Reflecting

2011, oh 2011, you were the year that blindsided us.

on the night that Scott lost his job, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.  That high, high master bedroom ceiling.  The very room where I nursed little 4 month old Ada on the night that we knew the house would be ours.  I stared at the ceiling, and then at the already sleeping Scott, and I reach over and grabbed on to his arm as he kept sleeping.  And I thought, this is what the vows are for.  This is where we hold on tight--to each other, to Ada, to John.  We hold on for dear life, and then when all are accounted for, we face this thing head on and we walk to the other side.  Right through it to the other side.

I had grabbed onto that same arm in the bathroom of the Scottish Rite ER, when we prayed like crazy for Ada to go tee-tee.  Just a little bit of tee-tee so we could avoid adding a catheter to the escalating nightmare.  We prayed for tee-tee and no brain tumour and held on tight in that cold, echoing hospital bathroom.

 We held on through John's stay in the NICU, and breath-holding spells that involved scans of his heart and his brain--all to find out that he just has a really, really, really bad temper.  Really bad.  And it's only getting worse as we approach year two.  I predict that there is more holding on up ahead.

And we held on through other endless things--the endless things that plague every marriage.  Every life.  The daily grind, we call it.  The car trouble upon car trouble upon car trouble.  The routine eye procedure that finally cleared up that pink eye.  The messes and the potty training and the weaning and the endless plight to get my John to eat something.  Anything.  We hold on tight and cautiously put one foot in front of the other and we move forward into a life that looks nothing like we imagined.

And last night, I stumbled upon a cd that I lost several years ago.  When Ada was still an only child and there was no little John growing inside of me.  The seeds of courage cd.  I found it last night in the midst of boxes and bags stored in our shed--leftovers from the past house.  There is no room for those things here.  I have been looking for that cd for years.  And there it sat, unscratched, on top of a pile of books in a bag.  I snatched it up, and I took it inside, and last night after dinner and baths and pajamas, we hit play on Ada and John's cd player, and the healing words played loud and strong.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Jeremiah 33:3.  (track 1)

In 2011, Scott and I called to him, and we asked for specific things.  We asked for freedom from debt and more savings and a better job.  We asked Him to do things more than we could ask or imagine.  And he answered us and told us hidden things.  He told us of his sufficient grace and his strength made perfect in our weakness.  He told us that He will never leave us or forsake us and that He will hold on to us.  That He will hold on tight.

The things that we experienced in 2011 (and beginning in 2010, really, with John's birth), only scratch the surface of the heartache and pain and suffering that so many people are experiencing even now.  Ada could have had a brain tumor.  John could have had heart and brain trouble.  Scott could still be unemployed.  We could be homeless.  We could be homeless!!!  So many people are.

And the thing is, even if that was what God has chosen for us.  If he had chosen much greater heartache and much harder things to walk through, his Grace would still be sufficient.  He would still be sovereign and good.  Always sovereign and good.

Last night, that cd played, and I danced and sang and laughed and even cried just a bit.  And I thought, bring it on 2012. Bring it on.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7.  (track 2)

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.  Psalm 62: 1-2 (track 8)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46: 1-2 (track 11)

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10 (track 12)

Merry, Merry Christmas Eve!

We are busy over here scurrying about getting those last minute Christmas things done.  You know, cleaning and wrapping and gathering ingredients for different recipes, etc. etc.  

After Church tomorrow we are headed to Crossville, AL to visit with Scott's family, so I wanted to go ahead and say Merry Christmas from our house to yours.  

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

The Christmas Season Continues

Obviously, we are only a week away from Christmas Day, and the countdown is on at our house.  Ada asks me every hour, "how many days left?"  She's just so thrilled to celebrate the birth of Christ, you know ;)

But, before we talk about the week of Christmas stuff, I want to back track a bit. 

A couple of weekends ago, we made the trek to Lenox Mall to ride the famous pink pig.  We timed it so that John would sleep in the car on the way--a short nap, yes, but still a nap.  However, John did not sleep in the car.  Yikes.  So...while Scott pushed him in circles in his stroller, Ada and I waited in line, and Scott and John joined us when a good bit of time had passed. 

I have to say, that as an adult, it's hard to see the thrill of the pink pig (probably because I didn't grow up riding it), but Ada and John both loved it!!!!  And afterwards, John was so angry that we had to get off.  He kept pointing towards the train, and saying, "pig, weeee..." in a crying/whining voice.  (you know, weee, like we, that's fun).

So, after the thrilling ride, we were all in need of a little snack.  Well, John was in need of a nap and was letting us all know it, but the rest of us were in need of a snack (i.e. diet coke).   The mall was PACKED as you can imagine, and I did not have the energy to tackle the Lenox food court, so we "made do" with soft pretzels and a spot on the floor.  Ada had lots of questions about this, so I told her we were having a picnic. 

see the pink pig sticker?  Don't worry, the children got bathed after sitting on the floor of the mall ;)

Since the pink pig we have also baked and decorated cookies, continued with the Jesse tree, read lots and lots of Christmas books, attended Scott's office Christmas party, driven around to look at Christmas lights, had Christmas dinner with my side of the family (we are going to Scott's parents' house Christmas afternoon), and used Mary Ann's Christmas gift money (gift money for Ada and John) to buy the Little People nativity for Ada and John, which they are loving to play with, and Ada even makes airplane sounds as she makes the angel fly to Mary to tell her the good news.  Every time the angel flies, there are motor sounds coming out of Ada's mouth. 

And that gets us up-to-date. 

On the agenda this week--attending a birthday party for Jesus, attending a dessert fellowship for the women at church, more looking at Christmas lights, more reading of the Christmas story, and finalizing what I am going to cook for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  Plus lots of late night wrapping of gifts. 

Merry Christmas week, everyone!

Why is it so hard to get a normal picture with my children?

Spoke Too Soon

yesterday I said that Scott and I had dodged a bullet with the stomach virus.  Never mind that comment because Scott is currently in bed with said stomach virus.  I'm the only one left standing.  Yikes.  I am praying that it bypasses me (which is usually how it goes--Scott tends to get whatever the kids have, and I tend to avoid getting it.  Even though I am the one sleeping with them at night when they are sick, and getting thrown up on by my not-yet-two year old, hmmm...)

Anyway, I am trying to go on with my day as normal, despite the fact that Scott is lying in bed, trying to work from home in our tiny little house.  The kids just can't understand why they can't climb in bed with daddy.  I think after John's nap, we are loading up the car and heading to Lowe's Home Depot and Target to buy the finishing touches for the Christmas decorations. 

Speaking of Christmas, I ordered our Christmas cards last night, and I am slightly afraid that Scott's head will partially be cut out of the card.  So, if it is, be gracious to me and pretend that his whole head is in the card when you receive it in the mail ;)  It was the only picture (out of lots that Jessica took of us--not Jessica's fault that John wasn't looking; I think John's age and personality are at fault here) where John was actually looking at the camera.  Well, only one where he was looking at the camera and not crying. Seriously.  While on the subject of Christmas cards, if the Moores are normally on your "send a Christmas card" list, please don't forget us just because our address is different.  I will gladly send it to you, and I would even just post it right here on this blog if not for fear of the craziness that exists in our world (and because I already reveal way too much information about our little family).

And, on a completely unrelated note, I stumbled upon this article yesterday, and I found it tremendously helfpul in thinking through my children and their understanding of the gospel and their conversion, so I had to pass it along. 

Hope you are all having a great Tuesday and soaking up the Christmas season (and staying well!!)

Recovering and Getting Back on Track with Christmas Plans

A stomach virus hit our house with a vengeance this week but has luckily spared Scott and me (so far, fingers crossed).  Little Ada has had it the worst.  It started with John, but after 24 hours, he was fine.  Ada has had a harder time "shaking it."  Just when we think she is feeling fine, she gets sick again.  Hopefully, hopefully, she is finally on the mend.  I am exhausted, though, as all you moms know.  A sick child equals an exhausted mama!!!

Anyway...that is what has been going on at our house this week.  And in my typical fashion, I have been feeling slightly stressed because we are losing precious, "celebrate Christmas" days.  Isn't there so much pressure as a mom to get it all in?  To make the perfect decisions about what ways to celebrate each year and to make it magical but to also keep things focused on Christ.  I hate that I get this way, and I am praying my little heart out that God would enable me to separate the good from the not-so-good.  And to remind me of grace. 

The main thing that I use to focus on the birth of Christ and what Christmas means for me, for the world, for the story of salvation and redemption is this book.  I highly recommend it!!!

As for the kids, here are our plans for celebrating Christmas this year.  The things that I really, really want to "get to."  (Lord willing). 

We are doing a Jesse tree this year, instead of advent.  Why?  Because I found a link that looked easy and doable and like something that Ada would enjoy.  Everyday until Christmas Ada colors a little ornament, and we hang it on a small tree I got from Target several years ago (a little table top tree), and we read the scripture to go along with that ornament.  So far, so good.  The scripture readings get a little long for Ada, but I think it is a good thing for her to learn to sit and listen to scripture.  I'll be honest, we usually read from her Jesus Storybook Bible, so Christmas and Easter seem to be the only times that she hears straight scripture (except for memory verses).  I think it's important for her to learn the language of the Bible.  Here's the link if anyone is interested.  It would not be hard to catch up.  In fact, we did 3 days worth tonight because she's been too sick the past few days for us to do it.

We have already decorated the tree, which Ada loved, and John has been better than I expected about not touching it and bothering the ornaments.  I am also slowly decorating the rest of the house.  I still want to buy some real garland for the front door, and I am debating putting lights on the bushes in front of our house.  (Scott doesn't seem to be on board with the lights on the bushes). 

Other items on the to-do list?

The pink pig at Lenox (Ada remembers it from last year, so it looks like this is going to be an annual thing for the Moores)
Baking butter cookies and decorating them
Finish watching the Polar Express (we started it tonight, but Ada got too tired to finish)
Buy Ada and John each a new Christmas book (we have a collection going that I pack away and only get out at Christmas)
Let Ada and John each pick out a new Christmas ornament
Figuring out what to do about a meal on Christmas Eve and breakfast on Christmas morning (mom, I would really like to try to make Christmas bread--I have to start some time).
Ride around to look at lights
And of course there will be the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services

Am I leaving something out?  Oh, Christmas cards.  I still haven't ordered ours.  Yikes.  I need to get on that.

And, not nearly as fun, but very necessary, I need to go through and get rid of old toys before Ada and John get new ones on Christmas morning.  That definitely needs to be a yearly tradition!!

What are the Christmas favorites at your house?

And, because I hate a post without pictures, I'll end with a few...

Ada understands that even when sick, she must still pay attention to fashion--she was very serious about these sunglasses

Here is Ada when I thought she was feeling better.  Things took a turn for the worse later that day.  (Another Christmas must?  Wearing Christmas themed items, right?  At least while she's young enough that it's still cute)

have I mentioned that John loves shoes, and it is not necessary that they match.  In the midst of Ada feeling so sick, John was pitching. a. fit. until I put these shoes on his feet.  And then he was happy as could be.  Oh, that boy.

And now, I must get to bed and prepare for another week.  I am praying lots that we are through with this virus, and I can use this week to regroup a bit. 

Last Call For Shoppers

hey guys,

I am going to close my 31 Party on Wednesday, so take some time to browse the catalog and order some Christmas presents!!

I have used and used and used every bag that I have from 31.  They are all great, and each one is so versatile.  The perfect gift, right?

Here is the link.  Check it out.  Order some gifts.  We all win.

I am 100% copying Jessica with this post.  Plus my friend, Mary, also suggested that I copy Jessica, so I am going with her suggestion ;) 

So, because everyone talks about how John looks just like Scott, (and I realize that, it's true, he does), I thought I would do a little John/Laura Beth comparison, to see if he has anything of mine other than my melancholy disposition;)  

so, there you go.  I realize that I am a bit younger in my pictures, but these are the only pictures I could find to steal off my mom's blog. 

By the way, I am just noticing the little potty in that last picture--looks like Ann was being potty trained.  John also spent a lot of time in the bathroom when Ada was being potty trained--see, a similarity.  Just kidding.

But seriously, do we look alike at all?  I need pictures of baby Scott on here for a true comparison, I guess.  I think that Scott was a leaner baby, so John has my chubbiness.  I love that body fat is what I have passed on to my children;)  I'm infamous in my family for the doctor's remark about me as a baby--"remarkable weight gain."  Hmmm...seems like I remember that the doctor said the same thing to me when I was pregnant with Ada.  Just kidding again. 

Okay, off to do Sunday, get ready for Monday, type things. 

(Will be back tomorrow to talk 31 Party again.  My party closes on Wednesday, so get to shopping)

Thanksgiving in Chattanooga

I am basically going to let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Our family had a lovely Thanksgiving, and I especially enjoyed our walk along the river bridge after dinner. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I am overflowing with gratitude for so much, and the people in these pictures are high on that list!!

John wasn't loving the photo session as this point.  Can you guess where I was standing in relation to this picture?

Our sad attempt at a family photo.

we missed you, Sarah!!  For readers who don't know me personally, this is me with my youngest sister Kate, and Ann, my 18 months older than me sister.  Sarah, who is next after me in the line up was at home in New Orleans today working at Starbucks (she's an artist). 

And here you have the whole family.  We never take family pictures.  Ever.  so this is a bit monumental. 

And Kate with the older cousins, headed to the walking bridge.  The kids love Sarah and Kate--the "cool, fun" aunts.

perfect day for a walk!!

Don't forget the youngest of the cousins!!  Precious girl.

Now, let the Christmas Season begin!!

Thanksgiving Tree

so I had big plans this year to make a Thanksgiving tree at the beginning of the season, and then add a leaf with something we are thankful for each day.  But, the best laid plans... you know.

However, I was determined to get that Thanksgiving tree done, so today, with one day left, we did it, by golly.  The Thanksgiving tree is done.

In the midst of "crafting," Ada requested a silly picture

And what is Ada thankful for, you may be asking?

Just a few highlights...

--clouds.  Because they are puffy and get us rain.

--Lucy.  Because her daddy got a new job.

--paper.  Because we get to draw on it.

--Mrs. Jessica, "your friend."  Because Mr. John got three jobs.  (can you tell that the economy has affected our prayers?  And that Ada is always listening.  John has recently started a new business where he waterproofs crawl spaces, so "getting three jobs," means he sold three separate jobs.)

--rain.  Because it makes the plants grow.

As you can see, Ada is thankful for friends whose fathers received new jobs, but she didn't want to add Scott's new job to her leaves.  Believe me, I asked, because I am certainly thankful for Scott's job this Thanksgiving!! 

I am also very thankful that John seems to be turning a slight corner in his eating habits.  He has eaten a greater quantity of food in the past few days, and he has a new love for fruit.  He can't get enough.  All kinds of fruit--blueberries, raspberries, banana, tangerines, pears, and I think that is all he has tried so far, since he decided that he does like fruit, I mean.  (I am very allergic to apples, so I am hesitant to give it to my kids, though they do eat it from time to time).

Okay, I am now back, several hours later to finish this post, and I have to add another thankful--

that Scott got home today at 3:30!!!  I was so surprised when he walked in, and I am always thrilled for him to arrive home early.  Happy Thanksgiving to us.  We celebrated by using a B1G1 coupon at Moe's, which fed the whole family, and I didn't have to cook--woo-hoo!!!

In the morning we are headed to Chattanooga to have Thanksgiving lunch with my family, minus Sarah and Kate (actually, Kate might be there, I am not sure), at the Back Inn Cafe in Chattanooga's art district.  My mom actually cooked a Thanksgiving meal a few weeks ago because Sarah isn't able to be home for actual Thanksgiving day.  And since Chattanooga is a reasonable drive for us, that is our plan for tomorrow.  We are headed out bright and early, as we assume that traffic will be a bit insane. 

So...that sums up our Thanksgiving Holiday.  How about you?  Big Turkey Day plans?  Anyone headed out for Black Friday deals?  I have become a wimp about Black Friday, and I prefer to stay cozy at home.  Plus, I haven't seen any "blow me away" deals over the past two Black Fridays.  Have you?

I am almost done with Ada and John's Christmas shopping though.  I snuck out tonight after dinner and purchased Ada's big gift--a princess bike.  Today was the last day I could use a 10.00 Target coupon, and, you know, 10.00 is 10.00, so I was sure to meet that deadline. 

I am now moving into the rambling on and on zone, so I will end here.

But, I must remind you, go here, browse through the precious items that you will find there, and order something!!!!