult to process. It is hard not to be upset with myself for feeling it too, so for me this is the hardest, it is this that makes me so thankful for the Lord's grace and I pray that he helps me to be more like him everyday.
This video was taken on Sunday. Tony had to leave for a service early and Mac didn't get to see him before he left. While we were getting ready for church he went to our glass door and was calling "Da Da" 20 times or so. I tried to grab the camera to film it for Tony but got there too late and got a video of what we call "Mackie Do meltdown" - it's so precious how a little love makes him feel so much better - uh the power of mommy's love. He's so precious, despite the cryfest. Please don't think I'm cruel for filming this, it happens all day long and I think makes an unplanned illustration of my point.

Cola Champagne

I found something I haven't tasted in a decade -- a delightful Latin American drink known as Cola Champagne. It is an orange cream soda that I was introduced to while working with Castillo del Rey in El Salvador. It imprinted a fantastic memory of one of my early missions trips with the Triplets. Now thanks to Goya, I can purchase it in Wal Mart. Put it in plastic bag and we have a real Latin American moment right here in central PA. (pictures 1995 me, Pastor Jamie&Kim, Don Champion, Allie Weaver/Parker, Christine Rittner/Sweeten, Jeremy George Krebs, El Salvador)

My Kids and their funny words

Okay so every time my boys say a funny word I want to write it down and share it with the world but goodness I am so busy/tired I forget. So here are some so I can remind them of these funny moments when the are teenagers. Some of Brady's words have replaced the real word in our family vocabulary.
Brady's Funny words
Sandwich = hamwich
remote = mamote
legs = wegs
yellow = yeyo
blankie = bwankie
sleep = sweep
think = sink
i love you = i wuv you
i don't know = i'ont know (always accompanied by a shoulder shrug)
ice cream = ikream
M&Ms = m's
music = muskick
crocodile = coo coo greyu
Frosted mini wheats used to have Shrek on them so now they are forever called Shreks
It's really funny when he recreates my pep talks that I give him for me - like when I use the bathroom and he encourages me and cheers when I am done - using the same words and phrases
Mac is saying a lot of words lately. My favorites are
balloon = boon
bull (they live across the street)
ball
book
snack
milk = muck
juice = juc
Julia = jew
bed
bye bye
dog
go
no no - which he always says when he is doing something wrong
spoon = poon and applies to all utensils or straight items you can hold
bo-bos - which are the monkey brothers on Go Diego Go who are always causing trouble (fitting for my boys)
bubbles
belly button
Brady = be de
cow
moo
uh oh

I know I am missing some but perhaps I'll add them later :)

Oh Happy Day

For Mother's Day, Tony got me my very own MAC - oh happy day! today I type on my ibook - oh happy day. There is something magical about this computer and I love it. But the thing i love most is my cute pink case - oh happy mother's day to me!!! Here are some pics of us playing with the photo booth!

Bitter Sweet

I have been working this week on consigning a lot of my baby stuff. In a way it is so nice to get rid of all this stuff because it takes up so much space but in another way it was sad to see it leave in the hands of someone else. I chose to sell a lot of my stuff at Just Like New Kids Consignment Sale in Carlise and it was a good move. After only the preview sale I made almost $300. The thing is that I won't be able to take all my stuff to Greece and I don't want to pay to store it all either. It is one of those moments when I am griped with the reality of moving and having to purge my stuff. Bitter Sweet.

A Service of My Own

Oh goodness, I had to do my own missions service tonight and it was so stressful. Speaking isn't stressful - well maybe a little... but having to speak and take care of my boys that is one big stress ball. I think perhaps people think I have it all together but in reality I am one toddler meltdown from a personal crisis. Oh these years, what to say. The church was in Newport, PA and it was such a neat place. Pastor Gary Bellis was so kind and he has invested so much in his people and has allowed them to do ministry. There were puppets and dramas and it was a great missions service. I thought it would be rough at first with all the kids, teens, and adults together, but they were such a great group, I've never experienced such an attentive group and they were a big group too. My hat goes off to Newport! Thanks.

Mexico in the Spring

I love Mexico, I love spring vaccations and I love family!!! We had a great time away we are so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit Pueblo Bonito and we are so greatful Grandma and Grandpa brought us all together. There is something about Latin America that just awakens my passion for missions. I love speaking Spanish and walking the streets, watching the boys swim and escaping the cold weather. Perhaps Greece will be this nice in the spring. Brady and Mac are quite the swimmers. They are amazing in the water. Brady is fearless and Mac is getting there. They have so much fun.

A new blog to read

Tim & Liz & Jet & Ty came for a visit over Easter. What a blast we had. Hopefully I can put up some pics soon. While they were here Liz was sharing about her exotic, crazy, awesome life and I convinced her to write this down. That way those of us with less interesting lives can be entertained. These are some great stories.
Liz's Blog

The best sister in the world

That is right I have the best sister in the world - I'm sorry for those of you who think yours might compare but Julia Alday is in a league of her own when it comes to sisterness. I don't know what I'd do without her. She is truly one of the saddest parts about leaving the country.

Binge Blogger

ugh - I have been threatened by my husband that he is going to kick me off his list of blogs he reads if I don't become a little more serious. It just becomes so tough. Right now we are trying very hard to focus on potty training Brady, it's going pretty rough. He is so sweet and cute though. They tell me at church when he is in the nursury he is always comforting crying kids. He tells them "It's okay you're mom will be back." I am so pleased with his little personality. He is starting to test boundries, like when I ask him to come over to put his shoes on he runs away (every time, it gets so old) but as soon as I count to 3 he comes over real quick, saying "I'm comin mom" with the look of fear in his eyes. If I ever do get to 3, I act real mad - probably more mad then I really am, I just don't want it to loose it's power - then what will I do? Mac is walking - PRAISE THE LORD!! He is moving slowly but learning each day. Brady and I are trying to teach him words too. Yesterday we did COW and MOO and today he was trying to teach his cousin Kaiden who was born on the same day. I think he is trying to get back at him for walking circles around him for 5 months.

A thought on Communion

I absolutely love reading the Bible. The best part is that each time
you read a passage you can learn something new. When I was in Bible
Quiz I memorized a large portion of Corinthians but now it is speaking
so deeply to my spirit, especially in the light of what we are about to
do in Greece. One thing that I notice is how often Paul speaks of the
power of the Holy Spirit and how much he condemns all human efforts. To
me that is so key to what the foundation of our ministry will be. This
is why everywhere we go we ask people to pray for miracles -extreme miracles. However, today I was reading 1Cor.5 and was smacked in the face with a great thing to remember with the rapid approach
of my favorite holiday, Easter. 1Cor.5:6-8 speaks of purging the yeast (sin, malice) from our lives in
light of our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed for our reconciliation.
Often times I approach Communion only looking back at Christ's great
gift when I should look inside as it says in 1Cor.11
"examine myself" and look forward to how I can become more like him in
order to bring him all the glory and honor he deserves. It reminds me
of a sermon P.Jamie preached while in was in youth - approach Communion
as a traffic light he said.
Red - stop and look back
Yellow - cautiously examine your own life
Green - move forward changed
A
great reminder for the most precious time for all who believe. The
Resurrection is the greatest thing - Death has been swallowed up in
Victory!

Tony's Travels

Tony is in D.C. with Andrew and Brian this week. They have several meetings and people to connect with. It is moments like these that I realize what a nice life I have with Tony working at home. I take it for granted so much and I hate it when he is away. But we all need to get away once in a while and there is no better situation for him then hanging out with one of his favorite people in the world. I'm glad that he able to go and grow and promote our missions endevours, but also I look forward to Friday. I am so blessed to have such a fantastic husband!

Sammy the Snowman

Brady and I made his first snowman. We had a fun little snow day actually. First we built 4 snow castles one for Mommy, one for daddy, one for Brady and one for Mac. Then we made Sammy, which Brady thought was really fun. Unfortunately, the snow was hard to pack and we got quite a workout making it stick, that is why he seems a little short. When we were all done we headed inside for some chocolate coffee and popcorn. It has been really fun watching the snow in the front yard melt away and Sammy and the castles remain. We may have a day or two left in Sammy's short lived life but it has been a good strong relationship and Brady has been taking good care of him.

Corn Starch

So now Mac is into everything. I was cleaning up the family room while he was messing up the kitchen. It's hard to be mad since for one it is my fault and second he is just so cute covered in corn starch. He ended up wreaking 3 outfits that day and now I have to buy a new box of cornstarch which is kind of annoying because I'll never remember that and then when I want to make some baked mac&cheese there won't be any.... ug the drama of being a mom. ha ha

Mac's first haircut

Mac got his first haircut despite the fact that he didn't want one. He hated it, but I think it turned out pretty cute!