Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Be careful what you say...
I have had the opportunity to attend BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) for the past couple years and have been greatly blessed by it. If you have one in your area that meets, I strongly recommend going! This year we are studying the book of John. There are so many practical applications and revelations of who Jesus is throughout the book. I wanted to share something that really challenged me last week.
The portion of scripture was John 3:25,26
"An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.'”
There is a portion in the notes that says, "Sometimes a friend's sympathy and suggestions of unjust treatment can be the worst possible thing for us. This can make us feel sorry for ourselves, start a root of bitterness, and even shake our faith in God. Are you such a friend? Do you put thoughts against other people into a friend's mind, thereby sinning and causing them to sin?"
This was so convicting. I need to watch what I say about others and what I agree with in regard to what others say.
Matthew 12:36
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
The portion of scripture was John 3:25,26
"An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.'”
There is a portion in the notes that says, "Sometimes a friend's sympathy and suggestions of unjust treatment can be the worst possible thing for us. This can make us feel sorry for ourselves, start a root of bitterness, and even shake our faith in God. Are you such a friend? Do you put thoughts against other people into a friend's mind, thereby sinning and causing them to sin?"
This was so convicting. I need to watch what I say about others and what I agree with in regard to what others say.
Matthew 12:36
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Menu for the week
M: Homemade Macaroni
T: Chicken Noodle Soup
W: Crockpot Applesauce Chicken Recipe (never got a chance to make this last week)
Acorn Squash
R: Vegetarian Chili
F,S,S - Iowa for the weekend!
T: Chicken Noodle Soup
W: Crockpot Applesauce Chicken Recipe (never got a chance to make this last week)
Acorn Squash
R: Vegetarian Chili
F,S,S - Iowa for the weekend!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Landon saying his first memory verse
Here is a movie of Landon learning his first memory verse. It's Jonah 2:9 - "Salvation is from the Lord." We pray that he comes to know the Lord at a young age! His favorite part of the verse is saying, "nine" at the end so as soon as we get to "Jonah" he wants to skip ahead to the "nine." Silly boy...
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Introducing the Potty
When we were at IKEA we picked up a little potty for Landon. The first two days he actually went poo poo and pee pee in it, but has since lost interest. We'll just try little by little and hopefully we'll start to save a few diapers in the process.
Menu for the week
M: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken - This was so sad. I woke up early to prep this before church and we came home and I realized I never plugged in the crockpot! I was so disappointed. So, I still have the rice ready to go in the fridge and will just need to try this again.
T: Rosemary Corn Soup with bread and a salad
W: Baked Pasta Primavera Casserole with garlic bread and a salad
R: Hope Pregnancy Center Fund Raiser Banquet
F: Crockpot Applesauce Chicken Recipe with Acorn Squash
S: Tulsa Conference
S: Tulsa Conference
T: Rosemary Corn Soup with bread and a salad
W: Baked Pasta Primavera Casserole with garlic bread and a salad
R: Hope Pregnancy Center Fund Raiser Banquet
F: Crockpot Applesauce Chicken Recipe with Acorn Squash
S: Tulsa Conference
S: Tulsa Conference
Friday, October 16, 2009
Samuel's 3rd Birthday
I cannot express how much all of your comments meant to Seth and I. We were so moved by what an impact our son's short life had on so many of you. We so appreciate hearing your memories of the day Samuel went to be with the Lord and your encouraging words. We are so thankful to have so many friends and family that love us and pray for us.
We had a nice day remembering our little Samuel. I just took the day off from cleaning and cooking and spent a lot of time playing with Landon and telling him about his older brother. When Seth got off work we picked up 4 balloons (3 to release and 1 for Landon). Then we went out to the cemetery. We were so moved to see that an amazing friend had left some balloons for Samuel, one saying "Happy Birthday Samuel, Love, Sophie." I can't express how much this meant to us. Having read Brooke's comment earlier that day of how she "promises Sophie will always know who Samuel is" meant so much to us and she demonstrated one way she was going to do that today.
It was raining as it has been each year on his birthday. We decided to start a tradition of letting off as many balloons as how old he would be each year. It was sweet to watch those balloons go and think that our little boy has been enjoying heaven for three years. Landon chased them saying, "uh oh, balloon, uh oh!" It was nice to be there as a family and talk to the Lord about His goodness and faithfulness. We look forward to the day we can see our little Samuel again.
We had a nice day remembering our little Samuel. I just took the day off from cleaning and cooking and spent a lot of time playing with Landon and telling him about his older brother. When Seth got off work we picked up 4 balloons (3 to release and 1 for Landon). Then we went out to the cemetery. We were so moved to see that an amazing friend had left some balloons for Samuel, one saying "Happy Birthday Samuel, Love, Sophie." I can't express how much this meant to us. Having read Brooke's comment earlier that day of how she "promises Sophie will always know who Samuel is" meant so much to us and she demonstrated one way she was going to do that today.
It was raining as it has been each year on his birthday. We decided to start a tradition of letting off as many balloons as how old he would be each year. It was sweet to watch those balloons go and think that our little boy has been enjoying heaven for three years. Landon chased them saying, "uh oh, balloon, uh oh!" It was nice to be there as a family and talk to the Lord about His goodness and faithfulness. We look forward to the day we can see our little Samuel again.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Remembering Samuel
Sweet Samuel, I can hardly believe three years have passed since I held you in my arms. The memories of the painful days surrounding your birth are still so vivid, but I want to write out each one for fear of forgetting any moment of your short time with us.
I remember before my ultrasound thinking I might be pregnant with twins since I was showing so much. I remember it was a Wednesday. I remember going to the ultrasound and watching you squirm and wiggle even too much to find out what gender you were. I remember falling even more in love with you as I watched you there.
I remember the concern on the ultrasound technician's face. I remember your daddy by my side reassuring me. I remember the doctor's face and tone when he told us I had to be admitted to the hospital and be seen by a specialist. I remember praying with your daddy that everything would be ok.
I remember the second ultrasound at the hospital with the specialist and he told us you were a boy! He also told us you seemed perfectly healthy, but there was something wrong. I remember having such a hard time knowing that you were perfect, but that you probably wouldn't make it. I remember I kept growing. I remember the nurses coming in and marking the top of my uterus as it grew and I remember the marking being at 38 cm. I remember thinking that would be a full-term marking.
I remember playing cards with your daddy and your uncle Justin and aunt April. I remember being loopy from all the medicine and saying some strange things. I remember not being able to walk very well and feeling like I was going to pop. I remember talking to the doctors and deciding if I didn't have a c-section we would both die. I remember asking the doctor what kind of chances you had for living at 20 weeks and I remember him saying, "one in a million." I remember crying. I remember a pain that I had never felt before. I remember picking out your name, Samuel, with daddy because as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord before he was ever born, we were dedicating you to the Lord. No matter the outcome, we recognized that you were the Lord's.
I remember your Nanny and Bumpa coming down. I remember wondering how I was ever going to sleep knowing that tomorrow was the day... I remember feeling little butterfly movements as I lay there and cherishing every one. I remember your Nanny singing hymns with me as I drifted to sleep.
I remember that morning. I remember it was a Saturday. I remember Dr. Bob praying before the c-section began. I remember your daddy by my side and telling me he thought James would be a good middle name. I remember when they delivered you, watching the pediatric staff standing there with a tray in hopes of you being that one in a million and I remember clinging to that hope with your daddy. I remember the doctor shaking his head no meaning you weren't going to make it.
I remember feeling your heartbeat. I remember your beautiful face. I remember kissing your little forehead and lips. I remember wishing I could look into your eyes. I remember how your arms were just like your daddy's. I remember you were so small and yet so long.
I remember when your heartbeat stopped and realizing you had just stepped foot into heaven.
I remember your Mema and Papa coming to visit you. I remember telling your Mema that you would have been her first grandson and she told me you always will be. I remember hugging her knowing she understood. I remember being comforted that you have a aunt in heaven with you, sweet Beverly.
I remember the little blue hat they put on you and the white knit blanket they wrapped you in.
I remember wishing I could still feel you moving inside me. I remember it not feeling real, that somehow it was all a dream. I remember them telling us to say our goodbyes before they took your body away. I remember saying goodbye, but knew it wasn't goodbye forever.
I remember Iowa State playing OU and Adrian Peterson breaking his collar bone. I remember how my arms ached to hold you. I remembered how empty I felt.
I remember the supernatural peace I had knowing your were with Jesus. I remember longing to be there with you.
I remember at the grave sight a few days later. I remember being surrounded by family and feeling very loved. I remember the message was about David and how when he lost his son after he had been sick a while, he had a peace because he knew he would again go to him someday in heaven. I remember being comforted by this passage knowing I too would see you again. I remember singing "Great is They Faithfulness" and clinging to the thought that our God is faithful and would bring us though.
I miss you my little Samuel and can't wait to see you in heaven. Happy 3rd birthday! I wish I could be with you to celebrate, but I know you have the best company and I can't wait to join you one day soon. I love and miss you my sweet boy.
Love,
Mommy
P.S. Daddy and Bubby send you kisses and hugs and want me to let you know that they love you and miss you lots!
I remember before my ultrasound thinking I might be pregnant with twins since I was showing so much. I remember it was a Wednesday. I remember going to the ultrasound and watching you squirm and wiggle even too much to find out what gender you were. I remember falling even more in love with you as I watched you there.
I remember the concern on the ultrasound technician's face. I remember your daddy by my side reassuring me. I remember the doctor's face and tone when he told us I had to be admitted to the hospital and be seen by a specialist. I remember praying with your daddy that everything would be ok.
I remember the second ultrasound at the hospital with the specialist and he told us you were a boy! He also told us you seemed perfectly healthy, but there was something wrong. I remember having such a hard time knowing that you were perfect, but that you probably wouldn't make it. I remember I kept growing. I remember the nurses coming in and marking the top of my uterus as it grew and I remember the marking being at 38 cm. I remember thinking that would be a full-term marking.
I remember playing cards with your daddy and your uncle Justin and aunt April. I remember being loopy from all the medicine and saying some strange things. I remember not being able to walk very well and feeling like I was going to pop. I remember talking to the doctors and deciding if I didn't have a c-section we would both die. I remember asking the doctor what kind of chances you had for living at 20 weeks and I remember him saying, "one in a million." I remember crying. I remember a pain that I had never felt before. I remember picking out your name, Samuel, with daddy because as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord before he was ever born, we were dedicating you to the Lord. No matter the outcome, we recognized that you were the Lord's.
I remember your Nanny and Bumpa coming down. I remember wondering how I was ever going to sleep knowing that tomorrow was the day... I remember feeling little butterfly movements as I lay there and cherishing every one. I remember your Nanny singing hymns with me as I drifted to sleep.
I remember that morning. I remember it was a Saturday. I remember Dr. Bob praying before the c-section began. I remember your daddy by my side and telling me he thought James would be a good middle name. I remember when they delivered you, watching the pediatric staff standing there with a tray in hopes of you being that one in a million and I remember clinging to that hope with your daddy. I remember the doctor shaking his head no meaning you weren't going to make it.
I remember feeling your heartbeat. I remember your beautiful face. I remember kissing your little forehead and lips. I remember wishing I could look into your eyes. I remember how your arms were just like your daddy's. I remember you were so small and yet so long.
I remember when your heartbeat stopped and realizing you had just stepped foot into heaven.
I remember your Mema and Papa coming to visit you. I remember telling your Mema that you would have been her first grandson and she told me you always will be. I remember hugging her knowing she understood. I remember being comforted that you have a aunt in heaven with you, sweet Beverly.
I remember the little blue hat they put on you and the white knit blanket they wrapped you in.
I remember wishing I could still feel you moving inside me. I remember it not feeling real, that somehow it was all a dream. I remember them telling us to say our goodbyes before they took your body away. I remember saying goodbye, but knew it wasn't goodbye forever.
I remember Iowa State playing OU and Adrian Peterson breaking his collar bone. I remember how my arms ached to hold you. I remembered how empty I felt.
I remember the supernatural peace I had knowing your were with Jesus. I remember longing to be there with you.
I remember at the grave sight a few days later. I remember being surrounded by family and feeling very loved. I remember the message was about David and how when he lost his son after he had been sick a while, he had a peace because he knew he would again go to him someday in heaven. I remember being comforted by this passage knowing I too would see you again. I remember singing "Great is They Faithfulness" and clinging to the thought that our God is faithful and would bring us though.
I miss you my little Samuel and can't wait to see you in heaven. Happy 3rd birthday! I wish I could be with you to celebrate, but I know you have the best company and I can't wait to join you one day soon. I love and miss you my sweet boy.
Love,
Mommy
P.S. Daddy and Bubby send you kisses and hugs and want me to let you know that they love you and miss you lots!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Always
This song has really meant a lot to me lately as I miss my little Samuel. I just wonder what he would look like right now as a little almost three year old boy. I wonder what his personality would be like. I wonder if he would have dark brown eyes and hair like his daddy or blonde curly hair and blue eyes like his baby brother. Mostly though, I just want to hold him and kiss him and tell him how much I love him. However, I know that day will come because I know our Savior never fails. What a hope we have in Him.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Menu for the week
I have really been enjoying menu planning. I'm starting to get the hang of it...finally. It saves me extra trips to the grocery store throughout the week and saves a lot of stress as I just have to go to my blog to find out what's for dinner. Hopefully this isn't too annoying to post it here, it keeps me accountable to making a menu and sticking to it.
M: Almond Crusted Tilapia with Broccoli Salad
T: Chicken Roll-ups with Spinach Tortillas
W: French Dip Sandwiches using half of Shawna's Whole Wheat Bread recipe for the hoagie rolls (the other half I'll freeze for pizza later in the week).
R: Italian Cream Cheese Chicken over pasta
F: Play Date: Ham and Potato Soup (this was so good, I have to make it again!), Rosemary Bread (I'm excited to try this, it's supposed to be a lot like the Maccaroni Grill bread - yummy), Pumpkin Spice Cookies
S: Homemade Pizza with Shawna's Whole Wheat Bread Recipe and a salad with Cilantro Dressing
S: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken over brown rice
M: Almond Crusted Tilapia with Broccoli Salad
T: Chicken Roll-ups with Spinach Tortillas
W: French Dip Sandwiches using half of Shawna's Whole Wheat Bread recipe for the hoagie rolls (the other half I'll freeze for pizza later in the week).
R: Italian Cream Cheese Chicken over pasta
F: Play Date: Ham and Potato Soup (this was so good, I have to make it again!), Rosemary Bread (I'm excited to try this, it's supposed to be a lot like the Maccaroni Grill bread - yummy), Pumpkin Spice Cookies
S: Homemade Pizza with Shawna's Whole Wheat Bread Recipe and a salad with Cilantro Dressing
S: Slow Cooker Orange Chicken over brown rice
I have so many things I want to blog about, but I can't get all of the pictures or movies off my camera onto my computer. So very frustrating... We have a sick household today so we are home from church today hoping it's a short bug.
We went to the Tulsa fair yesterday. Landon had a great time, he especially loved all the animals and riding the sky ride. Pictures to come hopefully soon.
I can't believe it's already October and our little Samuel's birthday is only three days away. I wish he could be here. I wish Landon could know his big brother. I miss that little guy. Three years ago today was the day we had our "Big ultrasound" and found out something was really wrong and got sent over to the hospital. Although we wish things were different, I'm so thankful for the hope we have that he is with our Lord we will join him there one day soon.
We went to the Tulsa fair yesterday. Landon had a great time, he especially loved all the animals and riding the sky ride. Pictures to come hopefully soon.
I can't believe it's already October and our little Samuel's birthday is only three days away. I wish he could be here. I wish Landon could know his big brother. I miss that little guy. Three years ago today was the day we had our "Big ultrasound" and found out something was really wrong and got sent over to the hospital. Although we wish things were different, I'm so thankful for the hope we have that he is with our Lord we will join him there one day soon.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Menu for the week
M: Ham and Potato Soup with a salad and homemade bread
T: Curried Rice and Chicken
W: Eggplant Parmesan over noodles with a salad
R: Three Cornered Chicken Sandwiches with a salad
F: Homemade Pizza with Shawna's WW Bread Recipe for the crust.
S: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
S: Crockpot Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole with a salad
T: Curried Rice and Chicken
W: Eggplant Parmesan over noodles with a salad
R: Three Cornered Chicken Sandwiches with a salad
F: Homemade Pizza with Shawna's WW Bread Recipe for the crust.
S: Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
S: Crockpot Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole with a salad
Saturday, October 03, 2009
A Walk to Remember
Seth and I are here in Dallas for the weekend. We just finished up helping and being a part of a ceremony called a "walk to remember" in which many people come to remember the babies that they have lost. The organization that I am involved in, MEND, puts it on and we are hoping to have a walk of our own in Tulsa next year. More than 500 people came to remember about 170 babies. It was really neat to remember our little Samuel and be around others who understand the pain of losing a child. The balloon release at the end was amazing. We wrote on a blue balloon to Samuel and a pink one for Seth's sister, Beverly, and then sent them to the clouds. This was just beautiful!
It was hard to leave Landon for the weekend, but Seth reminded me that this weekend is really about our other son, Samuel. I thought that was really sweet.
I forgot to bring our camera to the actual event, but here a slide show from last year's event to give you an idea of what it is all about.
It was hard to leave Landon for the weekend, but Seth reminded me that this weekend is really about our other son, Samuel. I thought that was really sweet.
I forgot to bring our camera to the actual event, but here a slide show from last year's event to give you an idea of what it is all about.
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