Church Kids

Growing up we pretty much lived in church. We went to Sunday school, Bible school, youth camp, youth group, big church, kid's church, stayed late after church, waiting for my well-meaning but chronically late mother to pick us up.

It got to be a big joke...which I and my siblings were the butt of. How late would Austin-Lee's mom be this week? I still have nightmares about being the last student in the parking lot. Not really...but I do try really hard never to be late. On another note, thanks mom, for making an effort to take me. ;)

Now that I have 2 kids of my own, I'm loving the chance to raise them practically in our church. My husband is the student minister of a small country church part time, and our kids have both been born since he started working there. They've grown up around a lot of these students we work with, and love them like extra aunts and uncles. The extra hands don't really bother me either.

I was thinking, looking back on when I was growing up, that sometimes church was just a thing to go to, for me. It was where most of my friends were, so why not go? I didn't always think about it...it's just what you do. My parents did their part, lived it out, but everyone has to make this decision for themselves.

Church cuz you got to is no fun, for lack of better words. It's not what I want for my kids, or myself. I want them to know that church is more about who you are than where you are. Less about what you're wearing, and more about Who put you together. More about loving those people that just make you cringe, (you know the ones...) and less about being a pew-occupying mean girl.

I am grateful for the times I've run from the building of church, and glad that in that detour God is His grace (He uses lots of that stuff on me) showed me that it's not a building anyway. It's people who love Him. So even if I move somewhere they don't have "churches"...I will still be able to show my kids what it's like to be raised in one.

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Oh...THAT makes sense.

We recently made an interesting discovery. We never would have realized it on our own, I don’t think. Billy was diagnosed as having ADHD. Really surprised us both, until we learned more about it. Then we were like, oh…duh. Of course you have ADHD. That explains…well, a lot.

Billy is one heck of a stud. He’s sweet and caring, and really gets it about loving a wife and family. He changes diapers, does dishes, wrestles with 2yo’s, tells our little girl he’s the only man she’s allowed to speak to until she’s 30, and gives great foot rubs. And no, he’s not whipped…he just loves God and does what it takes to love his family too. He is, however, also the most frustratingly forgetful individual I have ever met. We get along really well…except for all things that are apparently related to his ADHD. The ADHD we didn’t know he had.

I am the type of control freak, type A, first born individual who likes all things neat, tidy, organized, planned, and labeled according to color. I forget pretty much nothing, except for birthdays and my sunglasses. That is a hopeless case. Thank the Lord for facebook to remind me when someone has a birthday. So it drives me insane that Billy forgets, well…everything. He is a stinking genius actually, but cannot remember where he put his wallet…every single day.

Now that he’s been diagnosed…we are interested to see what our next step is. He is going to the Dr. today to talk about some options, and see if there is something to help. I know there is medication, but some medications kinda scare me, although I’m not at all opposed to that if he needs it. I do feel for him, and know he’s really glad to know there is a reason behind a lot of the stuff that’s been bugging him. I know it drives him crazy to forget stuff, and he has trouble finishing things he starts because he gets SO distracted, and he is a fabulous interrupter. ;) This has not let to any arguments, however. Ahem. ;)

We are also keeping an eye on Merrick. We’ve been told that if you have ADHD, you got it from a parent…it doesn’t skip generations. Merrick is only 2, and it cannot be diagnosed until 5 years, but if ever there was ADHD, we think he may have it also. And just in case he does, I want to know as much about it as I can to help him out at a young age, especially since I plan on homeschooling and will need all the help I can get. ;)

Anyone have any experience with ADHD, treatment options, or methods/ideas that have helped you out? I’d love to hear from you!

I like it hot.

I am grateful that I live in a place where we have seasons. Some places do not. I do think my favorite is definitely summer, however. I don't think I would totally mind if we skipped winter, either. Winter I like for about 5 minutes. I pretty much only tolerate it because it contains Christmas.

Recently I've noticed a lot of whining about the hot weather, and I am reminded of what I sound like during the winter. Ok, anytime the temperature drops below about 65. So at least you guys who are whining now will have no room to tell me to shut up when temperatures lower than 65 roll around. Continue whining...I'm going to need a lot of grace. ;)

I may have just a little bit of my father's Texan blood running in my veins. My dad is one crazy Texan. He doesn't start sweating until its about 150 degrees. And even then he is laughing at all the rest of us who are hospitalized for heat stroke. He can work outside in this heat and not blink. As long as he has a Dr. Pepper in hand.

I think this enjoyment of the hot weather is also stemming from the fact that I don't feel it necessary to take a jacket everywhere I go. I freeze in every restaurant or store I step into, so usually I take a jacket everywhere I go...from about September to April.

I've been enjoying this summer, and the sweltering temps, so much this year. As you can see from the pictures, we've pretty much turned to raisins in the pool. My kiddos are both at an age where the pool is fun. Last year I was pregnant, and then had a newborn. Newborns do not seem to appreciate sweltering heat. Neither do pregnant ladies. The kids are also doing more playing together this summer, which is good about half the time. The other half I'm having to restrain them.

As much as I hate to see it...the back to school signs are already up in stores. I would like to take them down, but that is probably frowned upon. This reminds me though, that as much as I love summer, and all the fun times I'm having with my family...each season is important. Some may not be as appealing to me, but they all serve their purpose. (I think winter has a purpose...?) Now if I can just remember this in February...

All I got.

Sometimes I feel like I have the right to keep some of myself back, not to totally invest in my husband or my kids. I am woman, hear me roar. Right? I'm all for some relaxing, and taking care of me. I think it's way important to rest, and relax. And I'm the poster child for introverts. I need my space, and I grow fangs and horns if I don't get people-less time at home. But at the same time, I am realizing that it's not an excuse to be selfish.

My life, and the time I have with these precious people, is over in a blink. I don't want to waste it. I want to take care of me...for them and me. But at the same time? Show them what giving it all I've got looks like. It's a crazy balance...maybe one day I'll get it right. Till then? Here goes nothing...

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Two peas...

When they were born I thought my kids couldn't be more different. Merrick arrived early and with all the flair of a 20-hr labor and week long hospital stay. Tirzah arrived promptly on her due date and almost before I realized she was on the way. She was quiet and sweet and chubby, even calm while I was pregnant with her. Merrick was a tiny little wild man from when I first started feeling him kick at 15 weeks. It was like UFC in my belly. As they get older, though...they are starting to look, ahem act, a lot more alike.

Merrick at almost 1 year, above. Tirzah at 1 year, below.

I'm really in for it. Speaking of, I need to go. They are in the kitchen and I hear things crashing and children giggling.