Little Mamma

Olivia is already a little nurturer. Here her little Lamby is snuggly tucked in the swing with a blanket and a "bookie". This sweet scene brought a smile to my morning.

The Polls are Open

I'm ready to settle this once and for all. . .

Who does AJ look like?

The Kiddos

Squeeky squealin' clean!

Earlier this evening, I was sitting on the porch enjoying the beautiful spring weather, Olivia was saying hi to all the puppies that passed by our house, and AJ was perfecting his bubble spitting skills. Just when I thought that the moment couldn't be any more perfect, Olivia looked up at me with the cutest "I have the best idea in the world" look on her face and said "eye queen?" (translation: ice cream). Ah yes-- a final touch to a fresh spring evening!

Olivia is helping mommy with AJ's bath. (note to grandma: AJ was NOT in the tub when I took this picture)

My little gardener!

Back in Business!

I would like to be the first to welcome myself back to the wonderful world of blogging! We have been without internet at the house for the past several weeks....hmmm funny how those things happen when you don't (ahem-- better word would be REFUSE to) pay the bill.... so much for trying to take a stand against the big guys who.... oh well, no need for silly details. Will be posting soon... dinner must go on even though mamma has internet once again :)

Zoo Adventures!

This past Monday, Alex attended a pastor's conference in Irmo, SC where our dear friends Steve and Beth Ann Johns are serving. Aaron and Stephanie Coffey were also there, so it was an extra special treat to reconnect with them. While the men folk attended the conference, Beth Ann, Stephanie, and I headed off to a day of fun at the zoo.

So this may not be the most flattering angle of our gorilla friend, but you can imagine that as soon as that big hairy beast turned around, Olivia took flight across the room to her mamma.

Olivia-- taking it all in!


Olivia looking at the E'-fwas (translated: elephants)

You know you are a mom when the "does this make me look fat" question is replaced by the "does this make me look like I'm trying to repopulate the world" question. And I just have two babies!

When a Crisis Comes

I am a young pastor's wife, and one of the most intimidating facets of ministry for me is helping families in the midst of a crisis. I will never forget the day when my husband brought his new bride to the hospice where a dear sister from our church was dying. When her twelve year old son greeted us on his way through the waiting room, I lost it. The reality that these children will soon lose the one who has nurtured and loved them all their lives completely overwhelmed my heart. I cried so much my stomach hurt. I didn't think that I was going to pull it together enough to see her and pray with her family. When the nurse came to escort us to her room, I managed to gather my composure for a moment, but as we all held hands and prayed, I broke down once again. What a helpful shining example of faith I was!

How can one be a blessing to a family whose heart is breaking? Unfortunately, the "not knowing what to say or do" conflict leaves hurting families without encouragement or support. Since that day at the hospice, my husband and I have entered many homes and hospitals to comfort and pray with the families of those who are sick or who have passed away. Through these times, I have watched and listened for ways to help during a time of crisis.

Death in the immediate family:
1. Take the family a large deli meat and cheese tray and 2 packages of dinner or potato rolls. This gives them a quick bite to eat as well as something to set out for other family members and friends who come to grieve with them.
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2. Fill a large cooler with ice, drinks and plenty of bottled water.
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3. Lots and lots of paper products. Plates, cups, napkins, toilet paper, trash bags, forks, spoons.... nobody wants to worry about dishes when grieving.
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4. Put on a pot of coffee
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5. Clean out their fridge. I did this once because I wanted to stay busy and out of the way. They will probably be receiving meals and could use the extra space.

Major Surgery:
1. The family will probably be in the waiting room for an extended amount of time. Take snacks for them to eat or just show up with a bag full of burgers.
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2. Most hospitals have coffee available in the waiting rooms, but you have to buy cold drinks. Take a small cooler with some drinks, water, and ice.
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3. Just be there to chat the time away. We attended several major bypass surgeries where the family sat in the waiting room for at least 5 hours. Though the mood is very serious, the presence of people helps the time to pass.

This is a quick list, and I hope that it helps even just a little bit. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any more suggestions. We can all keep learning together!

Ever Tried This?

Every Wednesday I cook pinto beans in the crock-pot. Alex loves eating them with a quesadilla and I love to eat them southern style with corn bread and a sliced tomato. Yesterday I resurrected a bean recipe that we both forgot how much we loved. Have you ever tried Bean Burritos Enchilada Style?? They are so yummy and easy. Even if you don't have a pot of beans cooking every Wednesday, you can still make this by popping open a few cans. All you have to do is mash up some pinto beans, wrap them in a flour tortilla, cover with red enchilada sauce (if you like the canned kind-- go for it!), sprinkle with a little chopped onion (0ptional), and top with shredded cheese. Pop it in the microwave for about a minute and half or until the cheese is melted. Enjoy!