Kids- Summer 2007

Here are some shots of the kids so far this summer! We are having such a great time watching Caroline grow and seeing how Luke is starting to interact with her even more. She still isn't talking-- just yesterday she started going around the house saying, "No! No!" Guess it's easy to see what she is picking up on from us!

We are having a great time going to the pool. We are fortunate to live two doors down from our neighborhood pool which makes it easy for me to haul the kids and gear back and forth. Luke is still not comfortable getting his hair, or really his face, wet. We went to a birthday/swim party Friday with some of his friends who are a little older, and I was amazed at how bold he suddenly became around water. He was having a grand time and didn't seem to care that his hair and face were getting wet! Funny how peer pressure works even at such a young age!

Studio Time Again

Zoe headed back to the studio last night to start work on our next conference CD. Things went really well, and we knocked out two songs: "Your Name" and "Where Joy and Sorrow Meet" -- this song will make you cry it's so beautiful and has such amazing lyrics! And it definitely will move you with Sheryl singing lead! For more photos: Recording 2007.

Found my camera that I thought I had left in Orlando! It was in the car but had fallen way down between the seats-- so here are a few more shots: Orlando.
The "ZOE Girls" in Orlando.

"Closer" in Orlando

Just got back from the Metro Church in Orlando (Oviedo), Florida. They have some amazing things happening there. They have taken an old grocery store space in a strip mall and have totally converted it into a beautiful, functional church space.

It was a great weekend with family. This is the biggest blessing of being in ZOE-- meeting so many brothers and sisters coast to coast and sharing the journey together. Thanks to Bret and the whole gang for making us feel so welcome! :)

I had totally forgotten that I had to share my testimony about the whole "bed rest/Caroline" experience. At the Nashville conference last October, Larry asked me to share right before the session that night! I had NO time to think or prepare, so I think it came out somewhat coherent! It was still fresh, so I did OK with it. Then in Fresno and in Lubbock-- each trip I wouldn't think about the fact that we were doing "Closer" again, and that I'd have to share! Same thing this trip! I think it had been a blessing NOT remembering-- if I had remembered, I would have analyzed and planned and would have probably come up with something close to a script of clever insights and moments. I don't think that would have been as authentic. Instead, I have just prayed that the Spirit would give me the words to say....

This weekend when Mike reminded me that I would be sharing again-- I told him that I always felt kinda strange telling my story when there were SO many others in the audience who had more traumatic, gripping stories than mine-- stories much more redemptive and compelling. He reminded me that the reason my story is relevant is because it is common and that's OK. Every story doesn't need to be heart-wrenching and of made-for-TV movie caliber in order to be applicable. The point of the sharing was to show that ALL of us find ourselves at points in life where we don't feel close to God-- in fact, we feel like we aren't sure where God is at all... So, if nothing else, I think I did qualify to speak to that!!

The second thing that we do best in ZOE is eat-- and we did plenty of that, too! They had a "bistro" set up right in the church which had a terrific menu! Yum! :)

On the way back, Jason, Brandon, and I continued a discussion we started on the plane ride back from Fresno. I love talking theology with those guys. Topics ranged from Constantine, Vatican City, gnosticism, resurrection, the second coming, etc. Interesting discussion!!!

We head to the studio in less than a week! Can't wait to begin our 11th conference CD. I think we have some good songs to introduce this time.... Clarissa and Randy have come up with some solid arrangements so far.

* I lost my camera on this trip somewhere between the church and the airport-- so, if it happens to get relocated, I'll post the rest of the photos! :)

Boot camp is going well! I am really loving the challenge!! I am already feeling stronger than I was before. Can't wait to see my body change over then next 7 weeks!

The Early Bird Gets the Boot Camp

Well-- I have finally done it!! I signed up for boot camp! We meet every morning at 5:45 to whip our bodies back into shape.

I have wanted to do this for a long time, and something inside finally made me seal the deal last week. They were having a "two for one" sign up special-- so, yes, I now have the privilege of boot camp, not just for one month, but two! Yippee! :)

Monday was our first day to report. I hadn't slept very well the night before, although I did get in bed by 9:30. Luke had gotten a two inch splinter in his toe somewhere around 8. Splinters are NOT my thing, so I made Scott use the tweezers! But, it was my job to hold him down and suffer through his agonizing cries and screams for 30 minutes while Scott tried to extract it. In the end, I think I cried just as much as Luke! It broke my heart to see him so upset-- knowing I couldn't help.

So, I was emotionally drained when I hit the pillow-- and worried, because we didn't get all of the splinter out! But, I knew 5 a.m. would come quickly. I was somewhat anxious, too, because I didn't really know what to expect, even though I knew both of the instructors pretty well-- they were my kick-boxing teachers.

The alarm went off-- I put on my shoes (I slept in my work out clothes to save time!) It was nice getting up and having a quiet house to myself. I ate half of a power bar, watched a little early morning news, then headed out.

I was shocked to arrive and see such a huge class-- I thought there might be a dozen or so brave souls who were willing to join our ranks-- nope, well over 30! I took a spot on the floor and began to size up the "competition". I didn't have to be the best in class, but I didn't want to be the worst! I knew I was in above average physical condition-- I work out every day and run at least 15 miles a week... but, I guess I still worried that there would be some task I couldn't do.

Drill sarge Lori announced it was testing day! It's funny how those old feelings of having to prove yourself emerge in situations like this... I haven't felt those feelings since I was in high school and college-- that "I have to do well and win" tingle in your stomach. It was nice having those old stirrings again.

We headed outside to the tennis courts to warm up with walking, jogging, running, stretching, etc. Then it was time for the VO2 test. We did the Multistage Fitness Test (Beep Test). I made it to level 8 shuttle 2. I am proud to say, after a little internet research-- my score was VO2 Max 40.23 mls/kg/min (± 0.3 mls/kg/min)-- which puts me in the "superior" category! YES! :)

Next we had a series of drills-- 2 minute push up drill= 18 standing (toes) and 26 knees; 2 minute sit up drill = 45; 1/2- mile sprint= 3:48 minutes.

I was pretty pleased and thought I did relatively well. I am still no expert at pacing myself, and I think my body was still in shock doing all this exercise before 7 a.m.!

Last night we had a ZOE rehearsal to run through potential songs for the next CD. ZOE veteran JV and my next door neighbor is back for this CD and I am SO thrilled. He is one of the most knowledgeable musicians I know! What a blessing to the group-- plus, he's just a great guy! Well, I was thrilled to learn that he was doing the boot camp, too-- so then I had a partner in misery! He did the camp last summer, so he's a veteran and can show me the ropes.

So, today was our first official boot camp day! It was a blast! We played "tag" did a million walking lunges, a sprint/jog relay, a pyramid drill, abs-- an awesome workout! I think I am addicted! It was fun hanging with JV, too.

I have no grand illusions of regaining my 20 year-old physique-- that ship has sailed! But, I just want to see how far I can push myself. It's nice to know that I am probably in better physical condition now than I was at 20-- even if the scale doesn't reflect that! :) I am thankful that I am blessed to have the time to pursue this goal-- Scott stays home with the kids until I return by 7:15 and he can leave for the Y himself. I think he's proud of my discipline and determination. He's always been an athlete and in incredible shape-- still is. He does triathlons. Amazing.

Anyway-- I am proud of me, too. I pray I can stick with it and not be too tired-- or sore-- to make it through the rest of my day with Luke and Caroline! I also can't wait to see where I'll be physically in 8 weeks!

The ZOE CD project is going to be so fun this year! Brandon is back and the whole veteran ZOE gang is singing! Such fun! We are always humbled at the task ahead, but what fun to listen to awesome praise and worship songs and sing with family-- knowing that God will somehow use your gifts to bless others. What a marvelous, mysterious plan He has for each of us!

My Life as a Stay-at-home Mom?!?

I received a chain email of sorts today discussing the merit and/or mystery of the "Stay-at-home Mom" phenomenon. The basic gist was "what does a SAHM actually do ALL day long?

Well-- I'll leave the possible debate that could develop as a result of that question to the rest of you out there, but, it did make me think about my life as a SAHM. I actually feel extremely blessed to be able to be home each day with Luke and Caroline. I know it's hard for Scott to leave for work some mornings because he knows his time with them is basically limited to dinnertime, bedtime, and the weekends.

As far as the work load of a SAHM... I can't complain. Sure it's a job as much as anyone else on a payroll-- that can't be disputed. We've all seen the "what it would cost" list that circulates about what a SAHM "salary" would be if she were to be paid for her efforts. Below is what my salary would supposedly be as quoted by salary.com-- for all my fellow SAHMs, you can create your own check there, too.



So, I will grant that the figure appears to be a tad exaggerated! Regardless, to me, it is the most important job on earth. I'd do it for free... wait-- I already do! :)

When I first left the world of teaching to pursue motherhood, it was a hard adjustment-- especially when August rolled around and everyone was heading back to school except me! I was used to having my identity as "Mrs. Westerman- English and Bible teacher" and of being needed and loved by so many students whom I cared about so deeply. I definitely had a few weeks where I struggled to rediscover myself apart from my 8-year teaching career.

Then came motherhood-- another totally life-altering identity adjustment! This time your identity isn't lost as much as it is forever replaced. It hits you that for the rest of your life you will now answer to "Mom." It's a real shift in perspective on many, many levels.

I still struggle with identity issues, and I now accept the realization that I always will-- and always have. As the kids grow and mature, I must continue to re-evaluate who I have become at each new stage. I must consider the new, unfamiliar point on the parent path where I find myself. I am just now realizing that this is life itself: constantly adjusting, adapting, changing, and learning from the immediate present you find yourself in at any given moment.

My own mom stayed at home with us... I know I benefited from that, and I'm sure my desire to become a SAHM grew out of my personal experience with her. Most of the girls I know (and have known since high school and college) are SAHMs now. I have a few friends who work and raise children-- they are busy! I honestly can't imagine trying to do both.... I know they must have moments when they wish they were at home, too.

I have moments, too, sometimes-- not so much dreaming of being back in the working world, but of remembering my "pre-kids" life and the luxury of TIME that I enjoyed-- the days when I alone dictated my schedule, my actions, and my "to do" list! I also miss the days when Scott and I only had each other to focus all our attention, love, energy and emotion upon-- although we did have 12 glorious years of that before Luke arrived....

Of course, I'd NEVER trade our present life to return to the pre-kid past. Luke and Caroline are absolute miracles. I am still amazed when I gaze into their eyes and glimpse their unique minds at work. I cherish conversations with Luke about what a particular street sign says and why. I love listening to Caroline babble and formulate her first words-- ma ma, bubble, yummy, no, bye. I am blessed to be there for all those day-to-day, trivial and monumental moments that they will look back upon one day and call their childhood. I hope I contribute to making it a special, sacred, happy time for them.

She (Eve) taught me to fear the serpent
I’m learning to fear myself
And all of the things I am capable of
In my search for wisdom, acceptance and wealth

Remind me of this with every decision
Generations will reap what I sow
I can pass on a curse or a blessing
To those I will never know

-- lyrics from Generations by Sara Groves