I am temporarily computer-less. It's amazing what your life is like without one. Let's just say that's why we're late on the Father's Day wishes!
Dad - Thank you for being the strong one in our family. Thank you for teaching me the value of meaning what you say, and saying what you mean. You have taught us all what it means to serve people around you by giving your all and the meaning of the word excellence. Thank you for being an example of the fact that discipline sometimes hurts (sometimes the parent more than the child) but it's worth it in the end. Thank you for being the provider and protector of our family. Thank you for supporting us and encouraging Ben and I the way that you do. Thank you for the memories that you are creating for our children.
John - I think I speak for us all when I say that we're so thankful you're a part of our lives. Thank you for loving all of us as if we your own flesh and blood. Thank you for the way that you love and give selflessly. Thank you for the love that you lavish on our kids. Thank you for teaching all of us to love life and have a darn good time doing it. Thank you for the many cars you have repaired and the trips you have taken to do so! Thank you for being you.
Ben - You are a wonderful Dad. Our kids are going to grow up with experiences and memories that most other kids won't have. Thank you for the way that you love them radically with all of your heart. I love watching you be a dad and learn and grow with them. I love the way that you and Ted share a lot of interests. I love the way you are learning to be the dad of a girl. I love the way you make them both laugh. I love the way you take up for me. I love the way you can discipline the kids and then offer your whole hearted forgiveness and move on. I love parenting with you.
To the dad's in my life . . . I love you all. You have made us who we are today. Happy belated Father's Day!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
life
I am exhausted. Ben comes home from camp in about 3 hours. I am so ready to co-parent again. It's weeks like these that give me so much respect for single parents. Bless you!
Ben had Young Life camp this week. WyldLife Camp was also this week. We had some great leaders go as well as JB & Bethany Ward. JB is going to be the new YL Area Director in Charleston. They rock! I digress . . .
This has been a fairly emotional week for me. I've randomly cried over the strangest things. Which isn't' really how I function. Things are really starting to set in. Moving out of our house. Ben's last YL trip. Big Kick Soccer Camp next week. And then about 10 days till our assignment at Rockbridge. We have 2 Sundays left in our roles. And the good-bye parties have started. Reality.
I've been learning some things . . .
- Sometimes your biggest strengths can also be your biggest weakness. Ben and I have both been doing things that we're very gifted at (I think) and it's easy to horse up and do it on our own. We're going to a place where we'll both be doing things that are hard for us - staying at home for me and hard core fundraising for Ben. It will have to be a God-thing for both of us.
- People are so very, very generous. We have been the recipient of incredible love, blessing and pure generosity. From free storage to people having a party to help us with the basics of life to so many people helping us move to opening their home to us to stay for a month. We are surrounded by the most wonderful, beautiful, generous people. It is humbling and amazing.
-Everybody Loves Raymond is the best show EVER! I have seen every single episode, some many times. And it makes me straight up laugh. (I'm watching it right now!)
- My children are amazing. They have been such troopers through this transition that is only just beginning. Tonight I put them to bed at the same time and listened to them talk back and forth to each other. It was so funny. I want to enjoy them more and laugh with them more. They are amazing little creatures.
- I have a wonderful husband. I have realized that so many people walk around seeming ok on the outside but are a mess on the inside. I'm thankful for his love and leadership of our family, and his unashamed and passionate love for Jesus. I'm thankful that I can trust his leadership b/c he has been with Jesus.
- I feel like our family has some big things in store. As hard as it is to leave Charleston, I truly believe with all my heart that this is the change our family needs. That is one thing I'm really, really excited about.
- Father's Day is Sunday and I got the BEST gift for Ben. I'm a horrible gift giver. I can't wait to give it to him!
Ben had Young Life camp this week. WyldLife Camp was also this week. We had some great leaders go as well as JB & Bethany Ward. JB is going to be the new YL Area Director in Charleston. They rock! I digress . . .
This has been a fairly emotional week for me. I've randomly cried over the strangest things. Which isn't' really how I function. Things are really starting to set in. Moving out of our house. Ben's last YL trip. Big Kick Soccer Camp next week. And then about 10 days till our assignment at Rockbridge. We have 2 Sundays left in our roles. And the good-bye parties have started. Reality.
I've been learning some things . . .
- Sometimes your biggest strengths can also be your biggest weakness. Ben and I have both been doing things that we're very gifted at (I think) and it's easy to horse up and do it on our own. We're going to a place where we'll both be doing things that are hard for us - staying at home for me and hard core fundraising for Ben. It will have to be a God-thing for both of us.
- People are so very, very generous. We have been the recipient of incredible love, blessing and pure generosity. From free storage to people having a party to help us with the basics of life to so many people helping us move to opening their home to us to stay for a month. We are surrounded by the most wonderful, beautiful, generous people. It is humbling and amazing.
-Everybody Loves Raymond is the best show EVER! I have seen every single episode, some many times. And it makes me straight up laugh. (I'm watching it right now!)
- My children are amazing. They have been such troopers through this transition that is only just beginning. Tonight I put them to bed at the same time and listened to them talk back and forth to each other. It was so funny. I want to enjoy them more and laugh with them more. They are amazing little creatures.
- I have a wonderful husband. I have realized that so many people walk around seeming ok on the outside but are a mess on the inside. I'm thankful for his love and leadership of our family, and his unashamed and passionate love for Jesus. I'm thankful that I can trust his leadership b/c he has been with Jesus.
- I feel like our family has some big things in store. As hard as it is to leave Charleston, I truly believe with all my heart that this is the change our family needs. That is one thing I'm really, really excited about.
- Father's Day is Sunday and I got the BEST gift for Ben. I'm a horrible gift giver. I can't wait to give it to him!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
bike
We got Ted a bike as a "moving gift." The street where we are temporarily living is wonderful to learn. We bought it Saturday night and Ben left Sunday morning for camp. He had full confidence that I would be able to assemble it. Fat chance. Thankfully, Lisa is quite the handy woman and she fixed everything I attempted.
Up until this point in life, Ted hasn't wanted to learn how to pedal. So the first couple of days were a little rough. Mostly he would walk his bike to the top of the little grade and then ride down. Finally he learned to pedal in the garage the other day. We've come a VERY long way. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Sophie and Mary Catherine in the sweltering heat and humidity. Obviously, Sophie is not thrilled about being out.
Lisa, Alicia, Mary Catherine, Graham, Elizabeth, Sophie & I all joined in the parade to get Ted pedaling. Oh, and Jake and Kobe (the dogs!)
Showing him how to push the pedals.
Up until this point in life, Ted hasn't wanted to learn how to pedal. So the first couple of days were a little rough. Mostly he would walk his bike to the top of the little grade and then ride down. Finally he learned to pedal in the garage the other day. We've come a VERY long way. Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Sophie and Mary Catherine in the sweltering heat and humidity. Obviously, Sophie is not thrilled about being out.
Lisa, Alicia, Mary Catherine, Graham, Elizabeth, Sophie & I all joined in the parade to get Ted pedaling. Oh, and Jake and Kobe (the dogs!)
Showing him how to push the pedals.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
john & shawna
John Allevato & Shawna Tyree got married last weekend. Ben officiated the wedding and Ted was the ring bearer.
We met John when he was a freshmen in high school. We spent 4 years knowing and loving him and being a part of his family. We've stayed with them several times over the past couple of years while we've had work done on our house. John is on YL staff in Pittsburgh. John is the self-proclaimed Godfather of Ted.
We met Shawna after her freshmen year of high school. She was a part of YaLa (the discipleship group that Stacy and I did with a group of girls for 3 years). Shawna has gone from a YL kid to a dear friend. We are currently residing in the basement of her mom and step dad. (Do you see a pattern forming of mooching housing?) Shawna is the self-proclaimed Godmother of Ted.
John & Shawna have dated since high school - with a couple of breaks in the middle. We love them both dearly. They are going on assignment with us in July at Rockbridge. It was a beautiful wedding. Here are some pictures in no particular order.
The bridge and groom as they were leaving the reception.
Melonie (john's mom) and Lisa (shawna's mom)
Ben & Ted. Didn't he look so cute?
Ted walked down the aisle to Ben and then stood by Conner (Shawna's brother). Ted loves Conner a lot!
Ben and John both cried when Shawna walked down the aisle. Ben was pretty emotional just b/c of our connection with them. It was really special for him to be able to marry them.
Let's go . . .
Team Allevato!
John's brother Jason carried his laptop around for most of the day working on his toast. Hilarious!
It rained right as everyone was getting ready to walk down the aisle. So they sent everyone back inside while the rain passed. This was everyone helping wipe down the chairs. We only had to wait about 30 minutes and I'm so very glad that we did.
Ted & John
Ted & Shawna
The men's locker room at Berry Hills has a bar. Seriously. Ted enjoyed some french fries while he waited for pictures.
The bridesmaids watching Shawna get dressed.
Girls that I love at the rehearsal dinner.
I just realized I don't have a single picture of Shawna in her dress. Well, only one of her doing the "all the single ladies" dance. But it wasn't too flattering! You can check facebook for many more pictures.
Congratulations John & Shawna. We were both incredibly blessed to share in your wedding and the preparation of your marriage. Thank you for sharing it with us. We're excited to live life with you. And share next month with you. How very, very, very special for us! We love you!
We met John when he was a freshmen in high school. We spent 4 years knowing and loving him and being a part of his family. We've stayed with them several times over the past couple of years while we've had work done on our house. John is on YL staff in Pittsburgh. John is the self-proclaimed Godfather of Ted.
We met Shawna after her freshmen year of high school. She was a part of YaLa (the discipleship group that Stacy and I did with a group of girls for 3 years). Shawna has gone from a YL kid to a dear friend. We are currently residing in the basement of her mom and step dad. (Do you see a pattern forming of mooching housing?) Shawna is the self-proclaimed Godmother of Ted.
John & Shawna have dated since high school - with a couple of breaks in the middle. We love them both dearly. They are going on assignment with us in July at Rockbridge. It was a beautiful wedding. Here are some pictures in no particular order.
The bridge and groom as they were leaving the reception.
Melonie (john's mom) and Lisa (shawna's mom)
Ben & Ted. Didn't he look so cute?
Ted walked down the aisle to Ben and then stood by Conner (Shawna's brother). Ted loves Conner a lot!
Ben and John both cried when Shawna walked down the aisle. Ben was pretty emotional just b/c of our connection with them. It was really special for him to be able to marry them.
Let's go . . .
Team Allevato!
John's brother Jason carried his laptop around for most of the day working on his toast. Hilarious!
It rained right as everyone was getting ready to walk down the aisle. So they sent everyone back inside while the rain passed. This was everyone helping wipe down the chairs. We only had to wait about 30 minutes and I'm so very glad that we did.
Ted & John
Ted & Shawna
The men's locker room at Berry Hills has a bar. Seriously. Ted enjoyed some french fries while he waited for pictures.
The bridesmaids watching Shawna get dressed.
Girls that I love at the rehearsal dinner.
I just realized I don't have a single picture of Shawna in her dress. Well, only one of her doing the "all the single ladies" dance. But it wasn't too flattering! You can check facebook for many more pictures.
Congratulations John & Shawna. We were both incredibly blessed to share in your wedding and the preparation of your marriage. Thank you for sharing it with us. We're excited to live life with you. And share next month with you. How very, very, very special for us! We love you!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
haircut compromise
Before:
During: Too much squirming and brushing the hair out of the eyes for pictures.
After: Not a great picture. But it will do. The bangs are a little crooked (see "during" for reason) but it's SO much better. We don't have to wear hairbands all the time. I should have done this 18 months ago. Please do not say "I told you so."
As a side note, Sophie had some yogurt as a snack before our little venture. "Seems that yogurt works better than a hairspray" - straight out of the mouth of the girl cutting her hair. She had to work pretty hard to get her hair combed out. Then there was a small patch of hair underneath that was stuck to the side of her face. Welcome to the world of bangs, Sophie! I hope this makes our summer much more enjoyable and manageable!
During: Too much squirming and brushing the hair out of the eyes for pictures.
After: Not a great picture. But it will do. The bangs are a little crooked (see "during" for reason) but it's SO much better. We don't have to wear hairbands all the time. I should have done this 18 months ago. Please do not say "I told you so."
As a side note, Sophie had some yogurt as a snack before our little venture. "Seems that yogurt works better than a hairspray" - straight out of the mouth of the girl cutting her hair. She had to work pretty hard to get her hair combed out. Then there was a small patch of hair underneath that was stuck to the side of her face. Welcome to the world of bangs, Sophie! I hope this makes our summer much more enjoyable and manageable!
Friday, June 11, 2010
adventures in moving
Well, we're all moved out. To say that the past week has been crazy is a bit of an understatement. We had the wedding of dear friends (pictures to follow!) on Friday and then we moved out of our house on Saturday. Ben had been sick on and off all week and finally, his body said "no more!" on Saturday morning. He slept for about 20 hours - didn't move a lick! Sophie woke up that morning with a fever. But I sent her with friends anyways b/c there was no way she was staying home in all that.
Ben slept in our bed until the last load. Then he moved to an air mattress in Sophie's room.
Pizza break
We had so much help. The street was full of cars for people to help. It was the biggest blessing! Thank you to everyone that helped.
We have the most generous people in Charleston. A family is letting us store our stuff for free under their garage. It's down the street from where we are living for the month of June.
We have to take the stuff around the side of the garage and down the hill. It's fine. It's actually wonderful b/c it's free.
We slept on air mattresses Saturday and Sunday night. This was after church on Sunday. Kinda fun! We let Ted pick which room he slept and nap in. So he was always somewhere different. It was fun for him.
Since there was no furniture, we did snuggling on the floor!
On Monday, Ben and I moved the rest of our stuff to storage and then to Derek and Lisa's. That's where we're staying until we leave for Rockbridge in July. Photos to follow of that too! Anyways, Sophie was not thrilled to have us moving. So she laid on the floor (most of the time in the doorway) or stood on the front porch saying "hold you! hold you! hold you!"
And then we left. Our last picture with our house. It wasn't until we actually pulled away from the house on Monday that it was very emotional. Much more than I had imagined.
Ben slept in our bed until the last load. Then he moved to an air mattress in Sophie's room.
Pizza break
We had so much help. The street was full of cars for people to help. It was the biggest blessing! Thank you to everyone that helped.
We have the most generous people in Charleston. A family is letting us store our stuff for free under their garage. It's down the street from where we are living for the month of June.
We have to take the stuff around the side of the garage and down the hill. It's fine. It's actually wonderful b/c it's free.
We slept on air mattresses Saturday and Sunday night. This was after church on Sunday. Kinda fun! We let Ted pick which room he slept and nap in. So he was always somewhere different. It was fun for him.
Since there was no furniture, we did snuggling on the floor!
On Monday, Ben and I moved the rest of our stuff to storage and then to Derek and Lisa's. That's where we're staying until we leave for Rockbridge in July. Photos to follow of that too! Anyways, Sophie was not thrilled to have us moving. So she laid on the floor (most of the time in the doorway) or stood on the front porch saying "hold you! hold you! hold you!"
And then we left. Our last picture with our house. It wasn't until we actually pulled away from the house on Monday that it was very emotional. Much more than I had imagined.
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