Father's Day 2013

       I will never forget a conversation I had with a girl after one of my psychology classes in college. During class we covered the important roles parent's play and discussed several controversial subjects. As usual, I spoke bluntly about my beliefs on those subjects, most of which were not popular at all. After class, a one of my class mates thanked me for putting myself out there. We started talking and she shared with me that she always wanted to be an attorney, but she never had the confidence to take law classes. She shared with me that her dad told her, the only way she would win a case, was if someone got sick of hearing her talk so much, and just gave up. I could tell that comment her dad made had crushed her. I felt so bad for her...
       Another time, I was in Indiana training for my new job with Eli Lilly. On the way home, all of my collegues rode on the bus to the airport. I was listening to a weeks worth of messages, when I got ANOTHER call from my dad. (He calls me all the time) Again, he just wanted to tell me how proud he was of me, and that he just wanted to let me know how much he loves me. For some reason, I had it playing quietly on speaker phone and my friend, Chris, heard it. Chris came from an EXTREMELY wealthy family, who sent him to private boarding school his whole life, and only really saw him when they went on extravagant vacations together as a family. He didn't really need to work, but he was trying to keep himself busy and become his own man. He asked me to play the message again. I just laughed it off and said, "my dad calls me all the time like this...he is crazy." Chris said, "OMG, I am not sure what I would do if I ever heard my dad say he was proud of me and loved me. I seriously wouldn't know how to act."
       I don't take my dad for granted. He isn't perfect, that's for sure. I get annoyed at how impatient he is and his lack of healthy lifestyle, but at the end of the day, I am 100% confident in his love for me. I feel like my dad has been such a good role model for me. He is strong, but isn't too proud to show when he is struggling. He has always been very transparent and upfront with our family when times were good and not as good. He was honest and never said he was going to do one thing, and then did something else. He is dependable. He is someone I could always count on as a kid...and even now. He is encouraging
. When I doubted myself as an athlete, he gave me what I needed to keep going. He and my mom were fair. They gave me a LOT as a kid, but also expected me to appreciate it, and I did.
       I believe a my dad made it easy for me to follow my desire to give my life to my heavenly Father. If I can depend on a not perfect Earthly father, how much more can I depend on my perfect Father above? I made that connection at an early age and I hope my dad gets some credit for that in heaven. I am truly lucky to have a dad that taught me how to pray and took us to church every Sunday (of course my mom gets credit for this too). I am lucky to have a dad that always taught me I could become whatever I want, even a professional football player. I actually asked him if I could become that when I was little...and he said I could, but I would probably have to be a kicker. LOL I am lucky to have a dad who never tore down my dreams, no matter how crazy they sounded at the time. My dad has always been my biggest cheerleader, and going through this life, it's not bad to have someone like him in your corner. I am so lucky. I love you dad. Thanks for being my rock and for being such an awesome pawpaw to my boys! Happy Father's Day!

...and then he turned 2.

 Sam,
      I can't believe we just celebrated your 2nd birthday. This year we have had so much fun together. I can't believe how much joy you have brought into my life. You are one very special little boy. I feel like this year I have really gotten to know your personality. We finally got tubes in your ears, so you have been much healthier this year and overall, much happier. You are so different than Mattox. I never would have thought that I would have two boys with such different personalities. I am blessed because you both bring so much to the table. In some ways, you are more easy going than Mattox. I can take you anywhere and you seem to be happy. However, you know exactly what you want, and if you don't get it....watch out. You are constantly on the move. You will sit and watch a tv show and read a book with me, but you are always going from one activity to the next. You are into everything! You are very good at watching what is going on and then trying to do it for yourself. You are a determined little boy. I love that about you. I also love how you make me laugh. You make me laugh SO hard. You are always being silly and you constantly remind me to lighten up and have a good time. Your smile is so amazing. It lights up a room. You also make this smile when you get a little shy that is SO ADORABLE. Everyone loves it. Sometimes when we are in the car I say, "Sam, look at me." You will look in my rear view mirror and I say, "I love you." You immediately do your shy smile and look up and out the window. I love when you do that. I wouldn't say you are shy, but you are very selective when it comes to whom you will pay attention. For example, when we are at the grocery store, women always come try to talk to you, but you usually give them a nasty look. However, there is a preschool teacher that we pass every morning on the way to Mattox's class. We don't know her, but you stop every day to say hi. You picked her out of a crowded hallway and have said hi to her every day since. Also, while at Dollywood, you grabbed an old man's hand and pulled him around for a while. Again, we had no clue who he was, but you really liked him for some reason.
        You are just starting to talk. You have been right on target, and even ahead for most of your development, with the exception of talking. I was starting to get worried you weren't going to talk, because all you did was point and grunt. Over the past few weeks you have really come along. You are putting several words together. It is so cute to hear you talk because your voice is so high and you are so big. Your laugh is also really high and is one of the funniest laughs I have ever heard.
      Sam, you are smart, funny, handsome, and very very cool. I can't express into words the love I have for you. You own my heart. I am so thankful for the past 2 years. Thanks for all the laughter you have given me, and all the lessons you have taught me. I love you more than you will EVER KNOW. Happy Birthday!
 Love, Mom

Sam dressed for Halloween

Mr. Blue Eyes

Snack Time

All business.

Growing up quickly.

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!