Father’s Day & Pregnancy Update

Posted on June 17, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

I sort of thought it made sense to combine the two subjects. After all, this pregnancy makes Mike a daddy for the third time! Just go with it, okay?

We had a very low key Father’s Day since Mike had to work all weekend. We mostly hung out around the house and enjoyed some time outside.

He woke up to these goodies from us:

Iron Man 1 & 2 on Blue-ray, a socket set for the lake, and a poem/card that included the kids’ handprints and “signatures” that I put in the frame after the paint dried. Just to be clear on the handprints, there are still only two kids in the house (at least until August), but Caroline got a little carried away!

I used to write poems like this all the time, but through the years my creativity and desire has been lacking! This is the first one I’ve written since I was pregnant with Lucas. Maybe being pregnant with boys brings out my creativity! Who knows. Anyway, this is a completely cheesy poem, but Mike loved it!

Dear Daddy,

The time we spend together means the world to me.
No matter what we do, there’s no place I’d rather be.
Thank you for teaching me how to read and play.
For going on walks and showing me the way.
For being so silly and so much fun.
For building forts and chasing when I run.
For tickles and kisses and lots of tight hugs.
For snuggles and getting rid of scary bugs.
For all that you’ve given and all you’ve passed down,
Happy Father’s Day to the BEST Dad around!

Love,
Lucas & Caroline

Later that afternoon, the kids and I rode over to my mom and dad’s to visit and to give my dad his present. He’s a huge University of Louisville fan. Since they won the NCAA basketball tournament this year, I found a nice framed picture of the bracket showing UofL making it all the way to the win! I should have taken a picture of it! He loved it!

My sister also ratted me out to him about my blog post honoring him yesterday. I don’t know why it’s so easy to put that out there on the Internet for anyone to see, but I am embarrassed to actually have my dad read it. Anyway, he told me that he had to stop half way through to dry his eyes! And now he’s subscribed to my blog! I think I did a decent job of honoring him!

Moving on to babies…

My good friend (who I went strawberry picking with a few weeks ago) had her baby on Friday. She is just beautiful and precious and perfect. I visited them in the hospital, and as I held her, I told her she might put me in to labor with her sweet “new human smell.” Life is so beautiful!

I’m 32 weeks! I can’t believe it! It sort of feels like it’s going fast, but then I realize I still have 8 more weeks, in the hottest part of the year. I’m thinking the last stretch might drag on. I can’t wait to meet my new bundle of BOY!

I’m actually feeling great! The baby is really low, which makes too much movement or standing kind of uncomfortable, but that’s really it. I passed my glucose test with flying colors (according to my doctor) and his heartbeat is always very strong. He moves and flips and does who knows what in there at all hours of the day and night, but I’m incredibly grateful for each and every kick, flutter, roll, punch, tap, and hiccup. I know how lucky I am, and I’m constantly thinking about and praying for some good friends of mine who would do anything to be in my shoes.

We went to a wedding this weekend, and I wore a dress I’d borrowed from my friend. I have definitely kept my weight in check this pregnancy, but I’ve still felt pretty blah about myself. Getting dressed up really made me feel good! I’m so glad we got some photos!

And that’s about it for now!

Life happens when we enjoy life!

Honor Thy Father

Posted on June 16, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

My father is a good man. He’s a hard worker (though he could also be labeled a workaholic). He’s funny. He’s smart. And personally, I think he’s quite handsome.

He’s the only person I know that when asked to bring dinner home to his family will go to as many restaurants as necessary to be sure everyone gets what they want.

From him, I inherited my dry sense of humor, a tendency toward procrastination, the ability to work under fire, a hunger for knowledge, blue eyes, and a freckled complexion. But I refuse to make multiple stops to please everyone!!

Once (as a grown, married adult), I locked myself out of my car. I couldn’t get ahold of anyone else, but my dad left work, drove across town to retrieve the spare keys, and drove back across town to me. This must have cost him hours away from his work and no telling how much money in gas. None of that mattered to him- only my well-being.

He watches my children for me. He texts me when there is a weather warning out. He is there in an instant if I need anything.

He BELIEVES in me. Both my parents do, but my mom’s always been super vocal about it. She’s always claimed to be my biggest cheerleader (and she is).

Dad never boasts a title, he just cheers.

He cheered for me when I was hired to my first post-college job. He cheered for me when I switched jobs two years later. He cheered for me when I went to school for my Masters in Teaching. He cheered when I was hired to teach.

He even cheered for me when I quit teaching to stay at home with my children.

Above all else, though, he cheers for me as a writer. When he reads something interesting that pertains to writing, he e-mails me or tells me about it. He brags about me to family, friends, even strangers in the most random places.

Recently, he bragged about me to a published author and renowned medical doctor who was the guest speaker at an event.

Here is a portion of an e-mail that he sent as a follow-up to this particular author/speaker/doctor.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend all three of your presentations. Your stories captured me (and the rest of the audience) at all three. As I mentioned just before your Gheens Lecture, my younger daughter, Leanne, is a budding writer with a gift, like yours, of getting to the important things in life.

As I mentioned, I’d like Leanne to read some of your stories. You mentioned sending her your book. She and I would really appreciate that. Although Leanne may not fully understand some of the medical contexts, the important points of your stories are equally applicable to mentorship, professionalism, and doing the good thing, in any walk of life.

I wonder where I got my way with words?

The man graciously sent me a copy of his book (and signed it). My dad forwarded me the e-mail exchange so I would know to look for the book in the mail. As I read the kind and thoughtful words that my dad wrote about me, I found myself uncontrollably weeping.

My dad is far from perfect, but he’s taken care of me, loved me, and given me the courage to fly away on my own.

Perhaps the most tender moment I’ve ever shared with my dad was just moments before he walked me down the aisle to marry the man of my dreams. While he is emotional, he doesn’t often express it. He looked at me all dressed up, all grown up, and smiled. I watched a tiny tear trickle down his cheek. No words necessary.

Now that I have children of my own, I understand that moment even more.

We shared with him recently that our little boy, who will be here before we know it, will bear his name. I can’t imagine anyone in the world I’d rather name my child after.

I’m incredibly grateful that God has given me such a wonderful father. I’m just as grateful that I’ve been able to share so many healthy years with him.

I know there are many who are missing their own father today, and I pray that you are surrounded by love, comfort, and peace.

Happy Father’s Day to all those uniquely wonderful daddies out there. My world is surrounded by them, and I’m truly blessed.

Life happens when we honor our fathers!

Picking Strawberries

Posted on June 14, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

Last week, I shared some ideas for my family (and yours) to make the most of this summer. I’ve learned a thing or two about myself over the years, though. One of my greatest weaknesses is that I’m often “all talk and no action.” I can dream up all kinds of things. It’s the follow-through I lack.

Not this summer!

I’m bound and determined to cross all 25 items off our “summer bucket list.” And obviously, I’ll hold myself accountable for it. That’s what a blog is all about, right!?!

~~4. Pick fresh berries at a local U-pick farm.~~

Last week, one of my very good friends and I loaded up my car with her 2-year-old, my 2-year-old, and my 4 and a half-year old. Oh yeah, and the babies in our bellies! We had no idea how the outing would go, but she wanted strawberries to make jam, and I wanted the memory for myself and my kids.

We drove about 45 minutes to a local farm to pick strawberries. This is the same farm where we usually go pumpkin picking in the fall, so it was fun to change things up a little!

My dear Caroline did not enjoy the wagon ride over to the strawberry patch and did not enjoy getting her hands dirty. I had to pick the strawberries and then hand them to her to put in the box. That made her so happy and she continuously sang, “My helpin’ mommy! My picking berries!” Super cute, even if she is on the dainty side.

Lucas went to work straight away. He picked a few green ones and put a few rotten ones in the box, but overall, he did great!

I could only bend over for so long, so we only filled our box about 3/4 of the way, which turned out to be plenty of strawberries for us, anyway!

We headed back to the farm store where I found some homemade pickles and barbecue sauce with ingredients I was ok with! We paid for all of our goodies and headed back home.

It was definitely an adventure, but I’m sure glad we did it!

That afternoon, we were headed to the lake, so I quickly washed the berries and put them in containers to take with us. We enjoyed lots of them with meals and for snacks, but I also made a super delicious strawberry pie (thanks for the link, Caitlin). I even made the pie crusts from scratch (thank you, Martha Stewart, I think)!

I kid you not, my husband ate the majority of the pie. He went on and on about how good it was. And you know how he feels about all this home-cooking, “real food” nonsense, so this was a big deal to me! Of course, it did have sugar and regular flour in it (both organic, though, insert evil laugh here), but it was entirely from scratch. It was perhaps my greatest culinary accomplishment since my Homemade Hamburger Helper (in his eyes, at least)!

I will definitely be making the pie again, but I don’t think I’ll be picking my own strawberries anytime soon! Store-bought will do just fine until next summer!

So, what about you? Have you taken your family on any adventures, yet?

Life happens when we go strawberry picking!

Be Kind To One Another

Posted on June 11, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

I certainly try to be kind to others. I start my days with every intention to be. I’d be willing to bet that you are the same way. We don’t mean to be mean, but sometimes we are.

To the cranky woman in the checkout lane. To the driver who cut us off or almost plowed into us. To the chatty stranger wasting our time with small talk.

I got to thinking about this the other day. A friend of mine is going through a rough patch right now. I wish I could make it better, but I can’t. In fact, my very presence is often a thorn in her side.

I’ve tried to offer my love, support, and encouragement from a distance, but I feel like a big failure in that department.

As we talked the other day, she snapped at me suddenly. Her iciness startled me at first. Then, I got mad and snapped back.

When we both woke up that morning, neither of us had any intention of being mean. Still, we were.

As I processed what happened, something else dawned on me. Perhaps that cranky woman in the checkout lane had been up for 48 hours straight in a hospital room with her 14-year-old son who is fighting cancer for the third time. This was her first time outside the hospital in days and she needed to pick up a few items from the store.

Or maybe she just got some devastating news.

Perhaps the driver who cut us off or almost plowed into us made a careless mistake as she raced across town to get to her husband who had just collapsed.

Or maybe she had been momentarily overcome by a wave of grief and tears.

Perhaps the chatty stranger just lost his wife.

Or maybe he has been alone for many years.

Perhaps our dear friend is hurting more than we know or understand.

We should offer our compassion and understanding and kindness to everyone at all times, even when someone doesn’t seem to deserve it. Of course, there are people out there who are cranky for no reason at all. They still deserve our kindness. In fact, they need it. We might be the only person to offer them a warm smile or a friendly conversation.

We have no way of knowing what someone else is going through. As we go about our days, we will encounter strangers and friends alike. We will face situation after situation where we must make a choice. We can snap back. We can be short-tempered and impatient. We can honk, roll our eyes, make rude gestures, and curse. Or we can show kindness. We can assume the best in the person. Smile. Use gentle words. Offer love, encouragement, and friendship.

If you were in the other person’s shoes, how would you wish to be treated?

Life happens when we are kind to one another.

25 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer

Posted on June 6, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

Well, summer is officially here (sort of)! What adventures await you and your family?

Mike and I have been pretty predictable since our earliest dating days. If it’s the weekend, you’ll likely find us at the lake. He grew up there, and it probably feels more like home to him than anywhere else. I didn’t grow up near any large body of water, but sure enough, the lake has come to be my home away from home, too.

It warms my heart to raise my children by the lake, as well.

Still, the days of summer can quickly become monotonous, even at the lake. Here are some adventures we plan to take part in with our family this summer! Perhaps you’ll find some inspiration to make the most of your summer, too!

Go to the drive-in movies.
Make homemade ice cream.
Play putt-putt.
Pick fresh berries at a local U-pick farm.
Go stargazing.
Go camping.
Watch the sunset.
Have a family water balloon fight.
Go to a church picnic or attend a summer festival.
Roast marshmallows & hot dogs over a campfire (Don’t even look at the ingredients. Just do it!).
Head to an amusement park.
Grow a garden.
Go walking in a different neighborhood or park.
Be a tourist in our hometown.
Go on a picnic.
Read a chapter book out loud as a family.
Make homemade butter.
Make a homemade Slip and Slide.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt.
Make a soundtrack for summer (playlist).
Go rock climbing and/or jumping (Be smart, of course).
Pay for a stranger’s meal in a drive-thru or at a restaurant.
Go to a production at a theater in the park.
Take a drive or road trip without a destination in mind.
Go on a night walk with flashlights.

What else sounds fun?

Life happens when we make the most of our summer!

Winner, Winner!

Posted on June 5, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the book This Little Light of Mine, and declared I would give away a copy to one lucky reader.

Then, I neglected to announce the winner! I’m so sorry!!

Congratulations, Ann-Marie! You’re the lucky winner of this great book! I’ll be in touch with you soon!

Life happens when we win!

You’re Not Tall Enough To Eat The Ice Cream!

Posted on June 3, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

When we were at the beach a few weeks ago, we went out for ice cream one night. While waiting in line, Lucas noticed a big sign that looked like a growth chart/measuring stick. He went up to it and measured himself. You could see the relief in his face when he realized he was taller than the sign.

Caroline, as always, was one step behind her brother. She walked up to the sign and Lucas measured her, too.

“Oh, no! Caroline! This says you’re not tall enough to have any ice cream!”

I laughed so hard as I watched the two of them during this little interaction. Obviously, our Disney trip last summer traumatized him. He was just barely 40 inches- the height needed for most of the medium-sized rides- and his dad and I measured him every day for weeks leading up to the trip. He knew 40 inches meant a ticket to fun, so it only made sense that this sign meant the same.

To Caroline’s relief, the sign actually said if you were shorter than 40 inches, you got a free “baby cone.” We all thoroughly enjoyed our ice cream that night, and Caroline’s “baby cone” was just the right size.

I was thinking about this the other day and just laughed so hard again about it. I love the way a child’s mind works. I love the way children see the world! This sweet memory reminded me to slow down and really listen to the things my kids are saying. They come up with the most priceless gems!

What about you? Has a child in your life said or done something funny lately?

Life happens when we see the world through the eyes of a child!

Signs

Image

Signs there is a two year old in the house:

I have to remember to put away the pencils, pens, crayons, and anything else that could be used as a writing device. So far, our walls have escaped toddler art, but chairs, desks, tables, and anything that resembles a blank canvas have been turned into tiny masterpieces.

Why, yes, I did bust out my favorite parenting books. The most life-changing one for our family? Making the Terrible Twos Terrific by John Rosemond.

Speaking of that book, I will never forget walking into the bookstore when Lucas was 20 months old. Overnight, he went from a happy-go-lucky baby to a tantrum-throwing-body-hurling toddler. I frantically searched for that book as it had come highly recommended by several people. When a salesclerk asked if she could help me find something, I said, “I’m looking for a book called Making the Terrible Twos Terrific.” She almost fell over laughing. “Good luck, sweetheart,” is what she said back.

I did find the book, by the way, and it revolutionized my parenting and Lucas’s behavior. My little Caroline? She’s a bit more stubborn. We shall see how this goes…

Signs I’ve been blogging an awful lot about food:

Mike: Did I just hear the camera flash? Are you taking pictures of our dinner again?

Me: Yes, what of it?

Mike: I smell a post coming on!

By the way, I’ve been mulling over an idea about how to share my real food journey with those who most care about it. I shall reveal that to you soon…

Signs I’ve been doing nearly all my grocery shopping at healthy markets:

A leaning tower of paper bags. I really need to remember those reusable bags when I head off to the store.

My pantry smells like Whole Foods. Seriously.

Signs I’m almost in the third trimester:

Heartburn, all day long, even after only drinking water. Heartburn oh heartburn, I hate you, you stink.

Insomnia, all night long, even after taking Tylenol PM. Insomnia, see above conversation with heartburn.

The return of my body pillow. Of course, it doesn’t do that much good between the heartburn and the insomnia.

What’s going on with you? What are some signs in your life?

Life happens when we stay positive and find humor in the everyday ordinary.

Life is a Beach… (7 Quick Takes)

Posted on May 17, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

I decided to mix things up today. Instead of talking “real food,” I thought I’d share with you what my family and I’ve been doing these last few days.

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First, we loaded ourselves up in the car. We turned our car south and drove. For 10 hours. Well, really only 5 the first day. Of course, we stopped at the Alabama Welcome Center to see “the” rocket ship.

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We got back in the car and drove a few more hours. We had a dinner at a classy restaurant where you get to throw peanuts on the floor. Then, we found a hotel room to rest our weary heads.

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The next morning, we woke up and drove on just a few more hours. Finally, we arrived in Panama City Beach, Florida. Our first stop? Lunch overlooking the beautiful ocean.

After lunch, a certain little boy ran straight into the ocean, fully clothed. This moment will forever be etched in my heart. My little boy meeting the ocean for the first time (that he remembered, he was 7 months old the last time he went to the beach).

It was love at first sight.

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Finally, it was time to check in to our condo where we stayed for 5 blissful, beautiful days. We enjoyed an overcast day with the beach all to ourselves. We enjoyed the warm Florida sun on our faces the rest of the trip.

We built sandcastles. We collected sea shells. We jumped in the waves in the ocean. We sunbathed. We played in the pool and the splash park at the condo. We took in the breathtaking sunsets. We stared in wonder and awe at the ocean, especially from our balcony. We spotted lots of dolphins and Manta rays (seriously, and I only barely freaked out about them).

The boy couldn’t get enough of the water. The little girl didn’t want anything to do with the water, but found herself content in the sand.

DSCN1155

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I actually read (and finished) a book that didn’t talk about faith, parenting, pregnancy, or food. It was fluffy and I didn’t have to think at all as I read it. It’s been awhile since I’ve had the opportunity to read entirely for pleasure and it was just what I needed!

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On Mother’s Day, we found a quaint little donut shop where we consumed an absurd amount of sugary goodness. After several hours playing on the beach as a family (and one glorious hour on the beach all by myself), we headed off for dinner and ice cream. We didn’t get a photo of our whole family as I’d hoped, but we still captured some sweet moments. It was a perfect Mother’s Day!

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On Wednesday morning, we reluctantly packed our bags and climbed back in the car. We drove the 10 hours back home. We stopped for lunch and to pick up some Fireworks in Tennessee. We stopped at (yet another) restaurant where we could throw peanuts on the floor. And when we turned into our driveway, we all sighed just a little. As much as we loved our vacation, there’s no place like home.

We tucked our sweet ones into their beds where they no doubt dreamed of the salty ocean, the sandy beach, and their very favorite restaurant that they chattered on about for 9.5 of the 10 hours we were in the car: Pineapple Willy’s.

It was a most awesome way to “kick off” our summer and I’m SO glad we decided to go. The kids did GREAT save for a few meltdowns here and there. It was the perfect amount of time. And it was the perfect time to go- the rates nearly double beginning next week!

We are already daydreaming and thinking about our next trip to the beach. Until then, we have lots of amazing memories to carry us through!

Life happens when we go to the beach.

For more quick takes, head over to Jen’s!

7 Encouraging Bible Verses to Keep Close to Your Heart

Posted on May 15, 2013 by lifehappenswhen

We all have days and moments in life when we need to be encouraged. We often cling to our friends and family for comfort, strength, and encouragment in those times, but it’s just as important to turn towards the Bible. It is filled with words of not only encouragement, but of hope, peace, strength, and love.

On the roughest of days, here are 7 Bible verses that build me up:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
-Psalm 46:1

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
-Philippians 4:13

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
-Joshua 1:9

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
-John 3:16

“Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
-John 14:27

“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
-Romans 8:31

“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”
-James 1: 2-4

What is your favorite encouraging Bible verse?

Life happens when we find encouragment from scripture.

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