And we have a camera again!

After a month without a camera, we are finally owners of a camera once again. I am saddened that we have no pictures of many of the things we've done in the past five weeks...

• Aunt Katy's visit from Colorado
• cousins visiting from Ft. Wayne
• trip to Kentucky
• the 4-H fair fun
• Aunt Carol's visit from Washington
• pool time
• cookout with Uncle James and Aunt Lauren
• Swiss Days
• Noah's first trip to the dentist
• Monon Center waterpark
• playdates with friends
• the State Fair

to name a few!

But instead of complaining, I am thankful that I have two little boys that are worth photographing. :)

Hopefully we will make so many more memories that a lack of camera the past month will never be remembered!

Lost and Found

Having small children changes life. Oh, in our pre-parenting days we knew this in theory, but until we live day in and day out with small children we don't realize just how much life changes.

One realization hit me lately. I can be as organized and detailed about my home as possible, but things will probably go missing with a toddler around. My particular small child loves to lose things. Other people's things. Particularly, my things. To name a few in recent weeks, he has lost the dustpan, my car keys, library card and my glasses. I am also blaming him for the missing arm of my breadmaker.

No matter how organized and tidy I keep my own things, it is becoming a common theme that Noah loses my things.

BUT. The good news is that they usually turn up.

The dustpan is a great example. I know they are inexpensive and easily replaced, but I had just bought a new one recently to replace one that had broken. So I figured it would turn up. I proceeded to sweep the floor with the broom and then use the dustbuster to vacuum up the pile of crumbs. Kind of annoying, but a workable solution. I looked everywhere I could think of and complained quite a bit. Two weeks later (while searching for my car keys that Noah lost), I found the dustpan between the wall and the furnace. I rejoiced!

It was an irony that taught me a little life lesson about God.

God knows where everything is. Seriously, he does. Nothing is hidden from his sight. Sometimes we complain that, in our controlling lives, we cannot find what is missing... when God is just waiting for us to trust him. In his timing, it will be found. But waiting and trusting aren't easy.

So, God, I trust you. And, anytime you want to show me where Noah put my glasses would be great!

Life

The most dangerous place to be in America is inside the womb of a woman.

Here are some of the early photos of Isaac (top) and Noah (bottom).

I heard on the radio this week that TWO of every ten known pregnancies is aborted.

In New York City, make that number FOUR of every ten.

The top two reasons cited for abortions are finances and disruption of work/school/life.

Abortion is our nation's vilest, sickest wrong. It is the murder of defenseless, pre-born life. This Sunday is the Sanctity of Life Weekend. It marks the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, Roe v. Wade. Every single life is sacred in God's sight. Should we not also view life accordingly?

We must get behind ministries that support women in crisis pregnancies such as pregnancy resource centers, adoption agencies and maternity homes. These organizations provide resources for women who ARE choosing life for their precious babies. We must also pray to end abortion. Murder should never be an acceptable alternative for a disruption of life.

Pro-LIFE should be more than a statement of position. It should be an action step.

With that, I am excited to begin working for The O'Connor House, a local maternity home for women in crisis pregnancies!

2011 Goals

I am a big fan of goal-setting, so I thought I would share my goals for this year. Last year I made four goals (which were all 90-100% completed), but this year I thought I would go all out and make lots of goals. The important thing for me is that they are mostly objective and measurable, and I can log progress towards them.

Here are some of my goals. We'll see how it turns out!

Spiritual

• Finish my 2010 plan to read through the Bible (which was close to being finished)
• Read through the Bible again!

Physical

• Exercise 3x/week and log it
• Run two half marathons and two 5Ks

Mental

• Read 12 books and log them
• Learn 12 skills and log them

Professional

• Explore online writing options (I have a few going already...but there are more out there!)
• Explore other professional opportunities

Financial

• Eliminate student loan (big, scary goal right here!!)
• Continue updating Quicken, evaluating budget and setting goals

Marriage

• Plan at least one date night per month
• Take Dynamic Marriage course at our church

Children

• Teach Noah 12 Bible verses
• Continue to use Scriptural words like "kind, patient, joy, self-control," etc.
• Work through preschool/kindergarten skill chart
• Begin using a chore chart

Content & Thankful

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Phil 4:11b

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:18

I wish I could say this is true of me in my own life, but the truth is I'm not always the most content or most thankful person. There are times that I gripe, complain and wish I had a new or different material thing or circumstance in my life. But clearly this attitude is not right. God desires that we have a content and thankful heart. Whatever the circumstance.

Ways I can encourage contentment in my own heart and in the lives of my children:

--Spend more time investing in people God has placed in my life.

--Share with those in need, giving of my time, money and other resources.

--Be a good steward of what God has already given to us. Organize, clean and maintain those things.

--Simplify what we own. Give away, sell or donate things we don't use, like or can't maintain.

--Use what we have. Paint, clean, reuse, repair or repurpose older things. God is also in the business of restoration.

--Thank God for His blessings each day.

--Ask God to help me see each day in a positive light with a thankful attitude.

Half Marathon Recap

My First Half Marathon story... (Beware, it's long. Most of it I am writing so I will be able to remember.)

5:45 a.m. The alarm goes off. I get up and eat Cream of Wheat and drink a cup of coffee and several glasses of water and start preparing all of my gear for the big day. While getting ready, I check the current temperature: 26 degrees. It's gonna be a cold one!

7:50 a.m Jason and I arrive in downtown Indy later than we'd planned, partially due to the fact that our car's driver-side door would not latch (possibly due to frost??)! We had to spend a few minutes figuring out what was wrong with it. Since I knew the race began at 8 a.m., I was slightly nervous about the delay! As we near the starting line I give him a quick kiss, hop out of the car and find the "10 minute mile" sign in the starting corrals. About 8000 others are jumping around, chatting, and fiddling with hats, gloves, iPods, Garmins, and other running accessories. I regret that I drank so much water already when I see how long the port-a-john lines are. There is no way I am getting in one of those lines at this time. I will just survive!

8 a.m.
Mile 1 - The Monumental Marathon race begins! Due to the crowd in front of me, I have to wait about 4 1/2 minutes before I can actually walk up to the starting line. There is a lot of adrenaline flowing and I want to run fast. But I knew this would happen, so I make a concerted effort to hold back to a slower pace to warm up. There are fans cheering and people holding signs everywhere. We run by Lucas Oil Stadium and see the Colts cheerleaders. It is definitely cold out, but within the first two miles I warm up enough to take off my fleece jacket and tie it around my waist.

Mile 2 - Jason cheers me on at mile 2-3 and snaps this picture. I toss him my sock hat.

(Jason leaves and goes to spend some quality one-on-one time with Isaac. He told me they spend a long time in a nice hotel lobby just playing together!)

Meanwhile....


Miles 3 and 4 - We run through the streets of downtown Indy. The fans hold signs like "Run Jessica Run" and "If Sarah Palin can run, so can you!" I am running just like I've trained, and it's so much fun. On my iPod I hear songs like "Alive" by P.O.D. and "I'm Alive" by Jeremy Camp, and it describes how I feel. I run behind a gal with a label on her back "Marathon Pacer Mandy 4:30." I can't remember exactly what pace per mile this is, but a Half-Marathon would be half of that, so a 2:15 time. I figure that I should be okay following her for a while. I mark my time on the iPod with each passing mile, and she's running around 10:25/mile.


Mile 5 - I am ready to run a little faster now that I've warmed up. I know I can push myself just a bit more. I pass the Pacer and see where my legs will take me. I pull out my Clif Energy Gel and eat it. (They're kind of gross, but it was probably a good placebo effect to help me run a little faster.) I simply go with what feels comforable for me and mark the mile. 9:22. I surprise myself that this feels comfortable, but I keep going.

Mile 6 - I take water at the water station. I really am starting to need it now, unlike some of the previous water stations. I realize I am capable of finishing this thing in less than 2:15 if I keep up this pace and stay comfortable. I pass the 10-Kilometer marker at 1:02:24 with an overall pace of 10:03/mile.

Miles 7-8 - I keep marking the miles on my iPod timer. I am doing better than I had expected, maintaining a 9:30 or less pace. The half marathon and marathon splits off at mile 7. Some people seem to slow down around me after the split, so I kick it up a notch and start passing people. I think this boosts adrenaline even more.

Mile 9-11 - We run down Meridian Street toward the Circle. But I can't see the circle because it is still so far off. Music like Hillsong United's "Take it All" and Desperation Band's "I am Free" keep my feet moving. I remember some people telling me they hit a wall at mile 10. It is getting harder, and my heart hurts a little. Remembering that the cardiologist encouraged me to run but to listen to my body, I slow down a little and pray that it feels better. I make a conscious effort to smile at spectators and thank the volunteers. I am thankful for the Gatorade at the water station. I slow my pace to 10:02 for one of the miles. My heart stops hurting, but I am getting tired. I start to tell myself encouraging things like,

-You trained for this.
-You've run farther than this.
-Now is the time to do your best.
-You're over halfway done.

I also see my favorite sign during this part of the race: "Random Stranger -- I'm so proud of you!" I thank that fan. I give high fives to two little girls who are holding their arms out.

Mile 12 - We run through Monument Circle again. The crowd is everywhere. I know I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I listen to MercyMe's "Hold Fast" and am encouraged by the lyrics, "One thing greater than my strife is His grasp, So Hold Fast, Help is on the way." Jason cheers me on down the street and snaps this picture.


Mile 13 - I know I am almost there!! I just have to keep moving. A sign I pass reads "DIG DEEPER" and encourages me. I run faster.

Mile 13.1 - I pass the 13 mile sign and I know we are SO close. I see the finish line ahead. I want to slow down. But I muster up everything left within me and SPRINT to and through the finish line.

Finish - I did it!!! I mark my time and see 2:08:37. My overall pace for the entire race was 9:48. I was proud of myself that I sped up during the second half, which is hard to do when you're tired. I ran the last 6.9 miles at an average 9:35 pace.

I finished 196 out of 441 women 25-29.

Overall I placed 2073 out of 4153.

Finishers were awarded a half marathon medal. Then we got a space blanket, a running hat, bananas, bagels and peanut butter, cookies, chocolate milk, apples, and on the list goes. After I met up with Jason in the recovery tent we took some more pictures.

My little guy is hanging out in his cozy carseat.

Running this thing was a great experience for me. It reminds me of why I like running. I have never been an athletic person, so knowing that I am capable of running a long distance was pretty amazing. Instead of feeling bad that I will likely never be a "fast" runner, I was encouraged that there are so many other people who run similar paces to me.

I am ready to run another half and plan to train for the HUGE half marathon in May.

Taking Opportunities or Making Excuses

A few months ago our pastor Steve Poe at Northview Church said something that has really impacted the way I think.

"Every season of your life is either going to be an opportunity [to serve God] or an excuse, depending on what you're looking for. So be honest with yourself, 'Am I looking for opportunities every day of my life, or am I just complaining, griping, and making excuses?' "

Too often I find myself thinking I am unable to serve God because of __________. Fill in the blank. Anything. For instance, in this season of my life I am a stay-at-home mom. I mean, how can I possibly go out and volunteer when I have two very small children at home who need constant attention? I don't have the time or the childcare or whatever. I have plenty of valid excuses. Or, I don't have enough money to really change anyone's situation. Or maybe, I can't serve God because I don't have the right skills to do the job. Whatever the excuse, I write myself off that I just can't do anything since I am in this circumstance.

But hearing this specific part of Steve's sermon really challenged me to change my thinking. While there may be some ways that I truly am unable to serve God in this moment, I need to instead focus on what I CAN do to serve God. Then I need to do it.

For me a huge part of serving God is serving my own family. While I am not the perfect little homemaker my primary role is a wife and mother, respecting my husband and raising my children for the glory of God. Opportunities exist moment-by-moment in my home to serve God by serving my family. I don't always get it right, but I am trying. And outside of my home, I can serve God in so many ways. Whether for me that means making a meal for a friend, watching someone's children, donating previously loved items to an organization, running to fundraise for a ministry, and on the list rolls.... the opportunities are there. I just have to look for them and choose to take them without all of the excuses.

Finding Time vs. Making Time

Do you have time to read this?

If you read this post, you are making time to do so.

I am no time management expert, but it is a pet peeve of mine when people make excuses like, "I'd love to do that but I don't have time" or "I know I should but I can't find the time."

We all make choices with how we spend our time. Time does not just fall into people's laps. It is not sitting there waiting to be found. Time will pass whether or not you are using it intentionally. Everyone has the same 24 hours to work with, albeit different family, work and social responsibilities to juggle.

Don't wait for things to just happen. If you would truly like to do something and it is important enough, then make the time to do it. You make the time.

2010 Goals Update

In January of this year I set forth a few goals for myself and thought it would be a good exercise for me to write out progress since there are still 10-11 weeks left in the year:

1. Spiritual: Read through the Bible in 1 year.

Update: This goal is going okay. I started the year off strong and was fairly consistent but haven't kept up as well as I would have liked. Now I'm about 55% through the Bible, but we are much farther than that through 2010. Now it's time to kick it up a notch so I can finish out this goal for the first time in my life.

2. Mental: Read at least one other book per month.

Update: I have read well more than 10 books but I've now lost count of the total. Several were during the library's summer reading program. Here are some of my favorites so far this year:

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver

The Generosity Factor by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-a

Won by Love by Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade

Toddlerwise by Gary Ezzo

3. Physical: Work out at least 2-3 times per week for at least 60 min.

Update: For most of this year (February through June), I have not faithfully completed this goal. I guess I do get a tiny excuse since I had a baby in April. However, I am consistently exercising 3-4 days a week now, and I have been since mid-July. Hurrah for a great goal, mostly accomplished!

4. Financial: Pay off at least half of our remaining student loan balances this year.

Update: We started the year with $12,001 in student debt. We have been very diligent about paying extra on our loan balances, even in the midst of buying a house, moving, and having a baby. Any extra income goes toward our student loans. For Jason's 30th birthday in June, we were able to completely pay off the smaller of the two. At our current rate of payment, we should be in the ballpark of $6500 left at the end of 2010.....I am going to try my hardest to get all the way to $6000 since we are SO close!! And looking ahead, Jason and I are excited that we MIGHT be able to be out of student debt at the end of 2011.

Goals for 2010

Personal, measurable goals to challenge myself this year:

1. Spiritual: Read through the Bible in one year.
2. Mental: Read at least one other book per month (hopefully more than that!).
3. Physical: Work out 2-3 times per week for at least 60 minutes.
4. Financial: Pay off at least half of our remaining student loan balances this year??? (Can we do this?!)

Other things I'd like to do this year (but not so measurable):

• Implement consistent toddler discipline strategies.
• Continue to learn new cooking techniques and ideas.
• Plan more varied menus that incorporate more produce, nuts, seeds, beans, fiber, whole grains, and poultry. And less cheese, processed food, and other junk.
• Continue working from home and find new ways to earn income as a stay at home mom.
• I'm sure there's more....

I'm posting these where I can see them each day as well as on this blog to remind myself to work toward these goals.

TV-free for January

While Jason and I have never been huge TV watchers, we decided to try going TV-free for the month of January. We decided 90% of the time we turn it on if we're bored, and it just wastes time. The idea is we could use our time better by being together, reading, exercising, playing games, or working on hobbies. Rarely is one truly edified by watching TV.

We've allowed "special exceptions" such as a planned movie on a weekend, but we will not be aimlessly turning on the TV or even watching the news. We'll see how this turns out at the end of January.