tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22272739888010967452024-03-18T23:10:46.204-05:00Learning to TrustThrough life's difficulties, we can all learn to trust God more.Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.comBlogger1194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-38621777651039134232018-12-09T22:59:00.001-06:002018-12-09T23:24:16.824-06:00It's Been A Long TimeA LOT has happened!!<br />
<br />
I can hardly believe it's been so long since my last post.<br />
<br />
Elijah is 5 1/2. He started Kindergarten in August, just two weeks after we moved away from the Chicago area to west central Illinois.<br />
<br />
Caleb is 27 months, or just over 2 years. He's showing off his terrible 2's in grand fashion and keeping us on our toes more than Elijah ever did at this age! Not sure if it's the move, transitions and adjustments, or what but it's been <i>rough</i>.<br />
<br />
I turned 40 and Tim turned 41 this year. We've officially passed over the "young" years and are starting to feel old with each new crack in our knees, lol!<br />
<br />
I went through a season after Caleb was born where writing and having time to myself just were not happening and mostly I was okay with that. I've not kept up with writing in his baby book or his memory journal, haven't printed pictures, and I haven't finished any scrapbooks. That is so unlike me!<br />
<br />
Part of me gets saddened at that thought, but the other part of me knows why it's been that way.<br />
<br />
It's been a really, really, <i>really</i> big couple of years for us.<br />
<br />
When Elijah was born over 5 (!!) years ago now, life was slower. Was it hard adjusting to life with a newborn? Absolutely. Was I stressed out beyond recognition? For sure. But I worked at home half of my hours and in the office the other half. That meant 3 days at home with Elijah, juggling work in whenever he napped, when daddy was home, when Elijah went to bed, on the weekends, etc.<br />
<br />
When Elijah was 2, that all changed. And after 6 months, it changed again. And it was that way until July when I resigned that job and am now working for a different organization, fully from home and just part-time.<br />
<br />
Resigning from that job of 17 years was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but for the very best reasons. I did it for my boys... for a better life for them and <i>with</i> them. I was so burnt out on so much time commuting and them spending so much time at daycare. We knew with Elijah starting Kindergarten that some big changes would have to happen so after a lot of prayer for well over a year, God opened the doors for us to move to be near my family and to slow down the pace of our lives.<br />
<br />
As we adjust to our new lives in a smaller city, we're just immensely thankful for the ways God is teaching us so much through every decision and change, every new experience and adjustment. We are loving being near my family-- my mom & stepdad are just 3 minutes down the road, my dad and my brother & his family are just 10 minutes away, and everything we need is so close. Elijah is in a very small, private Christian school that fits him and his current needs perfectly (his class combines pre-K and there's a total of 7 kids in the combined class!), and Caleb splits his days away from me between my mom and my cousin. It's FANTASTIC!!!!!<br />
<br />
I've literally had to "detox" from all of the stress with lots of extra sleep and rest after we moved and settled in. It's still ongoing as we continue the transition, but we are so grateful for this new chapter!! Please pray with us though as we continue to nail down certain things like doctors, chiropractors, etc. That's been a bit of a challenge.<br />
<br />
We miss our Chicago family, my bestie and her family, dear friends, our church, and being surrounded by a variety of activities and resources. BUT there's so much more here. Including a lot more time with our boys... and though that's also had its immense difficulties, we wouldn't trade it.<br />
<br />
I know not many people blog anymore or follow along here, but I wanted to post anyway and use this again as a bit of a journal.<br />
<br />
Many blessings to you & yours this Christmas season! Thanks for reading. :)<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-60579238759233130512016-12-28T12:16:00.000-06:002016-12-28T12:16:00.356-06:00Newborn PicsOur dear friend Sherah took some amazing newborn pics of Caleb when he was 7 days old and we were still in the hospital. We were super grateful for her visit on a hard, long day, and for her fantastic photography skills! She is such a blessing to us!!<br />
<br />
It's strange to look at these now and just a mere 3 months later feel like he's huge (he's about double the size he was here!).<br />
<br />
Here are just a few of our favorites :<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqSRqYiL3L_zONMOyxyHAtFlgphQI19WZcF6IkEkJPhWbAsyD9uoIjkYEq6gvtYskCW4S71WoISlH4x1bQHk3AxJWGqkFgWqmQVSIWqFUOe2wOuCGjZmDb2jJUTpNyNRROakWAn9NdICg/s1600/CalebManock-164.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqSRqYiL3L_zONMOyxyHAtFlgphQI19WZcF6IkEkJPhWbAsyD9uoIjkYEq6gvtYskCW4S71WoISlH4x1bQHk3AxJWGqkFgWqmQVSIWqFUOe2wOuCGjZmDb2jJUTpNyNRROakWAn9NdICg/s640/CalebManock-164.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QxP8FZdXMSREKUqC2DSUYrrXqSwI38dOsizwjplmaF-_tGuznnO693JI8G0q9fitDBQ60DCeuUDRdYS_bTbqSbOabCLYTft2hw1T9Ku5KvjUAF48QLEMN964yD1tBXMYMOaK5jUQHdUi/s1600/CalebManock-160.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QxP8FZdXMSREKUqC2DSUYrrXqSwI38dOsizwjplmaF-_tGuznnO693JI8G0q9fitDBQ60DCeuUDRdYS_bTbqSbOabCLYTft2hw1T9Ku5KvjUAF48QLEMN964yD1tBXMYMOaK5jUQHdUi/s640/CalebManock-160.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7bBhfFis2Vaq40-gsa5ER13UMIfIAZMPh_GrAK7iHpxcU1l5ElN9Hj2KB5iUf8vTIEwDKr5SlJ5dTCPcvvfxYl7Bs5w8_3et8UDmRcaJ8jJrk44f2O5bG3aCZS8jsYig9-rYuPeKJ-45/s1600/CalebManock-157.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7bBhfFis2Vaq40-gsa5ER13UMIfIAZMPh_GrAK7iHpxcU1l5ElN9Hj2KB5iUf8vTIEwDKr5SlJ5dTCPcvvfxYl7Bs5w8_3et8UDmRcaJ8jJrk44f2O5bG3aCZS8jsYig9-rYuPeKJ-45/s640/CalebManock-157.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k7MYf5ShqdsQyUJq8hGj4ujPQrXm16op1niEX4ih9gLX2SziopsAkZkBDbmoBTEZ8x0LdfwYmeiXQWvC6_cCixhtvv9-9ADVMY0hu9UTFTMiXqxZMv806ynUwT4QfApO00C6R_xYsq4x/s1600/CalebManock-149.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k7MYf5ShqdsQyUJq8hGj4ujPQrXm16op1niEX4ih9gLX2SziopsAkZkBDbmoBTEZ8x0LdfwYmeiXQWvC6_cCixhtvv9-9ADVMY0hu9UTFTMiXqxZMv806ynUwT4QfApO00C6R_xYsq4x/s640/CalebManock-149.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSrLxf3_a2zCMoTWINAJZ7XEjm-Vit5xcE72fFli9LcMQ7j0shjJk6W1fF6ocn72N9OOA5Jp1dAxgjRn_crxzvt8wmqOf_bE_qme1NDNtIYq6QQiTNBX0IyunoU6FhG_rKkuoVwx4VhzI/s1600/CalebManock-142.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSrLxf3_a2zCMoTWINAJZ7XEjm-Vit5xcE72fFli9LcMQ7j0shjJk6W1fF6ocn72N9OOA5Jp1dAxgjRn_crxzvt8wmqOf_bE_qme1NDNtIYq6QQiTNBX0IyunoU6FhG_rKkuoVwx4VhzI/s640/CalebManock-142.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1OJAjHdWj9fTGsBSD3zsUc3UkvAfDKDskxucRqxcqZ2e863RJtkfC-S-DU38eR7knZ95_e3W-BbxBnBAecF0UnLHelLO7ReabmxeZK7LJv8N-QxJvuQ5wJOWyUOuGeeGsFBku_M_ubSx/s1600/CalebManock-136.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1OJAjHdWj9fTGsBSD3zsUc3UkvAfDKDskxucRqxcqZ2e863RJtkfC-S-DU38eR7knZ95_e3W-BbxBnBAecF0UnLHelLO7ReabmxeZK7LJv8N-QxJvuQ5wJOWyUOuGeeGsFBku_M_ubSx/s640/CalebManock-136.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtLjklgBQrocXbjOEIPepzq9O4RvlnMjEkjMatliDWFYXn2sx9J3lCHg7wPMxDvAqdoEzfIRprQwWZmC9V17waoyRd5NPOIMSSs0vyoKsa0yu5Jj6UMbQ4F5USdotNoPGCuCoi0SdmiVH/s1600/CalebManock-132.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtLjklgBQrocXbjOEIPepzq9O4RvlnMjEkjMatliDWFYXn2sx9J3lCHg7wPMxDvAqdoEzfIRprQwWZmC9V17waoyRd5NPOIMSSs0vyoKsa0yu5Jj6UMbQ4F5USdotNoPGCuCoi0SdmiVH/s640/CalebManock-132.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6H8HbQfJXtV52aXN8_vTnnfEcn-8tOhV4sQ1jBuY1H5VrAlwVeEUQhc9ffrRTtdOIGBPhmBayT65iPKrXDq5AcMtuMI7-bBQwAsRH2OcnXHlHo1x7yxwl_rXlLA4nyC8usplpUBAqyhx/s1600/CalebManock-123.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6H8HbQfJXtV52aXN8_vTnnfEcn-8tOhV4sQ1jBuY1H5VrAlwVeEUQhc9ffrRTtdOIGBPhmBayT65iPKrXDq5AcMtuMI7-bBQwAsRH2OcnXHlHo1x7yxwl_rXlLA4nyC8usplpUBAqyhx/s640/CalebManock-123.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZwuWof3tkkL_0tOxCqs6KfdEH9Ujz9yDdgmGOnAIPuTiQq_si1CmMGdQgEmwSrty2WUKIVlffYvYBHONac-81cmTKBXAqO8c8TPHKRJSe_D9rVb-jve10l_Yodb2pMBHAu8yPJVr69tI/s1600/CalebManock-118.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZwuWof3tkkL_0tOxCqs6KfdEH9Ujz9yDdgmGOnAIPuTiQq_si1CmMGdQgEmwSrty2WUKIVlffYvYBHONac-81cmTKBXAqO8c8TPHKRJSe_D9rVb-jve10l_Yodb2pMBHAu8yPJVr69tI/s640/CalebManock-118.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSpJcsiDlDTNsu5A2b16zq9dCbXE2fgIEBo19MOxGHgWFkZH0aS0k8VV3pq7uif1VjD8-WQG9WLNq_B-SNJan8Tfk02h44iKUv7hreM6_67SngQryVdu_4V-GjbDnlnCMVd2gJT3kl-_1/s1600/CalebManock-113.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSpJcsiDlDTNsu5A2b16zq9dCbXE2fgIEBo19MOxGHgWFkZH0aS0k8VV3pq7uif1VjD8-WQG9WLNq_B-SNJan8Tfk02h44iKUv7hreM6_67SngQryVdu_4V-GjbDnlnCMVd2gJT3kl-_1/s640/CalebManock-113.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfDmx-cot0SNGHBzuKBk17lUv3FIq0-NOOT4-_jm1d0tNqq39eA8k9YXQtknnH4RkmCwfNkdHAIpmweIIPzepdK6dg-4fFEUrAAclrkKM2iOAfkB3Mq2Humu832eEuBnIljkgizxfNS_h/s1600/CalebManock-109.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfDmx-cot0SNGHBzuKBk17lUv3FIq0-NOOT4-_jm1d0tNqq39eA8k9YXQtknnH4RkmCwfNkdHAIpmweIIPzepdK6dg-4fFEUrAAclrkKM2iOAfkB3Mq2Humu832eEuBnIljkgizxfNS_h/s640/CalebManock-109.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qfI0kHDpanNo_iyizeHXMut2xmgSxxukbVR6EVpif5okgIwrx95YDyi3ADhiZr2I-9u_Me_P7UgVVjDE6edQr82Xwjnfa82fow0kWmjlxtMAyBir6fWGnzJKTgZV_wGZepMGX2yAHUgn/s1600/CalebManock-107.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qfI0kHDpanNo_iyizeHXMut2xmgSxxukbVR6EVpif5okgIwrx95YDyi3ADhiZr2I-9u_Me_P7UgVVjDE6edQr82Xwjnfa82fow0kWmjlxtMAyBir6fWGnzJKTgZV_wGZepMGX2yAHUgn/s640/CalebManock-107.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKrYrMGabHgvYxZnHbO4GVKEhbLeDmiNHaWcvAu2NRc2d72_5k2qoBpcEHPX7pyEPu4i5vIJ_tsCNFcC8tChq3fTAIJpWMs9pUfwL8sQbx_bDUlMHTd0JjPe70XFjahKcqA5gl0X8RkRs/s1600/CalebManock-104.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKrYrMGabHgvYxZnHbO4GVKEhbLeDmiNHaWcvAu2NRc2d72_5k2qoBpcEHPX7pyEPu4i5vIJ_tsCNFcC8tChq3fTAIJpWMs9pUfwL8sQbx_bDUlMHTd0JjPe70XFjahKcqA5gl0X8RkRs/s640/CalebManock-104.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYuXAlLNVEO9yT2CS-YMkCIjdGoRYGQ2Bc4un-HZykHIP8yjXyijr9Zl7KGLEbZ7h6GBoY8tibF3EA8ZrrMyDx7QW50v9Q71odJd0-fw_RGrkj2QEGmsSzMMXOYSG0aCQcpGSdYqDvOoH/s1600/CalebManock-102.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYuXAlLNVEO9yT2CS-YMkCIjdGoRYGQ2Bc4un-HZykHIP8yjXyijr9Zl7KGLEbZ7h6GBoY8tibF3EA8ZrrMyDx7QW50v9Q71odJd0-fw_RGrkj2QEGmsSzMMXOYSG0aCQcpGSdYqDvOoH/s640/CalebManock-102.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-86936195930820470632016-11-09T22:10:00.002-06:002016-11-09T22:11:27.023-06:00Welcome Baby<div>
Welcome to the world!<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>{I'm only about 8 weeks late on this - whoops!}</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caleb Andrew</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQH-2tbhydzRChRYo-oYb3w9OdwcOfBor7pCKrElijnQmTaO6sGpcBW-INVQbsHfZl8jUXGlOoi-6yimGRcXgBQN-rVhsqaNndrBhwLka9b2hLfttmrKlwTPSYuaDwRN0SBGa_NHFbAxi/s1600/IMG_6031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQH-2tbhydzRChRYo-oYb3w9OdwcOfBor7pCKrElijnQmTaO6sGpcBW-INVQbsHfZl8jUXGlOoi-6yimGRcXgBQN-rVhsqaNndrBhwLka9b2hLfttmrKlwTPSYuaDwRN0SBGa_NHFbAxi/s400/IMG_6031.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Born 9/13/16</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at 6:35 p.m.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvRFN1Y9-sd1tnbhU5Kw5fOox2iAT1u04KxniT4yLj6BLFTzOw3SwrM_wq2Fc3Y9y_sJ4bJstkBMQddABZPEu5bpsOuuRFj2OH-ikrxSPXmQ2qlrE1QzbqD0AlLHSdax0Crt-VO2frkHV/s1600/IMG_6032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvRFN1Y9-sd1tnbhU5Kw5fOox2iAT1u04KxniT4yLj6BLFTzOw3SwrM_wq2Fc3Y9y_sJ4bJstkBMQddABZPEu5bpsOuuRFj2OH-ikrxSPXmQ2qlrE1QzbqD0AlLHSdax0Crt-VO2frkHV/s400/IMG_6032.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdfaNitRQlx0h7_ojJQchuTP8yUFqPUiHrlJvrLakRSWX0kXP6VrjctzefmAf6NQ0f-_r34WJhg8EdzwgRk0o3Yu4Zp-hDmFd9Z58zS0gsFU7P_tgV7tePHQX5zHbAAa_zgEv_5p40nJB/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdfaNitRQlx0h7_ojJQchuTP8yUFqPUiHrlJvrLakRSWX0kXP6VrjctzefmAf6NQ0f-_r34WJhg8EdzwgRk0o3Yu4Zp-hDmFd9Z58zS0gsFU7P_tgV7tePHQX5zHbAAa_zgEv_5p40nJB/s400/IMG_6035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaxeirgLZmb0xbxpBmn5KDqstDwg71GzSRbMJBh7U8DxWB-4uhwzs_gk8xRGdoGo_X1g-QCPgQhzh9R16-BpX0i8SmXc7B5GKd0NuRabN_IxKskO2tdzFQ4ltUs5BXJLstGYabaNVOL8_/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaxeirgLZmb0xbxpBmn5KDqstDwg71GzSRbMJBh7U8DxWB-4uhwzs_gk8xRGdoGo_X1g-QCPgQhzh9R16-BpX0i8SmXc7B5GKd0NuRabN_IxKskO2tdzFQ4ltUs5BXJLstGYabaNVOL8_/s400/IMG_6037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAka7kH85l9MjES7wmBpYy_OruK_DfXxuDPBM0oBorK9y9jAquvIZO8F7UI7j0rMtVSTXbcIhyF2J8WCigw1l-MJ29jexSa8yYDowkWcmI4H2TvWDO_hfhZ3Mr1dqCJIep-DZmIny0j-1g/s1600/IMG_6041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAka7kH85l9MjES7wmBpYy_OruK_DfXxuDPBM0oBorK9y9jAquvIZO8F7UI7j0rMtVSTXbcIhyF2J8WCigw1l-MJ29jexSa8yYDowkWcmI4H2TvWDO_hfhZ3Mr1dqCJIep-DZmIny0j-1g/s400/IMG_6041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
6 lbs 10.4 oz</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
19 inches</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
14.5 inch head circumference</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hr5HJ1sjBtJv4rYPPels6aKX7tfYfYxb_jVE9rDJHB6gWkEAgQHtOmTDXxpQhK8LOh3ouFDtRQi5OELV8HvDDGLUXiiWNfpYBEILQ1VERQTu5DKSg2IK-wJWxr2wNRyoMrne1QstUt_g/s1600/IMG_6042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hr5HJ1sjBtJv4rYPPels6aKX7tfYfYxb_jVE9rDJHB6gWkEAgQHtOmTDXxpQhK8LOh3ouFDtRQi5OELV8HvDDGLUXiiWNfpYBEILQ1VERQTu5DKSg2IK-wJWxr2wNRyoMrne1QstUt_g/s400/IMG_6042.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMZHW8nIBaXUAcvItLgW18ItSA55VURn7iGD3t6i3jTo_dwNdNfJrPoKoIFmMpLPB7Z6ZwCwEayuyXrIlKixvIO0foBDIpSfWwFJJy7yKf7ntmFi5n3_nEaHN0BmqQRS10AEoZYbzKpL3/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMZHW8nIBaXUAcvItLgW18ItSA55VURn7iGD3t6i3jTo_dwNdNfJrPoKoIFmMpLPB7Z6ZwCwEayuyXrIlKixvIO0foBDIpSfWwFJJy7yKf7ntmFi5n3_nEaHN0BmqQRS10AEoZYbzKpL3/s400/IMG_6046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ccMmsUkHvXOuWQCO4Cz-1XMKV8t3PYKnOt6utsu21sTWeY0_QgC0alBlQnUEWOCVgKI7Noq_9qHRc3nSRmPsdIqFDE9Ra2GUek0HABnX1kyaeucCJvQDbr0byCtYmVBiTTAmVOALT0KD/s1600/IMG_6047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ccMmsUkHvXOuWQCO4Cz-1XMKV8t3PYKnOt6utsu21sTWeY0_QgC0alBlQnUEWOCVgKI7Noq_9qHRc3nSRmPsdIqFDE9Ra2GUek0HABnX1kyaeucCJvQDbr0byCtYmVBiTTAmVOALT0KD/s400/IMG_6047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Caleb was born via c-section, though we really tried our best to avoid that scenario. Obviously God had other plans and I just needed to relax and trust him!<br />
<br />
We were SO thankful that our family could once again be there, and this time we were all able to hold baby since there was no NICU stay!! (Hallelujah! That was one of my biggest prayers!) My mom and stepdad, my mom, Tim's mom, and our dearest friend Monica were all there both last time with Elijah and this time with Caleb. This time was different in that I was not induced and in the hospital for nearly 24 hours of induction and then 12 hours of labor. {<i>My dad visited but refrained from holding baby while he had a cold. He was finally able to hold him several weeks later.} </i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i>Our friends Andrew & Julie and their 4 kids have always given so graciously of their time and energy to babysit Elijah over the years. They are like second family to us. They were so kind and picked Elijah up at daycare that day and kept him overnight with them, which he LOVED. Their kids go bonkers for time with Elijah and they all have so much fun together. They're ages 7-14 and they even fight (lovingly) about who will play with/watch over Elijah. It's so great. We're so thankful they could spend that time with him while we were at the hospital with family. Then the next morning after they woke up, mom and Jerry left our house for the 5 minutes over to Julie's house, picked Elijah up, and a couple hours later came to visit us at the hospital (more about that when I get around to more posts about all of this).<br />
<br />
It was a rough recovery at first, but thankfully not quite as rough as last time. Just different. We're so thankful for excellent medical care during some scary BP spikes days later that required a total 8-day hospital stay. We were <i>beyond</i> ready to go home, but learned a lot especially about just resting in God's plans for us. We bonded a lot during that time with Caleb while my mom bonded a lot at our house with Elijah. (My stepdad left on Saturday night because we all assumed the 3 of us were coming home Saturday afternoon. Whoops. We came home Wednesday night instead. Ugh ugh ugh. I felt so bad for my mom! But they did great together - she's really the best!!)<br />
<br />
I missed Elijah SO badly and cried every day that I couldn't be with him. We FaceTimed most nights to say good night to him, and we saw him every day except one (Saturday - my worst day yet and I was honestly so scared that day about my health and did not want Elijah to see me the way I was).<br />
<br />
But. Praise God we are all okay now. It was a huge relief to get home. To not have the stress and constant checking-in at the hospital. It was hard to know what to expect from Elijah upon arriving home, but he really did great. More on that to come. </div>
<br />
Thank you for your prayers as my pregnancy came to an end, and I'm sorry for this being so late! As you can imagine, life with two little ones while on maternity leave has meant little time for myself, much less time on my computer.</div>
Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-66051551743326352712016-09-12T23:25:00.000-05:002016-09-12T23:25:14.333-05:00A Final Pregnancy Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29perEs_ze32IGi03FXc5r-jLDDzHDiFZRpllCSAsGHwn5YPU-3gOcf9taLx8XXTSK6t12f_rXK4VGTmBbZGfZBHLcP5nA4g2BRYA5QyjACWrYjA6uu2pjbc9b5RErJBLLEw0OGgnxdGh/s1600/RochelleMaternity-110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29perEs_ze32IGi03FXc5r-jLDDzHDiFZRpllCSAsGHwn5YPU-3gOcf9taLx8XXTSK6t12f_rXK4VGTmBbZGfZBHLcP5nA4g2BRYA5QyjACWrYjA6uu2pjbc9b5RErJBLLEw0OGgnxdGh/s640/RochelleMaternity-110.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been an incredible journey - 9 months of hard, bliss, extraordinary love, exhaustion, and joy. We wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We've grown a lot these 9 months, and I don't just mean my belly! Elijah has grown by leaps and bounds since that first picture we took in January announcing he was going to be a big brother. And now that the day is nearly here, we feel overwhelmed and so very thankful he's adapted so well and is ready to meet his baby brother (well, most of the time anyway...)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx7a_9TMn6I57N5jmL0wMeD-hso0DJLgm1ZZfJW9E1HSfGkkaus_YN91RodJnJVP1hpDRLgJufDcrE7fnT-lxCND2UcoroErU_svhszXayUmdpZlAs94IH43GU4_R12hPMzzo1dWevK3L/s1600/RochelleMaternity-145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjx7a_9TMn6I57N5jmL0wMeD-hso0DJLgm1ZZfJW9E1HSfGkkaus_YN91RodJnJVP1hpDRLgJufDcrE7fnT-lxCND2UcoroErU_svhszXayUmdpZlAs94IH43GU4_R12hPMzzo1dWevK3L/s640/RochelleMaternity-145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm 39 weeks + 3 days today. My OB sent me to the hospital on Friday to be more closely evaluated for some concerns, but everything came back fine and I was released a few hours later. Today's appointment went well, but he continues to watch me very closely and we are back yet again tomorrow to discuss some lab results and figure out next steps.<br />
<br />
My due date is this Friday. I can't believe it. We made it this far!! We're beyond thankful, but we also know he's not going to let me go much further. I'm praying he doesn't want to do a c-section tomorrow, but we are trusting the Lord and we trust our OB. Whatever he thinks is best for my health and the baby's, we'll need to follow. Depending on the test results, we may fight it some or push back the amount of days we can wait, but we might just be approaching an inevitable second c-section.<br />
<br />
Our dream isn't that. But we know God's ways are higher than our ways, and if it's a concern about our chance of survival... we'd much rather be safe than sorry. This OB is different than our last one and I know I can trust his 30 years of experience. He does not push c-sections. But with a previous c-section, he also can't push for an induction or risk uterine rupture.<br />
<br />
So now we just wait. And pray. And hope.<br />
<br />
We are grateful for excellent medical care!<br />
<br />
But perhaps pray along with us that we can avoid a c-section, that baby will come on his own (along with our 3x/week acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments!), and that our labor & delivery experience won't be as traumatic as last time. Either way though, ultimately, may God's will be done and his glory revealed!<br />
<br />
Not much longer before we meet our 2nd baby boy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjHVMLHHl8o_r_q1magJVrFDlNRkuz2o4K4CNsZ6Zw019pI9vcq9rr9NlnbnmjMeTwcx4TVoY7XhGWmDRUKuoJLrCFP5vp6uG4Qif5xKt_p1HHOtmdjebJ1pk2r8Lgha_LBnTFLLs7kVx/s1600/RochelleMaternity-156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjHVMLHHl8o_r_q1magJVrFDlNRkuz2o4K4CNsZ6Zw019pI9vcq9rr9NlnbnmjMeTwcx4TVoY7XhGWmDRUKuoJLrCFP5vp6uG4Qif5xKt_p1HHOtmdjebJ1pk2r8Lgha_LBnTFLLs7kVx/s640/RochelleMaternity-156.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Pictures taken by <a href="http://www.sherahgphotography.com/">SherahG* Photography</a>.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(c) 2016. Used by permission.</i></div>
<br /><br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-79307678206287940392016-09-01T23:00:00.003-05:002016-09-01T23:08:18.486-05:00Pregnancy Update - 37 WeeksWow, am I ever behind on here!! Yikes.<br />
<br />
If it counts for anything, I have managed to start and save 9 drafts over the months... but have yet to publish any of them. Google Chrome has been really goofy for me lately and has locked me out of my blog, so I can only write on here when I open a different browser. It's just enough of a pain, I haven't felt like messing with it much. And then I delay long enough that the drafts don't really apply anymore.<br />
<br />
Also, last night was the first time since MAY when I've plugged my phone into my computer and finally uploaded all of my pictures!!! <i>Yowsa.</i> <br />
<br />
I think it's safe to say I'm pretty far behind on all of life, these days!<br />
<br />
But this space is long overdue for a pregnancy update, for anyone still wondering. :)<br />
<br />
I'm officially 38 weeks tomorrow (Friday 9/2). I've been doing well - am just <i>super </i>tired these days and struggling to stay awake practically every moment of the day and cannot sleep at night to save my life. <i>Ughhhh!</i><br />
<br />
I've been having random changes in cravings (my biggest ones lately are shredded chicken grilled burritos from Taco Bell, Hershey's chocolate pie from Burger King, Pad Thai, and all the bagels/bread in the world). I'm swollen and feeling huge, but love every single move that baby makes. Nasal congestion, indigestion, numbness/tingling in my hands, insomnia/exhaustion, Fibro pain and fatigue, and regular Braxton Hicks contractions are my biggest battles right now.<br />
<br />
But I'm trying to soak it all in before it's over and yet I've been soooo ready to be done (!!!). If baby continues to hang in there, my last work day is next Thursday 9/8 and my due date is the following Friday 9/16. I can hardly believe it and am so grateful to have made it so far!!!<br />
<br />
Below is a side-by-side pregnancy comparison, though 1 week apart (left: 1st pregnancy at 36 weeks, right: 2nd pregnancy at 37 weeks).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6KCs_vlGWIqDFIsmJtvW-JkmnRHWkBcExYs_XDZzjcuin4xdNJUWiAu80gw17yIYQL0CsVSqsXyajeWbI0U4oXNnwfS1_W0743GAl61WrFGXxPgFDsyckRDFPulBDliYDyIQ5FVAdPCt/s1600/IMG_4716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6KCs_vlGWIqDFIsmJtvW-JkmnRHWkBcExYs_XDZzjcuin4xdNJUWiAu80gw17yIYQL0CsVSqsXyajeWbI0U4oXNnwfS1_W0743GAl61WrFGXxPgFDsyckRDFPulBDliYDyIQ5FVAdPCt/s400/IMG_4716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last pregnancy, I was forced by my <i>overly concerned, hyper-sensitive</i> OB to get induced just after 38 weeks (due to going into pregnancy with high[ish] blood pressure and medication). I went to the hospital the evening of 38 + 1, and about 24 hours later at 38 + 2 it was determined that I hadn't progressed and needed a c-section.<br />
<br />
This time I researched and found a highly-respected and trusted OB who would let me try for a VBAC, without any threat of induction unless in case of emergency or complications.<br />
<br />
I've had no bad reports, all tests have come back good, no complications or concerns, and regularly have had good blood pressure. So at this point, there's still no reason to do anything but wait and pray, hope and see. If something changes into an emergency or complication, then obviously we'll have to do what we need to do. Otherwise, we're waiting until I hit 40 weeks. At that time, there might need to be more conversation and monitoring to see whether we just head straight into a c-section, due to a failed induction last time.<br />
<br />
This time I'm on a better vitamin regimen, am regularly seeing a natural doc/chiropractor who will soon start natural induction methods, and that I've had enough BH contractions that many think my body will go into labor on its own regardless of what happened last time. But there's no guarantees and I'm trying not to get my hopes up while also hoping for the best at the same time!<br />
<br />
Please pray with us that things go smoothly, baby comes on his own before 40 weeks, and for continued good health and safety for me and baby!<br />
<br />
Obviously we want whatever God has for us, but I also really want to have a less traumatic experience than last time. But as one friend reminded me today, birth is always traumatic and in the end, we have a <i><u>baby</u></i>. (I mean, really... wow!) And that's the most amazing and grateful part. I really want to keep my head on straight and stay focused on what God has in store for us as we get a front-row seat to how he's going to be glorified in all of this!<br />
<br />
But it's hard. In my selfish heart, I really want things to go so much better, with no surgery, no NICU for baby, and a happier experience overall.<br />
<br />
So thank you for your prayers for us and for God to be honored, no matter what.<br />
<br />
Let me leave you with an updated pic of our adorable 3-year-old at his birthday party back in June!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan6OJO5hMjvXion5HM1PYAVN7XtqYRGM-Jt_yBUJE9iXc-MAoH8cptojspLoACm8q0X2_XfXnS9rZiCYMdR9nuS2BpLLLBmdCX3llUuEdDxoIQHL4yMudyPJ4SkDcaZGyUGXDJw9_sUJ4/s1600/13528776_10208635777045133_3577795014590610450_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan6OJO5hMjvXion5HM1PYAVN7XtqYRGM-Jt_yBUJE9iXc-MAoH8cptojspLoACm8q0X2_XfXnS9rZiCYMdR9nuS2BpLLLBmdCX3llUuEdDxoIQHL4yMudyPJ4SkDcaZGyUGXDJw9_sUJ4/s400/13528776_10208635777045133_3577795014590610450_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Can you believe we have a 3-year-old AND about to have another baby?!!? Still seems quite surreal to us! Praise God for his overwhelming kindness to us!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-82708993559163364472016-05-13T17:00:00.000-05:002016-05-13T17:00:03.822-05:00Baby # 2 Is Coming!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNNIQE_OFDkv-WhaZ7mdQ3VvRZYngOoAtTVx5j2FSZjh4Mzah3Ln5oyMHfwp3kyE7UJYYgH16wEQonF7zEe8E1rxfXqt5ReuZ0_edLwb4k3hXyTtSCb4ZI07Pb7BO1pTHyWkeOmSh8rZ3/s1600/Elijah_announcement.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNNIQE_OFDkv-WhaZ7mdQ3VvRZYngOoAtTVx5j2FSZjh4Mzah3Ln5oyMHfwp3kyE7UJYYgH16wEQonF7zEe8E1rxfXqt5ReuZ0_edLwb4k3hXyTtSCb4ZI07Pb7BO1pTHyWkeOmSh8rZ3/s640/Elijah_announcement.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
This September, we are adding to our family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5nJ07wA0GuZ3xkiSnvx4Kv8EqsOdHLEH-r0GEDoGKnUz5papSJJBgHzlPM8O11ylNGjRgjvRYOJs1W84S4Ls83xjMl_GawzUjPNyvQnF1CDShWGsFhgHrQdV3U8TjHd94r0v1M2JG1cU/s1600/Baby+Announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5nJ07wA0GuZ3xkiSnvx4Kv8EqsOdHLEH-r0GEDoGKnUz5papSJJBgHzlPM8O11ylNGjRgjvRYOJs1W84S4Ls83xjMl_GawzUjPNyvQnF1CDShWGsFhgHrQdV3U8TjHd94r0v1M2JG1cU/s640/Baby+Announcement.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We are SO excited!!!!<br />
<br />
What an incredible miracle and gift Elijah was to us. It took us by surprise (though we'd been trying and certainly <i>hoped</i> for another baby) and we are just blown away. Thankful we get to celebrate another little life and to give Elijah a sibling.<br />
<br />
I have too many friends saddened by infertility, miscarriages, losses, lengthy adoption processes, and lack of being able to give their only child a sibling. I completely sympathize and wish so badly it was different for them, and am not sure why it's different for us. We embrace these babies and give them back over to the Lord, praying that He'd provide us the wisdom, strength, patience, and love to raise them up to love Jesus above all else, and to be wonderful little human beings.<br />
<br />
As always, God's timing is perfect and we are grateful for his plan for our family! Elijah's been learning more and more what being a big brother really means (through lots of talks, books, praying over baby together, kisses for baby, learning about how he can help baby, etc) and seems to be pretty excited (though we're not so sure how much he comprehends, especially the part about mommy & daddy not being able to give him their full attention).<br />
<br />
I'm 22 weeks along today and we had our big gender/health ultrasound a week ago.<br />
<br />
This past weekend we traveled back to my hometown and spent time with my family. We also threw a gender reveal party. Something I said I wouldn't do again and that I'd keep it simple. Well, I did keep it simpler than last time, but it was still a party! I can't seem to help myself!! I just love any excuse to celebrate babies and to have fun with it all. And it was SO fun!!!<br />
<br />
So without further ado... baby # 2 is:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnAamcKYCE6cXWa_zuXmkzF25GTTh24QiSWbIuBvbNEE4AEtDJhYjsyEfhRhtUTaST4RNQp5qvNyDoMwsuKYR5QwyaTE3dH-s5MPUSv_2L9xqhm13mrbetJxR3z6iFVA1X96xyglx3Hye/s1600/Baby+2+Gender+Reveal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnAamcKYCE6cXWa_zuXmkzF25GTTh24QiSWbIuBvbNEE4AEtDJhYjsyEfhRhtUTaST4RNQp5qvNyDoMwsuKYR5QwyaTE3dH-s5MPUSv_2L9xqhm13mrbetJxR3z6iFVA1X96xyglx3Hye/s640/Baby+2+Gender+Reveal.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
ANOTHER BOY!!!! :)<br />
<br />
Baby is healthy and growing strong, and I'm healthy too. A healthier pregnancy already than last time without nearly as much stress or concerns (much due to our natural/alternative doc/chiropractor and a much less stressful OB who doesn't see a need for a high-risk specialist unless we have complications). It also helps that my job has been less stressful these past 3 years. And even though life is crazier, fuller, and we're running around lots more with Elijah (also possibly keeping me in better shape!)... I'm not stressed for the most part. Hooray!<br />
<br />
I realize I haven't written much here lately, and many of my followers have left... but for anyone still around and reading this, thanks for being here! And for sharing in our joy with us!! :)<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-50716607699646352182016-02-10T23:08:00.003-06:002016-02-10T23:08:45.942-06:00In the SilenceMy apologies for being so quiet around here.<br />
<br />
The noise and the volume out there about so many things just feels deafening lately. Unnecessary, heated, angry, battling noise.<br />
<br />
I haven't had a lot to add. Every time I have started a post, I haven't finished it. Not even kidding, I think I have 20-30 drafts in there from recent months.<br />
<br />
Pictures just not quite all there, can't finish my thoughts, don't have time or don't want to add to the noise so I stop my thoughts with myself instead of hitting that somewhat scary "Publish" button.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite quotes is:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Make time for the quiet moments</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">as God whispers and the world is loud.</span></b><br />
--unknown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Indeed. I want more of that. Quiet stillness. Listening and really hearing what God's telling me. </div>
<br />
In light of wanting more quiet, it's been since *September* since I officially updated my blog. Yikes! Longest I've ever gone!<br />
<br />
So, it's high time I gave a bit of an update:<br />
<br />
We've been really busy. July found me working 3 full days a week in the office and usually once a week or every other week we drive the 45 minutes to our chiropractor/alternative doc's office. So our weeks were pretty full, and often our weekends too. With a very busy boy, it's meant for little down-time.<br />
<br />
2015 ended on a pretty low note for us. Some things I can't/won't discuss here about our private lives that just made life messy, hard to swallow, feelings raging, and sucking the energy out of us. Not even sure that sentence works, but it's all the feelings I'm feeling right now.<br />
<br />
Just, meh.<br />
<br />
But there's been a lot of good stuff too, and by God's grace we keep moving along. We are abundantly blessed by God's mercy and his love over our lives, even when we can't always see or feel it. We know he's there, loving us unconditionally in unfathomable ways.<br />
<br />
Whenever I think about Christ's sacrifice lately, I'm truly just blown away. Having a now 2.5 year old son (WHA?!?!?!!!!), I'm bewildered at God's gift to us in his only son.<br />
<br />
His. son.<br />
<br />
Wow. So incredible. Such sacrifice.<br />
<br />
I saw something the other day on Facebook. Yet another one of those "If you hit 'like', you'll receive an immediate blessing from God" type of things.<br />
<br />
<i>Oh, friends. </i><br />
<br />
Do not buy into such nonsense. It's just not true. We could never do anything ourselves to fully bring blessings and mercies into our lives. Only Christ did that. We can't earn our way to heaven or earn God's favor by anything we possess or attempt.<br />
<br />
Seeing all of those things across social media is so sad.<br />
<br />
I found another memory today from Facebook several years ago about me taking a social media break from Facebook, Twitter, and blogging for a week. At that time I was SO wrapped up in it all that I literally had withdrawal issues that week. Now, Instagram would definitely be a hard one, but otherwise these days, I wouldn't have as much trouble with it. There's been a lot of changes in social media even in the past 5 years. It's amazing to see how far we've come and also how quickly certain fads change.<br />
<br />
Even though I haven't posted here lately, I do still read other blogs, but comment less often. My world is much more wrapped around my son and our very full, busy lives. I do miss the connecting, but I'm also grateful for being more connected within my own little world.<br />
<br />
In just a few weeks, I will start working in the office 4 days a week, still full-time with benefits, but reduced hours. Elijah will adjust to 4 days a week at daycare, a hard thing to wrap my head around, but a necessity. It'll be a big change, but it's something we have to do, so we'll figure it out. We know God has a plan in all of this and we just pray that Elijah gets used to it and adjusts well. (And me too, because to be honest, I've had a really hard time with it and have been quite weepy about it!)<br />
<br />
On the plus side, it means now when I'm home, I can be fully engaged at home instead of working during any down time. Which also means more time for blogging! ;) <i>Maybe....</i><br />
<br />
So in the silence here lately, there's been a lot behind-the-scenes. A lot of struggle to put the words together, to find a way through the fog and the noise to a place of peace and joy.<br />
<br />
I'm still here. Things are pretty good. Thanks for still being around, in the silence. Appreciate each and every one of you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-76089261903441841652015-09-08T23:12:00.002-05:002015-09-08T23:12:23.783-05:00When Grandmas Leave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QgL961DZLKIE949Wd9a2dN_fIELWVJ1ewMarOPb8gl37W05EUjn5sZMb5kf7-_jptSUkiFo_AyV9YN9LSXRDOUioo2VDQH5JUwtxuUEW3UOre_vgqtRk5Md5M2hOLgRTgTiL0tKMwDOi/s1600/IMG_8580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QgL961DZLKIE949Wd9a2dN_fIELWVJ1ewMarOPb8gl37W05EUjn5sZMb5kf7-_jptSUkiFo_AyV9YN9LSXRDOUioo2VDQH5JUwtxuUEW3UOre_vgqtRk5Md5M2hOLgRTgTiL0tKMwDOi/s400/IMG_8580.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUgMuYftaiCfB67yBHnuc4ehgMiUg_2VbNcovvwVB4AopQFQB8VoEEh7VD5Y40Bmd4TMyuaoUAWtkFfDRldODV4fcly_eGU8hxj7iXCHB8Q3ItFY_cbcVeSLM_hhUnwvlA5qWzU0yITfc/s1600/IMG_8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUgMuYftaiCfB67yBHnuc4ehgMiUg_2VbNcovvwVB4AopQFQB8VoEEh7VD5Y40Bmd4TMyuaoUAWtkFfDRldODV4fcly_eGU8hxj7iXCHB8Q3ItFY_cbcVeSLM_hhUnwvlA5qWzU0yITfc/s400/IMG_8601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-55066895055475992452015-08-17T22:39:00.004-05:002015-08-17T22:39:30.199-05:00Nine Years of FibromyalgiaIt all started 9 years ago today.<br />
<br />
I won't bore you with the details yet again, for those of you all too familiar with my story. If you want to read more about it, you can do so on the "<a href="http://rochelle-learning-to-trust.blogspot.com/p/my-fibro-story.html">My Fibro Story</a>" page.<br />
<br />
It's been a long, hard road.<br />
<br />
And I've learned a lot.<br />
<br />
I know I'm not who I was then and I'm thankful for that.<br />
<br />
I enjoy reflecting and I'm glad I mark these things on the calendar.<br />
<br />
But today, I'm not full of a lot of words. Just a bit of solemn reflection.<br />
<br />
I went away this weekend to a women's event and I came back different. Or at least I feel different. I hope I'm different.<br />
<br />
So I'm doing a lot of thinking, praying, reading the Bible, and focusing on Jesus. Because it's all for Him anyway. He's my entire purpose.<br />
<br />
This isn't my home. Someday I'm going to be in heaven in a new body, with no more pain. I do truly look forward to that day!<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-32710261055520711852015-08-09T13:24:00.000-05:002015-08-09T13:24:00.460-05:00Life This Summer - Part 1We've been having a lot of fun this summer and a good amount of water play!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtQw_7cKtagi9jPekB4txPbsfFam-6Dysanu9_94d5_m0BsBn-YPhdmgOeqOSg5QWL1m-igrww-nApk7U0QN3Nm1UFsw85Mw9XMoNycukDSqg8artxSe4dBgz0VBLqQJ6VeMPlqon8DU-/s1600/IMG_7419_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtQw_7cKtagi9jPekB4txPbsfFam-6Dysanu9_94d5_m0BsBn-YPhdmgOeqOSg5QWL1m-igrww-nApk7U0QN3Nm1UFsw85Mw9XMoNycukDSqg8artxSe4dBgz0VBLqQJ6VeMPlqon8DU-/s400/IMG_7419_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5Hhuf32ALa8Khi_MbOuBIiwhUrGudusTIOJFDIbqRJ1KYUHjtjfvXAPiHGEOB_QJcutlRASBckUL71gqm8BW3QhYbMaAyDBYak6_AVVV_FMOlcmSZYB0Wk1abxaR1YA2viEgO5yglBUF/s1600/IMG_7538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5Hhuf32ALa8Khi_MbOuBIiwhUrGudusTIOJFDIbqRJ1KYUHjtjfvXAPiHGEOB_QJcutlRASBckUL71gqm8BW3QhYbMaAyDBYak6_AVVV_FMOlcmSZYB0Wk1abxaR1YA2viEgO5yglBUF/s400/IMG_7538.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Mosquitos have been quite prevalent after some heavy rains in June and part of July, but thankfully after our county worked with a company to spray our area earlier this summer, they've been a lot better! So we've been enjoying time outside when the mosquitos haven't been out as much and when it hasn't been too hot and humid.<br />
<br />
My Fibromyalgia sensitivities are on high alert lately! The weather roller coaster we were on a few weeks ago sure didn't help, nor does any extreme dew points or humidity levels {just like when it's bitterly cold}. Our chiropractor and my vitamin supplementations have been a fantastic help {since I know I'd be so much worse without them}, but it's still been a bit challenging to chase after an active 2-year-old!!<br />
<br />
God's grace and strength are key to my survival on the hard days, and sometimes, admittedly, that means Elijah watches more TV than I'd like. But it's all I can do. And that's okay. I've had to come to terms with it.<br />
<br />
So here's what's been happening lately the past couple months through pictures....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My beloved car hit the 100,000 mile mark!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDybOA_KIRs71yE-qkoY2ZpUDQPCs2Bt8QGkVcWwZaiK6BY6wmbtN2UCVgN8m0YN_VIJ4HCX8rcr9X8wBK693e_iHCSWeQ8yWM_8aTwESe3ImeL1mZXFcU51TUIlf8UB-Xfo9yo6uh3I8s/s1600/IMG_7430_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDybOA_KIRs71yE-qkoY2ZpUDQPCs2Bt8QGkVcWwZaiK6BY6wmbtN2UCVgN8m0YN_VIJ4HCX8rcr9X8wBK693e_iHCSWeQ8yWM_8aTwESe3ImeL1mZXFcU51TUIlf8UB-Xfo9yo6uh3I8s/s400/IMG_7430_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sister-in-law started selling Jamberry nail wraps and I enjoyed getting a couple of her free manicures. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I really like it though, since I never have time to, nor do I enjoy, working on my nails. But they <i>look</i> pretty. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8riLqSQtE_rYR7IZ-wVOoCuNKHJZHm64L7RQoSWeNQaV83eDfTmmlXz18HAkfQYoo22HVCCPXh6tbLPgKVETI-wThIA6Ei1K8NCxUMgqor9vQ1KeTXctpgTsPOrXNOcJWgzO9ZAm7G-u/s1600/IMG_7432_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8riLqSQtE_rYR7IZ-wVOoCuNKHJZHm64L7RQoSWeNQaV83eDfTmmlXz18HAkfQYoo22HVCCPXh6tbLPgKVETI-wThIA6Ei1K8NCxUMgqor9vQ1KeTXctpgTsPOrXNOcJWgzO9ZAm7G-u/s400/IMG_7432_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He would truly be in or playing with water constantly if we let him!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE4rK1BTg0_AeDmsiUmFIRVb_FSb9ir1RMeyzR2cOx2IEs-FccNB8nnxG4mFVBXUlzMMiBRnd1CEmXLI4ShLrxwOI5ZqGm_ohwUaCW08Sxe-Y3wCYO8Rx-yr3jIt84mvuhFxA_MMFT2aa/s1600/IMG_7363_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdE4rK1BTg0_AeDmsiUmFIRVb_FSb9ir1RMeyzR2cOx2IEs-FccNB8nnxG4mFVBXUlzMMiBRnd1CEmXLI4ShLrxwOI5ZqGm_ohwUaCW08Sxe-Y3wCYO8Rx-yr3jIt84mvuhFxA_MMFT2aa/s400/IMG_7363_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mh3StOL9mZdNAGBA68TTuVUMpkqcSSF4hZCHfecJc2Kfkdy_1g-rqCY5mzMG5NxrhRIzATu67j9CWrr1skBN_zGzd1TCyIrTBFjftL8gZXSEImP-MqKDU7PwETgYMleULaaQAOyIW3_W/s1600/IMG_7364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mh3StOL9mZdNAGBA68TTuVUMpkqcSSF4hZCHfecJc2Kfkdy_1g-rqCY5mzMG5NxrhRIzATu67j9CWrr1skBN_zGzd1TCyIrTBFjftL8gZXSEImP-MqKDU7PwETgYMleULaaQAOyIW3_W/s400/IMG_7364.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of car rides. Lots and lots and lots and lots. We live near hardly anyone we know and are constantly driving to everything. 45 minutes to work and friends. 30 minutes to daycare. 45 minutes to the chiropractor. 20-25 minutes to the mall between us and most friends. 30 minutes to his pediatrician. 20 minutes to his dentist. Etc etc. Sometimes I feel like we live in my car and it's exhausting {and um, messy}. Sometimes we do great, sometimes not so great. He's started to hate the sun shining, so we're glad for cloudy days. He's obsessed with crossing railroad tracks so if we cross one, we sure better cross another set soon or there will be lots and lots of whining and crying! But it is what it is and we make it work for us. Thankfully Elijah has been used to this for a long time so he mostly just goes with the flow. Mostly! We sing lots of songs, talk about what we're seeing, practice the alphabet, talk about the stoplights and what the colors mean, <i>ad naseum. </i>Oh and in the below picture he's practicing his spitting. Fannnntastic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_5PoW_yj5NEKVZwOupe5IXq4wZRbEH9mSenkiu4bCAaNtumTGEpEcI9s_-GpbCTXEMrp_Xz_Vi2QmEKoh7UqjJrRCmLSnZPWiltyoyfgtYKTEsr5r316rk5sAMbJVyA3zmpA8sYoPzcK/s1600/IMG_7366_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_5PoW_yj5NEKVZwOupe5IXq4wZRbEH9mSenkiu4bCAaNtumTGEpEcI9s_-GpbCTXEMrp_Xz_Vi2QmEKoh7UqjJrRCmLSnZPWiltyoyfgtYKTEsr5r316rk5sAMbJVyA3zmpA8sYoPzcK/s400/IMG_7366_2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pediatric dentist trips are actually fun! We have to keep having his front teeth checked after his accident in April when he bashed his lip and teeth into our coffee table and got stitches. Two of his front teeth were pushed backward, and thankfully have been going back to their right places naturally {with just a bit more teething, him biting and chewing things}! We enjoy Dr. Bill though and visiting him isn't a big deal. They make it so much fun! We love the large fish tank in the waiting room and all their books. Here Elijah is watching the duck get a ride on the big chair and Dr. Bill is checking his teeth first to show Elijah there's nothing to be afraid of.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPks0QyyWLPNI4lF7x5mDB0xsBiwKZHsLdi8X-MTNIpT9aktYUECIZhYtyQxFDRoKnEPpoFeYRnw17iJ99TYIRkVQD7Z9ldQ4wV-rH4p-Lr5vzkzzoLzMgaQ9wOEqGlXQ1nKWwzwvjetWT/s1600/IMG_7378_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPks0QyyWLPNI4lF7x5mDB0xsBiwKZHsLdi8X-MTNIpT9aktYUECIZhYtyQxFDRoKnEPpoFeYRnw17iJ99TYIRkVQD7Z9ldQ4wV-rH4p-Lr5vzkzzoLzMgaQ9wOEqGlXQ1nKWwzwvjetWT/s400/IMG_7378_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watching the trash trucks brings major excitement in our house!! He loves waving at our trash guy and shouts "trash uck" with such glee. He dances and then gets really, really sad when they're gone. {Same thing happens when we pass them on the street. They are apparently the coolest thing ever. He's such a little boy!}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOGE1NXYs_VzoKFfohM2Krnb7kD3cvayLo_Ys4w_r-bsvrIrJyftwDOhzHnOBA_W7hbfuA02gRKEQ_sHV4st56H4xieKPwiQYHeUYnWlG1kLQLW2jfgWb6-ivYqJfbwFyawH_GqFN_du1/s1600/IMG_7394_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOGE1NXYs_VzoKFfohM2Krnb7kD3cvayLo_Ys4w_r-bsvrIrJyftwDOhzHnOBA_W7hbfuA02gRKEQ_sHV4st56H4xieKPwiQYHeUYnWlG1kLQLW2jfgWb6-ivYqJfbwFyawH_GqFN_du1/s400/IMG_7394_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daddy coming home after work is still the best part of the day!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0YEdaeETjdq_ONIK2EM17SgSFMFVPV5ye72ggWkrN9s0P9bNIJJY7oKaaT2waUbkCU4nFs-J-TYGkq0HYKsNLmHW3bAv6cmqT9GyIlqgBhYYN4X9qE9z_qnRHp3lM5oN7RCLvhGBt2Xg/s1600/IMG_7410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0YEdaeETjdq_ONIK2EM17SgSFMFVPV5ye72ggWkrN9s0P9bNIJJY7oKaaT2waUbkCU4nFs-J-TYGkq0HYKsNLmHW3bAv6cmqT9GyIlqgBhYYN4X9qE9z_qnRHp3lM5oN7RCLvhGBt2Xg/s400/IMG_7410.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He loves running around our church. He doesn't love going into his room and goes through spurts of hating it so much we feel like we're torturing him by leaving. But he does just fine and we're grateful for the volunteers! Here's one day when he was leaving and jumping in the parking lot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCf1T8WLXTvfwFTd-PGmSpRz06sP2f24ynHzADjVrSPRFwDGOLgw86rTB9MutBhRl3kqTcRM8gXLXO1ATHwzLgRXR4j13v4mZWerEvK8TXXoh7tEkimS8XPHm8iyiPFtS2TnwHTgY8Bg4/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCf1T8WLXTvfwFTd-PGmSpRz06sP2f24ynHzADjVrSPRFwDGOLgw86rTB9MutBhRl3kqTcRM8gXLXO1ATHwzLgRXR4j13v4mZWerEvK8TXXoh7tEkimS8XPHm8iyiPFtS2TnwHTgY8Bg4/s400/IMG_7433.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spending time outside. Watching our neighbors across the street play badminton before bed, and cheering them along happily. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AY_4HEvb8XDPFh2OcQS5H2_SCWSNLr5q4cZFKeYVIMTMzOfKTdmyM_ZooqvYkLRSjQiQahzBfDiF4_uuPaU5O6VQziModEZBmV9tZDCGcEhcRrU6QM8_t5ztmzR99ew0_8AFfkpgYEVQ/s1600/IMG_7440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AY_4HEvb8XDPFh2OcQS5H2_SCWSNLr5q4cZFKeYVIMTMzOfKTdmyM_ZooqvYkLRSjQiQahzBfDiF4_uuPaU5O6VQziModEZBmV9tZDCGcEhcRrU6QM8_t5ztmzR99ew0_8AFfkpgYEVQ/s400/IMG_7440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We live 2 blocks from the cemetery. It's super quiet and peaceful, and one of my favorite places to take walks. Tim thinks it's weird and we don't go through walks here with him ;) but I love it and Elijah does too! We pray over the section where the young children/babies are buried and I get teary-eyed every time. I have talks with God out loud and we enjoy the quiet. Elijah also loves their water fountain/stream where he can throw rocks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5dE0vD79Oy-o_iSWVy0fFRGd-kp7ZFS2-WJxPUhpvtFKsY4_4jAwI2BD_1KfZs0ka20fBimT0YkG2Mj50J0a915zmIOdR_srbIGSnmh7otQI_dr8tcGg24EHIj5SToGtpZS2TaXEF8QC/s1600/IMG_7467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5dE0vD79Oy-o_iSWVy0fFRGd-kp7ZFS2-WJxPUhpvtFKsY4_4jAwI2BD_1KfZs0ka20fBimT0YkG2Mj50J0a915zmIOdR_srbIGSnmh7otQI_dr8tcGg24EHIj5SToGtpZS2TaXEF8QC/s400/IMG_7467.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcRvcIhPyyDSLvOIt4FB7fzgfCO1JJKRatHNxkrEK0dPzkVQ818BQqocbO_15bI6aXZlmd6k2J97qzAA0oSvccj7wW19I2lbjH7DIoYv3cEeKRcI2pxWTwKVEbaTNun-g_0hlDo5caCTA/s1600/IMG_7469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcRvcIhPyyDSLvOIt4FB7fzgfCO1JJKRatHNxkrEK0dPzkVQ818BQqocbO_15bI6aXZlmd6k2J97qzAA0oSvccj7wW19I2lbjH7DIoYv3cEeKRcI2pxWTwKVEbaTNun-g_0hlDo5caCTA/s400/IMG_7469.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's always time for more water {when the mosquitos aren't around}! He loves jumping at the side and falling onto his bottom. Here he went all the way back and was laughing so hard afterward.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiH8H2B1Dr9J_5orvUM_YEwfDZeay5W-xoRiuOzQpixvv6_NP4ejH0wENV1KVmLJDLVE33ISxzLe4sLMqU9wIeyPJDKwbKoGu4K_kZBn8w19NHNGaAhbzLk0ZjYT9pyJGZ8PGRK7rQ7TZ/s1600/IMG_7476_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiH8H2B1Dr9J_5orvUM_YEwfDZeay5W-xoRiuOzQpixvv6_NP4ejH0wENV1KVmLJDLVE33ISxzLe4sLMqU9wIeyPJDKwbKoGu4K_kZBn8w19NHNGaAhbzLk0ZjYT9pyJGZ8PGRK7rQ7TZ/s400/IMG_7476_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is such a great helper! He loves helping us around the house with so many things, imitating us, and he even gets really upset if we try to do it without him!! Here he is helping Tim gather the trash around the house and take it outside to the trash bin.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai6HCdR0MDtsgpcJ3iW3VS4n45f-azTi5P-x5HHPwWwXWNaE5Jp11fj_m2qz43JYsvYlkNvbDc-aRlIN8XJBbRi_Ez9riW8IeqprAA1gMas9CUwX7KOYinOpsM2abEi2fSMIymnBJ1agy/s1600/IMG_7478_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai6HCdR0MDtsgpcJ3iW3VS4n45f-azTi5P-x5HHPwWwXWNaE5Jp11fj_m2qz43JYsvYlkNvbDc-aRlIN8XJBbRi_Ez9riW8IeqprAA1gMas9CUwX7KOYinOpsM2abEi2fSMIymnBJ1agy/s400/IMG_7478_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He loves his outside toys {like his bubble mower} and could push them around the drive all day! I'm grateful he also likes to stop and smell the flowers. Er, pop them off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuvxafrmO0_DqX6XnKjw3-yjCTW4nktePotZW8xP0A_QTOMCtC3cfzbHdAHsoxbGisCXbEvxZf1xhrwnLuoIvx8HNX01PthQE4RXoUl0jcXpiJlaYhlKSpAog85OdPsgXaA7xZSCqeOuf/s1600/IMG_7507_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuvxafrmO0_DqX6XnKjw3-yjCTW4nktePotZW8xP0A_QTOMCtC3cfzbHdAHsoxbGisCXbEvxZf1xhrwnLuoIvx8HNX01PthQE4RXoUl0jcXpiJlaYhlKSpAog85OdPsgXaA7xZSCqeOuf/s400/IMG_7507_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We love when Grandma & Grandpa C visit!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmLVRvTzji99EAAAXL64dSIjOCoFLkEJLeVUHnPGNlsdJUvEnAWBJ12mErnbJLdu39eFSUg1-uWpOuWsj4S6FdFViSWMOYZ-nUFl3E6nA7BkjBGa4H3fOMJfXqJVdAOnQoylSvHDaRyVa/s1600/IMG_7510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmLVRvTzji99EAAAXL64dSIjOCoFLkEJLeVUHnPGNlsdJUvEnAWBJ12mErnbJLdu39eFSUg1-uWpOuWsj4S6FdFViSWMOYZ-nUFl3E6nA7BkjBGa4H3fOMJfXqJVdAOnQoylSvHDaRyVa/s400/IMG_7510.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMkge4P6iXjoV6MV92rMoUQI5QK6X4IcaTcvS5sUEVmCZHpTgLsVChkxdje9Ybfy62Ee4lgZkJk33vBm7-Cf1TrYGBdQZ7N25JO0ELXajLCrijN5fdQ6HDPYJLuJucQqKjJkKtYlk_tWR/s1600/IMG_7515_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMkge4P6iXjoV6MV92rMoUQI5QK6X4IcaTcvS5sUEVmCZHpTgLsVChkxdje9Ybfy62Ee4lgZkJk33vBm7-Cf1TrYGBdQZ7N25JO0ELXajLCrijN5fdQ6HDPYJLuJucQqKjJkKtYlk_tWR/s400/IMG_7515_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2GajOn1rvNsfiJ3fNHUEhSMQVe7nEt9qzuwN_ttQVzahGFyZhm-qyGvnv3FOz2sWVbustzu9apaY_gr0WxDk-X1KNRfYKMTCFgxOkGvwgo69R1eqQLoMOD5X736sb1e0DiZeN_Q1kPaM/s1600/IMG_7517_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2GajOn1rvNsfiJ3fNHUEhSMQVe7nEt9qzuwN_ttQVzahGFyZhm-qyGvnv3FOz2sWVbustzu9apaY_gr0WxDk-X1KNRfYKMTCFgxOkGvwgo69R1eqQLoMOD5X736sb1e0DiZeN_Q1kPaM/s400/IMG_7517_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hammock time</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AVO4ispxGN4D0F3pH_KheCwgvhMgl5BPwBKZf32EtXaxysSHdTNol3d_m0eVBBV2h4u5nTnHLSckKhlOxqd8S_zKe-05JgTobbePLzUo-VwE7MTndBoaPa5XnNS4X5Dgrf8ITgtTtin8/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AVO4ispxGN4D0F3pH_KheCwgvhMgl5BPwBKZf32EtXaxysSHdTNol3d_m0eVBBV2h4u5nTnHLSckKhlOxqd8S_zKe-05JgTobbePLzUo-VwE7MTndBoaPa5XnNS4X5Dgrf8ITgtTtin8/s400/IMG_7526.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mom & stepdad stayed with Elijah overnight so that we could have a little 15th anniversary getaway in June. It was fantastic!! So relaxing and just what we needed. We found a place on Priceline that was within a half hour drive and it was the BEST place, by far, that we've <u>ever</u> stayed at. Amazing. If ever near a Hyatt House, we highly recommend it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_otG_6g0fsAeIQ2WSMtW7Xu9VLB45co2HXzi2HCVlEtR1bjgLcFpYI6KOnF9oI8N795XiKZ1fh0MoDKsMWbpxll3LbQzjgbJqqdwnWGrzM_gDut77FUE-Mjs06yqHGQ9Ug6H4ubJL3764/s1600/IMG_7596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_otG_6g0fsAeIQ2WSMtW7Xu9VLB45co2HXzi2HCVlEtR1bjgLcFpYI6KOnF9oI8N795XiKZ1fh0MoDKsMWbpxll3LbQzjgbJqqdwnWGrzM_gDut77FUE-Mjs06yqHGQ9Ug6H4ubJL3764/s400/IMG_7596.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We visited the downtown of a nearby city that we'd never been to and had a really good time, though it was surprising how much we felt like we were back in a tourist town like Gatlinburg, TN! It was a bit surreal, but we enjoyed it. Had a nice dinner at a Mexican restaurant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine8gFk-kvt4kOi02eWunu8WapkqJL4hw44EyLtqzc4HCz4S6JMlH3BodGArUQrw9IXhdQsU421K_e7Z8891-1E4TM8_Z8Mmi67soZv-O_VeieTxVhB_MpR_T5qp12vDjhunkNc3fPvSAH/s1600/IMG_7614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine8gFk-kvt4kOi02eWunu8WapkqJL4hw44EyLtqzc4HCz4S6JMlH3BodGArUQrw9IXhdQsU421K_e7Z8891-1E4TM8_Z8Mmi67soZv-O_VeieTxVhB_MpR_T5qp12vDjhunkNc3fPvSAH/s400/IMG_7614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And enjoyed the riverfront walk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pfhzYQvb9x-LkE0wc-9ExPabCeZeEQ5JTv2Mvvyucue0Psjb85VVngu3LjPOsOGeeZUvwSONaOnJRaYrMfMzdwSEGhUArQxj_CmCjuAk2oshY015oa7mLG0UChktz2MP4MLtmNciIwdO/s1600/IMG_7616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pfhzYQvb9x-LkE0wc-9ExPabCeZeEQ5JTv2Mvvyucue0Psjb85VVngu3LjPOsOGeeZUvwSONaOnJRaYrMfMzdwSEGhUArQxj_CmCjuAk2oshY015oa7mLG0UChktz2MP4MLtmNciIwdO/s400/IMG_7616.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBQ_41cxhUnlJAjm4SXfryvuMpI9s2QKgmDgifM37O6uyOE_G2YkAe1hb589JPldY-Gmf-3lrbmRthncdqhRLkb5PRYKtv523rb36Nu8QobHzINgIx1g51OOymrfLvocycZupsjzuwg2W/s1600/IMG_7621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBBQ_41cxhUnlJAjm4SXfryvuMpI9s2QKgmDgifM37O6uyOE_G2YkAe1hb589JPldY-Gmf-3lrbmRthncdqhRLkb5PRYKtv523rb36Nu8QobHzINgIx1g51OOymrfLvocycZupsjzuwg2W/s400/IMG_7621.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hotel view of the sunset. I know it's not a perfect picture, but it was just idyllic to me that night. We were so relaxed and it was such a beautiful night!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72q7SDO22TTunOu7hueNW9AXyYiVsh01PNWGpOZ2RXT7LCUIgXzs3vCOrcnaBK4r7H_M5_GgkJxTYGXwKyMzwYs1Beq7GIOCWmokhAt-uCADPM029bz07nQEnZL8826pceU1Cn3yXm8tK/s1600/IMG_7625_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72q7SDO22TTunOu7hueNW9AXyYiVsh01PNWGpOZ2RXT7LCUIgXzs3vCOrcnaBK4r7H_M5_GgkJxTYGXwKyMzwYs1Beq7GIOCWmokhAt-uCADPM029bz07nQEnZL8826pceU1Cn3yXm8tK/s400/IMG_7625_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, mom sent us pictures along the way, and here Elijah was "talking" to us on the phone via his fork and spoon. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ltMShyphenhyphenpjuhe0IY9sQWVP7xrX5EEVCdCM6308RdgSdjcLcIjB_dIizW8NOWKEFicNVzCEfchkQd_07hF1fTXsW0YWs3RxXI0FbD5iZl-yJoJuWtNSDcJUL0Bt114cXGw0TEH83SIfRc6A/s1600/IMG_7627_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ltMShyphenhyphenpjuhe0IY9sQWVP7xrX5EEVCdCM6308RdgSdjcLcIjB_dIizW8NOWKEFicNVzCEfchkQd_07hF1fTXsW0YWs3RxXI0FbD5iZl-yJoJuWtNSDcJUL0Bt114cXGw0TEH83SIfRc6A/s400/IMG_7627_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We both took that Monday off and enjoyed the day to ourselves - went to the nearby town where I work and had some super yummy lunch at Dickey's BBQ which is one of my favs... so very good {but lots of food}!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhHTfyWUSJCJrzKaw8zbbiS4k-U0m7wMq6BK2V75BNrWPQ5qRX8yDEkOIOweoijLPXU6m8ouM0fCK3ZOMiAPIiMOpDktiJ8PDwvFeAoCK5losvJGw0MsUdqZ0NagDDFVFChMpOIt5dHBj/s1600/IMG_7641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhHTfyWUSJCJrzKaw8zbbiS4k-U0m7wMq6BK2V75BNrWPQ5qRX8yDEkOIOweoijLPXU6m8ouM0fCK3ZOMiAPIiMOpDktiJ8PDwvFeAoCK5losvJGw0MsUdqZ0NagDDFVFChMpOIt5dHBj/s400/IMG_7641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We don't actually both enjoy the same things so our dates are rarely more than dinner and a movie. But this time Tim thoughtfully researched and found a Groupon for a local gun range safety class & shooting {something we both like!}. We got to spend a half hour with an instructor {though he was scary, mean, awful, and in pretty much every way a miserable part of the day} and another half hour shooting. We were really excited! Sadly the instructor was a disaster and we were bummed it didn't go better, but it was still fun and a nice stress reliever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5GP5D_4Hibgc23NuhUhZTD5ry_gY57asd2jhmXhpdxS0TwHRfKN-1L2qv8sj23uNAN2EAr3VXQ2W2got7HUHa_nfdf13Ydy1jO7Uv2FI5kuXJFo9PtbE8OgtunP_MbAJgpD_UHLxHwbo/s1600/IMG_7643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5GP5D_4Hibgc23NuhUhZTD5ry_gY57asd2jhmXhpdxS0TwHRfKN-1L2qv8sj23uNAN2EAr3VXQ2W2got7HUHa_nfdf13Ydy1jO7Uv2FI5kuXJFo9PtbE8OgtunP_MbAJgpD_UHLxHwbo/s400/IMG_7643.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVC_yAIsjfJj5kXVcr68tlOG2sVKqOZOaqrd5-D3NkfF_QGUEnP-vk3fCSbsWnRzS8NfUGGXGYrZFvx8cMdRAuoFWXupbkPp5XHrVO-X_QfFdfjw9m87DsgKMbsSR00GZO07BVPKMjs4e/s1600/IMG_7647_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVC_yAIsjfJj5kXVcr68tlOG2sVKqOZOaqrd5-D3NkfF_QGUEnP-vk3fCSbsWnRzS8NfUGGXGYrZFvx8cMdRAuoFWXupbkPp5XHrVO-X_QfFdfjw9m87DsgKMbsSR00GZO07BVPKMjs4e/s400/IMG_7647_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbJvVhuz6UUWGePa5eNlh2QF5EAA39QnRWDwoNowiQDCwq-MbjhUiauoAqDBGvT7biVV_ojoBBQA6c1HmccBTs08DxWfyxqEGFDGYRsbQsu00jHkYffXFrYc1-PD5mEggPqNi-XSgeuDj/s1600/IMG_7658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbJvVhuz6UUWGePa5eNlh2QF5EAA39QnRWDwoNowiQDCwq-MbjhUiauoAqDBGvT7biVV_ojoBBQA6c1HmccBTs08DxWfyxqEGFDGYRsbQsu00jHkYffXFrYc1-PD5mEggPqNi-XSgeuDj/s400/IMG_7658.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Elijah was anxiously waiting for us </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k6BfEBBj1dGWdXvyc4eZaK69HADQco1kMljsNsxM_wRUz7Pvjo_viPHpurzKutJf1b5mXHnmEOE1FoypFtK30Yi3EeIHtrxZ9t162GLJRxSRYKBD3NJhJGWlcgXhyuVCouGMsELpwhXA/s1600/IMG_7664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k6BfEBBj1dGWdXvyc4eZaK69HADQco1kMljsNsxM_wRUz7Pvjo_viPHpurzKutJf1b5mXHnmEOE1FoypFtK30Yi3EeIHtrxZ9t162GLJRxSRYKBD3NJhJGWlcgXhyuVCouGMsELpwhXA/s400/IMG_7664.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We loved our time away! So grateful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah also really loves water play at daycare - here's a picture of him there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVxZ-o_YU2jvyRNbtTcwZ9DHVfK1Xiu5hd5L61-G1dZgSXoEiinvH-OijWuC4UQx8KR78FP1YKqqtzvEZzhSDkNyH8PCCW_ntonTUBrLfbLu2jJAN40W_CtPSF3-_rPtWEadjvHwSA2U8/s1600/IMG_7672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVxZ-o_YU2jvyRNbtTcwZ9DHVfK1Xiu5hd5L61-G1dZgSXoEiinvH-OijWuC4UQx8KR78FP1YKqqtzvEZzhSDkNyH8PCCW_ntonTUBrLfbLu2jJAN40W_CtPSF3-_rPtWEadjvHwSA2U8/s400/IMG_7672.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elijah and his Grandpa D. So great to have him visit this summer too!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowuOjSkQqd0QAjgE-q_VJqp_6m2ytaZP_d8bbcxN6ViNvvCz1vImglyVxOhTe7ckgmyjFWWmnPxM7JZBAEJeoVemGoKX1OuZQ-N-2vrGOapA1T1ufVYfWWR3aB9nU_D_aaUxvH6WCYoxm/s1600/IMG_3636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowuOjSkQqd0QAjgE-q_VJqp_6m2ytaZP_d8bbcxN6ViNvvCz1vImglyVxOhTe7ckgmyjFWWmnPxM7JZBAEJeoVemGoKX1OuZQ-N-2vrGOapA1T1ufVYfWWR3aB9nU_D_aaUxvH6WCYoxm/s400/IMG_3636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboKqkuqGF6ue-dJAsk71PslZuptZd-tjegxCuvSwaJqBR7qbjrhxy4n39KCGCl3YXCnKUdB299idUgkRdk6aHzhdOMMRg0Md2KvlUBlAMwfVOm1m2JrDvb3taX_WG-s__WCUG9xo2Pbjn/s1600/IMG_3641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboKqkuqGF6ue-dJAsk71PslZuptZd-tjegxCuvSwaJqBR7qbjrhxy4n39KCGCl3YXCnKUdB299idUgkRdk6aHzhdOMMRg0Md2KvlUBlAMwfVOm1m2JrDvb3taX_WG-s__WCUG9xo2Pbjn/s400/IMG_3641.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When we need something to do at home, car races are a fun go-to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uowVUoYG9ylv7hOfk4UpA4yO2jOV6XGLXG0Qx0NM56OUWv_aBMBn0zdSzZjmxDWfogn_yZPwJlXJBvMnI-GUlTK8MauXQzRx1nVn26yLlVeuFt5Iz9sqoFSHbrdjcp6K1zuZgu5rHaSN/s1600/IMG_7675_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uowVUoYG9ylv7hOfk4UpA4yO2jOV6XGLXG0Qx0NM56OUWv_aBMBn0zdSzZjmxDWfogn_yZPwJlXJBvMnI-GUlTK8MauXQzRx1nVn26yLlVeuFt5Iz9sqoFSHbrdjcp6K1zuZgu5rHaSN/s320/IMG_7675_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is totally obsessed with his new wagon. But he mostly just want to pull it everywhere. So we've been doing a lot of teaching about looking both ways, checking for cars, etc. Even though we're usually closeby, I still think it's vital to teach him that lesson, especially as he tests boundaries and doesn't listen anymore when we tell him to stop at the sidewalk (gah!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhf2GLElmmo7e9_OjhfDyg7Ae1nA-6NhT_0Kk4gWtbZSqgaIZLVH0z9gERvlJcQ7i1X-kefasv99_SyC6nOYbX3-3E3lYd583pCW3Kji3l_2QwkTLvRCleITlH6v1nMP3SXn2UwBiu9Tl/s1600/IMG_7684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhf2GLElmmo7e9_OjhfDyg7Ae1nA-6NhT_0Kk4gWtbZSqgaIZLVH0z9gERvlJcQ7i1X-kefasv99_SyC6nOYbX3-3E3lYd583pCW3Kji3l_2QwkTLvRCleITlH6v1nMP3SXn2UwBiu9Tl/s400/IMG_7684.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhO56Aq4RTGSbl6arMFaxBlG25BCqxExWJ9ehTpD2EdTFbMa0RScUHsukHfy1_toT39rJYIx_8b9N6XBYvwyZWyYECMbNfobcp-igsh3Q6FWwkzI1gir-68Y3VZicPmcG07VAM10qi9qKM/s1600/IMG_7687_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhO56Aq4RTGSbl6arMFaxBlG25BCqxExWJ9ehTpD2EdTFbMa0RScUHsukHfy1_toT39rJYIx_8b9N6XBYvwyZWyYECMbNfobcp-igsh3Q6FWwkzI1gir-68Y3VZicPmcG07VAM10qi9qKM/s400/IMG_7687_2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
He got himself up on my work chair, turned it, pulled it up next to me in the recliner, and sat like this to watch some TV. Wow. Growing up so much!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA_UFEkv7D-jy7bWh2uBtG8nC9lslKNUUvBJy0qK5BD2mCiAYwsx1Z9MnebVdBUg5cBiG89vG8ur_ymgWdvQSFMJhtsGjxgFDv2-L83OL8ObSJPV5k_hKl0fOBfytcD4yc8H1d0icx3ll/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHA_UFEkv7D-jy7bWh2uBtG8nC9lslKNUUvBJy0qK5BD2mCiAYwsx1Z9MnebVdBUg5cBiG89vG8ur_ymgWdvQSFMJhtsGjxgFDv2-L83OL8ObSJPV5k_hKl0fOBfytcD4yc8H1d0icx3ll/s400/IMG_7691.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Time to post this. I'll get some more pictures on my computer from this past month or so and will write more later. :) Hope you're all having lots of great summer adventures!<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-34274315142262932872015-07-01T09:02:00.001-05:002015-07-01T09:13:01.598-05:00When 15 Years Go Differently Than You Planned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblKU8Z1izZm0Fx3Covq1s6IR78YjjiPZjF5zgE4m4C8MHoay4WqA2D9xd96OsYmquGSJdMb2GBNDz6XTJ4t5FW2s8j4qU2j_A7bQ0WYGo5RDbN40AU3Tk2bGsYkcSLDOKLA9cdzhId3_H/s1600/IMG_4555+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblKU8Z1izZm0Fx3Covq1s6IR78YjjiPZjF5zgE4m4C8MHoay4WqA2D9xd96OsYmquGSJdMb2GBNDz6XTJ4t5FW2s8j4qU2j_A7bQ0WYGo5RDbN40AU3Tk2bGsYkcSLDOKLA9cdzhId3_H/s640/IMG_4555+-+Version+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1761253124"></span><span id="goog_1761253125"></span><br />
<br />
I love to make plans.<br />
<br />
I also love to break the mold and go against the flow.<br />
<br />
I love to be spontaneous at random moments, and other times I absolutely cannot stand it and need everything just. so.<br />
<br />
One minute I love to be in the spotlight. The next minute I can easily hide in the corner.<br />
<br />
I enjoy parties and mingling. But I also have streaks of shyness that make me want to avoid such situations altogether.<br />
<br />
I'm indecisive, yet assertive. I'm spunky, yet quiet. I'm brave, yet afraid. I'm friendly, but fearful of what people think of me. I'm crazy and boisterous, and torture myself later about how much of an idiot I must have looked like.<br />
<br />
And yet, ironically, I also don't care.<br />
<br />
I am an extroverted introvert. I love people but I don't always want them around. I need my time and space, my introspection, my chance to breathe and heal and move away from chaos.<br />
<br />
<i>{I know, right?! Can you believe my poor husband has to keep up with figuring ME out?!?!? Oy. He did not really know what he was getting into when he signed up for that job.}</i><br />
<br />
Fibromyalgia has taught me that more than anything else. I simply cannot function if I'm always around people, always going, doing, living. I cannot recover. My body is broken and always sick. Always. I don't have a day off. I don't get a chance to fully unwind. My body will never be fully healed on this earth, as far as we can tell.<br />
<br />
I'm okay with that and have generally made my peace with it {though yes, I still have my moments!}. It took years to get here, so don't think that happened immediately, not by any means!<br />
<br />
I feel badly for my husband. I'm not always so sure he's made his peace with it, but he does his best.<br />
<br />
We didn't choose this and we don't want it. We could never have known to plan ahead for this. It's not that kind of thing. Yet, it's here.<br />
<br />
And so is Tim.<br />
<br />
That says A LOT. About him. His character. His faith in Christ. His love for me. His unwillingness to bend to promises he made to me in front of over one-hundred people on a stage in a little midwestern Baptist church.<br />
<br />
Tim has stuck next to me, living out this messed up reality in ways neither of us could have even imagined when we promised "for better or worse, in sickness and in health". There's no way back to before Fibro days.<br />
<br />
We were young and naive. Those 15 years ago, June 24th.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08b-WXcWtfvx5rVYBsr_Zc3bVkLsYBUDYua4Oz3SBxWFlhClF5Ba-DdYppffdsE_1CdXMiYZ8GE-hJz5n0cfP61AQhd9oBz_GK1mSnnQ-A7tAjOBR4rpU0NnH2QOxGKX0Uy29GS4I3aB5/s1600/Our.Wed047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08b-WXcWtfvx5rVYBsr_Zc3bVkLsYBUDYua4Oz3SBxWFlhClF5Ba-DdYppffdsE_1CdXMiYZ8GE-hJz5n0cfP61AQhd9oBz_GK1mSnnQ-A7tAjOBR4rpU0NnH2QOxGKX0Uy29GS4I3aB5/s320/Our.Wed047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQB6mLvVgttVFECMDNdO71Scz-HUzmw20mBAqm3H4QAyHT_hQPcHwJ5HN9HL2ad204AwuTNk9dRw5PSqH0szpTLoSvx6SpqgQ4kKljkYqH32BnBKVMgkch0oJhLrXEqCA2ylTfxzEbcWo/s1600/OurWed117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQB6mLvVgttVFECMDNdO71Scz-HUzmw20mBAqm3H4QAyHT_hQPcHwJ5HN9HL2ad204AwuTNk9dRw5PSqH0szpTLoSvx6SpqgQ4kKljkYqH32BnBKVMgkch0oJhLrXEqCA2ylTfxzEbcWo/s320/OurWed117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We knew what it meant but we didn't KNOW what it meant.<br />
<br />
We get it now. In ways we wish we didn't have to. But maybe it's also just what we needed to bring us together more.<br />
<br />
All up for honesty here? Some days, it tears us apart.<br />
<br />
There, I said it. Firm grip on reality. We are not a couple that just jumps in head first, ready to roll. Making all the right sacrifices at the right times. This marriage thing is mad hard.<br />
<br />
Then you put <i>two completely 100% OPPOSITES together</i>.<br />
<br />
Haha. It's insanity.<br />
<br />
There are days I was not sure we would survive. I wasn't sure I wanted us to. I could dream up and imagine ways out.<i> {And I'm sure my husband has too!}</i><br />
<br />
But as I dug deep into God's Word, shared my story with others, had believers holding fast onto me and reminding me of God's truths, and as I prayed and pleaded with God to change my marriage, He did.<br />
<br />
Because He changed ME. My heart. My ignorance. My selfish pride.<br />
<br />
Marriage isn't about getting what I want. It's about laying down what I want. For the one I love. Even when I'm mad. Even when I don't feel like I <i>really</i> love him in those small, fleeting moments. I see the truth.<br />
<br />
That I love him every moment, of every day. No matter what happens. No matter how I feel.<br />
<br />
God promises a good result. When we listen and obey.<br />
<br />
How many times am I going to tell my 2-year-old son to "listen and obey, listen and obey" without also being the one who does that with my dear Savior?<br />
<br />
I don't want to just say it. I want to live it out fully in front of him. Laying my life down. Setting my desires aside for what they want and need and desire and care about.<br />
<br />
15 years.<br />
<br />
It's been so crazy hard. And unbelievably amazing. A roller-coaster ride of joys and tears, happiness and sadness, safety and fears. Sin, repentance, and forgiveness on both our parts.<br />
<br />
We both have a long way to go and are not perfect. We know that without Jesus as the head of our home, we'd be an even worse mess. If we were not Christians who didn't even allow divorce in our vocabulary... I truly do not believe we'd be together still today.<br />
<br />
I'm surprised and delighted that we are. Amazed by God's grace and goodness.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
Thank you honey, for staying. For being by my side, even when the going has gotten rough. Downright rotten, in fact. For dealing with the Fibromyalgia as a part of who I am, not just treating it as this unfair thing that happened to us... but for embracing it with me as a part of what God has allowed to grow and change us.<br />
<br />
Thank you for keeping your promises. Thank you for doing life together with me, even when all we want to do is crawl back into bed sometimes and SLEEP!<br />
<br />
Thank you for the years of killing creepy nasty crawlers, for protecting me, for praying over me when I'm scared, for the times you've had to help me get dressed and do all the housework, for the love you've showered over me even when I didn't deserve it, for letting me get my way more often than I know you'd care to, for letting me control the remote so often, for believing in me when I had nothing left, for knowing just what to do when I have a panic attack, for pushing me to climb up a mountain when I was so sure it might kill me, and for staying by my side regardless of the way the years have impacted my body and shape.<br />
<br />
Also. 13 years it took. 13 years before we were given the sweet blessing of adding a child into our family. Many years of waiting, longing, hoping, praying.<br />
<br />
And Elijah David came along.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykUqMqKQZIDsrNdf1BIpguiRa0bCjHDQYJvPxFNFkmquOdJjzdutwQIdVNcjv6bbGCINzFXxE_U9L-olIW9RHAdzp6r52bVEmzWeNTOr0x7ylntg7nSI9iviUSWt_XxCT29XGANgPLyi0/s1600/IMG_4542+-+Version+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykUqMqKQZIDsrNdf1BIpguiRa0bCjHDQYJvPxFNFkmquOdJjzdutwQIdVNcjv6bbGCINzFXxE_U9L-olIW9RHAdzp6r52bVEmzWeNTOr0x7ylntg7nSI9iviUSWt_XxCT29XGANgPLyi0/s640/IMG_4542+-+Version+2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Our lives were rocked. Radically changed. So much harder than we'd imagined. So much better too.<br />
<br />
Our precious, adorable, lovable, sweet boy. Oh how we love him so! He brings us together in so many ways, and yet being a parent is one of the hardest things we've ever done.<br />
<br />
Parenting has certainly added a whole other dimension to our lives. Our lack of energy and comfort, our inability to communicate effectively, to listen, and to tend to each other's needs. Our ability to see straight and be <i>good</i> parents on the hard days.<br />
<br />
So challenging, but the rewards are oh so very sweet!<br />
<br />
By God's grace, we keep on keeping on... one foot in front of the other. Until God calls us home to be with him.<br />
<br />
Here's to at least 15 more years together! Love you babe.<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-87927914994501295562015-06-20T23:02:00.003-05:002015-06-20T23:02:27.896-05:00Two. How is he already TWO?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwkdzZDdAZIOEPgTr5SshZRh7GFrnBgIdqdLaWVhq1rAfec5YkBIPKLcF5AadP94Ugv5BUX8q1y6Ff05M5XJKHtHpCVYhLCwEDiNDZqqpF-BKJE18h4XMbx-OApRdYQ3yo1PBIrq8hGo6/s1600/IMG_4377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwkdzZDdAZIOEPgTr5SshZRh7GFrnBgIdqdLaWVhq1rAfec5YkBIPKLcF5AadP94Ugv5BUX8q1y6Ff05M5XJKHtHpCVYhLCwEDiNDZqqpF-BKJE18h4XMbx-OApRdYQ3yo1PBIrq8hGo6/s400/IMG_4377.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Somehow, we have a 2 year old on our hands.<br />
<br />
TWO.<br />
<br />
TWO!?!?!?!?!<br />
<br />
I know everyone says how fast time flies and they're in awe of their child getting one year older. Like we know it's coming, but in the day-to-day, in the mundane, in the chaos... it's so easy to just have the moments pass you by. So easy.<br />
<br />
I try to soak in every little bit that I can, and yet time slips away faster and faster. His first year was mad hard, yo. One of the hardest--yet best--years of my life.<br />
<br />
His second year wasn't without hardships, certainly. But it's been different. I've found myself more as a mother and I've understood things better than before. I'm not fighting depression and I'm enjoying this stage of his life deeply. Finding the joys in the big and small things.<br />
<br />
But this, his second year of life came and went SO fast. Some long, slow days. One very fast, blurry year.<br />
<br />
<b>Elijah David.</b><br />
<br />
Our sweet, adorable, hilarious, spirited, sensitive, spunky, helpful, kind boy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuPQpJtqCQpb4T2PIu3G36w2lyWgd4hXuKMWM4x6tdzPBXQRynUGctTiGp6BYF5-z1JDBRHHJe2MZa3wJ0Qi2vZ3iCQuZWWcxo0iCj6JHbiIF2T4ujoSBNMYgI-JoVq2f-Z7qZFVVrT4p/s1600/IMG_4438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuPQpJtqCQpb4T2PIu3G36w2lyWgd4hXuKMWM4x6tdzPBXQRynUGctTiGp6BYF5-z1JDBRHHJe2MZa3wJ0Qi2vZ3iCQuZWWcxo0iCj6JHbiIF2T4ujoSBNMYgI-JoVq2f-Z7qZFVVrT4p/s400/IMG_4438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Let me have him answer some questions for you :)<br />
<br />
<i>What's your name?</i><br />
Lijjaahh!<br />
<br />
<i>How old are you?</i><br />
TWO! {he says very quickly}<br />
<br />
<i>Can you say yes?</i><br />
AY! {So that's a no... his yes is a weird Irish-type version ;)}<br />
<br />
<i>Can you repeat the letters of the alphabet after me?</i><br />
AY!<br />
<br />
<i>What's your favorite color?</i><br />
Ello. {Yellow}<br />
<br />
<i>What's your favorite song?</i><br />
EIEOOOOO<br />
{Old MacDonald Had a Farm... EIEIO}<br />
<br />
<i>What's your favorite toy?</i><br />
PHONE. Mama's phone. Daddy's phone. Lijah's phone.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you want to watch something?</i><br />
VV. VV. {TV}<br />
<br />
<i>What do you want to watch?</i><br />
Pajja<br />
<i>Pajanimals?</i><br />
Ay!<br />
<i>How about Paw Patrol instead?</i><br />
Okay!<br />
<br />
<i>Do you want to color?</i><br />
Ayyyy! {As he goes to his special drawer for the crayons and paper}<br />
<br />
<i>Is that your truck?</i><br />
Uck.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you want to help take out the trash?</i><br />
Ash, ash, ash!!!<br />
<i>Is your favorite truck the trash truck?</i><br />
AYY - ash, ash, ash!!!!!!<br />
<br />
<i>Want to do a puzzle?</i><br />
AY! {as he climbs into the chair excitedly because he knows that's his spot for doing puzzles}<br />
<br />
<i>Where's your nose?</i><br />
*he points and shows us every part of his body<br />
<br />
<i>What sound does a cow make?</i><br />
Mooooooo<br />
<i>What sound does a lion make?</i><br />
Roaaaarrrrrrr {he also roars if I say "line" haha}<br />
{he loves making dinosaur, duck, sheep, horse, and puppy noises too!}<br />
<br />
<i>What's your favorite animal?</i><br />
Puppy.<br />
<br />
<i>What are your favorite things to say?</i><br />
That. That. I want that.<br />
Go outside.<br />
No mama. No daddy.<br />
Bees. {which are actually ants or really bugs of any kind.}<br />
<br />
<i>What's one of your favorite activities?</i><br />
Water! {he loves to play in water - the wading pool, sprinkler, bath, hose, anything!}<br />
<br />
<i>Do you love to say hi and wave to random people all the time, passing by in cars or walking by at the store?</i><br />
Hiiii!<br />
<br />
<i>Great, thanks Elijah for sharing this with everyone!</i><br />
Elcome.<br />
<br />
<i>Some other things he's doing/loving:</i><br />
Climbs up onto everything on his own now.<br />
Going up and down stairs on his own.<br />
Drinking from a cup.<br />
Trying to feed himself with a fork and spoon.<br />
Loves turning off and on toys, now that he's figured out how.<br />
Starting to learn to take off his clothes.<br />
Learning colors, letters, and shapes really well.<br />
Wants to do things himself.<br />
Loves to help out around the house - taking out trash, putting things away.<br />
Loves the sounds of bikes, trains, and sirens {which he calls "whee wheeeeee!!!!"}.<br />
<br />
Surprises me every day with things he knows that I didn't realize he knew like when I asked him if he could bring mama 2 diapers from his bedroom. He did exactly that! I didn't teach him that, he just figured it out.<br />
<br />
Getting SO BIG!<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
Oh sweet Elijah, we love you so very much and are truly blessed and amazed to have you as our son! We had a fantastic time celebrating you today with family.<br />
<br />
Grandma C and I made you some fun Mickey cupcakes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHHTRt2d30GPIe4BD3z2Wj_mpo6r-xMiQUvtwVvOVpsqhpDvNSCrfk003Jqkrw_Nuw0zWrUnuA1P_RtBZJVhAs56Avykm49FFnH6fwtGpDNe2ILLLrsGK4fOF9HZI3z6tew8GtWaQgRMi/s1600/IMG_4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHHTRt2d30GPIe4BD3z2Wj_mpo6r-xMiQUvtwVvOVpsqhpDvNSCrfk003Jqkrw_Nuw0zWrUnuA1P_RtBZJVhAs56Avykm49FFnH6fwtGpDNe2ILLLrsGK4fOF9HZI3z6tew8GtWaQgRMi/s400/IMG_4421.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent a good deal of time and had fun planning and prepping the garage for your party, only to be pulled inside the house at the last minute due to rain. Mama was so disappointed, but the party must go on!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv_nYGmZb46WDKsC_cu1LrN9ezF7m3wFSYdnQ6jBiBQi8E_zPAd5jlLEWrWOhImD5KfhSZ84HXy_j72Cw0-c_TOyjkz6y9xMFYNDsWYVAC2ulxIDFkhEftIIGKVdjsusYG9uFZgOFG7e0/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv_nYGmZb46WDKsC_cu1LrN9ezF7m3wFSYdnQ6jBiBQi8E_zPAd5jlLEWrWOhImD5KfhSZ84HXy_j72Cw0-c_TOyjkz6y9xMFYNDsWYVAC2ulxIDFkhEftIIGKVdjsusYG9uFZgOFG7e0/s400/IMG_4425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We shared some great food - thanks to daddy for the grilling! Then dessert and opening presents and playing with them.<br />
<br />
You weren't sure about the birthday singing at first, but you blew out your candles like a pro when mama said to blow like for bubbles. Then you ate the cupcake no problem!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDjuWAkfV1oM0F13kR9FE6v2KJEQAoppScGWZkrunlPKTRcYOjbKnK5uyvZskc_DSLbIY0xoe5kDSvpe8iy7oSzsiK-rClpWGOhQvAtXD5mRm3POacm1KFttXZMAVNGYs7O92EjqEYaVu/s1600/IMG_4451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDjuWAkfV1oM0F13kR9FE6v2KJEQAoppScGWZkrunlPKTRcYOjbKnK5uyvZskc_DSLbIY0xoe5kDSvpe8iy7oSzsiK-rClpWGOhQvAtXD5mRm3POacm1KFttXZMAVNGYs7O92EjqEYaVu/s400/IMG_4451.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RmTjsNSOiaNvScrBSWjNreFrTM9vT0gzw6k6SDrskPCS4pSC-HNE4ybcbLbGxqbFCZgVCWkKs8INjzv0QG0Yw7HJfTGyhidhJnJ0CvtbBDvwZ_b9WJ0aRSgTAXn5xnl5Gf_SdAj50RUA/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RmTjsNSOiaNvScrBSWjNreFrTM9vT0gzw6k6SDrskPCS4pSC-HNE4ybcbLbGxqbFCZgVCWkKs8INjzv0QG0Yw7HJfTGyhidhJnJ0CvtbBDvwZ_b9WJ0aRSgTAXn5xnl5Gf_SdAj50RUA/s400/IMG_4468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8EIqSOzaSDDv2AHGqUGtWGiEWbnJv2l_DQBsYhkc46WjXX-Qh8JwdE9TTJ9IyZcpyk5NBCbUAXe8oFD-rhNV8jHMHttvYb7BNx2OB6R5EWHecpeoVrb1Lc8JjHnM6Ir98zY3BwTPBtHl/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8EIqSOzaSDDv2AHGqUGtWGiEWbnJv2l_DQBsYhkc46WjXX-Qh8JwdE9TTJ9IyZcpyk5NBCbUAXe8oFD-rhNV8jHMHttvYb7BNx2OB6R5EWHecpeoVrb1Lc8JjHnM6Ir98zY3BwTPBtHl/s400/IMG_4472.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFXY3EtZ5yuuAD17rhfJpm5-E2PL8WGueiyWoK_jMfNeFYwVmhk7j88pNpg0lUPiJAVVaaLnB1FBhVBHBDM91msdG6_rzTF0z-OZPkgEmxXhBZmdt-ciDNeAaikoAvi-q7i1Umxm_jf4b/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFXY3EtZ5yuuAD17rhfJpm5-E2PL8WGueiyWoK_jMfNeFYwVmhk7j88pNpg0lUPiJAVVaaLnB1FBhVBHBDM91msdG6_rzTF0z-OZPkgEmxXhBZmdt-ciDNeAaikoAvi-q7i1Umxm_jf4b/s400/IMG_4471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0YAtSVY5kZEHjMxN3b9inJ0JDZVwCsh_DHmkYgfjoiu_9P0d50lPy6N9V2ISIQ7NglZDvxz_WdjMyGtW0m0MODkqRUVjfESz3IVepY0Z2IChpZ_lkyCYFc2SzFIKhWirakOXGrzMrnln/s1600/IMG_4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0YAtSVY5kZEHjMxN3b9inJ0JDZVwCsh_DHmkYgfjoiu_9P0d50lPy6N9V2ISIQ7NglZDvxz_WdjMyGtW0m0MODkqRUVjfESz3IVepY0Z2IChpZ_lkyCYFc2SzFIKhWirakOXGrzMrnln/s400/IMG_4474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You had a great time with your cousins!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVJyoeJke36R36uf9BOimboRfu3mQsn_70YY5kW2aHNdVkwkLI2PDvdLfdj_gpMIYs9YNZzHUFmXIhoa0_pGKKijdM6s9M2J_p-_jxdeiuGZFg8Jsv0R92cFuNWKmYMrY2FdQjtaVSzOb/s1600/IMG_4489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVJyoeJke36R36uf9BOimboRfu3mQsn_70YY5kW2aHNdVkwkLI2PDvdLfdj_gpMIYs9YNZzHUFmXIhoa0_pGKKijdM6s9M2J_p-_jxdeiuGZFg8Jsv0R92cFuNWKmYMrY2FdQjtaVSzOb/s400/IMG_4489.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kcAKjR8ibv0wwNz9YXQjF2qDwwVUc7WqTVEZqxFD0NNVyoJZPviI0JtMLmoZagJcQjJxImuPivey0caAlRzPq_9fzyyZkqUbOyDGPX40m9IyrJL2eXUwXTgyAcYDnTSUHiNKSRZfUtMN/s1600/IMG_4495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kcAKjR8ibv0wwNz9YXQjF2qDwwVUc7WqTVEZqxFD0NNVyoJZPviI0JtMLmoZagJcQjJxImuPivey0caAlRzPq_9fzyyZkqUbOyDGPX40m9IyrJL2eXUwXTgyAcYDnTSUHiNKSRZfUtMN/s400/IMG_4495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So many wonderful presents! And one book {a "choo choo" book} that you just had to sit on the couch with and have Carrissa read with you. So sweet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGcFDRBWO7DmMUjRcMM6oo2U3CQEKaaEw6WwYqAO6cAUj2TMkikV4TiNDldGBE8MQtXgUlHOXCFrkiyN9Ip0B-D4wCmauQVAWjTeeqCNfuHUKjnAYASIkd6kYDUEwGRQaG9Gypft4K5eP/s1600/IMG_4498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGcFDRBWO7DmMUjRcMM6oo2U3CQEKaaEw6WwYqAO6cAUj2TMkikV4TiNDldGBE8MQtXgUlHOXCFrkiyN9Ip0B-D4wCmauQVAWjTeeqCNfuHUKjnAYASIkd6kYDUEwGRQaG9Gypft4K5eP/s400/IMG_4498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for coming all the way from Chicago, Aunt Bev! We loved having family here with us to celebrate our little boy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH3UMgJVO1U0p3845FoE02-rA0J66XcxHCgSXQsCslHN7CdEUgEToQgbH0grwfWYjuaGy4nS3KKumtXrfla7A1Q9WNIT91D2ti6rFtyoCzpSxxW24ZuKsNdfeM-nilsXIm1PyiTk263kC/s1600/IMG_4501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH3UMgJVO1U0p3845FoE02-rA0J66XcxHCgSXQsCslHN7CdEUgEToQgbH0grwfWYjuaGy4nS3KKumtXrfla7A1Q9WNIT91D2ti6rFtyoCzpSxxW24ZuKsNdfeM-nilsXIm1PyiTk263kC/s400/IMG_4501.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>What a joy you are, Elijah -- even in the crazy or sad. Truly, beyond any words I can express. We are unbelievably grateful. I'm so blessed to be your mama and to hear you call me that still melts my heart. It is an honor to watch you grow.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8fziclKiH-qXEsZ7MWGw3oY1kCkCtRe_eYsA4pwRq1WfeoQFQ5UoF-vGLQTS9Rboa_aNCIuZ0WGHdl_tCWpVa5KACllyUBYDLCB63H73a3NxMautB9CMdUILM73NSh2QNtN8-9c5dYLP/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8fziclKiH-qXEsZ7MWGw3oY1kCkCtRe_eYsA4pwRq1WfeoQFQ5UoF-vGLQTS9Rboa_aNCIuZ0WGHdl_tCWpVa5KACllyUBYDLCB63H73a3NxMautB9CMdUILM73NSh2QNtN8-9c5dYLP/s400/IMG_4379.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOL3mTlrU3FHcTWeztXoNTsNQ6XeZxUAa90YlrzCO1uDqZwbpnF3RzD-DUxdmCyeNz-1i9ZdE2ws2YWs6eU-8-Fm5sZXtwd6aOQondwjZpbYusQNL78ta38akmsT0CTiNvgk2pW_fRFi6/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOL3mTlrU3FHcTWeztXoNTsNQ6XeZxUAa90YlrzCO1uDqZwbpnF3RzD-DUxdmCyeNz-1i9ZdE2ws2YWs6eU-8-Fm5sZXtwd6aOQondwjZpbYusQNL78ta38akmsT0CTiNvgk2pW_fRFi6/s400/IMG_4412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy birthday Elijah. We love you. To the moon and back.<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-9749363405229700952015-06-07T18:07:00.000-05:002015-06-07T18:09:18.392-05:00Vacationing without My Cell Phone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rPHRITAPRwTQ1klHvOkV4QCBTP__pHgGDWeTp-sIxyxJl3pb9gv1HahTQY6RrtOztpVegL57u8K6cWdYRR8iPRI9CBlTSgQiAi2us3vHINfUPMLruy55GSqOFx0dak0fI-RhZ1SDUUXI/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rPHRITAPRwTQ1klHvOkV4QCBTP__pHgGDWeTp-sIxyxJl3pb9gv1HahTQY6RrtOztpVegL57u8K6cWdYRR8iPRI9CBlTSgQiAi2us3vHINfUPMLruy55GSqOFx0dak0fI-RhZ1SDUUXI/s640/IMG_4120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While we were in the mountains of Tennessee last Friday {a week and two days ago}, my cell phone was fried while using a generic charger.<br />
<br />
Oops.<br />
<br />
Trying to save money gave us a bite back when my phone took a major hit.<br />
<br />
There's absolutely no way to salvage it.<br />
<br />
Gratefully hubster had his phone, so not the end of the world by any means. There are bigger issues in the world, most definitely.<br />
<br />
As we drove back roads an hour between two cities for our niece's rehearsal dinner in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park... we saw a lot of rundown homes. It was a bit of culture shock. There was a lot of poverty. Many shacks. Many mobile homes that were barely even standing.<br />
<br />
And here I was fighting to get my cell phone working again.<br />
<br />
One week without a cell phone and I can say it's had quite an impact on me. Social media withdrawal did occur, despite having my laptop and iPad with me, because in some ways I wanted to utilize the chance to take a clean break.<br />
<br />
I'd already decided I was not going to check work emails at all, and only occasionally checked personal emails. But Instagram? Facebook? That was asking a lot of me.<br />
<br />
<b>It turns out... I couldn't have appreciated the break more. God knew I needed it.</b><br />
<br />
There were no taking selfies. So hard.<br />
<br />
No sharing of what I was doing at any given moment. So hard.<br />
<br />
Not waiting to see what people said in response to my pictures and thoughts. So hard.<br />
<br />
And so, so, so, so good.<br />
<br />
Soaking in the moments. Just taking it all in. Breathing. Getting refreshed.<br />
<br />
Praying. Spending time with the Lord. Focusing on our son. Being with my husband. Celebrating the finest little moments. Not trying to get pictures at every.single.moment.<br />
<br />
Not wondering what others might say about a photo that I couldn't take anyway.<br />
<br />
A {mostly} clean break.<br />
<br />
<b>It was so refreshing and just what my soul needed.</b><br />
<br />
Once we got back home, not having my phone became a major pain, because not being around hubster 24/7 meant no access to his phone. No calling him after leaving my doctor's appointment Friday morning, no texting when we were leaving work or picking up Elijah when we were back to normal on Thursday.<br />
<br />
But Saturday came. And we got a new phone for me. It was such a huge relief.<br />
<br />
Perspective sunk in though as I thought about all those across the world struggling for simple things like clean water and shelter.<br />
<br />
I want to continue to think about and pray for them, to do what I can, and to not let my phone get me sucked back into too much social media, comparisons, and discontentment.<br />
<br />
In retrospect, it truly was just what I needed. And I don't want to forget the experience and all that it taught me.<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-23396221192263028212015-05-14T23:38:00.005-05:002015-05-14T23:38:52.190-05:002015 Fibromyalgia Awareness DayThe day came and went without me even knowing it.<br />
<br />
Apparently Fibromyalgia Awareness Day was earlier this week. Whoops!<br />
<br />
At this point in my journey, I'm ready for life to just be more than Fibro. I don't want the pain and fatigue that I face every moment of every day to define me. So I just honestly don't keep tabs on that info much anymore. But I still do have things to say about it sometimes (though, seriously, isn't just looking at my baby... er, toddler... way cuter and more fun?!?! ;)).<br />
<br />
And though I certainly wish I wasn't facing this all the time, I have truly learned to be thankful for it. Beyond what I could ever really put into words. It's changed me, grown my ability to be more compassionate toward the pain of others, and it has strengthened me in places I didn't know existed.<br />
<br />
Fibromyalgia, in case you aren't aware, is all over body pain and fatigue. Constantly. It doesn't come and go in waves. It's not there one moment and gone the next. People who have Fibromyalgia deal with unimaginable pain. If you don't have it, you can't even begin to fully comprehend the level of suffering we endure daily.<br />
<br />
Day in and day out. All over. Constant.<br />
<br />
We hurt. We ache. We fall apart. We can barely stand because the utter fatigue weighs us down and threatens to knock us onto our backs regularly. We want to scream because it hurts so much.<br />
<br />
Then there are the flare-ups. Ohhh. Such pain and debilitating fatigue. It's like nothing I can explain. So we try not to push too hard, to overdue it, to say yes to too much, to get stuck in situations that we can't get out of, or to over-commit. It taxes our bodies far beyond what a normal body would feel by overdoing it.<br />
<br />
But because our pain isn't seen, it's often thought of even still as just IN OUR HEADS.<br />
<br />
This is so ridiculous and it just gives us great stress. Which ironically makes us feel 100x worse than we already did.<br />
<br />
Not only does Fibro come with pain and fatigue, it also comes with a host of other symptoms, which vary from person-to-person since Fibro is such an individualized syndrome/illness:<br />
<br />
- irritable bowel syndrome<br />
- acid reflux<br />
- brain fog<br />
- headaches<br />
- anxiety<br />
- depression<br />
- insomnia or sleep disturbances<br />
- numbness or tingling in hands, arms, legs, and feet<br />
- cramps/weakness<br />
- balance/coordination problems<br />
- muscle spasms<br />
- sensitivities to touch, smells, and lights<br />
- intensely painful menstrual cramps<br />
- restless legs syndrome<br />
- impaired memory and concentration<br />
- dry eyes and mouth<br />
- ringing in the ears<br />
- dizziness<br />
- vision problems<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[not an all-inclusive list -- taken from various websites]</span></i><br />
<br />
So yeah. You don't wake up and wish you had this. But when you have it, you fight. You get up, you keep going (not every day, but most days).<br />
<br />
You find inner resolve and strength. You find people like you. And you try to help others understand and become more aware so that we feel less isolated and more cared about.<br />
<br />
<b>Fibromyalgia. It can be a killer of your joy, but only if you let it. </b><br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-39410755573705167132015-05-03T21:08:00.000-05:002015-05-04T09:11:27.729-05:00What Stitches, Cancer, and Broken Fridges Teach You about LifeThere are these young boys named Chase & Joshua that have had a grip on my heart for some time now. They are strong, brave, childhood cancer fighters.<br />
<br />
Their parents and siblings are my heroes.<br />
<br />
They've endured unfathomable pain, hardship, fatigue, and instability. They've had countless doctor and hospital visits. Joshua is now years past it and can hardly remember those days since he was 2. Chase is still fighting the battle of not knowing how long this remission will last or if the tumor that he still has will grow and he'll need more treatment.<br />
<br />
Their little bodies have been through A.LOT.<br />
<br />
This past week as we were already spiraling from some hard news the week before, and as everything seemed to fall apart left and right from our fridge breaking to Tim's car needing hundreds of dollars worth of work to Elijah twisting his ankle... we then had a bad accident on Monday with Elijah that sent us scrambling even worse.<br />
<br />
There was a lot of blood. A lot of screaming. 1 ER visit. 4 stitches on his lower lip. 2 bumped back teeth. A pediatric dentist specialist. A chiropractor. Phone calls. Checking on insurance. Tears. Worries.<br />
<br />
Hard news at work. Hard days in our marriage as we were both on the edge of exhaustion and stress. Financial concerns.<br />
<br />
Thinking I was pregnant for a couple weeks only to find out we were wrong.<br />
<br />
So then, the hormones. Oy. Right alongside Elijah's accident.<br />
<br />
Let's just say, I'm really worn down. But in a different way than I have been before. Because God keeps showing me and reminding me of his truths, and I'm listening, feeling, and clinging to him.<br />
<br />
Stitches.<br />
<br />
4 of them. In his lip. And he still managed to give high fives and blow kisses to the nurses and doctors as we left the ER.<br />
<br />
As we hovered over him in that ER, holding him down, trying to help keep him calm, reassuring him that he was going to be okay... I thought of all those parents. Parents like Chase and Joshua's. Parents who have to fight daily and pray constantly that their child will be okay today. That they won't have anything else happen to them. That the world would stop spinning long enough that they could just hold their child and know that it wouldn't be the last time.<br />
<br />
I looked at the machines and prayed about the kids I know who are fighting some major illness or cancer and just wanting to have a normal life again.<br />
<br />
As I've been thinking over this week and Elijah's two teeth that got knocked out of place, I have agonized and tortured myself about that moment he smacked into the corner of the coffee table and wondered what I could have done differently. How else I could have protected him from that hardship. How I'd give anything to go back in time and make it different for him.<br />
<br />
Do the parents of kids fighting cancer deal with those questions every day? How do they face such horrific hardship? Especially those who do not have our hope in Christ?!<br />
<br />
I cannot fathom it. And it's painful.<br />
<br />
Our pastor and a team from our church have been on a tour (though they just got back) called Risen for the Nations (#risen4nations). They were going around to other church plants from our church around the world in Israel, Malyasia, Kenya, Nepal, and Haiti. They had just left Nepal within less than a week before the earthquake. In Haiti they still saw the devastation of the earthquake there years ago.<br />
<br />
They were showing highlight videos. Slums. Poverty. Starving kids. Dark places.<br />
<br />
And our fridge broke.<br />
<br />
Frustrating days while trying to save money and having to eat out constantly because we can't have fresh food and I don't have the time or energy to figure out other ways around it. Eating anywhere that has kids meals with milk so that Elijah could at least get that into him.<br />
<br />
Yet, we are full. <b>We have all that we need and more.</b><br />
<br />
I see these videos and I ache for the people who struggle to even have shelter and food for their families at all. I can't help but weep over the kids who fight cancer and wonder if they'll ever live normally.<br />
<br />
I look at my child's busted lip and bumped teeth that make me sad and wish it had never happened to him because this could mess up his mouth for the rest of his life.<br />
<br />
And then I remember <i>I have NOTHING to really worry about</i>. God is in control, he is sovereign, he cares for me and for Elijah. There are simply worse things in the world.<br />
<br />
Way worse.<br />
<br />
<i>I felt so ridiculous complaining at all about our fridge... yet it was admittedly so hard and inconvenient for us, in part because the timing with everything else was just so terrible.</i><br />
<br />
God wants our best. All he asks is that we obey and listen. I have to say I've been whining with him lately. And I know I can't stand it when my son is constantly whining.<br />
<br />
Oh how God must view us. So thankless. So discontent. So whiney.<br />
<br />
I'm learning a lot these days about life. About who my real friends are. About who I can trust. About God, kids, marriage, jobs, future dreams, life. About laughter and sunshine. About how our hard really isn't that hard when we get our perspective right.<br />
<br />
I don't want stitches, cancer, or broken appliances to get in the way of who God wants me to be. So by God's grace, I'm learning and growing.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is a new day. Full of promise and hope.<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-61403430784811290142015-03-29T21:09:00.002-05:002015-03-29T21:09:33.317-05:00Mighty to Save - and Kid Pictures<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone needs compassion</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A love that's never failing, let mercy fall on me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everyone needs forgiveness</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kindness of a Savior, the Hope of nations.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhRj00rlSjQjy5Ff8FVYfEKINokol43by55TJ7Mi8HsM6wEfBNIYP1cOYZ9pjXPWaivGieKZasSKWYqR0_IdnCvDys1L4-JAakojkmuysHEAXdeeyMV46qcvgf7OqGfd5xQIH6810ClS1/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhRj00rlSjQjy5Ff8FVYfEKINokol43by55TJ7Mi8HsM6wEfBNIYP1cOYZ9pjXPWaivGieKZasSKWYqR0_IdnCvDys1L4-JAakojkmuysHEAXdeeyMV46qcvgf7OqGfd5xQIH6810ClS1/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savior, He can move the mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My God is mighty to save.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever, author of Salvation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rose and conquered the grave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus conquered the grave.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieLUIp3NQ5rGO9OnD7yZIG7_mwzlr9F8rYR3Q_wR0J5fIym_NUd1pKdDDR7iNb9MSg1lO3-GWFXJmjaaIGryYf7ITH5k_LXrU5V_m0wYFoRA1y3uwnyiN7T_I_H1VRu0cGFnRTE-mPJaH/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieLUIp3NQ5rGO9OnD7yZIG7_mwzlr9F8rYR3Q_wR0J5fIym_NUd1pKdDDR7iNb9MSg1lO3-GWFXJmjaaIGryYf7ITH5k_LXrU5V_m0wYFoRA1y3uwnyiN7T_I_H1VRu0cGFnRTE-mPJaH/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
So take me as You find me--all my fears and failures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill my life again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I give my life to follow everything I believe in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I surrender. (I surrender.)</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS0DLc7s4RqCetPDIX2TtDJ0Y4AMBnXCrsNCRF2e8wiyHOunULuO9FzlJ784j94t2oZiEPZ-1IiDhEpE_k6WWYKqn3f6rUUOH1l1_HirNzkdPSGPonLcqBoWSjtrIUO7x42-BieLDmdX1/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS0DLc7s4RqCetPDIX2TtDJ0Y4AMBnXCrsNCRF2e8wiyHOunULuO9FzlJ784j94t2oZiEPZ-1IiDhEpE_k6WWYKqn3f6rUUOH1l1_HirNzkdPSGPonLcqBoWSjtrIUO7x42-BieLDmdX1/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savior, He can move the mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My God is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever, author of Salvation</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rose and conquered the grave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus conquered the grave.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPqNfLwPCSZkt1IIbagQDdH9NJ4J_De96BRsJcaNVHdrXMaZu7MVSoASiIrP2wgwr92tKaP6FoPZtXLmeqfHaW7y5_65awVc3o3evhitTH7fVnlchksY3yPBCLUMYAtw0V0ycKYZpewYE/s1600/IMG_3040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPqNfLwPCSZkt1IIbagQDdH9NJ4J_De96BRsJcaNVHdrXMaZu7MVSoASiIrP2wgwr92tKaP6FoPZtXLmeqfHaW7y5_65awVc3o3evhitTH7fVnlchksY3yPBCLUMYAtw0V0ycKYZpewYE/s1600/IMG_3040.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savior, He can move the mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My God is mighty to save.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever, author of Salvation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rose and conquered the grave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus conquered the grave.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLm6rx54zh6Kj1WJX6ZAevZBlmVk1u7ps0f5Dn2vRJqOLrdx3vdELmpKp20SbK0plZpZy1LfRQCTAtBmGHd1Y4VFj1qlfz0xpBrMZZtM7p23-M9_YS9_X13R5hC3Y8KUK8dsBrdWkvHBD/s1600/IMG_3125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLm6rx54zh6Kj1WJX6ZAevZBlmVk1u7ps0f5Dn2vRJqOLrdx3vdELmpKp20SbK0plZpZy1LfRQCTAtBmGHd1Y4VFj1qlfz0xpBrMZZtM7p23-M9_YS9_X13R5hC3Y8KUK8dsBrdWkvHBD/s1600/IMG_3125.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shine Your light and let the whole world see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're singing for the glory of the risen King, Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shine Your light and let the whole world see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're singing for the glory of the risen King.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ1mIDsti_oKT6r6AN7gCOYJCatHqA5kQsaFyuJLzk8trrTQnmucPMstSwnatmRlGlqhNlnWRBwKiAA-ej1YqxhfGCvgP5lNAXmrlUMR1U-BnQ5VIAv26k2CRCUwlT4C_fQh4ZjAQGJxl/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQ1mIDsti_oKT6r6AN7gCOYJCatHqA5kQsaFyuJLzk8trrTQnmucPMstSwnatmRlGlqhNlnWRBwKiAA-ej1YqxhfGCvgP5lNAXmrlUMR1U-BnQ5VIAv26k2CRCUwlT4C_fQh4ZjAQGJxl/s1600/IMG_3128.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savior, He can move the mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My God is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever, author of Salvation</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rose and conquered the grave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus conquered the grave.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOshBXjGja3_7Yy7elLC4Qk00leFWr0zy_WqwM6J-1j0OWPhckMUwFJ5FmSemTwSzez919qDIktAv8TSVy0aPDkJyywazwTcRO7_7-9NhH2LIvak3N96u6eSRMNYiu4iJJqwWNt81PrK38/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOshBXjGja3_7Yy7elLC4Qk00leFWr0zy_WqwM6J-1j0OWPhckMUwFJ5FmSemTwSzez919qDIktAv8TSVy0aPDkJyywazwTcRO7_7-9NhH2LIvak3N96u6eSRMNYiu4iJJqwWNt81PrK38/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Savior, He can move the mountains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My God is mighty to save.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is mighty to save.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forever, author of Salvation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He rose and conquered the grave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus conquered the grave.</div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfiGXiGtnJO22DbJdxLoGUc1ukfGtyWz7ReUyQVg-NPpCsOFJKW1cxsOJlPeKDFiUaeh5Izm839xdSLMQ0H0Dy2fRy1gkFmmysYkiPTCVpE_aNR2g_VpKSi3es77lishNggYcGWlA6du6/s1600/IMG_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfiGXiGtnJO22DbJdxLoGUc1ukfGtyWz7ReUyQVg-NPpCsOFJKW1cxsOJlPeKDFiUaeh5Izm839xdSLMQ0H0Dy2fRy1gkFmmysYkiPTCVpE_aNR2g_VpKSi3es77lishNggYcGWlA6du6/s1600/IMG_3113.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
</div>
<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shine Your light and let the whole world see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're singing for the glory of the risen King, Jesus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shine Your light and let the whole world see</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're singing for the glory of the risen King.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl9HJadjwfmAm5hEZpIh5EdrMD0HjlQ27VdGNFQHUOVdFfsf-QvTbQs0UMd98-KTr1IhWM-W1lB6LL3yGNLTl03FeTUKcHIpEzABMOOAOjcRhbcubkjuVhvo6h561PCIbWI0LgLh8aFjz/s1600/IMG_3138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl9HJadjwfmAm5hEZpIh5EdrMD0HjlQ27VdGNFQHUOVdFfsf-QvTbQs0UMd98-KTr1IhWM-W1lB6LL3yGNLTl03FeTUKcHIpEzABMOOAOjcRhbcubkjuVhvo6h561PCIbWI0LgLh8aFjz/s1600/IMG_3138.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Read more: <a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/mighty-to-save-lyrics-hillsong.html#ixzz3UhVAKqU5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #003399; font-family: proxnov-sbold, arial, sans-serif; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Hillsong - Mighty To Save Lyrics | MetroLyrics</a> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-60943607385365268952015-03-18T22:40:00.000-05:002015-03-18T22:41:04.698-05:00When Gripped by Fear and Anxiety -- A Recap of the Last Few Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8YtlnJemPzSg32gq_0ZMXXZ_VSRtN5AQ2X2z9gzV_8vVhAE_5izOSOCcbsG1H3j75-Z9RtFHi5UXcs7DZy-1WW2T328GnmkcXb8pDgO9y-OgtRORdNCeneAfSv3jC9Mp3FtAJeVd-MsZ/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8YtlnJemPzSg32gq_0ZMXXZ_VSRtN5AQ2X2z9gzV_8vVhAE_5izOSOCcbsG1H3j75-Z9RtFHi5UXcs7DZy-1WW2T328GnmkcXb8pDgO9y-OgtRORdNCeneAfSv3jC9Mp3FtAJeVd-MsZ/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">It's been a crazy season for us these past few months. </span><br />
<br />
Every time I've tried to write about it all in this space, the words have fallen flat. Come up empty. Felt all garbled and messy. I couldn't make things make sense, in part because my life wasn't making a whole lot of sense.<br />
<br />
The fear and anxiety that gripped my heart and body so often the past few months is frightening, awful, embarrassing, and consuming. I hate even admitting it... but I will because I know we all need to talk about it more.<br />
<br />
In November I began having more anxiety and panic than I'd had in quite a while. My anxiety issues also cause my body to physically react, causing other issues, which thereby make me more anxious. It's a vicious cycle.<br />
<br />
I was also having constant daily headaches and painful flare ups, and it all escalated as Elijah got croup! AGAIN!! This happened while we were at my mom's traveling over Thanksgiving. Right after that Tim got a sinus infection, so of course before he was even fully over that, I got slammed by the flu for 24 hours and ... you'd think it'd be over, but nope... on the tail-end of that began a viral upper respiratory infection that left me hoarse and barely able to squeak out words. Overall I was sick for 3.5 weeks, getting better right at Christmas. After we were back home from traveling to see my family before Christmas. Figures.<br />
<br />
It was a brutal time.<br />
<br />
We figured out that my anxiety and panic was due to some pretty major stress and anxiety as a result of being really overwhelmed. One look at Elijah and I could have a panic attack.<br />
<i><br /></i><i>{Disclaimer: let me explain that this had nothing to do with my job or workplace. It was all completely related to parenting and personal health.}</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
It was terrible. In part it was hard to talk about <i>with anyone, even those closest to me</i> because it was embarrassing. It made me feel like a horrible mother. I would just be hit with waves of panic as I looked at pictures of Elijah, read information about raising toddlers, or whenever I was at home alone with him.<br />
<br />
My biggest fear? That I'd die and leave him without a mother. Or that I'd collapse and he'd be on his own for endless hours. {With no rational reason for fearing these things. My health is fine in that sense!} Now that he's a toddler who is more aware of his environment and surroundings, I couldn't wrap my head around what could happen to him if something happened to me, with my husband an hour away at work.<br />
<br />
I was terrified. Irrational? Yes. Unfounded? Yes. But I couldn't shake it.<br />
<br />
The severe intensity of bad, crippling anxiety went on for weeks. Every day when we were home together I had to get us out of the house when he was awake. Walks outside, going to the mall or Cabela's or Target, being around people. Just in case.<br />
<br />
It was utter craziness.<br />
<br />
This all hit right at the time of the Daylight Saving Time changeover. Darkness encroaching earlier. Days feeling longer. My body taking the better part of two weeks to recover from something seemingly as simple as a time change. Cold temperatures and thereby fewer walks. Limited playtime outside. Walls caving in on me at home.<br />
<br />
Random changes in our lives also added to my stress and anxiety - hubby possibly starting to work-from-home sometime but not certain and timeframe unsettled for months. So many questions about how this would impact us, our marriage, and our parenting. Terrifying fears that I might be pregnant again. Shook me to my very core and hated myself for that, but scared about those weird health issues {that later, as it turns out, are actually 100% anxiety related... figures!}.<br />
<br />
No more morning nap for Elijah. Crippling fears about long, longggg days and how I wasn't sure how to fill it. The complete dread of potty-training him. His mobility and awareness - of everything. His constant watching of me and my overwhelming fears that I was screwing it all up in front of his watchful eyes. Disciplining him. Oh the discipline. Oh man. That was hard to get through between 12-18 months. Starting to understand but not quite? Ugh! Constantly feeling overwhelmed about feeding him because he's <i>sooo</i> picky and will. not. eat. what I want him to eat!! Doesn't matter what I do or try, he so often fights it and it's utterly draining. <span style="text-align: center;">Not able to keep up with the chaos of the holidays, traveling, illnesses, AND keep our house under control. Mess was out-of-control. Elijah was not sleeping well. Ever. Every night he'd be waking up at least 1-3 times, sometimes for 1-2 hours at a time. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
My stepbrother suddenly dying of a heart attack at age 45. My mother-in-law having a mild stroke {gratefully she's doing great now and recovered really well!}.<br />
<br />
None of it settled well with me. November. December. January.<br />
<br />
<b>Those were really hard, really grueling, really lonely months. </b><br />
<br />
Of course my husband was well aware of it all {or at least most of it} but what really ended up helping me were the regular conversations and prayer sessions with my mom. Talking to someone who had been through the thick of it, raised us kids mostly on her own after I was 5, and had come out of it much stronger and more godly than many thought possible. She's one of the strongest women I know and is such a prayer warrior.<br />
<br />
During this time I clung to God's Word and His promises. I shed a lot, lot, lot of tears on the phone with my mom. Melting down and being prayed over were sometimes exactly what I needed to be able to just breathe again.<br />
<br />
Also in the midst of this, our pastor was going through a sermon series that was hitting me very, very hard personally. A lot of things to think over and deal with. Things that brought attacks from Satan as we dealt with strongholds in my life. And I know I wasn't the only one. It was an exhausting, draining time, and even our pastor said it was so for him.<br />
<br />
I saw both my primary care doctor and my holistic doctor/chiropractor during this time. I had one panicked phone call to my doctor that caused a visit the next day for a check-up and though everything was fine, another medication was added to my repertoire. Ugh. I was also taking my anti-anxiety medication as needed, and for the first time had one day where I took two of them in one day {which is fine but totally got me jittery and I hated it}.<br />
<br />
<b>I was feeling very much at the end of my rope and sanity.</b><br />
<br />
I mentioned to my chiropractor the additional medication, and he in turn introduced me to a female hormone supplement. That. was. amazing. !!!! {Don't worry, it's all-natural, nothing hokey going on there with hormone stuff.}<br />
<br />
He was confident that this was a cause of hormonal imbalances - having not gotten back to normal postpartum, as well as some blood sugar and/or thyroid issues. It was making me all out of whack and he said we needed to work on me being more balanced. These supplements have truly been a God-send!<br />
<br />
I had been continuing to see him every 1-2 weeks for check-ups, treatments, and adjustments for these issues. And <i><u>voila!</u></i><br />
<br />
<b>I've been doing so much better. </b>I still have some tough moments, but nothing at all compared to what it was.<br />
<br />
In January, Elijah had more issues that required even having an emergency visit to the chiropractor {who is really more of an alternative care/primary care doctor than what would come to your mind when you think chiropractor}.<br />
<br />
As we dove deeper into working with him and learning more of what he can do for us, we've been amazed and completely taken aback.<br />
<br />
<b>Alternative medicine is definitely agreeing with us!</b> We are learning so much and changing the way that we look at medical care completely. Our doctor is incredible and truly an extraordinary gift! I was surprised because I had no idea that this could all be this insanely helpful.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying this is for everyone, but it's certainly working for us!<br />
<br />
Right after the medications helped me level out, our pastor also had a message that helped me see that I wasn't alone in my struggles with fear and anxiety. For some reason I'd been thinking I was crazy.<br />
<br />
No, really. <i>Crazy.</i><br />
<br />
Like I was the only Christian having such a hard battle with this. I was beating myself up constantly. He said not to {and so much more, but you get the idea}.<br />
<br />
<b>It was a total relief. To realize I wasn't alone. That it's a spiritual battle.</b><br />
<br />
That broken strongholds {like fear & anxiety} will battle to be rebuilt. And we cannot let them. We fight. When we fail, we get back up again. Every word he preached was like a breath of fresh air to my soul at that time. I desperately needed to hear it, and leaned in on every word. It's been life-changing!!<br />
<br />
I also did some research about anxiety disorders. I've been trained more fully on blood pressure issues and what to watch for. I know way more than I ever did before about issues I've struggled with for years. It's been hard, but also really good to be more educated.<br />
<br />
So hard. So good too.<br />
<br />
Life always seems like it would be SO much easier if we never had these crazy hard things to go through, but then we'd never find the positive or learn what we need to grow. That's always a hard truth to let sink in!<br />
<br />
I'm pretty much completely past everything from those hard months. I've learned and grown a lot. I can safely say I'm not who I was back in October, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3u7A3lxwNpRDn1l88fYQpy18x03y97eUhfGYBLpU5K3Ftu3SAuDLQr99cs3eTkEc5CdCY7tIM8l6PZzLwUIxY4FNKhRYp389jSEfhLIDJbvROkXRIDZlFkDNSN26wa_3Qe-_6mUvZH65/s1600/IMG_3116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3u7A3lxwNpRDn1l88fYQpy18x03y97eUhfGYBLpU5K3Ftu3SAuDLQr99cs3eTkEc5CdCY7tIM8l6PZzLwUIxY4FNKhRYp389jSEfhLIDJbvROkXRIDZlFkDNSN26wa_3Qe-_6mUvZH65/s1600/IMG_3116.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Elijah and I find our days very full now. Full and wonderful, relaxing and memorable, challenging and exhausting, good and joy-filled. I don't worry about any of the things that freaked me out so much previously that all just hit at once. As I read more information and get more educated on all of those things, I find myself at so much more ease. The trick for me is not to fear the unknown, but to just research and understand it better!<br />
<br />
The other thing has been just really, truly soaking Elijah in for who he is, and not worrying about the stage he's in. As I grow in knowing myself more as a mother and how I want to handle things with him every day, I see that everything will work out just fine.<br />
<br />
He's nearly 21 months. And we are in shock and awe of just how incredible he is!! So smart, so funny, so sweet, so loving. What an awesome gift from God!<br />
<br />
I know I have nothing to fear. I'm still working on never having bad anxiety. It's a sprint, not a marathon... right?! ;)Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-24481120526570963092015-02-17T22:08:00.001-06:002015-02-17T22:08:04.349-06:00Love and Loss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAVq2LAYN00Qepm4BE83btgdXa0qc_6eKbyUEJ3by9nLjHLOPxnjzDttQLIF8Tt3x5fhRb2rSp51WH9IXsaAWuZhJVPoAcccXb3Fz1gJkuGlZVv0XEcYFAJR_gjDgkHNKHK1Szlybs0Yi/s1600/4345678990_1581d52511_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAVq2LAYN00Qepm4BE83btgdXa0qc_6eKbyUEJ3by9nLjHLOPxnjzDttQLIF8Tt3x5fhRb2rSp51WH9IXsaAWuZhJVPoAcccXb3Fz1gJkuGlZVv0XEcYFAJR_gjDgkHNKHK1Szlybs0Yi/s1600/4345678990_1581d52511_o.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
February is a month full of love. Chocolates, flowers, jewelry ads all over the TV, and a whole lot of red flooding the aisles of every grocery store and superstore.<br />
<br />
It's a really hard month for many singles, widows, etc. The tears flow for many as they walk those aisles and keep their heads down, trying to disappear amongst the heartache.<br />
<br />
It's also a really hard time for those struggling with the loss of a relationship that's no longer what it used to be.<br />
<br />
With love often comes loss. Pain. Hardship. Trials.<br />
<br />
February is hard on many of us. It can be so very great, but also so very hard. Sometimes that's in the expectations we have of what our spouse should/shouldn't do for us. Sometimes that's in the deep fear that we'll spend the rest of our lives alone. Sometimes that's in the death of a loved one. Sometimes it's in the reflection on what isn't a part of our lives that we wish still was.<br />
<br />
For me personally, this month especially, I'm struggling to see past the dark clouds of a failed friendship.<br />
<br />
One of those long-lasting, childhood friendships that suddenly ended 6 months ago in a surprising way for me with <b>a lot</b> of confusion and sadness. Hearing about things I'd done that hurt her deeply and I truly had no idea. My heart is deeply grieved and wounded. I'm not at all sure how to process it, and honestly I think about it <i><u>all. the. time.</u></i><br />
<br />
How can I be a better friend? Can this yet be redeemed and the friendship be restored?<br />
<br />
<i><b>There are days it all honestly hurts so badly I can barely breathe.</b></i><br />
<br />
I found a picture of her the other day. I started shaking as I picked it up. I choked back the flood of tears. The memories flooded my mind and overwhelmed me.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how to feel or what to say. It all aches beyond comprehension, and while she did not die, it somewhat feels like a death. She's gone in so many ways to me. We can't just pick up where we left off in our conversations anymore. We don't talk on the phone, we don't email, we don't text, and we don't see each other.<br />
<br />
And oh wow, I really, really, really miss her.<br />
<br />
Almost daily.<br />
<br />
She was a lifeline for me in so many ways. She was like a sister to me and a part of my family for so long. I cannot believe this is it for us. It just feels like it can't be.<br />
<br />
Things change. We grow and mature, we change and life happens. But this? This is ridiculously hard and painful. I am struggling with it so much.<br />
<br />
For the ways that I messed up and didn't handle things the way I should have, I repented and she graciously forgave. But that's it, we're just not what we were. We've attempted to talk about it but it's just not happening. I will forever regret what happened.<br />
<br />
There is no perfect friendship. No perfect marriage. No perfect anything.<br />
<br />
But there are great marriages, incredible friendships, and truly lasting relationships. We have to work hard on both sides, learn to forgive, and seek communication and openness. Relationships are tough and we all have our moments, but the truly amazing friendships that we find along the road of life are the ones that are with us forever... through thick and thin, no matter what.<br />
<br />
I'm blessed beyond measure with extraordinary friends. At least a few that I have no doubt will be lifelong friends, no matter where life takes us or how far apart we are physically. They are just those kind of people.<br />
<br />
<i>My people. </i><br />
<br />
I'm sure you have people you also know will undoubtedly be there for you. But if you've ever suffered a loss, you know that life surprises you and it can be crazy hard. We just have to keep doing our best to build and sustain what we have.<br />
<br />
February can be so fantastic and fulfilling, wounding and challenging. Love and loss. Joy and sadness.<br />
<br />
I pray you are able to embrace whatever comes your way this month and that you love well those who are in your life, and pray for those who no longer are.<br />
<br />
<i>[And despite that my February month blog post is weeks behind schedule, I hope you still read this and can find something to get from it even though February is practically over!]</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slideshow-backgrounds/4345678990/"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>image from flickr</i></span></a><br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-77528947262536473412015-02-03T23:10:00.004-06:002015-02-03T23:18:54.015-06:00A 19-Month Old and Future Baby ThoughtsElijah is 19 months old now.<br />
<br />
Running around, still in love with the outdoors, being an even pickier eater than I am, saying more words every day (the way he says flowers, fly, please, and thank you are particularly cute!), climbing everywhere, smashing into things and hurting himself constantly (so. very. accident. prone.), playing more with video boxes and tupperware containers than his actual toys, loves helping put things in the trash (yes, including things we DO NOT want in the trash) and helping out around the house like putting his clothes in the hamper or sweeping (er, <i>his</i> version of sweeping), following us around like a little puppy, in love with "oof oofs" (dogs), loves books and reading so long as he's in the right mood, enjoys craft time, loves people and saying bye bye and blowing kisses even to random strangers, absolutely loved Christmas lights, does well in car rides generally, does an incredible job laying still at the chiropractor's office and being adjusted/treated, still constantly sick with croup or bronchiolitis, and is very much a daddy's boy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFhjWy52KhO3QWHnvaYBlV7ouMIOD9USfKwpNseQ3fcOY2Timu6LMAldMdw1lYBUhpOrCpp-DaTUJuANLzJp5OGAIw8W9ilCi6MW8U2j1C-2mCGhaA326frrM2djCc2PZXp10ydMSVfKZ/s1600/15578_885248854839575_8346467284848395052_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFhjWy52KhO3QWHnvaYBlV7ouMIOD9USfKwpNseQ3fcOY2Timu6LMAldMdw1lYBUhpOrCpp-DaTUJuANLzJp5OGAIw8W9ilCi6MW8U2j1C-2mCGhaA326frrM2djCc2PZXp10ydMSVfKZ/s1600/15578_885248854839575_8346467284848395052_n.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">painting with his feet at daycare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
He's a true delight and I marvel constantly at him. Even when the days are long and so very hard, or when the challenges that surface are beyond anything I think I can handle either physically or emotionally... I know this time will ultimately fly by. And I'm so very, very grateful for his precious little life.<br />
<br />
I soak in his laugh and smile. I kiss his cheeks constantly. Any chance I get I hug him tight. We sing and dance and laugh and chase and snuggle and rock and read and pray and run and push him on cars and visit friends and enjoy life and look up at the sky and breathe in the crisp air and praise God for each new day we get with him.<br />
<br />
I have no idea what the future holds. But I've been thinking about it <i>constantly</i>. Nagging at me every moment of the day is the question about whether or not we'll have another child.<br />
<br />
It's completely 100% up to God. We are not trying and we are not preventing. We are praying for God's wisdom, direction, and timing in this matter.<br />
<br />
We are SO thankful that it's up to him and not us, because we honestly don't know what we'd do. Sometimes we feel like 1 child is perfect - that we cannot handle another one. Something I never thought I'd say in a million years (I simply did not ever want to have an only child). Sometimes I desperately long to carry another baby. Sometimes I get overjoyed at the idea of a sibling for him (knowing full well that would be it - I'll be 37 in June so time is ticking!). Sometimes I get haunted by the idea of him growing up without a sibling to lean on when we're possibly old and gray. I adore my older brother and I cannot imagine my life without him. It pains me. But then I think about a family we know from growing up where the older brother was hit by a car at the age of 13, and she's growing up without a sibling.<br />
<br />
<i>Nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is certain in this life.</i><br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I think about the next 3.5 years. Like everything is up to these next few years. Like when I turn 40 it's all over. Period.<br />
<br />
It's hard to focus on simply trusting God.<br />
<br />
To not let the fear in that threatens to consume me. To not let that overwhelming panic creep up and suffocate me fully.<br />
<br />
Because, you see, if you've been around here long then you know how hard Elijah's birth story was. You know about my health concerns, the need for induction, the long labor process, the sudden need for a c-section, and his 11 days in the NICU which forever traumatized me (and still sometimes haunts me even though I've ultimately grown to be thankful for the experience and all that it taught us). You know how terrifying that all was for me.<br />
<br />
And you can understand how hard it would be for me to do it all over again.<br />
<br />
I often go back and re-read <b><i><a href="http://www.givinguponperfect.com/tag/birth-story/">my friend Mary's birth story</a> </i></b>of her first daughter. It was even worse and scarier than mine, and has me on the edge of my seat every time I read it. It's a good reminder to me that not only could it have been worse (sorry Mary!), but the second time can be so much different than the first. No pregnancy or delivery is the same, of course.<br />
<br />
But it's still so hard to know what to do and think and exactly how to pray about it. How to plan for it (like what to do with that spare toddler bed in our attic that Tim's brother gave us - do we use it for Elijah or do we convert his crib to the toddler bed which is what we anticipated for when he's ready to switch... or do we wait for a baby?... and do we give away his clothes that he's grown out of because if we do have another baby I can't tell you how very desperately I long for a girl and might just shrivel to bits if we were to have another boy, not that it's a big deal, but seriously...?!?!?!). Oh man.<br />
<br />
Really though.<br />
<br />
I trust God completely and leave it fully in his almighty hands. Not that it's always easy. There are days when I struggle and want to pull the reigns in and handle it all myself.<br />
<br />
I want to know. Just like you want to know about that next thing in your life - job, car, house, move, or another baby for you.<br />
<br />
<i>The waiting is the hardest part.</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></blockquote>
We are all really so very blessed. And the Lord will continue to reveal his plan for us as the days and years go on. Just keep trusting.<br />
<br />
And I will too.<br />
<br />
So no matter what happens and whether we have a second child or not, we are over-the-moon crazy about and in love with our little boy.<br />
<br />
He has such a sweet, sensitive, helpful, kind spirit despite the stubborn willfulness and feisty attitude beginning to show. Below is a picture of him sweetly rocking a friend at daycare who was tired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DYHtSh9mIgJKYskthYjt5FmjmG-VFY_T2fUTxZt_g_WckRvUJJQsE_TwHjZDPPKX20pT_5je41IlRZB7sDf46MQIVyJb7QSlwxFoWby_ImI0kfNLIrjrodWmFR5DA7AzxP-IyXNVtdNb/s1600/10923569_882075175156943_6580258039883342264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DYHtSh9mIgJKYskthYjt5FmjmG-VFY_T2fUTxZt_g_WckRvUJJQsE_TwHjZDPPKX20pT_5je41IlRZB7sDf46MQIVyJb7QSlwxFoWby_ImI0kfNLIrjrodWmFR5DA7AzxP-IyXNVtdNb/s1600/10923569_882075175156943_6580258039883342264_n.jpg" height="400" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This kid. We love him so very much and cannot believe God blessed us with him. We don't want to take a single moment for granted!!<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-65875657915391563552015-01-10T23:00:00.001-06:002015-01-11T19:20:06.485-06:00In the Illness TrenchesThis is not a post to make you feel sorry for me. This is not a post to make you feel guilty if you are healthy.<br />
<br />
That being said, let's go....<br />
<br />
Being in the trenches of trials and suffering through a chronic illness is often very lonely.<br />
<br />
Very. very.<br />
<br />
Lonely.<br />
<br />
Dark.<br />
<br />
Hard.<br />
<br />
Somedays it feels like you're climbing a mountain. Daily.<br />
<br />
Taking supplements and vitamins. Researching the latest health trends. Researching treatments. Seeing doctors and specialists. Being tested until you're blue in the face. Emailing your doctors so much that you're certain they're convinced you're a bit crazy.<br />
<br />
Overwhelmed by articles shared and friends doing their best to share ideas they've heard of with you. It can often hit like a ton of bricks to get yet another suggestion on something to take, to do, or to consider when you've either already heard of it or can't possibly try one.more.thing.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Too much is sometimes too much when you are simply trying to survive. </b></i><br />
<br />
Everyone has good intentions, of course. But sometimes we just want to be still. Be quiet. And not have to be faced with the reality of our illness every single moment of every single day.<br />
<br />
It's exhausting and draining.<br />
<br />
It's a tough road.<br />
<br />
All this suffering. In pain. And other random symptoms that are so ridiculous you're not always sure it's part of your illness or just a part of life and you got all the bad luck.<br />
<br />
You ask your doctors a million questions. And feel like they're tired of trying to help you. {Even when you feel you have the absolute best primary doctor and chiropractors in the world, like I do.}<br />
<br />
You are doing things you never wanted to or ever dreamed of doing. Forcing your loved ones to care for you in ways you could have never imagined. And would never wish on them. It brings tears to your eyes sometimes to think of it.<br />
<br />
We desperately long for community, and sometimes all we can do is get online and reach out or seek those who are like us. It's a saving grace for those who are homebound. It's an outlet when there's nothing else.<br />
<br />
But real life. Knowing people in person who struggle with chronic illness can be a really big deal and a huge way to deal with it all. Connect with those, whenever and however you can.<br />
<br />
I must confess. For me, it continues to be a battle to be close friends with people who are truly healthy in basically every way. I battle jealousy and frustration because I wish I was them. There's a barrier in our relationship that we wish wasn't there. We want to understand and we know they want to understand us, but there will always be a difference in our realities.<br />
<br />
One cannot truly understand until they've been there.<br />
<br />
It's simply true.<br />
<br />
As much as I love those in my life who are healthy, my dearest, closest friends are those who have also struggled. Who can fully share in my joys and fears, my trials and victories, my pain and suffering, my love and zest for life despite it all, and especially those who share my love of Jesus.<br />
<br />
I do not want you to feel guilty if you don't have these issues. Truly. It's okay. I just have to be real with those who come here with illnesses. To encourage and remind them that as they battle these feelings too, they aren't the only ones.<br />
<br />
For me though, another saving grace is that most of the time, my husband is the one who makes me stay sane with this battle. Though he cannot comprehend what I'm dealing with daily, he lives it alongside of me day in and day out, so he sees and understands better than most.<br />
<br />
I know that Fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses are really misunderstood. Some people still believe Fibromyalgia is more in the head than anything else. I wish I could convince anyone reading this that it's not. That concept is still baffling to me. It's an illness. It's so hard. And people thinking it's "made up" just hurts the whole of the Fibromyalgia community.<br />
<br />
Today I've had a burst of energy and have gotten a ton of things done around our house. It's a great feeling.<br />
<br />
But I've also been fighting a ton of pain today as I've been doing all of that. I hurt everywhere. It just never goes away. So even when I can function well, I'm never ever going to be normal again.<br />
<br />
There are days I can do more. There are days I can only rest and want to scream as pain tears through every ounce of my body.<br />
<br />
The majority of people cannot possibly understand that. Though they can have sympathy, pray for me, and surround me during desperate times of need... they can't wrap their heads around what my life is fully like. Not that I expect them to.<br />
<br />
<b>I just mean that I think those of us dealing with chronic illnesses need people close in our lives who truly understand and can relate on a more intimate level. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>For those of you who are in the trenches with illness, you also need to know that </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>YOU ARE NOT ALONE.</i></b><br />
<br />
You will face dark, hard days. <b>It's going to be okay. </b><br />
<br />
You will struggle indefinitely, perhaps your entire life. <b>Take it one day at a time. </b><br />
<br />
You will wish it would end, you will beg God to take it away. Cry out to him in pain and<b> trust him to handle it for you</b>, and pray for his strength.<br />
<br />
You will face deep loneliness. You are not alone. Reach out and share your story with others. Let people in. Talk about what fears and struggles you face. <b>Don't give up, there is always hope!</b><br />
<br />
I promise in the end, everything will truly be okay. God will make it right. For now he just asks us to obey and to trust him.<br />
<br />
It's a sinful, messy, hard world out there. Everyone has something hard in their lives, and this is what God has allowed for us. It may not make sense most days and you will wish you were healthier, but try to think positively and focus on what ways you've grown through your illness.<br />
<br />
In the trenches, alongside you.<br />
<br />
Hang in there and remember that God loves you, no matter what.<br />
<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-72476915909741521202015-01-01T11:14:00.002-06:002015-01-01T11:20:53.273-06:00Merry Christmas & Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXu5RhCuo9wu3QV0p1mclz_6vdHMmZVW-Sihkp8jaFlXqLhtEuPXM8-HiEZHeBTJ3Bg_71d2VLU7P7k_5CZM1osCvbEoErw4NJ3xTDFUbNpXC5Wl3KxW06-vc4OwBtLWKzzCWOkrUzDDd/s1600/FamilyChristmas2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXu5RhCuo9wu3QV0p1mclz_6vdHMmZVW-Sihkp8jaFlXqLhtEuPXM8-HiEZHeBTJ3Bg_71d2VLU7P7k_5CZM1osCvbEoErw4NJ3xTDFUbNpXC5Wl3KxW06-vc4OwBtLWKzzCWOkrUzDDd/s1600/FamilyChristmas2014.jpg" height="315" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you've stuck around here and watched our lives on this blog this year, I can't thank you enough. It means so much to me to be able to share this space with you.<br />
<br />
I know my blog has shifted a bit since Elijah came along, but your continued readership and support is so special.<br />
<br />
We praise God for a great year, even in the midst of real challenges, and we can truly say we are not the same people entering into 2015 as we were when 2014 came along.<br />
<br />
We aren't who we could be. We aren't who we should be. But by God's grace, we aren't who we were. <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[quote taken from our pastor]</span></i><br />
<br />
2015 will bring my cousin becoming a grandma, my aunt getting remarried after losing her husband to melanoma two years ago, our niece getting married in the mountains of Tennessee with an extended mini-vacation for us back where we went on our honeymoon, and probably so much more! But that's all we know of so far.<br />
<br />
Hopefully our health issues will continue to improve with herbal medicine and chiropractic treatments, my panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety of these past two months will dissipate, and we will continue to marvel and be amazed at all the ways that Elijah continues to grow, change, and learn.<br />
<br />
Here's to a great 2015, with the hard 2014 finally in the rearview mirror!!<br />
<br />
Hoping you all had a great Christmas, and here's to a growing and peaceful 2015!<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-1991950050224632992014-11-18T22:20:00.003-06:002014-11-18T22:26:04.660-06:0016 Months{one month late... neglected to post this!}<br />
<br />
At 16 months, Elijah is hilarious and keeps us on our toes so often! Like any 16 month old, he's bursting full of energy, curiosity, exploration, and activity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF54z7k95Gus-KnX7DQIdydpk2l7T3Ek_GTCQzM1OcEILLbe_49DYEbkceOZTNUIGsYGMLLYZzpzE3W-TXmLVP110ZHJ6LSKsG0kJLd81tKNS_ilBSsjFlG23vmIGfCkGHpFM4pGnYeoq/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF54z7k95Gus-KnX7DQIdydpk2l7T3Ek_GTCQzM1OcEILLbe_49DYEbkceOZTNUIGsYGMLLYZzpzE3W-TXmLVP110ZHJ6LSKsG0kJLd81tKNS_ilBSsjFlG23vmIGfCkGHpFM4pGnYeoq/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TeJWlAvCVRU_kZB-edkFsAivb6HtdClD7qeCuDnYtZGDlrpbZ8q6M80qEdxYWIPxuvKdR42hbXC_UwokYVTC0Myavn0Y79dggK62kpXC8i3VQEjk_RZF6HEpSgi_BnuqI-ASrFfPXfz4/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TeJWlAvCVRU_kZB-edkFsAivb6HtdClD7qeCuDnYtZGDlrpbZ8q6M80qEdxYWIPxuvKdR42hbXC_UwokYVTC0Myavn0Y79dggK62kpXC8i3VQEjk_RZF6HEpSgi_BnuqI-ASrFfPXfz4/s1600/IMG_2179.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKnLuCnoIDWtBVOZJDIc-elaXah9i8bAb5QuhUZnRmrzoBlsQaKehqxhssCHi4NwArj_SYqU1StKblXYKKXtqcHCcJRK4egOu3mvUtfEhJPcrhneLUci9L3pKTGrsnchzJUOaN6Spxggp/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKnLuCnoIDWtBVOZJDIc-elaXah9i8bAb5QuhUZnRmrzoBlsQaKehqxhssCHi4NwArj_SYqU1StKblXYKKXtqcHCcJRK4egOu3mvUtfEhJPcrhneLUci9L3pKTGrsnchzJUOaN6Spxggp/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
He loves to blow kisses - even to the squirrels in the yard, planes in the air, and the dogs on our walks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dv1aTkkH3P4-Ucp9LTUwl9TfU0d4FSXorZiOuUnhDZBx7M8X8trT3RKmGmYzwRDbRpepuRgyn3MBpZ1IasIM5f-HHD9_QfRv4AAehgKB7DRujLDxRgLSICgEF1o6eBw_ngVF3isjudzO/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dv1aTkkH3P4-Ucp9LTUwl9TfU0d4FSXorZiOuUnhDZBx7M8X8trT3RKmGmYzwRDbRpepuRgyn3MBpZ1IasIM5f-HHD9_QfRv4AAehgKB7DRujLDxRgLSICgEF1o6eBw_ngVF3isjudzO/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_jxpQV2rXJwonEXo5zlg2OYlQxl_Xu_vvNT3NMzQjWwJ65ZlgTwJYto719rD8N0WwGXVepjfZL6DH7PT7cLRaOkDdcLXegUUqsOaLCjX0VDOauX-d0G12Y1BIcyG68LxpN6i5hzNvsIV/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_jxpQV2rXJwonEXo5zlg2OYlQxl_Xu_vvNT3NMzQjWwJ65ZlgTwJYto719rD8N0WwGXVepjfZL6DH7PT7cLRaOkDdcLXegUUqsOaLCjX0VDOauX-d0G12Y1BIcyG68LxpN6i5hzNvsIV/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkZJSpq0fE4xfL_8rioMH7Xr0Knu7IgXw9QtLPJUAYqiiVcMBu9V-ccLrIE8abznR-ARMs1h4cwrjCqjMg5aVUJdvFL_uX7CTVOAWhatlnbozZ91BGmbZ_Xkl76UJexCQ4Wao5QUg7luF/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkZJSpq0fE4xfL_8rioMH7Xr0Knu7IgXw9QtLPJUAYqiiVcMBu9V-ccLrIE8abznR-ARMs1h4cwrjCqjMg5aVUJdvFL_uX7CTVOAWhatlnbozZ91BGmbZ_Xkl76UJexCQ4Wao5QUg7luF/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgnH152UlTNmHeT8HNlauA5YlDwjz0jmzdCijRSi82xOliN0701-s2Un8EJFXh9ROt7S0ZLp1b6MPg_7D7UBysZvY1I5creyghxBEayJBeJLxrYzKN960svgxyY-q_JV9mJCQk3mWty29/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgnH152UlTNmHeT8HNlauA5YlDwjz0jmzdCijRSi82xOliN0701-s2Un8EJFXh9ROt7S0ZLp1b6MPg_7D7UBysZvY1I5creyghxBEayJBeJLxrYzKN960svgxyY-q_JV9mJCQk3mWty29/s1600/IMG_2201.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
He's a little swing addict, but what toddler isn't?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YfUF9y95Ok9G_MgZUA9gRfYdjWnhCmQbLVV58LmjV-Knu1MdvQNkIJxam2rrUSg10zZL1377p6QpfZS1W_haEcd-k1sYjVrP9TyW5pGqXbA1kWD34gUdnp2BcNHfHZm4u55-n51HQ3M4/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YfUF9y95Ok9G_MgZUA9gRfYdjWnhCmQbLVV58LmjV-Knu1MdvQNkIJxam2rrUSg10zZL1377p6QpfZS1W_haEcd-k1sYjVrP9TyW5pGqXbA1kWD34gUdnp2BcNHfHZm4u55-n51HQ3M4/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Oh short sleeves... less than 1 month ago and we miss you so! 18 degrees as we speak. It is not January. Go away.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl6hb6WqLhNtJa6eTAuPpoVhYXQRIl3Tf0V1xuqkFEuvyDbXUQB6U1jdGwvR0LuDnn1YpDH64JKmx_Y8Exhee6AQSGu0YOGCjjIiTjIzhHlrK08LJF6vjLZ7BR2O7gZdtone6cqeqSfYP/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl6hb6WqLhNtJa6eTAuPpoVhYXQRIl3Tf0V1xuqkFEuvyDbXUQB6U1jdGwvR0LuDnn1YpDH64JKmx_Y8Exhee6AQSGu0YOGCjjIiTjIzhHlrK08LJF6vjLZ7BR2O7gZdtone6cqeqSfYP/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzfYCKo5kg_oSKHprJSkj3_ZJUKZxg-lTTRWKMH3wvrNjDBg24Qjcrc_qj_iygjgpZ6bjvJPo94DtDu8iNn0cNocwNezN5Afsy8LrSvbvInLPfgymfbSOVXny3TvlJjEn9qFhhgjEnzue/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzfYCKo5kg_oSKHprJSkj3_ZJUKZxg-lTTRWKMH3wvrNjDBg24Qjcrc_qj_iygjgpZ6bjvJPo94DtDu8iNn0cNocwNezN5Afsy8LrSvbvInLPfgymfbSOVXny3TvlJjEn9qFhhgjEnzue/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBc0go6hqB3ntpXVoMqbBqrAnguJe1WALgG8fj89bljaqVLe5SQ_Jz3XctmACMsTE8zJK9PGEP1awUt4p-iVmK6QVzgIsItP0n6Qy2QrdspohkmNM-uBE9bs2LmQEwTvJSdfNd5j0AEpG/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBc0go6hqB3ntpXVoMqbBqrAnguJe1WALgG8fj89bljaqVLe5SQ_Jz3XctmACMsTE8zJK9PGEP1awUt4p-iVmK6QVzgIsItP0n6Qy2QrdspohkmNM-uBE9bs2LmQEwTvJSdfNd5j0AEpG/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
He has a serious, thoughtful, shy streak to him. It really makes me wonder if his personality is a lot like mine: times of being bubbly and funny and outgoing, other times of being introspective and quiet and thoughtful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsAlhqZtJXJOdglCLwiqnuNQrvqY2RsWSgXFSQfJHz27FEC2mr3d0h4-qziJpfEd18GUm1v3kLz1dtKuNSLLoyz-F_fb5XON_R-j_RylGDI4bcMjP5hXt83EG-PTov3tmvfdfIjFJ1THv/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsAlhqZtJXJOdglCLwiqnuNQrvqY2RsWSgXFSQfJHz27FEC2mr3d0h4-qziJpfEd18GUm1v3kLz1dtKuNSLLoyz-F_fb5XON_R-j_RylGDI4bcMjP5hXt83EG-PTov3tmvfdfIjFJ1THv/s1600/IMG_2232.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQxamFP37IWLGO33faBL_3pXtxbEoDodutoF9BSrSd4q7T3TskhJwFTG1LVGmimPIa5xyYsvI6x-ysSpgMwPVEtXANxvek4oqvFfn-MSceX-b9bcN2EktzmHVa5YGzJwXLI_07GgSGlK-/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQxamFP37IWLGO33faBL_3pXtxbEoDodutoF9BSrSd4q7T3TskhJwFTG1LVGmimPIa5xyYsvI6x-ysSpgMwPVEtXANxvek4oqvFfn-MSceX-b9bcN2EktzmHVa5YGzJwXLI_07GgSGlK-/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrznAq1dqBcLdxSditQCXFOIjbBqZtyVXhYuG-a9kqVz4NRPdJm88kfvcZXJ9kuURLWSk7bhnuadeDDxqcOsvjUyEX77vau-bLb-DCTWcVOCWuCDJQnD41GjK1kSE_5PPSm_GOBc70ynA/s1600/IMG_2242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrznAq1dqBcLdxSditQCXFOIjbBqZtyVXhYuG-a9kqVz4NRPdJm88kfvcZXJ9kuURLWSk7bhnuadeDDxqcOsvjUyEX77vau-bLb-DCTWcVOCWuCDJQnD41GjK1kSE_5PPSm_GOBc70ynA/s1600/IMG_2242.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtVoSUpj2Io8_UCHzrDh1rei6qqnLRvETlD5tRMkLeTxqF8iaOAZCdzAW9XjQcFfeciC9hkWKTIyOAFqaVS9u-TU-pJK781_0NH0tMr6_znBz992kU6xy0pz08u323-x5hL03WKUUHU4u/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtVoSUpj2Io8_UCHzrDh1rei6qqnLRvETlD5tRMkLeTxqF8iaOAZCdzAW9XjQcFfeciC9hkWKTIyOAFqaVS9u-TU-pJK781_0NH0tMr6_znBz992kU6xy0pz08u323-x5hL03WKUUHU4u/s1600/IMG_2250.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6y_wQ_qBg5mfh-cGK2hit_DaJXediwRqDu8f3ILBGfJJrbtzAZxrwGpQROGqJBHNxAOrOpT6hyphenhyphen_v7Yi3S2pTVeVMzLAQJCW-clgVg5Y8QMQjKCV2QYKgETEWraLG9UMsGSf3gEREQeFD/s1600/IMG_2252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6y_wQ_qBg5mfh-cGK2hit_DaJXediwRqDu8f3ILBGfJJrbtzAZxrwGpQROGqJBHNxAOrOpT6hyphenhyphen_v7Yi3S2pTVeVMzLAQJCW-clgVg5Y8QMQjKCV2QYKgETEWraLG9UMsGSf3gEREQeFD/s1600/IMG_2252.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0ACeJuvNuHZwOd081r-MvZIa0yMbi9MPxfdhpaLAb2zn8s8ZBBVjB-Fo7ng6_E8p76sl9e9JaVQ_ZZq4wXYKgc8iZk239KiaP382NaFpybJPPqanpq8HY28BPEkjAk2LiM5bWq8RQjK5/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0ACeJuvNuHZwOd081r-MvZIa0yMbi9MPxfdhpaLAb2zn8s8ZBBVjB-Fo7ng6_E8p76sl9e9JaVQ_ZZq4wXYKgc8iZk239KiaP382NaFpybJPPqanpq8HY28BPEkjAk2LiM5bWq8RQjK5/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvE-6CiK2bFsUoAPbWGNeBt-vVv0g3bAFnkXpyxR3Dt62wQMyk7_P9KdkloIycBGtkDxwJR3rexcs0GPjsM8hIvZg_HX8cw4wyQeV54r82zLWYrgzmeK_ck-zVqwCcI6k7QvF08n_6FOf/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvE-6CiK2bFsUoAPbWGNeBt-vVv0g3bAFnkXpyxR3Dt62wQMyk7_P9KdkloIycBGtkDxwJR3rexcs0GPjsM8hIvZg_HX8cw4wyQeV54r82zLWYrgzmeK_ck-zVqwCcI6k7QvF08n_6FOf/s1600/IMG_2259.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
He's starting to understand what we say - no, yes, ball, trash, open, close, door, car, daddy, mommy, give mama, careful, stop, turn around, please, thank you, more, all done, eat, hungry, water, milk, paci, good job, high five, listen, calm, and walk.<br />
<br />
He says or has at least once said: mama, daddy, ball, bubble, oops, whoa, woof, ohhh, light, yeah, all done, and probably more I can't think of right this minute.<br />
<br />
He's a complete sweetheart with a spunky personality. He loves people but can randomly be shy depending on the situation. He loves waving, blowing kisses, giving high fives, playing basketball, pushing his bubble lawnmower, taking walks {he'd be outside all the time if he could!}, pointing up at the planes in the sky, playing at the playground {we live by a park and every. single. walk if we don't go to the park he whines and gets upset... we're working on that}, thinks it's hilarious to sit where mommy or daddy usually sit in the living room and imitate them {like point the remote at the tv... both hilarious and scary}, pretends to talk into the phone, is obsessed with gadgets and electronics, has started giving us actual kisses, genuinely enjoys his daycare friends and teachers and gets excited now when he sees the building in the morning and reaches out to the building like he can't get there fast enough {should this scare me?! LOL!}, and loves going up and down the stairs like a big boy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcJxskuy0aaD3Gno7oBScOssi-yHY1W-vshwqOESMRdfEBYE5ZMEpzIMQb-QZ-MuqwidGzX38vMq0O_Y_fMxB5rTB6bNs2ZuhCTNDVKoFP1wyxU4Xz-UMet8cN4ZJ2y-qGhUbaUH0AGok/s1600/IMG_4730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcJxskuy0aaD3Gno7oBScOssi-yHY1W-vshwqOESMRdfEBYE5ZMEpzIMQb-QZ-MuqwidGzX38vMq0O_Y_fMxB5rTB6bNs2ZuhCTNDVKoFP1wyxU4Xz-UMet8cN4ZJ2y-qGhUbaUH0AGok/s1600/IMG_4730.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>with daycare buddy Caleb on their favorite little play area</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's completely obsessed with the outdoors, playgrounds, taking walks, and pushing his bubble lawnmower. I think he'd stay outside all the time if he could! He's also obsessed with gadgets of any sort. He waves and blows kisses at dogs, and gets mad if we walk away from dogs before he can pet them. He loves to 'draw' on paper and on pumpkins. He knows and loves our older next door neighbor. He loves magnets and gets so mad when he can't get them off the fridge. He waves at people so often, it still surprises me when he cries and runs to me when he gets afraid {usually if someone is coming up to the door and I'm not holding him}.<br />
<br />
He's quite a treat and we are so blessed. It really is hard to believe he's nearing 1 1/2 years old. I know it's going to continue to go in the blink of an eye, and I'm trying to soak it in. I don't want this Winter to disappear in a total blur like last year did!!<br />
<br />
Oh Fall, how we miss you already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL0JBRrgrmUP3IaY2c4_hHKE4jyiBEcu2HRL3laS89rJCZn1s61Ri-I3Fy7BgPPebhLQUvG9ake-RIEvCSItjL1RMb1MvszfkeUr4AXrWlUt3Cb-gSZ7bwY_AWGjWPaiD-s_Ta8ao44y3/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL0JBRrgrmUP3IaY2c4_hHKE4jyiBEcu2HRL3laS89rJCZn1s61Ri-I3Fy7BgPPebhLQUvG9ake-RIEvCSItjL1RMb1MvszfkeUr4AXrWlUt3Cb-gSZ7bwY_AWGjWPaiD-s_Ta8ao44y3/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few weeks ago Elijah had a sudden spike in fever, going up to 104 and it was a bit scary! But gratefully he just had some little bug and it went away as quickly as it came. Praise God! Those scary-high fevers are awful. But we soaked in the snuggles!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqbl0D-0THqBPZfNxt-hFhyVn1FzZsW-W18xGhadvl_SDIevljeP_MHIzvJO9LYI2_FiLkJcp7rSTDhzmPy7_O9NlPhX04J9esJ6PIwAPHOp4ZlZd_-XZC_CUlF8HjKWfn_mhEHyf4gG8/s1600/IMG_4694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqbl0D-0THqBPZfNxt-hFhyVn1FzZsW-W18xGhadvl_SDIevljeP_MHIzvJO9LYI2_FiLkJcp7rSTDhzmPy7_O9NlPhX04J9esJ6PIwAPHOp4ZlZd_-XZC_CUlF8HjKWfn_mhEHyf4gG8/s1600/IMG_4694.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lZbfUY_kITJ3hMgKj9x-UO9kdZEfudRaQUc4lMNEKBUSKBD_1sHiTn4RrHYxMcvyYaSfOPKt5z8PIWy02ESwGynr_5PlKME4OLNJ6Zzhsbwc7LUZf71DpbliLldFoCRoGSHwoFHxerWE/s1600/IMG_4695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_lZbfUY_kITJ3hMgKj9x-UO9kdZEfudRaQUc4lMNEKBUSKBD_1sHiTn4RrHYxMcvyYaSfOPKt5z8PIWy02ESwGynr_5PlKME4OLNJ6Zzhsbwc7LUZf71DpbliLldFoCRoGSHwoFHxerWE/s1600/IMG_4695.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And as of the past 1.5 weeks {so, after the above pics when he was sick}, he's DONE with the pacifier!!! I can tell it would help him occasionally, but we're so glad that he's forgotten about it and isn't asking for it anymore. Whew!<br />
<br />
He's an incredible sleeper even though he doesn't love sleeping through the night, but his morning naps rock. He gave them up at about 14 months at daycare {2 days a week}, but he's always still so tired on days when he's at home, so I haven't had him stop them yet. He just keeps seeming to need them. But I can tell it's coming to a close. And I'm soooo not wanting to give them up yet. It's my hardest thing right now... long, dark, cold winter days right when he's about to give up those morning naps. Oh you guys. I can't do it. It makes me so very sad. And so incredibly overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
I know it'll be okay and we'll find yet another new normal. But it's a tough one for me.<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-19155372812992572102014-11-11T22:20:00.000-06:002014-11-11T22:20:00.852-06:00Rough Weekends and Family Photos<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a rough weekend and we barely survived it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I struggled with severe anxiety on Friday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>But we had a great date night.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Saturday I hit my head HARD on our table and I got dizzy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>But I spoke with two doctors who are incredible</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>and it reminded me of our broken and sensitive our </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>finite human bodies are, and just how much we all</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>need Jesus. Daily. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I was required to rest and not drive for 24 hours just in case</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
concussion-like symptoms appeared. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>But gratefully they didn't. I was okay. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>And reminded how </i><i>important life is</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>and how careful we must be with what God has given to us.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Hubby was gone much of Saturday, serving at church so willingly </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
and picking up two items we'd purchased online super cheap from two</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
area suburbs. We missed him dearly especially with my head injury.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>But we were reminded just how much we cherish him and his</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>helpfulness & sacrifices. And we are so grateful to be rid now of said-table</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>that I hit my head on, now that we have a new organization center for our kitchen, </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>and we have an incredible new climbing/slide/play station in our family room </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>for Elijah. Both items are fantastic additions to our home for only $30. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>So grateful and humbled by what we have.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My mom called a couple hours after lunch with the bad, distressing news</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
that my stepbrother had been found dead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
No reason. 45 years old. Tragic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>But God has given comfort to so many in the midst of this tragedy.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>Please pray for Jay's 3 kids, 3 sisters, my stepdad and mom, </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>nieces & nephews, etc. Please pray for people to come to </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>know and love </i><i>Jesus from this. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Late Sunday afternoon, we managed to squeeze in taking family photos with our tripod and remote. </div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9cn8S6PvtRvuBiXsOANwz5dewAleh8nWMCFDgVmcelTTK8z5bBNRzXaRFzt9zYnL2K4jVC_Utk3ib3E3g8gcrKfZBKZpl0n4Ks-SxjetWgy1G7goohFScC3BMZ7tGLAz1YmqZbv8Nynz/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9cn8S6PvtRvuBiXsOANwz5dewAleh8nWMCFDgVmcelTTK8z5bBNRzXaRFzt9zYnL2K4jVC_Utk3ib3E3g8gcrKfZBKZpl0n4Ks-SxjetWgy1G7goohFScC3BMZ7tGLAz1YmqZbv8Nynz/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2JGVhLb1-f_qqDlf0nP6iUl_H-B7nY2772GFxUnDPSlx4RsSMJQMYUdoD4951o0Ha2dVLN_oBsRfi7J9nv5VvorTXYAVoyl7SoGWnU541Z8R70FjF3tRvf7ApH8E-1B43VwELAal__Q4/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2JGVhLb1-f_qqDlf0nP6iUl_H-B7nY2772GFxUnDPSlx4RsSMJQMYUdoD4951o0Ha2dVLN_oBsRfi7J9nv5VvorTXYAVoyl7SoGWnU541Z8R70FjF3tRvf7ApH8E-1B43VwELAal__Q4/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQsBIpLNjEVi5VU-WMou71yZuFMtoTR-4V7iE6vPMykW0Q4SkPWLCb7ODOzAT572ZwzFp3LxBphGvrP1KGnKKx2Sl6GKNYADuDSldh9ok8YyRI6AT8NqjLFsRYrg3UeFgi07xZyrRtmsV/s1600/IMG_2322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQsBIpLNjEVi5VU-WMou71yZuFMtoTR-4V7iE6vPMykW0Q4SkPWLCb7ODOzAT572ZwzFp3LxBphGvrP1KGnKKx2Sl6GKNYADuDSldh9ok8YyRI6AT8NqjLFsRYrg3UeFgi07xZyrRtmsV/s1600/IMG_2322.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And if you get our Christmas cards, you'll get to see the rest of the good ones. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was nice to be able to end the weekend on a high note!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rough weekends happen. It makes for long weeks sometimes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But God is there in the midst of all of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It could certainly be better. It can always be worse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And we are so grateful and humbled by his love and goodness to us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-88888291034132447962014-10-13T22:29:00.001-05:002014-10-13T22:29:06.825-05:00Pumpkin Patch 2014Of course now that we have a kiddo, we'll be joining the ranks of sharing pictures of kids & pumpkins together! :) But we just have to show him off as he takes in his first <i>real</i> time at a Pumpkin Patch {and by patch, I mean that generically as they're all just stacked together}. <b><a href="http://rochelle-learning-to-trust.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-fall-fall.html"><span style="color: blue;">While he was there last year too</span></a></b>, he's just now realizing what's going on and taking it all in.<br />
<br />
Watching him experience everything and seeing it through his eyes was SO much fun!!! It was seriously incredibly special.<br />
<br />
So on Saturday morning, we went to a nearby pumpkin patch, farm, cafe, etc, that holds an annual Fall Festival with tons of goodies and animals everywhere. We didn't do any of the rides or animal stuff yet since Elijah's not old enough, but we did take a peek from the sidelines and I reminisced about 3 years ago when we first took our little buddy Parker there!<br />
<br />
Such sweet memories. And now there are many more!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4YsHlMXPMAFeN8ZaUS7_5NOiZlu8hhDXHZZGO3_mE4QxH-shZl1MmJ-vTUhQCPr1XIfmw2k49Q4adQIWytADPhEkM8AAsqBCkotn5OQIyCyigkQYmR03yFbNtG3wQsseW393E9OdHvqU/s1600/IMG_2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4YsHlMXPMAFeN8ZaUS7_5NOiZlu8hhDXHZZGO3_mE4QxH-shZl1MmJ-vTUhQCPr1XIfmw2k49Q4adQIWytADPhEkM8AAsqBCkotn5OQIyCyigkQYmR03yFbNtG3wQsseW393E9OdHvqU/s1600/IMG_2046.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah enjoyed helping choose 8 little pumpkins to donate to his daycare classroom. What fun!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pqs_XB-EEKl0yC6hq4GVEGHHxrSMddQoeGxuPjQllH117eESeGeutgspmt1gLbNFZFi1HT0uh_YSIWPje12xaH1zEDUiHcsNbXK7-zvTVb5IxnzMYZR9hNZlCZ5_smsI3ys4D73rodwq/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Pqs_XB-EEKl0yC6hq4GVEGHHxrSMddQoeGxuPjQllH117eESeGeutgspmt1gLbNFZFi1HT0uh_YSIWPje12xaH1zEDUiHcsNbXK7-zvTVb5IxnzMYZR9hNZlCZ5_smsI3ys4D73rodwq/s1600/IMG_2049.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandpa & Grandma were with us too! Such a special treat!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTKMblJywRpA_rmHxLN1-kzDDNkLnnPuwnS2C3I2ssb2eoc0qR4W0shl3LVSeYP-2e-fPXt4_C5SQ1nHWLkFheHLw9HZYMuEW-MUNUzktaOIXX75KcUE2XDKpw2RPesOsOICuzpOrbl60/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTKMblJywRpA_rmHxLN1-kzDDNkLnnPuwnS2C3I2ssb2eoc0qR4W0shl3LVSeYP-2e-fPXt4_C5SQ1nHWLkFheHLw9HZYMuEW-MUNUzktaOIXX75KcUE2XDKpw2RPesOsOICuzpOrbl60/s1600/IMG_2058.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0_mvounCtK-Lvh_1w30Cq1mSE-QzeTx4ah8g4xFdZWJPSYl7f7j2N01Wnbh4lTc8bJI2BOtELPrC72ySRNXqck4ZY8-HeqpZBDxQGfObgBUt6cb6hDos8U8CgbnoiV99i5jOg26pacmv/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0_mvounCtK-Lvh_1w30Cq1mSE-QzeTx4ah8g4xFdZWJPSYl7f7j2N01Wnbh4lTc8bJI2BOtELPrC72ySRNXqck4ZY8-HeqpZBDxQGfObgBUt6cb6hDos8U8CgbnoiV99i5jOg26pacmv/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We tried taking him around to the corn and places where you could stand and take pictures behind random cartoon characters, but he wasn't the least bit interested. He just wanted to run back to the pumpkins!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtNJPykLXZ4w9qREGEYj3ebnBwc2CE_k0nwYid8Qyb7Dw6BqBb5ghL0aFZ7GJS48wGjF_j3hXs7JxCXSp3Q1HrQAPkV-L1R_BwDvjTM2frgtv0AuX5xn9U07jmYWlAK1mk_XPrl02wdaO/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtNJPykLXZ4w9qREGEYj3ebnBwc2CE_k0nwYid8Qyb7Dw6BqBb5ghL0aFZ7GJS48wGjF_j3hXs7JxCXSp3Q1HrQAPkV-L1R_BwDvjTM2frgtv0AuX5xn9U07jmYWlAK1mk_XPrl02wdaO/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_4ha0gtM2Q_x2Sj6QrIKSbszLH4TagVHJKvkPrDV8y3uCdCYksgbLH2DH78Rcjw5BujMRaDCjziWOx8lamZZP-3PI_vejnAfo7RZyZhnA021PchgqKEQBRQPDJVM9oS7-Z-IAKmLrJYp/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_4ha0gtM2Q_x2Sj6QrIKSbszLH4TagVHJKvkPrDV8y3uCdCYksgbLH2DH78Rcjw5BujMRaDCjziWOx8lamZZP-3PI_vejnAfo7RZyZhnA021PchgqKEQBRQPDJVM9oS7-Z-IAKmLrJYp/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
First time touching a real, big pumpkin!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorK7RUHy6ch-FNQV5zda63PoCjSLOWr-KsG0cXMJCDHEYzPnPxX6v-_IhHwQ-QUOcXITehbT5MjPIJL_udGGaRCiHO_3_gyAL4yxc8bDfS6fTNT5UGZuXd31iIiwpo3Ml-ETThzuTPKbD/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorK7RUHy6ch-FNQV5zda63PoCjSLOWr-KsG0cXMJCDHEYzPnPxX6v-_IhHwQ-QUOcXITehbT5MjPIJL_udGGaRCiHO_3_gyAL4yxc8bDfS6fTNT5UGZuXd31iIiwpo3Ml-ETThzuTPKbD/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_VPZd0FQGl9beC0yvsPb_WKp7OXHhp8IyapCG26En_Gn9vkRNVztEX4gNCL8oiv9PA3pIsQxhr9_MQMnEzdpMwWIaILpLe7t4TL1TPZQJi5QzTeKRNdQsCuPpSPkbOJGhkhFsrWSfBlw/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_VPZd0FQGl9beC0yvsPb_WKp7OXHhp8IyapCG26En_Gn9vkRNVztEX4gNCL8oiv9PA3pIsQxhr9_MQMnEzdpMwWIaILpLe7t4TL1TPZQJi5QzTeKRNdQsCuPpSPkbOJGhkhFsrWSfBlw/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV3b1aC9XZ4PccrnHIUxe2nVhgrQFQ66dsUq13iQz9CxLvsC4wITnyKDrvk0WuIcjHcKEekKkDjBSPwTbFH9Ocz6AbnGJbgkzi0W_QgbgqvzzL5tT7M7f8vgZMBSgKRuMWjTeeY9uC8k5/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiV3b1aC9XZ4PccrnHIUxe2nVhgrQFQ66dsUq13iQz9CxLvsC4wITnyKDrvk0WuIcjHcKEekKkDjBSPwTbFH9Ocz6AbnGJbgkzi0W_QgbgqvzzL5tT7M7f8vgZMBSgKRuMWjTeeY9uC8k5/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our lil' fam</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUlXY_UmeNBNGo_HesJOqa-iI2nzLiv_94EQ8d9Z-n_obWH-LBspM0L3JRImXQQ3R31ddilKWeD-Mm1T5jAntZUnNEFF5KgQjiUyAqeiSfZ2EbkmnvfS_kbueOVqZEkWEr7I10VCvyMfR/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUlXY_UmeNBNGo_HesJOqa-iI2nzLiv_94EQ8d9Z-n_obWH-LBspM0L3JRImXQQ3R31ddilKWeD-Mm1T5jAntZUnNEFF5KgQjiUyAqeiSfZ2EbkmnvfS_kbueOVqZEkWEr7I10VCvyMfR/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not quite sure how my mom managed to grab such a great pic as it was so crowded and we were feeling a bit rushed, but isn't the look on his face priceless?!?! :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BjzWzZJzQWlTrYddFOjFN6jnDLzl1IIoWBWNCl-C-CRo0B7fNvvY0SDEDJmFOlJ6Y4FnodTgILc0bUL0AGOuAn_SyYQ50TO4OXJdW-Zsfsd-iUNU2Avmh7mvKLUw9ODIX-kGBkd5kB46/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BjzWzZJzQWlTrYddFOjFN6jnDLzl1IIoWBWNCl-C-CRo0B7fNvvY0SDEDJmFOlJ6Y4FnodTgILc0bUL0AGOuAn_SyYQ50TO4OXJdW-Zsfsd-iUNU2Avmh7mvKLUw9ODIX-kGBkd5kB46/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1adlZVxUbTS8ni0bxe0L-amgGrjgltmxBJeSIkSH8p2QJGYmAMtSpnCVHmSZLL_QSIPyptRoAkTFCQ9MuP367OgEPNiZlNuNgFixHXv-47C9hbpjj2sMK24VgmpqptEGSROnsSeMxRSbb/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1adlZVxUbTS8ni0bxe0L-amgGrjgltmxBJeSIkSH8p2QJGYmAMtSpnCVHmSZLL_QSIPyptRoAkTFCQ9MuP367OgEPNiZlNuNgFixHXv-47C9hbpjj2sMK24VgmpqptEGSROnsSeMxRSbb/s1600/IMG_2101.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yum, yum!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw2oD87lT42KvPH00eTac1RSWT4oKNTMhpX1GHgrZZBSwoGn1KFnpP_D-Dd4zovVlIVcHfAPAMxTCbxWNf9NTUs_2ZXR2euCwXWtDkWLqPHmTgvrWDNCyxb_I2S9kVkMLORIDLF779f0v/s1600/IMG_2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw2oD87lT42KvPH00eTac1RSWT4oKNTMhpX1GHgrZZBSwoGn1KFnpP_D-Dd4zovVlIVcHfAPAMxTCbxWNf9NTUs_2ZXR2euCwXWtDkWLqPHmTgvrWDNCyxb_I2S9kVkMLORIDLF779f0v/s1600/IMG_2104.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMlbeUZOeo5qGb9sUqvrpR4ygn3VyATE0bNn3-aCjHDgEpfCKWiZxAYFN7_HevAG0r0Knbb-CVnqyCXUkpJ7oDTmIv7Eh7SX5XvJs4efWn3sdMxtIc2cYWmch4nTZVH01jiwW-JYHPqC-/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMlbeUZOeo5qGb9sUqvrpR4ygn3VyATE0bNn3-aCjHDgEpfCKWiZxAYFN7_HevAG0r0Knbb-CVnqyCXUkpJ7oDTmIv7Eh7SX5XvJs4efWn3sdMxtIc2cYWmch4nTZVH01jiwW-JYHPqC-/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elijah was quite enthralled with the camels</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0pSmlmjKho0yVV9kBRFY9IjVt1GWcWDKLKVd2F60vLcxrgaVT5e3PEXPUeXnzLoAyExrYJn52s397gxvkddT4et97czDtLyxXMjE7cslcP05lq3l5t3S2jubM1xSdpmNG8foMKD4hlUk/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0pSmlmjKho0yVV9kBRFY9IjVt1GWcWDKLKVd2F60vLcxrgaVT5e3PEXPUeXnzLoAyExrYJn52s397gxvkddT4et97czDtLyxXMjE7cslcP05lq3l5t3S2jubM1xSdpmNG8foMKD4hlUk/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBD7noa4iDOQfigKl6Pki1kcnlD48VRugIXAKF_QfGo5NbpyXbHoU4VaXWtPDGY8eGuLYnZZibRu1jw4OP6qA1suNUTGrooRC781C5fZ8o0DAcNOsqJ_Y6PG854sl9oMgdWeYyeUXeZym/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBD7noa4iDOQfigKl6Pki1kcnlD48VRugIXAKF_QfGo5NbpyXbHoU4VaXWtPDGY8eGuLYnZZibRu1jw4OP6qA1suNUTGrooRC781C5fZ8o0DAcNOsqJ_Y6PG854sl9oMgdWeYyeUXeZym/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the giraffes in the distance!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65ZznDa7HXg1JM_Qa-TvtSHLnw_lLjf7Un3gqzNgxLdZc6z0zCZDR2043ynleiXTHlm20f8-rJzHxK-XvHUedaNMsmC0rCPcgGpj_FQDZjTRDjFJBFLAR75MmjaoMLp44dzkbdGpvdxrV/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65ZznDa7HXg1JM_Qa-TvtSHLnw_lLjf7Un3gqzNgxLdZc6z0zCZDR2043ynleiXTHlm20f8-rJzHxK-XvHUedaNMsmC0rCPcgGpj_FQDZjTRDjFJBFLAR75MmjaoMLp44dzkbdGpvdxrV/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aww my sweet boy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS5XFHN2_IiFm7dcVfMsz4eIOhhk25_SH0BQOhxXqDRMLV8S5F3x05Ahesu4KtJP2dsoLw5pwNtaioubtEcU7KIq82HPdNSKahhIKvKWRgX4glgoH1uwqG_xy8Kf7-vG0-JGA8HWHkKB8/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS5XFHN2_IiFm7dcVfMsz4eIOhhk25_SH0BQOhxXqDRMLV8S5F3x05Ahesu4KtJP2dsoLw5pwNtaioubtEcU7KIq82HPdNSKahhIKvKWRgX4glgoH1uwqG_xy8Kf7-vG0-JGA8HWHkKB8/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Funny faces with daddy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjxG_73bgPVxrRg8WZtbitN5_9opOqJVccCfgztRV_7aYoWfjAiTCQNsX3t15HCcAb68swU1D0bmp6_pRqwDcPGgu-3pXjyqTVU9JgX61hnOWHMUmspgl7hVsYaJ1-DF2d18R5P_fOQ7q/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjxG_73bgPVxrRg8WZtbitN5_9opOqJVccCfgztRV_7aYoWfjAiTCQNsX3t15HCcAb68swU1D0bmp6_pRqwDcPGgu-3pXjyqTVU9JgX61hnOWHMUmspgl7hVsYaJ1-DF2d18R5P_fOQ7q/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before we left of course we had to get some yummy treats - including fresh hot apple cider, some coffee for Grandpa, fresh apple cider donuts, and freshly made kettle corn. Super yummy!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And finally, here's our big boy walking with Grandma back to our car. Love this. :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DngqBWDMZStKRMPA9uF8exoRyvWa38jYeOv8IvILrXm38oyxtLsfiYXH7a0jzmhUyCY4H3umeWQv08BjNdFyxyb4XTJ93k-9RCNKBcngDyZoyubDmybLji5jY9ztfh_QykaPQg71KZkn/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DngqBWDMZStKRMPA9uF8exoRyvWa38jYeOv8IvILrXm38oyxtLsfiYXH7a0jzmhUyCY4H3umeWQv08BjNdFyxyb4XTJ93k-9RCNKBcngDyZoyubDmybLji5jY9ztfh_QykaPQg71KZkn/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A truly wonderful experience on a perfectly gorgeous Fall day!!<br />
<br />
It is amazing to watch the world through a child's eyes. I'm floored every day by something he sees or does or exclaims "whoaaa!!" to. He's growing and changing so much, I can barely keep up. He's almost 16 months old and I'm not sure how to process that.<br />
<br />
We are trying to soak in every beautiful Fall day, and every chance we get to experience something new with Elijah in this stage... because all too soon we'll be stuck inside for the Winter. For a child who looooooooves the outdoors, this will be a challenging season!<br />
<br />
So Fall, please stay around just a little bit longer.<br />
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2227273988801096745.post-57700666130286615742014-10-10T07:30:00.000-05:002014-10-10T13:23:14.014-05:00Home for 11 Years<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib36XR1SCKTvQyoKJLslrQWsZSrYL3RhOFKGxqrSCIU-IXm8jLkbtnYOZkmQlvuS184gAuMuWwvrkAcHS1Avq4utN1d-86nB1NFfDleUdCrAQ9JKaI4w0kDsrpKxo2_js-UgBkks6XrVNZ/s1600/OurHome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib36XR1SCKTvQyoKJLslrQWsZSrYL3RhOFKGxqrSCIU-IXm8jLkbtnYOZkmQlvuS184gAuMuWwvrkAcHS1Avq4utN1d-86nB1NFfDleUdCrAQ9JKaI4w0kDsrpKxo2_js-UgBkks6XrVNZ/s1600/OurHome.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo credit: Unknown. Just wanted to clarify it wasn't taken by us, </i><br />
<i>but by the previous owner's realtor when we bought the house.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place we have called home for 11 years now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place with all the memories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place with the long commutes to work,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but more space than we could afford close to work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place with its 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full finished basement,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a spare room we made into an exercise room, a wood-burning stove, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
two car garage, a backyard that leads into the park behind our house,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and a quiet neighborhood that while we've had irritants, has been utterly safe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place that went through significant neighborhood changes </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
just one year after we bought it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Land was sold next to us and the house by us was torn down to its roots, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and two houses were built where previously there'd only been trees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we live at the top of a hill and rarely had to worry about flooding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place that is less than 15 minutes from our church. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place that is less than 5 minutes from good friends who could be here</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
quickly in case of an emergency.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place that is near the best bike trail, petting zoo, and walking paths around!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place that gets me to LL Bean and Cabela's in under 15 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place that allows us to get to our favorite mall in 15 minutes, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to Tim's mom's in under 30, to Walgreens in 2, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dairy Queen in 1, and Target in 7. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Because, hello, priorities!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we both got different cars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where I sobbed and cried out to God in desperation</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when we found out about my illness symptoms, was tested</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
out the wazoo, and eventually where I came home after finding</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
out for sure that I had Fibromyalgia.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place... a place of refuge, safety, and some days... confusion and loneliness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we got to talk to families struggling</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with infertility and beginning adoption, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
wondering if we might someday be on the same course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where, after years of trying and struggling, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we finally brought our sweet baby home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After 11 days in the NICU.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where we entered over that threshold with fear and trepidation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And much rejoicing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we were scared. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we got the call that Tim's dad had passed away</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and we sobbed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we found out about all of our grandparent's deaths.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we argued a lot and found out the</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
real meanings of "for better, for worse, for richer, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
for poorer, in sickness and in health".</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we felt God's goodness and grace,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and his sovereignty over the overwhelming, sad, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and hard parts of life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where we became a family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place we've shared with so many family and friends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where people met Elijah for the first time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This place where love was shared, tears were shed, laughter was abounding, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
grace was given, fights were hard, God was glorified, deaths were wept over, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
voices were raised, whispers were given, prayers were constant, songs were sung,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and God's love for us and our son was ever-present.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Memories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11 years of sweet memories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All the better now with a little one's voice echoing through the hallways.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And where we get to truly see God at work every day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Through the eyes of a child.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Qo8lEiRm4F9M1RcmqpiPqdrJniQ4cW18Lc6PQapbpeG5PVZR86skEY0HJqfFIypUPejKnACJS2_HRSlLgY2cuoUozECrzgJfJMPMFHMO7r1-0zUlaqYhly7g1xu-ADdzduOAiFXSqYCI/s1600/IMG_4485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Qo8lEiRm4F9M1RcmqpiPqdrJniQ4cW18Lc6PQapbpeG5PVZR86skEY0HJqfFIypUPejKnACJS2_HRSlLgY2cuoUozECrzgJfJMPMFHMO7r1-0zUlaqYhly7g1xu-ADdzduOAiFXSqYCI/s1600/IMG_4485.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKbShb7LXdpKSo9vVdwRZ8ZImOPXWYoTVXP9IFPzCMfHrOT8c3oHoEMsYbvIAMgESGFRciDOBHA9BwmLMfz5E6zYEBV6Ehs57fjTvk4pR_FMWdmZZsReVNaeVM4tlAsvQQD45wTKE4Ox6/s1600/Home_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKbShb7LXdpKSo9vVdwRZ8ZImOPXWYoTVXP9IFPzCMfHrOT8c3oHoEMsYbvIAMgESGFRciDOBHA9BwmLMfz5E6zYEBV6Ehs57fjTvk4pR_FMWdmZZsReVNaeVM4tlAsvQQD45wTKE4Ox6/s1600/Home_2014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rochellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14484648492290966112noreply@blogger.com2