Wednesday, September 30, 2009

h1n1 hits here


We have a sick Maggi,
We got a call from the school nurse today telling us Maggi was in the nurses office with 102 fever, and throwing up. Dave picked her up and took her to the doctor, and she has the swine flu. She has laid around and claimed the chair and half as hers. Her big blue eyes seem sad. She has little energy. I hoping tomorrow I can read a book to her. She just finished Nancy drew, I think I am going to try to read something special to her, it will one of my last chances. I want to maximize on this. Just me and her and a couch, and a good book. What a way to travel the road to recovery.

Friday, September 25, 2009

See ya at the pole


9/23/09 was See ya at the pole. It is an event where school children can gather around their school's flagpole and pray with one another for their school. This year Maggi was asked to lead the student led prayer. She was chosen by someone who knew she could touch the heart of God with her heart felt prayer. Maggi did a great job leading the group. That morning their were about 25 others, we all held hands, bowed our head and prayed for the students and faculty of Larne Elementary. My heart was blessed listening to Maggi lead the group. We met at 7:00 am, and the flag was not yet raised, there was a light rain, but I believe that God was pleased with the those young hearts that morning. I am blessed to have children brave enought to stand up for what they believe in.



Thursday, September 10, 2009

A Bike Ride


Emma came to us on Monday asking for us to help her ride her 2 wheel bike. We got her helmet on, laced up our shoes, and got started. It took about 5 minutes before she was off and riding. Literally, that was all it took. No tears, no sweat, no skinned knees.

I was telling a friend about it, and she made a great observation. She said it is all about attitude. If someone believes they can do it, they can. Your mental attitude goes a long way in handling a new situation.

How true! What great advice (I have been blessed to have such great friends). Things seem so simple for Emma, she believes she can do something, and then makes it look effortless as she charges forward. She believes she can do it because she has witnessed her sister do it.

Once again I am amazed how different these 2 girls are. Maggi calculates the risks, assess the situation, probably even thinks about how the weather is going to affect the situation. Afterward she journals, draws pictures and thanks her heavenly Father for keeping her safe. Emma waits till she is ready, charges forward, doesn't look back and rest soundly that night.

I love watching them grow, and learning from each day. I just wish the clock would stop, let me have time to enjoy each moment. I also love that her sissy was on the side line cheering her on. Even our neighbors came out to watch. I love that.










Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Judy


I wanted to take a minute and honor someone very dear to me. My mother-in-law. I have been thinking about her alot today, and needed to let her know how I feel about her.

She is a wonderful person. She is an inspiration to me.

She did a wonderful job as a single mom raising my husband. She guided him to become an awesome man of the Lord, full of wisdom and gentleness. She worked as a school teacher, and did a wonderful job raising 2 kids on a tight "teacher" budget. David learned how to save money, and make our money stretch by watching his mom. I have seen David and Judy hold on to a birthday gift for several years in a row, saving for a long awaited treasure. David watched his mom forgive those around her, who had hurt her. She not only forgave, but showered those who hurt her with more grace and love than anyone could have expected. David watched that, and to this day, has never held a grudge against anyone, even those that I think could really use one! Judy found strength in a difficult situation, not the strength that comes from within, but that comes from our Father, the one that outlast what we think we can endure. She modeled that for her son, and help lead him to the Lord. She helped keep my husband protected and pure for me, with tears, prayers, and the will power of a mother on her knees.

I have watched her with my own girls. She is more than I could have hoped for as a grandmother. She loves my girls, each for their own uniqueness. She discovers hidden treasures within them. She sends them notes for their lunch boxes (from 3,000 miles away), she sends Valentine treats, back to school dresses, money for the ice cream truck, etc. She sends note of encouragement to a lonely second grade girl who is struggling to find a friend. She has helped them each learn to read, to swim, to find rocks, identify California wild flowers, and how to make choc chip cookies. She stands with me in prayer over each milestone these little girls make.

And for me. I don't know how to start. She has loved and supported me as soon as she learned about me. She knew I was the one for Dave, before she knew my name. Judy has poured me into my life than I can measure. We have laughed, cried, stayed up all night, stayed in our jamies all day, cooked, jammed, danced, and grown together. Not many mother-in-laws would allow their daughter-in-laws to move in, giver her free reign of her home, and simply be blessed to have her there. Encouraging her in every move she made. Judy showed grace and tenderness, even when we announced that we were going to move our family, and our 2 beautiful girls 3,000 miles away from her. Never once questioning the call we had on our lives. She has been so gracious now, to allow us to make a happy home.

Judy, I want you to know how much of a daily part of our lives you are. You are woven into every part of us. I cherish you so much. I want to thank you, far beyond what my words can say.

We all love you here.

We miss you so much.

My prayer, is that this silly little blog allows you to see our day to day silliness, to keep up with all the silly things Emma will say and do that make us laugh out loud, and the beautiful soul searching things Maggi will do.

blessed,
Amy

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeing; but a women who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 3:25-30

Friday, September 4, 2009

I have a loose tooth


After the first week of school, Emma came home from Kindergarten and proclaims to the family, that she has a loose tooth!

I was not prepared. With Maggi, I had her personalized tooth pillow before she got her first tooth. She didn't loose her first tooth until the end of her kindergarten year. Emma did not have a pillow.

The second child syndrome that people talk about, but I swore I would not be like? (maybe)

I had to teach a class at work that night, and when I got home Dave said look what your daughter did. Oh no I had missed it. . .

No something even better, touching even. After I had left Maggi made her sister something. She made Emma a tooth fairy pillow. It is just like Maggi to do that. She has the sweetest, most caring spirit. She does not want anyone to do with out. When someone is in need, she is there to help. And to make it with her own two hands

I love that about my girls. I love that they care about each others need. Don't get me wrong, they are normal sisters, 2 nights ago they were in trouble for scratching each other over the bathroom sink space for tooth brushing time. (It starts early doesn't it-we have a total of 4 bathroom sinks in our house, why not share?)

Anyway. . .

Yesterday Dave and I were able, after a little searching, find Emma her very own tooth fairy pillow. Maggi was a little hurt that we were not going to use the paper pillow, but was none the less excited for Emma.

Emma has not lost that tooth yet, but now the tooth beside it is wiggly. I will definitely keep you posted as to when it is officially lost.

". . . You are to help your brother (sister)." Joshua 1:14

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Homework




Emma hurried into the car after school, and shouted "I finally have homework!"

Having a big sister often makes Emma want to grow up faster than she should. When Maggi's is at the kitchen table doing her homework, Emma circles her, talking to her, bringing her toys over, eating a snack right beside her. Well today, she was very excited to come home and have her assignment. Just like Maggi she put her book bag down right beside her, sharpened her pencil and started to work. She loved it. It took her about 2.5 minutes and she was done! Assignment complete. An hour and a half later, Maggi is still working. We have heard third grade was tough, and to expect about an hour of homework every night. Yikes

The school year is off to good start. The girls tell the stories of the day, and I wait for each tiny morsel. I love to know who they are sitting with, what activity they chose, who got in trouble. Today Maggi said she ate lunch with Mrs. Westmoreland, the principle. She said she was so nice. I of course probed for more information. . . Maggi said she asked what our names was, and where we went to church. My heart was so happy. I love that my girls go to a school that the principal wants to know if they are going to church. A tiny little hug from my heavenly father!

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.