The Holidays

Mentally for me the holidays are just beginning.  Or should I say just continuing.  Not in the sense of festivities and parties, but in the sense of calmness, reflection, and responding to my Savior.

Each year there is the attempt to have things calmer than the year before.  Get it all done so there is no last minute shopping.  To spend quality time enjoying some family down time.  But sometimes life gets in the way.  Sometimes in a truer sense than we realize.

The shopping was mostly done reasonably before Christmas.  We had some good family times of watching some Christmas favorites- Elf, Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and our newest addition, Arthur Christmas.  We drove around to see Christmas lights.  We even managed to get in a day or so of some baking. 

But my mind wasn't really in it.  I tried.  I really did.  But my mind was distracted.

One major factor in this was swim team.  There is no break from swim team during the holidays.  It is right in the middle of season.  It is jokingly called swim team boot camp, with some two-a-days thrown in there.  Then, the weekend before Christmas was a swim meet.  Not only was that tiring in and of itself.  I hadn't slept much that weekend.  That was the beginning of the hugest impact of our Christmas this year.

About a week and a half before Christmas my grandmother exhibited some stroke symptoms.  Long story short, she ended up suffering a massive stroke after she had been admitted into the hospital.  The Wednesday before Christmas she was transported home on hospice.  From there, she would rally, then have a set-back.  This went on for several days.

Christmas Eve arrived.  The family gathered for our annual Christmas Eve at Mimi's house (though this was one of the few we actually had at her apartment since she moved there.  Usually it was at my mom's house).  In order to not burden anyone, we ordered out the family favorite bbq pizza from Coletta's (plus it was what my brother wanted and it was, after all, his birthday).  We opened presents in shifts in the living room, taking turns to go talk to Mimi and visit.  The great-grand kids took their presents from her back to her room so she could watch them open.  Then we all gathered and watched old (very old) home movies from when my mom and aunt were young.  It was a special family time, especially with the addition of a new cousin-in-law.



I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about the state of my grandmother in all of this.  She is a stubborn one.  A controlling one.  She went home on hospice, not being able to eat, drink, or talk,  then began to be able to swallow, and communicate by spelling words in the air.  She was determined to not be left out.  She would even correct us if we identified someone or something wrong in the home movies.  Yes, a true matriarch.

Christmas day came and went, and with it began her decline.  She went to be with her Savior early the morning of December 28. 

We celebrate this moment, as she is well and whole, in the arms of Her Savior, and reunited with her husband.  We grieve as we remember her and her mannerisms, and her particular way of liking things, and the special things she did for us.  But all is good.



So here it is.  New Years Day.  As I reflect over Christmas, I remember trying to focus on moments.  To have them seer in my mind.  Working to make it a joyous time for the kids.  But, still.  Whoosh.  And its gone. 

It wasn't what I had envisioned.  Relaxing days of family movies and table games.  Of more baking.  Of blogging.  Of purging the house.   But it was what God had envisioned.  So, I'll take it.  

It was a surprising blur.  Mentally, my mind was occupied on the family and my grandmother.  My mind continually wandering.    I can't imagine what it has been like for my mom and aunt, who provided care and sat vigil for so many days.  Their work is continuing as I type this.  Purging, grieving, cleaning, remembering.



So how does it seem the holidays are continuing?  My mind is desiring to rest, to be purposeful, to remember why we have Christmas and the babe in the manger.  To rejoice in the fact that because of the Babe in the manger, Jesus, we will all be reunited in Heaven one day.  Until then, while on this earth, I pray that I can continue to carry about me the peace that comes with the Christmas season, and remember that God is directing my steps.



Old Mother Hubbard

As the kids get older, I sometimes feel like Old Mother Hubbard.  You know...she went to the cupboard and it was bare.  I get that feeling sometimes around here.  The kids are getting bigger, so logically they eat more.  Now, all of them are competitive swimmers.  Therefore, they eat more.

Back in the good old days, I used to be so proud of myself when I could fix lunch for a dollar.  A 25 cent box of macaroni and cheese and an apple could feed my two younger.  Sometimes, I would add chicken nuggets.  Or 1 can of soup and some cheese toast. Maybe a Tostino's party pizza and some fruit.  Cheap lunches, people.   Gone are those days.  Prices have gone up dramatically, but they obviously eat more than that.  Jake can eat an entire large frozen pizza himself.  The girls eat a whole box of pasta salad.  Then throw in two apples or cucumbers.  That's alot of food.  I just eat the leftovers. :)

Back in the good old days, I also used to be so proud that I could only go the grocery store once a month, then make quick trips for more perishables.  It would take two carts and about two hours, but it was lovely.  I hate going to the store, so this was just heavenly.  Especially, if I could hit it early on a Saturday morning.  I would have the whole store to myself.  Now, they eat  more, so what would last me two meals, gets me one and only if I'm lucky there are leftovers.  So, I'm getting twice as much food. Therefore, one big trip like that a month would kill me.

Back in the good old days, I used to be able to think better.  That's what age and three kids and a dog will do to you.  It seems that no matter how much I plan my menus, I am always out of one certain thing too soon.  Like, sometimes my trip to the store will constitute mostly breakfast things - orange juice, chocolate milk, biscuits, eggs, etc.  Then, a few days after that I will be low on quick lunch things.  You'd think I could get that together.  But, nope.  I can't.  Alot of that, (okay most of that) is mental, but some of that is the fact I am buying more food, so therefore I don't have enough space for a month's worth of food anymore. 

So, now, I am (old) mother Pritchard.  Whose cupboards get bare, of some thing or another, quite frequently.  But that means I have a full house of growing kids.  And that is a good thing.

Yet another Birthday

Birthday season is winding down around here.  Today it's Sara Beth's day!!  Finally.  It's torture to watch the other two have birthdays and have hers come "last".  But it's finally here!

Now, for the "season" story.  Last night at dinner, we were reminiscing about what David and I were doing 14 years ago that night.  We actually were out celebrating the turning in of his thesis paper for his masters degree.  Yippee!  We were so thankful that it had been completed before the baby came.  Even better, we had almost two weeks before the baby was due.  Such freedom we were looking forward to!

In our excitement, after dinner, we went home and decided to go ahead and get down the Christmas decorations.  David pulled them from the attic and stacked them in the nursery, in front of the crib.  That was about as far was we got and we went to bed.

Then, in the middle of the night, I woke up and surprise, I was in labor.  On Dec 2, right at the beginning of muzzleloading season.  (See God does have a sense of humor).

 After a relatively short labor, Sara Beth entered the world.  Screaming.  And stubborn.  The girl wouldn't sleep all day.  She fought it so badly. She didn't want to miss anything.  Hmm, some things never change.

I do have to add the significance of the day she was born and how it was only by Divine Intervention that it happened in that way.  Sara Beth is named in honor of David's older sister, who died at 7 months due to spina bifida and other complications.  David and I always loved the name and then put it together about his sister, and decided it was perfect.  It is also after David's two grandmothers, so even more significance.

Well, her day came and all day we were a little surprised at the emotions of David's mom.  She was a little teary all day.  We thought it was because first grandchild and most importantly the name, which may have been bringing up some memories.  Well, it did bring up some memories that we didn't know about.  December 2 was the day that David's sister, Sara Elizabeth, was buried.  She was buried at 10:00 in the morning.  Our Sara Beth was born at 9:00.  What a great story to bring in family and memories.  Only God could have done that.  Then to top it off,  Dec 2 is also the birthday of the grandmother Sara.  Way cool if you ask us!

Sara Beth came into the world with a wonderful story.  We are so blessed to have the privledge of raising her and can't wait to see what God will do in her life.

Happy Birthday!!

It's Birthday Season Around Here

There really is no other way to put it than to call it Birthday Season.  And it's pretty funny when you hear why that has a double meaning.  I'll start with the most recent birthdays, and save the last one for her special day.

Let me start with Katie, since TODAY is her birthday!!  Yay! 

She was up bright and early this morning!!

Her story of pregnancy, labor and delivery was full of adventure, but I'll skip to the "season" part.  (Maybe I'll fill in the details later).  After weeks on bedrest, I was finally up and about, thinking it would be really cool if this baby could be born on November 3.  See, Jake's is October 1,  and Sara Beth's is December 2.  So, see, that would be really cool.  So, on the evening of November 3, I was having contractions.  Nothing new, really.  I had been having them for months and for those of you who care, I was 4 cm.   But, this was actually 3 weeks from my due date and we didn't know the gender, and there is always some concern for boys born early.  But, as I laid there on the couch, timing contractions, which really weren't that bad, I considered going on the hospital so I could have the baby on November 3.   Deep down, I knew it wasn't time, but I also knew that my doctor would keep me if I went.  I went back and forth, but decided that having a baby early just so it could be born on a not terribly significant day, was really not the smartest thing to do.  So, I waited it out. 

I had "activity" all week, and went in for my regularly scheduled visit the following Monday, November 10.  I was a whopping 5 cm and 80%.  My doctor sent me to the hospital, where three hours later, a sweet Katie appeared. 

Right at the beginning of gun season.

Six weeks ago, we celebrated Jake's 12th birthday.  For a change up from our first baby, David and I decided to do things different and find out the gender.  We found out that David was going to have a hunting buddy.  Mid-way through the pregnancy we got the stomach bug.  (At the time, David and I called it the "death virus".  I now know that it wasn't even close after my most recent experiences.)  Well, looking back, I figure that is what cause early contractions.  No major complications along the way, but things started progressing early, so we, including the doctor, decided that there was no way I was going to make it full term.  But, she wanted to go ahead and schedule an induction a few days early.

Umm, she and I scheduled it for a Friday.  October 1.  Opening day of bow hunting season in Mississippi.  Yes, of course I knew this, but after 9 months of stomach stretching, I really didn't care.  I figured David would have a great hunting buddy as they got older and what a great way to spend a birthday.  And yes, I was right.  Although, David did ask if we could re-schedule the induction for the following Monday.  Three whole days later.  I said no way.

To his credit, at the time, he had only missed one opening day of bow season in his life.  It was to take me on our first date, to the Mississippi State/Florida game.    I'd think he would say it was worth it. 

Sara Beth has a "season" story to go along with her birthday as well, but since it is in just three weeks, I'll wait until then. 

Downline

A while back I promised a post on Downline Ministries.  I can't wait to tell you about it.

One of the most important commands in scripture is making disciples for Christ.  It is also one of the areas that seems to be the weakest in "today's church".  Downline ministries seeks to equip today's Christian with tools to be able to disciple others, teaching them about Christ, so that they in turn can go teach someone else, etc.  So it goes "down the line."  Get it?

David and I are participating in their nine-month intesive training program.  We meet every Monday night (6:30-8:30) and Wednesday morning (5:45-7:45) for two hours each time.  Also, there is teaching one Friday a month, with occasional special opportunities through out the year.  The teaching goes through the entire Bible, and also different aspects of discipleship and what it means.   It rotates teaching topics, taught by various teachers, local and national.  There is also a program for young adults/college students which is more intensive.  Many of them come from other places, and live here during the course of the class.  There is also a new on-line program for those who want to participate in this program but do not live where there is a Downline class offerred.  To enhance your learning, to bring comfort to your teaching, Downline provides foreign opportunities to teach around the globe, to all nations.

That's the program in a nutshell.  If you want more info click here.

So, how did we come about doing this?  Our church has had a heavy participation and support of Downline so we had heard about it for a few years.  We had heard how great it was, but the time hadn't been right to bite off that sort of commitment.  Plus, if we could pull of doing it together, the better.  We had also heard what a blessing and benefit it was for couples to do it together.  But we know that is not feasible for most families.  But for this homeschooling, self-employed family, with children who can stay home alone and be trusted, we felt we could make it work.  And we felt God leading us in that direction.  So, we decided the time was right.

Yes, it is a big commitment, for us and for our kids.  But, oh, is it worth it.

Having grown-up in the church, and such a great, Bible teaching church, I have had so many opportunities to hear great teaching.  But, I've never heard it in such a way.  What a unique thing to be able to hear the entire Pentatuch in order, week after week.  Seeing how it ties in together, how it ties in to the New Testament, and learning how to teach it to others.  Oh, so good. 

It makes getting up at 4:30 am worth it.  Getting out of bed is tough, but when we are sitting there listening and learning it is so worth it.

Now, we are waiting to see what God is going to do in our lives with all the stuff we are learning.  We are listening, learning, waiting and praying.

Facts

Fact one:  Dogs poop

Fact two:  Most dogs poop in a pile

Fact three:  Some dogs inherit their momma's trait of pooping in a line. 

Fact four:  The above facts together equals poop in a line around our yard.

Fact five:  It is November.

Fact six:  It is no longer October.  Hallelujah!

Fact seven:  Braces hurt.

Fact eight:  When braces make your kids hurt, it makes you hurt.

Fact nine:  I like sleep.

Fact ten:  I would rather sleep than be responsible.

Fact eleven: I think I will call for a happy medium, do not sleep, but do not be responsible while I watch a football game.

Fact twelve:  I am not sure I can say "Roll T---."

That is all.

Thankfulness

I realize that alot of people will be doing Thanksgiving type posts for the month of November, and I hadn't really planned on it.  But, at this particular moment in time, I wanted to savor the feeling of thankfulness that I have.  It's not always there, you know. 

I have been learning alot lately about the Israelites.  Alot.  And it isn't always a pretty picture.  But, when God moved, they made stones of remembrance, to remember what God has done.  To teach the generations to come the faithfulness of what God has done. 

So, consider this what you will.  A typical November thanksgiving post.  A moment in this day when I am able to say thanks.   A stone of remembrance that God is good.  All the time.

1.  I am truly thankful that October is over.  It is always bad.  For multiple reasons.  David's work load increases about 300 fold.  The newness of school wears off and the daily grind sets in.  Whatever the reason, it is hard.  I have come to expect it.  But, yay!!  November is here!!

2.  I am so very thankful that stomach bugs do not have to be very contagious.  I had another stomach bug that came close to the epic stomach bug I had last summer.  It wasn't fun.  It wasn't pretty.  But, as I traisped back and forth to the bathroom in delirium in the middle of the night, looking at the tile floor thinking it would make a marvelous bed, I remembered that I made it through the last one.  I lived to tell about it.  I can survive this one.  And I did.  And no one else caught it.  Hallelujah!

3.  I am thankful for my children who managed the home without me during my days of near death.  And for my mom who helped out in so many ways as well.  If you will note, it was the last week of October that I contracted this vile thing.  October is not a fun month around here.  David had to leave me to work.  But the kids did great.  Bringing me things like tylenol while wearing a face mask.  Checking on me while trying not to touch the door.  It was pretty funny.

4.  I am thankful for a husband who loves me and supports me in many ways and is pretty insistent that I not martyr myself.  So after last week, I decided a motherhood of martyrdom was not for me.  I called in help.  At least for a while, I will have cleaning help.  I just. Can't. Do. It. All.  Some can.  But not me. 

5.  Because of the last statement, I can sit her in thankfulness, that all my papers are graded.  The house is germ free, and is now getting mold and dust free.  My phone has been updated on the computer.  And I am so thankful for the above, I am not even concerned that I lost all of my contacts.  Another week, that would have probably sent me over the top.  But not today.

And I want to remember it.  Savor it.  Create a stone of remembrance.

The leaves are beautiful.  The sky is clear.  There is church tonite.  My family is well.  School is done for the day.

Bliss.