My Firstborn

On December 8, 2000 I thought I was coming down with an intestinal flu around 4am. Little did I know they were contractions. I was about to give birth to my first son, Matthew.

That week I experienced a lot of "first times":

• First time in labor/delivery. “Oh the humanity!!!”
• First time witnessing the first breaths of God’s creation
• First time changing a diaper. Yes, first time!
• First time being sleep deprived
• First time knowing Agape love
• First time realizing how much I appreciated my own mother
• First time loving someone above myself
• First time dealing with spit up on an hourly basis
• First time........did I mention being sleep deprived?

The list goes on and on.

But my first thought when Matthew was put into my arms was, “Oh, God, what did I get myself in to?” I was scared, anxious, joyful, and overwhelmed all at once.

Today Matthew is six. God threw me into the pool of motherhood and I am forever grateful. Matthew is such a character with his dramatic ways. He is smart and grasps concepts quickly. He is sensitive and compassionate. He loves sports and anticipates the school bus every morning.

God knew Matthew before he was created and I am thankful He gave us this boy to raise and train. What a responsibility!

Happy Birthday, Matty!!!!!

ABC Meme

My dear friend,Happi, tagged me with this meme. Enjoy!

A - Available or Single? Available to my hubby, Steve!
B - Best Friend? Steve, who knows my ins and outs
C - Cake or Pie? Both with a tall glass of milk
D - Drink of Choice? Lattes Lattes Lattes
E - Essential Item you use every day? SOAP!
F - Favorite Color(s)? Blue and pink
G - Gummy Bears or Worms? Yuck...do I have to pick one?
H - Hometown? Born in Pittsburg, PA but grew up in Valparaiso, IN
I - Indulgence? Watching TV with the remote control in MY hand
J - January or February? February – where my birthday is
K - Kids and Names? Matthew and Mark
L - Life is Incomplete Without? The Holy Trinity
M - Marriage Date? August 5, 1995
N - Number of Siblings? Two brothers
O - Oranges or Apples? Apples
P - Phobias or Fears? The first year with a baby. I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Q - Fave Quote? Anything from the Bible will do just fine.
R - Reason to Smile? My family
S - Season? Summer!!!!
T - Tag Three people: Ashlee, Wendy, and Jen
U - Unknown fact about me? Even if I have to pee real bad, I will hold it until it hurts than use an outhouse
V - Vegetable you don't like? Okra.....haven’t tried it, but it sure looks gross!
W - Worst Habit? Nibbling the side of my cheek when in deep thought (I am doing it now!)
X - Xtremely BIG Husker Fan? I’m sorry, did you say CHICAGO BEAR fan? If you did, then yes I am!!!
Y - Your fave food? EVERYTHING....Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese.....
Z - Zodiac Sign? Aquarius, but I don’t put my stock in that!!!

Wordless Wednesday: First Snow

The Kindness of Strangers

We warn our children: “Don’t talk to strangers.” We drill this over and over again. Like strangers are against us and we need constant protection. We build a wall. We need to think of ourselves first and stay on guard.

I was taught a different lesson the other day.

It was a cold, windy day. I had to run to Wal-Mart – what else is new???? I found a Christmas gift for Steve and it was a great price. I stuck it on the bottom of the cart and went on my way. Paid and headed out to the van.

Mark was crying because he hates cold wind on his face. The cart was ready to fly out of my hands as I was fumbling through my keys trying to hit the “unlock” button. Mark is still cursing the wind chills. I grab him and literally throw him into the carseat strapping him quickly. Now he’s upset because he’s probably uncomfortable with his winter coat all mangled up. (I hate winter by the way!!)

Ok, back to the cart. It is ready to blow away! Heaven forbid it hits our van or another car for that matter. I start putting....no....throwing my items in the back. I run the cart to the holder and high-tail it outta there.

Time to get Matt from school. Got Matt. Gotta run to Costco to get our Christmas card photos and more.

Finally home. Unload everything. Get lunch ready. Wait something is missing.....

STEVE’S GIFT!!!

Yes, I left it under the cart. I frantically call Wal-Mart and the customer service lady, who wasn't very sympathic, said nothing was brought in, but to call back later. I packed the boys up again and we drove out to the parking lot hoping the item was still under the cart where I had left it.

Nothing. I start to cry. Obviously this wasn’t just a $10 item!!! Matt consoles me, “It’ll be ok, Mom. We all make mistakes.” I ask for Matt to pray. We do. I feel hopeless. Stupid. You know that feeling?

Later that afternoon I call Wal-Mart. I anticipate another person telling me nothing was found. I assume someone took it because no one would care. Or would they?

“Oh....yeah....this man left his phone number and took it home. He said he wanted to make sure it got in the right hands and to call him. His name is Darrel. Here is the number...”

I laugh. Smile. Exhale! Can you believe a man I don’t even know did this? Anyone could have taken it. But this man made sure it would be alright. He cared for another stranger’s well-being. He didn't know me. He could have left it alone and went along his business.

I called Darrel. He said, “Sure. I’ll drop it off at customer service. I just didn’t want anyone to have it. No problem.” We have a laugh and I express my gratitude.

Wal-Mart called in about an hour. It’s there. In one piece. I will pick it up today.

What was almost a horrible lesson (I will always double check my cart) turned out to be a blessing and another lesson learned: Do not be so pessimistic. Go that extra mile when I see a need even if I do not know the person. Help others as I expect to be helped. I am always learning another way to be more Christ-like.

Thank you, Darrel! I owe you one!

Keeping Traditions

I remember my mom passing out homemade popcorn in old butter tubs as we watched the Christmas specials on TV. Freshly bathed, I would be in my pajamas with a pillow ready to watch.

Feelings of triumph as the Grinch’s heart grew bigger and bigger....

The tears rolled down my face when Frosty melted away, then joy struck when his black silk hat brought him to life.

Charlie Brown was always dealt a lousy hand!!!

And Rudolph leading the reindeer pack with pride. Santa made him feel so special.

I have kept my mom’s tradition alive by making popcorn for my boys as we watch these. The aroma of popcorn mixed with Christmas décor brings back good memories. Thanks, mom!!!

Yuletide Pride

All you Christmas caroling, yuletide loving, holiday starving people out there: We wanna see your holiday decorating talents!! (or lack there of) Wheather it’s a garland draped staircase, a stocking hung mantle, outside lighting or an ornamented tree, please post a photo and share about it. Every area has a story!!

I have decorated our tree the same since Steve and I celebrated our first Christmas married -- over 11 years ago. The bow that tops our tree was made by yours truely. From afar it looks beautiful, but believe me, it is VERY messy looking. I have never been a crafty person and worked hard at making a personalized bow that year. Call me a sucker for keepsakes! The ornaments have grown in volume thanks to craft projects and gift exchanges. The quilt skirt was a hand-me-down from my mom and will use it as long as it stays together.

Our mantle has also remained the same since moving into our home almost 7 years ago. My boys have a thing about sticking their finger in the nutcracker's mouth and lifting the lever -- OUCH! This year I splurged on some monogrammed needlepoint stockings. Aren't they cute??? Thanks Lands End!! I especially like the angel proudly entitled "Mom" among all the masculine ones. Some days I deserve to be the angel around here!! NOTE: We have been trying so hard to schedule an appointment to get a recent family portrait of the four of us. After three attempts and cancellations due to illnesses or injury to the face, I am about to give up. ONE DAY!!!

I will get the ball rolling and tag my dear friends: Happi from Berger Buzz, Stephanie from Adventures in Babywearing, Sheryl from Peanut Butter & Jelly Boats, Beck from Frog and Toad are Friends and anyone else you wants to join the fun. Merry Christmas!!!