He is a Genius!!!
Tonight was "playdough" night. It was a good way to wind down from a busy day so we sat at the table and played with the kits. Zech found one that hadn't been opened and asked if we could make it... this is what is was supposed to look like.

I am not an artist, and I warn him from the very beginning that I am not great at it but I will "try my best" (a lesson, right?). So I begin my sculpting best... reminding him it may not look identical.

At the same time, he has picked out some colors of his choice and wants to make one too. So I explain what I am doing so he can create along with me...

He is a genius! My mom and Sister are great artists and can mold, paint, draw with ease. Once at some mexican restaurant Zech was given some dough to play with and my mom whipped it into an airplane. Weeks later Zech screamed at my feet because I could not produce such great of an airplane. However, he was so pleased with his artwork tonight... and he should have been!!!

Oh yeah, thats mud his car is driving on. he insisted on having brown tires, brown man, and brown road... when I asked why the ground was brown , he cocked his head and reminded me that cars can drive in mud too!

He is only 3 years old... so this is huge for an artist idiot over here! Here is mine... which actually is my VERY best work... But Zech mimicked all I did, and I think he just did genius work!!!






Here is my request... if your 2 year old can do better... keep it to yourself! Right now, I think my baby is pretty talented,and would like to stay on my cloud nine! The pride he had in his work melted me! I let him stay up until Daddy got home to show him... however, he still wanted mine in the display case...how funny. I am honored!

***Yes, I missed a Birthday blog... I just want it to accompany some pictures I take of him, so Dave's 30th birthday blog is to come! With GREAT pictures, I hope!***

Scatter-brained

This is just some random thoughts that have been going through this scatter-brained head of mine. I may not act completely scatter-brained, but if only you could hear my thoughts....

This last week I sat in the sound booth at church. it was very important that I pay attention and click the new screens as the worship team sang (for the congregation to see the words on our new PLASMA TVS). I knew that my mind should stay focused, and found myself making my vacation lists, my todo lists, and wondering if Zech had to pee. Seriously... Zech had an entire glass of lemonade before church. I had forgotten to tell the workers that he'd have to go pee. And then I worried they'd send him by himself and he'd come out half naked... something we are working hard on... modesty and privacy. My fingers methodically clicked the right buttons, my mouth sang the words, I feel my spirit worshipped, but my mind was racing with all these things that could have waited until later... Does this ever go away?

Today my mind has been spinning about this new word Zech picked up... MOM! He has decided he'd like to say MOM instead of Mommy. At first I was doing my hair this morning with Lily perched ever so annoyingly at my feet saying her usual "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy" with no response to my "what, what, what?" I thought about just letting him call me Mom, I mean, it beats hearing Mommy twelve-hundred times a day, right? But the more he said it the more I got that lump in the bottom of my throat that made me want to cry... loud and hard. So I asked him, " Can you call me Mommy a bit longer?" He said yes, but he'd already formed the habit, so the entire day we had to have the discussion "Please don't call me MOM"! I think people in the stores thought he wasn't mine.

I've also laughed at the things I DIDN'T think about before letting them come out of my mouth today... I won't mention them all, but they are those things that you never thought you'd say... for example...
Don't put Chicken in your Sister's face!
You can't yank her legs!!!
Be gentle with that steering wheel, you might break it!
The list could be longer if this scatter-brain would let me think...
Well, even as I sit here, I have my mental list of things I must get done... this isn't one of them. Sorry if I scattered your brain just by you reading this!

Should I change my Husband?
My husband is getting his bachelor's in Sociology that focuses on Family Studies. He is getting ready to start his final project that he chose. He decided to do a seminar for Father's and Husbands. He is a little over worked this week, and needs a annotated Bibliography. I asked if I could help... I love to do this kind of stuff. All he needed were books and their information. Six of them. So I did some research for him. I didn't do his assignment. I simply looked for some books for him to look further into. However that is not my point...
As I was looking, I noticed how many book there are out there on how to CHANGE your husband.
Did you marry him? Why change him? I get so frustrated at how much society belittles men.
I have taken some women's history classes and it was hard to handle as we learned about the Women's Lib movement. it was originally established to get equal rights. The right to vote, to own land, to work for comparable wages...etc. Not to knock Men down and trample them. It has really begun to wreck our family structure. Men are told from a very young age that they are not good enough. And we wonder why the absent father is on the rise. They are considered worthless from birth.
I married a great man. He has flaws, so do I. We love each other anyway. Sure we all need to make changes in a marriage, but do we need to marry a man just to change him? I am aware that sometimes people change in a marriage. They can be a great person when you marry them, then throughout time things change. However, who do we think we are to think WE can change them... I mean, I know that a woman can do mighty things, but to change a man's ways? We take too much credit. God can change situations. Prayer can change our mindset. The power of God's word can change the mess we've made. And sometimes it is us that need to change. Our idea of changing the man God gave us may need to change into "How can I treat my husband better."
Well, I give thumbs down to these books...
How to Change Your Husband by A Friend of Medjugorje
Husband-ry 101: How to Train Your Husband to be the Spouse You've Always Wanted Him to Be by Michael H. McCann
However, I have judge them by their titles... but it still brought up some ill feelings within me.
I love my husband... there are things I want changed in my marriage, but I love the man I married. And it takes two, right!?

PICA--

Definition
Pica is a pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or paper... or lint). This pattern should last at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.

Well, I guess my daughter has Pica. At first I looked this up just get the information on the word Pica so I could add it to this funny blog... but as I read the article it is a big concern. And maybe I should contact our pediatrician... but not before I share Lily's quirky habit.

When she was sick a few days ago, I laid her in bed with me to sleep. I watched her for 45 min as she pulled lint off her afghan blanket and ATE IT! I've seen her do this for about a year. It used to be that she just pretended to pull things off my shirt and eat them while I rocked her to sleep (as early as 5 months old). That is when I knew she was almost asleep and it was my cue to lay her down (not fully asleep of course!). I figured it was just that she had learned a task and was practicing its motions (like eating cheerios). It has has since developed into eating the lint on her blanky. We see it wrapped around her paci in the morning. She does it only when she is falling asleep or is in those first stages of sleep.
As I watched her for that 45 minutes I was amazed at how she would search with her hands for the right amount of lint, then yank it off, remove her paci and shove it in. She continued until she fell completely asleep.
WHO DOES THIS? We think its so funny. However, as I looked it up it is very common among children to eat non food items (not just put them in their mouths, but to pick a specific substance and eat it... Like Lint) However, the reasons are a lack of nutrition in some area... well, what does lint substitute? Fiber maybe... hehe... And there are serious complications like lead poisoning for those who eat paint chips (isn't their mother watching them??) or other harmful substances... but for other things a hard mass can form in the stomach... So maybe I should ask the doctor... I mean lint over a year's span may have begun to form a whole new afghan in there... I'd hate to see the colors of that one!

My baby girl---
She is sick. It really bothers me when my babies are sick. Its like this lump sits in my throat and I could cry at any moment. Lils is just as limp as a noddle. She has given me quite a scare this time. She always runs high fevers, so I should be used to this. However, she is just SO lethargic and pitiful. I took her to the doctor's today, and I am not sure if I was uneasy because we didn't see her original doctor (and seriously, she has an amazing doctor who always puts me at ease!) or if I was being prompted to pray harder. I just didn't have a good feeling even as I took her. As the doctor was leaving Lily jerked as if she was startled, but she didn't stop shaking. I looked at the doctor and cried out "WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER?" I was convinced she was having a seizure. The doc said she didn't notice anything, but then put her hand on her and could feel her shaking inside. She quickly called out for the nurse to bring a thermometer and some Tylenol into the room. Then she checked her pupils and her heart and informed me she had not had a seizure. She said her eyes did not roll back in her head and that her pupils did not dilate. the doctor's urgency scared me just as much. I actually started crying in the office. It scared me so bad!
I really hate when my kids are sick. Its a huge step of faith for me. It hard to put them to bed. I want to hold them and watch their every move. I notice how much I have to put my faith to practice. I believe God cares more than I do, and he knows the final outcome. He knows how and when she will get better. I find solace in that. But its scary all the same... So, Lord, can you heal her quickly!?

My Kids

My kids amaze me sometimes. I mean they seem so different than me and Dave at times then so much like us at others. I haven't really blogged much about them lately... and since I don't really keep up with their journals anymore, I thought I'd record their personalities, and how odd they are... well, not odd as in WEIRD (although they are at times) but odd in a sense that they are very unique.


Zech can be such an obedient boy, yet still throws the same fits he threw the day he was born! He came out screaming so hard he lost his voice... when he didn't get what he wanted right when he wanted it, it was a lost cause. Although I want to think he's getting better, he sure does put up a fuss once in a while. Yet he can be the most obedient by doing everything I ask of him. He may cry while doing it, but he does it. I often times look at moms who seem to have everything together and think they are just better moms than me. Then I realize they do not have my children and all their intensities...

Lily is starting her fits as well, however a quick hug and cuddle cures her. I try not to give such positive reinforcement for that kind of behavior, but it does calm her instantly. Every hurt, fight, or discomfort can be cured just by sitting on my lap. I love that about her. There are times when I feel like I just have nothing left to give, she has taken so much from me that day... but then there are days I feel like I'm missing out if she's not in my lap. It is my blessing and curse. I remember saying to Dave when Zech was born that I hoped the next baby was a cuddler... I got what I wished for. And for the most part I really wouldn't trade it for the world.

Zech hates to clean... he's like his dad. He will do it, and understands that its his responsibility (as I tell him each time he cleans his room before bed), he still screams and cries the entire time. Dave may not scream and cry OUT LOUD, but he has the same feelings inside when I ask him to clean before bed too.
Lily loves to organize. If I tell her to pick up her dishes, she gets right to it. She places the plates on top of each other ever so nicely and stacks them inside the basket. She stands back and admires her clean room... just like Mommy!

Zech is boy of all boy (as seen in the baseball post). And is a whiz at the computer. He can have a ton of energy and run and play all day long with no break, and then again he can sit on a lawn chair with me and chat it up. I absolutely LOVE converstions with him. They are just the highlight of my day. I like that he has a shorter rest time as Lily so I get that hour just to chat, lounge, and cuddle with my boy (who has MANLY TOES).

Lily is girl of all girl... WAY girlier than me! She falls all over herself to get to the bathroom when I hollar for her to come get your hair done!. She watches me as I put piggies in her hair, or ponies. When we are done she smiles her best smile and nods her head in admiration. She says "Oh, HAIR!" She loves every baby doll equally, and is sure to share her snack with them. I love getting her up in the morning and hugging her tight, she is my baby girl (who has pretty toes!!!)

They both love to be outside... something I really don't remember liking. However, I am begining to love it more and more each day we are out. To sit and tan a bit while reading or listening to music is a nice treat to me.

I just look at them and think of how much I've changed. How much just in the last 3 years 3months. I praise God for giving me patience. I look back on the fits and the stress of having the two strong willed kiddos so close in age and think... I really want another! Some days I stop and think, I dont think I'll make it... but I always do. So I know that God has built a new character in me. A more compassionate, patient, loving character. And boy do I love them, so I love these new traits.


To try to keep this blog short enough to read in one sitting, I will have to end... not to mention I am half way to tears thinking of how much a blessing they are to me. I remember trying to get pregnant with Zech and month after month would go by with no pregnancy. I would think to myself... I'll be a good mom. It comes naturally to me, so why aren't I getting pregnant?" then when Zech hit about 10 months (thats when the big fits started) thinking, what was I thinking, I can't do this! This parenting thing is SO different than my peachy keen imagination, but I really think God has given me some really unique kids... and I'll take their negatives just the same. Their personalities are so much more than their miscomings... and I can easily overlook that when they sit and cuddle with me like this...

You know those were special... I hate pictures of me... but check this priceless one of Zech (below)

I want S'MORE!

For Father's Day, Dave got a fire pit. We had decided ahead of time that we'd get patio furniture and a fire pit with our stimulus package money... as mother's/father's day. So, that's what he got.

I put it together for him and we fired it up! Ahh, the memories. The smells of bug spray, the sound of crackling twigs in the fire, and the feeling of family & friends and good conversation. Oh and the taste of SMORES!!!

Zech was amazed at the fire, but was very cautious as he threw sticks in. And he LOVED roasting marshmallows, however eating them roasted was NOT his thing... he just ate them raw!

Lily would eat them either way... even the nasty burnt parts (YUCK!). I liked how Brooklyn cooked hers, just enough to be melty and a nice tan...

And then there's Arianna's way...I am convinced she just wanted to set things on fire... OH SO NASTY!

It was just so fun! As exhausted as I was, I still went to bed happy! and dreamed happy thoughts about yummy smores!

Can't wait for more fun times!

Boy O Boy!

A Few weeks ago I went searching for the perfect baseball set for Zech. I had to, I had no other choice. He brought me a ball from his former ball pit and wanted me to pitch to him as he hit with a small orange marker. It was the best he could do... and he actually hit a few!
So he has now graduated to a REAL bat and a very REAL foam ball. He is obsessed. There are very few times during the day that someone is not pitching to him as he hits. He has gotten pretty good. He even lets you hit if you want.
Today, was hot, so he napped in just undies... sorry for the pics... it was just too cute. Oh, and your not a real ball player if you don't wear a baseball cap!

Yep, he's a lefty... he's tried it as a righty, and can hit pretty well, but he says he is more comfortable batting lefty! Dave's pretty excited!
He thought it was pretty funny to get his picture taken and could barely focus!
He hits 7 out of 10 (good) pitches. And Mommy MUST say "Great Hit" or "WOW, what a wonderful hit" If EVER I am not paying 100% attention to him ( I know, what kind of mom am I, I actually take my eyes off him) He makes sure to come over to tell me to say "Nice Hit!" or even "Good swing!"
And you must see the pitcher that pitches to a boy with an amazing .700 batting average!
Thats the posture and chair for the perfect pitch... hey, if you had to play baseball 4-6 hours a day, you'd want to be comfy too.

Lessons learned from a Cemetary

We did some weird things today. We took a tour of a cemetary. Not really a TOUR! we noticed some cool trees for pictures, and ventured in. I can't help but notice the tombstones,the names, and the dates. I feel a sermon coming on... bear with me!


So I learn a few things from these three things. Life is WAY more than the what they can put on a mere tomb stone. The stones mark the life of the person "resting" (as I tried to explain to Zech) in that spot. But does it actually tell how a person lived. I can look at the tomb stone and only know 2 things about that person. Their name, and their age. I can't tell where they are spending eternity. I can't tell if they were actually a beloved mother or father or if their children only placed it on their headstone to ease their own hurts. I learn that if I want to be known past my tiny inscription on a stone I must LIVE! I must show my life and who I live it for while I am alive, and pray that those God touches by it will see those 2 little things and fill in the blanks. Maybe they'll say I mothered knowing these precious kids do not belong to me. Maybe they will say that I could witness even when my speach was gone. Maybe they could tell of how much I loved my husband and children. They will only say it if I LIVE it.
The names on the stones are in bold. They are there to represent that family line. Many stones in a row bore the same bold name. When people walk among a cemetary and see CISKE, I pray it bears a sense of pride! The Ciske name is what God has changed me into! I've carried a name that meant nothing to me. It wasn't my mother's name, it was not the name of the man I called Dad (even my biological dad wasn't a REED!). But by the grace of God, he allowed me to gain a new name. The name he choose for me CISKE! A name that I want to cherish as a strong name. I learn that there is pride in a name. I learn that I must teach my kids the pride ( a godly pride) that comes with being a CISKE. That we continue to keep a Ciske legacy of Christ following believers. I learned that its something I must act each day. I bear the name, and I make it mean something when people see it on a stone someday.
And thirdly, I learn that people die. There's birth, and then there's another date... they die (I know, maybe I should have known this before!). We don't get to be here forever. Although I did see many that lived long lives. Many that outlived their husbands by 30+ years. But no matter what, if a body lies there, someone has died. I will die. Once that happens, my LIFE is over. (This is deep, huh?) So to live Life, I only have this time. To tell others about LIFE, I must live it now! Christ has given it. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ) John 10:10. or Life more abundantly! We die, we must live. I pray that I live for my kids. Not a life, but a LIFE after God. Not just any tombstone, one that shows I lived, not just any name, one that proves LIFE from Christ abundant, and not just any life, but a life living for God. Parenting for God, loving for God, passion for God... LIVING for God!
Heaven awaits! But we are not there yet... I must keep living!
So, I lived with my children today, noticing the life they are just beginning. The tombstones are not being written for them yet, their name is just becoming important to them, and their life is just so fun... so full!

Smile much! (even if its a bit fake)

Laugh often!

Find Beauty (even if it is just a weed)

Let your hair blow in the wind!

And as much as you can... Show compassion!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

The ups and Downs of Motherhood

I woke up this morning (well, actually knew before I went to bed last night) that today could be a trying day. I don't feel good. Ihad to sleep sitting up last night, and I knew I'd be stuck in the house all day. I don't know why I let myself feel closed in just because I know I am not going anywhere all day, but it happens. Dave will be home late, and I started the day off tired and sick.

The kids were fine. I cleaned the house and took them outside. I did my devotions out there, interrupted with the occasional hoarsed voiced yell "LILY GET BACK ON THE GRASS!" or "ZECH WATCH THAT STICK!" Then for some reason the Ciske kids' listening ears were turned off. Lily wouldn't come back up, Zech was having a fit over his bike. Lily wanted cookies, Zech didn't think she should have them. I had to actually give time outs outside! ON MY MOTHER'S DAY GIFT!!!

So Zech got sent inside while lily finished up her snack. When we came in Zech was just abnormally aggrivated. i tried to keep my cool and let him know that bed time was coming soon. As I fixed lunch hoping they'd worn themselves out outside and would go down for nap an hour early, Zech says "Okay! I will be strong in the Lord and the Power of His might! I will be good for the rest of the day!" Then he recited it again. "Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might! Ephesians 6:10"

Our memory verse from a few weeks ago! It change the outlook of the whole day! and sure gave me a mommy boost! Not only did he memorize it, he applied it! Now for me and my sick self! I, too, will be strong in the lord and the power of his might!

The kids and I were wrestling around when Lily (in jibberish I am certain) says "boobies"

Zech: You don't have boobies, Lily!

Mommy, why doesn't Lily have boobies?

Mommy: Lily is just a baby girl so she doesn't have boobies. But we don't talk about boobies, Zech.

Zech: Oh, okay (Face red and head down in embarrassment) I have to go to bed now. Goodnight! (nap time is still 45 min away!)

Dog Days of... spring?

I won't dare say anything negative about the wonderful spring weather. I think we've only come in long enough to sleep!

I just feel like I have so much more energy when we can get out and run. I turn into a mom who used to clean all day to a mom who runs all day (and has less time to clean... oops)! I love watching the kids have fun! It makes my day seem shorter which isn't always a good thing, and causes me to sleep better at night. I go to bed knowing they had a blast all day long. The last 36 hours I think the kids thought play time never ended! And secretly I pray they close their eyes before a LONG night of rest thinking... "Man, I have great parents!!!"

Last night we tried a new park. They fell in love with the tire swing!

Lily fell off once... but held on for dear life and Momma got to her fast! We then went and bought a Bird Feeder. We can hear them chirping (I LOVE IT). and Zech thought it'd be nice to eat breakfast with the birds. I was proud at such a fun idea from my 3 year old. While at Walmart, He had another very fun idea! A KITE!

So of course I had to add a buck to the bill and get him one. He woke up ready to fly it this morning. Unfortunately, there was just no wind. I don't think he even understood that you needed wind to fly a kite. He's inventive... he can make his own wind.

I was definately a great mom today... I let them go ahead and get in sand box... and they never got out (I really HATE sand!)

But I really love them!

We came home to wash up, eat lunch, then jump in the tub really quick. I thought this would help them wind down for nap. It helped me! hehe!

Then, I was rewarded for such a crazy day! I got an early Mother's Day present! it came in this box...

Oh yeah, did I mention that Lily is addicted to dresses? She really wants to wear one every minute of every day! Where she got her prissy ways, I am not sure! But if its not hurting anyone, I am not going to fight her. Its a bit big... but Oh, SO CUTE!But does it matter what she wears? She's just too cute anyway! Oh yeah, I bet you want to know my early Mother's Day gift? It comes with Chairs... with Pillows? It's comfy, but I wouldn't use it quite in the same way.

Its not just the furniture, its the prospect of being outside ALL THE TIME! That is the real gift! Outdoor activities.

Reading, chatting, lounging, Family dinners...

Which was the first thought in Zech's mind. Even though it was already after dinner and about 20 min until bedtime, he insisted on having peanut butter and jelly! They thought it was very fun! I am sure the neighbors wanted to run out to let us know there was no need for an unbrella, the sun had gone down... I am thinking the kids didn't care. The unbrella is their favorite part!

Bring on the "Dog days of Spring!" we are ready! I can't wait to be out again tomorrow!!!

Multi-Tasking?

I guess you can stand proudly and say you might be a supermom if you can drive 2 toddlers on a 6+ hour road trip while

• Cleaning up puke
• pouring pedialyte in sippy cups
• feeling forheads for fevers
• handing back snacks from the BRAT diet while timing how long it takes them to puke it up.
• changing DVDs in the DVD player, then changing it again becuase you put the wrong one in (according to a 3 year old)
• reading directions as to get on the right interstate/calling to see if you've got yourself lost
• handing wet wipes back to clean hands and whatever else
• searching for the right toy to calm a sick 16 month old only to have to reach back around and re-search when they've dropped it out of frustration!
• Refilling pedialyte cups
• agreeing to more BRAT snacks (since they didn't puke up the first ones)
• tucking them in for their naps
• untucking them when it got too hot
• and still making it home in record time!

I don't usually feel like super mom, but after a trip like that, I can proclaim it loud enough for all the REAL supermoms to hear!

Just some funny things

My kids are just so funny, and sometimes I don't make the time to jot them down. So here are a few comical moments...

Giving Zech a haircut and I say "WOW, you look like Buzz Lightyear!"
He looks at me in disgust... "I am NOT buzz lightyear!"
"Oh, of course, you look just like Batman!"
He looks straight at me in the mirror and says "Mommy, I am ZECH! Not Batman or Buzz! I am ZECH!"

During that same haircut something went wrong and Iaccidently cut his ear witht he scissors.
"Put those Sicssors away! You cut my ear! Put them down, NOW!"
I felt so bad I had to comply!

We take the kids to the park. Dave is swinging Zech without looking at his terrified face. Finally Zech politely tells his daddy, "I'm done swinging now." And gets down walking away saying "That was REALLY scary!" Poor guy!

Lily (who is struggling through her learning to speak) runs into the Living room from the kitchen and says "ABAAA! ABAAA" and points frantically in the kitchen! I can tell she is trying to speak, but I can not for the life of me figure out her new words. Finally she throws her hands in the air and does her fake spider scream "AHHHHHH!" when it struck me, she's saying "A BUG!" so she leads me to the box elder bug she has found in the kitchen. With much tomboy delight we capture it and put it in our bug container... don't worry we let it go OUTSIDE! Bugs do not belong inside. At which time both kids wave good-bye and lily says "wuv vue"* to her beloved bug!

*LOVE YOU (duh!)

What if...

I've had this blog in my mind for quite a long time, so I finally get the chance, I think I'll record it!

As wife, mother, children's director, friend, daughter, sister, and WOMAN, I think its only natural that we think "What if..." Its a daily thing for me.

What if Zech's 12 and is still asking for his pacifier? What if Lily never speaks? What if my husband thinks I am a slob who has given up on the house? What if parents think I am not teaching their kids enough on Sunday mornings? what if I don't confront a friend? What if I do? What if my mother never calls me again? What if I had a better relationship with my sister? What if I totally screwed up as a woman today?

The what if list can go on forever. I ask them all the time.

They can come in the shallow forms. What if I had just two extra arms. Could I get more done? Could I give more hugs, could I carry groceries and backpacks, and diaper bags, and kids? What if I had stretching arms. Could I spank without having to even get off the couch? What if I could do one step and it equal 4? I could definately use that!

They come in normal thoughts. What if I save and don't overspend this month, will we have enough money for extra photo equipment? What if we just eat turkey burgers everyday this week, that saves in grocery bills. What if I put these shoes with that skirt, will my ankles look skinnier?

Then there are those deep what ifs that seem to really bombard my mind.What if homeschooling wears me out, or what if it energizes me. What if I didn't give enough hugs during the day. I ponder if the kids will get saved young and seriously pursue God for the rest of eternity... What if? What if they become the new generation of complete sold out believers? and then again... what if they don't? What if I can really teach them what it means to seek God and all the great and wonderful things that come out of it, and they reinforce it with their siblings... and then the dreaded... What if they don't? What if the things of the world appeal to them regardless of how I raise them? What if Mommy's words don't stick in their heads when the time comes and they have to make their own decisions? What if... What if...

What if I pray? What if I give these worries to God? What if He actually listens and is already taking care of the answers RIGHT NOW! What if He is true, and His word is Hope, and His everlasting love and investment in our lives is REAL?

What if I accept that when I raise my children in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from it.

Well, I have to come to the conclusion that if I did all those things, there'd be way less things to wonder "what if..." about.

What if I actually believe and act? HMMM lets see?

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

My Baby Boy

When I found out I was pregnant with Zech it may have been the greatest day of my life up to that point. My wedding day was TERRIFIC, but it was a guarentee! I knew it would happen, I knew it would be great. But getting pregnant didn't happen right away, so seeing that VERY faint line on the test was the greatest moment... up to that point!
The day they told me that they were going to schedule the C-Section for March 4th, I loved the date... 03-04-05 It was going to be unique, something I knew he'd be! That day came, I woke up SO early. We had to be at the hospital by 7am. I couldn't wait. We arrived at the hospital, and I got really nervous. I didn't know what to expect with the surgery, and I was so scared for his health. I didn't have a voice, but had I been able to speak, I was completely speechless. Everything that could go wrong ran through my mind. I began singing "Put your trust in God" over and over in my head. I shook so bad they could barely get the spinal in place in order to start the process. When Dave finally walked in the OR, I asked him to sing to me. He held my hand and watched the proceedure. Then I asked "Have they started yet" and not even 5 seconds later they shouted, "There he is..." They showed me this huge purple-y smushy baby... for about 3 seconds. It broke my heart to see him such a short time. My mind did not have enough time to process what he looked like. I looked at Dave and told him to go with him. I laid there praying, saying "Keep crying, Baby!" The doctor announced how large he was and how happy she was with the decision to go ahead with the c-section. The nurses spoke with glee about this baby boy that I barely got to see.
Soon Dave walked over with my baby Zech in his hands. The best moment in my life!
He was SO chunky! but looked so small in Dave's arms. I couldn't wait to unwrap him and look him all over. I wanted to kiss every toe, and see his hair. I knew the first 5 seconds of staring at him I would never forget what he looked like! He was an angel!
That very first day he screamed so hard I looked at him and thought, "What could be so horrible!" he was a determined baby. When the breast milk wasn't available at the touch of his lips, he wanted to let us know how upset he was about it. He screamed and screamed and SCREAMED...
3 years later that same personality, though subdued a bit, is SO evident. He is strong willed, He wants what he wants right away... but he is just about the sweetest, funniest, smartest boy I've ever had the honor to know! And he's mine!
He may get 9-15 time outs a week, but he gives 20-25 hugs and kisses a day!
He may tackle his sister over a match box car, but he lovingly kisses her forehead for no reason at all. He may want what he wants RIGHT NOW... but he learns things before I get the chance to teach it!
He is so smart, such a quick learner. He loves order, and is a great organizer. Once he finds out that there are easier ways to do things, he is quick to give up the bad habits.
He's such a great and wonderful, terrific and awesome super cool kid! His 3 year old body sitting in my lap melts my heart. He has captured my affections and will have a very endearing hold on my heart for the rest of my life. I see him growing into a wonderful, God loving child, who loves to sing God's praises, and looks forward to his time in church. I look into the future and see a young man that serves God with a strong will, God's! I see him going after what God has laid out for him with great passion! And I continue to pray that he will hate what is evil and cling to what is good! My Zech! I love you, buddy! You are such a joy to me!

Zechariah David 03-04-05

10:11am

9lbs 5 oz

Zechariah David (and that famous Smile)

03-04-08

32 lbs!

There WAS a slide show here, but its acting silly !!!