Three boys + No Naps = ....

Yesterday was a fun-packed day for me and the boys.

We started the morning at the Y (of course). I have been taking Zumba from the same instructor for almost three years. She taught her last class yesterday so I made it a point to be there to support her. We had a brunch afterwards which was a lot of fun.

After Zumba we went home for to me to shower so we could drive to Smyrna. Melissa is a friend of mine from college and she and her family live in Murfreesboro so we met at a park in Smyrna so the boys could play. Her little boy, Jack, is almost four so he and Brandon and Carson played really well together.

They had so much fun that I had to strip them down for the ride home. They had played in the dirt. It started raining shortly before we left which caused their dirty clothes to become muddy clothes. Boys. Boys. Boys. They had so much fun!

We got home around 4:00 yesterday afternoon which means no one took naps. No, they didn't sleep in the car. Not even Dalton. I put them in the bath as soon as we got home then I declared it "chill out time" until Nate got home from work.

Three boys + no naps = EXHAUSTION

(Brandon was on the couch when I took this picture)

I am so thankful that I have a job where the boys can go with me and I am able to stay home a couple days a week so we can have days like this!! I love them...even on their crazy, sleepy, dirty days! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

God is God

I am learning.

God is God regardless of my circumstances.
God is God regardless of how I feel.
God is God when things seem way out of control.
God is God when things are going just the way I think they should.
God is God.

I have never been one to feel like I have everything under control. Sometimes I feel like things are going along smoothly and then sometimes (most times) I feel I am barely keeping my head above water.  And I think that's ok.

In order for God to be God in our lives we must recognize, acknowledge, and relinquish control...of everything. Even those things that feel most comfortable/routine/monotonous must be surrendered.

Since Nate graduated from seminary in 2009 we have prayed for God to lead us where He will be most glorified. I have always felt like that's a very bold prayer because sometimes He is most glorified in places where we don't feel like He is glorified at all...it may even feel like He isn't even present. We continue to pray that He be glorified as we seek His direction for our family and full time ministry.

The past few weeks have been encouraging as we have heard of future ministry opportunities. We are playing the waiting game at this point but at least we have heard from somebody. Since 2009 we have just heard a lot of, "...not enough experience...", "...thanks for sending your resume but...". It's good to hear that his resume is being kept and considered and his lack of pastoral experience isn't being used against him.

All that to say...God is God.
He is God even as we are here in Nashville going through the motions of our days. I am a full time mommy/wife and work part time at the Y.  Nate works a full time Monday through Friday job and is starting a part time job next week. Things feel crazy but I trust in the One who can calm the seas of my heart and life.
He is God as we wait. There is a reason and a purpose. Patience is very hard for me but I am learning to put it to practice. I am learning...that doesn't mean I do it well! =)
He is God of my life. Regardless of where we serve, may He be glorified. Not us. Him.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Carson is three...almost

Carson's birthday is Monday. I can't believe he is almost three years old.

He thinks he turned three today because it was an all-about-Carson day to celebrate his sweet little life. When Brandon turned three we had a party at Red Caboose park and it was a laid back little get-together with his friends and ours. Since Brandon didn't have a big throw down party for his third I thought it was only fair that I did the same thing with Carson. Since Brandon had a huge fourth birthday party this past June, I was real tempted to give Carson the same. I had to control myself! =)

So, we started the day at Red Caboose park. We let some of his friends know that we would be there around 9:00am before it got too hot. It was perfect. I didn't think cake and ice cream would be appropriate for 9:00 in the morning so I made birthday muffins. I had candles in them and that's all he cared about!! =)

 

 

He opened a few presents and then played for a couple hours.

We left the park and took the party to the pool.

Carson loves swimming. He went non-stop at the park and carried that same activity level to the pool. I knew he would be exhausted and at some point give in for a nap...

AND HE DID.

I let him sleep for a little while but when he woke up I let him know that we had more to do!

We went to Wal-Mart to pick up his NEW BIKE!  His Nanny (my Mama) ordered him a bike and had it sent to our Wal-Mart. He has been asking for a bike since Brandon got one so he was super excited when he saw the Wal-Mart employee wheeling it to us. And I was super duper excited when I saw it was already put together!!! =)

(Pictures coming soon of the bike...taking the boys to the park tomorrow)

When we got home from Wal-Mart it was clean up time and bath time. After baths I told them they could paint and color with new art stuff that we got Carson for his birthday.

Happy (almost) birthday, Carson!! We love you!!!

Tomorrow...church, lunch, NAPS, play time at the park on his new bike, and cake and ice cream!

...the festivities continue! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

The Longest Day...But So Thankful

Brandon was so excited when I told him I had signed him up for a Young Explorers camp at the Y last week. I was excited that he was able to go and put some of his independence to practice (I don't know where he gets that from).

The camp was Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:30-3:30. Ok. If you have young children then you know that naptime falls into that time frame. Fortunately, Allie (friend and babysitter) was willing to go to the Y and pick him and up and bring him back home so I wouldn't have to wake the others boys up from naps to go get him. Well...Friday she was on a mission trip and wasn't able to go get him. Excuses, excuses. Ha. Just kidding.

So, Friday was VERY interesting.  I had to work from 9:00-12:30 then I took Brandon to camp and Carson, Dalton, and I headed out...for three hours. My goal was to run a few errands and get some things done while keeping them awake so everyone could nap after we picked up Brandon and went home.

First stop. Lifeway. I needed a book. Dalton was asleep in the car before we even left the Y parking lot. Great.
Second stop. Home to get Carson some dry shoes because he had gotten his tennis shoes wet at the Y earlier in the day.
Third stop. McDonalds. Milkshakes.
Fourth stop. The park.

Asking them to play at the park when they hadn't had naps wasn't the best idea ever but they hung in there.

By the time we got home everyone was exhausted. Everyone.

I laid the boys down for naps and sat.

I had to be back at work at 6:00 that evening so it was imperative that I rest. I did for about 45 minutes. Needless to say I crashed after work.

It was a long day but I am so glad I got to spend quality time with the two little men.

I am a blessed Mama to have such sweet babies. I don't want to take that for granted. So, as long as the day seemed it was super sweet to spend with them.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Visitors

A couple weeks ago some friends of ours from Louisville came and stayed the weekend with us. It was a very sweet time and I was sad to see them leave that Sunday afternoon...

BUT...this week we had another visitor!! Our friends, Hannah and Jason, went to church with us in Louisville. Hannah and their little girl, Emory Grace, were in Nashville visiting family and made it a point to come see us!!! We spent Thursday morning by the pool and were able to catch up and let our kids meet! =)

I am so thankful for these sweet friendships!!! So blessed.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

David and Goliath...take 1...and 2

Nate is great about telling Brandon and Carson a bedtime Bible story and putting them to bed every night.  They go through phases with their favorite story. The past week or so they have loved hearing and telling the story of David and Goliath...they love to act it out too! =)

Never a dull moment...and I love it! =)



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Four Year Old Theology

Lately Brandon has been asking lots of questions...

"Where does God live?"
"How old is God?"
"Does Jesus live with God?"
"When can I see Jesus?"

We answer the questions with an honest answer which usually leads to more questions. He and Carson both love to hear Bible stories and learn about the God of the Bible. Brandon is just at an age of NEEDING to know answers!! =)

Yesterday (Sunday) morning I was getting a bath ready for the boys before church. Brandon was the first one in there and as he gets in the bathtub he starts looking around. He looks at the ceiling, the walls, the floor, all around. Then he asks, "Mommy, can God see me through these walls?" I answered, "Of course. He can see you all the time no matter where you are." He scanned the ceiling and walls again...then started dancing! Naked. I laughed.

I thought about it throughout the morning and told Nate about it on the way home from church. The more I thought about it the more I realized I don't think about how present God is in my life. He is with me all the time. He can see me through the walls...the walls of the building I am in and the walls of my heart.

He is here.
He will never leave me or forsake me.

I love talking to Brandon about spiritual things. The faith of a child is the greatest teacher.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

Legacy

This past weekend one of my favorite seminary professors passed away. (Read article below)

http://news.sbts.edu/2013/07/13/william-r-cutrer-seminary-professor-dies-suddenly-from-heart-related-issues/

As a student in the counseling department at Southern Seminary I had Dr. Cutrer for a few classes. I was amazed by his knowledge and passion. As a marriage therapist, OBGYN, minister, and professor he was able to minister to people on so many levels.

I also worked with Dr. Cutrer at Necole's Place/A Woman's Choice Resource Center. During seminary I volunteered as a counselor at AWC. I counseled abortion minded women which was very humbling. I later went on staff at Necole's Place where I served as their Program Director. Necole's Place is the next phase after AWC. Women that had been through counseling at AWC were sent to Necole's Place to get further counseling, acquire their GED, take cooking classes, learn computer skills, and be a part of Bible studies and therapy groups. I led some therapy groups and did one-on-one counseling. Dr. Cutrer was also on staff at Necole's Place and AWC. He served on the Board and was the on-site doctor/ultrasound tech. When I got pregnant with Brandon he was gracious enough to give us our first ultrasound. He was always willing to serve the women and staff and did a great job ministering to those he came in contact with.

I am confident that many many people are mourning the loss of such a great man! I am even more confident that Dr. Cutrer is in the presence of his Lord and hearing the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

As I think about his sweet wife and children I can't imagine what they are going through. When events like this happen I fear the day that something might happen to Nate or myself. I thought a lot about his over the weekend. I want to cherish the times I have my sweet family. Not because I fear death but because I know life goes by way too fast.

Hug your families tight tonight.



His,
Meg
Zeph. 3:17

You Are My Sunshine

 

 

No words to describe how much I love this little boy!

He will be three in a couple weeks and I can't believe it.

Carson bug, you are precious and I am SO happy that I am your mommy!!!!

 

 

 

His,

Meg

Zeph. 3:17