As I was getting ready this morning for church, of course we were running late. We are were tired from the day before and I overslept. My loving husband quietly left for church before we woke up to give us a little more rest. However, that gave me only 30 minutes to get myself, plus a 4 and 2 year old dressed and ready to go. And, they wanted to ride their bikes to church, which I needed another 5-7 minutes to be able to do.
I rushed around like a mad woman. I got the kids clothes laid out on the couch and told them to get dressed and I would help them with any part they couldn't do, since they both had buttons on their shirts. I ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower. When I was dressed, I came back to the living room to find my kids still in their pajamas playing on the floor with toys.
Okay, I got this!
I dressed them and told them to find their shoes. I went to the kitchen and poured some cereal for breakfast. We rarely have cereal for breakfast and of course my 2 year old wanted scrambled eggs. No, sorry. Cold cereal this morning.
I went back to the bathroom, put my make-up on and combed out my hair and put it up in some clips. No time for a blow-dryer or curling iron this morning. I grabbed my bible from my nightstand and tossed it in the diaper bag. The kids had their shoes on and I slipped on my flip-flops. They grabbed their helmets and while I was snapping the straps, my 4 year old stops me in my tracks with this question...
"Mommy, why do we go to church every Sunday?"
My quick mommy response in the moment... "That's just what we do."
He wasn't satisfied.
"But, WHY? Why do we go?"
I stood in front of him for a few seconds to collect my thoughts. Remembering he is four I said,
"We go every Sunday to learn more about God. To build our relationship with Him"
He felt satisfied and headed out to get on his bike.
During the 5 minute walk to church, I started thinking... WHY do I go to church every Sunday?
I grew up in church. It's what I did. But, thinking harder it is so much more.
There is no other place I go where I feel so connected with others of every generation. The moment I walk in the door, the music playing quietly through the speakers in the hallway and sanctuary, I feel the overwhelming presence of God. There are the hand shakes and genuine tight hugs. People know me there. They know things within my personal life, they know my struggles, they know my needs. Sometimes it's just a friendly 'Hello' and small talk, and sometimes I seek out the person that needs the hug and smile and truly ask how everything is going, knowing there is struggles in their life.
There is no other place to sing praises to God with many other people praising him with me. Hearing the voices around me, lifting their hearts to Jesus, inviting him into their hearts, crying when they are hurting, some with hands in the air, some sitting silently with their heads bowed. Everyone completely entranced by His presence.
There is no other place to partake in the Lord's Supper. To eat the bread with other believers, and drink from the cup. Honoring Jesus. Remembering just what he did for us. Every Sunday, I get to be part of such a beautiful moment. Thanking God for everything He has done in my life.
There is no other place to sit and listen to the word of God be spoken. Learning, soaking everything in, evaluating my own life. Opening that Bible and learning deeper the meaning of it all.
There is no other place to fellowship with others after the service. To sit over a cup of coffee and a little snack, growing together in life. Knowing the connectiins their are safe and genuine. The love that pours out of that place in overwhelming.
My kids are loved there. They run around with friends. They go to Sunday School and learn from generations before them about the love of God.
It is a family. It is a community. But it is so much more.
So, why do I go to church every Sunday? There are so many many reasons!
It starts my week fresh. It rejuvenates my soul. It helps me get through hard times. It is my life.
I am a Christian. I love Jesus. I love the community of followers that I can come to each week and recharge my batteries. I hope my children feel this same passion as they grow.
My 4 year old makes me think a lot. He made me stop and evaluate deeper why I do what I do. Sometimes going to church every Sunday is routine. It's 'just what we do'. But to step back and realize it is so much more.
God's love for us is so overwhelming. No words could describe that love. But, going on Sunday gives me a glimpse of that love. And, that love is through the body of believers, praising Him, honoring Him, loving others and serving others. Nothing can describe that love.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Saturday, July 11, 2015
San Francisco Giants Game
On Monday, we were able to go to the Giants vs Mets baseball game in San Francisco. It was lots of fun!!
After Alden's swimming lessons in the morning, we came home, ate lunch, and packed up for the 2 hour trip to San Francisco to watch the game.
We arrived early because it was firefighter appreciation night and there was some pre-game festivities for certain ticket holders (We were included in that). We were all given a free blanket, that the boys still absolutely love... They are using it right now... In the middle of July...
After we entered the stadium, we went to the kids section. The boys were able to go down some big slides and hit a baseball and run the bases in a mini baseball field for kids just their size. It was perfect! We were also able to watch batting practice before finding our seats.
Once we made it to our seats (Which was extremely far up for this prego to climb!!!) Lyndon headed back down for some hot dogs and popcorn! Because a baseball game isn't complete without hot dogs and popcorn!
The game was lots of fun. Unfortunately, the Giants didn't win the game, but we had such a fun time! The boys absolutely LOVED it! By the end of the game, Alden had fallen asleep.
We didn't get home until around 1 AM, but we got the boys dressed for bed in the parking garage after the game so we just slipped them into bed when we got home. It was lots of fun!
After Alden's swimming lessons in the morning, we came home, ate lunch, and packed up for the 2 hour trip to San Francisco to watch the game.
We arrived early because it was firefighter appreciation night and there was some pre-game festivities for certain ticket holders (We were included in that). We were all given a free blanket, that the boys still absolutely love... They are using it right now... In the middle of July...
After we entered the stadium, we went to the kids section. The boys were able to go down some big slides and hit a baseball and run the bases in a mini baseball field for kids just their size. It was perfect! We were also able to watch batting practice before finding our seats.
Once we made it to our seats (Which was extremely far up for this prego to climb!!!) Lyndon headed back down for some hot dogs and popcorn! Because a baseball game isn't complete without hot dogs and popcorn!
The game was lots of fun. Unfortunately, the Giants didn't win the game, but we had such a fun time! The boys absolutely LOVED it! By the end of the game, Alden had fallen asleep.
We didn't get home until around 1 AM, but we got the boys dressed for bed in the parking garage after the game so we just slipped them into bed when we got home. It was lots of fun!
Happy 4th of July 2015!
The day after we arrived home from our month long trip to Idaho, it was the 4th of July. We had ZERO plans for the day, which is exactly what we wanted! We were all completely exhausted. I unpacked all the luggage from the trip, cleaned up the house and went grocery shopping. During the shopping trip, I bought some cupcakes for the boys to celebrate with.
That evening, Lyndon BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs and I made some side dishes. We planned on having a movie night, but it didn't work out as planned. Alden fell asleep early. Collyn and I went out onto the trampoline (Sweating like crazy because of the heat!) and watched the local fireworks show. There were some trees in the way, but it was enough to satisfy a 2 year old. We headed back inside after about 10 minutes and Lyndon cuddled up with Collyn in the recliner and I snuggled with Alden, who was asleep in our bed.
It was a very relaxing, low-key 4th of July. Just what we needed!!!
That evening, Lyndon BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs and I made some side dishes. We planned on having a movie night, but it didn't work out as planned. Alden fell asleep early. Collyn and I went out onto the trampoline (Sweating like crazy because of the heat!) and watched the local fireworks show. There were some trees in the way, but it was enough to satisfy a 2 year old. We headed back inside after about 10 minutes and Lyndon cuddled up with Collyn in the recliner and I snuggled with Alden, who was asleep in our bed.
It was a very relaxing, low-key 4th of July. Just what we needed!!!
Our Trip To Idaho!
This June, just like last summer, we headed to Idaho for 3 weeks. (Lyndon came up a week and half later and stayed for 10 days)
The beginning of June the boys and I flew from Sacramento to Boise. They did amazing on the flight and my sister Susan and her girls were there to pick us up at the airport.
We stayed a couple days at my sisters house before heading up to McCall, ID for a week with my family. We spent the whole week at a cabin in the woods, close to Payette lake and enjoying the nice mild weather of the mountains. The kids enjoyed swimming in the lake, going fishing, exploring the area around the cabin, hot tubbing, and playing hard!
After the week in McCall, we headed back to Weiser, ID and met Lyndon at his parents house. We spent the next week and half staying at their house, spending time with Lyndon's parents and brother, grandma Kay, and going back and forth from their house to my parents house to spend time with everyone. We were able to celebrate Fathers Day with family and had a BBQ at Grandma Kay's house. We went to the carnival in Weiser for the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest. We watched a parade, watched my nieces dance at the park and watched some baseball games.
After our long trip, we were all ready to head home! We drove 5 hours one day to Lakeview, OR and stayed the night at a Hot Springs. The boys enjoyed staying in a hotel room and playing in the warm pool!
On our way home, I also hit the 22 week mark of pregnancy!
We drove another 5 hours the next morning and made it back to Willows in the afternoon. We were all very happy to be back to our own 'stuff'
It was a fun-filled trip!!! I have a feeling this will be a tradition each summer.
The beginning of June the boys and I flew from Sacramento to Boise. They did amazing on the flight and my sister Susan and her girls were there to pick us up at the airport.
We stayed a couple days at my sisters house before heading up to McCall, ID for a week with my family. We spent the whole week at a cabin in the woods, close to Payette lake and enjoying the nice mild weather of the mountains. The kids enjoyed swimming in the lake, going fishing, exploring the area around the cabin, hot tubbing, and playing hard!
After the week in McCall, we headed back to Weiser, ID and met Lyndon at his parents house. We spent the next week and half staying at their house, spending time with Lyndon's parents and brother, grandma Kay, and going back and forth from their house to my parents house to spend time with everyone. We were able to celebrate Fathers Day with family and had a BBQ at Grandma Kay's house. We went to the carnival in Weiser for the National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest. We watched a parade, watched my nieces dance at the park and watched some baseball games.
After our long trip, we were all ready to head home! We drove 5 hours one day to Lakeview, OR and stayed the night at a Hot Springs. The boys enjoyed staying in a hotel room and playing in the warm pool!
On our way home, I also hit the 22 week mark of pregnancy!
We drove another 5 hours the next morning and made it back to Willows in the afternoon. We were all very happy to be back to our own 'stuff'
It was a fun-filled trip!!! I have a feeling this will be a tradition each summer.
Baby #3: Olivia- 23 Weeks
It's been about a month since I updated on Miss Olivia. We have had a long, fun, eventful month (I will update on that in a different post.) She is growing, growing, growing and wiggling like crazy!!!!! I can't believe I have hit 23 weeks already. This pregnancy is flying by!
I had my 23 week doctors appointment on Thursday. Everything looked good. She is active, her heartbeat sounded good and I am doing good. The doctor is predicting she will be around 8 pounds at birth. We will see if his predictions are correct in a few months! :) I have one more appointment in 4 weeks and then I am into doctors appointments every 2 weeks!!! Can you believe it?! 3rd trimester is creeping up on me quick!
Here are some updates on little Miss Olivia.
ABOUT OLIVIA: According to babycenter.com, Olivia is about 11 inches in length and a little over 1 pound. She can hear things from the outside now. Which is very evident because any loud noise startles her and she kicks and wiggles when any of the boys talks to my belly. She wiggles like crazy and is all over the place. Her favorite time to kick is late at night when I am laying in bed. I have a feeling that is because I am finally not moving (These little boys keep me busy!)
WEIGHT GAIN: From beginning weight: 12 pounds. Vacation really showed up this appointment! I gained 7 pounds this past month. Which isn't too bad because I was behind the curve the last few months.
SYMPTOMS: Achy back!!!! My belly always gives me back aches during every pregnancy. I've learned to lay down for a few minutes a few times during the day to relax my back and take a break. Braxton Hicks contractions. I've had a few BH contractions here and there, which is completely normal for me. I've dealt with them every pregnancy. I'm not getting too many right now, maybe one or two each day, especially when I'm super active and then sit and relax. Other than that, I've been feeling really good!
SLEEP: Eh, who needs sleep right?! ;) My back will ache during the night, which makes me need to sit up on the side of the bed and stretch it out a couple times a night, which then causes me to have to go to the bathroom. I'm not exhausted, so I guess I am still getting enough sleep at night.
CRAVINGS: Lemonade! I drink it like crazy!
BEST MOMENT: Hearing that little heartbeat again. Feeling her little kicks throughout the day.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Hitting the 3rd trimester in a few weeks!
23 weeks down... 17 to go!
I had my 23 week doctors appointment on Thursday. Everything looked good. She is active, her heartbeat sounded good and I am doing good. The doctor is predicting she will be around 8 pounds at birth. We will see if his predictions are correct in a few months! :) I have one more appointment in 4 weeks and then I am into doctors appointments every 2 weeks!!! Can you believe it?! 3rd trimester is creeping up on me quick!
Here are some updates on little Miss Olivia.
ABOUT OLIVIA: According to babycenter.com, Olivia is about 11 inches in length and a little over 1 pound. She can hear things from the outside now. Which is very evident because any loud noise startles her and she kicks and wiggles when any of the boys talks to my belly. She wiggles like crazy and is all over the place. Her favorite time to kick is late at night when I am laying in bed. I have a feeling that is because I am finally not moving (These little boys keep me busy!)
WEIGHT GAIN: From beginning weight: 12 pounds. Vacation really showed up this appointment! I gained 7 pounds this past month. Which isn't too bad because I was behind the curve the last few months.
SYMPTOMS: Achy back!!!! My belly always gives me back aches during every pregnancy. I've learned to lay down for a few minutes a few times during the day to relax my back and take a break. Braxton Hicks contractions. I've had a few BH contractions here and there, which is completely normal for me. I've dealt with them every pregnancy. I'm not getting too many right now, maybe one or two each day, especially when I'm super active and then sit and relax. Other than that, I've been feeling really good!
SLEEP: Eh, who needs sleep right?! ;) My back will ache during the night, which makes me need to sit up on the side of the bed and stretch it out a couple times a night, which then causes me to have to go to the bathroom. I'm not exhausted, so I guess I am still getting enough sleep at night.
CRAVINGS: Lemonade! I drink it like crazy!
BEST MOMENT: Hearing that little heartbeat again. Feeling her little kicks throughout the day.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Hitting the 3rd trimester in a few weeks!
23 weeks down... 17 to go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
">
Posts
