Today I met with some friends that I went to high school with... Jenny is Korean and has led a very exciting life! She went to NYU to school and lived in New York up until she married a Greek med student who swept her away to Boston. She is a writer and has her third book coming out this year. Letitia is a lawyer who also has her CPA. We have been close friends with her and her husband Russ and have traveled a lot together over the years.
Back in the days, both of these girls were pretty crazy-- so that is what made today so interesting.... Tish (Letitia) had a 6 week-old little girl and I have Luke now. It was hilarious to be sitting around catching up on topics I never thought we would be discussing-- especially thinking back to our high school days when the topics were boys, fashion, movies, books, etc.... There is still much talk on fashion, movies, and books, but now we are all happily married with children-- (Jenny has a dog named Wendell!)
It is neat to see how our lives continue to take shape especially now that Tish and I are mothers.
It is fun to have days like this where you can step outside yourself for a moment and truly think about how far you have come-- from a selfish, self-absorbed teen/college student, to a care-free twenty-something, to a responsible, mortgage paying, parent! Old friends are good at reminding you of where you've been and how much you have grown. Scott and I are both blessed to have great friends.
Luke was a perfect angel today as usual. He slept a little on the way out there, in his seat once we arrived and on the way home, but he still needs to go down for a good nap this afternoon. Praise the Lord he is a flexible kid! I am truly blessed that he is so agreeable!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Sunday, Busy, Sunday!
What a weekend! Things were a little crazy Friday night! I had to be in the studio and Scott had to be at work. My parents came back from Philadelphia-- where they had been helping my sister and her family move in all week-- only to be dragged into our crazy situation. They offered to watch Luke for us which was a real life saver for Scott who was going to have to take Luke to the office with him.
I didn't get home until 11:15 to relieve my parents! And they still had a two hour ride back to Paris! They were so thoughtful for staying. I know they were worn out and ready to go home, but they stayed anyway-- That's what parents/grandparents are for, I guess. Luke was sound asleep when I got home and didn't wake until 7:15 the next morning.
Saturday in the studio went great-- So hard to believe that we are through with CD number 8-- (9 if you count the LIVE CD). We have really stepped up as far as production goes on this CD-- Ever since we signed with Creative Trust we have had the best of everything. We have gone from rigging up a make-shift studio at church to a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility where the biggest names record! Our engineer has won grammy awards for his work and is considered one of the best in the business. We have all been amazed watching him work especially how good he is at fixing things on the board for us-- he is a true miracle worker!
Anyway-- I can't wait to hear the final mix on this one. I think it will sound different from the others. Today at church I was reminded of just how far reaching our ministry is.... I had Luke out in the hallway. He was "talking" and a little fussy because he was trying to fight off going to sleep. A woman approached me and asked, "You are in the ZOE Group, aren't you?" I told her I was. She said she was SO glad that she could finally thank me (us) for all that ZOE has meant to her over the last 4 years. She and her husband are living in the United Arab Emirates-- Abu Dhabi; they are home on a 45-day leave. He is teaching English there, and she has had two children while they have been there. She said that they are our biggest fans and that our music has really helped them to be able to worship and to keep their spirits up. She has given our CDs to people all over the world and has encouraged everyone to visit the website. A worship leader there was looking for acappella music for his church, and she gave him our CD, so now the people in his choir are doing our songs/arrangements! She was just so moved by the music, and said she just loved hearing how the music has matured from CD to CD. She said she just couldn't put into words how much ZOE has meant to her and to so many that she knows.
It is so humbling to know that God is using us-- our CDs-- all over the world to do His work. When people thank us for our work it just makes me think-- " I wish they really knew what an amazing group of individuals the people in ZOE are." We are just your every day average folks-- but each person in the group just brings something so special to the table-- to the ministry. I wish they could see how much fun we have together making the CDs. I wish they knew that we realized it wasn't really about us at all, but about what God wants to do with each project.
Brandon is the "heart" of the group-- passionate and demanding-- more of himself than of anyone else-- in the best kind of way. He has a vision of what ZOE should be and sacrifices so much to make it happen, always remaining aware that it is about God and not him. Sheryl is the soul of the group-- her angelic voice guides every song and touches so many. She has such sincere motives behind every note she sings-- to bring God's message to people. Melissa is the loving "mom" of the group, keeping us on track and being the voice of reason and guidance when needed. Karin is the "friend", ready to do anything for anyone, always making each one of us feel special and needed and providing a good laugh for all of us at just the right times. David is the "Dad" of the group-- not because of his age, but because of the unique perspective he brings as a father of two grown children and a man who has lived and participated in the various worlds of the worship paradigm over the past several decades. Jason is the "life/spirit" of the group, constantly making us all laugh with his sound effects and Spanglish humor. He also brings a creative, edgy look to each arrangement and often has to fight to get us to listen to him-- but he is usually right-- although he really wants to be an alto! JV is the "brain" of the group-- he is just so musically gifted in every way-- it is unbelievable. He helps to sort out notes and chords, but his sweet spirit is the best gift to us, along with his own brand of humor that cracks us all up. Peter is the "newbie" and the youngest, but already he has become part of the family-- and what a voice! As for me, I'm not sure what I offer the group-- I'm just glad to be along for the ride with such and amazing group of people! We truly are family in the best since of the word-- blood related through Christ our Lord!
God is good!
This afternoon Scott's mom had a shower for Luke-- and us! All her friends and family came and brought us diapers and books. It was very nice. Luke has been so blessed already to have such a loving family.
I didn't get home until 11:15 to relieve my parents! And they still had a two hour ride back to Paris! They were so thoughtful for staying. I know they were worn out and ready to go home, but they stayed anyway-- That's what parents/grandparents are for, I guess. Luke was sound asleep when I got home and didn't wake until 7:15 the next morning.
Saturday in the studio went great-- So hard to believe that we are through with CD number 8-- (9 if you count the LIVE CD). We have really stepped up as far as production goes on this CD-- Ever since we signed with Creative Trust we have had the best of everything. We have gone from rigging up a make-shift studio at church to a multi-million dollar state-of-the-art facility where the biggest names record! Our engineer has won grammy awards for his work and is considered one of the best in the business. We have all been amazed watching him work especially how good he is at fixing things on the board for us-- he is a true miracle worker!
Anyway-- I can't wait to hear the final mix on this one. I think it will sound different from the others. Today at church I was reminded of just how far reaching our ministry is.... I had Luke out in the hallway. He was "talking" and a little fussy because he was trying to fight off going to sleep. A woman approached me and asked, "You are in the ZOE Group, aren't you?" I told her I was. She said she was SO glad that she could finally thank me (us) for all that ZOE has meant to her over the last 4 years. She and her husband are living in the United Arab Emirates-- Abu Dhabi; they are home on a 45-day leave. He is teaching English there, and she has had two children while they have been there. She said that they are our biggest fans and that our music has really helped them to be able to worship and to keep their spirits up. She has given our CDs to people all over the world and has encouraged everyone to visit the website. A worship leader there was looking for acappella music for his church, and she gave him our CD, so now the people in his choir are doing our songs/arrangements! She was just so moved by the music, and said she just loved hearing how the music has matured from CD to CD. She said she just couldn't put into words how much ZOE has meant to her and to so many that she knows.
It is so humbling to know that God is using us-- our CDs-- all over the world to do His work. When people thank us for our work it just makes me think-- " I wish they really knew what an amazing group of individuals the people in ZOE are." We are just your every day average folks-- but each person in the group just brings something so special to the table-- to the ministry. I wish they could see how much fun we have together making the CDs. I wish they knew that we realized it wasn't really about us at all, but about what God wants to do with each project.
Brandon is the "heart" of the group-- passionate and demanding-- more of himself than of anyone else-- in the best kind of way. He has a vision of what ZOE should be and sacrifices so much to make it happen, always remaining aware that it is about God and not him. Sheryl is the soul of the group-- her angelic voice guides every song and touches so many. She has such sincere motives behind every note she sings-- to bring God's message to people. Melissa is the loving "mom" of the group, keeping us on track and being the voice of reason and guidance when needed. Karin is the "friend", ready to do anything for anyone, always making each one of us feel special and needed and providing a good laugh for all of us at just the right times. David is the "Dad" of the group-- not because of his age, but because of the unique perspective he brings as a father of two grown children and a man who has lived and participated in the various worlds of the worship paradigm over the past several decades. Jason is the "life/spirit" of the group, constantly making us all laugh with his sound effects and Spanglish humor. He also brings a creative, edgy look to each arrangement and often has to fight to get us to listen to him-- but he is usually right-- although he really wants to be an alto! JV is the "brain" of the group-- he is just so musically gifted in every way-- it is unbelievable. He helps to sort out notes and chords, but his sweet spirit is the best gift to us, along with his own brand of humor that cracks us all up. Peter is the "newbie" and the youngest, but already he has become part of the family-- and what a voice! As for me, I'm not sure what I offer the group-- I'm just glad to be along for the ride with such and amazing group of people! We truly are family in the best since of the word-- blood related through Christ our Lord!
God is good!
This afternoon Scott's mom had a shower for Luke-- and us! All her friends and family came and brought us diapers and books. It was very nice. Luke has been so blessed already to have such a loving family.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Great Day-- Luke is a dream!
What a great day! Luke has been sleeping till 7:30 consistently now for a few days and he did so well at the Y today. I think he is back to his old self again-- at least for now!
We have finally decided on a new car seat-- the Britax Marathon in the Arctic Cat print. I wanted something fun! It is a great seat and got great ratings for safety.
I still can't believe how well Luke is doing. I just couldn't expect him to be doing any better than he is! He is always so happy and flexible. He is just fun to be around. I miss him when he is sleeping!
We have a busy weekend coming up-- Scott has a huge product launch-- what he has been working on for so long, and I will be in the studio all weekend. Plus we have a shower for Scott's mom's side of the family and her friends on Sunday afternoon.
We have always been "busy" with our schedules it seems-- but that has taken on an entirely different meaning now that Luke is here. He hasn't really forced us to make too many adjustments since he is so good-natured though. It was just really hard in the beginning when he wouldn't take a bottle and had to be fed so often. At least now he can eat cereal and that can tide him over until I can get home. We will probably even start him on baby food in a week or so. Can't wait to see what he thinks about carrots and green beans!
I am going to work on my first card for my Scripture book. I have decided not to try to add one each day or week according to some kind of schedule. I think that I will just let God lead me to the passages He wants in whatever form he may choose-- sermon, devotional, or just something that comes up in life.
My Mother's Day/Anniversary ring is ordered and should be in next week! I can't wait! It is so pretty-- a white gold band with little diamonds scattered around with an oval amethyst in the middle flanked by yellow gold. The amethyst is Luke's birthstone. Scott already gave me an amethyst necklace when Luke was born. He is so thoughtful and kind to me!
I have the best husband and best baby in the world! I am very blessed!
We have finally decided on a new car seat-- the Britax Marathon in the Arctic Cat print. I wanted something fun! It is a great seat and got great ratings for safety.
I still can't believe how well Luke is doing. I just couldn't expect him to be doing any better than he is! He is always so happy and flexible. He is just fun to be around. I miss him when he is sleeping!
We have a busy weekend coming up-- Scott has a huge product launch-- what he has been working on for so long, and I will be in the studio all weekend. Plus we have a shower for Scott's mom's side of the family and her friends on Sunday afternoon.
We have always been "busy" with our schedules it seems-- but that has taken on an entirely different meaning now that Luke is here. He hasn't really forced us to make too many adjustments since he is so good-natured though. It was just really hard in the beginning when he wouldn't take a bottle and had to be fed so often. At least now he can eat cereal and that can tide him over until I can get home. We will probably even start him on baby food in a week or so. Can't wait to see what he thinks about carrots and green beans!
I am going to work on my first card for my Scripture book. I have decided not to try to add one each day or week according to some kind of schedule. I think that I will just let God lead me to the passages He wants in whatever form he may choose-- sermon, devotional, or just something that comes up in life.
My Mother's Day/Anniversary ring is ordered and should be in next week! I can't wait! It is so pretty-- a white gold band with little diamonds scattered around with an oval amethyst in the middle flanked by yellow gold. The amethyst is Luke's birthstone. Scott already gave me an amethyst necklace when Luke was born. He is so thoughtful and kind to me!
I have the best husband and best baby in the world! I am very blessed!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Catching Up!
For some reason I got busy with little things and never got around to blogging yesterday-- It was a good day overall. Luke slept great even though we had been out and about all weekend and he didn't get his usual late afternoon naps in on Saturday or Sunday like he usually does. I am still amazed at how flexible he is. Even when he is awakened out of a deep sleep he never cries-- just all smiles.
He was still a tad bit fussy at the Y yesterday, but I didn't have to leave class early to get him. I think he is in an adjustment phase-- from newborn to actual baby. And he is still getting used to life outside the car seat.
This morning he slept until 7:30. I had put him down at 9:00, too, so he had a great night's sleep. I fed him and there wasn't enough time for him to go back down like he normally does... When he sleeps later this always throws a kink into our Y schedule-- usually he will wake around 6 or 6:30, eat, and I will put him back down until he wakes again around 8:30. Then he eats again and is ready to go to the Y-- When he wakes later he is ready to go back to bed just about the time we need to leave to go to the Y. This morning he was sound asleep and I just couldn't bring myself to drag him out on my account. I put him back in his crib and decided to catch up on the blog. Missing a day of working out won't kill me-- plus, it is one of the lessons I am learning... It is all about him now in many ways and not me. His best interest must come before mine, especially while he is still little.
The crazy thing is that he won't be little for very long. I still can't believe how fast he is growing! He is in size 6 months now. It is funny that I feel like he isn't a baby anymore and have to keep reminding myself that he is only 4 1/2 months old! I keep saying that I wish he would stay this age forever, but I guess each age has its highlights.
Scott comes home tonight! He has been traveling so much lately. I can't be upset with him though because that is his job-- a job that he does very well-- a job which allows me to stay home and raise Luke. He really has been blessed in the business world- from the internship with Andersen to landing this incredible job with EmpactHealth, now Medibuy. It is funny that most people have no idea just how successful he actually is and that he is pretty much "the boss" of his area. They don't realize that each week he meets with the "big dogs" of the healthcare industry and that they think he is the best. Or that he has helped to design programs that will change the industry forever for the better.... He would never brag and I don't even know the full extent of what he has done and is doing. He is just so talented, but I think his biggest asset has been his personality and his character. That just makes him the whole package-- people just come to love, trust, and respect him. They know he says what he means and can be counted on to be honest and to deliver what he says. He realizes the awesome position he has been placed in and keeps saying that he hopes he can use his time in the spotlight to reflect Christ-- something rarely seen in the business world! He wants everyone to see how he reacts and responds to things and to know that it is his faith that affects the way he chooses to live. I am so proud of him. Luke couldn't have a better dad and I couldn't have a better husband.
We had a great Father's Day weekend. We gave Dad his digital camera and he was thrilled. On Scott's first Father's Day he got a watch and a pretty picture frame for his office with a photo of him and Luke on the beach in Malibu. It is neat to think that next year Luke will be able to say "Daddy"!
Sunday at church I was really convicted about the "Word of God"-- Too often we(I) place more influence and time and energy on what Dr. Phil or Oprah says instead of what God says in His Word. I am rededicating myself to learning more scripture, so I bought a little flip book where I am going to start putting down verses to memorize. I have wanted to do this for a long time now-- I hope that I will use it as a reference book and also that I will become so familiar with each passage that they will easily come to my mind and heart when I need them. I hope I will stay committed to it. Please, Lord!
I am feeling very blessed today! Thanks, Father!
He was still a tad bit fussy at the Y yesterday, but I didn't have to leave class early to get him. I think he is in an adjustment phase-- from newborn to actual baby. And he is still getting used to life outside the car seat.
This morning he slept until 7:30. I had put him down at 9:00, too, so he had a great night's sleep. I fed him and there wasn't enough time for him to go back down like he normally does... When he sleeps later this always throws a kink into our Y schedule-- usually he will wake around 6 or 6:30, eat, and I will put him back down until he wakes again around 8:30. Then he eats again and is ready to go to the Y-- When he wakes later he is ready to go back to bed just about the time we need to leave to go to the Y. This morning he was sound asleep and I just couldn't bring myself to drag him out on my account. I put him back in his crib and decided to catch up on the blog. Missing a day of working out won't kill me-- plus, it is one of the lessons I am learning... It is all about him now in many ways and not me. His best interest must come before mine, especially while he is still little.
The crazy thing is that he won't be little for very long. I still can't believe how fast he is growing! He is in size 6 months now. It is funny that I feel like he isn't a baby anymore and have to keep reminding myself that he is only 4 1/2 months old! I keep saying that I wish he would stay this age forever, but I guess each age has its highlights.
Scott comes home tonight! He has been traveling so much lately. I can't be upset with him though because that is his job-- a job that he does very well-- a job which allows me to stay home and raise Luke. He really has been blessed in the business world- from the internship with Andersen to landing this incredible job with EmpactHealth, now Medibuy. It is funny that most people have no idea just how successful he actually is and that he is pretty much "the boss" of his area. They don't realize that each week he meets with the "big dogs" of the healthcare industry and that they think he is the best. Or that he has helped to design programs that will change the industry forever for the better.... He would never brag and I don't even know the full extent of what he has done and is doing. He is just so talented, but I think his biggest asset has been his personality and his character. That just makes him the whole package-- people just come to love, trust, and respect him. They know he says what he means and can be counted on to be honest and to deliver what he says. He realizes the awesome position he has been placed in and keeps saying that he hopes he can use his time in the spotlight to reflect Christ-- something rarely seen in the business world! He wants everyone to see how he reacts and responds to things and to know that it is his faith that affects the way he chooses to live. I am so proud of him. Luke couldn't have a better dad and I couldn't have a better husband.
We had a great Father's Day weekend. We gave Dad his digital camera and he was thrilled. On Scott's first Father's Day he got a watch and a pretty picture frame for his office with a photo of him and Luke on the beach in Malibu. It is neat to think that next year Luke will be able to say "Daddy"!
Sunday at church I was really convicted about the "Word of God"-- Too often we(I) place more influence and time and energy on what Dr. Phil or Oprah says instead of what God says in His Word. I am rededicating myself to learning more scripture, so I bought a little flip book where I am going to start putting down verses to memorize. I have wanted to do this for a long time now-- I hope that I will use it as a reference book and also that I will become so familiar with each passage that they will easily come to my mind and heart when I need them. I hope I will stay committed to it. Please, Lord!
I am feeling very blessed today! Thanks, Father!
Friday, June 18, 2004
Freaky Friday
Well-- For the first time, Luke had an "off" day at the Y today. One of the nursery workers came to get me about 15 minutes before class was over. Luke was having a crying fit. I hurriedly put away my step, weights, and mat. When I got there, he was crying the "I'm afraid/My feelings are hurt/Where's mom" wail-- the same one he had when I picked him up from Scott's mom for the first time. He quieted down right after I took him.
I had a feeling when I left him this morning that he wasn't going to do well. To start, I had taken him out of the car seat and carried him in this morning. This is an entirely new experience for him altogether. I think the seat and the longer stroll it takes us to get to the nursery is somewhat of a comforting routine for him, but today it was different. When I leave him in his seat he knows where he is and what is going on-- Today he was placed in a bouncy seat and immediately thrown into the chaos of nursery life. I just think it was all a little overwhelming for him... This worries me because we have to get him a new car seat. He is 27 inches now and his car seat is only good until 26 inches. We are going to have to purchase a seat that stays in the car. This is going to make it a little difficult when I have to get him out to go places like the grocery store because he can't sit up yet and I won't have the infant seat to carry him around in...
Plus, he hasn't reacted too well to the shots he got on Wednesday. He was running a fever last night and has just acted a tad bit grumpy since the shots. He didn't have a temperature this morning though-- He just went down for a nap-- Maybe he will sleep a long time and feel more like himself when he wakes.
Other than that-- and even with that-- life is still good! We met with a group of people last night at a friend's house for dinner and prayer time. It was so nice being with good friends and talking about the Lord and where we are with our relationship with him. We are just so blessed to have people like that in our lives. I am so thankful that Luke will grow up with them and their children. We talked mainly about the passage from Colossians chapter 2:
"....that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument..."
Sometimes I feel like I am on a quest to figure out God-- that I will suddenly have a lightning bolt moment and realize what I have been missing-- Whether it is a new scripture I have never seen in a certain way or a new take on a certain theological idea or worship plan-- This passage reminds me that the big "mystery" I am seeking has already been revealed-- that is CHRIST Himself. And in Him alone are all the answers and all the wisdom I will ever need to make it in this life. This gives me such a sense of peace today and really lets me celebrate the freedom that Paul also mentions in Galatians 5:1 that Christ died to bring me. I am so thankful to be reminded of that. Thank you, Lord!
Tonight we are meeting to do a final run through of the remaining songs we have left for the cd before we go to the studio next weekend. What a blessing it has been to be a part of the ZOE ministry for the past 8 years! I just pray that I will always remember how privileged I have been to be associated with this ministry and that I never forget that it is all about GOD and NEVER about me.
Tomorrow we have a family blessing time for our ZOE manager. He and his family just adopted another child into their family. He is a special needs baby whose mother had been on drugs. I so admire him and his wife for taking on the awesome task of raising him. I think that he will be overwhelmed with the love and support he and his family will receive tomorrow-- At least I hope he will! He doesn't really know that it is a party specifically to celebrate him and what he has done for us and the sacrifices he has made in order to do it.
My parents are also coming down tomorrow night and we will give him his Father's Day present-- He is going to be so surprised!
What a busy weekend! Scott will also celebrate his first Father's Day on Sunday! How wonderful to finally be parents! God is SO good!
I had a feeling when I left him this morning that he wasn't going to do well. To start, I had taken him out of the car seat and carried him in this morning. This is an entirely new experience for him altogether. I think the seat and the longer stroll it takes us to get to the nursery is somewhat of a comforting routine for him, but today it was different. When I leave him in his seat he knows where he is and what is going on-- Today he was placed in a bouncy seat and immediately thrown into the chaos of nursery life. I just think it was all a little overwhelming for him... This worries me because we have to get him a new car seat. He is 27 inches now and his car seat is only good until 26 inches. We are going to have to purchase a seat that stays in the car. This is going to make it a little difficult when I have to get him out to go places like the grocery store because he can't sit up yet and I won't have the infant seat to carry him around in...
Plus, he hasn't reacted too well to the shots he got on Wednesday. He was running a fever last night and has just acted a tad bit grumpy since the shots. He didn't have a temperature this morning though-- He just went down for a nap-- Maybe he will sleep a long time and feel more like himself when he wakes.
Other than that-- and even with that-- life is still good! We met with a group of people last night at a friend's house for dinner and prayer time. It was so nice being with good friends and talking about the Lord and where we are with our relationship with him. We are just so blessed to have people like that in our lives. I am so thankful that Luke will grow up with them and their children. We talked mainly about the passage from Colossians chapter 2:
"....that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument..."
Sometimes I feel like I am on a quest to figure out God-- that I will suddenly have a lightning bolt moment and realize what I have been missing-- Whether it is a new scripture I have never seen in a certain way or a new take on a certain theological idea or worship plan-- This passage reminds me that the big "mystery" I am seeking has already been revealed-- that is CHRIST Himself. And in Him alone are all the answers and all the wisdom I will ever need to make it in this life. This gives me such a sense of peace today and really lets me celebrate the freedom that Paul also mentions in Galatians 5:1 that Christ died to bring me. I am so thankful to be reminded of that. Thank you, Lord!
Tonight we are meeting to do a final run through of the remaining songs we have left for the cd before we go to the studio next weekend. What a blessing it has been to be a part of the ZOE ministry for the past 8 years! I just pray that I will always remember how privileged I have been to be associated with this ministry and that I never forget that it is all about GOD and NEVER about me.
Tomorrow we have a family blessing time for our ZOE manager. He and his family just adopted another child into their family. He is a special needs baby whose mother had been on drugs. I so admire him and his wife for taking on the awesome task of raising him. I think that he will be overwhelmed with the love and support he and his family will receive tomorrow-- At least I hope he will! He doesn't really know that it is a party specifically to celebrate him and what he has done for us and the sacrifices he has made in order to do it.
My parents are also coming down tomorrow night and we will give him his Father's Day present-- He is going to be so surprised!
What a busy weekend! Scott will also celebrate his first Father's Day on Sunday! How wonderful to finally be parents! God is SO good!
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Boring is Bliss
It occurred to me today that the same-old, run-of-the-mill schedule every day is kinda nice.... I am not one for change too much anyway, so I really enjoy Luke stirring around in the morning, feeding him, getting us ready to go to the Y-- just the repetition of it all. It is assuring and calming.
This morning Scott was finally back-- he had a late night last night sitting on a plane stuck in Chicago. So, he went in to get Luke.
It is so sweet to watch them together.
So, nothing new and exciting... just wonderfully boring! Life is good.
This morning Scott was finally back-- he had a late night last night sitting on a plane stuck in Chicago. So, he went in to get Luke.
It is so sweet to watch them together.
So, nothing new and exciting... just wonderfully boring! Life is good.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
To the Doctor we will go...
Today we are going for our four month wellness visit with Dr. Wood. I am excited to see how much Luke weighs and how long he is, but I am not looking forward to his shots. It pulls at your heart when he is being so good and smiling and then all the sudden he realizes that he is in pain and doesn't understand why. That look he gets in his eyes--- but, you know it is best for him, and he is soothed when Mommy holds and comforts him when it is over.
Scott comes back from Chicago tonight! Yippee! He says that he shouldn't have to be traveling as much from now on-- We'll see... It hasn't been that bad though.
Saw one of our friends in the driveway today as she was passing by on the way home and we talked about church stuff-- How we feel the need to become more involved in things and to take on bigger responsibilities. I still pray God will guide me to the things I need to be doing.
I have finally updated Luke's baby book! I am so happy to be current on it. I was afraid I was getting too far behind. I want him to have a good record of his life. I want him to be able to look back at these books someday and to get an entirely new perspective on how very loved he was and is!
Scott comes back from Chicago tonight! Yippee! He says that he shouldn't have to be traveling as much from now on-- We'll see... It hasn't been that bad though.
Saw one of our friends in the driveway today as she was passing by on the way home and we talked about church stuff-- How we feel the need to become more involved in things and to take on bigger responsibilities. I still pray God will guide me to the things I need to be doing.
I have finally updated Luke's baby book! I am so happy to be current on it. I was afraid I was getting too far behind. I want him to have a good record of his life. I want him to be able to look back at these books someday and to get an entirely new perspective on how very loved he was and is!
Monday, June 14, 2004
Whew-- What a weekend!
This weekend went by in a blur! I was gone all weekend recording-- Then Saturday night we had just enough time for Scott and I to say "Hi" before he was gone! My parents came up and Mary Kate and Anthony came over and that was nice... Sunday, I was gone to rehearse and got home just in time for Scott to leave to go catch a plane to Chicago! He won't be back until late Wednesday night-- Life can get so crazily busy sometimes!
Luke is still doing great! We were shocked Saturday morning when he slept until 8:00! He usually gets up at 6:00 to eat and then goes back to sleep until 8:00ish but that Saturday he slept straight through. He has now started to fall into a pattern of sleeping until 7:00, which is still great-- no complaints here! Life seems so normal and manageable when you are getting plenty of sleep-- especially after the first two months of having a newborn!
So, Luke and I are just hanging out the first part of this week while Scott is gone. He is such a sweetie-- we'll have fun like we always do-- going to the Y and playing.
Yesterday at church I was asked to be a part of a panel for a women's special Sunday school class. It is a panel representing women and different life stages of their spiritual journey-- I am the "young new mom", I guess. I am still trying to figure out myself what my new ministry in life can be. It used to be easy-- teacher, mentor, singer-- and I realize that staying home with Luke is important, but I am hoping God will give me a new idea as to where I can best use my talents for him. I haven't been able to come up with anything on my own yet that I feel will really make a difference.
There is a big part of me that feels the need to be "fed" myself spiritually right now-- to take a break from the "teaching" and to be "taught." I also hope God will speak to me in regards to this, too.
He did answer my prayer Sunday-- I had been wrestling with something all weekend and just couldn't let it go. Sunday morning I woke up still bothered by it, and I asked God to show me something at church that would help me. Well, the whole sermon was directed right at me! Every word fit my situation exactly! I had to stop and laugh at how God works sometimes! He is good! :)
Luke is still doing great! We were shocked Saturday morning when he slept until 8:00! He usually gets up at 6:00 to eat and then goes back to sleep until 8:00ish but that Saturday he slept straight through. He has now started to fall into a pattern of sleeping until 7:00, which is still great-- no complaints here! Life seems so normal and manageable when you are getting plenty of sleep-- especially after the first two months of having a newborn!
So, Luke and I are just hanging out the first part of this week while Scott is gone. He is such a sweetie-- we'll have fun like we always do-- going to the Y and playing.
Yesterday at church I was asked to be a part of a panel for a women's special Sunday school class. It is a panel representing women and different life stages of their spiritual journey-- I am the "young new mom", I guess. I am still trying to figure out myself what my new ministry in life can be. It used to be easy-- teacher, mentor, singer-- and I realize that staying home with Luke is important, but I am hoping God will give me a new idea as to where I can best use my talents for him. I haven't been able to come up with anything on my own yet that I feel will really make a difference.
There is a big part of me that feels the need to be "fed" myself spiritually right now-- to take a break from the "teaching" and to be "taught." I also hope God will speak to me in regards to this, too.
He did answer my prayer Sunday-- I had been wrestling with something all weekend and just couldn't let it go. Sunday morning I woke up still bothered by it, and I asked God to show me something at church that would help me. Well, the whole sermon was directed right at me! Every word fit my situation exactly! I had to stop and laugh at how God works sometimes! He is good! :)
Friday, June 11, 2004
Funeral Friday
Today was the official funeral service for Ronald Reagan. I always liked him as President when I was a child-- even into high school. He left office the year I graduated in 1989. He was like a grandfatherly figure to our generation. We didn't care or know much about his politics, just that the world seemed a better, more peaceful place with him at the helm. Makes me wonder who will be the President that Luke remembers throughout his childhood and what his thoughts-- if any-- will be about him/her.
Our anniversary last night was nice. Went to Fleming's and had a good time catching up with each other and discussing the things we wanted to work on in our marriage. It is nice to be able to be so honest with each other. Basically, we just want to remember not to take each other or our relationship for granted. It is hard with Luke as top priority right now-- but we vowed to be more aware and to try to be more encouraging and loving toward each other.
We are blessed to have such a strong marriage. We are blessed to enjoy the beginnings of our new FAMILY-- all three of us!
Thank You, Lord!
Our anniversary last night was nice. Went to Fleming's and had a good time catching up with each other and discussing the things we wanted to work on in our marriage. It is nice to be able to be so honest with each other. Basically, we just want to remember not to take each other or our relationship for granted. It is hard with Luke as top priority right now-- but we vowed to be more aware and to try to be more encouraging and loving toward each other.
We are blessed to have such a strong marriage. We are blessed to enjoy the beginnings of our new FAMILY-- all three of us!
Thank You, Lord!
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Happy 9th Anniversary!
Today is our 9th wedding anniversary!
Hard to believe that nine years have passed-- actually it has been 12 years; we dated for three. It is so wonderful to still be in love and absolutely convinced that you married the perfect person. I can't imagine life with anyone but Scott. He is my best friend. We have been through more things together than I can even begin to list-- from big to small--
* Teaching me how to ski in Colorado and staying frozen in the same place with me for hours because I was crying and afraid to move!
* Getting various jobs and seeing each other through the transitions
* Having a child! Learning that we are no longer two, but three! We are still working through this one!
* My parents getting cancer
* His parents getting divorced and remarried to others
* Buying a beautiful house and putting up with me as I tried to decorate it!
* Traveling all over the world-- Paris, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, etc.
There is simply no other way than to say it-- We are just blessed. God has been so good.
I pray that we have many more wonderful years together. I know that life will not always present us with a smooth path, but I truly believe that our family-- Scott, Luke, and I will be able to make through anything together.
Hard to believe that nine years have passed-- actually it has been 12 years; we dated for three. It is so wonderful to still be in love and absolutely convinced that you married the perfect person. I can't imagine life with anyone but Scott. He is my best friend. We have been through more things together than I can even begin to list-- from big to small--
* Teaching me how to ski in Colorado and staying frozen in the same place with me for hours because I was crying and afraid to move!
* Getting various jobs and seeing each other through the transitions
* Having a child! Learning that we are no longer two, but three! We are still working through this one!
* My parents getting cancer
* His parents getting divorced and remarried to others
* Buying a beautiful house and putting up with me as I tried to decorate it!
* Traveling all over the world-- Paris, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, etc.
There is simply no other way than to say it-- We are just blessed. God has been so good.
I pray that we have many more wonderful years together. I know that life will not always present us with a smooth path, but I truly believe that our family-- Scott, Luke, and I will be able to make through anything together.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Wow! It's Wednesday!
Luke once again had such a great day yesterday-- We went to a zoning meeting last night with 1,000 of our neighbors to protest expansion plans that metro has for Crieve Hall. It was a beautiful night, and the meeting was at Ellington Agricultural Center behind the mansion. We put Luke in the stroller and he didn't make a peep the whole time-- he just looked around and took it all in. I think he likes new things and people-- gives him different things to analyze or something.
One thing he didn't do well yesterday was nap-- which wasn't really his fault. I just put him down for a nap and he is still crying, but I know that it is best for him to sleep, so you just have to close yours ears until it stops. I guess that is part of what being a parent means-- doing what is right regardless of how your child responds. It is hard sometimes, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I just keep reminding myself that he will never remember the crying fits-- and he doesn't cry much anyway.
Can't believe it is already Wednesday-- I have a big weekend ahead in the studio working on ZOE stuff. I hope that Luke does OK with Scott while I am gone for several hours at a time. At least he will eat rice cereal now which helps-- But he still isn't interested in a bottle... Oh well-- he can't be completely perfect in everything! :)
Thank you, God, for such a sweet-natured, easy-going child. Help him to get a good nap and have wonderful dreams of parents who love him more than he knows!
One thing he didn't do well yesterday was nap-- which wasn't really his fault. I just put him down for a nap and he is still crying, but I know that it is best for him to sleep, so you just have to close yours ears until it stops. I guess that is part of what being a parent means-- doing what is right regardless of how your child responds. It is hard sometimes, but not as bad as I thought it would be. I just keep reminding myself that he will never remember the crying fits-- and he doesn't cry much anyway.
Can't believe it is already Wednesday-- I have a big weekend ahead in the studio working on ZOE stuff. I hope that Luke does OK with Scott while I am gone for several hours at a time. At least he will eat rice cereal now which helps-- But he still isn't interested in a bottle... Oh well-- he can't be completely perfect in everything! :)
Thank you, God, for such a sweet-natured, easy-going child. Help him to get a good nap and have wonderful dreams of parents who love him more than he knows!
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Rainy day Tuesday
Luke and I began our day as we always do-- He gets up around six to eat. He is SO precious this time of day. He is always all smiles after he finishes-- so sweet. I put him back in the bed and he talks to himself for awhile, then goes back to sleep until around 8:15ish. Then he eats again and we get ready to go to the YMCA.
Today he woke up a little early- 7:45. But that gave us time to hang with Scott before he had to go to work. Luke does so well in the mornings-- he is very patient and just sits in his bouncy seat and smiles and talks to himself as he watches us get ready.
We head to the Y each day around 9:15. I pull out the stroller and pop him in and we roll into the Y and down the elevator to the nursery by 9:25 or so. The workers there call him "Luke Man" and treat him so well. He has done such a great job of staying in the nursery while I go to class. I am gone for an hour.
It has been so nice having time to exercise again, but even more fun anticipating seeing him after I finish class each time. I never know if he will be lying on the floor playing or in the swing asleep or wide awake waiting on me! It is still hard to believe I am his mom. He is just such a sweetheart!
Aunt Mary is coming over today to watch him while I go get my hair done at 3:30. It is so nice to have family in town to be able to watch him. Scott's mom is watching him this Thursday so that Scott and I can go out to celebrate our NINTH anniversary! WOW! Time flies! We have been SO blessed through the years.
On our 8th anniversary last year we had literally just found out that a baby was on the way-- June 7th to be exact. We went to Fleming's steak house to celebrate both our marriage and our impending parenthood. We were the only ones that knew so it was very special and hard to believe at the same time. How incredible that Luke is here this June-- what a long road it has been, but in some ways time has just flown!
God has continued to surprise us with His blessings! I just pray we make the most out of all that He has given to us! Especially our precious bear, Luke.
It is raining and sweet Luke is asleep-- All is right with the world.
Today he woke up a little early- 7:45. But that gave us time to hang with Scott before he had to go to work. Luke does so well in the mornings-- he is very patient and just sits in his bouncy seat and smiles and talks to himself as he watches us get ready.
We head to the Y each day around 9:15. I pull out the stroller and pop him in and we roll into the Y and down the elevator to the nursery by 9:25 or so. The workers there call him "Luke Man" and treat him so well. He has done such a great job of staying in the nursery while I go to class. I am gone for an hour.
It has been so nice having time to exercise again, but even more fun anticipating seeing him after I finish class each time. I never know if he will be lying on the floor playing or in the swing asleep or wide awake waiting on me! It is still hard to believe I am his mom. He is just such a sweetheart!
Aunt Mary is coming over today to watch him while I go get my hair done at 3:30. It is so nice to have family in town to be able to watch him. Scott's mom is watching him this Thursday so that Scott and I can go out to celebrate our NINTH anniversary! WOW! Time flies! We have been SO blessed through the years.
On our 8th anniversary last year we had literally just found out that a baby was on the way-- June 7th to be exact. We went to Fleming's steak house to celebrate both our marriage and our impending parenthood. We were the only ones that knew so it was very special and hard to believe at the same time. How incredible that Luke is here this June-- what a long road it has been, but in some ways time has just flown!
God has continued to surprise us with His blessings! I just pray we make the most out of all that He has given to us! Especially our precious bear, Luke.
It is raining and sweet Luke is asleep-- All is right with the world.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Snapshots on a sunny June day
Although Luke is already four months old as of last week, today we went to have our first photo session taken! Babies usually begin these at three months, but we got a little behind. We were gone the first week of May to Pepperdine when he turned three months-- it took a week to recover-- he was sniffle-y the next week-- and it took me a week more to decide which photographer to use.... So, as you can see, it was no time until he had already turned four months! Oh well, I don't think he will care-- or notice!
He was a little grumpy over the weekend, but for him, being a little grumpy means he just isn't as sweet as usual or he naps an hour less. He is such a great baby and Scott and I are VERY blessed.
He was the perfect angel this morning getting his pictures made-- smiled so beautifully. I can't wait to see the proofs. As I stood there watching him, it hit me just how fast he is growing up. I wish he could stay at this sweet, precious age forever. Everyone said that this time would fly by, and it has....
Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful baby boy! He is such a joy and light in my life! Help me to treasure each moment and make the most of it!
He was a little grumpy over the weekend, but for him, being a little grumpy means he just isn't as sweet as usual or he naps an hour less. He is such a great baby and Scott and I are VERY blessed.
He was the perfect angel this morning getting his pictures made-- smiled so beautifully. I can't wait to see the proofs. As I stood there watching him, it hit me just how fast he is growing up. I wish he could stay at this sweet, precious age forever. Everyone said that this time would fly by, and it has....
Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful baby boy! He is such a joy and light in my life! Help me to treasure each moment and make the most of it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
