Empire State of Mind: Part 1

In just a few days, I will once again head north of the Mason Dixon Line.  This is a big thing for a "little ole southern girl" like me! I feel so unprepared, compared to my NYC trip.  It really feels like just yesterday I was embarking on my journey to a land I thought I may never have the opportunity to experience.  Ernest Hemingway said of New York, "It's a town you come to for a short time", and so was my trip, short.  I hope I have many, many more "short" trips, to such a magical place.

Greg and I considered this trip to be our big 10th year anniversary present to each other, even though we are approaching the 12 year mark.  It was our first trip together, without our little "Lovelies". 

Upon arrival at LaGuardia, we met up with Moe, our driver, who escorted us to our "home away from home", The Waldorf=Astoria.  We were so blessed to have the opportunity to stay at such a beautiful hotel.  Minus the fact she was a prostitute, I did feel like "Vivian" in Pretty Woman, for the majority of the trip.  Once we settled in, we hailed a taxi down to the Flatiron District, where we had brunch reservations at Mesa Grill.  Since anything goes when you're "brunching", we ordered the Goat Cheese "Queso Fundido" to start, followed by the Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash and a Mesa Burger.  And since we are good Southerners, we couldn't resist sampling Bobby's "housemade grits".  These were not your typical grits, y'all, but they were amazing!  It's funny how our southern staples keep showing up on the menus of famous Yankee chefs. 

After that incredibly rich and "full of everything bad for you" meal, we decided it was time to "hit the streets".  We walked around the Flatiron District and happened upon Mario Batali's Italian Emporium, Eataly.  Since we were stuffed to the gills, there were no tastings, but it was neat to explore.  Next, we strolled through Union Square, where a Farmer's Market was underway.  Here, we witnessed real New Yorkers in action.  I won't go into detail about what we witnessed, since it did involve a good bit of cursing, or "cussing" if you prefer.

Later that night, we attended a welcome reception where we reconnected with several of Greg's coworkers and spouses, and also had the pleasure of meeting a few new friends.  After the reception we headed across the street to The National for dessert.  It was here, where my "foodie crush" on Iron Chef Zakarian, launched to a whole new level.  And it wasn't from the pot of yummy, chocolate mocha "whatever" I ate.

On Sunday, I really wanted to worship at Brooklyn Tabernacle, but since I would be forced to journey that on my own, I decided to join the "tour of day" around Midtown.  Our stops included Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, and Top of the Rock. 

 After Greg's morning meeting, we headed to Chelsea Market, where if I lived in NYC, it would be a must to live in walking distance.  I LOVE this place!!!  It's a foodie's dream come true.  There's everything here, including the Food Network!  Need I say more?

 

 

 After some sushi from the Green Roll and a little chocolate from Jacques Torres, we headed to Chinatown and Little Italy, then back to rest and spruce up for dinner.  After watching the Food Network for years, one begins to favor certain chefs or personalities.  On top of my list are Iron Chefs and Chopped judges, Alex Guarnaschelli and Geoffrey Zakarian, who both have restaurants in NYC.  Butter, Chef G's place is closed on Sundays, so we opted for Chef Z's, The Lamb's Club, which did not disappoint.  I called and spoke with the maître d about a week earlier to set our reservations and to also inquire about the odds of meeting the famed chef, to which I was told "slim to none" on a Sunday night.  Although I did not get the chance to meet him, the food was astronomically "out of this world"!  Can I say that, or is that redundant?  Since moving to Huntsville, I feel the need to use a lot of space idioms.  Really, I can't even begin to describe how great this food was.  Once again, channeling "Vivian".  Just as she probably never imagined herself eating escargot, I never imagined I would find myself eating duck rillette and loving every single morsel!  I mean, what is duck rillette?  I still don't really know, and don't care, but I would highly recommend it.  No one knew that night, that I was pretending to be a Iron Chef judge the entire time I was there, except maybe my husband! 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for the next blog post, when things get a little Wicked! ;)





 

 





 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday, Joshua

 

 

 

God has given me the ability to speak freely to others, about our first baby, without crying, but whenever I feel like he's leading me to share this situation on "paper", I struggle getting through it, so this post will be short.  I do want to follow it with more about how God was Jehovah Jireh (Our Provider) and Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer) in my next post.  I am only putting this "out there" because I know there are so many men and women hurting and are desperate for answers to why they are going through difficult, heart-wrenching situations.  This is the beginning of me becoming more transparent, as to honor the Lord and to help the brokenhearted. 

 

 

The letter below was written by my incredibly thoughtful husband, who actually buried our son 7 years ago.

 

August 28, 2006

To Mommy,

 

There were a few things that I thought you needed to hear from your baby boy today ... as I know that today and each of the days to come will be challenging.

 

First and foremost, I wanted to be sure to tell you how much I love you mommy! You've told me so many times ... so I wanted to tell you today.

 

I can remember hearing all of your prayers as you and daddy would talk to Jesus about me. I wanted to say thank-you for praying for me. It's great to have a mommy and daddy who love Jesus so much and talk to Him about me.

I know that you and daddy found out early on that I was sick and knew this for quite

some time. This had to be hard for you. I can remember how concerned you were when

you and daddy first found out at St. Vincent's Hospital. I recall the two of you

embracing, crying, and praying in the parking deck for me. I even remember daddy asking God to take His life instead of mine, if my sickness was occurring for anything that he had done. It was so difficult for both of you and I'm sorry you had to receive the

bad news.

 

But, you never gave up mommy. You kept fighting for me. I remember all of the things

the medical professionals said, but you kept praying and talking to Jesus as you had to

undergo all of those tests and doctors' appointments. This had to be terrible for you ... but you kept asking Jesus for a miraculous healing up until the last minute Thursday (August 24th) when you delivered me. Yet, when I was born ... .it seemed that the miracle didn't come ..... that your prayers weren't heard.

 

But mommy, I want you to know that Jesus did heal me. Your prayers were answered. I might not have been healed to be with you and daddy .... but I received the best healing ever .... the ultimate healing. As you know, my eyes never opened to see daylight, but the first thing I did see is what the Bible calls the "Light of the World" in John chapter 8.

                         

Mommy, I'm with Jesus now. I want you to know that it's better here than you could

ever imagine. I'm not sick anymore. I have no infirmities. I've been made well. Just as Jesus asked for the children to come to Him in Mark 10, Jesus has called me to be with Him. I'm here in heaven with Jesus. I wish you and daddy could see me now.

Mommy, always know that I love you and daddy. I look forward to the day that we will get to see each other again. Meanwhile, I'll worship Jesus here while you worship Him there.

 

Until Then .... always know I love you!

 

Your Son,

Joshua

 



 

Mother's Day May Not Be Merry

Tonight, I have such a heavy heart for those who struggle every year on Mother's Day.  My own hatred for the day, began seven years ago.  That same hatred doesn't exist anymore, but my heart grieves for those who want to be called "mommy" and may never hear those words.  My heart grieves for those who have lost a child and for those who are missing their moms.  I've been there.  Sitting in the pew, trying to choke back the tears, while all of the mothers are honored and given their token church gift, while I left empty-handed.  Do I think it's wrong or a sin to honor mothers on Mother's Day?  That's not what I am saying, but I do know that it is a very hard day for many, and we should reach out to those we know are hurting.  Below is a letter that Greg and I had read to our church family seven years ago on Mother's Day.  This was my first Mother's Day of several, where I just could not sit in a church pew.  

May 14, 2006

Dear FBC Family,

 Let us first say Happy Mother’s Day to all of you here today who have been mothers for many years or only a few short weeks or months.  Without question, Godly moms are a blessing from above.  Our hope is that this is a most special day for you. 

The reason for this brief announcement is to make our church family aware of a valley that Jaime and I have been walking through for the past 5-6 weeks.  As many of you know, we are now more than 21 weeks into our pregnancy.  However, at the regular 16 week appointment, the OB/GYN, Dr. Lori Smith, and her staff noticed an irregularity with our baby via ultrasound.  This finding mandated referral to UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and their specialty division of obstetrics and gynecology.  After two subsequent meetings with the Chief of Staff for Obstetrics and Prenatal Development, a tragic conclusion was reached. 

Two lethal anomalies, hydrocephalus (water covering the brain) and kidney malformation were discovered.  These are severe birth defects that render a child without hope for life as amniotic fluid is not produced by the fetus nor will the fetus have substantial brain or lung development.  With this being said, in a few short weeks, our baby’s physical life could cease.   

As you can imagine, this has been a difficult time for our family…the thoughts that ravage the mind, the sleepless nights, and the countless prayers offered in hope.  Yet, our faith is not shaken.  God is still God.  He’s still on His throne.  Our prayers from the first moment of notification were for God to heal this child completely.  Our prayers are being answered as this precious bundle is receiving the best healing of all.

 May God Bless You Today,

Greg and Jaime Love

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

One of my favorite songs, is "Even If" by Kutless.  It sums up how we felt through our "hurricane" and how we still feel now.  If you are one that is hurting and maybe hating Mother's Day, look for refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is God, He is Good, the Forever Faithful One.

 

Just Another Boring SAHM Kinda Day!

"I would just be so bored at home, I just could not do it."  I know you've heard this before, right?  Well, I won't "bore" you with ALL of the reasons I am grateful for the opportunity to stay home with my cuties....but,  I'll give you a peek by sharing the adventure we had yesterday. 

First, let's travel back to Father's Day nearly two years ago.  You'll remember JP was rescued by the Fort Worth Fire Department after he was locked in the Altima.  Remember?  No...well I'll never forget it!

 

 

Today, JP - my opportunistic son - took a moment to "pay" me back.  Here lately, when I take Stormie out for a little "break", I'll go out the front and the kiddos watch me from the glass storm door.  Today was no different.  However, when I returned to the door, JP had locked it!  So, I pleaded with him to reverse the lock by using bribery, songs, etc.  Really, I tried everything including making our escapade into a fun game.  But, NO LUCK!  Put yourself in my shoes for a moment.  By this time, I'm a little frantic - praying, thinking, trying to hold onto our crazed Golden Retriever Stormie...IN THE COLD AND RAIN! 

 

What's a mom to do?  This mommy of two ran quickly (with Stormie in tow) to determine if another door may be unlocked.  Surely one door on this house would be open.  Ummmm...NOPE!  So, I run back to the front door and check on my babies.  Of course, JP - my little locksmith - is just fine...sitting on the couch watching Tangled...certainly not worried about his poor mama.  But, Georgia began to show her worry - tuning up with whimpers.  I ran next door to get help...surely my neighbor would be home.  NOPE!  All I could think about was how great it would be to have my cell phone.  One call to Mrs. Joan at Mt. Zion and I'd be in the house in no-time.  After all, this great lady knows how to make things happen - she's a miracle worker.  If Mrs. Joan isn't available, I could call 911 - but, when you compare their speed to Mrs. Joan...Mrs. Joan smokes 'em.  If those don't work out, Beth Jensen is just down the street - she'd be a huge help.  But, I was scared to leave the kids alone even for two minutes.  Of course, JP was loving it - I think he gets his love of mischief from Greg!  

But, you know that Scripture tells us not to worry.  So, I began to pray, "Lord, please send someone to help me."  And, yes - my prayers were not mild, calm prayers...it was the 'let's get with it Lord kinda praying'.  Within a few seconds, I saw a big black truck pull into the neighborhood...so, I flagged it down.  When this military hero saw me, I'm sure his first thought was, "Wow, another desperate housewife!"  Seriously, I was desperate!  And, I certainly wasn't dressed as those on Wisteria Lane.  This mommy was 'rocking it' with an old Dallas Cowboys maternity shirt (no I'm not pregnant - but, you don't just throw away with a perfectly good Cowboys shirt), hair pulled back in a ponytail, and rain-covered glasses.  Thankfully, I did have a bra on!  I digress. 

 

The last scene of this story ends with a God-sent hero breaking into my house (with no damage), a rain-soaked mommy crawling through a window, and finally - reunited with two kiddos perfectly unscathed.  Thanks JP for a wild adventure and fun story to share! 

 

Yep, just another boring day at the LoveShack

Lovebug Lessons #2

Today's Book of Choice is none other than "From Head to Toe" by one of my favorite author/illustrators, Eric Carle.  When thinking of a book for either your own child or maybe a baby shower or birthday present, you just can't go wrong with Eric Carle.  In this particualr book, Carle begins from the head of a penguin and ends with the toe of a human. With each page, the reader learns of a movement that is characteristic of a certain animal, while being asked, "Can you do it?".  This book has easily become a favorite at the LoveShack, because it is one that JP has been able to memorize and now "reads" on his own.  He loves to imitate the movement each particular animal makes and beams with pride when he can say, "The End".  There are so many benefits of reading with your kids and providing a literature-rich environment for them.  Make sure you are taking a few minutes every day to nurture their love for reading. 

Lovebug Lessons

Well, I wasn't really sure what to call this post, but also didn't have time to really give it much thought, or it would never be posted.  "Lovebugs" was the name I gave to my students when I taught 1st grade at Bette Perot Elementary, so I thought it was fitting for this post.  This past week, I was approached with a job opportunity to enter the classroom, once again.  The particular position (K-4 or K-5) would have been at the church where JP and GG attend MDO twice a week.  While I was very honored to be considered, I turned it down.  I do miss so many things about teaching: the relationships with the students, parents, and coworkers, as well as the creativity that goes into it.  The main reason I decided against accepting the position, was my desire to spend as much time investing and teaching my own two children, while I can.  God has blessed us with the opportunity for me to stay home with John Parker and Georgia, and for that blessing, I'm so very grateful.  So, with all that being said, I've decided to try and post at least twice a month, different books that I'm using with JP in his beginning stages of reading.  I decided this as I was reading one of his new favorite books with him.  As I sat there listening to him retell the story, I thought, "Wow, if I were teaching, I could use this book to teach adjectives as well as self-confidence."  So, I then thought, "Why not give some ideas to my mommy friends out there who I know are reading with there kids and "homeschooling" them?"  Because, whether you are officially homeschooling or not, WE as parents should all be "homeschooling" any chance we get.  Now, if I could get someone to "homeschool" me on proper punctuation! 

 

Lovebug Lesson

 

 

Clumsy Crab by Ruth Galloway

 

Great to use when teaching/reviewing the following:

 

Phonics: cl, the 3 sounds of -ed

Grammar: adjectives

Social:  Self-confidence, being content with how God made you

 

Don't forget to use really good expression when reading with your kids!  No one likes a boring reader.

 

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, the excitement, and the mystery of the world we live in." --Rachel Carlson

 

 

 



3 Day Potty Training Camp at the Loveshack

Focus.  Determination. Love.  Lora Jensen, the "3-Day Potty Training Guru" says these three words are key to the entire process.  It's funny, through this potty training experience, I kept thinking about my walk with Christ.  Am I focused on Christ, determined to live and love like Him?  Hey, the Lord will use even potty-training to get your attention! 

Phillipians 3:14 has long been taken out of context, so I want to be careful here when I say that this verse kept coming to my mind.  You see, as I tried to solely "Focus" on John Parker and "Love" him through the training, I started thinking, "What if I was this "Determined" to meet with my Savior every day?"  The Apostle Paul has always been my biblical male hero, and I want to live out what he says in the verse I mentioned - "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

So, as far as the potty-training goes, my "prize" was for JP to tee-tee and poo-poo in the potty.  His prizes have been M&M's, dum-dums, and choosing different Chickfila prizes from my "happy box" I have saved over the years. 

Those of you who know me best may be shocked that I would do anything "by the book", but in this case, I held close to the page.  You will also not be surprised when I tell you that I read the book the night before I began the potty training journey.  Yes, that is how I roll most of the time!  But, I'm happy to say that JP was tee-teeing in the potty by the end of Day 2 and tonight he came to me on his own and told me he needed to "tee-tee, poo-poo".  We are still working on the poo-poo part, but usually when he has an accident, it's because I get sidetracked and busy - just like I do in my walk with the Lord.   

So, here are my tips/suggestions and maybe some "what not to do's".

• If you are going to do the 3-Day Potty training method "by the book", then you should purchase the ebook($24) and actually read it at least a week in advance (if not 2 weeks).  Get the skinny on Lora's method here http://www.3daypottytraining.com/ .  This is not the only 3-day method out there, it's just the one I decided to go with.  After all she's been on the Today Show!  You also get her Mobile App as well as help from Lora if needed. 

• Load your sweetie up on fiber at least several days before you start.  It is common for them to get a little constipated when they begin potty training.  If you're going to be solely focused in on this and inside your home for at least 3 solid days, you want as many teachable moments as you can get.  I did not do this with JP, and only had really one opportunity a day, so if I missed it, then I had to wait until the next day.  Load up on liquids as well.

• Pick a time that would be good to be stuck inside for a few days.  I chose a crazy time in our life to start, but so glad I did.  We had been in our new house for maybe a week when I decided to begin the journey, but the forecast was rain, rain, and more rain, so we really couldn't go anywhere anyway.  I started on a Thursday, and didn't leave the house until the following Monday. 

•  Have all errands taken care of before your start day and a kitchen fully stocked with everything you will need for the next few days.  You may want to have some casseroles on hand and easy go-to snacks/meals.  Make sure you are caught up on laundry or have someone on hand who can help around the house.

• Supplies we used and continue to use include: "big-boy" undies, flushable toddler wipes, M&M's and dum-dum suckers for incentives.  I also use the Ultimate Crib sheet that we used in his crib, as a protector for his bed.  This is a diaper and PullUp free method, so get ready to save some money!

• If your child attends daycare, church, MDO, or has any other caregiver besides you and your spouse, they need to be on the same page as you.  Be very explicit on what you are doing with your child.  Just sending extra clothes with three pair of extra undies, but failing to mention that your child does not wear PullUps, is not explicit enough.  Tell them, write it on your child's forehead, whatever it takes!  Just kidding, but seriously, be explicit!  I was so worried about JP going to MDO and how they would respond to the "no PullUps" rule, but was excited when his new teacher was very supportive in my decision and also agrees that PullUps are a "glorified diaper".

• I keep a change of clothes in JP's backpack, including socks, as well as three pair of undies.  I also have a portable potty in the back of the van, just in case.  JP refused to sit on it inside the house, so I just decided to designate it as the "on the road" potty. 

• The potty that has worked well for us is the Baby Bjorn Toilet Trainer and the Baby Bjorn step stool.  I love this particular seat, because it easily adjusts to fit your toilet, and can be moved from room to room. 

•  If your child will be expected to be diaper-free next school year for MDO, I would suggest starting ASAP, so you don't spend your Summer dealing with potty training.

•  If you have someone who can help you with siblings, let them!  It is difficult to totally focus on the child potty training, when you have another to care for.  The times JP had accidents, were times when I wasn't totally focused on him.  If you choose this method, it becomes your obsession, at least for a few days.

•  If you have a friend who has been successful with this method, let them know you are starting with your child so they can be prepared to offer you support.  My friend, Jenn Fisher, was a great encourager through this process.  I remember calling her and asking, "How do I teach him to wipe?"  Haha!  

I hope this helps if you are about to embark on the potty training journey!  I'm by far not an expert, and welcome advice from others.  I would love to hear from those of you that have used this same method or any other, for that matter.  Give me a shout! 

**iTunes has a Potty Time with Elmo App.  Just found it and planning on purchasing.

   

Homesick

Yeah, I know some of you are thinking, "Wow, two blog posts in the same week?  What in the world?"  Don't get used to it, though!  I am way to busy chasing my two and Stormie to be a "hyper-blogger. 

Today was a day full of unpacking and nesting, endless phone calls, tears, and energy spent keeping our little daredevil, Georgia off the new stairs.  So what brought the tears, you may ask?  One phone call, that's all.  Today, I decided I needed to go ahead and call one of the local churches to inquire about their preschool program for John Parker.  This particular church is one that Greg has actually toured with his job, and he has assured me that it is very nice.  After speaking with the sweet program director, I repeated what she had told me about the available spots for both JP and GG, and the tears started streaming!  I started thinking about how JP loved the program at First Keller and how great his teachers were, and my heart just hurt.  Then, I began thinking about how much I miss my friends already.  Keep in mind, I have barely left this house since Wednesday.  Greg let me have my cry and comforted me by telling me everything will be fine and how we will travel out to DFW several times a year.  I got myself together and continued unpacking and attempting to organize. 

Later during the day, the doorbell rings.  Neither of us wanted to answer, due to how we were dressed.  You don't even want to know!  However, Greg did answer and what a blessing it was!  Cindy, our new neighbor, came over to introduce herself, along with a carrot cake and cupcakes for the kiddos.  I did not meet her, but Greg said she told him she had been praying that a couple "like us" would move in next door.  She told him some of her story and mentioned that she and her son have a golden retriever, "Cowboy", who would love to play with Stormie.  She even offered to do our grocery shopping or anything else we needed! 

As I continue to have my bouts of homesickness, I will continue to rely on God's strength during this transition.  Thank you to all my friends for praying for us.  We appreciate them more than you know!