Welcome to Texas

These last two weeks have brought so much change for our family I can hardly begin to describe it. There have been lots of laughs and tears, hellos and goodbyes, unpacking and settling in to a new place. We started our time here in Texas with mom, dad, and Isaac visiting for a week, which was a HUGE blessing! We cherished every moment we had with them, knowing that it would soon come to an end. We went to Mexico, South Padre Island, and Moni's wedding. Each was a great experience! The whole week Micah followed his Poppa (my dad) everywhere he went, bobbing his little head from side to side with not a care in the world. He loves to be with Poppa and do everything exactly like Poppa does. When we were at the island walking along the beach, dad saw a jellyfish in the sand and began poking it with a shell. He flipped it over in order to inspect it before continuing on our walk. Mama (Kevin's Mom) thought he was crazy for getting near the thing and then she commented, "Now I understand where Micah gets his curiousness from." I will always rejoice in the fact that Micah loves his grandparents and that he has a special affection for my dad. Watching him learn and grow continues to thrill me every day as new words are added to his vocabulary like "love you" and "thank you". He is beginning to pick up some Spanish as well, which makes me even more excited to begin our studies. Though I have been enjoying the ease of being outside without having to bundle up the babies, I didn't realize just how much I would miss a white Christmas. We had a cold front the other day which caused the temperatures to drop into the 50's at night. This brought rejoicing from every bone in my body. I really do miss the cooler weather, but I know that with the warmer weather comes many blessings as well. So, I am trying my best to enjoy what the Lord has brought us to and not to let my thoughts linger on other places. I do miss my family immensely, but I know the time apart will give new and precious meaning to the times where we will be together again. Praise the Lord that because He has begun to reveal to me our purpose, I can stop focusing on what I am leaving behind and start focusing on what God is calling us to.

The Joy of Two

Wow! The past two months have flown by. My life is filled with diapers, hungry kids, crying, and waking up throughout the night. But I wouldn't trade it for the world! Alicia has added new delight to our days with her beautiful smile. Already we can sense her sweet personality. And Micah has advanced to a whole new level of boy. His sounds of guns, trains, trucks, and planes are constantly filling the room. Yet his gentle care for his sister is unmistakeable. From the day Alicia was born he has adored her, tenderly kissing her on the cheek and loving on her as often as mommy will allow. Though these first few months were tough for Alicia because of some tummy trouble, I am so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with another beautiful and healthy child. As the day for our move to Texas is quickly approaching, I am treasuring every moment we have together with my family. Micah has grown to love his grandma and grandpa very much, and it brings tears to my eyes to think of him not seeing them for so long. It will be wonderful for him and Alicia to get to know their Lita (Kevin's mom) as well. With all these major transitions come lots of emotions, but I know that "the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect [me] from the evil one" (2 Thes. 3:3). I am eagerly anticipating this next phase of life, together with its joys and trials as the Lord continues to refine me through them. I will treasure each moment as I watch my little ones grow and change in this new environment. What fun it will be to experience the joys of their daddy's chidhood together as a family!

A Week of Waiting

Again I write, without having met our new little one, but this time another week has gone by. As we continue to wait, the Lord is revealing new truths to me each day. A few nights this past week I have woken up wondering and worrying if the baby is ok. I fear that something might be wrong, but yet I know the Lord is in control. Each time, I spent time praying and have been comforted by the hope of knowing that God is sovereign. On Thursday, after seeing the doctor, I started having contractions and went in to be monitored. The nurse thought for sure I was in labor and sent me home saying she would see me again soon. All day I waited anxiously, contractions coming and going, but nothing happened. By the end of the day, Kevin and I were both physically tired and frustrated. We again had to let go and trust that everything was in the Lord's hands. But as I now think back at the whole week, we truly have been blessed to have so much time together to rest and prepare for this baby. Neither of us had many plans so we have both been home with Micah, spending lots of sweet moments together, walking, playing at the park, and just enjoying one another. Even as we wait together, God has been faithful!

Awaiting the arrival...

Today marks 40 weeks and 2 days of this pregnancy, making me more anxious than ever to meet our new little addition. We went to the doctor the morning, which showed everything to be progressing in a healthy manner, but no labor yet. I am so eager and my mind is stuck on when and how this baby will come. I am trying to relax, but I just don't feel like doing anything! I so desperately wanted to labor during the day so that I wasn't as tired as last time. I guess only the Lord knows, and He will give me strength for whatever comes. This weekend has been a lot of trying to fill my time and distract my attention, so yesterday we gave Micah his first haircut! Though he screamed from frustration of having to sit still for more than a second, Daddy was eventually able to distract him with some chocolate chips. When I got to the bottom where his curls were, I simply could not allow myself to cut them off so grandma took the scissors and went to work. In the end, I think he looks so handsome and grown up. At the doctor this morning, Micah was walking around carrying chairs back and forth and playing very happily, which seemed very normal to me. (Actually, I thought he was quite calm and very content with such simple entertainment.) After watching him for a few minutes, someone in the waiting room smiled and stated, "Wow, he is quite hyper today, isn't he?" I just laughed and replied, "Oh no, this is actually very calm and relaxed for Micah." I was again reminded of how much energy is bundled up into our son and was filled with thankfulness for such a blessing! His personality and passion for everything in life is so intense! I wonder whether his little sibling will follow in those eager footsteps or if he/she will be more laid back like their daddy? Either way, we can't wait to me that precious little one!

Eagerly welcoming the coolness of fall...

A week or two ago, I breathed a sigh of relief as the weather began to change. I love the colors, the brisk mornings and cool nights, crackling campfires, and crunchy leaves as well as everything else that fall brings. For me it is a fresh beginning, as school and activities get into full swing. Not only are we beginning this new season with the weather, but in just a short time our little family will be adding a new member. The sweet joy that a new baby brings is filling me with eagerness. However, I can't jump ahead too quickly because Micah has TRULY been a delight the past couple of weeks. He has been very content, enjoying whatever life brings his way. He is learning how to play and entertain himself as well as communicate what he needs more clearly. He continues to be filled with energy but he is able to funnel it into active playing and exploring, without always fussing out of frustration. He is also learning to wait patiently when he has asked for something. This is definitely a blessing as I know he is in for a shock when the new baby arrives and he will no longer be the solo receiver of my attention. As life brings these new changes, I am also experiencing a new fresh and vibrant depth in my relationship with my husband. Kevin and I have been blessed to experience an even deeper closeness as we continue to grow in our intimate relationship with the Lord. I cannot begin to describe how He beautifully and gently is refining each of us, bringing us to a fresh understanding of the joy of marriage. Though the messiness of dealing with sin is frustrating, Kevin has reminded me of the joy and hope we have through Jesus Christ as we persevere in striving for a life of obedience!!!

Travels

This month has been filled with lots of traveling and fun memories. The end of the first week of August we headed to the Swanson Family Reunion which is held only once every five years. It was definitely the highlight of my summer. Not only was it fun to reconnect with so many people but God continued to reveal to me the treasure I have in a Godly heritage. Psalm 145:4 reads, "One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." This was definitely the case at the reunion! Multiple stories were shared which were consistently filled with praises to the Lord for what he has done in their lives. I was especially blessed by my great aunt who shared how she prays diligently for our entire family. Though she doesn't always know what specifically to pray for, she lifts each one of us up in prayer using Scripture as her guide. I also was greatly encouraged by one of my father's cousins who shared about finishing well all that is set before us. She stated that in watching her father lose two wives in the past 10 years, the Lord has impressed upon her the importance of focusing upon what we have here and now. We are to be thankful for the season in which God has us, and when he does take us through pain and loss, we must continue to focus on him. I am so blessed to be surrounded not only by the great cloud of witnesses in heaven but also by those who are visibly lifting me up here on this earth. The weekend ended all to soon, but my gratefulness for the moments we had is abundant. I am amazed at how God uses people to speak specifically into my life no matter what he is teaching me at the time. The importance of treasuring each moment and season of life was completely reiterated throughout our vacation. The rest of the week we spent relaxing at a beautiful home in Ohio with Joel, Liz, and their two foster girls. What a joy to see Micah follow those girls around, playing happily and running freely around as they explored all their was to see. Mini golf, shopping, disc golf, ice cream, hiking, games, movies, a ponton ride, campfire and smores as well as lots of naps made for a very relaxing and memorable week. Kevin and I ended the vacation with a visit to some dear friends in Indiana. We were again encouraged and challenged by the ministry that they are involved in. Upon returning home, we are both eager to kick off the fall schedules with new life groups and ministry ideas. God continues to place hispanic ministry on our hearts, and we are eager to serve him as he reveals what that will look like. Our life will also soon be dramatically changing once again as our new little one joins the family. But oh, how eagerly we await this arrival!!!

Summer Fun

Though it has been a very hot week and the humidity hangs over us so thickly, I am praising the Lord for new energy. This past weekend was Corn Capital Days (a town celebration) where Micah was able to enjoy lots of festivities which included balloons, candy, corn on the cob, music, and dancing, a kid's fair, and the parade. He was interested in everything! After a long day of celebrating, however, his energy did not seem to have depleted one bit. After dinner, he was ready to play! Mommy was sweatier than ever, longing for a shower and bed; but thanks to Grandma, Micah got to go to the park for an hour and a half to play and watch daddy play tennis. When they came home I couldn't believe the mess! Micah was dripping with sweat and covered with dirt from head to toe. But boy did he have a good time. I was told that he had completely taken over at the park, thinking he owned the place and could do it all! He loved the slide and repeated the loop to go down it multiple times. Though I do get nervous watching my little daredevil, I am so excited to see him growing and exploring so many new activities. He is all boy, finding complete joy in being outdoors, getting dirty, running, jumping, diving, climbing, and making lots of noise. I can't believe how big my "baby" is getting. Summer is so filled with the warmth of life, and Micah is soaking in every moment of it! I continually thank the Lord for graciously giving me new strength to cherish these moments!

Daddies are Priceless!!!

Though the tiredness continues to drag me down, I am again reminded of the strength and joy that comes for the Lord. Today was a beautiful day and Micah was bubbling with energy once again. Kevin spent the morning with him, which Micah greatly enjoyed. I treasure every moment I see the two of them together. The laughter and screams of excitement, thrill, and delight are proof of their joy in spending time together. I am so grateful that Micah has a father who loves the Lord and loves us very deeply. No matter how hard I try, I cannot be a dad to Micah. As I consider the way Kevin relates to Micah and all that they do together, I am continually amazed and blessed by the unique roles of the family that God has designed. We are so different, yet both completely vital to Micah's physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. My heart aches at the thought of how many families today are torn apart and do not live as God has intended. The more I think about this tragedy, the more God places a burden on my heart to minister to families. I long for families to once again function as the unit that they were designed to be. Men have such a crucial role to play as their wives and children look to them for guidance and leadership. Tonight as I close, I want to praise the Lord for the gift of my husband Kevin, lifting him before the Father for strength and courage to pursue his priceless role as husband and daddy!

Worn Out

This last week Micah has been bursting with more energy than ever and my energy level is far below zero. I feel like I am starting each day hoping that I can simply keep up with Micah. The thought of getting the laundry done or fixing a meal is exhausting in and of itself. I feel drained physically, emotionally, and spiritually; yet I am still filled with love and joy over this little miracle that wears me out. In light of all of this, I want never to ignore the needs of my husband. He has been such a blessing to me these last few days as he seeks to encourage me and give me the rest I need. If only I could find a way to show him how much that means to me! Lord, please give me your strength for life so that I might fully care for and cherish my son and the little one that now grows inside of me. Help me to consider the needs of my husband, never forgetting the enthusiasm and eagerness I poured into the beginning of our relationship. Lord, you are so faithful and I am once again overwhelmed at your goodness in my life. As for now, I am going to close my eyes and rest while I have a moment of silence.

Back Into the Swing of Things

The past week and a half has been filled with lots of fun memories as we have enjoyed the company of close friends from college. We spent a day at the lake swimming, picnicking, hiking, and relaxing. We also spent lots of time with cousins, enjoyed walks, played games, etc. Now its Monday morning and time to tackle the laundry and catch up on all my daily tasks. I'm exhausted and Micah is ready to play. As I sit and watch his endless bursts of energy, I am once again filled with the joy of being his mommy. As Micah continues to grow and change each day, my newest fascination is watching him say please and thank you. We have been teaching him the signs for these words for many months now; but as he begins to do them without being prompted, adding sound affects that vaguely resemble words, I am repeatedly entertained by his gestures. He has also developed a love for giving kisses lately, which is a rare expression of love coming from a busy boy who hasn't wanted to cuddle since the day he was born. He would much rather dance, jump, run, or climb on anything in sight than sit on mommy's lap. Though I often long to have him jump into my lap and snuggle in for a few minutes, I rejoice at the fact that my son is healthy and strong, eagerly exploring everything in his world. Watching him is such a good reminder of the power and goodness of God displayed in my life. What more could I ask for?

Tired of all that Playing...

This morning when I woke up, I felt surrounded by things that needed to get done. I didn't mind except that I knew Micah would be demanding much of my attention and that my "to do list" would have to wait. Often times I get more worn out sitting and playing with him, chasing him around, and trying to come up with new ways to entertain him than I do if I work hard all day long. After spending some time in the Word, Micah began to get antsy so we went outside for a bike ride and then to play in his pool. Rather than sitting and dwelling on all that was not getting done, I decided to enjoy the moments with him and use the time to lift him up before the Lord in prayer.

A New Perspective

Isaiah 40:31 "Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."Just like the beauty seen on the soaring wings of eagles, there is a priceless display of beauty in each day of my life. Whether it shows itself in the blessed miracle of welcoming a new child into this world or in the simple beauty found in my every day routines, I want these treasures to daily renew my hope in the Lord. As I begin this blog, I think of the few treasured years that I have had as a wife and mother. It is so often my tendency to rush ahead to whatever comes next and forgot to treasure the moments of daily life as God reveals himself to me in unique ways each day. As I look back at the years passed by, I often feel regret that I missed so much but never being satisfied with where I was at. But when expressing these things to my husband, he reminded me not to idolize the past or live in regret. Rather, I am to focus on Christ and how he is continuing to work on me now, rejoicing in the fact that he has revealed these truths to me. I cannot go back to what was, but I can be grateful for the truths that God taught me during my growing up years and my time as a college student. I can rejoice in knowing that God has a perfect plan for my life and that he will continue to reveal it to me in his time. And as I look ahead, I can focus my thoughts on a new perspective devoted to all that God has for me in the treasured moments of each new day.