Rustic Romance

My sisters and I had the opportunity to shoot a beautiful wedding in the country last weekend. The venue was a lovely old barn located on a pretty farm, complete with goats who wanted to speak their mind right in the middle of wedding vows. (The owner of the farm successfully bribed them with food to keep it to themselves. Haha!)

There were flowers in mason jars and Christmas lights strung from the barn ceiling while the bridal & groom and their guests danced the night away. It was a beautiful day, and the couple had a sweet, relaxed glow as they said their "I do"'s and spent time with their family and friends.

It was such a happy and welcoming wedding, one of the ones where you can tell, "these guys are in love", and the people there to watch them make their promises are full of support and happiness for them. Weddings like that make it easy to capture the memories, since the memories they are making are contagiously happy.

Thanks for letting us be a part of this day!

The Bite that Keeps on Giving

So as many of you know, Jericho was bitten by a dog late Sunday night. We had him all fixed up and home that evening after a visit to Patient First, and thought that was the end of it. He woke up on Monday morning with a very high fever, so we took another trip to the doctor, got an antibiotic shot, and thought maybe that would be the end of it.

We've never been dog owners, and never dealt with a dog bite before. Come to realize, they are very easily infected, and often are not stitched up for that very reason. The doctor actually mentioned not wanting to stitch it, and we were kind of confused, but in the end he decided to put in 3 stitches because of the location of the bite (the back of his elbow). Billy watched him clean the wound, and clean it well, but we were later told that a lot of times because of the dogs teeth, the germs are pushed farther down into the bite than can be cleaned, hence the infection (even with antibiotics).

So we ended up in the ER late Monday night thanks to the good advice of a friend and her sister, an ER nurse. (I wasn't sure what to do, but the nurse recommended we have him looked at, and since ER nurses aren't the type to panic, I decided we should listen.) Once we got there the doctors decided it was definitely an infection, and needed to be aggressively treated to keep it from getting into his bloodstream, by means of reopening his stitches, cleaning out the bite, and then letting it drain and air out. (Gross I know...but even more sad than gross to hold his sweet little face while they did all this. Babies always look at you like "how can you let them do this to me, mama?" and even though you know it's for their good it just breaks you in half.)

It seemed to help turn it around pretty quickly, getting it cleaned up and getting him started on IV antibiotics. The IV was a heartbreaker as well, as they blew the first site and had to move on to another spot. (I know it has to be hard to put an IV in a baby, but I wanted to scream when it just kept taking forever and he just kept crying.) Once they got it in, they had to wrap it all up with a brace and a lot of tape, covered up with a sock. It kind of resembled a club, and J kept hitting me in the face with it, whether out of boredom or anger that I woudln't get it off of him I'm still not sure. ;)

They gave him antibiotics in several doses all day yesterday, and we got to come home about 9pm. His arm looks amazing compared to what it did, and we are keeping him on antibiotics for the next 10 days. Hoping we've seen the last of the bite that kept on giving, but prayers for continued healing would be appreciated! We were blessed by so many kind offers and thoughtful words. Something like that is always tough to deal with, but it's easier knowing that you have so many people praying for the little ones who mean so much to you!

Matching Stitches

Always thought Merrick would be the first to get stitches. (It was actually Jericho.) Also thought I'd be there to hold them when it happened. (Not over an hour away in the middle of shooting a wedding.) Also thought it would be because of a typical hooligan stunt. (It was a dog. I really, really, really hate dogs. I've never been a fan, but this kind of seals the deal.) My poor sweet J-Hawk got bit on the elbow by a dog, and he now has matching stitches with his most favorite toy in the world, his dog-headed blankie. Isn't it ironic? And a lot sad.

He was so tough through the whole thing, and I'm glad his daddy was there taking care of him. This morning he's got a little fever, so I was worried all over again, but there doesn't seem to be an infection. We've called the doctor again, either way. Think we will be spending this holiday doing lots of snuggling on the couch with our baby and his dog...the one that's stuffed and has no teeth, that is. ;)

Cheeto Bandito

Jericho refuses to talk, as we all know. He has no problem getting the things he wants, however. Here he was caught stealing his brother's Cheetos.

The other day he showed me how well he understands what I'm saying, even though he refuses to tell me what he wants. First I told him he needed his diaper changed. I turn around and realize he's gone and laid down in his usual diaper-changing location with the wipes. Then he decided it was snack time, so he brings me a bag of Tostitos and sets it on the table where I was working, He repeatedly poked the clip holding it shut, and grinned at me like, "Come on, Mom. I know you know how this works." This baby loves some chips. It offered me some reassurance that, at least, he knows what I'm saying. He's just the strong silent type.

On His Suit and Tie

Merrick notices everything. He has recently become aware of the fact that Billy always leaves for work in a shirt and tie, with his shirt neatly tucked into his pants, wearing a belt. Merrick has also become convinced that this is what men do. Real men wear belts and ties and tuck in their shirts. So, we now go nowhere, and do nothing, without these accessories. He also likes to hang them in odd places around his room, as you can see.

It's driving me a little bit insane. When Merrick decides to do something, he goes all out and digs in with some fierce tenacity. (Both me and Billy are like this, so he's like a double shot of determination sometimes. It can be exhausting if he's not using his powers "for good" if you know what I mean.) At first I was trying to discourage the belt and tie wearing, but then one morning while he was brushing his teeth, he looks at himself in the mirror and says proudly to me: "Mom, I look JUST like dad."

I decided then and there to get over myself yet again and let the kid wear his tie. I am thrilled that he loves his daddy, and wants to be like him. I see so many older kids who loathe their parents, and would rather be like anyone else. I hope that this is never a reality around here, although I know we will have some rough patches. So if that means we wear a tie to the playground, then so be it. ;)

Walks with Weirdos

I love taking walks with the hooligans in the evenings. If the weather is nice after dinner we hop in the stroller and roll out. Well, they hop in the stoller. I push all 90 combined pounds of them for about a mile. It's a good workout since our route is not really flat. I do wish our stroller was more conducive to pushing three kids up hills; it's no all-terrain deal. But it's got wheels, so it works.

The other night we had stopped by Billy's store for dinner. It was kids' night, so they all left with sticky ice cream mustaches and these, um, ABSURD hats. ;) I tried to avoid the hats, but they wanted them, and I decided it was a good lesson in "get over yourself, mom", so paper straw hat looking things were worn on our walk. (Keep in mind there are plenty of cars and walkers/runners on our route, so it's not like we are inconspicuous.

They also smuggled weapons on our walk. They are plastic, calm down. So many a bird met it's tragic end in that mile of strolling. The guns make lots of fun clicking noises too, which just adds to the spectacle that is me, pushing 3 loud children wearing odd paper hats, down the road. I think since I've had kids I've really come a good way towards not taking myself so seriously. I mean, how could I? ;)

We also make lots of pitstops to smell the flowers, per Tizzy's request. We have to smell them on the way out and back. Because they surely smell different coming from different directions. On this particular walk we found honeysuckle that was growing by the road, so I took a few minutes to teach the hooligans how to get the honey out. They were big fans, so I'm sure there will be more pitstops here in the future. Hopefully just without the hats. ;)

Dedicated

Last Sunday at our church they had a baby dedication service. We had decided to have all three of the hooligans dedicated, not just Jericho, since we had never done it for the older two. At our church, the dedication service is more for the parents and the congregation than for the babies, in that it's a service where as parents we commit ourselves to raising these little souls for Christ, and ask the church to support us and pray for us. Goodness knows we need it. ;)

We wrote a letter to the kiddos, and read it during the service. I really only helped a little, as Billy wrote most of it himself. We had several people tell us we should share it on the blog, and since this is where most of our big happenings get preserved, I figured it was a good place for it to be shared:

A Letter to Our Blessings: Merrick Wilder, Tirzah Shae, and Jericho Hawk,

You know that Jesus made billions and billions of little kids...but he made you three special for mommy and daddy. He chose us to be your mommy and daddy. He especially chose us for you for a very special reason...for us to show you in as many ways that are possible how big, how bright, how strong, how funny, how awesome God is! There is nobody and nothing better than Jesus! 

When you climb high like Spider-Man... and twirl around like Belle, we want you to know that that fun was Jesus' idea! When you gulp soda that is sooo good, think how funny Jesus is that he thought of those little bubbles. When you are scared, we want you to know Jesus is with you and is holding you safe. When you tell a lie or say mean things to each other and sin, know that because of Jesus, God is not mad at you, but he gives grace and loves you more than you can ever imagine!  When you are the happiest you can be...remember that your greatest joy comes from Jesus! And when you are the saddest you can be, remember Jesus is all you need to heal your hurts.

Just like our Jesus Storybook Bible says, "God loves you with a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love." When He thinks of Merrick, when He thinks of Tirzah, when He thinks of Jericho...He smiles so huge because of His son, Jesus. Do you remember what Jesus did for us? "He died for our sins...and on the third day He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death and making all things new beautiful!" *This i something that Billy says to the kiddos when he says their prayers at night, and during the dedication Tizzy said it for him. :)* Your mommy and I want you to never ever forget this! We want you to grow up and become men and a woman who are all about, only about, and always about Jesus.

Merrick and Jericho, do you remember what real men are like? A real man loves Jesus...is a doer of the Bible. He is tough and tender. And Tizzy, a woman loves Jesus...is a doer of the Bible. She is ferocious and gentle in Spirit. Jesus will help you be these kind of people, and He will help mommy and daddy lead you. And because he knows we will all fall short, He covers us with grace. He will never leave you, never turn his back on you. Let him be your delight. We love you!

This is our hearts for our kids. We ourselves have seen that there truly is nothing better than Jesus, and want this even more for them. Thanks for listening, and for the support as we pour our hearts into these gifts we've been given! :)

Mother's Day and Messy Hurts

I know a lot of people take issue with "Mother's Day". They say it's too much pressure, on moms and kids and dads, too much focus on being the perfect mom and giving that perfect mom a perfect gift that she can show off all over her perfect Facebook. There is that pressure...I'm not saying it isn't real. As moms there is an unbelievable amount of pressure, not just on Mother's Day, but all the time. We are great at comparing ourselves and finding the comparison sadly lacking on our own parts. We have no trouble seeing the ways that we fall short. And often times we have no trouble seeing the ways those we are mothering fall short.

I think that there is a big emphasis placed on thanking mom on Mother's Day. Making sure you tell everyone you know that, no really...I have the best Mom. EVER. Maybe you do. I hope you do. Maybe you don't. Maybe you and your mom don't get along, maybe your situation is even more heart wrenching and you've lost a mom, lost who you were a mom to, are aching still to say "I am a mom", are a mom and are just empty and tired and (dare I say it) wish you weren't a mom...so many different ways we can be aching. So many different aches to cover up with a smile.

I am not the type that likes pretend. I get itchy in situations where I can't say what I think. I think that Mother's Day, a day celebrating nurturing and mothering, is a good place to say what I think. I think Mother's Day isn't the problem. I think that pretending hurts aren't a normal part of life is. I think pretending we aren't messy is. I think ignoring the messy hurts of those around us is. I've recently battled through, and continue to fight, depression. It's a part of my life that I'm not sure will ever be gone for good. We all have our thorns. If we didn't have them, we would forget we aren't God and that we desperately need Him who we are not. For some, this thorn digs in deep on Mother's Day, twisting around seemingly just for spite. For some, Mother's Day is a balm on that wound. My point in all this rambling is you don't know until you get right in the messy hurt of the person hurting next to you. 

I read somewhere that God knows us so intimately that He knows the exact composition of the sand our individual hearts need to produce a pearl. God knows that left to my own devices I don't think I need Him. It took a recent nasty bout of depression, and a realization that suffering is truly a gift that shows me His face, to help me see this lesson that I will surely forget again. I had no idea what I was missing until He showed me the grace in the thorns. The thorns we all have, but like to pretend we don't.

Mother's Day seems to bring out that thorn in a lot of us. And with good reason. Mothering is something that touches us all, and sometimes in a way that hurts deep. However you feel about this day where we celebrate mothering, know that your feelings are valid. We all have our messy hurts, and we all are capable of nurturing those around us, mothers or not. This day may hurt, or it may heal. But every day where you let your hurts and your happiness bring Him more into focus, and let Him use the thorns and grace you've been given to nurture others, is a day for celebrating. 

Back Yardhooligans

Nothing much to say on this busy day. I think I'm really just in need of a vacation, and the closest thing to that I'm going to get to that is hoping all 3 nap at the same time today. ;) So I'll just let these pictures do the talking, and the climbing, and the twirling, and the flower picking. Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)

Bouncers

If anyone needed some scientific evidence on the resiliency of babies here you go:

The older kiddos are doing a great job of assuring that J-Hawk grows up into a well-rounded individual. They are obviously advocates of tough love.

How To

The older kiddos are pretty good at knowing how to make a baby laugh. Specifically their baby brother. He thinks they are hilarious, most of the time. Sometimes he literally tries to bite them and rip out their hair. Sounds violent, but when you can't chase someone down you have to wait till they get close enough to make your move. So you kind of have to go big or go home. 

Early last week said comedians were victims of the stomach bug. The older two pretty much simultaneously puked all over the house. At 12am of course. Puke is such a night owl. I woke up to Merrick beside my bed saying "I don't feel good", and told him to go to the bathroom. He puked all over my bedroom carpet en route. Tirzah came up the stairs right at that moment with what can only be described as a puke beard. I found out she had thrown up all over her bed and their bedroom carpet.

They went on to throw up until there was nothing left to throw up, and then Tirzah threw up several times the next day also. All in all I think we got about 2 hours of sleep that night, if that. I took these pictures when they finally started to feel better, and were released out into the wild of the backyard again. They spent the time doing their usual, climbing the fence, picking stuff out of the yard, and making a baby laugh. This baby, who thankfully avoided the stomach nastiness himself:

What a goofball. He wants to be released into the wild too, but as often as he falls over he has been quarantined to the porch where there isn't any mud/dirt/rocks to roll around in. Soon enough, kiddo. Here's to hoping we have had our share of not keeping our dinner in our stomachs for a good long time.  We've got fences to climb and weeds to pick, ya know.

Super Mountain Goat?

Merrick has always been a climber. I remember specifically at 9 months old, before he could walk, watching him try to climb our desk. It's only gotten crazier since then. Now he's upgraded to practically climbing the walls. If he was a superhero, he'd probably be called Mountain Goat Man.

Not only does he climb walls, he also likes to do it in various, and not enough, articles of clothing.

He likes to keep my life interesting. I'm really never sure where, or wearing what, I'll find him next.

A Gypsy in the Spring

I often have dreams about moving. Moving somewhere far away, totally different, completely not what I'm used to, unrecognizable and fresh. I haven't got anything against here, but I just get the itch, ya know? Probably a lot more than I admit...like every day.

I think I live in a pretty fantastic state. Virginia has a little bit of everything...mountains and trees and beaches. It is truly beautiful...and I'm always reminded of how much so especially at this time of year when the Old Dominion busts out some crazy Spring color, sounds, smells, and gently warming air.

Fall is also fantastic around here, but lets not talk about cooler weather right now. I think, as much as I want to shake it up and experience new places totally not what I'm used to, while I'm planted here? It's good. We are close to family and have lots of friends we are thankful for...and I can't pack them all up and take them with me.

I do hope one day to take my gypsy urge up on it, though. I'm pretty close to talking my hubs into moving to an island, or a desert, or even a huge city where I'd probably stick out like a sore thumb the first time I had to ride a subway. I also might scare people when I bust out of few "y'alls", but that's just goes to show how important it is to take your roots with you wherever you feel called to wander.