Geology...and other things...

       I would say, that ever since I was little, my communication with God has been interesting. Even before I made the decision to become a Christian, I remember a feeling or voice reinforcing certain truths. For example, I remember going into my uncle's office on several different occasions and seeing him spending time reading and studying the Bible. Even though I didn't see many people read the Bible daily, I felt God's affirmation when I came across someone doing it. Similarly, I remember the feeling deep in my gut when my neighbors adopted a baby from Peru. I am not sure how old I was, but I remember God giving me the desire to adopt, and affirming that adoption is good. My communication with God, sometimes comes from reading the Bible, prayer, talking to people, etc. But while I was in Tennessee, God used some of the nature around me to remind me of a few things that I could pass on the the boys.
       Saturday night, after nap time, dinner, and ice cream, Chris and I took the boys to mine for rocks. I thought they would LOVE this. I mean, who wouldn't love pouring sand/rocks into a bin and sticking it in water to reveal your new found treasure? Well....they weren't too impressed. Chris ended up doing the majority of the work. After mining for the rocks, you could take them inside and have someone classify what you found. I wanted to do this, so we all went inside the store. Inside the store there were all the rocks you could imagine. Anything you could think of, was for sale. They had cut and polished loads of rocks to resemble frogs and turtles etc. You could also pick our your favorite rocks and buy them individually. Although the boys didn't like getting their hands dirty finding their own rocks, they enjoyed the rock store very much. I had a BLAST walking around the store and getting Mattox's impression on all the different rocks. Some of them were green, his favorite color. Some were white and "looked like ice." As we were observing the different rocks, I said to Mattox, "isn't it cool that there are so many different shapes and colors? These rocks are like people. We all come in different shapes and sizes. Just because a rock is big, doesn't mean it is better. Just because a rock has swirls, doesn't mean that it is prettier. I mean, how boring would this store be if ever rock were the same shape and color?" Not only is that an important lesson to teach the boys, but I needed a reminder myself.
       Sometimes I think I make the mistake of spending too much time focused on the negative parts of my personality and appearance, and not enough time being confident in the fact that growing in Christ is a process...and that appearance shouldn't be a huge concern as long as I am focused on being healthy. I sometimes get down because I seem to struggle with different things than my friends...I seem to be different in areas where I wish I were the same. I'm sure we all have struggled with that at some point in our lives. I am happy that God used rocks...to remind me of Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." and 1 Samuel 16:7 ''Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." Such a great reminder, in such an unexpected time and place.
        

Dollywood

       This past weekend we had the chance to go to Tennessee on a family vacation. It rained the majority of our trip, but we didn't let that stop us from having fun. On Friday we went to Dollywood. Luckily, if you arrive after 3pm, you get admission into the park for free the next day. So, we took advantage of that Friday afternoon and Saturday. Once we left the park, the rain came and didn't stop until we left Tennessee. Here are a few pictures of our trip.

One of the rides that our boys enjoyed, was a car ride where they got to drive. Mattox took this VERY seriously. It was funny to see how much he was concentrating while driving.

Chris and Mattox on the car ride.

THE DOLLYWOOD EXPRESS

Of course the Dollywood Express was a big hit for both of our boys. By the time we rode it, Sam was getting very sleepy. 

 

 

     

Chris and Mattox on the train.

      Saturday night, after dinner, we went to sift for rocks. I thought the boys would love this, but Chris ended up doing most of the work. Afterwards we all got our favorite frozen yogurt. Mattox got vanilla with sprinkles, Chris got vanilla with oreo and fudge, and I got chocolate with butterfinger and reeses cup. Sam got a little of everyone's. :)

Chris seems so excited to sift for rocks.

My goofy son enjoying his Sweet Frog's yogurt.

       Sunday we drove to Knoxville and I got to go to my old church, out to eat with friends, and to McKay's used book store. McKay's is one of my favorite places on Earth. I get to add to my kid's library for a fraction of the cost. Most of the books I get there are under $2. I love that place! After McKay's we went back to the "special house," as Mattox called it and played inside for a while. Monday we went to Ripley's aquarium and then came home. 

Mattox got a HUGE train book at McKay's. He can hardly lift it.

Handsome fella.

Checking out the sting rays.

I love this picture.

 

I am so glad I took this picture. It makes me laugh soooo hard. Sam couldn't figure out how to get out, panicked, and starting screaming. Hilarious. Chris had to crawl under and drag him out.  

       Despite the rain, this trip was so fun. We created memories that have been filed away in my mind and heart. I am so in love with my sweet little family. I Love love love them!

Spencer Train Museum

About a month ago, the boys and I took off to the Spencer Transportation Museum. We went once last year and had a blast, so I was very excited to go again. We were most excited to take another train ride. We went on a Monday, so I knew it wouldn't be crowded. Here are a few pictures to capture the fun we had. I NEVER thought that I would come to love trains and transportation as much as have. I never took the time to really see how fascinating transportation can be. I can actually say I love learning about trains, construction equipment, planes, etc. Isn't it funny how we grow to love what are kids love?

The steam train wasn't running, so this is the diesel train we rode.

Mattox anticipating the departure.

Sam taking it all in.

Sometimes I get cool pictures of Sam's pretty eyes. This is one of them.

Sam was like, "what's up with the steam train not running today?"

Lunch on the tracks.

Checking out the red caboose.

We had a great day! Can't wait to go back this summer.

Araminta Harriet Ross

      I have to admit, I am probably the world's worst historian. It's not that I don't enjoy learning about history. In fact, one of my favorite classes in college was US History. I even seek out literature and documentaries about former presidents and events. I enjoy learning about how people lived, survived hardships, cultivated new solutions to problems, and have evolved over the centuries. The problem is that none of the information sticks in my head.  I am a very visual learner, so if I don't watch a TV show about it, or read an author that is able to paint a clear picture, you can count on the fact that I won't be able to recall the information later. I have tried and tried to remember certain parts of history, especially US history, but my brain just can't wrap itself around everything. I can't remember what was going on, who was involved, why something occurred, the date in which it occurred, and who was president etc. unless the information is personal. There are a few people I have learned about in history that have inspired me. I make a real connection with these people, because they have given their lives to make significant changes in this world. I am someone who has very strong convictions and a huge heart for those who are in tough circumstances. Large social issues bother me more than most people, and I always wonder why I spend so much mental and emotional energy on people I have never met, and will never meet. Do I constantly think about the victims of child abuse, sex trafficking, and orphans because I am suppose to pray for them? I do pray for them, but can't help wondering if I should do more. What is my role in resolving these issues that seem larger than life? Sometimes I think God has given me a vision to do something big and great to alleviate issues such as these. Other times, I am faced with the reality of my limitations...which are many. Some days I seem so motivated to positively influence this world, and other days, its brokenness and cruelty paralyze me. I dream about offering truth, justice, and restoration to people who need it. I am not sure what that looks like in the long run. Perhaps I will one day work for an organization that helps women looking to get out of prostitution. Maybe I will come up with curriculum that will empower children who are being violated, to speak up for themselves. Maybe Chris and I will have the opportunity to adopt and meet other orphans who we can influence long term. Who knows what God will do with my life if I fully give it to Him. There is one lady in history that reminds me of God's devotion to those whom are willing to dream, pursue, and lean on God. She reminds me that with God, all things are possible...in HIS timing. Her accomplishments are uplifting to those who need a reminder, that God equips those whom He calls. She is one of the people that keeps me dreaming. Her actual name, you may not recognize: Araminta Harriet Ross.

      Harriet Tubman was born a slave, escaped, served as a nurse, spy, and scout in the Civil War. She was the first woman to lead an armed assault in the Civil War and the first woman to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. She is best known for her work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, where she helped free over 300 slaves. She wasn't extremely educated. She wasn't even healthy. She suffered from seizures, headaches, and narcoleptic episodes. Nonetheless, she returned not once, but 19 times to free her family and others.

       My dad once said to me, "Lauren, the thing that scares me the most about you is; If there is an easy way to do something, and a hard way, you always choose the hard way." In a way, that is one of the best compliments I have ever gotten. I mean, Harriet Tubman always chose the hard way. Perhaps its a sign of greatness. WINK Ok, or in my case, just a lack of being efficient. :(  Back to Harriet...She didn't seem to fear capture, torture, or death. I mean, this lady was crazy. If she were captured, her death would have been slow and painful. For some reason, that fear didn't paralyze her. She had an out too, ya know. She could have just said, "it's too dangerous to go back into enemy territory with my health issues." She didn't. She had a choice to go the easy route or the hard route. Time after time, she chose the hard route. She chose not to get overwhelmed by the thousands of people enslaved, but to go after a few...a little at a time. She had conviction, passion, and the Lord on her side. She was unstoppable. What if more of us had her attitude and conviction? What would God do with it?

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."- Harriet Tubman

PS as a side note...I did a presentation on the Underground Railroad in college, and actually sang "Go Down Moses" to the class. Perhaps I have more guts than I give myself credit for. HA.

Snow Days and Sick Days...

It finally snowed in Charlotte a few weeks ago. It was so pretty coming down, but it didn't stay long. Just when I thought we could get out of the house, Sam started running a fever, and Mattox's fever followed 3 days later....5 days after that, he was diagnosed with pneumonia. ALL THAT TO SAY....we were stuck inside for what seemed like forever. The boys watched a lot of TV, but we also tried to do a few productive activities. I couldn't help but post some photos.

I couldn't resist.

Does it sink or float? My boys love this....why? I'm not sure. But I pull this out every so often.

Watching the snow fall.

We call these, "silent fireworks." All you need is water, oil (about an inch at the top), food coloring, and a glass pitcher or vase. Gradually put drops of food coloring into the vase and watch the drops drop through the oil and explode into the water. My boys LOVED THIS! Start with the lighter colors and end with the darker. We went yellow, red, green, and then blue.

Here we used pipe cleaners and beads to make bracelets and learn about patterns. This didn't keep Mattox's attention very long.

And why not a haircut while we are at it....

Bubble mountains are always easy and fun. All you need is a bowl, water, liquid soap, and straws.

Remind them not to suck in....bubbles don't taste too well. I just let Sam play in the water with kitchen utensils.

Why not pass some time with a nice bubble bath.

Hopefully, you won't find yourself stuck inside for a long time, especially with spring right around the corner. However, if you do, consider some of these activities...and let me know how they work out!



From the Streets...to the Stage

 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
Matthew 16:26

       Last week, while attending a mom's group at church, I had the privilege of hearing a guest speaker from Haiti. Jackie, a 21 year old professional dancer, spent about an hour telling us 'his story.'

       When his mom became pregnant with him, his dad walked out. His mom moved to the city, in hopes of finding a better life. She got married to another man, and had 3 more kids. Years later, his dad contracted AIDS, and so did his mom, and their newborn baby. At 11, he was orphaned, and left to care for his 3 younger siblings. After living on the streets for many years, he finally found refuge in a Christian boys home. It was at this home that his life was changed. He recieved proper care, shelter, and education. He started dancing, and eventually became a professional dancer, traveling the world. God took him from the streets, to the stage, and in return, he has dedicated his life to giving back to others. He currently runs a home in Haiti for children/adults with disabilities.

       His story and passion was enough to get anyone thinking, but honestly, it wasn't until he talked about living on the streets that God really began to tug at my heart. Jackie said that it was on the streets that he learned what he needed to know in life. It was during this difficult part of his life that he learned how to respect people, love others, and lean on God.

      Tears rolled down my face, as Jackie talked about living on the streets. I tried to put myself in his shoes, and for the life of me, I couldn't wrap my spoiled brain around what it would be like to have absolutely nothing. To be fatherless, motherless, homeless, dirty, hungry, and uneducated...with little hope that things would change. But HE SAID, it was during THIS TIME that he learned to be most....Like Christ.

      Sometimes I wonder about the faith of those of us who have a lot. Specifically those of us who live in country, where we want so much stuff, and want it now....and a lot of it. Most of us have never had to lean on Christ the way Jackie did on the streets. We have never had to pray that God will provide for our next piece of bread. We have never been in such a hopeless state. I am very thankful for the abundant life God has provided for me and my family on Earth. However, as I am constantly tempted to want more, I hear God's caution: "and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world, and lose your soul." Thanks Jackie, for your reminder of God's grace, love, and loyalty to those he calls, His.

Decisions....Decisions

       The past month has been jammed packed with events. First, my computer broke. We all know how that can impact your life, and especially your blog. I still don't have it back, so for now, Chris' little Dell is going to have to do. The holidays flew by as everyone in our house got sick, one at the time, but also overlapping.  Luckily, I was the only one sick on Christmas.  Somehow, I still packed on the lbs.  I wondered how I was going to lose some weight, but then got hit in the head with a bat (teaching a softball lesson). I fractured 2 bones in my face, and had 2 solid breaks. I had surgery last week. Next time, I think I am going to try the diet and exercise route.

       Probably the most interesting part of the month, was Mattox (my 3 year old) was diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder. Luckily, it is pretty minor, but nonetheless, initially rocked my world.  I have known for a while that something was unusual with Mattox. My gut told me so, but everyone around me seemed to chalk it up to him being 3. Finally, his teacher encouraged me to get him evaluated. That was all I needed. Someone who saw what I saw. I went into crazy parent mode. Ever been there? I knew getting an evaluation would be hard to get with the year coming to an end, and I needed to get him in for insurance purposes. I called the recommended place every day to get an appointment. Finally, she "squeezed me in." She tested his expressive and receptive language skills, among other things. He scored well above average (yes, my chin is high and I am proud....the numbers indicate he is very bright.) lol It was that therapist, who recommended getting an occupational evaluation. In early January, I got introduced to the world of sensory integration....a world I didn't even know existed. Finally, I had answers. We have a plan and we are working our plan, excited to see improvement (which we already have).

       One of the things we are working on, is Mattox's ability to copy a picture, block structure, etc. His ability to look at something and copy it. Apparently this is a skill that crosses over into some one's ability to problem solve and assimilate properly into a social setting. Anyway, one day, as we were working on it in therapy, I found myself saying, "no Mattox, it goes there, buddy." The therapist finally said something that has had a profound effect on me. She said, "Lauren, it is important, even if you know that he is going to put it in the wrong place, to let him get it wrong. He needs to see the final product of  his work." Sure enough, the next time he got it wrong, I didn't say anything immediately. Then I heard Mattox say, "Is that the same? Noooo. It's not. It's different."  Then we asked him questions that prompted him to make the right changes.

       Wow. What a lesson. How often, as parents, do we rush into our kids decision making, and stop them from making a bad decision. How often do we step in, when in reality, we should let them  make a decision and actually get to see the outcome of their decision? If you are like me, probably not often. If you are like me, you have finished your kid's pictures because what they started looked nothing like a truck. Or, you wiped off the water paints because they kept mixing the colors, instead of letting them see what happens when colors are mixed. If you have older kids, you probably made note cards for them to study, because you knew they wouldn't do it themselves, and you didn't want them to fail... I think about how hard this is as a parent, to sit back and let your child make a mistake and analyze it for themselves. I pray, as my children grow, that I will let them make decisions that are both good and bad. I pray that I will instill in them, the values needed to determine if their decision was right or wrong. And I pray, that at the end of the day, they will be good decision makers. In the mean time, I am trying to remind myself that becoming a good decision maker takes practice....and that it isn't ALWAYS appropriate for me to rush in and make a decision for them. That's one thing I'VE learned in occupational therapy. :)