Thought for Today

This is from this month's Tabletalk article called "True Greatness" by Tom Ascol.

"You can gauge how far along you are in developing a servant's heart by taking note of how you respond when someone treats you like a servant. When feelings of resentment, bitterness, or anger emerge when our acts of kindness seem unappreciated that is a good indicator that we still have a way to go in our pursuit of true greatness."


---"just as the Son on Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

I will often pride myself on my service: I give up so much for my children and love it, it doesn't bother me to get up early when Matt oversleeps and make him some breakfast and coffee, If you are in need of a meal, call me because I love to make food for others, I love to have people over, etc. Today it hit me that perhaps what I really love is other's gratitude. I love making people happy. The joy on their face when I do something for them makes me feel good. As I was reading today, I felt very convicted. I have often confessed to Matt that I get so angry when the boys don't even recognize that I spend my entire day doing things to make them happy, or comfortable, or clean and all they can do at the moment is complain, like "Mom, it just isn't good enough, try again" And what would I do if Matt told me his coffee was too sweet yesterday, or if a family told me the meal I brought just wasn't up to par? Would I joyfully keep serving, or would I build an angry resentment and quit trying? I even think sometimes that one day these boys are going to realize everything I have done for them and praise my wonderful service! Here the Lord is using my boys to teach me yet another lesson about myself. Jesus gave His life for me, and I know I often go about my day taking it for granted. I can't grasp the extent of His sacrifice, and often dismiss it as His job. I look at how Jesus lovingly laid down his life even when no one really got what He was doing, and I ask "Lord make me like this, make me not care about other's appreciation, but give me a heart that wants to serve you."

Gatlinburg

Matt has to complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year. There happened to be one in Gatlinburg this past weekend, so we rented a cabin with the Grant's (Matt's partner, his wife, and 15 month old little boy). It was far better lounging on our wrap around porch and eating out with Dada than staying home alone. The boys had fun, and I enjoyed the break from laundry and other everyday chores.



Owen and Gatsby swinging with Shaylon. These guys were good buddies after they learned to take turns with Gatsby's lawn mower! Really Gatsby was amazed at Micah and wanted to do everything he did. Hmmmm sound familiar?
Brittan and Stephen Mullins. It was so good to spend time with old friends. They are settled in Cookeville and expecting in March! Stephen had fun "practicing" with Owen after dinner on Saturday.


All the men with the boys! Hard to believe these guys are doctors and Dads. Wasn't it just yesterday that we girls were chatting in the den while these guys were cramming for boards?
The boys in the cabin. We were catching some Olympic coverage, (how about Usain Bolt?) so Micah was watching the little DVD player. Although, he did rather enjoy counting the seconds for the runners. Owen is on his tippiest tippy toes trying to see!

Strong Willed

Oh the joys of parenting a strong willed child. Honestly, I am only just learning that Micah is "strong-willed." It masked itself when he was a baby as just sad, something was hurting, desperately shy, etc. I had a very hard time with him. I was very prideful about having children. I knew from the time I was 3 that I wanted babies and lots of them. Well three months into having my first child and I was a wreck. The Lord brought me to my knees quickly and showed me, again, that this was going to take reliance on His grace, not my own good efforts. Things were not going the way I always imagined them. My baby that I wanted everyone to love on and enjoy would hardly let anyone but me touch him. If I left the room, he knew it and would cry. If it was even remotely close to feeding time, he would cry like he was the hungriest baby alive. He would scream bloody murder every time we rode in the car. The Lord has used Micah to mold me in so many ways. He humbles me every day as I run to Him and beg for help. I never thought having children would be soooooooo challenging. I also never imagined that Matt and I (probably two the least strong-willed people out there) could produce a child in such need of control and so stubborn. Matt and I want to please, don't have strong preferences, would rather others make our decisions and do the really hard work for us. Although we can have intense feelings, (and I am certainly a discontent perfectionist) we just have a hard time understanding Micah, especially his need for control. When Micah is good, he is really really good; when he is having a hard day-watch out! I remember learning that when you get married, you get the opportunity to see the world through someone else's temperament. And that because of this, you become more Christ-like. I know that the Lord's purposes in putting our family together is beyond my ability to fully grasp, but I think that one thing he wants is for me to be able to see the world through another temperament's eyes. We now have a "doer" in our family. Micah loves having projects to do, things to figure out. He is intense and thinks deeply. He will not be easily persuaded. We love him more than words. I love this journey even though I am often exhausted by noon. I constantly second guess myself, and feel immense pressure to do everything "right." There is that perfectionist! We are working on things to help mainly with my frustration. I try not to nag Micah and constantly remind him to do something, but instead make eye contact and explain what I want him to do and the consequences for not following through. We try to explain to him the authority we have over him is God-given. He has a job to do, and that is to obey his parents in all things. We have learned how to avoid giving commands that we don't care to follow through with. We have learned to use a timer because it is easier for him to stay on track. The one thing that is still very hard is nap time. Micah either takes a three hour nap (and then wants to be up all night) or takes no nap at all. There is that intensity. Micah is either hot or cold, but one thing is for sure: Micah is never luke warm. The days with no naps are challenging for me. I know what the evening will look like, and I dread it. I feel sad that Matt has to come home to a cranky boy, and I get angry that he won't just lay down and rest. After all, a nap is a dream come true for me for Pete's sake! Here is a picture of one of the ridiculous nap days. I think we went to wake him at 7:00. We laugh as we think "most kids are going to bed right now, and our's is just waking from his nap." I guess the bright side is that soon enough he won't need a nap. By the way, today is a nap day hence the long post.

Wedding Weekend

We gathered with Matt's family this weekend for the wedding of first cousin Christopher Cotton to his lovely bride Kate. The day could not have been more beautiful for a wedding; 85 with low humidity is almost unheard of for a Tennessee August! The reception site was gorgeous with a serene garden and many horses. The boys had fun dancing and exploring the grounds of the Inn at Walking Horse Farm in Franklin. I had fun snapping pictures of my handsome boys.

Sweet Boy and Night Night Rituals

Here is sweet Micah singing his best to the last verse of "All Creatures of Our God and King."
At church, we sing a verse of a particular song for several weeks. We love this because it gives us time to teach the song to the boys, and the look of joy on their faces as we sing together on Sunday mornings in priceless. We often sing the song on the way to church and then often throughout the week and always at bedtime. One thing Matt does every night no matter how tired he is, what game is on, or how late it has gotten, is gather up the boys for "prayer time" in Micah's room. Owen used to go to bed, and Matt would do the ritual with Micah (it is the same every night; Micah would have it no other way!). But now, even if he is literally falling on the bed from exhaustion, Owen is determined to stay awake and be there with the family. He loves watching Micah as he helps read the Bible (we are going through the Psalms right now), spins circles to the songs, and walks around the room helping with the prayers. "Oh, please give everyone a good night's sleep." "Oh Lord, we pray especially for Mama, and Dada, and Micah, and Loaf"--Matt adds in the specifics. "Oh Lord, please be with Uncle Drewby, Uncle Bomp, and Uncle Micah"- again Matt on the specifics. He says these words with such passion as he walks around the room with his finger pointing upward and his arm pumping up and down. Matt and I often have to bite our cheeks to keep from laughing. After prayers, there is a whole slew of songs that we sing including "Holy, Holy, Holy," or as Owen sings it "Ho, Ho, Ho," "Jesus Loves Me," Micah 6:8, "The Doxology," and sometimes "Joyful, Joyful" (or as I call it "the spinning song" because the boys spin circles for this one!) As I was going through an old scrapbook, I found our wedding program. I couldn't help but smile as I saw that one reading was from Psalm 100 (Micah's favorite because he loves the number 100!), and some of the songs were: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "All Creatures of Our God and King" and "Ode to Joy." I hadn't even realized the connection until now, and it is neat to think that the selection of songs and Scripture from our wedding day are being passed on to our children.

This is Hilarious

Matt found Micah a counting song on iTunes (excuse the poor musical quality; this song was obviously made by a math teacher and not a musician), and Micah has had so much fun memorizing his multiples. Owen even chimes in for the eights as they are a little harder for Micah!

My Technophiles

tech·no·phile (tkn-fl)n. One who has a love of or enthusiasm for technology, especially computers and high technology.

Micah loves the iPod, and as I have mentioned before, Owen loves anything Micah loves. Usually Owen is up an hour or so before Micah in the mornings. He got so excited when I let him listen to some music on the headphones the other day. Owen really has a things for music. He hums to the beat, always knows when the song is ending, and gives his loudest "bum, bum, bum!" for the finale.
This is Micah's new favorite toy: a watch. I have mentioned his love for numbers and time; now he keeps us on a tight schedule throughout the day. "It's 9:43, time to get dressed; it's 10:45, time to go to the store; 2:20 it's naptime!"

Some Great Recipes

Here is my plug for Cooking Light. I have received this magazine for many years, and as one who loves to cook (and cook healthy meals), it is well worth subscribing. I have yet to make something that doesn't "turn out," and we have loved most of the recipes. Here are a couple of things we have tried this past week that I thought I would pass along.

Classic Italian Panini with Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella
Barley Risotto with Julienne Chicken and Parmesan

I added some poultry seasoning to the chicken in the risotto and also a bit of garlic (I love garlic). This dish was sent to me by Matt (one of his patients had a child with food allergies and recommended it.) We just scooped Owen out a portion before we added the cheese. We also added some shaved Parmesan on top. Hope you enjoy!

Hangin' Around

Owen loves climbing into the fort. He really loves doing anything Micah does. We try to tell Micah that Owen is watching, so he needs to be a good example. I know that is a big responsibility for a three year old, but I guess that is part of being the big brother.

Despite the occasional sibling rivalry, these two are starting to become buddies. Matt and I do, however, certainly have to facilitate. I think I expected them to just be best friends, but I am often reminded that they are selfish, and this too will take much work. Matt and I try to teach them things that they can have fun doing together to avoid the tugging of Mega Blocks, and throwing of cars. I think in general though, they will get along very well. Micah loves to be in charge and have things very particular, and Owen is usually very obliging, mostly doing whatever Micah wants! We are working hard on teaching the boys that love is an action. Even when we don't "feel" like loving someone, that is what we are called to do. Ginger Plowman, in her book Heaven at Home, says that "today's culture would like for us to believe that it is normal for siblings to not get along and not 'like' each other. [Siblings on television] are often seen fighting, yelling, name-calling, or belittling one another with hateful remarks. " She comments that in a Christian home this behavior should not be expected or brushed off as "normal," and that "it's important for parents to pro-actively cultivate unity and friendship." She lists ways to help them serve one another, support one another, and put priority on their friendships with one another. This is certainly a tough task, but we trust the Lord to send His Spirit to help when we don't feel like "loving."


We have had a bit of a nap issue these days, which explains Micah's tired eyes. Oh, and we had a mishap at the zoo, which explains the black and white attempt to hide his bruises!

New Shoes

We were excited today as the UPS man rang the doorbell holding a package from Piperlime (by the way, they have some great stuff and free shipping and free returns.) Owen has outgrown his Umis, but he hasn't wanted to let them go. We will tell him to go get his shoes, and he always brings those to put on. We have tried some of Micah's old shoes, but he still seems a little clumsy in them. He is top heavy (see July 22 post) and therefore has to work a little harder to keep his balance, so he surely doesn't need clunky tennis shoes to trip him up! We were on the lookout for some shoes similar to Umis for him because before a couple of weeks ago, Umis only went up to a size 4. I was so happy when I happened to look one more time on Piperlime.com and found that Umi had two new pair of puggles both in a size 5. We went with the orange because they seemed a little more fun. Owen couldn't put his new shoes on fast enough this afternoon.

Some Comforting Words

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.
Colossians 1:21-22

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14

The past two morning have been wonderful. My sweet, thoughtful husband has brought me my coffee in bed before he has headed out for the office, and the boys have slept till 9 both mornings. This almost never happens. Matt often brings me coffee on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, but mainly because Owen is ready for Mama. The fact that the boys slept in today was a huge blessing. I have been somewhat down in the dumps the past few weeks. Not about anything in particular, just kind of blah. It probably doesn't help that I have been so busy that I have, stupidly I know, kept my Bible on the bedside table. I have been so tired that I have often fallen asleep praying. I guess I have been in somewhat of a spiritual depression. I felt overwhelmed today as my Heavenly Father woke me several times last night. I was scared. I don't know what of; I just kept hearing things and my imagination was getting the best of me. I even put my phone under the pillow with my hands gripping it in case I needed to call someone for help. The only thing I could do was pray. This morning I opened my Bible to Colossians and was comforted by these verses. It is the Lord who reconciles us, who makes us alive in His Son. It is the Lord who brought healing to my soul this morning with this reminder. While I was busy putting the Lord second and suffering for it, He was busy renewing my heart and giving me gentle nudges to pray and open His word. While I was busy losing my patience with a tired and grumpy 3 year old, He was busy convicting me and assuring me of His love and forgiveness. Thank you Lord.

I pray you will find assurance of pardon as well in these verses.

We are Back

We didn't go anywhere, but for the past week or so we have just been catching up and resting. We have been on the go for the past couple of months, and we just needed a break. So, I also took a break from blogging and caught up on some reading, housework, and just watched a little food network! I have many things to post, but for now I will post about sweet Owen. He turned 15 months on the 14th, and we had our well baby check yesterday. Here are his stats: Weight: 21 pounds (15%), length: 30 1/4 inches (20%), and head circumference: 19 1/4 (90%). He is staying pretty consistent with his slim physique and huge head! He is on track developmentally, and the doctor referred us to the pediatric allergist to discuss Owen's food allergies. (I have found yet some more foods for Owen that are great for the whole family: flax seed meal, and pearl barley. My sweet husband e-mailed me a recipe for the pearl barley that Owen and the rest of us can enjoy. If it is good, I will certainly pass it along.) Owen says many words to me, none for anyone else including Dada. He gets very shy and will almost never perform. He will point to pictures in books, loves birds and airplanes, and gives a big yell and point when he sees one. He will probably be a rock climber one day, and loves trucks and playing outside. He mostly wants to be just like his big brother, but loves rough housing with the boys, and cuddling with his Mama.

Owen, you are so dear to us. You show us what a content spirit looks like, and you melt our hearts with your beaming smiles! We pray your continued health as the Lord grows you up to be more like Jesus. May He give us many years with you, precious boy.

The pictures are from eating watermelon on the newly manicured lawn (thank you, thank you, Nana!) I love that Owen loves it so much, that despite all the foods he can't have, God has still given him wonderful foods to enjoy. I am not sure he would have given up his watermelon for anything else last night!

Bountiful Harvest

We took a trip to the Nashville Farmer's Market today and this is what we came home with. I have wanted to go weekly, but we have had so many guests in town that we haven't had a chance. The selection was amazing, and we only spent $20 (not including lunch which consisted of a philly cheese steak and some of the best mac n cheese and green beans we have ever had. Micah kept saying how much he loved going to the Farmer's market after his first taste.) We had one of the heirloom tomatoes and a cucumber with dinner (I added a little milk to some store bought ranch and stirred in some chopped, fresh herbs to drizzle on top of the salad,) and we had some blackberries and sugar plums for dessert--delicious! . Next weekend I think we will stop by the Franklin Farmer's Market to check out their selection.

Mama's Helper

Owen loves to mop and vacuum these days. I hear of stories of babies who are scared of the vacuum. I guess since I have mine out practically every day, the boys have learned to love it instead! Ellie is still pretty unsure though. She chases it and barks loudly, because she thinks I am going to run the boys over!

New Foods for Owen

These are some of the new foods I have found for Owen. He loves the turkey dogs, along with a sausage made by the same company, and we all do too. They taste great and better still, no nitrites. The Supertots have also been a hit with Micah, who loves eating his letters! I am just so thankful that there is a market for convenience foods for allergy sufferers. We have also tried quinoa (a type of grain or seed; I am not sure which) that is an excellent source of protein. It has an amino acid that most grains are lacking, making it a great choice for Owen. We have also bought some buckwheat. It is really not wheat at all, but a fruit and also has the high quality protein. You can use buckwheat flour in baking, for pancakes, and instead of oatmeal for breakfast. Owen has been a great sport about all his new foods. He hasn't complained and has eaten everything even when I can tell it is not his favorite. Last night, after every bite of quinoa (one that he wasn't too sure about,) I would make a big to do and clap loudly. He thought it was so funny and would keep taking bites, so he could clap his hands with Mama. The bright side to his allergies: Owen will have a very mature palate from all of this. He is trying things at 15 months that I have only just tried at 27!

Fourth of July

My dad and his wife came in town for the fourth of July weekend. We decided to go see some fireworks in a neighboring town. It was a little adventurous seeing as how the show did not begin until 9:30 (way past bedtime,) and we weren't sure if the boys would love it or get scared. We were pleasantly surprised at the turnout. The show was great, the night was cool, and the boys had a blast. Owen kept his paci in most of the time but was mesmerized by the lights. Micah loved running through the field, counting the blasts, and making funny faces at the camera. On Saturday we spent a restful day around the house. My brother and his wife came over to cook out. I included some pictures of Owen with the watermelon. I think he ate half of it by himself!