february catch up

Whewee! Young Life is HAPPENING here in the Mountaineer Area. Leaders are investing in kids, we're investing in leaders, committees are being built, money is being raised (we continued getting paid by the complete grace of God), the camp trip is full (94 spots filled and the trip has a waiting list), Work Crew training is wrapping up this weekend (I did training this year and loved it!), Young Life College is evolving, interest meetings are happening for 3 new schools/ministries (Lincoln High School, Clay Battelle High School and WyldLife at Mountaineer Middle School) and the YL office is GONE! That's right. For those of you who have prayed us through getting out of that money-pit, you can start saying your "thank you's" After many, many hours by many, many volunteers, the finishing touches and walk-thru with the landlord happened on Thursday. And, as of March 31st, it will not longer be leased by Young Life. It's all so big. It's all so exciting.

At the same time, it's a lot. It's overwhelming. To keep up is impossible. Last week, Ben was out 6 nights. Sunday was leadership. Monday he plays guitar at UHS's Club. Committee meeting in Bridgeport on Tuesday and playing guitar at club in Bridgeport on Wednesdays. Finishing up on the office Thursday. Interest meeting for Clay Battelle High School on Friday. Thankfully we had fairly restful days on Saturday and Sunday. Minus the blazing toothache Saturday night that will most likely require a root canal sometime this week. Thankfully a new friend of ours is a dentist who only does root canals. The Lord's provision. We're learning how to figure this out. Boundaries. Balance. Rest.

Today was an absolutely beautiful day. We broke out Ted's bike, Sophie's stroller and Millie's leash for a family walk on the rail trails. Ted has grown so much over the winter judging by the way he almost doesn't fit his bike anymore. And it's lightening and thundering right now. This has been the craziest February. So here is the last of our February . . .

This is the card Ted picked out for Ben for Valentine's Day. It's one of those singing ones. Sponge Bob singing "Happy Birthday." Funny thing is, they don't watch Sponge Bob. There's not one redeeming thing about that show. Anyways, Ted told me what he wanted to write. I wrote it out for him on a piece of paper and then he wrote it. "I Love You Forever. Love, Ted" 















The other week was absolutely beautiful. I washed the van and gave it a good dust bust. At least got the big crumbs out. Sophie "helped" me by turning all the knobs and pushing all the buttons.



















Sophie and I grocery shop every Monday morning. And a funny tid-bit of information, I usually spend within $10 of the same amount every week. Weird, I know. Anyways, she picked these flowers out all by herself on Valentine's Day. (Don't let the Halloween shirt fool you about what is the actual holiday.) Funny that even 2 year old girls love flowers!




















On a 60 degree day, the kids decided to do some sled riding. The hill in our backyard is steep enough that you really don't need snow. Good to know.



















Play-doh is my new best friend and pre-dinner entertainment. I've never been a big fan. Don't know why. But both kids love it and play nicely together. We cleaned my utensil drawer - orange peelers, baby spoons, chop sticks, pumpkin scraper and cookie cutters. Thank you, Doh, for the Play Doh set. It's been hiding on top of the dryer since Christmas. Like I said, never been a big fan. But it's a HIT!





























So, there you have it. The end of February. Can't believe it's March on Tuesday. Spring is near. And it looks the groundhog (or beaver if you're Ted) was right!

best ? ever

This blog used to be all about my kids and a scrapbook of sorts. Somehow it has evolved a little. I was thinking of that while I was putting them to bed tonight. I want to use it this "scrapbook" to share with them truths about life that I have learned and want to pass along. I want to share with them God's faithfulness to me, Ben and our family. So even in these times that they may never remember, they will be able to look back and recount God's blessings and favor. That being said . . .

I lead a bible study for the girl college leaders and their friends every Friday morning. It is truly one of  my favorite times of the week. We are currently doing a 6 week series by Andy Stanley called "The Best Question Ever." I listened to this sermon series several years ago and it's truly something for all of life.

So, what is the best question ever?

"Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16

The best question ever . . . what is the wise thing for me to do? In light of my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams.

This was Week #4 - Time Bandits

1. There is cumulative value in investing small amounts of time in certain activities over a long period of time. (Ex: relationships, healthy eating, exercise, money, etc).

2. Neglect has a cumulative affect as well.

3. There are rarely immediate consequences for neglecting single installments of time in any area.

4. There is no cumulative value in the urgent things we allow to interfere with the most important things.

5. In the critical areas of life, you cannot make up for lost time.

To me, this is some serious food for thought. It's been so good for me in thinking about this stage of life where I am right now. The value of it and the importance of INVESTING - in our marriage, with my kids, with Jesus. Investing is the word that keeps circulating in my brain and in everything I come across. It's super challenging to me. I like it.

the best

We had the BEST weekend. Seriously, it was great. Sometimes the packing, unpacking, laundry, poor travel behavior, kids not sleeping or behaving well and other such variables negate any positives from a trip. Not so this weekend!

Friday afternoon, we hit the road around noon to head south. We made a brief stop at the Charleston Town Center (to catch a good sale at Ann Taylor Loft) and stop by Gymboree to see Adrienne. Then we headed to Andy and Courtney's. They bought their first house in November and we hadn't seen it yet. It's wonderful! Seriously, a great find.  Big, flat yard. Great layout inside. Cul-de-sac. Love the porch. Fireplace.

We had dinner together and made brownies Friday night.

By the time dinner was over, baths given and kids in bed, the 4 of us plopped ourselves on their new sectional and didn't move the rest of the evening. It was kind of funny b/c we were all pooped after long weeks of school, work and child rearing! So, we watched some kitchen show I'd never seen, 20/20 (which I'm sure Ben's never watched a news magazine show in his life) and jewelry tv in between. Now, I've never viewed Jewelry tv. It's a shopping channel for (bad) jewelry. Hilarious! Seriously, give it a couple minutes of your time every now and again if you need a good chuckle. The people on their are strange to start with on top of trying to sell ridiculous jewelry like it's the best stuff ever. Try it. 

Saturday we got up and hung out. It was truly the best Saturday morning we've had in a very long time. Ben made french toast. We watched some tv. The kids played and played together and on their own for a good 2 hours. No fighting. No crying. Just completely entertaining themselves. It was great! We thought we might go to a glorified Chuck-E-Cheese's in Barboursville for lunch, but Chik-Fil-A was all they really needed.

We watched WVU beat Notre Dame during naptime. Then Ben and Andy downloaded old Nintendo games on the Wii. They played games that they played when they were kids. So fun! And, of course, there was smack talking going on for some Mario Kart.

They even dressed up real nice to run to the store for us for dinner.

And the kids felt the need to do the same thing this morning. You can't really tell but the boots go all the way up Sophie's legs.

Saturday evening we went to Charleston to visit some friends. The hardest thing for us is that we can't see everyone that we would love to see every time we come (which has been a whopping twice for me). It makes me sad. But extremely thankful for those that we do get to spend time with and who make the time to see us. The amazing thing about this picture is that my battery on my camera was dying and this is the shot we got. Pretty great if you ask me.

Sunday morning we went to RRC-Teays Valley. I had never been. Sad I know. It was awesome! It's amazing what God has done there. Such faithful and faithfilled people. I was completely blessed this morning.

We had such a good time as a family. The kids were amazing. It was wonderful spending time with Courtney and Andy. We got to see great friends. We relaxed and got out of town. It was a much needed weekend. Thanks, everyone!

thank you!

I would like to thank the good Lord for 3 (yes, 3!) 60+ degree days in a row (I'm banking on the weather guy being correct for tomorrow) and Aunt Lois for the scotch-a-roos that were delivered to my doorstep Monday (which may or may not be gone already). Both have been instrumental is improved spirits, thankfulness, and GETTING OUT OF THE HOUSE! Well, not so much the scotch-a-roos in getting out of the house. But they make a great snack when we're playing outside.

I am currently busting through my online class stuff for this week so we can go to the park for the SECOND time today after school. In February no less. What a gift! Only 1 week away from my teaching certificate being renewed.

I am also happy to report that Sophie and I are friends again.

happy valentine's day

This is the window sill in our kitchen. I'm getting ready to clean it off b/c everyone is pretty much on the mend. This is very representative of the many ailments that have plagued our household the past couple of weeks. In case you can't see, there's some of the following: ammoxicillan for Sophie's ear infection (that's new as of this week), thera-flu, aleve cold and sinus, desitin, kids multi-sympton cold stuff, antibiotic and cough medicine for me (finally got that last weekend - made me feel like a new person), all of Ben's throat stuff for when he led worship at Oglebay right after having the flu, miralax, flintstones, children's ibuprofen. Needless to say, CVS has benefited greatly from us. Good thing we didn't spend any gas money in January b/c of sickness and snow. Switched that right over to the medicine budget.

Last week, WVU dental clinics had a free clinic for kids so I took both kids. It was Sophie's first time to the dentist. When they called her name, she grabbed the hand of the dental student and off she went. Ted, on the other hand, wrapped his arms around me and wouldn't get go. Thankfully they were in chairs right next to each other. They both did great. Ted got his first x-rays. All for FREE!










Sophie has been playing with Scout (thanks Melonie) and her kitty cat a lot lately. And we've been playing in clothes baskets a lot too. This is her newest seat while I cook or do dishes. I also have to babysit her animals while she goes shopping and to leadership.


Aunt Sara came to visit on Friday. Saturday morning, she jammed with Ted and they traded wigs.


Some friends came to visit when they were in town for a WVU basketball game. I kept Ben, Ted, Michael and Sophie. They had a great time together.





We had a CRAZY weekend. Last weekend we got to rest. I was still feeling so sick so I went to MedExpress and got some antibiotics. It was good to rest and spend time together as a family. This weekend we had friends over a lot. Ben worked on the YL office all day Saturday. We went to a Valentine's Day party with the leaders. Work Crew Training. Ben has been super busy in the evenings in addition to working all days. We miss him.

I took Sophie to MedExpress on Friday for an earache. Ear infections. The bummer was she had too much wax in her ears to even see. So they had to dig/flush it out. I've never heard her cry like that. She's such a good patient. I'm pretty sure she might be scared for some time. Neither of my kids have ever had an ear infection before. I remember having them. Very painful. She cried a lot. Sad tears. This morning she slept till 8:30, took a 3 1/2 hour nap, and went to bed at 8:00pm. Definitely fighting things off.

But we seem to be on the mend. Hoping to play outside later in the week. CAN NOT WAIT!

nook

I'm not normally one for high-ticket electronic items. Ben, on the other hand, is always saving his personal money for something. Currently it's an ipad. No one is really surprised by that. But, me, I've been hooked.

I'm doing some work on the side for a friend in town. Sometimes I'll get a sitter and go work somewhere else. The saddest thing for me is gone are the days of a good days work at Panera (aka the satellite office). The Panera in Morgantown is complete MADNESS - ALL THE TIME! It's crazy! Seriously RRC staff, be thankful for Charleston Panera on days the driveway doesn't get plowed. So sometimes I'll go to Ben's office. Or sometimes to Barnes and Noble.

The battery on my computer is stellar. And the only place to plug in is right next to the cycling commercial for this . . .



And I'm hooked. In case you don't know what it is, it's a Nook. Not a book. A Nook. It's an e-reader. It's amazing. I've been reading again lately. And this just, I don't know, I want it. I'm just saying. And B&N is saying SUCKER - we sucked you in with our commercial. Job well done!

So, I guess my question(s) is/are . . . do you have one of these? Do you love it? Do you hate it? Are you glad you have it? Do you actually use it? Or do you have thoughts on a Kindle? I'm game for that also. Just curious. Kind of wanted to do my own research and get some consumer reports. Not that I'm going to get one anytime soon . . . I'm just fascinated!

feel better, john pap!

Dear John Pap,

We hope you get to feeling better soon and figure out what the heck is going on! Thought we might send you a message to make you smile. Have fun playing cribbage and eating pizza tonight. We love you!

Love,

Turtle Carcus and Peanut







Then Ted thought some dancing might make you feel better. Recently after dinner we've been having "dance parties" to get some energy out. Our other favorite song is "Baby" by Justin Bieber. Beaver as Ted calls him. Enjoy! Don't mind the debris in the background . . . laundry baskets are our new favorite toys. They serve as forts, school buses, tv viewing chairs (in not on), and other such functional purposes.

happy birthday, gary pap!

Happy 60th Birthday, Gary Pap! Don't worry. 60 is the new 50. Or 40? Who really knows. We love you. Enjoy the birthday song. This is the best one we got. Others included nose picking and other inappropriate noises. We LOVE you!!!!!

ted-isms

Ted drawing Harry Potter. Even though we've never talked about Harry Potter EVER. Originally the drawing was of Dr. Evil Porkchop. Or whatever his name is from Toy Story 3.


So Ted has been giving us quite a few laughs the past couple days . . .

#1: Sunday morning we were having "family snuggle time" in our bed. It was Ben, Sophie, me, Ted - in that order. So we're laying there and the following conversation occurs:

Ted: Hey, have you ever heard of a beaver? You've seen one right?
Me: Yes, I know what a beaver is.
Ted: Did you know that there's a day when the beaver comes out of his hole and if he sees himself it snows a lot more.
Ben & Laura: Laughter and more laughter.
Ben: Buddy, I think you mean a groundhog.
Ted: No, I mean a beaver. It's a day. I learned about it at school.
And the conversation goes on. Finally we decide that really, it is a groundhog based on our comparison of a beaver and a groundhog.

#2: This morning at breakfast, Ben corrects Ted's use of the work "nakin" (short a sound) and explains that it's really "napkin". Ted DOES NOT believe Ben and barely believes me. He totally thinks we're lying to him. Even tonight at dinner he asks about the correct spelling of napkin to make sure we're not telling him false things.

#3: After our breakfast/nakin escapades, he and Sophie are playing with all the stuffed animals. They seem to play best in the morning which is a bummer b/c we usually rush Ted out the door to school. So, Ben is getting ready to take him and he gives us the following drama . . .

"Mom, I wish I didn't have to go to school today. I was having the best playdate EVER and now I don't know how it's going to end." (Head and shoulders slump over with very sad face).

Really? I don't think I've ever used the term "playdate." EVER.

Anyways, I think these things are even funnier when he does less of them. Thanks for the laughs Ted!

january 2011

So please allow me whine for just a minute . . .

January 2011 just about did me in. It's up there with the assignment from Hades (July 2009) and January 2006 when Ted was a 5 pound, 3 month old with caffeine withdrawl. Between snow, sickness, lots of dark and a completely whiny 2 1/2 year old, I just about lost my mind. I am not joking. Ben was gone almost every night and spent extra Saturdays working on the Young Life office.

I've had a really hard time being a mom lately. I don't feel like it's my natural gifting to start with. And so when my attitude and heart are super negative, it's all the harder. I did realize something though - I am mourning the loss of my job.

For several months, it has been good to be jobless. It has been good not to rush out the door every morning, to not be preoccupied and to sleep in on Sunday mornings and to not have to worry about childcare. Just being honest. But recently, my waistline, my sanity, and the checkbook have indicated it's time to go back part time. And the thought of doing something that I'm not excited and passionate about. Something that doesn't challenges me and use my gifts and talents. Something that I don't love the environment and the people. It makes me really sad. Don't get me wrong, I had my fair share of cries and frustration over Family Ministry Director. But I LOVED it! It thrilled me. I had a vision and passion for it. It mattered. I know how blessed I am to have had a job that I can say all those things about. I'm sad that I had so much in a job that I loved and I had to give it up. So, that's been part of it too.

But, Sophie seems to have snapped out of "whiny mode." We're all at least starting to feel better. The snow has melted and there's been sunshine 3 days in a row. I was hired by the Mon County Board of Education and can start subbing. I'm trying to do some homebound teaching stuff. I started doing a women's bible study. Anything has got to be better than January.

And here's some pictures for ya:


Adrienne came to see us. We miss her coming by all the time. A lot.


Ted does this puzzle almost everyday. He can do the whole thing by himself. I like teaching him about geography!


He's also been very interested in spelling and reading. He puts together words on his Leap Frog fridge thing and then writes in on the whiteboard. In case you need help interpretting: fed, act, pot, hot, bug, fed and hot (again).


Sick Sophie.


We got desperate enough for the stuffed animals to play MarioKart. They aren't very good.


A moment of peace. This lasted approximately 2 minutes . . . Haven't seen it since.