Very First Birthday Present Ever!!!

Garin's first birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa Risinger arrived yesterday via UPS - the Bounce & Spin Zebra we asked for !!! We had one of those days where the only time we were home, he was eating or sleeping, so we just got it opened and assembled today when Daddy came home for lunch. Garin definitely thinks it is very cool! The big brown box it came in is pretty awesome too! Here are some photos of him enjoying his gift.

(Oh, and added blessing today: Daddy passed his annual fitness test this morning!)

This and That

It's a busy week for us with Garin's party Saturday night. I'm headed to the grocery store this afternoon to stock up, and I have to run the board reports by the printer for the board meeting on Thursday.

Yesterday, I finally got my new bowling ball! I'm not sure the holes are just right yet. He drilled them and did some fine-tuning after I bowled a few frames, but I think the middle finger may still be tight. It seemed to be sticking a little, but I'm going to try again Wednesday. He can tweak it if need be.

Garin has new tooth number eight. It came in yesterday, finally. That should help his demeanor (and slobbering)!

Matt is just doing great these days. He's enjoying school (as much as a kid does) and has a hopping social life. He met friends at the coffee house Saturday. That seems to be a new ritual with Freeburg kids now that they finally have a place to gather. Friday night, he is going with the youth group to the Stellar Kart concert in St. Charles. Wish I could go!!! Next weekend is the big Dare to Share event in St. Louis for the youth, and I'm so glad he's going. I want him to discover the joy of being bold in Christ, and these are just the sort of things to point him in the right direction.

I got a grade on another paper finally. This time it was in my music class, but it was a 100 again! She said it was beautifully written and elegantly expressed! I hope I don't seem like I'm bragging, but I'm so excited, and it's still hard to believe.

Karl's had a rough week at work. He is too hard on himself, and when things don't go just right, he beats himself up. He is still learning his office job and needs guidance from time to time. I was up from 2:30-4:00 this morning, praying for him and for his boss because they were meeting this morning. He got some good, constructive criticism, given with compassion and concern and was relieved. Of course, he's a little stressed, but it helped him so much to know that his new boss seems to have his heart in the right place, so to speak. It will all work out just fine. I only wish he had the confidence to match his ability. He has taken Thursday through Tuesday off for party prep and family time. I think he really needs it, and I know I'm looking forward to it.

Cookie Monster

Here's a cute pic of our little stinker. I was working on the computer; he was sitting at my feet playing. The next thing I knew, I looked down and saw cookies everywhere. He had found the bag of cookies again, but this time he dumped them all out and was feasting! I should mention that I know his outfit doesn't match. We were homebound thanks to his cold and the snow, so we were dressed for comfort yesterday. Note the lovely hairdo. He often wakes from a nap with some of the wildest 'dos I've ever seen. Karl tells me that his hair does the same thing when it's longer than an inch.

We've had a great day! Garin is finally over his cold and is much more pleasant to be around, and we spent the day doing stuff around the house. We did a little shopping this evening at Tar-jaaaayyy and went to dinner at IHOP. Woo-hoo! All-you-can-eat pancakes this month! Garin ate more than I've ever seen him eat. We ordered Baby Cakes for him: scrambled egg beaters, a sausage link and five dollar pancakes. He attacked it as if he hadn't eaten in days and ate well over half of his meal. Considering how little he normally eats, I've decided that from now on, every meal will be pancakes, eggs and sausage. Okay, maybe not, but it was so funny to see him pig out. He flirted with all the ladies at the surrounding tables and scored us a buy one get one free coupon from the couple at the next booth.

I also did the last of the craft show nightmare and got the board reports done. The rest of the week will center around Garin's party preparations, and any spare time (haha) will be spent on homework.

It's WAY past my bedtime, but I've been waiting for my hubby to turn of the Saturday night anime cartoons. I give up. I'm going to bed!

Can't put my finger on it

Has there ever been a time in your life where you felt God moving in your life in a huge way, like you can almost hear the buzz or feel the electricity in the air? You know something big is happening and that it is going to change your life, but you can't put your finger on it, you don't know where it's leading, and you have no idea yet what it will bring?

It's constant for me right now. I am certain that it is largely because I am finally following through on a 23-year-old promise I made to God by going back to school for a degree in Biblical Studies. Now, I should say that I am not following through because I somehow think I need to appease God so He won't be mad at me. If I had made an emotional promise to Him as a 14-year-old that had no calling behind it, or if I felt that I had blown my chance and He was no longer calling me, the reasons and motivation would be all wrong. But I know that this is still what He wants me to do. I am just thankful that He is allowing it to happen, and He is already blessing me for it.

I have also been very inspired and forced to dig a little deeper because of the daily blog of a dear family friend and visionary in ministry to hurting children and broken families: http://www.bucknerprez.typepad.com/.

Finally (and I don't know where or even whether this figures in yet), there are the issues involved in growing our family and how we want to do that. As you know, we've had two miscarriages in the last six months, and it's been emotionally difficult. We don't know how the lupus stuff will figure into our future efforts, if blood thinners will fix the problem. Add to that the strong desire I have had for many years to adopt a child or children who would otherwise be difficult to place.

Now this is the first and will probably be the last time I mention this in my blog, but it is pertinent: I have a beautiful niece and nephew who, when they came to our family, were considered hard to place. Why? Because they were a sibling group, they were not babies and they were minority. So here's the deal....so what?! Do you have any idea how easily we forget the fact that they didn't come home from the hospital in my sister's arms? I only remember (and I do so proudly because they joined our family in a way that is no less miraculous than childbirth) when the subject of adoption or their birth family is mentioned.

Five years ago, I was a single mom and longed for more children, although I had no such prospects in my future. My brother-in-law and sister knew of two African-American baby girls who needed a homes, and there were articles in some Texas publications about them, asking for families. I began talking to a representative of the organization and learned that the cost was too much for my budget, and they had no funds available to offset this cost. After weeks of trying to work it out, I had to back away, and it broke my heart. I hoped that God had someone better in mind for the girls, but nearly a year later, I ran across another article about them. They were still looking for families, and the babies were still in foster care. I love and support the great work that the organization does, but it just seems so wrong to me that there are children out there without families and parents who want them, but money prevents them from being a family. I struggled with this for a long time, but the desire to adopt has never left me. Karl knows that it is one of the deepest desires of my heart and assures me that even if we do have another biological child, we can someday adopt a child or children in foster care, one of our society's forgotten children. Lately, the thoughts won't leave me. I have even started dreaming about it. I've fallen in love with two precious little girls named Jayshiawan and Ashanti on www.adoptuskids.com and wish I could just go get 'em! But it's up to God's timing, not mine. It is very important that God places it on Karl's heart as well as mine; it is something we must choose together. I know He will when He's ready, so I keep praying.

I sometimes think I use this blog to sort out my own thoughts as much as to keep you guys informed, but I hope maybe it strikes a chord with you too, somehow. I am so excited to see God working, and I'm even more excited to see where it leads me!

Busy Bee

Whew! Garin is a pistol! He is so much fun as he changes from baby to toddler, but he wears me out. He was just sitting at my feet, playing quietly, and I heard a funny crinkly sound. I looked down and discovered that he'd pulled a zippered baggie of cookies out of his diaper bag, figured out how to open it, and had a half-eaten cookie on the floor, one in his mouth, and one in each hand. We finally bought appliance locks for the toilets (let's hope no one needs to go in a hurry!) and yet another gate for the bottom of the stairs yesterday. He was furious about the gate, rattling it and screaming last night because he wanted to climb. This morning, while I was showering, he tried to send my panties down the drain...several times. Fortunately they didn't fit. I'll have to stay on my toes for the next....oh....20 years or so!

I had an awesome series (for me anyway) yesterday at bowling. I bowled 118, 122 and 143. I can sometimes bowl that well, but not for all three games; I'm not usually so consistent.

We're busy with homework....I'm loving it!....and preparing for Garin's birthday party next weekend. We're going to move some furniture around to better accommodate everyone in this little base house, and I'm pre-making most of the food. I need to clean well, of course, and I'm making his cakes. We'll need a couple for the guests and one for him. I found a great rubber ducky 3-D pan, and he loves his many rubber duckies. I think he'll be really excited when he sees them! And it is some fairly basic decorating with a star tip.

Memaw fell a few weeks ago and has been having a lot of back pain. The doctor thinks she may have a compression fracture of the spine, so she's on pain medication until they do the MRI next week and decide on a course of treatment. She may need an injection that fills the space and hardens, which is supposed to stop the pain permanently.

That's about all I know, I guess!

New Life

Many of you know know my dear friend, Amanda, from Illinois. She is the associate pastor of my church there and co-officiated with my brother-in-law at our wedding. She called me this morning to tell me that she's "officially a mommy," to quote her. Her water broke at 4-something Monday morning, and Mason Kahle Richards was born this morning at 12:37! He was a good bit early but is 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 18.5 inches long and perfectly healthy. Amanda and Brian are tired but elated. It's always such a miracle, isn't it?! I can't wait to get my hands on him!

I'm Such a NERD!

But I can't help it!!! I finished the first assignments in all of my classes this weekend and uploaded them to the professors. I just got my first grade back (hermeneutics), and I got 30/30!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited! He said I am a clear thinker and write well and that I show an excellent grasp of the material. WOO-HOO!!!!! This is so fun........so far, knock on wood, fingers crossed, etc.

A Burst of Genius

Isn't it amazing how much little ones learn and absorb?! In less than a year, they go from wriggly, pink, soft little bundles that do nothing but poop and cry to these incredible little people who are everywhere at once, exploring and learning and doing. It seems that several milestones come all at once, followed by a slow period of learning, then another bunch of milestones. I think we are entering another burst of genius. This morning, when Garin got up, he signed "milk" and continued signing it as he breastfed. I said, "That's right! Milk!" and signed it back, and he said "mil." Then he went to Daddy, looked up and said "light." Now, he's known the word for a long time, but this time it was perfectly clear and obvious. He waved goodbye to Karl this morning through the window (We were watching him scrape the snow and ice off the windows.) and said "bye-bye." Actually, it was more like "bah-bah," but with the wave it was clear what he meant. It's so exciting to watch him learn and change and grow! But right now, he's standing beside me with his hands full of junk mail from the trash can, so I'd better go before he has them for breakfast!!!

Snuggly Warm

I've been meaning to post some photos of Garin in his coat, hat and boots. He's so cute in them! We've had so little cold weather that they haven't seen much wear until this week. He's still got his cold, and now I'm catching it, but Daddy's still in good shape so far. I'm supposed to take Garin up to Philly tomorrow for his final visit with the pediatric urologist, but it's snowing right now. We'll see how the weather is and how we're feeling in the morning; we may decide to reschedule. Hope you've all had a great weekend!

Accomplishments

It's been an exciting couple of days! Garin has gained a whole pound. He slept through the night last night for the first time in MANY months, AND he has started signing back to us! We got a bit of a late start on it. The experts say to start around 7-9 months. We've done it hit or miss since then, but have only been vigilant about it for the last couple of weeks. It's amazing how quickly they learn! His first official sign is "done". He doesn't have the sign down perfectly, but it's recognizable. I understand that is quite common, as little ones don't always have the coordination to do them exactly right at first. After he finishes a meal, he signs "done". The sign starts with both hands parallel to the floor, palms up, and then you flip them over. It looks like that hand-slapping game. He just holds his hands out and waves them around rather frantically. Today it was funny, because he did it, and Karl asked him (while also signing it), "Are you done?" Garin gave him a big nod. I expect to see "eat", "more", and "milk" soon. Of course, he loves his giraffe, so that one could come any day now.

Unfortunately, Garin now has a cold. No fever, thankfully, but the most congestion he's ever had. YUCK! I hate snot. It's easier for me to clean up vomit than snot. I am so ready for this season of illness to be over. I can't seem to get my whole family well at once.

Karl's in the simulator this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon, practicing emergency procedures. Garin and I have sung and danced with the Laurie Berkner Band, and I guess now we'll go play and/or read. I'm hoping he'll take an afternoon nap, so I can finish my hermeneutics paper and my music homework!

Happy weekend, all!!!

Unnecessary Struggle

Wouldn't it be nice if loving your children was accomplished by fulfilling their desires? Wouldn't it be easier than true, Godly parenting?

I spent the hour from 12:30 am until 1:30 am today going over these thoughts in my head, as I listened to my 11-month-old son alternately screaming, groaning, crying and moaning in his bed. It is a necessary adjustment that we all have to make in life, the change from being a helpless, indulged infant to a person who understands cause-and-effect relationships and begins to accept that we can't always have exactly what we want. Child-rearing experts tell us that by about six months, our children no longer need nourishment during the night, and we should no longer continue to get up and feed them or even hold them every time they awaken from sleep.

When Matt was a baby, I felt the need to break his dependence on me to get back to sleep at the age of about six months. With Garin, I found it easier to continue getting up with him than to fight the painful battle of withholding something he wanted so badly, but I have realized that if I ever hope to wean him, these feedings must be the first to go because they are the ones that he most wants to continue. If he could speak for himself, I am certain that he would (as most children do) use the word "need" in place of "want".

Every parent knows that the pain of denying your children something that they desperately want is incredibly painful. It would be so much easier in the moment to indulge them, and many parents are more than willing to hold on to that "baby" phase as long as possible. I willingly admit that I am one of those. Unfortunately, change is often necessary to the process of growth and maturity.

I couldn't help but think of our Heavenly Father as I lay in bed last night, near tears myself. We, His children, are no different from our infant children when we face disappointment. We don't understand why things are happening; we don't understand why God doesn't let us have our way; we fight and wail and resist. We know from experience that He loves us. We know that He is trustworthy. We know that He won't abandon us or allow us to suffer needlessly. He tells us over and over again in His word, and He proves it over and over again in our lives. Still we fight Him, we fight His will, and we make the way so much harder for ourselves. He must shake His head and wonder what it will take for us to let go. If only we had the strength to be weak and to trust Him.

Just as my baby must learn to let go and rest, I want to daily let go of my own ideas and fall back into the loving arms of the Author and Perfecter (Hebrews 12:2), who will guide me safely through while making me more like Himself.

It's All Greek to Me!

I am knee-deep in Greek tonight. "It's all Greek to me" takes on a whole new meaning. I've been involved in a number of inductive Bible studies where I researched the Greek origins and meanings of words, but that is quite different from learning the language itself. Spanish is easy; the alphabet is relatively the same as in English. It is ordered similarly to English. I am thrilled and excited about learning Greek, but I'd be lying if I said I was comfortable or confident about it. Fortunately, the author of the textbook and my professor take a very purpose-oriented approach to the language. Their intention is that I will learn Greek for the purpose of better understanding the Bible in order to impact the world for Christ, rather than to become a scholar of the language.

Karl and I are both still fighting the stomach virus. So is the whole family next door. Karl got worse over the weekend but seems to be feeling better tonight. I have had a much milder case and my daily activities are not significantly affected, thankfully. Caring for children is not a job that can wait until one feels better.

Karl is dealing with some frustrations at work, so he needs prayer. I started to make a list of what I think he needs specific prayer for, but I think it's best to let you pray as God leads. He knows better than I do.

Bowling and pottery are tomorrow. Life is good. That's about it for tonight because I need to get to bed. Hugs to you all!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Today is Mom and Aunt Pat's _ _st birthday. I hope you two have a great one!

We are, I believe, on the mend. I have spent the last two nights on the sofa bed in the hope that I will not catch this terrible stomach flu that waylaid Garin in the first half of the week and Karl in the second half. I am now certain that I was not born to be a nurse, as I am tired of playing one this week. I am so thankful that they are both beginning to feel better!

Last night, we had a sudden power outage throughout the housing area here on base. The Security Police said that it was a transformer. They drove around with their spotlights on, blinding unsuspecting residents sitting in their dark homes until the power came back on. We couldn't figure out why they felt the need to do this rather than shining them down the streets or something. It came back on about 2 am. This drama provided some much-needed excitement for our little housebound family.

Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

First Haircut....After!!!

Boy, I'm handsome!!! Mama sheared me! She did her best, but it isn't easy to cut a wiggly little boy's hair. Plus, it was tough to see through the tears. She had a hard time saying goodbye to my ducktail. Daddy just said "Finally!"

First Haircut....During

Note Garin's elation and excitement!!!

First Haircut...Before

I was having fun and being silly. I had no idea what was about to happen!

Home for the Holy Spirit

Yesterday, I received one of the greatest, most humbling compliments of my lifetime. Interestingly, it was directed not at me, but at our home. I have debated about whether or not to share it, as I don't want to seem proud, but I don't think it speaks to any accomplishment of my own. It is the work of the Holy Spirit, and He deserves to be praised.

As I arrived at our OSC Social, one of my friends pulled me aside to speak to me. She is someone I like and enjoy, but I don't know her all that well. She said, "Your house must be bathed in prayer. I could just feel it when I walked in yesterday that God was there." I didn't even know she had been in my home! Her daughter babysat the day before while I was bowling, and she had stopped by on her way to run an errand. Her daughter has been dealing with depression for the last year and is struggling to regain her bearings and her confidence. I just felt like I needed to share with her that I had been in a similar situation at her age and to encourage her that it will get better and that she will get past it and create a great life for herself. It was totally a God thing because I only said a few brief sentences on my way out the door. Her mom said that she had no idea what I said, but when she arrived, her daughter sat down and started pouring out her heart, sharing things that she'd been holding in for a very long time, and they had a good, long talk. It was something that her mother and father had been praying for. They felt like it was a long-awaited turning point in their lives.

I learned something very important from this. When the Holy Spirit has an open invitation to reside and rule in our homes, we don't even have to be there for Him to work. He can use our faithfulness to bless people in our home even when we're gone. How awesome is that?!!

The Early Collection

My sister, Marci, requested that I provide photos of my pottery "masterpieces". I ask that you kindly remember that these are my first pieces. They are not of the highest quality, but I am still learning and am starting my third 6-week class this week. I have a couple of larger, more symmetrical pieces that are waiting to be glazed. Hopefully, they will be more worthy of admiration!

By George, I think I've got it!

I guess it was inevitable. You expect to be immersed in that kind of illness and not catch it. I can't be sure that it's the virus and not my antibiotics, but I'm having chills this afternoon, so it doesn't look good. Oh well, maybe it'll jump-start my weight loss!

I had a decent morning bowling, over-average all three games. A college-student neighbor babysat for Garin. He seems fine today except for some leftover symptoms, if you know what I mean. The fever and vomiting seem to have passed. I got up early to do some more laundry and get the house vacuumed before he woke up. Everytime I turn on the vacuum when he's up and around, he starts screaming bloody murder. He just hates it. The bonus is that I don't have much to get done this afternoon. I think I'm going to go hop on the elliptical machine while he's napping.

Karl has his usual post-cold cough that he can't shake, so he went to sick call this afternoon to get checked out. This time of year is horrible on the body, isn't it?! Thankfully, spring always arrives just in time!

YUCK!!!

Garin has had a nasty stomach flu for the last 24 hours, accompanied by a high fever. So far, Karl and I are okay, but I don't know how long that will last. My fingers are crossed! I spent most of the night up with Garin, changing diapers, clothes and sheets multiple times. Karl was up with us for much of that time as well. After a day of laundry and Lysol for me and a long day of work for Karl, we are all exhausted. I did manage to make it to our squadron social tonight since I missed the NY trip. It was good to get out for awhile. I have a babysitter coming tomorrow, so I can go to bowling. My Augmentin is doing its job, and I'm starting to feel better. That will have to be it for today's update. I'm ready to go to bed!