So I married a Preacher

melton.wordpress.com

2008-06-23T09:15:00.003-04:00

I've gone back and forth forever from blogger to wordpress. I am going to start blogging there permanently though. Blogger gives me too many problems for some reason!
I added the link, but it's not showing up! If you'd like, Copy & Paste:

http://melton.wordpress.com

Monday Morning...

2008-06-23T08:49:00.004-04:00

Frank & I brainstormed several names for the new baby last night (at 10pm while eating CheezIts. I'm ashamed to admit Lydia was still awake at that hour. She has been battling terrible constipation of over a month now and is currently on Miralax, which has helped significantly. The problem, however, is that if I give a 1/2 capful, it's too much, but 1/3 isn't quite enough (tho it produces a BM every other day). I have been going with 1/3 capful and she's been going every other day, without pain, but she's still very hesitant to go (she holds it). It takes about 45- 60 minutes of me literally coaxing her to poop. Needless to say, I was coaxing at 9 and after she went she was hungry. Soooo, having said all that, we were all at the table last night considering names.
Daughter #1 is Lydia Catherine and we want to stick with Bible names.
Possibilities include: Elizabeth Rose, Sarah Elizabeth, Sarah Rose, Susanna Rose. Frank is absolutely STUCK on Rose, and I love Elizabeth (although it is very common). My middle name is Suzanne and I found Susanna in the Bible recently. Anyway, if it's like it was with Lydia, I had no clue what to write when they brought me the birth certificate. I had to ask Frank if we had decided on something. The truth is, he chose Lydia and my mom chose Catherine. Sad.

Real Life

2008-06-22T15:47:00.007-04:00

I love the idea of posting rooms in the house (or in our case, apartment) for everyone to see. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse into other homes...very fun. I did not quite finish my picture taking and posting. Nor could I manage to get the pics below this writing, so oh well. The first is our living room, and the next two are our bathroom (only one). Last is the kitchen, complete with messy fridge (magnets, pics, etc.) and dirty dishes in the sink!

Advice Needed

2008-06-22T07:42:00.004-04:00

I desperately need some good, Godly advice on our current situation and tentative plans/thoughts. Frank & I are still in our apartment on-campus (designated for married couples without children). We are expecting our second child in October (our daughter is currently 19 months old). We are still at the church we've been at since marriage (he was pastor there before we married actually) and we definitely have to make a change soon (financially). So we are expecting/hoping to leave soon (particularly before the next baby arrives). Frank has sent out lots of resumes and he has finished his classes and tests in the PhD program (meaning he doesn't need to be on campus any longer).
OK, so I am an RN, but I've never really used that license. Here you have to work on Sundays to even get employment parttime in a hospital. I have been unable to find a pt job in a doctor's office. In SC, however, I was recently offered a job making my own schedule and getting paid very well. We don't have a problem going to SC (most of the resumes Frank sent out were to churches in SC). The issue is that I would be supporting the family (even though it's temporary). I have been all for it, up until this morning. Today it really hit me that it would be very difficult to leave my daughter for two or three days each week. Orientation would be three 8 hour shift (7-3pm) and then work would be two 12 hour shifts (7am-7pm). For most people, it's not a huge deal to leave a 19 month old. I mean, it's not like she's a newborn. But the thing is, I have been with her every single day for 19 months! Morning, noon, night.
Am I being too attached...or making her too dependent? Would it be better for her to spend those days bonding with dad and/or other family? Or is she still just too young for me to leave her two entire days)? I guess I should add that I would likely only be working from July until October (when the second baby is due) or until Frank is called to another church.

2008-06-03T10:48:00.001-04:00

IT'S A GIRL!

June

2008-06-02T08:07:00.002-04:00

Much to update about in a short amount of time (Lydia's still in bed!). Classes ended successfully...I did well in the classes I took and Frankie passed his comps...yah! His next step is preparing a prospectus. Basically his title/topic for his dissertation. He has been working on that for awhile now, so he's gotten a small headstart.
Lydia is 18.5 months old and is a mess! She is repeating everything (or trying to), she is singing and loves music. She still loves books and will sit patiently at any time while I read to her (usually about 4-7 books at a time). She is so beautiful and is still obsessed with babies (both dolls and real babies!). She adores other kids and I regret there aren't more children around for her to play with. She is really good at sharing (I know that won't last) and is overall such a joy. The only negative is that she is still breastfeeding. I know I probably shouldn't say that's a negative; I'm glad to do it for her. And she only nurses to go to sleep (naps and at night), and like twice during the early morning (4am, 6am). I just really don't think I am not up for tandem nursing. I don't know...I'll do it if I have to. I have not been able to stop nursing Lydia cold turkey (I wouldn't do that to her) and I can occasionally distract her when she wants to nurse before napping. At night, though, if I try to stop nursing her she goes nuts! Anyway, we're managing.
As for the new baby, we'll find out today the sex; my u/s is at 2pm. Frankie made a pretty funny statement worth retelling when asked what he wanted. He would love to have a boy, but he is and wants to appear thankful for whatever God blesses us with. Anyway, a church member asked what he wanted a boy or girl, and Frankie's answer was: "Well, if it's not a little girl, I'd love to have a boy." lol...like what other options are there? I thought it funny.
So the other "big event" is that we're trying to decide about our future. We cannot continue at our current church and are trying to decide/discern if we should continue in KY (while Frankie works on his dissertation) or go back to SC for awhile. It's difficult to make this decision as there are pros and cons with both.

Wrapping up the semester

2008-04-28T13:57:00.002-04:00

Things have been busy, as usual, these last few weeks. After I had that weird episode a few weeks back, my mom came up for about a week. That was a big help and Lydia loved having so much attention. Frank only has one more day of studying before his first PhD comprehensive. I am trying to take my Biblical Counseling final early, so we can head to SC after Frank finishes his last comprehensive next Monday. I also have an appt with the OBGYN that day, so we'll likely end up getting a hotel Monday night and driving on home Tuesday.

Lydia has starting saying, "No" quite clearly now (as compared to her previous "Naaaa" which I thought was quite cute. She is also repeating everything she hears! I am eager to see how she will act with family in SC. She has not seen everyone (except my mom) in months.

Wednesday

2008-04-09T10:45:00.002-04:00

I have a few things to blog about today, as the last few days have been pretty busy. On Sunday we were on our way to church when my vision got a bit blurry and I started getting a headache & nausea. About an hour later I still wasn't any better and I realized my lips and the left side of my chin & cheek were numb...also the tips of my left fingers. After a little deliberation, a couple of church members took me to the hospital (as Frank had to preach). We waited quite awhile, and by the time Frank arrived, I still hadn't been seen. Another church member happens to be the director of the ER, so she called and "pulled strings" so I was finally taken back. The doctor didn't want to do a CT scan because of my pregnancy, so she gave me a bag of fluids and then discharged me. She said if it happened again to come back. Duh. It was a wasted trip. The only thing that I felt good about was that they were able to make sure my eye wasn't hemorrhaging, which has happened before and left me with a small blind spot.
Needless to say, we missed Sunday night church.
I do have to brag on Lydia though. We were there for about 7 hours and she was awesome. She didn't cry, even though her daddy and the church members didn't think to change her diaper and she leaked out of it...Frank said it weighed 10 lbs when he took it off. Also she wasn't allowed to get down, so she remained almost the entire time in laps!
Monday I had an appointment with my OB. The heartbeat of the baby sounded great and everything seems fine, so far. No more word on what all that bleeding could have been.
Yesterday we took Lydia to the park, where we had a picnic and let her play on the playground. She loved swinging and sliding and had a fit when it was time to go.
Today my mom is on her way up, so I'm busy cleaning!! She'll likely be here by around 7pm. Lydia is napping now and Frank is still in bed!! (He stayed up late watchinng a movie from RedBox)!
Frank will take his comprehensives in just a 2 1/2 more weeks! Yikes!

quick update

2008-03-17T17:43:00.002-04:00

so i go from not writing for a month to writing hours within my last post.

ok, so i'm still pregnant. the baby looks fine... everything is there that they look for at 9 weeks. the baby is measuring right for 9 weeks. praise the Lord!

our edd is Oct 19

A month later..

2008-03-17T09:36:00.002-04:00

I haven't had the time or energy to write lately. We've had a very busy last couple of weeks. On February 22, I had a lot of bleeding/clots and was told on the phone that I was most likely having a miscarriage. The bleeding occurred once and the PA suggested I take a pregnancy test after two weeks if there was still no bleeding. That was the case, and two weeks later I tested positive. I had blood work last Monday, with HCG levels at 144,000. The OBGYN's only response was that the number was "promising" and "good and high." Today I am scheduled for an U/S, which will tell us a lot more. When I had the bleeding I felt confident I was miscarrying. The following weeks I attributed the pregnancy symptoms to hormones that had not yet leveled off. Now I'm unsure what to think, or even hope for. I am trying not to think about it at all, but that is difficult. Lately, I felt hopeful that maybe the baby is fine and it's just one of those weird things. The PA said she'd seen women bleed tons and still carry until full term. Also she said the clots I passed didn't necessarily mean anything. She also said, "You're probably still pregnant." I've read enough online to know that isn't true. Clots at 6 weeks are almost always miscarriage. Anyway, we shall see. I know it is in God's hands.
The worst part of all this has been this crazy waiting... three weeks! Ugh.

Flu Season

2008-02-17T08:27:00.003-05:00

Frankie had a sore throat yesterday, but it seems better today...Lydia and I are both fine, so far. Many people in Munfordville, however, have been very sick with a stomach virus. Lydia and I have stayed away for several weeks now, but are going today. I pray that God will protect her from sickness.
I read an interesting report about the flu this morning that validated my decision not to vaccinate Lydia for the flu. The following is the news article from FoxNews:

"The flu season is getting worse, and U.S. health officials say it's partly because the flu vaccine doesn't protect against most of the spreading flu bugs. The flu shot is a good match for only about 40 percent of this year's flu viruses, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The situation has even deteriorated since last week when the CDC said the vaccine was protective against roughly half the circulating strains. In good years, the vaccine can fend off 70 to 90 percent of flu bugs.
This week, 44 states reported widespread flu activity, up from 31 last week. The number children who have died from the flu has risen to 10 since the flu season's official Sept. 30 start. The biggest surprise has been how poorly the vaccine has performed.
Each winter, experts try to predict which strains of flu will circulate so they can develop an appropriate vaccine for the following season. They choose three strains_ two from the Type A family of influenza, and one from Type B.
Usually, the guesswork is pretty good: The vaccines have been a good match in 16 of the last 19 flu seasons, Bresee has said.
But the vaccine's Type B component turned out not to be a good match for the B virus that has been most common this winter. And one of the Type A components turned out to be poorly suited for the Type A H3N2/Brisbane-like strain that now accounts for the largest portion of lab-confirmed cases.
H3N2 strains are treatable by Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs, but the other, H1N1 Type A strains are more resistant. Of all flu samples tested this year, 4.6 percent have been resistant to antiviral medications. That's up from fewer than 1 percent last year.
"This represents a real increase in resistance," Bresee said."

So in essence, experts just guess what strains will be prevalent and make a vaccination based on that. This year they were wrong.
Anyway, non-vaccinators should feel a little good about this. Although overall, it is more alarming in a way. Those that should have protection from receiving the vaccine (which would mean less transmission) are likely not protected. So the flu is more in circulation I guess.

Lydia is now taking a vitamin and she's eating a couple of oranges every day. Hopefully that will help.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T08:44:00.002-05:00

Lydia has been crazy lately! I don't know what's up with her...if it's her age or a stage or something else. There have been a few changes that may have something to do with her behavior, but I don't konw. For one, I'm trying actively to wean her during the day. She is nursing still before napping and before bed and during the night. She also wants to nurse first thing in the morning and periodically during the day.. esp if she's tired or ill. I'm trying to cut out all nursing this week, except at nap/bedtime. We'll work on those after the other sessions are over. She drinks whole milk and eats ok, but I feel like it's time to wean now. Anyway, I wonder if she's wild partially because of weaning. She's been extra clingy and I wonder if that's also part of weaning.
She also has been staying with Frank more during the week. I go to classes three days out of the week and she's with Frank during those hours. That's a bit different for her, as well.
Anyway, hope this improves! She's making me nuts. Oh, I also suspect she may be teething, too.

On a different, but maybe similar note, I'm pregnant.
I feel funny typing that as Frank and I have not told anyone yet. I'm only like 4 weeks along, so we're going to wait until the end of April to tell friends and family.

Lydia talks...

2008-02-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

Ok, so my little girl is getting with it in regards to her vocab. She's saying about two new words a day now... it's so awesome. I praise God for a bright, healthy child!

Here's her vocab list in order of what she's said (and understands):

Daddy
Bye Bye
Hi
Hey
Ma
Daisy (dogs name)
Dog ("Daw")
Baby
Eye
Bear ("Beah")
Duck ("Duh")
Light ("ight")
Ball
Book ("Bbbb..kk")
Puppy dog (crystal clear!)
Apple
Outside
Orange
Mommy! (she said this yesterday..finally!!!)

She understands quite a few commands and many other words, as well.
Amazing how smart babies are!

2008-01-27T19:52:00.000-05:00

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new.
However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like.
You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation.
You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

Class Time

2008-01-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

Well, once again I'm going to attempt to take some classes here at Southern. I didn't take courses in the MA program or SWI last semester, but I'm planning to do both this semester. I am taking a class on the SBC and Playing Hymns (SWI) and Essentials of the Biblical Counselor and a communication class (MA). Hopefully I'll be able to manage the work with Lydia.

sickness all around

2007-12-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

I think it started Wednesday when we visited a church here in Louisville. I took Lydia to the nursery (and stayed in there with her), where there were around 8 kids (1-2 year olds). Several of these kids had bad runny noses and coughs. I sanitized my hands several times, as well as Lydia's. I tried to guard her again putting anything in her mouth, but she's 13 months... oral stage.
So yesterday evening she had a little bit of a runny nose. She went to bed around 8pm, then was screaming out at 10pm... she yelled every 20 minutes until 1am. I gave her Benadryl and Motrin at midnight, but it didn't do much good. She just couldn't breathe! Around 4am I gave her some nose drops. It was a terrible night for all of us, especially her.
I have a scratchy throat and feel a bit lousy myself, but Lydia is just pitiful. Since we got up, she's been clingy and in my lap mostly. She's sneezed 3 or 4 times, sending COPIOUS amounts of thick snot everywhere! Man, I hate snot. It only makes me feel sick if it's someone else's... mine and Lydia's doesn't bother me. But I can't let her nose remain snotty for a second. In the last hour I've wiped her nose ten times and suctioned three times. Now her little nose it turning red.
:(
Anyway, I pray my baby is better by Monday.

Conversion to Wordpress

2007-12-05T09:49:00.001-05:00

Sometime back we started a "family blog" at wordpress...
melton.wordpress.com
but since starting the blog, we really haven't done much with it. I always blog on here (when I have time) and Frankie never has time to blog anywhere. Well, he could have time, I think he just hasn't gotten into the blogging thing. He reads plenty of blogs, but that's about it.
Anyway, I thought I'd attempt to switch to wordpress once more, since they have more features and all that.

5th of December...

2007-12-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

I haven't had a chance to blog lately because we were in SC to visit family. We actually stayed a lot longer than we originally planned. We had planned to come back to Louisville for Thanksgiving, but Lydia was sick and we didn't really want to travel with a sick baby. Instead we just stayed through Thanksgiving week. The following weekend we intended to come home, but then Frankie was sick and hadn't been sleeping well. He really didn't want to drive 11 hours with Lydia when he felt so lousy, so we stayed a few more days! Needless to say, it was a long month in SC and I'm glad to be back in KY!
Lydia is now almost 13 months old! She is so fun and each day is more fun than the last with her. Yesterday we had her pictures taken... a combo of Christmas pics and one year pics. She did fantastic. Each pic was gorgeous, so we really spent a fortune on pictures. It could not be helped though.
Frankie has been talking to a couple of churches...one in SC and one in NC. They both have expressed interest, but he is leaning toward staying here for awhile longer...to work on his dissertation and all that.

Tuesday morning

2007-10-30T09:32:00.000-04:00

Well, the weather has abruptly turned cold around here! I love it, especially since Lydia has several precious fall/winter outfits. I didn't realize just how much fun it would be to dress a little girl. I grew up a tomboy (as an only child, my dad missed having a son, so in many ways he treated me like a son). I've never been much into frills and "girly" things, so I sort of rolled my eyes (to myself) when people talked about the fun of dressing little girls. I've caught some criticism from family and friends for never having put a bow in Lydia's hair. I think bows/headbands on baby's are silly (and likely uncomfortable). Last winter Lydia never wore a dress, which also had people talking. My rationale was that she was only an infant/newborn and sleepers made more sense to me than frilly, poofy dresses. I do hate poofy dresses. Almost as much as a headband on a baby. Anyway, when Lydia started walking something changed. I guess because she's bigger, more mobile and a toddler...I just started looking beyond just comfort for her. So last Sunday she wore the most adorable brown tweed jumper dress (with small pink satin bow), with matching long-sleeved cream shirt, matching tweed pageboy hat, cream tights and brown shoes. She was gorgeous. Of all times not to have a camera. UGH.
My Sony Cybershot died about two weeks ago...I'm going through terribly withdrawals! Lydia's birthday is quickly approaching, so yesterday I caved in an bought a new camera... a Canon Powershot. I hope it is a good camera and that it arrives before my baby's first birthday!
One more tidbit, Lydia has definitely mastered the sign for "milk." It is so amazing!! I'm in love with signing! (Granted, it's only one sign she knows, but still). I mean, what a way to communicate with your baby...preventing a meltdown (from either party)that is due to not being able to explain or understand the baby's wants. It's awesome. She wobbles over to me and signs "milk" and yells. I ask, "You want milk?" (Signing "milk" as well as saying it) She just goes wild flailing and smilking and signing it harder! It's so great. I don't know what to work on next. I'm getting a late start with this since it's recommended to start as early as 6 months, but it's still exciting to watch her learn and communicate.

Discipline

2007-10-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Wow, so much to say in such a short amount of time. I guess this is prompted by Mary's site and the comments someone posted attacking her and her friends, specifically those related to spanking your children.
Before our daughter was born, I read To Train up a Child by the Pearl's. I also read some of Dr. Sears' material and Tedd Tripp's Shepherding a Child's Heart. I was certain we should and would spank Lydia as a form of discipline to use during her early years (before other means of discipline could be used). (Somewhere around 1-3 years. Definitely no older than 4 or 5. Especially when she may be heading for something that could cause her harm. Well, our baby came along and she's now 11 months and has never been spanked/popped/swatted/thumped/hit in any way. We have instead told her "No" and removed her from whatever we did not want her into or removed whatever item she had or wanted. That has worked fine so far, but the problem I have is that she is getting older and definitely understands that she is not to pull the phone off the table or play in the electical outlet. Before she does either she will look at us and smile and jabber. If we say "No" she will either whine or get really excited and flail her arms around. Either way, she reaches for the outlet or phone, looking at us the entire time. So we rush down the hall and a battle ensues. We drag her away as she screams and usually try to distract her with another toy. That used to take a matter of seconds. Now, it's a longer, more difficult process. I don't mind difficult parenting. I expect it. I am ok with work when it comes to our daughter. What I worry about, however, is that she is not really learning things are out of bounds. When she doesn't see us, she goes for the outlet or phone. I have recently talked to a professor at seminary, where spanking is totally advocated. He said it was unbiblical and impossible not to spank. I had never heard it put that strongly before. Whereas I might could be swayed in this issue, my husband is completely against spanking her. Last night we discussed it at length. He said he thought that if we simply say "No" in a firm tone and remove the item or her, she will learn and we won't have to hit her. He tested his theory when she wanted to put her hands in his chili last night. After 5 times, he laughed and moved his bowl. He ate later. I would not mind rearranging my life for our daughter, but what is all this teaching her. I suspect she is getting spoiled and beginning to think everything revolves around her. That may not be so bad in itself, but how does that play out spiritually?? Are we hurting her future relationship with the Lord in any way? My husband also only has about an hour or two a day with her, so he doesn't think it's a big deal. He is swamped with schoolwork and really doesn't have time for much reading on the subject. I wonder if we continue at this pace and then decide to spank when she's a year and a half, if it'll be twice as hard or not? Or if we don't spank at all, then when she's old enough, use time-outs, revoking privileges, etc. if that will be sufficient.

Already Friday

2007-10-12T11:44:00.000-04:00

Frankie's been preaching a revival since Wednesday night (it continues tonight and Saturday night). It's about an hour away so we've been having to get ready early, so I've been busy with that and unable to post (in addition to the usual daily routines).
Lydia is walking quite a bit. Well, that may be inaccurate. She's taking several steps here and there, throughout the day. She's so fun! She has a stuffed Shrek and she totally loves him for some reason. Periodically she'll just toddle over and give him a hug and kiss. It's so cute.
It's still so hard to believe she'll be 1 in less than a month! I still have so much preparation to do for her birthday parties. To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to that anymore. So much work! We have to travel 11 hours on Friday and then prepare for her b-day party on Saturday at my parents and then on Sunday at Frankie's sister's house. I have all the decorations here in Louisville, as well as cookie cutters, cake pans, etc (for each theme) so nothing can be done at either place until we arrive. (Which translates to me doing all the work.) I was excited about the doing and planning but getting it all finished from Friday to Saturday/Sunday is a little overwhelming.

Tues AM

2007-10-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

Ok, so more on the events of yesterday. I went to the seminary clinic to have this mass checked out. The doctor there is a retired OBGYN (though not an old man, he now works at the seminary as a professor). Anyway, he tried to check out the lump with an ultrasound but it was the kind for pregnant women, so he couldn't tell anything. He said he thought it was just fluid filled (clogged milk duct), so he attempted to drain it by inserting a big needle. Afterwards, he said it didn't feel fluid filled when he stuck it. He gave orders to go to have a sonogram to tell if it's fluid or not. If not, they'll do a biopsy or just remove it.
The sonogram is at 1pm today.

I'm trying to teach Lydia sign language. The site/book I consulted to do this, said to teach 1 sign at a time. They suggest not introducing another sign until the baby does that first sign. I started with milk not quite a week ago. I would ask Lydia if she wanted "milk" then I'd do the sign. When I went to nurse her, I would again say "milk" and do the sign. Now she definitely knows both the sign and the word... when I do either, she turns toward the breast and pulls at my shirt. The problem is she doesn't yet "ask" for milk by signing. I guess I should wait for her to do this before doing something new.

Last Saturday night Lydia walked 17 steps across the bedroom floor! She's never walked so much. The most she has done was 3 steps. Then Sunday she took about 5 or 6 at a time. Yesterday was the same, 5 or 6 at a time, then she'd drop to the floor and crawl. Since Saturday I can definitely tell she's attempting to walk more.
She also is getting her two top teeth! She is going to look so odd with front teeth!

Monday

2007-10-08T11:11:00.000-04:00

Friday night we put the crib matress in the floor by our bed and surrounded it with blankets and pillows in an attempt to get Lydia out of our bed. It worked for about 5 hours. I went to bed before Frankie and with Lydia on the floor (that sounds bad), I stretched out in the middle of the bed. For at least the last year I have been sleeping on my side (first due to pregnancy and second due to Lydia being our bed and leaving me with little room and she nurses all night). So Friday night I rolled to my stomach, eager to stretch out in my favorite position! As I did this, I had a sharp pain under my left breast, forcing me to return a supine position. I felt under my breast and there was a big lump (like 2.5 inches long!). It was very tender and I immediately got up to tell Frankie. He could likewise feel lump and there was a moment where we were both quiet, each considering various dire possibilites and outcomes. Then he deduced it was likely nothing... aren't lumps in breasts common? (Yes, but this is like a mass and it's painful). So I went back to bed. I immediately began considering cancer... chemo... death... Lydia growing up with a mom. Tears streamed. I prayed, put the thoughts out of my mind and went to sleep. Sunday was a good day, but as the night came, I again found myself worrying about the possibilities of cancer. Logically, I knew even if I was going to worry, it seemed very premature to begin! But worry itself just compounds and intensifies with children. If it was just me and Frankie, I'd not be so worried. But factor an 11 month old into things and my anxiety levels just fly through the roof at any little thing.
Today I was reprimanded and encouragement.
A few weeks ago I attended a meeting where the seminary president's wife, Mary Mohler, spoke about anxiety and worry. She pointed out that worry is the opposite of faith. She quoted C. Swindoll as saying something along the lines of worry being, "...the painful uneasiness of the mind that feeds on fears." This morning I reread some of the verses Mrs. Mohler gave that night:
Matt 6:25-34
Phil 4:6
I Peter 5:6
Ps 55:22
Luke 10:38-42
II Cor 10:3-5
Hab 3:17-19
Daniel 3:16-18

... more later... Lydia is wild! SHE IS 11 MONTHS TODAY! Growing sooo fast!

Friday Friday

2007-10-05T08:53:00.000-04:00

There are several (somewhat random) things I'd like to blog about this morning (if I can do it before Lydia gets annoyed that I'm on the computer). First of all, regarding Lydia, I feel like since she's been sick she's regressed some. She didn't eat solids at all this week, but instead nursed like a newborn! The pediatrician said that was fine and she'd get all she needed like that. I hope he's right. Also, she hasn't babbled/talked, walked or played much. I know she just hasn't felt like it...the poor thing has been miserable. I guess she's 'catch up' and pick back up where she left off when she's back to normal. I'll just be glad when she's back to her demanding self.

Second, I had a thought yesterday. Frankie has gotten several responses from churches to the resumes he sent out a few months ago. In the process, he has actually been calling former pastors of the potential churches to get more information and learn more about the church. He had pretty much eliminated one particular church, but then after talking to the former pastors, he felt even more confident that this was not the church for us. So as he was on the phone with one of the former pastors and I was walking down the hallway, I happened to consider this: people interview former employers, interview potential physicians (we 'interviewed' pediatricians), former pastors when considering a church, teachers and schools.. but what about in the dating/courting/marriage process? We might 'interview' the candidate, but what about their past relationships. I think in a lot of circumstances, it would help. (Though not me, since Frankie didn't date).

Lydia's antsy... all I have time for! More later

Midweek

2007-10-03T12:44:00.000-04:00

My apartment is a wreck and my Lydia is still sick. I have dirty dishes from Monday still in the sink, I'm ashamed to admit. Lydia will not be put down for any length of time and she awakens if I try to move from her side while she's asleep. (She's in my lap, which is the only way I'm able to blog).
Today she has a rash on her torso and I'm afraid she has strep. They did a quick strep test at the ped. office on Monday, but sometimes they give a false negative. She may have to be retested, or a culture sent off. She is so pitiful. I hate her being sick.
I'm sure our neighbors equally hate it, as she's been crying (loudly) quite a lot.

Schedule Addition

2007-09-30T15:56:00.001-04:00

I thought I'd add a few things to my 'schedule' that I posted a couple of days ago. First of all, I am trying to establish a routine that will work for and benefit all three of us. I have started trying to prepare on Saturday for Sunday (something Frankie has asked me to do for 2 years!). Here are the few things I'm trying:

Bathe Lydia
(all the kids we have will get baths on Sat night to make Sun am easier)

Prepare diaper bag (I end up forgetting items if I don't, which is a big deal
when church is an hour away and you're there all day)

Lay out my clothes and Lydia's clothes (including everything, esp shoes!
In fall/winter, make sure tights/hose are hole/run free!)

Put breakfast items on table (coffee mugs, cereal, bowls, etc.)

Set and double check alarms

Lay out Bible's, notebooks, pens, etc.

Iron anything that needs it.

Pray for the Lord's Day.

Our goal for Sunday is for it to go as smooth and stress-free as possible, freeing our minds and hearts to focus entire on worshiping the Lord.

Sunday afternoon

2007-09-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

today was a bit different as far as our sunday goes. usually we all go to munfordville, but lydia has been sick this week so she and i went to southeast christian church this morning. she has been so pitiful. it started with nasal congestion last saturday and then friday night she started having a fever. saturday i took her to ped. and he said it was viral (cbc indicated wbc's were a little low). last night, however, her temp got up to 103.5 rectally. i freaked. big time! she could totally seize with that temp! but she didn't...she was ok. now we're just rotating with motrin & tylenol and praying a lot! she seems to feel ok. she's a little whiny and clingy, but overall seems ok.

Over it...

2007-09-28T22:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm not going to post for awhile about the headlines. It's depressing and can become an obsession. I'm finding myself hesitant to smile at men that speak to Lydia or smile at her. I don't think I've been overcome by a spirit of fear and I don't worry about this issue (most of the time) but clearly Lydia's life, as my own, is completely in God's hands. He holds her future.
So anyway, I've been overtaken by two new things. I'm very excited about these projects and am eager to post about it.
First, two weeks ago I started a sewing class. It's free here at the seminary and it awesome. I wish I'd have known about this two years ago!! We meet once a week for an hour and a half and in just two weeks I've made a bag/purse! I'll post a pic later. I was very excited about this amd am eager to start on my next project... a dress for Lydia! What fun! I think I'm going to attempt to make her a pillowcase dress. I recently saw one on Ebay and think they look reasonably easy to make (and cheap)! (Although Frankie doused my excitement by saying, "Looks like that kid's wearing a pillowcase to me.") [Sigh}.
The second thing I've been eagerly reading about and attempting is scheduling my cleaning time. I have read many blogs lately from homeschoolers that lay out their time and schedules for cleaning certain rooms. One blog in particular described how to get rid of excess! And become organized!! (Something we desperately need!) I told Frankie about it and tried to get him motivated to get rid of his piles of clothes that he cannot and will not wear. The task failed; he is such a packrat! I, however, cleaned my closet last week and have two bags of clothes to give away. Very exciting. I also packed up two bags of maternity clothes that were crowding my closet. My child's almost a year old and I still hadn't bagged up maternity things...long overdue. I also organized Lydia's clothes for the fall/winter. Our space here is very limited and therefore very crowded/packed/stuffed...we have junk everywhere. I'm resolved to at least clear away much of my own junk to free space and clutter.
I also have started doing specific chores on specific days. I have tried this before, but it didn't last, so I'm trying again. Here's some of the schedule:

Monday I get groceries, clean fridge, clean kitchen cabinets, stove, microwave
Tuesday is laundry day (If we had a washer/dryer I'd do this daily but because of the laundry room/basement, it isn't convenient to wash daily).
Wednesday I mop kitchen and dust.
Thursday I clean the bathroom: including scrubbing shower, tub, toilet & sink and mopping floor
On Friday we usually get out of the apartment, but I do laundry Friday night and/or Saturday morning.
Saturday I clean our bedroom and the study.
Each day or every other day I vaccuum and lysol floors (because Lydia is crawling everywhere).

I'm attempting to plan our meals for each week (doing this for two weeks now) and we are saving money! We have not been out to eat nearly as much as usual, which I love!

2007-09-28T22:38:00.000-04:00

Previous news article update:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070928/ap_on_re_us/
girl_hanged;_ylt=AkF5WLPH8955MlBGqUo.YRhH2ocA

Neighbor charged in hanging of girl, 6

An apparent stranger to a 6-year-old found hanged in her family's garage was charged with sexual assault and capital murder, authorities said Friday, freshly jolting a community that had been told the main suspect knew the girl.
Police said Arender lived less than a mile from the Macks' rural home, which is hidden among a web of dirt roads about 65 miles south of Dallas. The girl's family members said Arender did not appear to have had any connection to her.
Family members have said Dana Mack last saw the youngest of her three daughters sleeping on the couch around 1 a.m. She discovered Hanna's body hanging from the garage rafters hours later, when she was supposed to have been getting ready for school. According to the arrest affidavit, the girl died "by asphyxiation by a manner and means unknown." The girl's body was nude from the waist down when police arrived. Among several items reported missing from the home was a pendant necklace that Dana Mack said Hanna always wore.

Tuesdays News

2007-09-25T20:11:00.000-04:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,298016,00.html
Nevada Authorities Search for Girl, Man in Explicit Sex Tape

check out the above web address. authorities are releasing these pics in hopes to find this little girl and her rapist.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297972,00.html
Teacher Charged With Having Sex With Teen Aide

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297957,00.html
Indiana Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing 4 Children

Just a few hours since my last post, there's even more...

2007-09-21T08:12:00.000-04:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297537,00.html
Award-Winning Teacher Guilty of Sexually Abusing 11 Students

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297535,00.html
Confessed Rapist Castrated to Avoid Life Sentence
I personally approve of this option. I think it should be madatory for child rapists, molestors, abusers, etc. I think they should get life in prison in addition.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297471,00.html
Prosecutor Accused of Sex Attempt With 5-Year-Old Tries to Kill Himself
[Atchison, the accused, of Gulf Breeze, Fla., is an assistant U.S. attorney in northern Florida, based in Pensacola. He also is president of a youth sports association in his hometown. Atchison, a married father of three, is president of the Gulf Breeze Sports Association. The group runs youth baseball, softball, cheer leading, soccer, football and basketball programs.]

Overwhelmed with the world...

2007-09-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297362,00.html
Man Gets 421 Years in Prison After Admitting to Raping Teen

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297352,00.html
Seven Disabled People, Including 5 Children, Imprisoned in Pa. Horror House

I'll go ahead and post some of this article here:
"HARRISBURG, Pa. — Five children and two disabled women were locked in a basement cell, fed meager food and rarely allowed to bathe, by a couple facing criminal charges over their care, authorities said...couple were paid $9,000 a month to care for the seven. The unlit 4-foot-by-5-foot cinderblock cell was called the "toy room"...One of two 14-year-old boys spent more than 20 hours a day there, sleeping on a concrete floor with only a blanket...the boys, two of whom have disabilities, were adopted by James and Stephanie Dickinson starting in 1998. The boys ranged in age from 6 to 15. Breakfast for the seven consisted of peanut butter sandwiches and dinner was a crock pot meal prepared by Stephanie Dickinson, including a dish known as "doggie dew stew." Only two of the victims were allowed to shower about once every week or two. The others would wash or be washed in the basement sink.
The seven victims had unsupervised access to prescription medications and rat poison, and one of the older children was forced to empty the basement's portable toilet daily by hauling a bucket upstairs, according to the affidavit. The Dickinsons' house rules kept the seven from the basement refrigerator without permission, required them to drink water from the sink, limited radio and television to Christian stations, banned going outside without permission and punished noisemaking with spankings using a spatula or wooden paddle, police said. In general, they were not allowed upstairs."

More saddness...
All Charges Dropped Against Maryland Mom Who Had Fetuses Buried on Property
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297383,00.html

A quote from this article:
"Maryland law expressly protects women who abort their own unborn children from criminal prosecution. It was not clear whether it was a crime to keep human remains of miscarried children. When asked if the couple was considering filing any lawsuits, Godman replied, "Multiple. Somebody is paying for the destruction done to my property, the destruction done to my house, the destruction done to my business and it rests solely on the police department. We're getting offers (from lawyers), and we're going to get the best."
If you don't remember this case, the overview is:
The case began when Freeman, a 37-year-old taxi driver and mother of four living children, went to the hospital in July after giving birth. Police searched of Freeman's home for the baby, and investigators found a recently deceased fetus under the bathroom sink. They also found three more sets of older human remains, two in a trunk in the living room and one in a Winnebago parked outside. After an initial exam showed the recent fetus was born dead, prosecutors dismissed murder charges against Freeman, but charged her with killing one of the children found in the trunk. That charge accused her of giving birth to twins on the toilet in 2004 and allowing one of them to die. That was the charge dismissed Wednesday.

Cool Give-away

2007-09-14T22:56:00.000-04:00

http://ooohpickmepickme.blogspot.com/2007/09/im-baby-wearin-mama.html

Check out this blog and enter to win a free sling or pouch from Rockin' Baby Shop

Thursday

2007-09-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

Obviously, my time spent on the computer has been very limited lately. Lydia Catherine is just over 10 months and is into everything! We are still completley enamored with our little one and are currently considering beginning to try for another baby. Frankie will finish his coursework in late November...praise the Lord. He has been talking to churches lately, but nothing has become definite so far. I have often posted links to news articles dealing with the horrors our children face in today's society. I think I'll post more this morning. These are depressing and beyond sad, but I think necessary to read. My husband avoids these headlines, but I prefer to know just how bad our world is getting.
Parents, keep your children close to you!
Sorry, but to read you have to copy & paste web addresses

Cops: Texas Girl, 6, Found Hanged in Garage Was Sexually Abused
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296585,00.html

Fifth-Graders Mistakenly Shown Part of Porn Movie
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296573,00.html

Man Convicted In Beheading of 3 Children Freed By Texas Court
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296612,00.html

Kiddie Porn Movie Rocks Toronto as 'Feel-Awful' Film of the Year
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296376,00.html

September already

2007-09-03T20:34:00.000-04:00

It's been just over two months since I last posted! So much has been going on. July was busy, and at the end of July my mom had open back surgery. We packed up and went to help her and ended up staying a full month! (Frankie came back just a few days before we did to start classes). I was so busy with chasing Lydia and cooking and cleaning and taking care of my mom that I barely had time to check my email. Although I confess, I had a fling with Ebay that lasted about 4 days! Addictive.
Anyway, Lydia Catherine is now five days shy of 10 months! UNREAL. We're in the midst of planning her 1 year b-day parties...she'll have one with just us and one at each grandparents house in SC.
Hopefully I can resume blogging since we're back in our Louisville routine.

Sunday

2007-07-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

I've started posting at an additional blogger site. Just some thoughts on Scripture, personal struggles, etc. at
http://morningmeditations.blogspot.com/
Frankie has gone to KY to preach today and will return tonight...well, early tomorrow. Lydia and I are still at my parents. We have had a good visit. I'm thankful my parents have been able to spend a lot of time with her. She is crawling around like crazy and pulling up to stand. She is so big! She is so amazing and fun! It gets better each day!
When Frankie returns tonight (likely around 3am) we will go to the beach to spend a few days with his sister. They have rented a house for a week and we'll get to enjo that a little while before heading back to KY.

Summer

2007-06-21T09:44:00.000-04:00

Whew...I thought I would never get back here! We have had an extremely busy schedule lately and the last month has flown by! It began with classes ending for the semester. As soon as we were finished, we had a revival at our church. The next week we came to SC for Frankie to preach a revival. We spent a few days with family, then returned to KY to be at church for VBS. (Lydia's first VBS even though she had no idea what was going on). After VBS, we went to San Antonio, TX for the Southern Baptist Convention. A long, hot trip (especially with an infant). We returned Saturay morning at 1am. We went to church on Sunday then left at 9pm on Sunday night for SC. We spent the night in TN, and arrived in SC Monday afternoon. My mom had a procedure done on Tuesday in preparation for back surgery on three ruptured discs.
Sooo, that's been the last month. Very busy, but fun.
Lydia is growing like a weed! I'll post more pics of her soon.

8 Random Things

2007-05-14T13:35:00.000-04:00

8 random things
Mary tagged me for 8 Random Things, so here goes:

First, these are the rules:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

My eight random facts:

1. Early in marriage, I accidentally washed and dried my husband's favorite suit (just the pants). I realized what I'd done and hid them at the back of the closet and never confessed.

2. Shortly after giving birth, I counted how long we needed to wait before I could (safely) get pregnant again. (6-9 mos = May-August)

3. I make several "to do" lists each week and sometimes add things to the list that I have already completed just to mark them off.

4. I didn't want to name Lydia Lydia.

5. In the fifth grade, my class was watching a movie. I saw two of my friends go back to the teacher's desk to sit on the floor beside her...she was giving them M&Ms. I got up and went to join the group and was quickly asked what I thought I was doing and told to go back to my seat. Ms. Greene. Hateful thing.

6. I always got a C in "conduct" in grade school. Every teacher would write, "Amy continues to talk in class" or "Amy is a wonderful student, but will not stop talking."

7. I wish that I came from a large family.

8. I find myself more in love with my husband since having Lydia.

week

2007-04-19T08:40:00.000-04:00

This week has flown by so far, as did last week! We didn't have classes last week, but were still busy with papers all week! Also it was cold, so we were mostly at the apartment each day. Thankfully, this week has been a little warmer...I hope it will continue.
Sunday we had a near incident I will write about. Before Lydia Catherine was born, I was VERY concerned about people wanting to hold her without washing their hands and related cleanliness issues. Our Pediatrician suggested no one hold her without washing their hands for the first two-three months, at least because of the season and sickness of people during the winter months. Since Frankie is a pastor, we knew it would be impossible for me to avoid church for two months. We did well, though, and the baby didn't make an appearance for several weeks. The first week, one person did ask to hold her, and I managed not to offer hand sanitizer. In December, when we went home, I managed to let people hold her and thankfully family members that were sick didn't ask to hold her. Well, now she's five months, and I have relaxed almost entirely. It's spring and she's older and her immune system is developing...she's healthy, praise God. I thought all these anxieties were behind me. I was wrong. New issue. Food. Lydia has been exclusively breastfed and I gave her rice cereal at 4 1/2 months. She didn't tolerate it very well, so I waited a couple of weeks before trying again. She's now 5 months and just over a week and still only has about a tbsp of cereal each day. She has tasted bananas and sweet potatoes, but her feeding schedule is sporadic and we're still getting used to solids. OK, so older generations think your baby is hungry if she isn't eating at 3-4 months. One lady in the church told me her kids ate gravy at two months and are fine and healthy now. Another lady suggest Lydia wasn't getting all she needs from my breastmilk and that's why she cries. Yet a third said she should be eating what we eat from the table...just mashed up. So Sunday we visit some people. And the subject of food comes up. So the lady asks me if Lydia can have pudding. I say, "Well, not yet...maybe soon though." Diabetes and obesity are rampant in Frankie's family, as is hypertension. In addition, I have very soft teeth that are prone to cavities (if I just look at sweets). With all these factors, Frankie and I have decided to be very intentional about what we feed Lydia. Pudding is out, especially at this age. So I think it's settled. I then tell the well-meaning lady that Lydia is just eating baby cereal and a couple of bites of baby food. Moments later, as I'm walking to the bathroom with the baby, the lady is cutting some cake in the kitchen. She stops us and talks to Lydia, then takes her finger and runs it along the side of the cake, scooping up icing. She offers it to Lydia! I freaked, and backed up. The lady only stepped forward! Before I could protest, she just wiped the icing (a huge gob!) across Lydia's lips! Lydia had a confused look, and didn't even open her mouth. I practically ran to the bathroom and washed her face. She never even tasted it, praise God.
Maybe it's because I'm a new mom and maybe I overreacted. I didn't say anything negative to the lady and I don't think she picked up on my reaction to the situation. I just worry how it will be handled again if we visit there.

2007-04-19T08:38:00.000-04:00

Modesty

2007-04-11T16:15:00.000-04:00

I'm currently writing a paper for my Gender, Marriage & Sexuality class about modesty. I checked several books out about the subject, to gather sources, without really intending to read every page of every book. A Return to Modesty by Wendy Shalit, however, has put my writing on hold. I'm in the process of reading every page and I must say it is an awesome book!

Tuesday

2007-04-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday went well. Frankie & I had to get up around 4:15 am and we mostly dressed in the dark, whispering and tiptoeing around to try not to awaken Lydia Catherine. Around 5:30 am we left. I wrapped Lydia up in several blankets with her sleeping gown on, and she briefly woke up, then slept most of the way to Munfordville. At church, she slowly woke up and I changed her diaper, but I left her gown on her for the sunrise service. She was so sleepy and I just hated to bother her with changing her clothes and all that. I'm sure many people wondered why my baby had a gown on with her hair a mess.
Before the 11 am service, however, I changed her clothes and managed to comb her hair. She was very good Sunday, especially considering the change in her normal routine.
She is such a good baby! I love her so much! I do think she is a little spoiled. I'm trying to not hold her quite as much during the day...though it's very difficult. Her normal routine is: awake around 8am, lays in the bed and plays for about 20-30 minutes. I change her, carry her into the living room. We sit on the couch and I talk to her about ten minutes. We go to computer and email or blog, read, and talk (30 minutes-45 minutes). (During this time, she's in my lap). Then we make our way to the kitchen. She sits in the bouncy chair while I prepare for lunch and clean. Then it's back to couch and we listen to music and play and read. She sits in her bouncy chair in the bathroom while I shower. It's to the point now that I have to partially have the curtain open so she can see me, or she cries. I dress, then dress her. If I have to vaccuum or dust or do laundry, I hold her while I do these things. Occasionally I can put her on the floor and fold laundry right beside her. During lunch, she's in my lap or Frankie's lap. After lunch if she naps, I have to lay down with her on the bed. We've gotten into this routine over the last two weeks. She won't nap unless I lay with her. After she falls asleep, I sneak out of the room (same process at night). On an average 12 hour day, she's not in my/our arms about 3-6 hours (depending on if she naps or not). She's not in our site only when she naps. I think this pattern has made her way to accustomed to being near/with us constantly. I wonder if this is going to make it more difficult on her when she gets older. I do think her skills are developing rapidly and I know some of that can be attributed to constant interaction. I have recently begun to have concerns that she wasn't laying down enough awake to develop her muscles, but she can roll over, lift up on her arms and she's trying desperately to sit up. Once we sit her up, she can balance herself with her arms. I think she's on schedule as far as that goes.
I just ADORE her and PRAISE God for HER! She's such an awesome blessing!
I was just reading Mary's blog http://homesteepedhope.com/2007/04/09/a-little-girl-is-born/ where she talks about her parents and mentions the death of her brother at 6 years of age. I pray for Lydia every night and thank God for her each morning, but I pray that if, in His sovereignty, He takes her, we will still praise Him.

What he forgot to tell me about being a pastor's wife

2007-04-04T21:45:00.000-04:00

This is a little facetious...a bit tongue-in-cheek. But as Frankie says, there's a bit of truth in every joke.
Before marriage, there were many discussions about me being a pastor's wife. Frankie was very concerned with whether or not I'd make a "good" pastor's wife. I was eager to marry him and so busy answering questions that I forgot to ask my own questions! It's much too late now. After 23 months of marriage, I now know many questions I would have asked and many things I'd have liked to have known. Many of these things would apply to anyone...not just pastors. I'd have like to have known:

- his family.
- sometimes you have to eat at places and with people that are not at your standard
of cleanliness.
- holiday's may have to be spent without extended family. (depending on school &
location).
- poverty may be our way of life. possibly for a season, possibly for a lifetime.
- there are expectations not only from church members, but from neighbors,
friends, & family.
- sometimes you must wait in the car for over an hour after church.
- the average person does not understand a pastor's life.

Monday

2007-04-02T07:55:00.000-04:00

Lydia was so cute in her first dress/Easter dress. She's not worn a dress before, so everyone commented that she was so cute. Unfortunately, altho the dress is size 6 mos and she's almost 5 mos, the sleeves are a bit snug. She won't get much wear out of it. Hopefully I can find someone to resew it with added room or something. She only had the dress on about two hours and I didn't get a picture of it. :( I guess I'll have to dress her again just for a pic. Ugh.

Speaking of sewing, I'm going to start taking sewing classes on Monday evenings. It's free here at the Seminary! Woohoo. I'm excited about the thought of eventually making Lydia's clothes. How cool.

Easter Dress

2007-03-30T08:36:00.000-04:00

I bought Lydia Catherine an Easter dress from Ebay. Maybe it's a bit sad that her "first" Easter dress is a used dress ordered online, but it's what I wanted. I just hope it's going to be warm enough for her to wear it.
I love "old-fashioned" baby clothes...like simple cotten dresses that are hand-stitched. The dress I bought is a light green simple, cotten dress that will come beyond her knees. It is hand-stitched and so dainty! I love it. Best, it was $5.00! Hoorah!
I cringe at all the frilly, big, stiff "church dresses" that are made for infants. I just do not like the look, but more important they just seem so uncomfortable! I don't want to dress Lydia in something that feels like sandpaper on her delicate skin.
While on dislikes, I also intensely dislike headbands on little baby girls. They always leave an elastic mark around the head. And they seem so uncomfortable! As soon as I found out I was having a girl, I informed Frankie that she wouldn't wear headbands or bows (if she had hair) until she was old enough to let me know if it hurts! Well, Lydia Catherine was born with a headfull of hair and immediately many family members wanted to put bows and clips and headbands on her. Frankie graciously took the blame and told everyone he didn't like that. Now, they all lament to me that they know I wish I could put bows in her hair...it's too bad Frankie is so against bows and clips. One day I'll confess it's me that dislikes them (on infants).

Time

2007-03-28T08:27:00.000-04:00

Having a few thoughts I wanted to share this morning.
Since Lydia Catherine was born, my daily routine of getting up, having coffee and quiet time with the Lord, then checking email, etc. has been changed...tremendously. I'm lucky to get coffee, and my daily devotion has been sporadic. Frankie and I also got really slack in doing a family devotion together. This week, however, we've scheduled our devotion time right before the baby goes to bed. It's a good "down time" for her and hopefully she'll start relating that time to going to bed...a tradition we can continue as she gets older. So Frankie and I are reading through Ephesians. He reads the first chapter aloud, then I read the first chapter aloud. We spend ten days on each chapter. We've only done this type of devotion through one entire book (Ruth) but after we finished, we felt we were really familiar with the book.
As for my own personal time with God, I've started getting up before Lydia to do that. The only problem is that sometimes when I get up she wakes up. I really want to do my devotions in the morning. Anyone have suggestions?
~~~~~
I recently got in contact with a friend from high school. Her dad passed away last Monday and it was such a reminder of how brief life on earth is.
Job 14: Man, who is born of woman,
Is short-lived and full of turmoil.
Like a flower he comes forth and withers
He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.
You also open Your eyes on him
And bring him into judgment with Yourself.
Who can make the clean out of the unclean?
No one!
Since his days are determined,
The number of his months is with You;
And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass.
~~~~~
Lydia is loving this weather! (70's-80's) I'm loving it, too! We've been strolling every day!

2007-03-25T21:16:00.000-04:00

Husband started blogging: http://frankmelton.blogspot.com/

Start of the weekend

2007-03-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

Our weekends start on Friday, since that is our "family day." And today is supposed to be 71...WOOHOO I love it! Hopefully it won't rain though.

Mom left yesterday afternoon and drove halfway, got a room and is getting on the road now to finish the trip back home. Her leaving was pretty emotional. She and Lydia Catherine really had fun and enjoyed each other's company. I hate that we aren't closer, but I reminded myself and mom that God could have (and still could) call us to another continent! We're blessed to be able to get home as often as we do. There are missionary families that have never even see their grandparents.
We're blessed.

Lydia Catherine rolled over yesterday! From her back to her stomach then back again. She did it once and I couldn't get her to do it again for anything. Maybe today :)

She is getting so big and doing so much these days!
I love her so much!

More sickness

2007-03-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

Well, my mom's still here and she has been terribly sick all day. She's been very weak and has a fever and has been vomiting. Hopefully no one else will get sick. I feel so bad for her, since her time here is so limited and she's not been able to spend any time with Lydia Catherine today.
On another, more humorous note, Frankie said something very funny recently. The pediatrician told us we could start feeding Lydia rice cereal whenever we wanted to. The other day Frankie asked when I was planning to do that. I told him we'd wait a few days until my mom arrived, so that she could witness that big milestone. Frankie then turned to me, with a curious but serious look and says, "So do we just feed her rice crispy cereal really soggy?" It was hilarious. He thought 'rice cereal' was Kellogg's Rice Crispies cereal. Somewhat logically he reasoned that you'd have to let the cereal get soggy so the baby could eat it.
:)

Saturday morning

2007-03-17T08:11:00.000-04:00

Well, mom arrived Thursday evening and unfortunately Lydia had been very ill because she'd missed her nap and was ready for bed. Also she had a small fever from vaccinations! (Not an ideal time for a new visitor!). She did, however, give mom a big grin immediately. Mom then tried to hold her, but that didn't work at all. We went to bed, then Friday morning mom was able to hold her and play with her quite a bit. Lydia Catherine was really showing off yesterday! She was in the car seat (we were parked so we had unbuckled her) when suddenly she just sat straight up and leaned forward, grabbed her toy then leaned back. Quite a big deal! Then later yesterday she did the same thing while propped on the boppy. She's been struggling to sit up, but she topples over. Yesterday, however, she had mastered balance! At one point yesterday I was playing with her...I'd look away from her, then turn my head toward her really fast and laugh and she'd laugh. After several times, she turned away, then looked back to me really fast. She had caught on to the game! It was awesome! Mom loved being able to witness all those new things!

Something else

2007-03-13T08:33:00.000-04:00

I forgot that I wanted to write about a recent discussion Frankie & I had. I wonder other's opinion on this. Yesterday we took Lydia Catherine for a walk. It was great...lots of fun to get out of the house and take her for another stroll. So as we passed things I would tell her what they were and make comments about them. We passed a soccer field and I said, "That's a soccer field. When you're a big girl you can play soccer if you want to." I started talking to Frankie about sports and I commented that I only would let her play soccer or basketball (softball is too dangerous)..or she could take up running or swimming (they seem very safe). So Frankie responded by saying he didn't really know how he felt about a daughter playing sports. He commented that most (90%) of the girls he knew (high school...college and even as a pastor) that played sports are tomboyish or even very masculine. He said he didn't think it very feminine to play sweaty sports and get all scratched up and beat up. Plus (he threw this in) it's hard on joints and bones...unsafe. I was a little scandalized. I'm all for biblical manhood and womanhood. I loved my class on embracing femininity. I want Lydia to love being a girl. And we will teach her that the husband is the head of the home...he is the leader and wives are to be submissive. We will also teach her husbands are to love their wives as themselves. BUT I was a tomboy! I climbed trees, I had a dirtbike even! I loved sports, but I also loved dancing and piano. I think our children should be allowed to play sports or instruments or anything they are interested in. We can still cultivate and encourage their individual personalities and gender roles. Part of me is very annoyed, but then again, I wonder if it is not culture. I want to say, A girl can do anything a boy can do! But that's not Biblical...it's just cultural...and what I was taught. So should sports be off limits.

2 Days Til Grandma Arrives

2007-03-13T08:13:00.000-04:00

My mom's coming to Louisville on Thursday to visit for a few days. She hasn't seen Lydia Catherine since the beginning of January (when she was 2 months old). I am excited for her to arrive! I just hope the baby cooperates and lets mom hold her and play with her. Otherwise I know she'll be disappointed. Of course, we both realize Lydia definitely has her own personality and there's no telling how she will react to anyone...we never know. To illustrate: A friend of mine comes over every Thursday evening to go to SWI. She has to be somewhat familiar to Lydia by now, but still each week Lydia screams when we start talking. As soon as we stop chatting, she's fine. She just doesn't like me talking to my friend...and she definitely doesn't like to hear my friend talk. My friend and her husband came over one night to have dinner with us and Lydia Catherine screamed uncontrollably(!) the ENTIRE time. When they left, she immediately stopped. It was pretty funny actually. So then last Friday a friend of Frankie's came over. He has never seen Lydia and Frankie and I both braced ourselves, ready to explain that she's not big on strangers. To our absolute amazement she just grinned at Tim and every so often, as he was talking she would just squeal and babble! She just stared at him and was even content a little while in her swing! (Between the three of us).
Also as church in Munfordville she tends to throw a fit if anyone comes too close to her, however, recently at an Asian Buffet, she let an Asian girl hold her! And as the girl was speaking in her quick, Asian language, Lydia actually laughed!
So it'll be interesting to see how she reacts to family!

Sunday Stroll

2007-03-12T09:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday after church Lydia Catherine & I came back to the apartment and I studied awhile (for a midterm I have today) while she slept. It was about 60 degrees here and bright and sunny so I thought I would take her for a quick walk. She's actually never been outdoors for a stroll! I bundled her up and strapped her in the Snugli & off we went. She loved it! Our walk was short because her little cheeks were cold and red...the breeze was chilly. I look forward to warmer weather so we can get outside with her more!

Lydia Catherine's 4 month check-up

2007-03-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

She had her 4 month check-up with Dr. Hinkebein yesterday at 1pm. She screamed quite a bit! (Big surprise).

Wt at birth: 7.2 lbs Wt at 2 mos: 11.1 lbs Wt at 4 mos: 13.12 lbs
ht at birth: 19 inches Ht at 2 mos: 22 1/4 in Ht at 4 mos: 24 in
Hd cir 2mos: 37.5 Hd cic 4mos: 40

For weight, she's 55 percentile; height 45 percentile; and head circum. 25%

Frankie's family all are very short, but my family are mostly tall . . . I'm curious if she's be short, tall or average. It doesn't really matter much to me. (However, since his family struggles with weight issues and there is only one overweight person in my entire extended family, I would rather her get my general body composition as opposed to his).
Regardless if she's chubby, short, tall, slender, she's loved.

Morning ranting...

2007-03-09T08:56:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I wrote about this during the Christmas season or not, but it's worth retelling even if I did. My mom and I went shopping one day in December and of course, in every store (although we were supposed to be buying Christmas presents for friends and family) we rushed immediately to the infants' section. In Goody's Department Store there were onesies that said, "I'm Too Sexy for My Diaper." I was horrified and beyond angry. My mom hurried me out of both stores and did her best to make me forget about it. I found out that JC Penney had the same onesie, but pulled it after complaints. Goody's, however, did not do the same. I am uncertain if they still have the onesie for sale, but I am in the process of checking.

I cannot even adequately convey the emotions and concerns I have since I now have a daughter. From the Bratz dolls to clothes for infants right on up to teenage girls... our society is not only sexually charged, but childhood is becoming over sexed.

I am scared senseless for my little girl. It's not like I have 13 or 14 years before I have to really worry about her. That's clearly not the case in our society. My thoughts this morning are prompted by John Couey's trial in Florida. I looked at Jessica Lunsford's pictures (8 years old) and read the caption that stated John Couey kidnapped, raped, then buried this 8 year old little girl alive. She was found clutching a purple stuffed dolphin. I cried, then immediately launched into prayer for my own daughter. What is scarier is that these perverted, possessed pedophiles are not limited to alley's in cities or trailers in rural areas...they are everywhere. They are even in our churches. Recently in SC news a pastor was arrested for child pornography.
As a Southern Baptist, I am very concerned about the recent attention the denomination is receiving regarding sexual abuse. Of course, it is not just limited to any denomination.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/21/southern.baptist.ap/index.html

Is Childhood Becoming Oversexed?
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05128/500945.stm

Parents sue MySpace after girl is sexually abused
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000003658.cfm

Teacher accused of raping 16 year old special ed student.
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?030807/030807_hc_teachersex&Hannity_Colmes&Teacher%20Sex%20Scandal&acc&US&-1&News&350&&&new

Convicted Sex Offender John Couey Found Guilty of Murdering Jessica Lunsford
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,257320,00.html?sPage=fnc.national/crime

I feel completely overwhelmed as I read the headlines.
I pray that Christ returns quickly.

Lydia Catherine 4 months old

2007-03-08T12:09:00.000-05:00

So she's four months today. Hard to believe . . . she'll soon be 6 months, then a year . . .then 15. Dear Lord. It's going too fast!
I just adore our baby girl. I can't wait to have more children!
She was recently sick, as I last posted. During that time she got into a routine of waking up every couple of hours and nursing (really pacifying on the breast!) to go back to sleep. She did much better last night. She also went about a week without taking any naps! She got back into her three hour nap routine yesterday though. (And is actually napping now).
We are really struggling with a few things regarding Lydia Catherine. Each night I lay down on our bed with her and she nurses about 5-10 minutes then falls asleep. I transfer her to her crib and she usually sleeps about 4 or 5 hours, then wakes up crying. At this point, I usually just nurse her back to sleep (in our bed) and again transfer her to the crib. I really don't think I can manage to let her cry it out at this point. It just seems unhealthy. I do want her to learn to put herself to sleep. But when should she learn this?
Another situation we have is best given in illustration. Ok, last night we visited a local church where there are many seminary students...and therefore tons of infants and children. In the nursery there were about a dozen infants, most of which were sitting peacefully in their carriers, sucking their pacifiers. These infants did not whimper, whine, cry, or shout. So I went to feed Lydia and she fell asleep. I was trying to ease back into the sanctuary, but before I got out of the nursery, she woke up. She looked around at the unfamiliar walls, gave me a confused look, then tensed. I knew what was coming and there wasn't anything I could do about it. I begged her not to, I tried to sooth her quickly, I finally closed my eyes as the first PIERCING scream rang out. I was mortified. The nursery staff was mortified. Several women ran to me...I imagine they thought I dropped her or hurt her in some way. Someone asked if I needed gas drops, another young mother offered Tylenol. I muttered, "no, she just does this sometimees." A woman came over and offered to take her for me...then she said, "The poor thing...what is wrong with her?" "Don't know" I mumbled, feeling my face turn red. So she finally calms down, but is still sniffling with tears on her face. I tentatively ease from the room and a woman comes forward...an older lady who runs the nursery. "Awww...is this who I've been hearing cry?" She reaches out and I desperately want to scream, "NO! Don't touch her." It's too late though and how do you say that to people anyway. She reaches out and touches Lydia on her hand with her finger. Lydia tenses, quivers, her eyes snap shut and she ROARS out...SCREAMS. I ran. Thankfully church was over...I gave Frankie a look and just said, "go go go" He knew what it meant and we rushed to the car. He asked what she did and I told him the whole story. As I'm talking, we get in the car and get settled. I look at Lydia and she's laughing! She then coos and babbles as if to explain what her problem was. She was fine from that point on. The thing is, she does that EVERY time we're in Munfordville, too. At least five times someone has either touched her or looked at her and she just went off. I have no idea what we're doing wrong. Other babies do not do this. I see other babies. Lydia also has fits when we aren't holding her. She will swing or lay on the floor or sit in her bouncy seat for about ten minutes at a time. When she's sick of it, that's it. You have to pick her up. She doesn't calm herself down or relax or even get distracted. I don't mind any of this (although it is a little embarrassing at times), but I don't know if we're doing something wrong or if it's just her personality or what. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE WONDERFUL!
(I AM FINALLY ABLE TO UPLOAD PIC ON MY COMPUTER! FRANKIE'S COMPUTER WOULDN'T DO IT. YAH! IT'S SO NICE TO HAVE MY COMPUTER BACK!)

thursday

2007-02-28T15:29:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I recovered from whatever mess I had, and Lydia Catherine recovered from her sickness. Then Monday I was horribly ill with a dreadful stomach virus. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever...the works! Around 10pm we headed off to the ER, after I collapsed in the bathroom. The ER looked like a scene from a horror flick ...there were people on stretches and in wheelchairs in the hallways and everywhere! We headed back home. I took some Emetrol, prayed it wouldn't had an adverse reaction on Lydia since I'm still breastfeeding, and went to sleep. Tuesday I felt a ton better, and today I'm almost 100%. I just pray now that neither Lydia Catherine nor Frankie get that mess. UGH.

2 weeks later...

2007-02-24T10:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't written lately because there's been so much going on around here...classes have been demanding a great deal of time for reading and memorizing/studying, Frankie had a bad cold, then he gave it to me and apparently I gave it to Lydia Catherine. We didn't go to Munfordville last Sunday because I had to take her to the Ped's office. She was back again on Thursday and is still no better. It's been terrible! (Especially at night).
Some great news though: I finally got my computer! Best Buy was able to repair it and now I have my own desk and my own computer (in the nursery, which isn't really a nursery since Lydia has been in here like twice ever and those times she was just passing through)! Frankie has officially kicked me out of his study and has taken his laptop back. I'm glad to have my own computer (how I missed it!) as well as my own space.

Three months old

2007-02-09T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Lydia Catherine was three months old. Hard to believe! I have been scrapbooking some in my spare time (I don't have much of that!). I am pretty much satisfied with the amount I've done so far. I think I've got a good overall collection of pages from birth to now.
Classes are going well, but I think it may have been unwise to sign up for two classes and SWI. Frankie had to keep Lydia for an hour yesterday while I went to class. When I returned, she was screaming her head off! Big tears were rolling down her cheeks and Frankie looked just as bad. He basically shoved her at me and said she had been crying like that since five minutes after I left. After I had her only a couple of minutes, she calmed down. I reminded him I had SWI later (for two hours) and he just groaned. Lucky for him, she was much better last night. She did cry some, but only for a short while, he said. He can't manage to get any reading or studying done when he's alone with her. On one hand, I feel like I should be here with her because I know he needs all the time he can get to study and read. On the other hand, if not for those few periods of time when I'm gone, he wouldn't be spending much time with her. My other reason for suspecting I'm taking on too much is that I don't really have enough time to read all that I need to...or if I do make the time, laundry gets too piled up, dishes go unwashed for the day, etc. Anyway, we'll make it work this semester, but next time I'm only taking ONE class. :)
As far as the classes go, I really am enjoying the information. Very interesting.

A student again...again

2007-01-30T17:25:00.000-05:00

I had a post sometime back with the title, "A student again."
This time I'm stepping up a bit more. Three classes in the MA program, two in SWI. Actually one of the MA classes is simple and isn't worth any credit hours, so it doesn't really count. The other two, however, are 3 credit hours and will be serious. I have about 12 books to read and book reviews as well as one research paper. Should be fun! The two classes I am taking are Introduction to Biblical Counseling and Gender, Marriage & Sexuality. Both classes seem like they are going to be very informative and interesting. Frankie suggested at lunch that I get serious about this degree and try to graduate when he does. I'm considering that. We'll see how this semester goes. If I decide to do that, I can take a class this summer and two or three in the fall, then january term. By then we may be leaving campus, so I'd have to take classes at extension centers or online. It may be doable though. We'll see.
Tonight a friend is coming over and we're going to listen to two prof's and their wives talk about adoption. I'm interested in hearing their stories. Frankie and I are considering starting the process for adopting a child, since it will likely take well over a year. I don't know if that's possible since some money is likely needed up front. Maybe it's at least possible to do the work and research about it all.

Blogworthy

2007-01-28T08:15:00.000-05:00

titus2talk.blogspot.com is a site I just came across and really enjoyed.

A little learning

2007-01-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

A few things Lydia Catherine has already taught me:

1. Manage time wisely if anything is to be accomplished.

2. Do not count on "scheduled" naptimes.

3. Take a million pictures each day.

4. Never say, "I will never..." (especially before having children while watching another parent with their child. Lydia Catherine is only (almost) three months old and I've already done several things I vowed to never do.

5. And of course, true love.

Classes

2007-01-26T20:52:00.000-05:00

Well, while I'm still uncertain about the job situation, I will be taking two classes in the MA program this semester (starting Monday): Intro to Biblical Counseling and Gender, Marriage & Sexuality. The first class meets for a couple of hours one day a week (Mon) and the second class meets twice a week for an hour (Tues, Thurs). In the Intro class, the quizzes and final are memorizing Scripture. How useful and beneficial! Both classes require several books to be read and the second class requires a research paper...ugh.
Maybe posting my weekly verses will help me memorize (and be a blessing to others):

Psalm 1:1-3

(1) How bless is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
(2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord
And in His law he meditates day and night.
(3) And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season,
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Thursday

2007-01-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

Once again there has not been a chance to blog like I'd like to. I do, however, have a few things to write about. First of all, my spare time recently has been devoted to scrapbooking. I tried my hand at his several years ago (with very limited supplies) and found I did enjoy it. More recently (over the summer I believe) I started back again, finding pregnancy an ideal occasion to scrapbook. Since the arrival of Lydia Catherine, our camera flashes nonstop! To preserve these photos and journal her life thus far, I began scrapbooking again. So far I have completed several pages in her "infant book" (a book limited to the first three months).
Classes start Monday and I'm uncertain what I'm going to do. Frankie has classes on Wed & Thurs. Originally I was going to take one class and SWI and work part-time. There were three classes, however, that I needed and was interested in. So I ended up signing up for three classes and two SWI classes. Frankie suggested I not work since I was going to take so many classes. Our financial situation is so lousy though and I really feel like I could be making us more money! The problem, however, has been that I don't mind the idea of being gone for class (an hour each day) but the thought of being gone 8 HOURS two or three days is horrendous! I don't know how I will manage to be away from Lydia Catherine that long. Just the thought brings me to tears. She's so little and each day she does new things. I hate to miss a moment. But I know it would alleviate the financial stress if I work. I broke down and sent out three resumes (online at CareerBuilder). One employer emailed me asking for an interview tomorrow. I agreed, even though I don't know a thing about the company...it's a medical network and I don't really even know what that is. They are only looking for a part-time employee...two or three days a week. We'll see what happens tomorrow. As for classes, I will likely just take one class if I start working.
I don't know how Frankie will manage taking care of Lydia Catherine if I am working all day. I have only pumped about 20 ounces of milk, so I'll have to get busy with that. If the interview works out and we decide for me to go to work, I will likely delay starting until February 5 and take a week to pump (and invest in a nice pump!...the one I am using is halfbroken and a manual pump).

2007-01-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

I don't have too much extra time this morning, but I want to post some thoughts before I forget.
First, we have much going on around here. We finally (after 2 years) took my computer to be repaired. I desperately need it since Frankie will be taking his laptop to the library each day after classes begin. I can't go to the computer center anymore since I'll be taking care of the baby, so I really need a computer for me to finish my work on. The repair (as Best Buy) was about $200 and will be ready in one to two weeks. Hopefully it will be clean and we won't have additional problems with it.
Today we have church, of course and I dread the drive to Munfordville. It's freezing outside!
On my last post someone asked me if my husband was looking for a larger church. This is something we (esp my husband) has struggled with and I thought I'd post about it. He's been at our current church over two years. He started that pastorate before we were married and his financial situation wasn't as dire. His rent was half what it is now since he lived in a dorm. He also didn't have a baby and that added expense. The church won't/can't(?) pay anymore (just over 12,000/year) as they are used to having pastors that are bivocational or part-time. We have struggled with the question of seeking another church. On one hand, God has provided for us this far and we know He will continue to do so. However, it's typical that more educated preacher's are in larger churches. But maybe that's not because they were lead there, but because they want to be there. Another thought recently crossed my mind about it. If full-time, more educated pastors take the smaller churches, where will the part-time, uneducated, bi-vocational pastors go? Preaching is the only job where there is a question about leaving for more money. I mean, in any other profession, this wouldn't be a question. It's like you are doubting God in finances and assuming you deserve a bigger church because you're educated. However, many people in our current church have suggested Frankie get another job to supplement income. But he's a preacher...that's all he knows how to do! I'll write more on this tonight..

Saturday, January 20

2007-01-20T10:28:00.000-05:00

Once again it's been awhile since my last entry. Here's what's up:
Since her vaccines, Lydia Catherine has been fine. She is still fussy in the evening hours, but she's a good baby overall.
She does good on Sunday mornings in Munfordville, but by Sunday evening she's tired and fussy. Same thing on Wednesday evening.
Last night we had a couple over for dinner, which was fun. I cooked spaghetti & garlic bread and made salad. I thought it went over well. (Aside from Lydia crying most of the time they were here. I had planned to give her a bottle to get her used to it since I'll have to pump more starting next week. She wouldn't take the bottle at all! I don't know what we're going to do).
I signed up for classes (starting next week) to continue working on the MA degree here at Southern. I signed up for Intro to Biblical Counseling; Gender, Marraige & Sexuality; Cooperative Program (an easy, mandatory class); and a Writing class. I also plan to take two SWI classes (Essentials and Conflict Management). Total hours away from Lydia Catherine each week will be 9 hours (Mon-Fri). Not too bad. However, I have also been trying to find a part time job. I don't know if I'll even have any luck with that, but if I do that will put me away from her even longer. I don't know if that will work out.
So classes start on the 29th and I'm looking forward to it. I know Frankie will finish the PhD program before I come close to finishing the Biblical Counseling program, but I can take online classes, go to an extention center, or transfer to Liberty (which offers the entire program online).
Additional good news: we paid Frankie's tuition in its entirity! $2400 last week. Mine will be about $1000 and we have about half of that. So month payments won't be as high as previous semesters. Because of our continued financial hardship, Frankie has been sending out more resumes, but so far we've not heard anything.

Saturday

2007-01-13T21:37:00.000-05:00

Frankie is currently singing "Jesus Loves Me" to Lydia and I thought I'd blog while I have a few minutes without the baby. We're trying to get her into a schedule/routine for the day.
I signed up for classes today. I'm taking Conflict Management & Essentials on Wed mornings/Thurs nights and Gender, Marriage and Sex on Tues.
Not much else new going on.

Wednesday

2007-01-10T13:08:00.000-05:00

We took Lydia Catherine to her two month check up yesterday and she seems to be doing great. She's 11.1 lbs, 22 1/4 in, which are both in the 50th percentile for her age. Everything else looked fine, as well. Our Pediatrician group is really great. Our pediatrian, James Hinkebein, is a wonderful doctor and convinced us to vaccinate Lydia. I thought it relevant that he vaccinated all six of his grandchildren on time. He is also very well informed about all the controversy surrounding vaccines and autism, SIDS, etc. After spending two days reading and researching myself, I think the benefits (to her as well as society as a whole) outweigh the risks. Dr. Hinkebein's opinion swayed me in the direction of vaccinating completely.
Lydia was vaccinated at 2pm. She has a total of three shots. The vaccines were mercury-free and the Pertussis vaccine was acellular. Before and after the shots were given, Frankie & I took her into the prayer room and had prayer for her. We are trusting God in this one obstacle...I'm sure we have so many more to go! Parenting is difficult!!! And she's only two months old!

Two Months Old

2007-01-08T22:56:00.000-05:00

Lydia Catherine is two months old today! She's really growing and doing well...other than being a bit fussy from time to time, but I guess that's understandable and expected.
Frankie and I will take her to her two month check up tomorrow. We have decided to delay vaccinating her for now, but are still researching the pros and cons of this. This is such a difficult decision and we are praying that God will direct us in this. We have to ultimately remember that God is sovereign and He loves Lydia even more than we do. I guess all we can really do is research and make a well informed decision. I am not anti-vaccinating (at this point), but am leaning towards delaying vaccinations and spreading them out more. (Dr. Sears and Dr. Jay Gordon advocate this). The links to autism (from mercury in vaccines) and SIDS (MMR) and other neuro problems are quite scary.
Frankie and I were sick in SC for about two and a half weeks with a bad cough. We figured it was just a common cold and prayed Lydia wouldn't get sick. She had a small cough, but was mostly fine. Unfortunately our cough has returned! I suspect bronchitis, and I think it's best we just let it run its course. We pray that Lydia will remain healthy and strong!

January 2, 2007

2007-01-02T08:23:00.002-05:00

Today we're leaving SC for KY. It's been three weeks and I'm ready to get back into our routine, but I hate leaving (mostly for my parents sake). The last few days have gone really well and we've been able to spend a lot of quality time with family.
Sunday Frankie preached at the church where we got married. We had lunch with the pastor and his wife and then came back to my parents. My family and my aunt went with us to the evening service, then we all stayed up late talking about beliefs/convictions/sins. My mom, Frankie and I stayed up until midnight (2007). Monday we spend several hours with Frankie's family, then had dinner with my parents.
This morning has been a little emotional. My mom's pretty upset about us leaving, since she won't see Lydia again for several weeks. I think it's harder departing when we've been here for a long time.
When we return to KY Lydia has to get her 2 month vaccinations and checkup. I think she's over 11 lbs!

New Year's Eve

2006-12-31T07:03:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday morning around 7am and I've been up since 5am. I have no idea why so early! The baby and Frankie are still asleep, but both of my parents are awake. Today Frankie will preach at Pineview Baptist Church (where we were married).
Last night I dyed my hair...a first! It's a couple of shades darker with a slight auburn/reddish tint. I like it...I think.
Tomorrow we will head back to Kentucky. I dread it and look forward to it at the same time.

Christmas is over

2006-12-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I cannot really say that things improved from my last post, but there wasn't a major disaster on Christmas day. We ended up going to Frankie's home church with my parents on Christmas Eve. A small crisis occured there when Frankie wanted to sit on the front pew and my parents had already sat at the mid-back of the church. The church is small and they were uncomfortable going to the front. Frankie then sat on the pew behind them. I was saved from having to choose where to sit and from feeling uncomfortable because Lydia began to cry and I left. After church we went back to my parents house for lunch. My dad didn't realize we were all eating together and he ate without us, which Frankie didn't like. Frankie was restless and wanted to go see his family so we went to Jefferson (where he's from). We spent the evening there. Lydia Catherine got extremely fussy...probably the worse I've seen her. Actually she probably is stressed because I am! We stayed there several hours. I ended up breaking down and giving her a little water to try to relieve the gas on her belly (it did work). So then we came back to my parents and went to bed. Christmas morning we got up and got ready and went to Frankie's Granny's house around 11am and had lunch then came back to my parents house around 2:30pm. We had another meal around 4pm and opened gifts here. Frankie acted like he wanted to go somewhere else, but by that time I was tired and ready for bed. My mom has this week off of work, but Frankie doesn't want to spend all our time here. Today we went to Frankie's parents house, then he wanted to go to Florence (an hour away) to go shopping. The baby has the worse diaper rash EVER. At home we use cloth diapers, but since being here and going so much I've used pampers constantly. Needless to say, her bottom is paying for that. Also I used some cheap wipes (instead of wash clothes like I usually use), which started the rash. Last night her butt looked burned, literally. It made me cry. So I'm refusing to use pampers now since she has that awful rash, which makes travel a little more difficult. Couple that with the fact that I'm tired and there will be massive crowds out on the day after Christmas...I just did not want to go shopping. So we came back to my parents house (his family was all working so there was no point in staying there). Lydia Catherine and I ended up sleeping for about 2 or 3 hours and Frankie left. I'm not sure where he went...he's actually not back yet. I feel guilty since I know he isn't happy. I never would have imagined Christmas being this difficult! Anyway, as Mary advised me to remember: "This too shall pass!..." That will be my new motto!!

Terrible Days

2006-12-22T10:49:00.000-05:00

I've not written lately because we have been in SC for the holiday season. We came a couple of weeks ago and are staying with my parents. This has definitely (thus far) been the worst Christmas season ever. My parents have been very unhappy with me and Frankie (for a variety of reasons ranging from him "taking" Lydia Catherine from my dad to put her to bed, to us changing the original Christmas schedule). I truly wish I was in Florida. I could totally skip Christmas this year. I have cried more in the last few days than throughout my entire pregnancy and postpartum time! The only thing that could possibly make this more miserable is if someone died. The worst part is it's not even Christmas yet so I imagine it will all get ever worse, if that's possible. I'm almost at wits end...truly. Could post-partum go on this long?
Frankie has asked when we're leaving to go back to KY. My mom wrote me a letter this morning telling me how hurt she and my dad were over several things.
If I wasn't breastfeeding on demand, I would just go off for the day and leave Frankie and family and even the baby here.
I imagine that this trip has taken years off my life because of the stress. I know that Christmas is about Christ but it's impossible to focus on Him these days.

Night without dad

2006-12-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday was eventful. We got ready to go to church (the three of us) and Frankie went to start the car to get it warm for Lydia Catherine. Well, when we came out and got in the car, he said he needed to check the fluids (oil and transmission...we've had a problem with both recently). Well, both were empty! We went to the nearest gas station and he bought some oil, but they didn't have the right kind of transmission fluid. In the process, he lost the oil cap. We had to return to the apartment and he had to find someone to fill in for the evening service. The he left to go to WalMart to get the right fluid. When he returned, he said, "I have to go to South Carolina tonight." His parents want to trade vehicles with us to give us a better car. His dad told him weeks ago to drive down there one day and trade cars before we are to all come to SC. (His dad didn't think the baby needed to be riding in Frankie's car since it's unreliable). My car, by the way, is in SC. My dad took it when Lydia Catherine was born to have it worked on. So basically we were stuck with just one, almost dead car. We're scheduled to go to SC on Monday and before then we have a dr's appt (Lydia's one month tomorrow), a Christmas play at church and Sunday services. We knew the car wouldn't likely make it through all that and we didn't want to chance it with the baby. So Frankie took off for SC at 8pm and arrived around 4:30am! He slept until 11am and was on the road again around 1pm. The worst part is he is very sick...he's coughing his head off and the sputum is green! Also, he doesn't even have a cell phone with him. Hopefully...prayerfully he will return safely around midnight.
Lydia Catherine and I did ok without him. We were in bed early and she slept well...other than awaking from 4-6am wanting to babble and smile! I entertained her and she fell back asleep for a couple of more hours.
I do hate being alone though. I hate being alone for just a few hours, much less overnight. I am such a scaredy...I slept with three lights on.

December 5

2006-12-05T10:55:00.000-05:00

i spent about thirty minutes typing and the post just disappeared! i'm so annoyed!

Lydia Catherine did very well on Sunday. Only one person asked to hold her (not too bad considering the church was packed!). I did leave early, which probably prevented more people from asking to hold her.
She seemed to do fine all day. She was very scheduled with her feedings (she ate every three hours on the minute!) She had two long naps and was alert and quiet for a few hours during the day. Even her ride back home was good. (She typically hates the car seat passionately. I thought babies loved to ride?! I think she just hates being strapped down.)
The nightly crying is diminishing. It was lasting up to 3 hours, but now it's down to 1-1.5 hours. Once she's asleep she rests 4 hours between feedings (only up once during the night). She nurses and goes right back to sleep.
She goes Friday for her one month check-up. I'm interested to find out her weight and length. Hopefully she's growing well!

As for what she's doing:
She's gripping. She'll grip our shirts when we're holding her and won't let go.
She's smiling. Yesterday was her first social smile. She had been smiling in her sleep before, but yesterday was the first time she's really smiled at us.
She's making more eye contact. Those eyes are bright and taking everything in. She's making eye contact and following us with her eyes.
She's laughing. I've heard it twice in her sleep. It melts us!
She's had awesome neck/head control since her second week. It's really stonger now though. She moves her head from side to side and lifts it off my chest for quite awhile.
Yesterday she rolled from her side to her stomach. She also managed to scoot about a foot down the couch, which was scary!

Thursday

2006-11-30T09:42:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to blog as much as I would like for two reasons. Of course, obviously the first is, Lydia Catherine. She's rearranged our schedules :) Also, Frankie has been finishing up his last work for the semester (he's finished with the difficult stuff as of 5pm tomorrow). He's been spending a lot of time in the library and often takes his computer with him.
Yesterday we took Lydia Catherine to church for the first time! We figured since it was a Wednesday night, there wouldn't be as many people and it would go smoothly (we hoped). I have been so fearful ever since finding out I was pregnant about people holding her. I have a lot of valid concerns (it's flu, RSV and cold season!, I've seen people do unwise things and she's a tiny newborn)! I've probably written this before, but I'll write it again. First, our pediatrician said we should not take her into an 'uncontrolled crowd' for two months. Basically no one should be around her that might hold her without washing their hands. The pediatrician was very upfront about the dangers of sickness and that it comes from germs spread through hand contact. Secondly, I witnessed someone in Frankie's family put her fingers in an infants mouth. (Unwashed fingers with long, nasty fingernails). I also witnessed someone put an infants fingers in their mouth. The last thing is on two separate cases with two different babies I witnessed (among family and a friend) old people holding the babies precariously. Both because they could not see, but the child's head was at an alarming angle. One old woman walked/stumbled with the child.
I cannot deal with this. The thoughts makes me almost hysterical.
Ok, so anyway, I prayed fervently and reminded myself over and over that God loves her more than I do and He is completely sovereign.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T10:21:00.000-05:00

Lydia Catherine is 2 weeks and a day old today (and 2 hour and 14 minutes). This is her first Thanksgiving! Also it's my first Thanksgiving away from home. Because of Frankie's school (he has a big paper due next week), we weren't able to go to SC for Thanksgiving. He actually did say if I really wanted to we could go from Thurs-Saturday. I felt like the long drive and traveling back and forth between families would be too much on Lydia Catherine. I don't want her to have to face swarms of relatives (possibly sick ones!) this early.
Sooo, my turkey is in the oven. I've never cooked a turkey before, much less all the typical sided items that go with Thanksgiving. I'm attempting though. I have turkey, ham (both really small), rice, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoe casserole, herb potatoes, rolls and an apple pie for dessert. I hope it all turns out good.
I should mention that I think Lydia Catherine has colic. For the third night in a row, she's cried from around 10pm-2am for no apparent reason. I tried the obvious...feeding her, changing her, and even in desperation, gas drops (after calling the pediatrician to make sure it was safe). Nothing works. We tried a vibrating seat, singing, pacing, rocking, humming, etc. She gets calms for a few moments, but the crying doesn't stop until well after midnight. From 2 until 10 or so she sleeps with just a feeding or two between (and a couple of diaper changes). Frankie sang last night until he was almost hoarse. I think he went through every song he knows...from hymns to Christmas carols, to made up songs.
I just hate hearing her cry...especially not knowing what's wrong or how to help her!
One more tidbit, her umbilical cord/stump fell off this morning. Her first milestone.
I hope everyone (anyone) who reads this has a wonderful Thanksgiving.
By the way, to those who prayed for us during the time of pregnancy, labor and delivery, THANK YOU

Saturday, November 18

2006-11-18T19:20:00.000-05:00

It's Lydia Catherine's tenth day in the world. She's doing very well. On Wednesday night she started sleeping longer through the night. The first week she woke up every 1-2 hours. Since Wednesday, however, she's been sleeping about 2-4 hours between feedings. She is so precious and beautiful!
I'm a little amazed at how I feel about her. I mean, of course, I was excited at the thought of having a baby and I expected to love her. But I find myself not wanting to leave her in the bassinet when she's asleep, but wanting to hold her instead. Neither me nor Frankie can stand to hear her cry.
Frankie has also surprised me. So far he's been really great. He's changed several diapers (the first time he was pooped on and we got that on camera!). He also gets up almost every time I get up during the night. If I've had her awhile and he's here, he periodically comes and takes her from me. At night he's started (for the last couple of days) wanting her to fall asleep on his chest, then he puts her in the bassinet and tucks her in. It's cute. I think he'll be a great dad.

Pictures!

2006-11-17T18:51:00.000-05:00

I hope this works! Here's a link to Shutterfly, where I downloaded lots of pictures from the first week.

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaMnLJw5cM2Lmo

Friday

2006-11-17T13:38:00.000-05:00

My mom left this morning to go back to SC. This is the first time it's been just the three of us: Franke, Lydia Catherine & me.
We had a dr's appointment on Wednesday and Lydai Catherine was doing well. She weighed 7lbs, 10 oz, so she has really gained well. The dr also advised me to keep breast feeding and not ry to introduce her to the bottle for another week at least. She said I could start pumping to freeze milk for the future though.
Last night Lydia Catherine slept more than she ever has. Last week (for about 5 night after coming home) she was up every 1-2 hours to nurse and/or have a diaper change. Last night she slept 3-4 hours between nursing though! It was awesome! She is so pretty and perfect. It's really such a miracle...so amazing. We are so blessed.
I have not quite figured out how to put pics on here! I do have some on shutterfly, so I'm going to attempt to see if there's a way to link that site on here.

Tuesday Nov 14

2006-11-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

THE BABY HAS ARRIVED. Lydia Catherine Melton arrived Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 8:04am, weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measuring 19 inches.
She is completely healthy and beautiful. :)
Last Monday I went to the OBGYN for an exam and to talk about possibly being induced. I was dilated 1 cm and she scheduled me for an induction on Monday, November 13 (yesterday). We left the dr's office and went to eat Mexican food (my husband and mom wanted to try anything to naturally induce labor). Monday night my stomach cramped all night...I stayed up most of the night on the couch. Tuesday morning by 9am, the 'cramping' seemed pretty regular but not really painful. When my mom got up, she timed the 'cramps/contractions and they were about 6-7 minutes apart for 3 hours. I called the dr and they said for me to just go on to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital around 1 or 2 pm and the Labor and Delivery nurse in the triage examined me. She said I was still 1 cm, and that it was false labor since there was no change in my cervix since Monday. I told her it was different than the false labor I had been experiencing. Her response was, "We'll see you on Monday." We went back to the apartment and I was confident that I was in the early stages of labor. I was also confident that I would not go back to the hospital until I was absolultely certain that I was in labor. The day progressed uneventfully until around 10pm, when the contractions became a little more uncomfortable. By 11pm contractions were every 6 minutes and I knew it was true labor. Frankie was pacing the floors, saying over and over, 'let's wake up your mom.' I refused to let him, but by midnight I changed my mind. I started bleeding some, which prompted me to dress quickly and make my way to the car. My mom and Frankie were nervous and quiet on the way to the hospital. Each contraction had me gripping the seat. We arrived, registered and went up to L&D. In triage, I was 7cm, contractions were every 5 minutes. By the time they got me to a room and on the monitors, I was ready for an epidural. I had considered delivering naturally, but Frankie and my mom both thought I should just get an epidural. The anestheiologist agreed to give a walking epidural, but by the time he arrived in the room, I was 9cm. He asked if I was sure I wanted it at this point since I had labored naturally for so long. I told him I did! Immediately, I was a different person! It was around 5:30, so I had been in labor (that was uncomfortable to painful) for 6 hours. The next two hours were completely comfortable and uncomplicated. My OBGYN came in around 7:30am and I ended up pushing for less than 15 minutes. I tore just a little (1st degree).
God blessed me so much with such a wonderful experience. By the time we were in the room with the baby, I was telling my husband I wasn't opposed to having five kids anymore.
The last few days have been tiring, but I know that's to be expected and it doesn't improve. I've slept about 10 hours since last Wednesday, but I feel fine.
I'll post more later. We have our first pediatrician's appointment tomorrow.

November

2006-11-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

October has come and gone and still no baby! I have five or six more days until the due date (one dr said 5th, another said 6th). I PRAY she comes THIS WEEK! I have another dr's appointment on Friday for an ultrasound and exam. All along I've not wanted to be induced, but I'm leaning more that way at this point. I have really begun to swell...my feet, ankles, legs, hands, face are all like balloons. My blood pressure has continued to stay at around 110-120/70-80. Praise the Lord for that. Frankie is eager for the baby to arrive, as is my mom. I really would love for the baby to come this week while my mom is still here to help, as well.
Not much else new going on!

Friday

2006-10-27T10:04:00.000-04:00

Well, my parents are on their way to KY and should be here by early afternoon. They left SC yesterday and drove about half way and got back on the road this morning around 9am. I hate them driving so far, especially in this weather (it's dreary and rainy). I dread even more that my dad will make the trip back home alone and will likely drive it all in one day. My mom's planning to stay a couple of weeks.

My OBGYN appointment yesterday was uneventful. My cervix hasn't dilated at all and she really can't tell if the baby has dropped. Next week I'm scheduled for an ultrasound, but I really hope I'm in labor by then! I'm 38 weeks and three days today. I hope she comes this week or next!

25th

2006-10-25T08:13:00.000-04:00

I wish I could write and say I had the baby, but no such luck! I was 38 weeks yesterday, so she's technically full term...maybe it will be any day now!
I haven't written lately because since my computer got a virus last year (and we've not had it reparied), we just have Frankie's laptop. He's been going daily to the library and taking the computer with him. By the time he returns, it's late and I don't even think about getting online.
Things have been a little busy the last few days. My family is coming up this week, so I've been cleaning like a mad woman. My dear husband is not exactly the epitome of tidiness and cleanliness. Unfortunately, even when he tries to help he ends up creating more for me to do. Yesterday I straightened his study (my parents will sleep in there on a blow-up air mattress). The study was very presentable and I was satisfied with it. Well, yesterday afternoon we went to clean the car. I wanted to vacuum it good before we install the infant seat. Well, we ended up with a grocery bag full of stuff that wasn't trash but had just ended up in the car...mostly preaching tapes (as well as a pair of shoes, a bookbag, etc). Needless to say, he brought all that junk in and threw it in the living room. I stopped him and asked him not to leave it there. Now it's here in the study in the middle of the floor, along with a sweater and about 20 books that weren't there after I cleaned yesterday! I guess I'll focus on this room again on Friday (before my parents arrive). If I wait until last minute, maybe he won't have time to mess up the room again. I feel bad if I complain because I know he's been working his rump off with school. He has over 700 pages to read by Tuesday, a paper due next week and another book due (over a thousand pages). I can hardly expect him to organize tapes and books.
I have an appt with my OBGYN tomorrow. I didn't see her last week because she was out of town. I don't know if it's because I'm getting so far along or maybe because I didn't see the doctor last week, but the last few days I've been very anxious and concerned. I feel the baby moving still (though maybe not quite as much). However, I just keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Frankie and I even had a discussion last night about the possibility of a still birth. I cannot imagine after carrying this baby 38+ weeks, not bringing her home. I think that must be one of the most difficult situations in life. A miscarriage would be bad enough, but to go through a full term pregnancy, labor and delivery and to have something so exciting and wonderful to end in tragedy and death. I cannot imagine. Frankie had even invisioned the doctor's rushing the baby out and her dying and him having to tell me. I guess maybe these thoughts and feelings are normal. And as unfortunate as it is, such things are always a possibility.
I do pray that God will protect this child and that she will be healthy and normal. However, if that is not His will, I pray for the courage and the faith to accept His sovereign will. Though I imagine that is much easier to write than to truly accept.

37 weeks today

2006-10-17T10:38:00.000-04:00

In one more week the baby will be full term! Hooray! I hope she arrives next weekend! Frankie & I went to our prenatal class yesterday. There was a pediatrician speaking, making suggestions on how to choose a pediatrician and all that. I have one in mind (only because the office is close to us), but I plan to go today or tomorrow and check out the office and ask them a few questions. We have only two more prenatal classes (next week is newborn care and the following Monday is breastfeeding). I happened to think last night that I may not make it to the last class. (Although I do want to since I plan to breastfeed).
I'm eager for my parents to get here next week. I'm excited about them coming up; I just wish my dad could stay longer. He'll only be here Friday and Saturday, then has to go back Sunday. (He has to work Monday and also take care of the dogs).
I don't think I've written about this, but I've had a dog since I could walk. We lived out in the country and everyone just had dogs. When I was around 9 years old, I got Spud. She was a mutt. A yard dog with no training, but I loved her. So my dad was all about me having a dog, but he firmly believed dogs belong outside. No dogs in the house, ever...steadfast rule I never even questioned. When I was 18 on Spring Break (at the beach), Spud died. When I was 15, we got Goldie, a Golden Retriever/Lab mix. She was a little fuzz ball. The first night we got her, she was so tiny and scared, I begged to let her sleep at least in the bathroom. From there she slowly took over the entire house. Now, at age 12, she is the Queen of the house. Since getting her, I also picked up two strays. One was a terrier mix that is so vicious. She is so temperamental! but I love her dearly! She's my dog. No one else can do a thing with her. (I love that). The last stray I picked up is about 4 years old and is so gentle and playful. We have no clue what's in her...she's just this big, black bear looking dog. She loves the pool and adores my dad. Well, when Daisy (second dog) came along, dad said, no more dogs in the house. She can stay outside. Well, she'd just stare in the back sliding glass door at Goldie. She, too, slowly made her way in. When Pawley (third dog) came along, my dad really fumed. She will not come in this house. Well, she hurt her leg one night and I brought her in. "Just into the back room" (laundry room with bathroom and treadmill). That did last quite awhile, but eventually she too made her way completely into the house. :) Since I left, my parents have bought gates (for babies) so that the dogs are confined to only four rooms. I think it's hilarious. My parents were always a little snooty about cleanliness and people having animals in the house. Now if someone so much as suggests our dogs are unclean or anything like that, my parents are offended as though they were children. :)
Frankie isn't a dog lover. He never had pets growing up (maybe one dog for a year or so), so he just doesn't get it. Recently we were in bed and I have assembled the bassinet for the baby right by my bed. Since we don't have too much longer, I've just left it there to prepare and get used to it being there. Well, I was sort of playing with it and got a fabulous idea. I turned to Frankie and said, "Do you know who this would be perfect for?!" He asked who. "Daisy!" She loves to be in a little bed and covered up. She also loves to be up high...in a chair, on a bed, etc. The bassinet would be perfect for her. Frankie looked at me like I just fell from Mars. "It's for our baby Amy!" Of course, I know that. And I do not suggest they share the bassinet, but I mean after she outgrows it. She'll only be in there a couple of months at the most. Then we can pass it down to Daisy. :) I mentioned to Frankie that I know Daisy misses sleeping with me. My parents won't let the dogs in their bed, but Daisy slept with me nightly for years. Frankie rolled his eyes and said, "bring them all up here and you and the baby and Daisy, Goldie and Pawley can just pile up in the bed. I'll sleep on the floor." I called him a troll.
Anyway, just thought I'd tell about my doggies.

old, fat, frumpy

2006-10-14T11:01:00.000-04:00

This morning I'm sort of having a pity party. I don't know why...maybe hormones. I blame everything these days on hormones.
I'm just feeling so FAT and FRUMPY and OLD and UGH! My family isn't really helpful...in fact, I think they are making it worse. Here are a couple of examples:
A few days ago, my mom told me she bought me a new pair of pants that she'd bring when she comes up here in a couple of weeks. I said, "Oh, great...maternity pants or what?" She says, "No, these are for after the baby...their a size 8."
[So I was a size 8 in February when I got pregnant. But I'm confident I've not seen that size since May and equally confident I won't see that size again until next May!] I tell my mom that I won't be able to wear them for awhile and she replies, "Oh, yes you will. You aren't going to stay fat." My mom is about 5'10, 130 lbs. She's always been really slender and I'm sure the thought of me being/staying fat horrifies her. She's not very lenient with people who have 'weight problems.' Her solution is always: "Push yourself away from the table!"
The second situation was recently when Frankie & I were in a restaurant. We were waiting for our table and I got a little down thinking about aging. There were two old couples there and they were feeble and couldn't walk well. I just felt sad for them and thought that they may be in pain and/or that one may die soon and leave the other alone. So a few minutes passed and Frankie asked me what was wrong. My typical response (it's a girl thing, I guess), "Nothing." He persists, so I tell him..."I don't know...I guess just thought of getting old." He kind of snickers and and says to me, "No, it's probably because you're looking at all the thin, little waitresses and hostesses running around here." UNBELIEVABLE. I called him a horrible husband! Of course, after that I felt fat and frumpy!
I am eager to have this child and lose weight and feel like I'm in my body again, BUT I really have enjoyed being pregnant and of course, wouldn't change a thing! I'm just thankful pregnancy lasts 9 months...what if it lasted like 2 years or something!

Food!

2006-10-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

I tell ya, there's not much better than a good sandwich and I just had one of the best! (#2)

Favorite sandwiches:

1. Grilled cheese with a little Duke's mayo (I think Duke's mayo is limited to the South. We have to bring it here to KY from SC).

2. Fried bologna with a little mustard, some cheese and raw onion.

3. Pork BBQ with Duke's mayo and some Texas Pete hot sauce.

4. Tomatoe with Duke's mayo, salt and pepper.

Another day

2006-10-12T11:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we didn't go to church in Munfordville, but instead visited a nearby church (Clifton Baptist Church). Many seminary students attend the services there and the pastor is one of the NT prof's here at SBTS. The prayer meeting was pretty typical, and a missionary gave a presentation on Romania & Moldova.
I think we'll likely attend the serivces there if we aren't in Munfordville.
I have class in an hour and a half. I don't really feel like going, but I have a paper due and since I know I'll miss class time in the (near) future, I have to go.

Last night I slept on the couch, which is like the 4th or 5th time I've done so lately. I feel bad about it because I feel like I should be sleeping in bed with my husband, but I just cannot get comfortable these days. (And I feel guilty that I'm keeping him awake with my tossing and turning). I think I like the couch because I can lay comfortably on my side. Anyway, I slept well after moving to the couch.

Yesterday Frankie and I had a discussion about plans for Christmas. UGH...what a hassle it is when you marry and you attempt to rearrange tradition! With a new baby coming, we're trying to figure out how we want to arrange schedules, meals, visits to family, etc. I am absolutely selfish and want to spend every spare moment with my family. I know that's impossible and I won't be doing that, but it's what I want! So anyway, last Christmas was a mess, so we're really determined to do better this time and schedule in advance.
The problem, of course, is that he's used to being with one side of his family on Christmas Eve, his parents Christmas morning, and the other side of his family on Christmas afternoon. Obviously, that won't work. I, on the other hand, am used to doing almost exactly the same thing. Since my grandmother died we no longer spend Christmas Eve with my dad's family...also my dad's siblings have kids now so they have their private family gatherings. Anyway, with a newborn it's going to be difficult, but we decided to devote all day Christmas Eve to his family and Christmas day to my family. Since our families are an hour apart, it makes more sense to go somewhere and stay there versus driving back and forth for various meals (we'd spend more time driving than actually with family). Frankie's sister has twins that are about 6 months old, so I guess it's time for his parents, sister and brother to start their own traditions anyway. I guess that will be on Christmas Eve evening. The same is true for my parents since they will be grandparents!

10-10-06

2006-10-10T09:59:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't blogged since Sunday morning, so I have some catching up to do. Sunday was interesting! We had our usual Sunday school class in Ms. Hilda's apartment. The apartment complex has mostly elderly that aren't really able (in some cases they simply aren't willing) to go to church for an hour, so we do a thirty minute class there and many of the elderly women come. Anyway, after SS we went on to church. Afterwards we were supposed to eat with an elderly lady in the church. She cannot see well, but she invites us to eat with her every so often. She manages to cook a huge meal and I admire her willingness to take on such a task. Initially I did have concerns about eating the food. That has been a concern with many people we eat with (especially those that you SEE lick their fingers, then handle the food...ick), BUT God has really helped me overcome that!
Anyway, church went well, but afterwards, my husband disappeared. After a few minutes, someone told me there was a deacons meeting. They were in the meeting forever! Finally he came out and we headed to dinner. On the way there he told me they were considering giving him a raise. I've mentioned this at least once or twice before, but he makes $1,138/month. (That's our only source of income now). (Rent $575, Tuition $350, Electic $40, etc.) So we've barely made it the last three months, but God has consistenly provided. Also, thank God for Medicaid...without that we would be in big trouble since neither of us have health insurance. We also spend a lot on gas to go to church...it's an hour away. So apparently one of the deacons suggested Frankie needed a raise, especially with a child on the way. Another deacon apparently isn't so thrilled with the idea, but they've pretty much all agreed to meet and discuss how much of a raise, then vote on it at the next business meeting. After dinner on Sunday, we drove back to the church and I could tell that Frankie was down. I suspected someone was offensive or his feelings were hurt, but he didn't want to tell me. I think he fears that if he tells me something negative that was said, I'll dislike or be rude to whoever said it. So after a while he told me that he really wanted to resign! So my question was "resign and do what?" He didn't have an answer. Then he said with a smile, "Is there any way we can get by a couple of months without this income?" (As I said before, that is our only source of income...no savings or anything else). So I respond, "Maybe if we start playing the lottery." Needless to say, he didn't resign Sunday night, but he said he wanted to so much. It's really surprised me. I know he's been praying about it for a few months, but I wasn't expecting it. Monday he sent out several resumes and even called a local college about a part-time teaching position. I am praying that God will open the door to the place He wants us!

New Issue with Baby

2006-10-08T08:20:00.000-04:00

There's so much controversy over everything to do with newborns. So many critical decisions to make and so much to worry about. In a previous blog I mentioned that I had been reading a lot of material about newborns/infants (from info about breastfeeding to sleeping and diapers). Several months ago I debated over disposables vs cloth diapers, then it was breastfeeding on demand vs pumping. Lately I've been reading about sleep habits and training (early on). Yesterday a new concern arose. Vaccinations. In nursing school I quickly realized I disagree with a lot of common practices and the way many physicians and healthcare workers approach situations (namely medicating first thing). I am very much an advocate of natural, holistic health, but until now that has just been focused on myself. It's so much of a bigger deal when I'm talking about my child! So as for vaccinating, what to do? Up until recently I haven't thought too much about it. I know I'll get the eye meds and Vit K at the hospital, but what about Hep B...it's optional. And maybe unnecessary? What about Measles, Mumps, Rubella, ChickenPox, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Flu, and the relatively new cervial cancer vaccine! I know there are risk factors that increase the chances of an adverse reaction (prematurity, family hx of seizures or adverse reactions to meds, parent with severe allergies, etc...although I will add that my nursing textbooks states these as myths. I don't believe that though). I am just trying to figure out the pros/cons of each vaccination. Then I guess I'll go with those that are relatively safe or have a low chance of reaction. Who knew there were so many things to worry about with babies! I mean, I knew the common things, but there's tons more no one warned me about!! Lord HELP!

QUESTION FOR MOMS IN THE MINISTRY

2006-10-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

I don't think I've written about this lately, but it's been a concern that I've had before I even got pregnant. I just would love some advice on this! OK, I grew up an only child and my mom was waaaay overprotective. She's also a 'clean freak' which she has somewhat passed on to me. (That translates to: the smell of bleach permeates the apartment, I wash my hands a zillion times a day, I monitor my husbands hand washing, and I've very paranoid about unclean hands and smokers handling my newborn!). On a continuum, if dirty was far left, obsessive-compulsive was far right, I'd be just a little to the right.
So my husband has smoker's on his side of the family and they will be easily offended if I suggest or ask them to wash their hands before holding the baby, much less changing shirts or putting a clean shirt over the smokey shirt. His grandmother has started asking people to smoke outside, but they still come right in fresh from smoking and pick up babies. How do I manage this at Christmas?
November will be beginning the flu and RSV season, and being a nurse, I know it's extremely dangerous for babies to be around children and sick people. How do you manage that at church though? People will want to hold the baby and they don't realize that just because they are successfully fighting a cold, the baby may not be so fortunate. And at our church, people don't really ask, they just pick the child up. There are lots of little kids there as well, who tend to want to kiss babies, etc. So my question is how do I deal with this? My husband's number one concern is not offending anyone. My number one concern is the health of the baby. How do you balance that? Both at church and with in-laws. (I say in-laws because I'm blunt with my family and they aren't easily offended).

Friday, October 6

2006-10-06T08:05:00.000-04:00

This week has been uneventful for the most part. It's fall break here at the seminary, but Frankie has been just as busy as usual with reading and working on papers. He had hoped to get slightly ahead in preparation for the baby, but I'm not sure if was successful. I sort of doubt it. The church had a shower for us on Sunday, which was very nice. We got more clothes (lots of sleepers and cute outfits), quite a few diapers (cloth and disposables), a couple of stuffed animals, and about $150. Monday I did laundry...with all the baby clothes I had about 6 loads! (Including our laundry from the week before). I didn't get it all put away until Wednesday! My feel, ankles and legs have been very swollen (but my blood pressure is fine). I've tried not to stay on my feet too much this week (that's basically my excuse for taking days to put away laundry) :)
So Tuesday we went to WalMart and I used the baby money to buy a piece that goes into the carseat and fits around the infants head. I also bought a carseat blanket. It's much like a fitted sheet and just fits all over the top of the carseat (with the exception of a small piece that flips up to leave an opening for the baby's head). It protects the baby from the elements (and hopefully will discourage people from picking the baby up constantly). I bought some Platex Vent Aire bottles and some vinyl pants (to cover the cloth diapers). There are still a few things I want, but I don't think there's anything else we really need. Family insists that I'll need a rocking chair, but so far we haven't gotten one. I don't know if I will or not. We'll see.
Wednesday we went to Munfordville. There were only about a dozen there. Thursday, yesterday, I had a dr's appt. I'm now seeing her weekly and having cervial exams (ugh)! So far everything looks good. The only additional preparation I have to do is choose a pediatrician, and finish packing my hospital bag.
My parents are planning on coming up here on October 27 (I'll be 38 weeks and 3 days). My dad will just stay the weekend and mom will stay until a couple of weeks after the baby is born. My dad will just drive back when I go into labor. I wish they could both stay up here for several weeks, but someone has to take care of my three dogs that I left at home! Also they can't both be off for a month!

October 1

2006-10-01T06:53:00.000-04:00

I just have a quick post this morning. Frankie isn't too keen on me being on the Internet on Sunday mornings, so I'll at least be brief. Recently I told my mom something that Frankie had already suggested I not disclose. (It was about him not getting paid last week...and the same thing last month). I wasn't mad about it or complaining when I told my mom, but telling her about God's provision (a couple of people gave us money). So yesterday my mom said something about it and she was angry...complaining about the church and all. I realized my mistake in revealing anything remotely negative about the church. I told Frankie about it and got an "I told you so" look (and speech). We had an interesting discussion though about how people do not understand the life and situations of a minister (and family) unless they have been in that role.
Frankie has an uncle that once said he had no right to preach since he'd gotten a speeding ticket. (Ok, that's just dumb!). So there are expectations on a pastor's family that aren't on other Christians. Also people suggest that since we aren't being paid much we may not be in the church where God is calling us. On the other hand, the same people will quickly suggest a pastor isn't even "called" if he's at a church that pays a lot (he's just in it for the money). The list goes on and on. I do realize that any negativity should not be devulged, especially to those not in the ministry (and especially to family).
I do want to add that my mom's concern is just me (and the baby!). She worries and still hasn't quite adjusted to me being married and 9 hours away.

Last day of the month

2006-09-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's the last day of the month and I find that terribly frightening! In a month or less I'll be giving birth! I'm filled with terror, anticipation, excitement and a million other things at just the thought! Not to mention that we'll be bringing home a new person that we are responsible for (for 18 plus years!). YIKES! I've been reading as many Christian (and a few secular) parenting books as possible. Many have a wealth of information and many good tidbits to offer, but all the books can get quite overwhelming. When I start to consider all the "do's and don'ts" I get very nervous. I'm so frightened of messing up this kid or living a life that steers this child in a direction other than serving God. Frankie and I have really been observing parents and families for the last year. He says the vast majority of pastor's he knows who are the head of their homes, sincere and Godly, and true servants of the Lord, have children who are in the ministry. Those pastor's that are discontent and whose wives are not submissive typically have children that do not serve the Lord. I wonder how accurate that pattern is. I mean, surely it's possible to live as holy as possible and still have a child that isn't serving the Lord (since we all have free will). And equally possible are those folks that serve the Lord diligently and their parent's never went to church and don't know God.

Anyway, the other thing on my mind this morning is the news headline about Rep. Mark Foley, FL resigning because of emails he wrote a teen male page. There's much I could say about this, ranging from the fact that he introduced legislation to protect children from exploitation by adults over the internet, to the homosexual nature of the incident. BUT, I'm not going there. All that is obvious. My thoughts this morning were completely different. I looked a picture of this older man in his nice suit and dignified appearance and I wondered what horror must have filled him when he realized people knew about his emails. I wonder how embarrassed and humiliated he must feel...Not to mention his family (although I think he's single). Anyway, my mind when to Scripture and a sermon I heard my husband preach once on "secret sin." He preached on the sin of Achan from Joshua 7 and talked about how God brings our sins to light. Additional Scripture on this:
Psalm 69:5 "O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You." Job 28:11 "He dams up the streams from trickling; What is hidden he brings forth to light."
Hebrews 4:13 "...all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
Ecclesiastes 12:14 "For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil."
Ok, so what I was thinking/imagining is that however humiliated and embarrassed and sorry (unsure if he's sorry, although I'm sure he's sorry people know about it) Mark Foley is, that's nothing compared to how we will all feel before God. Can you imagine the day when we stand before a Holy, Righteous, Creator of the universe and we have to account for all our sins! Our evil, vile thoughts! Our attitudes and actions. I cringe to imagine. To think of looking in the face of Jesus and knowing He knows EVERYTHING.
To end on a happier note, praise God for forgiveness and mercy! At least Christ's blood prevents us from what we deserve.

End of the Week

2006-09-29T11:57:00.000-04:00

Despite continuous use of cocoa butter and expensive lotions, I have acquired stretch marks on my sides/hips. I know this is petty and silly, but it's gross and I do not like it. Pregnancy does such things to the body! Being a nurse, I knew about many physiological changes, but there were many little things I was unprepared for.

The SWI class last night was focused on public speaking, which I definitely do not enjoy or wish to participate in! I actually have to talk to the WMU Sunday about crisis pregnany's in Kentucky. Ironic topic, I know.

Our bank account is dreadfully low because the treasurer (again) forgot to pay Frankie last Sunday. We have $4. God is definitely teaching me so much about His provision and wants versus needs since getting married. As I've mentioned before, I was quite spoiled and got all I desired before marriage. This last year has been drastic for me, but I really feel as though I have (with God's help) handled it so well (so far). I mean, I didn't go to cutting back some, but rather a complete 180 degree change. I really don't find myself envying or being really discontent as often as I thought I would. I mean, I definitely have my moments! But overall, I don't think I've done too terribly bad. Our financial situation here has really shown us that people can get by on so much less!

Speaking of finances, I recently came across a website about adopting internationally. I don't know why but this has been playing over and over in my mind for days now. (Of all times, I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, but maybe that's why the interest...I don't know). When I was reading the website I found about adoption, I really felt so burdened and such a desire to adopt children from these countries where they really do not have a future at all. I prayed and made a promise to God that if when Frankie and I are out of school and making more money (just enough to be able to afford to adopt), we will. I told Frankie about it and he is 100% in agreement.

The church is giving me a baby shower Sunday. We sitll have just a few more "must haves" before the baby arrives. There aren't many things though, just hats (I didn't realize, but I only have one!), a head support for infants for the car seat, some crib sheets, a sling (not really a must have, but I really want one!), and also some bottles and fillers. I don't yet have a rockingchair and everyone insists that is a must have, but I'm not sure if it is or not.

Modesty & Beauty

2006-09-27T09:29:00.002-04:00

Yesterday evening there was a Pendergraph meeting. (This organization is for single and married women and we meet monthly. Usually there's a guest speaker and food!) So last night Mrs. Mary Mohler, the president's wife, spoke on the topic of beauty. I love her passion on the subject of modesty and she is a wonderful speaker!
What amazes me is that the subject of modesty even has to be addressed here at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. But there is a problem, both here and in the church. In our church there are young women that dress inappropriately...clothes are too tight, cleavage is visible, shirts and dresses and skirts are too short. The poor men don't stand a chance. In my parent's church, my dad recently approached one of the deacons and bluntly said, "I'm tired of seeing breasts in church." (One girl apparently flaunts herself weekly...and her father is a deacon). I don't understand the parents!
Anyway, here at Southern, just yesterday in class I saw quite a bit of cleavage, and about a half-inch of belly. Recently a young woman was talking to me about the problem of modesty. She has large breasts and wears clothes that always show cleavage. Her reasoning is that her breasts are too large and if she wants to look cute and modern, she has no choice. The obvious answer is, so what...give up cute and modern. Go for the classy, Godly look!
Anyway, back to Mrs. Mohler! She gave this outline:
"What Does Biblical Beauty Look Like Today?"
A. Dignified (I Cor 6:19--20, Prov 31-25)
B. Unique (Ps 139:13-14)
C. Modest (Prov 11:22; I Tim 2:9)
D. Gracious (Phil 4:5; Col 4:6)
E. Reflective (II Cor 4:16)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not what most of us think of when we think of beauty. Two last thoughts she gave: We should strive for contentment and seek daily to strength our inner beauty.

Sunday morning

2006-09-24T08:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I cleaned out our closet, folded and put away 3 loads of clothes, vacuumed our apartment, cleaned the bathroom, cleaned the kitchen and cooked two meals. I felt like it was a productive day, but my back, hips and feet HURT last night. My feet are really swollen this morning and I fear that I will be forced to wear open-toed shoes until I delivery this baby. I realize my toes my likely freeze and I will look absurd when it's below 50 degrees in the middle of fall wearing summer shoes, but regular dress shoes no longer fit. My feet feel 2 sizes bigger than before pregnancy. Next time around, I'm aiming for getting pregnant in August or September.
Frankie & I started a new family devotion. We're reading chronologically through the Bible (in a year). We read about three chapters most nights, pray and sing a couple of hymns. Each night we pray for a different need. (Monday is for family, Tuesday is for the church, Wednesday is for the government, Thursday is for missionaries/pastors, Friday is for the lost and Saturday is for miscellaneous needs). I hope we can stick to this plan!
Well, I better get to the shower. Frankie sleeps about an hour longer than me and it drives him nuts when he gets up and I haven't showered yet.

Friday

2006-09-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

I had my SWI class last night and the topic was contentment. I was very convicted about my sinful discontent heart. The speaker read a great poem:

It was spring...but it was summer I wanted,
the warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but fall I wanted,
the colorful leaves, and the cool, dry, air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
the beautiful snow, and the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
the warmth, and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
the freedom, and the respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
to be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
the youth, and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle age I wanted,
the presence of mind, without limitations.
my life was over. But I never got what I wanted.

I thought this poem very powerful and so true. I find myself thinking sometimes, "If only Frankie had a bigger church making more money, things would be better." "If only we had another bedroom in our apartment and more closet space, then I wouldn't complain." "If only we had a church closer...If only Frankie was finished with school....If only I could find a good part-time job..." But the 'if onlys' never stop. The point is we have to have contentment in Jesus Christ in all circumstances. We cannot depend on circumstances for our joy. However, contentment is learned ...and is learned through experience. Anyway, the lecture was good and I came away resolved to complain less! And praise God more!

Thurs AM

2006-09-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Well, Tuesday got more eventful after my blog. The day was fine and around midnight we were preparing for bed. I decided to consult one of my nursing textbooks to try to discover the cause of the pain I've been having in my left upper quadrant...just under my ribs. I don't think I've explained this in detail, but here's what has been going on. For about three months, I've had intermittend discomfort in the area, but for about two weeks, the discomfort has worsened and become virtually constant. I attributed it to the baby growing/kicking, but the last few days I began to suspect something else may be going on. Also, the area is tender to touch, and slightly bruised. The discomfort is worse after meals, but is constant the rest of the time. It hurts both internally and on the skin. Just weird. So Tuesday night I became convinced I had acute pancreatitis. We went to the ER. (Frankie was supposed to be in classat 7:30am and it was midnight when we went to the hospital). Needless to say, the waiting room wait lasted about two hours. We finally saw a doctor and he immediately dismissed my idea of acute pancreatitis, but had no other explanation for what may be causing the discomfort/pain. I was sent to Labor & Delivery, where a cerival exam was performed (ugh!) and the baby was monitored. I ended up having a few light contractions (which had been occuring and I didn't even realize they were contractions. I thought the baby was just moving around!). Everything with the baby seemed normal, so they discharged me. The final word was, "maybe you ran into something, or maybe it's just because of these contractions." I was kind and simply nodded and left, but inside I was screaming, "Hello! I would know if I ran into something hard enough to bruise myself. And how can it be from contractions if it's been going on for months!" Anyway, I was outdone and felt like we wasted a night. It was 5am when we returned and I was still hurting and had no answers. The only positive note is that (hopefully) if something was seriously wrong, my blood work would have indicated some abnormalities. I guess.
I have an appointment with my OBGYN today at 3pm. Hopefully she'll be more helpful.
Well, I better go...so much to do today! Class at 1pm (we're having a 'fellowship' so I have to make cookies, Dr's appt this afternoon and SWI tonight. Plus I have to clean some and I need to run to Wal-Mart before class.

Tuesday

2006-09-19T11:17:00.000-04:00

I'm just now getting a chance to write again since my last entry. The Family Life Conference went very well on Friday night and Saturday morning. The morning was a little less lively, probably because it was early! Also Mrs. York was unable to attend because of sickness.
Sunday we headed to Munfordville, and overall it was a good day. Frankie preached on sin in the church (Revelation)and after church a lady in the church, Bonita, asked if she could say something. She went on to tell that when she got out of her car this morning at church, Josh (a young guy in the church), asked her what happened to her car. Apparently there was a dent in the backend of it. She responded, "I don't know anything about it." She went on to tearfully say that she had lied to Josh and also to her husband, Larry. She said she also told Larry, "I don't know anything about it" when he asked what happened. She said she backed into a fire hydrant. The church all but erupted in laughter. But several were tearful as well. It was such a testimony and so sweet and humble. She asked for their forgiveness and apologized to them both. Larry, her husband, had a look of disbelief, but he sort of laughed about it as well.
How many of us have told even little lies, or skirted around the truth or some other sin entirely and we repent of it, but never dare apologize to the person we lied to. MUCH LESS do we openly, publically ask forgiveness. I thought it was such a testimony and such a encouragement.