Generosity

We've been learning a lot about generosity these days.
Through our time, finances, and talents...the subject of generosity has been coming up all around us, and has been a blessing to learn about.


Something happened today that showed me an example of the legacy generosity can have.  My little girl was hugged and played with a stuffed animal dog...Pal.  A new favorite of hers.
But this dog is not just any dog.

From birth, my sister, Hope, was extremely generous.  We were taught to share and to give to others - but Hope ALWAYS went above and beyond.  When I was about 13, in middle school, Hope was 5.  She had a stuffed animal that I thought was really cute and liked a lot because it was Pal, from the HIT series Arthur (a-a-r-d-v-a-r-k) that we often watched together.
For my birthday, Hope bought me a gift (well, she picked out a gift that my mom paid for that she gave me).  But ON TOP of the gift she bought, Hope went to her room, picked up Pal, and wrapped him to give me for my birthday.  I didn't need Pal, nor was I jealous of him.  In fact, I almost couldn't even except her gift because I knew how much SHE loved it.
But, out of her love for me, as a 5 year old, Hope gave me something costly to her.  Something she LOVED that was her very own, because she loved me more.  And out of love and respect for her sacrifice, I hesitantly accepted her gift.

I have held onto Pal all of these years.  Treasured him, really.  Because he is not just a stuffed animal - Pal is an expression of great sacrifice.  He is the costly gift a 5 year old girl gave to her big sister.

And now, Pal is my daughter's to play with.  Not only did Hope's exercise of generosity move me as a middle schooler, but the fruit of that gift is still being reaped - 14 years later - by my little girl.

I was convicted as I watched Keira kiss and hug her doggie.  I was, again, moved by the act of generous giving...and graciously convicted to grow in this area myself.  It is a joy to think that a loving sacrifice in the present could reap blessings in the future.
Truly, as Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

I can't help myself.

This kid is to die for!  I finally coerced her to leave a bow/barret thing in her hair for a few minutes, and totally capitalized on the opportunity to do a little 15-month photo shoot.  Here are a few samples:

September Impressions

It's been a full month.  Great, but busy.

I looked at my calendar this morning and literally, there has only been 1 night in the past 10 days when Rob and I were both at home together - at the same time.  And, yes.  We have plans almost every night for the next 2 weeks.
Literally, we tried to make dinner plans with some friends, and the tentative date I threw out was three
weeks away.

But, in the middle of this busy season - God has impressed a few things on my heart.


First of all, I have an unbelievably supportive husband.  Rob has had Keira over and over again - during the day while I've worked, night after night while I've been out or working...  He has even at times come straight from a 13 hour shift to pick her up from my office to take her for the evening.  He's been awesome.  Hasn't complained, but rather has been happy for the time together with his baby girl and opportunity to serve me by caring for her.

Second.  I am totally in awe of full-time working moms.  Though this season hasn't been overwhelming, it has been full.  I've at times felt swamped...just with the normal stuff.  Keira, work, laundry, dinner.  And I don't even work full time!!!  I put in ALMOST 40 hours a few weeks ago and felt like I was barely staying afloat.  NOT EVEN A WHOLE 40 hours!  Honestly, when I put in my timesheet that week, I was humbled by respect for full-time working parents.
My mom worked full time my whole childhood (and adulthood), as did my mother-in-law.  Bless them.  I don't know how they did it, but can't hardly express my respect as they balanced a family, job, maintaining their homes, and doing an awesome job raising their children.

Finally, I don't know how single parents do it.  Again, I am overwhelmed with respect for single parents, who maintain their families and jobs by themselves.
God talks about the widows and orphans, and I sincerely believe He has a special place in His heart for those single parents - and He MUST have special grace for them.


It's been a great month - and I have been so thankful to have been able to participate in the things going on around me.  But, it's also been a joy to gain new respect for others and thankfulness for what (and who) God has provided for me.

Mini-Me

People have asked throughout her whole life which one of us Keira looks like.  We've gone back and forth - and it changes with every facial expression...but as she's getting older, I think she's looking more and more like me.  I feel pretty vain thinking she's stupid cute AND that she looks like me.

But, if she's anything like her Mama, there are many awkward years ahead.


We just came across some old baby pictures of me as my mom has been going through her basement.  It's been nostalgic, but mostly funny.

For your visual enjoyment, here are some gems from the collection compared to Keira:

This is me.  Mostly censored.

Keira - 12 months.

There's my mom, responsibly watching me and whatnot.

There's my baby, cheeks and all.

Me, concentrating.

Keira, concentrating.

So, there you have it.  She's my baby.

New Restaurant

I am under the impression that the bathroom speaks volumes about any establishment.



Rob and I went to Firebirds (a nice new-ish restaurant) on our date night last week.  We looked at a menu outside, said, "Sure, this looks good," and tried it.

Sweetwater prices.  Good food.  Great, cohesive, poshy environment.  Not too loud, not eerily quiet.  Nice touches along the way (i.e. the waitress said goodbye to us by name, per the credit card, imprint in the outside ash tray, they held the door for us as we left).

AND, the bathroom was fantastic!  Complete with built in nooks for candles in the walls...and in each stall.

I would've taken a picture of the candles in the bathroom - but thought that "might" be "creepy."

All in all, Firebirds was a win.

When It Rains, It Pours

Last week was "one of those weeks."

Our grill broke.  No big deal, our grill is old and was fixed quickly for $17.  But, our grill broke on a day when I had a lovely dinner prepared - ready to go...on the grill.  Entirely.  The entirety of our meal was going to be grilled.

No big deal.  We still have an oven.  And food to eat.

But, the grill broke on the same week when my car has an oil leak, tire leak, and an unidentified engine problem (when, yes, we just put several hundred dollars into the engine).  And Rob's truck has a cracked windshield.  And the disposal broke.  And we had an ant infestation.  And, my alarm clock died.  It's dumb (and hyper sentimental), but it was a present for my 7th birthday...and it's been part of my life for 20 years.  Clearly, it's lived a good life, but now I have to figure out a new clock, which I hate having to do.


All of this stuff is totally normal - but it begs the question, "Jesus, what are You trying to teach me right now?  What are You trying to show me?"

Sincerely, as frustrated (and to be honest, anxious) as I've been about all of these mild annoyances to my otherwise comfortable existence, I trust that God is trying to show me something.


God has used this week to reveal areas of pride in my life that I hadn't previously even seen... and showing me, again, my need for dependence on Him.  He is the provider, and He LOVES to care for His children.  While in my pride I feel so independent figure out how to solve the problems of our lives...and try to fix things, I forget who He is.  I often struggle with feeling "able" to do certain things, and with twisted reason, I think I can (and should) fix things on my own - so that I wouldn't be a burden to a God who has other things to care for.  But, that's not who my God is.  My God LOVES to spoil and provide for me.  Not necessarily to give me a bunch of stuff - but to meet my needs in such a way as to give glory ONLY to Himself.  It is pampering to me when the Creator of the Universe lovingly provides for me.  When He communicates that I am so important and precious that I am not forgotten, and that His plan for me is so intricate and delicate that He would align circumstances in ways so meticulous that only He could have done it.


This week, in particular, He has reminded me of these truths.  He has provided for us in such specific and tangible ways, that I have been overwhelmed - and blessed to remember the meticulous care of our loving Father.

Rapture

Do you ever get the feeling you missed the rapture?  That many people have disappeared and you didn't make the cut.

That definitely happened to me this morning when I pulled into work a few minutes before 9 (which seemed like a perfectly reasonable time to show up for work)...and there was no one there.  Even the receptionist desk was unmanned when I walked by, which gave me a mini-panic attack.

When these things happen, I start to rack my brain to think if there's something serious going on in the world that I missed, which, to be honest, is very plausible.  Then, I wonder if maybe it was the rapture and I've been left behind.


No lie.  As I was typing this, my dear pastor, Mike Minter, popped my head into my office and said, "It's like a ghost-town in here.  Did we miss the rapture?"

I told him I thought the same thing, but that I felt better that he was here.

Phew.  Dodged a bullet there.

I got glasses

I'm the only person alive who's always wanted glasses.

When I was in middle school, I had a fake pair that my mom told me made me look smarter.  She wasn't wrong.

A few weeks ago, my mom needed to get new glasses and asked me to come with her to pick them out.  I am the best and worst shopping buddy because I actually tell you what I think of a potential purchase. While I try to be gracious, unfortunately, I'm usually just brutally honest.

So, we went and got some great glasses for her...and while we were there, I found a pair that I really liked.  A lot.  So much, that I went back to the office and looked up Rob's ophthalmologist - and I called to make my very first eye appointment.  Vain?  Yes.  But I did it anyway.

To be fair, I've noticed in the past years that my eyes aren't what they used to be.  It takes me a long time to focus between objects (particularly from near to far and vise versa), poor depth perception, and have to move away from people or words too close to be able to see them.  In fact, once I made the appointment, I only noticed more and more how tired my eyes felt all of the time - apparently from straining all of the time.

Sure enough, I have an astigmatism.  Here's the thing - I have it and don't even know if it's proper to say "an astigmatism" or just "I have astigmatism."  Like a condition...which it is... so  maybe no "an"?

But, I got my glasses and LOVE them.  It took a while for my muscles to adjust so I didn't get headaches or strain to see out of them - but they're awesome.  I even made Rob go and get his eyes checked.  We literally drove by the office and I dialed the phone and handed it to him.

So.  Done and done.  I can actually read now.  And see, so that's good.  Also, they look super cool (Mike Minter even told me, so you know it's true).

Happy Father's Day

Keira was born just before Father's Day last year - so Rob was able to celebrate his first Father's Day with his brand new baby girl.  It was nice.  But, being completely honest, he hadn't done that much as a dad at that point in his father-hood.

But, this year is different.  For a year now, he's been a dad - and has done a tremendous amount of Dad stuff.

So, here are some of the reasons Keira LOVES her daddy:
- He teaches her the bad/fun stuff (i.e. regularly, I have to remind him that the "fun" thing he's doing isn't okay to let her do, so probably he should stop.  Like banging on the window.  Or stuffing a hazardous amount of food in either of their mouths.  Or singing and dancing while eating.)
- He takes care of her.
- He disciplines her - in love - AND, she listens.  WAY more than when I tell her "no," when her dad does, she obeys.
- "Dada" was her first word.
- He encourages me to go do stuff - so they can spend quality time together, and so I can get out of the house.  It's a good system (and mutually beneficial to all parties).
- He reads to her.
- He talks to her and explains stuff.  All kinds of stuff.
- He makes her laugh.
- He REALLY makes her laugh.
- He loves her mama.
- He makes killer dad jokes.
- He protects her.
- He provides for our family.
- He's silly.
- He's the best Grover puppeteer in the whole world.
- He prays for and with her.
- He teaches her about Jesus.

We're blessed, Robbie.  Thanks for being a great dad for our daughter.

Happy Birthday, Baby.

Keira,

Happy 1st Birthday, my dear girl.  I can't tell you how special it has been to have had this year with you - and I will only say that when you have your own little girl, you will better understand.

This year has been amazing.  When you were born - with your little cone head, I could hardly believe that you were finally here.  Your father and I had waited so long to meet you.  We were so excited to finally know the little girl we anticipated and planned for over the past months.  You were like my little chipmunk with your big ol' cheeks (and yes, I joked on many occasions that you were storing up for the winter).  But, you were so cute - and truly, still are.  You smiled from your first day, a smile that was indicative of the year ahead.

Even though you only have a few words, you and I have a special bond.  You are Mommy's special girl.  I know you.  You have the sweetest spirit - and while at times you're blatantly disobedient and rebellious (which you come by naturally, so we understand), you have a precious heart.  You hug Daddy and I all of the time - and even when you're sleeping, you pat our backs when we hold you...almost as if to say, "I love you too, Mama."  You are already so grown up, independent, strong, and willful...but so fun and caring towards others.  You have been a joy to our family and we don't hardly remember life without you.

God has used you to teach us much about His love for His children.  Daddy and I don't have it down yet, but even from the moment you were ours, we loved you in an overwhelming way.  Just by your position as our child, we love, and have loved, you.  The same way God loves us as His children.  As God has allowed Daddy and I to care for and raise you, He is teaching us much about HIs own plan for our lives, even though we're old, we still have much to learn.

Over these past months, the overwhelming thing that God has prompted me to pray for you is that He would direct you to become a women of integrity and character.  Honestly, I'm anxious to see how that will play out in your life - because I know it's from Jesus and He has something big planned for you.  As much as Daddy and I love you, Jesus loves you so much more (which we don't even understand, because we love you so much we hardly think there's room to love you more).  You are the special girl we prayed for - so we know God must have something really important for your life.

But, as it's your birthday, I've been remembering the events of last year, when you were born.  Many of our friends and family came to meet you at the hospital.  Our friend Mr. Erik gave you a lovely book that I read to you even last night.  When Mommy was a little girl, Grandpa listened to a song that was special to me - and something that Grandpa and I shared together...and the book that Mr. Erik gave you was the same song with pictures - so you and Mommy can share it together too!  I love you, Keira Shay.  May you stay forever young.


May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.


May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.


May you grow to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.


May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.


May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.


May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay...forever young.
                                -Bob Dylan

Updates

Well, it's been MONTHS since I've thrown out an update on our lives...OR shared my random thoughts.

To be honest, many days feel like there's nothing of significance (or interesting enough) to share.  But the truth is... this year has been a whirlwind.  Some good times, some hard times.  But full nonetheless.

Many people have commented about the lack of blogging, which I actually appreciate.  I will take it as kindness that you care enough about us to want to read about our lives.  Maybe you're just bored, but I'd like to take it as a compliment and expression of your care :)

But, I'm here now.  I do love writing and want to have some record of our lives through this time...so I'll review some events of these past months and try not to be too long winded or boring.  Share what we've learned and watched God do around us - and sometimes the silliness of our lives.


Hello, again, Chum.  I'm back.

Cabbage Patch Kids

Keira is growing a little out of the "Winston Churchill" stage...and moving on to the "Cabbage Patch Kids" stage.  I think it's a step up...but I also think she's the cutest thing ever (and has been since day one).

*Note the AMAZING photos from the AMAZING camera my AMAZING husband got me for Christmas. Thanks, Baby.  I love it!

2011.

2011 was a good year.  Some great things happened - and we are so thankful.  We had a nice Christmas and a fun New Years.  Generally, a really great holiday season.


It feels like the end of the year is a good time to be introspective, while you remember the past year and look forward to the next.  But, honestly, I haven't slowed down enough to really think through the year.  Literally, I sat at dinner a few nights ago with some friends trying to think of anything interesting that's happened this year...other than having a baby...and came up short.

Sincerely though - nothing interesting has to happen for it to be a great year.  Work is great.  Work has been great about having a baby.  Having Keira was and is great.  Transitioning into parenthood and being a working mom has been great.  We are blessed.

In many ways, it's been a hard year - as we have had changes and transitions.  But hard isn't bad.  Just hard.  We look forward to another great year ahead...as we grow together as a family, watch Keira grow a year older, and face the challenges day in and day out that come with life.  With this next year, we will continue (and hopefully grow) to love and trust Christ with our year.  He has been exceedingly good to us and we will remain thankful.

Why I Love the Doctors

I might be a horrible parent, but I love taking Keira to the doctors.  Even when she has to get shots.

The shot thing is a little weird, because I usually feel bad that I don't feel worst.  Don't get me wrong, it breaks my heart when she FREAKS out when they hold her down and get her in both legs a couple of times each...but I know it's the best thing for her, so it doesn't bother me that much.  Particularly the instant they're done.  I'm basically fine and don't mind the few seconds of her cuddling with me before she figures out she's fine too and there are interesting things on the wall to look at.


When I take Keira to the doctors office, for about an hour I have many people (whose opinion I value as I perceive them to be credible because they're in the medical profession) tell me how awesome my kid is.  How beautiful, healthy, smart, and big she is.  It's awesome.  I literally walk away struggling more than normal with PRIDE about my great kid.  Literally, I've had nurses walk into the room and say, "I heard there was a Gerber baby in here!  Oh my goodness!"  It feels good.


While I need to confess and repent of my pride of going to the doctors, we did have Keira's 6 month check-up a couple of weeks ago.  She weighed 19 lbs 7 ounces.  She's more than 28 inches long...that's off the charts for height (99% for weight).  She's so big, we've had MANY panicked moments of looking through her drawers thinking that she didn't have anything to wear...but Christmas and the generosity of family have gotten us through those bumps, so hopefully we won't struggle with the naked baby syndrome for a while.  Literally, when I do the laundry each week, I make different piles as I fold.  Jammers (yes, that's what we call pajamas at our house), play clothes, hang-ups, and too small to be packed up.  EVERY WEEK!!!

She finally cut teeth a couple of days ago - yes TEETH - 2 of them.  Limited rolling, but she's showing her stubbornness as she is clearly able to roll, just doesn't feel like it.  One day she'll get it.  One day.