12 posts tagged “family”
On Good Friday, as our house endured some furious rain and small pelts of hail, a mere 25 minute zip on the Interstate away, tornadoes were touching down, treating trees like toothpicks and moving cars like small marbles. Soon we discovered that the powerful element of Mother Nature had briefly visited the neighborhood of Thomas’s sister and her family. Once stowed away in the bathroom of their house for a just under two minutes, they emerged to find many homes around them equipped with new views, for entire roofs and/or entire sides of a house no longer existed. Their immediate neighbors once had a storage shed outside that was no where to be found, yet its contents were visible in nearly every yard around. Nice wooden privacy fences that once stood tall and useful suddenly became flat pancakes in the grass. Telephone poles and other debris covered the streets out from and into their home. Power was out and the sound of news helicopters and chainsaws began to fill the air. The images I was viewing on the news soon were visible in my living room via their digital camera. Safe and sound, our family arrived for what was to become a slumber party, of sorts.
Elizabeth brought some perishable items, and we crammed them into our fridge and freezer. The kiddos played like maniacs, and I began to develop sleeping arranges for our four sudden guests. Thomas began prepping our spaghetti dinner and everyone was just prayerful for those still discovering the destruction and thankful for our family’s safety, as well as the protection of their home and possessions.
As some of the aerial images from the events were flashed up on the television, Daniel had a great description of the scene: “Oh no! A MESS!”
A mess…..yes, certainly.
Tornadoes in this area are something we are accustomed to, or tornado warnings at least, for it seems like the weatherman is always reporting on something pending. There will be touchdowns, typically even in your city, but it is a totally different story when it is your home being hit, or the one next to you for that matter. Although it was not our home and neighbors, it was our immediate family, and it makes the events seem surreal. We were very grateful to be able to help them out and give them a lighted house, hot water, and fresh/hot food to eat. Daniel was ecstatic to have playmates. Overall, Jon and Liz are very happy to have a home to return to, and many in the area are forever grateful to still have a life.
After Daniel noted the mess being seen on TV, the news reporter of that station made a comment that “Good Friday” must now not be considered so good to many. Quickly, however, viewers e-mailed and called the station, claiming that instead of “Good Friday,” it is “Great Friday,” for the survivors had another day to live and just one more reason to be thankful during this Easter season.
SO true.
Busy, Busy, Busy. That pretty much sums up our Christmas. Thomas and I counted, and we realized that we participated in seven Christmases. Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn have nothing on us! We had fun at them all, of course, and they are all very different gatherings, but it is hard to imagine how we are going to keep this same pace next year when we have our 2nd kiddo offically in the family picture.
One of the many Christmases was our own, just our little family of 3.
We were blessed to have our choices of edibles from a cornucopia of food--just look at one of the supplies to the left!
Time with family is always a feature of Christmas, and it was nice to have my brother
Thomas got to see his sisters as well, both of which are more local than my bros, but it is nice to see them nonetheless.It's really hard to tell that they are related, isn't it.
Earlier this week the family went to see the Christmas lights at The Opryland Hotel. This hotel is known for its extravagant lights and fancy decorations, and there is much to see when walking through the conservatory portion of the building. Thomas and I have been to view the lights before, but we have not taken Daniel yet, hence, we decided to bring him along for the trek, letting him soak up all the twinkling, elaborate decorations. In all, he really enjoyed himself. We kept telling him that we were going to look at the lights, and when we got out of the car, he looked up and saw a street light. He quickly pointed at it and said "Oh wow!" So we played along. "Yeah, isn't that neat Daniel? Aren't you glad we came to see the lights?" So as we traveled in, the little man pretty much flipped out about every street light that we passed. It was really funny......for us at least. Since he was having a blast pointing to the street lights, we knew he was going to be excited when we got inside. This is an example of what greets you upon entering the conservatory:
Walking so much was a little tiring, especially for Thomas because he had worked all day long, but we were glad that we took the time to go when we did, for certainly the crowds are going to increase as each day brings us closer to Christmas.
I know some bloggers do a little thankful post every (or at least most) Thursdays. I've always thought it was a sweet idea, but I've never actually done it. Being that today is actually Thanksgiving, and a Thursday, I thought today might be a perfectly great day to create a "Thankful Thursday Post"
Mommy Breaks
Daniel is pretty full of energy, as are most toddlers, and it has been a little difficult to keep up with his extreme pace recently with me being pregnant, along with unassociated sicknesses. Thomas has been great about helping out when he is at home, but when he is at work, it is just me and the kiddo. Fortunately, my son is still a magnificent napper. He will take a 2 hour nap or more in the afternoon---and he'll still go to bed at a great time too. I have been grateful for these naps, for they allow me to get a few things done without him in the middle of it all, as well as grad a little nap myself!
TV I Don't Mind Daniel Watching
I have been very cautious about Daniel watching TV. I just don't want to be a mom that sits her kid in front of the television all day just so she can get peace. Over the summer I would not even turn the TV on when Daniel was awake because even if it was the Today Show, Daniel would stare at it, hence the television was only on for naps when Daniel was out of the room. Recently however, I've been glad to let Daniel watch a show in the mornings on PBS called Sid the Science Kid. This show is a great show for learning cool science things, like growing, charts, irreversible change, health, etc. Since Daniel can be so high octane in the mornings, I have allowed him to watch this show while I sorta wake up and prepare for the day, fix breakfast, or if it is a day I work, he'll watch as I get ready. There are certain portions that are the same every episode, like the kids dancing, and Daniel knows that they are coming and he will join in on the fun. It is actually very cute. Sometimes a fit is thrown when I turn it off after the show is over, but the 30 minutes was at least calm :o). Thanks to Sid, Daniel has even more gusto about brushing his teeth---who could complain about that?
My Husband Washes the Dishes
Yes ladies, you read it correctly. My husband does the dishes! We do have a dishwasher, but everyone knows that everything can not fit, nor should everything actually go into the dishwasher, so some items always need to be hand washed. This is a household chore that my husband does not mind doing.....and I do mind doing it. I will wash occasionally, but this tends to be Thomas's job in the house. I am obviously very happy about this one. Thanks Babe!
The Semester is Almost Over
Ok, I know I only officially work 2 days a week, but I am really glad that the semester is almost over! In fact, I only have to teach 2 days next week and the semester is completed for me. I will of course have to grade some revisions and begin averaging and inputing grades into the system, but the teaching portion is complete. I have had a difficult semester due to some inept policy following from nearly 75 percent of students. It is frustrating to say the least. I am hoping that the spring semester brings forth some students with more attention to details........to say the least.
We're All Healthy and Here
I'm just glad that we are all able to be together this holiday, for I know several families that can not have this blessing. Some are separated temporarily, but others have lost ones that they love very recently, which of course means they will not be together for the season. I also know some families that are going through sicknesses, serious ones, that may separate them from those they love soon. We are grateful for health and a life together. Daniel is growing well, and he appears to be right where he needs (90% height 75% weight at the 2yr check-up). We heard baby #2's heartbeat this week, we've seen an ultrasound, and all appears to be well with that wee-one, as much as one can tell right now. I'm no longer sick, and when I was it was only a silly sickness when compared to diseases like cancer. Thomas, other than a snotty nose, is fine too. We're fortunate, and we know it. We're thankful.
This list could go on and on, but I know that if you've even read this much, you are not likely to read much more! We're thankful this Thanksgiving Day, and we give praises to the one who cares for us. Our prayers go out to everyone with a need this season, and we wish everyone health and safety in the days to come.
To conclude, I'll leave you with a cheesy, yet cute poem that I got in an e-mail. Enjoy!
May your
stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
We took Daniel on his very first trip to "Where the Wild Things Are" a.k.a, the ZOO! We met up with Thomas' s sister and her family as soon as the zoo opened in
order to avoid some of the day's heat. Yeah right---it was HOT. But we did have a nice time regardless. The zoo was not too crowded (guess many folks were not silly enough to venture out in the heat), and the animals were out and about, so Thomas was able to take some really great pictures of the animals that the zoo had to offer.
There is also a huge playground at the zoo, which happens to be one of the best I've seen
in our area. It even had a "Tot Town" bounce house. Those two items alone made the trip
worth it. We, however, did not get to playing until the end of our visit, so everyone was a little hot and bothered by that point. Regardless, Daniel was very happy (see right) while exploring the enormous playground. He even gave a tiny bit of resistance (perhaps all his tiny body could muster) upon our playground exit.
Even little Jenna enjoyed herself, even catching a cat nap in the heat:
A good, hot time was had by all.
We've been keeping busy at our home up on the hill (you can see our view from atop the hill to the left). Several visitors, mainly family, have visited over the holiday weekend. We had the joy of watching my niece and nephew for a few hours while their parents got some quality time away from the kiddos. The boys played well and little Jenna slept nicely, so 3 kids 3 and under for 3 hours was a breeze! Getting a picture of these three cousins together, however, was not so easy.
Our son has found a love for corn on the cob. Fortunately, his Daddy
likes it quite a bit too, so making it for dinner is great. Look how
happy he is, munching away. He cleans his cob off better than I do!
One of our most surprising visitors had to be this fellow:
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Yeah, its a turtle, no big deal you think. But what you don't understand is just how big this turtle truly is. He (or perhaps a she, I have not a clue how you tell that sort of thing on turtles) is the biggest turtle I have ever seen outside of a zoo. I called the neighbor kids over to look at him, and they then yelled for their parents to come and see the big shell, thick claws, and long tail of this turtle. Later, the turtle decided to leave our yard. Watching him walk was quite a sight! He would go for a bit and then take a break, perhaps regaining strength from the weight of his shell. I told my brother that I thought the turtle was going home. He made fun of me for that comment. Just think about. It will sink in soon.....the turtle was traveling home.
And, like the scientific people do, I took a picture to show scale. See our camera's lens cap next to the turtle? Now do you believe that he was big? (No turtles, people, or lens caps were harmed in the taking of these pictures)
Coming soon, Thomas and I hit the 5 year mark. Hard to believe we've already been married 5 years! We have big plans--Holiday World :o). I am still laughing a little at the thought, because it does sound a bit cheesy, but, we've never been, so this should be fun! Plus, you get unlimited soft drink refills. Could there be a better way to soak in some calories?
Thomas and I met his sister and her family for a little family time at the Chattanooga Aquarium. We got there right
There were strollers everywhere and kiddies where "oohing" and "ahhhing" at all the creatures before them.....like this big ol' crab! ------------------------->
Daniel, despite his young age, was very engaged by everything around him. There was even a portion where people could put their hands into a tank and pet sting rays. Daniel and his cousin, Ryan, both loved putting their hands into the water, but really did not care if they touched anything or not. A few times, the sting rays would put half of their fins out of the water while they were swimming and it looked as if they were waving to the people around them.
I think that the favorite part for us, and the other visitors, was the "Penguins Rock!" exhibit. IIt was great to watch the penguins jump right out of the water, only to gracefully dive back into the frigid liquid again. They had a few holes filled with water that allowed you to see just how cold the penguin water was kept, this is how I know for sure it was cold :0) Another part had a height chart where you could visually see the height of various penguins; or, if you are like us, you could compare yourself with the penguins. Sad to say, I am just barely taller than the average emperor penguin! (thanks mom--because of you I am "vertically challenged")This is how Daniel measured up:
Overall, it was a good time and I truly think Daniel enjoyed himself, along with our nephew. It was nice to spend time with the family as well. If you go to the Chattanooga Aquarium, spend most of your time in the ocean portion. There is a river portion, but that is not as impressive; I mean, living where I do, I can just step outside, go down the street a bit, and check out some catfish, but for those not really around "the country," the exhibit would be neat.
Easter Sunday was a cold Sunday. I did not buy anything special for the day this year, so I just pulled out a sweater for the occasion. I had bought Daniel a little coat at Goodwill before he was born. I just knew the poor thing would be
too hot in it. However, the cold weather made the attire perfect.
We went to early service at our church for an Easter musical and headed to Gladeville after the service to spend some time with my mom's family. Not everyone was there this year, so it was not the typical holiday. Daniel actually ended up being the only little one there, so we just had an egg hunt for him, complete with four plastic Easter eggs and a basket from my Nannie's wall (yeah....she, for some reason, has baskets on her wall. and we're not just talkin' one, we talkin' near a hundred).
Daniel is what baby people call a "supported sitter," so he could not even sit up by himself, much less attempt to hunt any eggs! Regardless, we just had to let the little guy get a shot at his first Easter Egg Hunt. He was only slightly amused. It was sold
Altogether, it was nice to spend some time with my family, and especially nice to see my cousins. Sometimes there are so many family members at get-togethers that it almost becomes overwhelming, so this slightly smaller crowd was a good change of pace. I miss being able to see them all frequently.
We had a wonderful, yet exhausting Christmas. The season normally takes plenty of energy from a person, but when you have a new baby and you visit many places, the energy gets zapped a little faster. Beginning on Christmas Eve morning, we did our family Christmas. Daniel got a couple of books and a toy from us, but as you can see from the picture with his gifts, he seems fine with that :o). Daniel and Thomas got me a massage gift certificate for "all my hard work." I can't wait to redeem it. Thomas got some new shoes- New Balances. They are $120.00 shoes that I got for $16.99 at a local shoe store. One is an 11 and the other is an 11 1/2, but with a difference of only an eighth of an inch, Thomas says they fit great. Boy do I know how to find a deal!
Next, it is on to my mom's family, The Martins. Here we battled for space. My mom's family is by no means small.....And somewhere in here, while at my Nannie's, Thomas and Daniel take a cute little nap together..
Early the next morning, we travel to Woodlawn (outside of Clarksville) to celebrate with Thomas's immediate family. Our nephew, Ryan, was sick, so at times we had two fussy kids, but it was still enjoyable. Here Daniel got what seems to be his favorite gift. It is a jungle mobile by Fisher Price. It plays 4 different types of music and it has some jungle leaves that flap up and down with the music as a bird and some other animals go around in circles. And get this....it has a remote! Not for Daniel of course, but for us so we do not have to let him see us when we turn it on/off. Since we have gotten home and set it up, he just coos and smiles as it goes around his head. I have a little video that I took with our digital camera that I might upload later.....but trust me, it is too sweet.
Then, to Cunningham to spend time with Grandpa V (and Thomas's Uncle Mark and Aunt Karen), who eagerly held Daniel during our visit. Thomas and I were both surprised at his excitement to hold and see Daniel again a month after our first visit because normally he is not very comfortable around little babies. At one point, I looked over and Grandpa's eyes were closed and he was holding Daniel near his face, his mouth moving.He was blessing Daniel by praying over him. How wonderful!
Whew....and if not tired enough, we headed to Thomas's mom's parents, The Ledbetters, for one more round of Christmas. We did the drill: food, fun, presents, & conversation. Once finished here, we finally left Clarksville and headed home to Cookeville so that Thomas could make it back to work the next morning.
So, there you have it: Our Christmas. It was great to spend time with all of our family, but it seemed to go too fast. I feel like I blinked and the holiday was over. Somewhere in there, I promise, we reflected on the true reason for the season. Thomas played the guitar as we sang worship songs and Christmas Carols on Christmas Eve eve. We praised God for his amazing gift of his son, Jesus, at every meal. And through the love shown by each and every family member, we lived in the image of Christ.
