Ahhh change . . .

Well, it's officially official. I have accepted the position as Downtown church's Children's Minister. I am SOOO excited for this new opportunity. With Ali's start to school on the horizon, I have been praying for many months that God would open professional doors for me. As a previous blog post discussed, I just wasn't sure whether to return to work when my baby started to school. If I was to return, what would the job be? How many hours? Should I try to work from home? Etc. It was a internal discussion that became more and more frequent as August approached. (Yes, I just admitted that I hear voices! :) When the opening at Downtown was announced, I began to wonder if this opening wasn't JUST the thing I needed. The timing seemed perfect. The work was perfect. The hours were perfect. The work environment promised to be ideal. I had no idea about the pay, but just getting paid for my efforts was perfect. So, with the encouragement of my husband and parents, I applied. After three weeks and a couple of interviews, I got the call offering me the job. The only tough part of accepting was telling the kiddos (and eventually friends) about the need for a church change. My kids know no other church and are hesitant and sad to leave their friends. Of course, we explained (and explained, and explained) that we were simply moving to a different church in the same town and that they would see their friends often. But, it still hurts a little. Yesterday, we made the change public to our church home, Cloverdale. We've been a part of Cloverdale for almost ten years (this go-around). We love our church family and will miss seeing them each time we go to church. We will miss serving and doing kingdom business with them. But, we are so thankful for the close proximity, the lasting relationships and the bond that time has forged with so many. SOOOO, I am starting to work on August 7th. I will work around 20 hours each week doing the things I enjoy most: coordinating, planning, managing, and educating some of my favorite people--babies and preschoolers. I feel so blessed, challenged, and honored to have this opportunity. This job comes at a time FILLED with change. My baby will start school and leave me with an empty nest each day. I will begin working for the first time in almost nine years. Our family will be attending a different congregation. And, Nathan is teaching a completely new set of classes this fall which brings a whole set of challenges. We know God will bless us during this time and are prayerful for a smooth transition. So, that's my change . . .

It's been how long?

It was 19 years ago tonight that Nathan and I had our first date. Yep, that's a long time. I just can't wrap my mind around that number. I have known him and been "attached" to him longer than I was without him. What? :) Much to my mom's chagrin, I decided to spend the summer after my senior year of high school working as a counselor at Camp Wyldewood. It was close to home and gave me a little independence. And, it was at Camp that I met Nathan. My first real memory of Nathan was during first session when he came by the canteen to get his juice. Juice? Yep, that's why I took note of him. EVERYone else got soda of some sort. So, I started watching that guy with the amazing blue eyes and arresting smile. Come to find out, he not only watched what went into his body, he spent his hour off running . . . and, wow, what great runners' legs he had. Yes, my earliest memories are of watching him run and drink his juice. (Thankfully, Nathan doesn't have a blog and can't share his earliest memories of me!) After nineteen years, I still love the fact that he thinks about his physical health and watches what he puts into it and how he treats it. But, my list of "loves" has grown exponentially since that first date. I just love him and feel blessed that he asked ME (of all the girls at camp) out on that first date!

Take me out to the ballgame . . .

We tried to take the kids to watch the AR Travelers play baseball last summer. In true Arkansas fashion, there was a three-hour rain delay that sent us home disappointed. So, we decided to take advantage of a cool snap and Gma & Gpa Mills' visit to try again.

We had the perfect evening to watch a good game. Caleb most enjoyed Darth Vader (and company) throw out the first pitch. Baseball is NOT Caleb's passion, but he loves what he knows of Star Wars. Who knew a 30 second visit from Darth could alter C's attitude for the entire game? Ali most enjoyed the visit to the bounce houses. She loved the long climbs to the tops of each slide and the subsequent quick trip to the bottoms. I enjoyed stretching my legs after sitting in the hard stadium seating for two hours! Jon David just relished the game. In true Jon David fashion, he picked apart each and EVERY call from the umpires. He explained how he would have done the plays better or differently. He prayed for a pop-up to the first base stands so that he could take home a ball. For the most part, it was a joy to watch him thrill over the game.

It's been a crazy-busy summer thus far. This trip to the ballgame was a relaxing outing that was about JUST what summer is supposed to be . . . family in the out-of-doors enjoying a little of America's favorite pastime. What a blessing!

Grandparents

Nathan's parents were here several days last week. They have returned home from their time in China and plan to retire in Fredonia, KS. Our kiddos really enjoyed their time with Gma and Gpa Mills. They don't know them well as much of the last six years they have been spent overseas. It's difficult to KNOW someone with only a few days of interaction over the course of any given year. But, in spite of that, my kiddos are making lasting memories with them. From this most recent visit, I am confident they will remember the trip to watch the AR Travelers play baseball (see next post), the time spent playing loads of board games, and the adventure picking blackberries. It's always times like this that make me think of my special times with grandparents who are all deceased now. I can remember baking various things with both grandmas. I think back to picking veggies in Grandpa Jack's garden. I remember their smells (some good, some bad). I remember their mannerisms (again, some good, some bad). I cherish each memory and pray my kiddos have many more opportunities to make memories with their grandparents.

Super Heroes

I have this thing for Super Hero movies. Some of my earliest memories of movie going are of the Superman movies with Christopher Reeves. I can remember the TV series of Wonder Woman as far back as 4-5 years old. And, who could forget Saturday morning with the Justice League. I can track the heroes throughout the many phases of my life . . . So, why do I have this "thing" for them?

I believe super heroes are the knight-in-shining-armor of our modern world. I love the fact that he (sometimes she) comes in to save not only the girl but so often the town, state, or world. I love that a man can wear tights and make no apologies. I love that I ask Nathan to take me to see a movie from this genre and know that it won't be met with a groan. I love knowing that it's acceptable to many in our society for the strong (usually handsome and mysterious) guy to save and protect the girl. I am one of those girls who likes to be saved and protected! :)

So, this summer I am excited to see many new super hero movies: Thor, Green Lantern, Captain America. The reality is that I won't get to the theater to see them all on the big screen, but I assure you that my husband will MUCH more likely want to see a man in tights in these movies than a man in tights in a ballet, right?

To work or not to work . . .

With the many changes coming in my life in the fall (the big one being all the kiddos in school), I am debating going back to work or finishing my MA. It's a debate that I have played and replayed in my mind. I've weighed the pros and cons, made the lists, sought counsel, and prayed about it. And, I still don't know . . . Why would I go back to work? Provide some financial flexibility for our family again. Give myself some personal identity separate from "mom". Why should I not? Keep the extra stresses at a minimum. Maximize my availability for my family. Be THAT volunteer who is always available at school or church. So, I continue to pray for the writing on the wall. I pray that He'll provide opportunities for work that are compatible with my role as 'mom' or just gently (yes, gently please) tell me to be content in continuing my current role. To borrow from JD, "if you never go back to work, does that mean you'll always think of us kids first?" Ahhh, what he doesn't understand . . .

Insecurities

I think we all have them. Our insecurities may be different colors or shapes, come about for different reasons, and will manifest themselves in different ways. But, I believe we all have them. I was recently in a meeting with a man who was small in stature. As I listened to him and then heard others relate stories of their interactions with him, I labeled him as having "little person syndrome". We have all met those people who are small in stature (for which they have NO control) and see them trying to make up for it with grandiose statements or larger-than-life stories. I struggle with my own insecurity. I often deal with it by showing outward confidence that I am only in recent years learns intimidates others. I find this comical as I know that the more confident that I appear on the outside is often a direct correlation to how insecure I feel inside. Isn't that crazy? So, as I accept that I have my own insecurities with which I struggle, I am becoming more in tuned with my kiddos insecurities. I have one who is easy to spot. The child looks timid, cries, or even shudders as they try to deal with uncomfortable situations or feelings. The other two are a little more difficult to spot. One is a talker . . . I guess it also comes across as "little person syndrome". We joke that this child talks to hear themselves talk, but I suspect it has more to do with insecurity. The third child tends to become quiet and seek out alone time. As a parent, I want to help my children with their insecurities, and I certainly don't want to contribute to them. However, there is no magical answer on how to deal with them. So, I pray for them each day. When opportunity affords itself, I remind them that God will help them as they struggle. Oh what I wouldn't give to take away all of their insecurities. . .

Lazy days of summer?

Each summer, a dear friend opens her pool to my family and a few of our close friends to swim each week. Yesterday was the FIRST day of this summer tradition. I have been feeling a little under the weather, so the thought of getting in the cold water (still hovering around 60 degrees) was less than appealing. But, the kiddos loved being together and didn't seem too bothered by the water. After getting home last night from a busy day at the pool and then an evening at the ball fields, I flipped through my calendar taking a look at our summer. Whew . . . it is already crazy busy. Between base/softball & swim team practice, there are few days that are completely open. Those lazy days of basking in the sun reading books will be far and few between. How did that happen? And, from what my friends say, the older the kiddos get the crazier the schedule looks. So, we'll just hold on and enjoy the crazy ride.

Memorial Day--Part Two

The meaning of Memorial Day can get lost in cook-outs, trips the lake, and Riverfest. I am as guilty as the next person. (Note the previous post about a cook-out with friends.) However, this year, Memorial Day takes on new meaning for our family. It hasn't been six months ago that we spent time in both Vietnam and Cambodia. It was in these two countries that I fully grasped what life COULD be like outside of our USA.

The most sobering of our trips was to the Killing Fields and to the Pol Pot prison. The atrocities committed in/at both were eye-opening. It was standing at a killing tree in the fields that I truly "got" Memorial Day. Men and women, for hundreds of years, have been fighting for freedoms. Yes, these include the freedom of religion, freedom of press, freedom to bear arms, etc. But, they also fought for the freedom to live . . . to live freely is something that we take for granted EVERY day. To live freely is so much more than choosing the party with which I want to affiliate or whether I want to worship as a Christian or a Muslim. To live freely is to wake each and every morning knowing that my children will have the food, the clothes, and shelter they need. It's knowing that I can walk into a store and make purchases that I need without fear of reprisal. It's knowing that I won't be marched into a Killing Field to watch my child murdered simply because of the color of my skin or worse yet for the color of my father's skin. Freedom . . .

(The picture is of Ali with a Cambodian baby in the floating villages. This child was born on a raft and may never see dry land.)

Memorial Day-Part One

We had a gathering of 50 or so friends over last night for a Memorial Day Movie night. The kiddos enjoyed playing and watching 'Gnomeo and Juliette' while the adults enjoyed visiting. It was such a lovely evening! I find myself enjoying entertaining more and more as I get older. I am worrying less about the details (like dust, smudges, and lint) and more about the quality of time together with friends and family.

Just one state away during our time of fellowship, our friend's niece named Kenley fell off of a piece of playground equipment and suffered head trauma. It was a rough night for the family as she was flighted to a different hospital to undergo brain surgery to relieve the swelling. She will be in a medical-induced coma for twenty-four hours before the docs will know of the extent of the damage.

Please pray for this little girl and her family and take a few extra moments to hug your children. Because, our kiddos are what so many men and women have fought for . . .

Up with the birds . . .

Nathan is teaching his yearly intersession class--ornithology or birding. He LOVES this time of year when he gets paid to do something he loves by teaching others how to enjoy birds too. However, it's a difficult two weeks for us both. Nathan has to be out of the house by 6 a.m. which makes for an e.a.r.l.y morning. He can't go to sleep earlier (night owl that he is) to compensate for his early mornings, and I can't go back into a deep sleep once he leaves in the a.m. Not to mention that I must be up early enough to get all of us ready for school drop-off. I am reminded during these two weeks how blessed I am to have the luxury of staying home and splitting the morning routine with him.

As I lay in bed and hear the birds and NOT the rumble of kiddos in the house, I am reminded how often Jesus rose early to meet with the Lord. I must admit that the early hours offer peace and solitude that I can't find any other time. I long to find that peace too . . . I just have to give up that extra few minutes of sleep. That is one of my goals this summer--finding time to commune each morning (instead of in the chaos of the night) with the Lord. We'll see . . .

It's official . . .

Today was my last day with just Ali before she starts school. The boys start summer break tomorrow, so the girl routine will be turned on its ear! Although I am looking forward to time with the whole gang, I am reticent to miss out on the girl times. I spent the day playing games and watching movies with Ali intermingled with household chores. About which, Ali said, "Mom, I can't wait to be a big girl and get to do girl things all day, every day. You know, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. What fun!" Well, I strive to have that attitude as I approach my tasks that I so often call chores. I pray she looks at "girl things" that way as she grows!

Ali turned five!

Ali turned five in March, and the reality of what this means becomes more evident each day. We've had kindergarten screening. We've had her last well-baby doctor's visit. She has been officially accepted to HA for the fall. She 'graduated' from preschool. I'm sending my baby to school in just three short months . . .

As I spend the last three months with her before she starts school, I am ever prayerful that she'll be guided and guarded by the Lord. I pray she'll make friends who will prove to be good influences and who will encourage her to do what is right. I pray she loves school and learning as much as I did. I pray that she'll always act as nice as she looks. (Because, in my humble opinion, she's a cutie!)

We're at another milestone . . .

(Picture by TK Photography)

It's almost here!

I must say that I am anxious for summer more than any other year . . . at least that I can remember. My kids have had tough semesters getting back into routines after our overseas travel. They've had to play catch-up at school for much of our time back, and, to be honest, we're done with that! SOOO very done. As a parent, I know that school is an important, vital part of my kids' development on many fronts . . . spiritually, socially and academically to name the big three. However, I am SO convinced that school is only a small part of their education. Having spent three months traveling abroad, I see the value in having my kids experience the world and other cultures. I witnessed their growth while being with peoples different from them. (In age, gender, cultures, societies, etc.) I also see the value of having them with me. Nathan and I have missed the consistent time that traveling mandated. Although it was tiresome at times, I miss knowing that my kids are two rows back on the bus or plane. I miss knowing what most all their conversations were about . . . I miss knowing whether they ate their lunch . . . I miss tweaking Caleb's hair or smooching JD's freckles. I just miss my kiddos. So, as I prepare for a busy summer spent with my family, I am ever ready to be with them all day, most every day. I pledge to eat with, read to, cuddle with, and smooch my kiddos over the coming three months. Just one more week . . .

Asia . . .

Well, the three weeks we spent in Asia were tough but such a blessing. We landed first in Malaysia. To say the culture in Asia was different from ours would be an understatement. The people were, well, different. As a whole, they operated on their own time. Schedules or prior arrangements were pretty irrelevant. (This type A person REALLY struggled with that.) The places we visited tended to be dirtier than we were accustomed. The food was, well, different. (We all lost weight while we were gone!) Asians were ennamored by the children, especially Ali. Men, women, and children would grab her, hug her, and wanted to take pictures with the kids. (Dad and I both struggled with this.) All that said, the people we visited, toured with, or stayed with were precious. God blessed us richly with the opportunity to see the different cultures. We were reminded on every turn how blessed we are to live with such riches and freedoms.

New Zealand

Well, New Zealand was truly God's country. The scenery was amazing. We were blessed to play in what I believe to be some of the most beautiful locations in the world. We visited Milford Sound with its amazing waterfalls, Mount Cook and its glaciers, and the cities of Queenstown and Christchurch. Some of the highlights were jet boating, riding a luge, and horseback riding in the 'Lord of the Rings' country. My parents were able to share in our time in New Zealand too.

The picture attached is of the kids at a sheep farm we visited by steam boat. It was such a beautiful day and captured our time in New Zealand perfectly.

Australia

Our trip was just . . . well, a trip of a lifetime. It's trite, I know. But, it was. I wish I could tell you about each amazing site we saw or introduce you to each unique person we met. But, alas, it's not possible.

In a nutshell, Australia was beautiful. From the Outback and Uluru, to the amazing coast, to the yummy food and accents, we LOVED our time in Australia. We explored the rain forests, swam in the ocean (when the rains and cool temps allowed), and saw historical sites galore.

The attached picture is my favorite from the beach. Aren't the kiddos precious?

Well . . .

I REALLY had great intentions of maintaining the blog while overseas last fall. However, upon arrival, it became quickly apparent that internet service isn't the same everywhere you go. So, after struggling to maintain basic contact with friends and family via facebook and email, I had to abandon the blog. Then returning home brought busyness at a whole different level. Excuses? Yep, but I am trying it again. I'll spend a few minutes sharing a highlight from each country we visited. Then, I'll move on to what is happening now!