This morning during an overly pensive drive to the grocery store, I began to think about what our future holds and raising children.
While stopped at a red light, waiting to make a right turn onto a majorly busy road, I began to pray earnestly for patience. I asked the Lord that he would make me slow to anger and quick to love in dealing with every day life, and more specifically disciplining our child and future children.
No sooner had I said, "Hallelujah and Amen", than the jerk driver in the car behind me laid on his horn, because I was apparently too slow in pulling out into oncoming traffic. Let me tell you, folks. I was immediately filled with white, hot rage. We are talking the fiery fury of a thousand suns. I felt that his irritation was unjustified, and how dare he call me out in front of all of Simpsonville...or at least the motorists at this particular intersection.
It took no less than three one hundreths of a second for me to resort to anger and fail in my resolve to be patient.
Furthermore, it took about about five seconds for the Lord to gently tap me on the shoulder and remind me of my extensive need for grace and forgiveness. God is good.
Even when I am selfish, self-righteous, and down right rude. Even when I think that my ways are higher than theirs. Even when I'm checking in as self-proclaimed mayor of the right turn lane at the intersection of my pridefullness and "who do they think they are?" God is good, and He lovingly scoops up His children, places them on His knee, and rebukes the heck out of 'em. Because that is what we need.
I have a tendency to see a project and think to myself, "I can make that." Sometimes, my mouth catches on a little too quickly and I tell someone that I would love to make a baby sock corsage for a baby shower honoring a dear, ole' friend of mine. Even though I had never made anything of the sort. I loosely followed this tutorial (there are similar tutorials all over the internet, but I found this one to be most helpful) and set to work trying to make roses out baby socks (blue for baby boy, Nathaniel). Several tries later, I ended up with these and still wasn't quite happy. I finally made the decision (on behalf of my sanity) to put the project down for that day and re-visit it on another. It is a good thing I started early, which is somewhat out of character.
When I came back to this project, a mere two days before the celebration, I found inspiration in the bush that sits just below our front porch. Finding this little guy, and knowing he would make the perfect addition to a corsage, coaxed me into trying some more of those roses.
After some twisting, and manipulating, trying, re-trying, nearly giving up, and a few sock rose casualties, I finally came up with this. I decided on just two simple roses, instead of three, and that they did not have to look perfect. For those of you who actually intend to try this project I will offer this bit of advice: (1) Just keep messing with the sock roses until you get them (as close as possible to) how you like them. (2) Don't skimp on your floral tape or wire. The good stuff is not that much more expensive, and it doesn't make you want to rip your hair out when you're trying to get it to stick.
Once I had the hard part behind me, playing with some adorable, baby boy themed ribbon was a piece of cake.
My final product looked like this close up. I simply tied two "it's a boy" ribbon loops behind the foliage, and did some accenting green ribbon around the stem. And despite my frustration with those silly sock flowers, I really enjoyed the end result.
So, who's this old friend of mine? Lisa and I became close friends when she was my small group leader during my middle school years. She and her husband met through and work for an organization call Youth With A Mission (YWAM). They currently live in Turkey where they are building relationships and sharing Christ in an area that is not heavily evangelized. Lord willing, she will give birth to her little boy, Nathaniel, IN TURKEY. Brave woman, she is. I was terrified preparing to become a parent in a familiar place, but can't imagine the stress involved in preparing in a foreign country with different customs, doctors, medical systems. I know that she and her husband, Craig, along with their team would appreciate your prayers during this time of transition. I loved getting to introduce someone so influential in my walk with Christ to our daughter, while celebrating the life that she carries.
I also got to make a banner celebrating the occasion. Since, I wasn't sure exactly the name they were going with I just decided on the classic "It's A Boy!". Simple, but effective. I used scrapbook paper that I had, a circular pot lid and vase for tracing, some stencil lettering and white paint, and ribbon to hold it all together.
Did I mention how excited I am to meet this little boy!?
Forgive this blog for being totally Piper-centric. Believe it or not, I do talk and think about other things. That being said, she is truly a picture of God's love to us...and sometimes (a lot of times) the need for God's grace in our lives. Plus, her "talking" is hilarious.
That red couch with Ike on the floor next to us and Sweet P and her dad by my side, that is the most relaxing place for me.
I just finished a few applique onesies, and they were surprisingly so easy. I had to share. I made these with a tie and a bowtie for a friend of mine who is having a little boy this summer.
The following are the steps I took to make an adorable "whale of a onesie" for Sweet P.
1. Gather your supplies. You will need:
Iron/ ironing board
Scissors
A onesie. I used a plain white one.
Fabric of your choice. I found several squares at A.C. Moore for $1 each.
2. Using your pattern, trace and cut out both your fabric and your heat and bond. There are two important notes that must be made here. First of all, in the directions for the heat and bond that I used it said you should attach the fabric to the heat and bond first, and then cut your shape out of that. I obviously did not take that route and in hindsight, thing it might have been a slightly better route. Do what works for you. Secondly, in making my tie and bowtie onesies I did not have to think about the way the heat and bond would need to face because those shapes were symmetrical. I did, in fact, trace and cut out a whale that I was NOT actually able to use because the sticky side was reversed from the fabric. I know it doesn't make sense reading it, but just think before you cut. Or, follow the instructions on the heat and bond, attach your fabric first, and then you'll only have to make one cut.
3. Next, I attached the fabric to the heat and bond, but I think I've already given you sufficient evidence for doing this step second. The instructions said the hold an iron on the shapes for 2 seconds to bond them.
4. Following the heat and bond instructions, I attached my whale to my onesie with an iron. This step called for holding an iron over the patch for eight seconds. Also, the instructions didn't call for this but I put a piece of cardboard inside the onesie directly underneath my applique for good measure.
5. I stitched around the outside of the fabric, added a pink button for an eye, and found an adorable model to show off my finished product. You can't see those final details too great in this video, but let's be honest: who cares.
This is by no means professional work, but I have gotten quite a few compliments on "Piper's adorable whale outfit". You can't argue with that, folks.
We went to see our fabulous pediatrician the other day, for Marion Piper's four month check-up and all is well. She charmed the nurses and doctors with her smiles, and wowed them with her head control. Doc says we should be rolling over from front to back any day now...if only she didn't hate being on her belly so much. Once again, she had three shots and was a champ. Although, we have seen a stronger reaction to the shots than we did after her two month check-up. She slept all afternoon the day of her appointment, and woke up with a red, swollen area around some of the injection sites. This is normal, but I hate the irritation it causes her.
As for the stats and things we're seeing:
MPG weighed in at...well first I'll tell you about how Zach and I guessed what she weighed (as well as the nurse) with the loser buying lunch. My guess was 12 lbs 7 oz. Zach guessed 13 lbs 1 oz. The nurse who was "weigh" off said 9 lbs 1 oz.
Our little girl is 12 lbs 8.5 oz...which means somebody owes me lunch. As far as the charts go, little one is still in the 10th percentile.
Piper is now 26 inches long, putting her in the 60th percentile (again, same as last time).
Although I didn't ever catch her actual head circumference, once again we are in the 50th percentile. So all the percentages stayed the same.
Her head control is still impressive, especially the fact that she can now raise herself up to a plank position when laying on her back.
Piper loves reading books, and especially swatting at pictures with her hands.
Speaking of her hands, she is always sucking or gnawing on them. We are thinking that teething is coming soon, as she is always looking for something to gnaw on.
Baby girl is starting to laugh out loud and giggle a little bit. This is, perhaps, my most favorite thing.
Her favorites are playing with peoples faces and hair, looking at herself in the mirror, and playing with books and stuffed animals that make noise.
Marion Piper does not like being on her stomach, hanging out in her car seat for long, or having to wait for a bottle when she's ready to eat. Can you blame her on that last one?
Oh..and she is starting show clear signs of being a "daddy's girl". Zach is fantastic with her. I love to watch the way she lights up when he comes home at the end of the day, and no one can console her quite like he can when she is upset or needs to burp.
We are still continually amazed at God's goodness in giving us this little one, and praying that she will be used for His glory.
Still can't believe we met this sweet face just a few short months ago.
It's a thick seventy eight degrees in our small, but comfortable house. Only March, the Southern heat has made an early appearance this year. Although, with the fickle weather in these parts I don't even know why we still feign surprise at the changing weather patterns. I pride myself on being a frugal, stay-at-home mom and resisting the growing urge to flip the relief switch and turn the AC on.
It is easy to congratulate myself in the daylight hours. We have hit our stride with this four month old sweetheart. She naps and eats like a champ. She is easy-going, and the beauty of her dainty features, porcelain skin, and piercing eyes is undeniable.
Yet, sometimes when I enter her room to retrieve her from her crib after yet another excellent nap I find myself feeling completely unprepared for this. I find myself questioning every decision we've made so far. I find myself feeling helpless, like a child.
The truth is, I am helpless. Sure I can only feed her organic food, and involve her in sports and extracurriculars. I can teach her the difference between right and wrong, how to act appropriately in social settings. But the fact remains. Marion Piper needs the grace of God in salvation.
I pray daily and ache for it.
Being a parent is fearing for your child's soul. And finding rest in God's grace, alone.
Marion Piper is four months old today. Hard to believe it's been that long, but it's hard to believe she hasn't always been with us.
It's even harder to believe that I STILL haven't finished her birth story. I just left you guys hanging with installment one, way back here. Get onto me, people.
Interesting, also, that the day which marks four months of MPG's life is also Pi day (3.14) but I could go on and on about that...
Math humor.
We have caught the creating/DIY bug these past couple of weeks. I've got quite a few projects to tell you about. I think it started with this simple flower arrangement. I did it for a wedding shower. I remembered that I like making things. Now you have to read about them. I guess you don't. You could just stop reading.
More on projects soon. I told Zach that he needs to take three days off of work every week. We have gotten so much done.
Dad is off work for a couple days, so we are enjoying some extra play time, extra cuddle time, and extra time for projects! See you in a few days.
P.S. Sweet P is finally (not quite- notice the blanket wrapped around her) big enough to play in this exersaucer. Gosh. We have so enjoyed watching her figure things out. Update on the rolling over situation: We aren't yet.
If you have spent any time on any social networking site in the past few weeks, then you have seen links to videos, posters, "memes", and various other references to Invisible Children's Kony 2012 campaign.
In recent years there as been a notable, growing trend among young people, or at least young Evangelicals, to care about social justice and humanitarian aid. Suddenly, it is "cool" to go to Africa and play soccer with the less fortunate.
I should tell you that I am a recovering cynic. The "cynic" part is probably clear to you; the "recovering" part may not be as clear after reading the last paragraph. However, the cynic in me has a natural tendency to run HARD in the opposite direction of trends, especially ones made popular by young, Evangelicals. In my experience, there is a genuine heart behind them, however the mass following produces a lack of authenticity.
But who am I to say that when good things become "cool" they are no longer good. I should have warned you, I intend to play jump-rope with this issue. It is a good thing that people are working to raise awareness of the situation with Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, and his forced recruitment of child soldiers and massacre of innocent people.
However, since the folks of Invisible Children have put out a thirty minute film chronicling their work so far, and intention to get Kony arrested for his war crimes by the end of this year, many have spoken up in response.
Here is the video. It is thirty minutes. I would have trimmed it down a bit, but I'm no editor or film maker. Good information. Good intentions. Although, it seems like when I first heard about IC back in high school it was under the umbrella of Christian organizations.
Here are several articles criticizing, and in some cases questioning the work of Invisible Children. Some are quite scathing in their review of the not-for-profit group. Others, simply want to know more.
Here, Invisible Children, Inc. defends themselves and their missions.
Everyone is so convincing on this issue. Why does it even have to be an issue. The one thing we can all agree on is the fact that brainwashing young boys and forcing them to become soldiers, kidnapping young girls to be kept as sex slaves, the murder of countless humans, and the general disregard for human life is simply evil.
Charity Navigator is a website designed to aid in one's investigations in the charities they are donating to. It is helpful and informative, ranking charities on their efficiency of giving. But there is still the lingering thought.
If I give money to X charity group for the purpose of bringing war criminals to justice, feeding hungry children, ending human trafficking, or one of many other atrocities that occur in our world (and in our own backyard--but that is another issue entirely), how much of my donation actually goes to helping people.
Feel free to weigh in on this, as I am clearly torn and obviously still have a long recovery road ahead--replacing my cynical questioning of others motives with a love for people and hatred of sin.
Kirk Cameron is in the news again, and it's not for his charm and good looks.
He is being lambasted as hateful and intolerant for sharing his views on same-sex marriage, after being asked what he believes.
After viewing this video, other videos in which leaders in the Christian community invited to discuss the topic, and reading some of the comments I came to a new conclusion.
It is, perhaps, as important that we remain calm and loving in these discussions as we share the most convincing, biblical arguments on the matters.
I absolutely agree with the things Cameron had to say. However, I was more impressed with his ability to control his emotions on such a controversial topic, even when Piers Morgan began to bring Cameron's own children into the mix; challenging him on how he would react if they, hypothetically, came to him and confessed feelings of homosexuality.
I recently saw an interview from Mars Hill pastor, Mark Driscoll, who made an appearance on D.L. Hughley's show. I won't post the link because the content is a bit racier. My point is, I found Driscoll's response to questions regarding the issue of homosexuality to be equally as loving.
Unfortunately, no matter how loving and gentle we are in sharing the gospel our culture finds it offensive. But we are to be loving none the less.
We used to talk about this day as if it would never come. Saturday evening, it came.
Zach and I got together with our group of high school friends for a mini-reunion of sorts. Some we hadn't seen in months or years, others we had seen in recent weeks, but it had been since the guys high school graduation in 2005 that we were all in the same room.
Our hostess for the evening, Nicole, said it best. "Excited to have a great group of friends over tonight that the Lord placed in my life back in high school. Our faith was what brought us together, and I'm blessed to say faith is what has kept us in touch!"
So true. We did use to talk about this distant future event. When we are all married or homeowners or parents or professionals. Where does the time go.
I should tell you that a group of friends who at one point would on a regular basis break into teams, stand on opposite sides of the yard from one another, and intentionally throw frisbees AT each other spent no less than fifteen minutes this evening cheering on our three month old as she tried to roll over for the first time.
While we're on the subject of rolling over, she is this close. Any day now.
p.s. I have been trying to post this for days now. Life, and blogger, and this computer simply have not worked out in that way.
