Hmmm, not sure I like the name but that's ok. I'm going to do my best to write down my chicken black bean dish but since I just throw in a little of this and a little of that it's difficult to pin down. But here goes:
What you'll need:
1 16 oz pckg. of dry black beans cooked according to package directions or 4 cans of black beans rinsed and drained (if you don't drain them the dish will be to soupy)
3 boneless skinless chicken breast-cooked
1 package taco seasoning
mojo (you can find it in a bottle in the Mexican food section) just use a splash- to taste
1 package frozen corn (I like white best but you can use any variety)
1 small jar salsa-thick and chunky- whatever heat you like
1 8 oz pckg. Mexican cheese
Combine all ingredients in a large skillet and cook until bubbly. I like to serve with Hint Of Lime Tostitos but you could serve over rice or anything else really. You can also make a casserole by layering flour tortillas, bean mixture, cheese...repeat, in a springform pan with the last layer being a tortilla with cheese on top. Cook at 4oo degrees until the cheese is bubbly- about 20-25 min. slice and serve with sour cream and Franks hot sauce, mmmm.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Blink Once for Yes, Twice for No
Have you ever seen one of those Dr. shows where there's a patient in a somewhat vegetative state and they ask them to "blink if you understand what I'm saying."? Well, this post has nothing to do with that.
It does, however, have to do with Halle blinking. I'm sure you're thinking, blinking? It's one of those things like breathing you just do it. Well, she has started blinking with purpose. The other night at Target she bumped her head on the shopping cart and made a face and blinked very hard and deliberately as if to say, "you may pick me up now!". She'll also copy my blinking pattern. We played a blinking game during dinner last night and it was adorable.
OK, so there's only so much you can write about your kid blinking. So, everything else with us is fine and I must say that I'm incredibly happy to be here. I'd like to be more settled but that will just take time. Now if we could only decide what church to go to.....
It does, however, have to do with Halle blinking. I'm sure you're thinking, blinking? It's one of those things like breathing you just do it. Well, she has started blinking with purpose. The other night at Target she bumped her head on the shopping cart and made a face and blinked very hard and deliberately as if to say, "you may pick me up now!". She'll also copy my blinking pattern. We played a blinking game during dinner last night and it was adorable.
OK, so there's only so much you can write about your kid blinking. So, everything else with us is fine and I must say that I'm incredibly happy to be here. I'd like to be more settled but that will just take time. Now if we could only decide what church to go to.....
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
All Kids Update
I realized the other day when I was reading Mary's blog that I have neglected to post anything about the kids in quite a while. Now, that may not be too important to most of you, but I'm sure it's important to my Mother In Law. I'm pretty sure that my Mom doesn't read my blog but she gets to see the girls way more often so here goes with milestones and little anecdotes.
I took Halle a couple of weeks ago to get her 9 month check up and shots. During the visit it was determined that her weight fell in the 5th percentile. It's funny, she started out in the 90th percentile because she was a big baby, but now she's a tiny 5th percentile. After talking with the Dr. we decided that she's ok and she's just built like her Daddy.
Which, BTW, she said "DaDa" as soon as Travis walked through the door yesterday. She's said DaDa before but this time she was saying it to him, so sweet.
So, back to her being tiny. Yesterday I put her in her little car walker that Chloe had which was a hand me down from her cousin. Well, she started fussing and I thought she just wanted to be held so I didn't check on her immediately. Then Chloe said, "Mom, somethings wrong with Halle. Come in here and I'll show you what's wrong". I'll admit I was a little concerned because of the way Chloe phrased it but she wasn't yelling so I was pretty sure everything was ok. When I went into the living room it looked like Halle was twisted around in the seat but upon closer inspection I realized that her entire body had slipped through one of the legs of the seat and she was stuck! It was cute and pitiful. Of course, I rescued her and everything was much better.
Amanda "almost" broke her pinky. She decided 2 Sundays ago to go to the "Chili Bowl" which is an event that Cornerstone youth group puts on annually. There is lots of chili served and several teams play "flag" football. When she said she wanted to go she said she wasn't going to play. She wasn't dressed for it and wasn't on a team or anything. Well, 2 girls dropped out and she decided to fill in. When she tried to catch the ball it hit her on the end of the finger and sprained or jammed her pinky. We waited until the next day to take her to the Doctor. We were pretty sure it was broken which is why we took her at all. The Dr. said to "buddy tape" it to her ring finger and sent her to get X-Rays. Now, notice he told her to tape it, he didn't tape it himself. It's so aggravating. He couldn't even tape the fingers? I don't like this particular Dr. anyway, but really, the office doesn't have any tape? The X-Rays revealed that there was no break but I guess it's better to be safe...Man that was an expensive Chili Bowl.
Chloe, sweet Chloe. She does so much cute stuff it's hard to just come up with a couple of things. Oh yeah, bedtime.
The night before last I was so tired. I went to bed early and Travis put Chloe to bed then got into bed himself. We were both sound asleep when Chloe bursts into our room with her lunch box, back pack, and wearing only underwear. She cried "Mommy, Daddy, I want to go to Cornerstone! I want to go to school!" To which we calmly replied, "Huh, What! Chloe!!! GO TO BED!!!" Travis said when he went into the hall to put her back to bed she looked crushed. I felt so terrible and really it was cute. I am just not the most understanding person when I'm awakened from a dead sleep.
OK, so that is some of the cute or tramatic things happening here and as soon as I can I will post pics.
OK, that is a post in itself but let me summarize.
Tisra taught me how to put pics on my blog so I downloaded Picasa and set it up to put pics on. Travis moaned and groaned and complained about me putting a new program on the computer.
"What! What is this?!? It automatically comes up at startup? Who did this?!?" Yes, he did do that, although as soon as he reads this he'll deny it. Anyway, later HE decided that HE wanted to put pics on his blog so he changed something and now I can only post pics to HIS blog OR HIS MOM'S!!!!! UGH!!! I love him and his Mom but I want pics on MY BLOG WHICH IS WHY I DOWNLOADED IT TO BEGIN WITH!!!!!
Insert the somewhat sarcastic, give Trav a hard time font here! OK, a really, really hard time font.
I took Halle a couple of weeks ago to get her 9 month check up and shots. During the visit it was determined that her weight fell in the 5th percentile. It's funny, she started out in the 90th percentile because she was a big baby, but now she's a tiny 5th percentile. After talking with the Dr. we decided that she's ok and she's just built like her Daddy.
Which, BTW, she said "DaDa" as soon as Travis walked through the door yesterday. She's said DaDa before but this time she was saying it to him, so sweet.
So, back to her being tiny. Yesterday I put her in her little car walker that Chloe had which was a hand me down from her cousin. Well, she started fussing and I thought she just wanted to be held so I didn't check on her immediately. Then Chloe said, "Mom, somethings wrong with Halle. Come in here and I'll show you what's wrong". I'll admit I was a little concerned because of the way Chloe phrased it but she wasn't yelling so I was pretty sure everything was ok. When I went into the living room it looked like Halle was twisted around in the seat but upon closer inspection I realized that her entire body had slipped through one of the legs of the seat and she was stuck! It was cute and pitiful. Of course, I rescued her and everything was much better.
Amanda "almost" broke her pinky. She decided 2 Sundays ago to go to the "Chili Bowl" which is an event that Cornerstone youth group puts on annually. There is lots of chili served and several teams play "flag" football. When she said she wanted to go she said she wasn't going to play. She wasn't dressed for it and wasn't on a team or anything. Well, 2 girls dropped out and she decided to fill in. When she tried to catch the ball it hit her on the end of the finger and sprained or jammed her pinky. We waited until the next day to take her to the Doctor. We were pretty sure it was broken which is why we took her at all. The Dr. said to "buddy tape" it to her ring finger and sent her to get X-Rays. Now, notice he told her to tape it, he didn't tape it himself. It's so aggravating. He couldn't even tape the fingers? I don't like this particular Dr. anyway, but really, the office doesn't have any tape? The X-Rays revealed that there was no break but I guess it's better to be safe...Man that was an expensive Chili Bowl.
Chloe, sweet Chloe. She does so much cute stuff it's hard to just come up with a couple of things. Oh yeah, bedtime.
The night before last I was so tired. I went to bed early and Travis put Chloe to bed then got into bed himself. We were both sound asleep when Chloe bursts into our room with her lunch box, back pack, and wearing only underwear. She cried "Mommy, Daddy, I want to go to Cornerstone! I want to go to school!" To which we calmly replied, "Huh, What! Chloe!!! GO TO BED!!!" Travis said when he went into the hall to put her back to bed she looked crushed. I felt so terrible and really it was cute. I am just not the most understanding person when I'm awakened from a dead sleep.
OK, so that is some of the cute or tramatic things happening here and as soon as I can I will post pics.
OK, that is a post in itself but let me summarize.
Tisra taught me how to put pics on my blog so I downloaded Picasa and set it up to put pics on. Travis moaned and groaned and complained about me putting a new program on the computer.
"What! What is this?!? It automatically comes up at startup? Who did this?!?" Yes, he did do that, although as soon as he reads this he'll deny it. Anyway, later HE decided that HE wanted to put pics on his blog so he changed something and now I can only post pics to HIS blog OR HIS MOM'S!!!!! UGH!!! I love him and his Mom but I want pics on MY BLOG WHICH IS WHY I DOWNLOADED IT TO BEGIN WITH!!!!!
Insert the somewhat sarcastic, give Trav a hard time font here! OK, a really, really hard time font.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
All Moved In
You'll notice the title is "moved in" not "settled in". As you can imagine there is stuff EVERYWHERE! It is quite a large task but we're up to it.
So, the move was thankfully uneventful. We arrived at Mom and Dad's house at about 9:30 PM (I'm so glad we both got off early so we could leave early). We left later than we wanted to and were stuck in traffic for a while so it took us about an hour to actually get out of town. The next morning we had a great breakfast that Mom prepared for us and were off to get the moving truck. It's so funny, but apparently you can rent U-Haul's from anywhere. The place we went to for instance was in ghetttoville, OK, Bessemer, but you get the idea. When we got there I was amazed at how run down the place was. Did I say rundown? Because what I meant was a strong wind could have blown this place over. It looked like it used to be a gas station and inside there was a bunch of old used tires and junk. I can't imagine that anyone would buy those old tires, I don't think you could have driven on them and the ceiling was literally falling in. There was insulation hanging down from several places in the ceiling. The guy that ran the place was very nice but I'm sure just being there everyday is hazardous to his health. He did have a computer though and he asked Travis to enter his information so it would be faster- he wanted to get home to see the football game. Again, he was a nice guy and we got our truck.
Then we went back to Mom and Dad's and Amanda and I left for haircuts. Haircuts? Yes, haircuts, much to the dismay of my husband. He didn't want us to schedule them to begin with but we like getting our hair cut at this particular place and since we won't be in town for a while this was the only time to do it.
So after the haircuts we went back to my grumpy husband. He's not usually grumpy but we had so much to do you really can't blame him. I did give him a little pep talk though and he was much better. Hours later we were packed, fell into bed and got up early-ish for the long drive home.
So, the move was thankfully uneventful. We arrived at Mom and Dad's house at about 9:30 PM (I'm so glad we both got off early so we could leave early). We left later than we wanted to and were stuck in traffic for a while so it took us about an hour to actually get out of town. The next morning we had a great breakfast that Mom prepared for us and were off to get the moving truck. It's so funny, but apparently you can rent U-Haul's from anywhere. The place we went to for instance was in ghetttoville, OK, Bessemer, but you get the idea. When we got there I was amazed at how run down the place was. Did I say rundown? Because what I meant was a strong wind could have blown this place over. It looked like it used to be a gas station and inside there was a bunch of old used tires and junk. I can't imagine that anyone would buy those old tires, I don't think you could have driven on them and the ceiling was literally falling in. There was insulation hanging down from several places in the ceiling. The guy that ran the place was very nice but I'm sure just being there everyday is hazardous to his health. He did have a computer though and he asked Travis to enter his information so it would be faster- he wanted to get home to see the football game. Again, he was a nice guy and we got our truck.
Then we went back to Mom and Dad's and Amanda and I left for haircuts. Haircuts? Yes, haircuts, much to the dismay of my husband. He didn't want us to schedule them to begin with but we like getting our hair cut at this particular place and since we won't be in town for a while this was the only time to do it.
So after the haircuts we went back to my grumpy husband. He's not usually grumpy but we had so much to do you really can't blame him. I did give him a little pep talk though and he was much better. Hours later we were packed, fell into bed and got up early-ish for the long drive home.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Finally Getting Settled
Of course, with the way things go it may be premature to say that we're actually getting settled, but we are going to get our stuff. I really am pressed for time right now because I have to complete the move from apt. #1, (hereafter known as the animal urine soaked carpet, nasty, dirty place), to apt#2,( hereafter known as the clean, what an apartment should look and SMELL like place). I didn't want to post about apt. #1 too much because I didn't want to sound like a whiner but it really was gross and we were very unhappy. So fortunately for us, we were able to move right next door. Unfortunately for the next poor suckers, they will have to live on nasty carpet. The final straw for me was when I picked Halle up from being on the carpet and her face smelled like animal urine! Then later that same day I hugged Chloe and her hair smelled like it! So, so, so, gross! There is a reason we don't have pets and don't smoke.
In a few minutes I will be heading over to vacuum and clean the tile in apt. #1 and then I'll head to apt. #2 to pack up some clothes for the trip and to put away as many things as I can so that nothing is in the way when we get back.
So, cross your fingers, but I think we may just be able to get our stuff and set up house. I will let you know how it goes but now I'm off....
In a few minutes I will be heading over to vacuum and clean the tile in apt. #1 and then I'll head to apt. #2 to pack up some clothes for the trip and to put away as many things as I can so that nothing is in the way when we get back.
So, cross your fingers, but I think we may just be able to get our stuff and set up house. I will let you know how it goes but now I'm off....
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Too Much Bubbles!
"Mommy, there's too much bubbles! Too much bubbles, too much bubbles, too much bubbles..."
Do you ever ignore your kid? I do, especially when I'm doing something important. Like today for instance, I was reading very important TV gossip at E! online about my most favorite show that I never get to watch. Alias, if you must know. Poor Vaughn was "killed" in the first episode and I'm just devastated (man, I'm going to invent the sarcasm font someday and be rich. I mean, I do hate to see him "go" but I'm not too devastated!). Anyway, since we are in our apartment sans stuff I have only purchased the basic necessities. And since I'm in my newfound incredibly cheap mode, we have been using dish soap instead of dish washer detergent in the dishwasher. I know, I know but it's worked fine so far. I had been concerned, though, that I hadn't been using quite enough soap and I'm concerned (I'm a little paranoid) about the sanitary aspect of continually washing and reusing plastic cutlery. Hence the "little extra" soap I put in the dishwasher this morning.
"Mommy theres too much bubbles!" I finally looked up from the computer screen and, in fact, there were way too many bubbles. So, I thought, Well, Chloe needs a bath anyway and she'll really like playing in the bubbles, ah, what the heck! "Hey Chloe, you want to play in the bubbles?" Not to mention that since I didn't bring the mop, the floor could use a scrubbing as well, so I guess I killed a couple of birds with too much dish soap and made one of my girls happy as well.
Do you ever ignore your kid? I do, especially when I'm doing something important. Like today for instance, I was reading very important TV gossip at E! online about my most favorite show that I never get to watch. Alias, if you must know. Poor Vaughn was "killed" in the first episode and I'm just devastated (man, I'm going to invent the sarcasm font someday and be rich. I mean, I do hate to see him "go" but I'm not too devastated!). Anyway, since we are in our apartment sans stuff I have only purchased the basic necessities. And since I'm in my newfound incredibly cheap mode, we have been using dish soap instead of dish washer detergent in the dishwasher. I know, I know but it's worked fine so far. I had been concerned, though, that I hadn't been using quite enough soap and I'm concerned (I'm a little paranoid) about the sanitary aspect of continually washing and reusing plastic cutlery. Hence the "little extra" soap I put in the dishwasher this morning.
"Mommy theres too much bubbles!" I finally looked up from the computer screen and, in fact, there were way too many bubbles. So, I thought, Well, Chloe needs a bath anyway and she'll really like playing in the bubbles, ah, what the heck! "Hey Chloe, you want to play in the bubbles?" Not to mention that since I didn't bring the mop, the floor could use a scrubbing as well, so I guess I killed a couple of birds with too much dish soap and made one of my girls happy as well.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
A Baseball Game and Up To My Elbows in Snot
Hmmm, great title, huh?
Friday night we babysat for the Fadely's so they could go out for a date and when they got home we were invited to Grant's baseball game. Of course, we were thrilled to go. Amanda played tee ball when she was little and I grew up at the softball field so going to baseball or softball games brings back good memories. It's funny but since Travis didn't grow up playing baseball he was unfamiliar with some of the expressions. "Come on, run it out!" I yelled to a little boy I don't know who started to slow down before he got to first base. "Run it out?" Travis looked confused and a little proud that his wife knew what that meant. Several of the adults also took turns to take the little kids to an empty ball field to throw the ball and run bases. An hour and forty five minutes is a long time to watch baseball for little kids. I took my turn and tried to teach Chloe how to run the bases. Touch first, touch first...tag second..., You know, teaching her to actually step on the bags as she runs around in case we put her in tee ball. I'd really like to do that. It's a huge time commitment but I think it would be really good for her.
So, about the star of the game...Grant Fadely. He did a very good job of doing what his coaches told him. He was playing outfield and during a play he ran right over and backed-up first base, which in this league is very important. He also scored twice and I think he's the fastest runner on his team! It's so cool to share these milestones.
OK, so today I'm up to my elbows in snot. Yes, I said snot. It's not a pretty word and it's not a pretty substance. Kind of like the word "blog". I hate the word blog. I know it's short for web log but it really is a dumb word. It reminds me of some slimy substance that would be marketed as a childrens toy. But I digress. Anyway it started out electric green and has now gone clear. I swear with the amount of, you know, coming out of her nose it must be packed up to her brain. I was really wanting to go to church today but sitting in the "nursing mother's" room with an incredibly fussy Halle didn't sound like too much fun. Last week we visited Sumner Life and this week we are visiting Cornerstone. I hate to miss any of these visits because now I feel like I'm a week behind. Not to mention the spiritual "lift" I get from corporate praise and worship and a good message. Well, I hope the the rest of the Buttons enjoy it. I know they will. Chloe and Amanda were very excited to be able to be there today. I don't know what church we'll end up at. I really do love Cornerstone. There are things we don't like, as with any church, but we can get past that. I just don't know if I see us just going back and being in Choir and doing drama and that's it. I know that the Lord will show us where we're supposed to be I'm just not sure why he's hesitating.
OK, does anybody else have as much trouble wrapping up a post as I do? I have no trouble writing, it's the stopping that I have trouble with. Maybe I should just say "I'm done writing now".
I'm done writing now.
Friday night we babysat for the Fadely's so they could go out for a date and when they got home we were invited to Grant's baseball game. Of course, we were thrilled to go. Amanda played tee ball when she was little and I grew up at the softball field so going to baseball or softball games brings back good memories. It's funny but since Travis didn't grow up playing baseball he was unfamiliar with some of the expressions. "Come on, run it out!" I yelled to a little boy I don't know who started to slow down before he got to first base. "Run it out?" Travis looked confused and a little proud that his wife knew what that meant. Several of the adults also took turns to take the little kids to an empty ball field to throw the ball and run bases. An hour and forty five minutes is a long time to watch baseball for little kids. I took my turn and tried to teach Chloe how to run the bases. Touch first, touch first...tag second..., You know, teaching her to actually step on the bags as she runs around in case we put her in tee ball. I'd really like to do that. It's a huge time commitment but I think it would be really good for her.
So, about the star of the game...Grant Fadely. He did a very good job of doing what his coaches told him. He was playing outfield and during a play he ran right over and backed-up first base, which in this league is very important. He also scored twice and I think he's the fastest runner on his team! It's so cool to share these milestones.
OK, so today I'm up to my elbows in snot. Yes, I said snot. It's not a pretty word and it's not a pretty substance. Kind of like the word "blog". I hate the word blog. I know it's short for web log but it really is a dumb word. It reminds me of some slimy substance that would be marketed as a childrens toy. But I digress. Anyway it started out electric green and has now gone clear. I swear with the amount of, you know, coming out of her nose it must be packed up to her brain. I was really wanting to go to church today but sitting in the "nursing mother's" room with an incredibly fussy Halle didn't sound like too much fun. Last week we visited Sumner Life and this week we are visiting Cornerstone. I hate to miss any of these visits because now I feel like I'm a week behind. Not to mention the spiritual "lift" I get from corporate praise and worship and a good message. Well, I hope the the rest of the Buttons enjoy it. I know they will. Chloe and Amanda were very excited to be able to be there today. I don't know what church we'll end up at. I really do love Cornerstone. There are things we don't like, as with any church, but we can get past that. I just don't know if I see us just going back and being in Choir and doing drama and that's it. I know that the Lord will show us where we're supposed to be I'm just not sure why he's hesitating.
OK, does anybody else have as much trouble wrapping up a post as I do? I have no trouble writing, it's the stopping that I have trouble with. Maybe I should just say "I'm done writing now".
I'm done writing now.
Friday, October 07, 2005
A Wonderful Birthday Bash
Well, not to steal Kris and Mary's thunder or anything but the Buttons had a completely wonderful time at Owen's 2nd birthday party last night. I have been so exhausted lately, I guess from hopping around so much. I haven't really had time to rest and I've just been very stressed. Anyway, Travis suggested maybe I should stay home last night and rest to which I responded, "Are you nuts!". Everyone needs time away to play and play we did. I ran through all the tunnels, slid on all the slides, slid on all the slides again with Halle in tow, and successfully beat up on Amanda and her friend Zach, thus ensuring myself the "coolest mom in the world" title with another one of Amanda's friends. I think that playground should be my new hangout. Yeah, Big Mountain Coffee was great, but the playground was way more fun.
Oh yeah, the party wasn't about us, was it? Sorry, but I'll have to let Kris and Mary fill you in on all the great Owen details. I do remember Kris snapping some covert pics of poor unsuspecting adults as we climbed in a very undignified manner through the tunnels. I'm sure we'll see some of those posted soon.
Last night was great fun and I heard it suggested that we ditch the kids and let the grown-ups have a turn...hmmm...now there's an idea!
Oh yeah, the party wasn't about us, was it? Sorry, but I'll have to let Kris and Mary fill you in on all the great Owen details. I do remember Kris snapping some covert pics of poor unsuspecting adults as we climbed in a very undignified manner through the tunnels. I'm sure we'll see some of those posted soon.
Last night was great fun and I heard it suggested that we ditch the kids and let the grown-ups have a turn...hmmm...now there's an idea!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Well, I guess you've noticed the new look. I've been working on it for a couple of days and I had to go to my blog to remember what it looked like. I tried several different backgrounds and really couldn't find anything I liked so I guess basic black is good. I really felt like I needed a change and I never want to hear the word "gypsy" again.
We do have a new vehicle now. I'm going to spare you all of the boring details, but the jist of it is we are now driving a 2005 white Dodge Grand Caravan. It handles well and is very roomy and of that I'm glad. We do need to get Travis a new vehicle in the next few months and it will definitely have to be something more sporty so we can have a "date" vehicle.
We're in our apartment, sans furniture, and it's nice to have the space here as well. The apartment wasn't in great condition when we moved in but I'm not going to take up any blog time by complaining. We do have a nice view of a fountain out of most of the windows. I love water features and though the beauty is slighty marred by the "tidy bowl" blueness of the water, it's still very nice.
I'm looking forward to being at Owen Kelso's 2nd birthday party tonight and should be able to catch up with friends and to let Chloe catch up as well. She asked if her "boyfriend" Grant would be there tonight. I don't know where she gets that from, but whenever we talk about Grant she always asks about her boyfriend Grant. It's funny how kids make things up.
My time is up. Halle refuses to take a nap that she desperately needs and I can no longer bear her pitiful "mommy come get me" cries.
We do have a new vehicle now. I'm going to spare you all of the boring details, but the jist of it is we are now driving a 2005 white Dodge Grand Caravan. It handles well and is very roomy and of that I'm glad. We do need to get Travis a new vehicle in the next few months and it will definitely have to be something more sporty so we can have a "date" vehicle.
We're in our apartment, sans furniture, and it's nice to have the space here as well. The apartment wasn't in great condition when we moved in but I'm not going to take up any blog time by complaining. We do have a nice view of a fountain out of most of the windows. I love water features and though the beauty is slighty marred by the "tidy bowl" blueness of the water, it's still very nice.
I'm looking forward to being at Owen Kelso's 2nd birthday party tonight and should be able to catch up with friends and to let Chloe catch up as well. She asked if her "boyfriend" Grant would be there tonight. I don't know where she gets that from, but whenever we talk about Grant she always asks about her boyfriend Grant. It's funny how kids make things up.
My time is up. Halle refuses to take a nap that she desperately needs and I can no longer bear her pitiful "mommy come get me" cries.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Hey, lets play the disobedience game!
Since I'm babysitting now I have even more kids to talk about, isn't that great! They are all down for naps now so I'm free for a few minutes before Christina gets home.
Typically Jaren and Chloe are very good, compliant children. They usually do what I ask and if they don't I usually just have to correct them once and they're fine for the day. Today was NOT that day.
I was preoccupied with Halle for a while this morning and was trying to get her to sleep so I asked the kids to play in Jaren's bedroom. They've done that before and have done fine. I guess my first clue that something was wrong should have been the fact that they were pretty quiet. Well, I went in to check on them and the first thing I noticed was water on this little car garage -thing Jaren has? "Where did that water come from?", I asked. As I looked up a little higher I saw an amazing amount of toys and debris inside the fish bowl. The conversation then went something like this:
Amy- What did you guys do?
Chloe- We fed the fish.
Amy- What about this mess?
Jaren- We made a mess.
Amy- Chloe and Jaren you go to time out right now!
Chloe- (crying) Mommy!
Jaren- (crying) Mommy!
Halle- (crying the whole time- oh yeah, still crying)
After closer inspection I noticed that Chloe had emptied and entire sippy cup of water into the floor as well!
After time out I had the kids clean up while I searched for a vacuum cleaner (I had already rescued the fish or rescued the toys, however you want to look at it. Fish bowls gross me out btw.) to vacuum up the spilled fish food. I went back into the room and walked up behind Jaren as he was saying to Chloe, "Hey, lets make a mess!"
Yeah, they were just like that today.
Later, I let them play on the patio (lest you think Jaren was the only instigator today) and as soon as we went outside I had to get Luke up from his nap. Naively, I asked them to stay right on the patio while I got Luke up. So, I got him up and changed his diaper and as I was taking it to the trash I heard crying and "Jaren!" I went to the patio and saw Chloe walking up the steps, crying, and holding her head. Now, from that you'd think it was Jaren's fault, wouldn't you? However, it was Chloe that was the instigator. She and Jaren had been playing with a hard plastic dog (it weighs about a pound) and a small butterfly net. She decided that she should go into the yard with the butterfly net and let Jaren throw the dog to her and she would catch it. Well, she sort of caught it, right in the noggin she caught it.
So Chloe got a spanking and was sent upstairs for a nap. Jaren had a little more time to play and honestly he was just fine. Chloe was grouchy from not enough sleep and maybe that was enough to impair her judgement. But whatever it was I hope Wednesday is much better.
Typically Jaren and Chloe are very good, compliant children. They usually do what I ask and if they don't I usually just have to correct them once and they're fine for the day. Today was NOT that day.
I was preoccupied with Halle for a while this morning and was trying to get her to sleep so I asked the kids to play in Jaren's bedroom. They've done that before and have done fine. I guess my first clue that something was wrong should have been the fact that they were pretty quiet. Well, I went in to check on them and the first thing I noticed was water on this little car garage -thing Jaren has? "Where did that water come from?", I asked. As I looked up a little higher I saw an amazing amount of toys and debris inside the fish bowl. The conversation then went something like this:
Amy- What did you guys do?
Chloe- We fed the fish.
Amy- What about this mess?
Jaren- We made a mess.
Amy- Chloe and Jaren you go to time out right now!
Chloe- (crying) Mommy!
Jaren- (crying) Mommy!
Halle- (crying the whole time- oh yeah, still crying)
After closer inspection I noticed that Chloe had emptied and entire sippy cup of water into the floor as well!
After time out I had the kids clean up while I searched for a vacuum cleaner (I had already rescued the fish or rescued the toys, however you want to look at it. Fish bowls gross me out btw.) to vacuum up the spilled fish food. I went back into the room and walked up behind Jaren as he was saying to Chloe, "Hey, lets make a mess!"
Yeah, they were just like that today.
Later, I let them play on the patio (lest you think Jaren was the only instigator today) and as soon as we went outside I had to get Luke up from his nap. Naively, I asked them to stay right on the patio while I got Luke up. So, I got him up and changed his diaper and as I was taking it to the trash I heard crying and "Jaren!" I went to the patio and saw Chloe walking up the steps, crying, and holding her head. Now, from that you'd think it was Jaren's fault, wouldn't you? However, it was Chloe that was the instigator. She and Jaren had been playing with a hard plastic dog (it weighs about a pound) and a small butterfly net. She decided that she should go into the yard with the butterfly net and let Jaren throw the dog to her and she would catch it. Well, she sort of caught it, right in the noggin she caught it.
So Chloe got a spanking and was sent upstairs for a nap. Jaren had a little more time to play and honestly he was just fine. Chloe was grouchy from not enough sleep and maybe that was enough to impair her judgement. But whatever it was I hope Wednesday is much better.
Wow! I have not had time or access to a computer regularly to update everyone on all things Button but it is naptime for most of the kids so I'll try to get something up quickly.
I'm babysitting the Spitters boys three days a week at least for the next few months. Christina is pregnant and due in January. She's planning on being home with the kids after that so I'm guessing I'll do this until sometime in December.
As I said in my last post the car was backed into (again) and we had a rental van. Well, we got the car back on Friday and it is not right. We told them on Thursday after we picked it up that it was not driving correctly. They checked it out again and said that the tie (ty, ti, ?) rods were damaged but it was due to wear and tear and not the accident. Well, they may have been worn but my car did not drive like that before the accident so it is very frustrating. So, we'll see what happens next. We're looking at vans now. Our general feeling is to get rid of it before something major goes wrong. We know it needs work but we just don't want to put anything into it since it's really too small for us anyway.
We are now staying with Don and Lana Tracy. That makes our 6th place to stay and our 6th city in the last 4 and a half weeks. Old Hickory, Hermitage, Goodlettsville, Madison, Nashville, and Hendersonville! It's a long story, too long really, but we have some great friends that have helped us out a lot. We stayed in a hotel for a week and a half but other than that we've stayed with friends, house sat for one of Trav's co-workers, and are now with Don and Lana. We're tired to say the least and are just trying to get through the home stretch. We'll be in our apt. on Thursday, sleeping on air mattresses and Friday we'll leave to go to Birmingham to get our stuff. We'll be coming back on Sunday and then it's just unpacking and settling in, whew!
More later, I must research vans.
I'm babysitting the Spitters boys three days a week at least for the next few months. Christina is pregnant and due in January. She's planning on being home with the kids after that so I'm guessing I'll do this until sometime in December.
As I said in my last post the car was backed into (again) and we had a rental van. Well, we got the car back on Friday and it is not right. We told them on Thursday after we picked it up that it was not driving correctly. They checked it out again and said that the tie (ty, ti, ?) rods were damaged but it was due to wear and tear and not the accident. Well, they may have been worn but my car did not drive like that before the accident so it is very frustrating. So, we'll see what happens next. We're looking at vans now. Our general feeling is to get rid of it before something major goes wrong. We know it needs work but we just don't want to put anything into it since it's really too small for us anyway.
We are now staying with Don and Lana Tracy. That makes our 6th place to stay and our 6th city in the last 4 and a half weeks. Old Hickory, Hermitage, Goodlettsville, Madison, Nashville, and Hendersonville! It's a long story, too long really, but we have some great friends that have helped us out a lot. We stayed in a hotel for a week and a half but other than that we've stayed with friends, house sat for one of Trav's co-workers, and are now with Don and Lana. We're tired to say the least and are just trying to get through the home stretch. We'll be in our apt. on Thursday, sleeping on air mattresses and Friday we'll leave to go to Birmingham to get our stuff. We'll be coming back on Sunday and then it's just unpacking and settling in, whew!
More later, I must research vans.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Real Quick
OK, Halle is fussing so I'm going to make this quick.
1. Found a place to live
2. Got Amanda in school
3. Everybody got sick
4. Went to a baseball game (so fun!)
5. Started babysitting the Spitters boys
6. Car got smashed up (It was parked)
7. Have a rental van (I don't want to give it back)
I'm taking Amanda and her friend to the mall later since I actually have enough room for everyone. I promise to make time to post later.
1. Found a place to live
2. Got Amanda in school
3. Everybody got sick
4. Went to a baseball game (so fun!)
5. Started babysitting the Spitters boys
6. Car got smashed up (It was parked)
7. Have a rental van (I don't want to give it back)
I'm taking Amanda and her friend to the mall later since I actually have enough room for everyone. I promise to make time to post later.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Sweet Home Ala...er...oops
Well, the time has come to bid adieu to the lovely state of Alabama. It really is a lovely place and we didn't expect to leave so soon but life isn't always what you expect.
Oh, some background is in order. Yesterday, Travis got a job offer from Eric (God Bless Him!) at HMS and he accepted it. He's putting in his 2 weeks notice at Publix today and will start in 2 weeks. We called Beech High School about enrolling Amanda and we're trying to work out those details now. The plan right now is for The girls and I to be in town by the weekend so that Amanda can start school. Oh, I'm feeling a little dizzy. None of that is in stone but that's the plan for now.
But I must go and pack. Chloe says it's time to go Back to Tennessee! :)
Oh, some background is in order. Yesterday, Travis got a job offer from Eric (God Bless Him!) at HMS and he accepted it. He's putting in his 2 weeks notice at Publix today and will start in 2 weeks. We called Beech High School about enrolling Amanda and we're trying to work out those details now. The plan right now is for The girls and I to be in town by the weekend so that Amanda can start school. Oh, I'm feeling a little dizzy. None of that is in stone but that's the plan for now.
But I must go and pack. Chloe says it's time to go Back to Tennessee! :)
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Sewing
I think we all know I'm not exactly "sewing inclined". I'm not sure if I'd really like it and I'm not sure I want to take the time to learn how. I know, I still haven't made Trav's pj pants. It's just that when I went to sewing parties I'd much rather talk and eat than sew. Travis has said that I'm not allowed to sew anything until I make said pants. So, I guess I'll have to make a trip to TN to go to a sewing party to make them. But after that I'm thinking of possibly making a little comforter for Halle. I can't find any that I like in the store and it doesn't look like it would be too terribly difficult. I bought a set before we moved but since we weren't using it and weren't sure when we would (and I decided I didn't like it anymore) we took it back.
So my question is- where should I look to research this? I could Google sewing but I'd have to go through a bunch of websites that may or may not be what I'm looking for. I don't want to do that because I figure you guys could point me in the right direction. I don't know what type of fabric to look for or anything like that. I don't think I could do anything fancy and thought basically I could sew two pieces together like a pillow, put some batting in between, and put little ties through it to keep it in place. I'm just thinking that would work, no ridiculing is allowed if I'm way off base. So, thanks for the help and I'm just thinking about it. I'll let you know. I may find one that I like on sale and that would be the end of it but I really do want to try to make one. I think it would be kind of fun and special. If not a comforter then maybe a blanket type thing that she could play with (that's what I'll tell people if it turns out really bad). Thanks again, and happy sewing.
So my question is- where should I look to research this? I could Google sewing but I'd have to go through a bunch of websites that may or may not be what I'm looking for. I don't want to do that because I figure you guys could point me in the right direction. I don't know what type of fabric to look for or anything like that. I don't think I could do anything fancy and thought basically I could sew two pieces together like a pillow, put some batting in between, and put little ties through it to keep it in place. I'm just thinking that would work, no ridiculing is allowed if I'm way off base. So, thanks for the help and I'm just thinking about it. I'll let you know. I may find one that I like on sale and that would be the end of it but I really do want to try to make one. I think it would be kind of fun and special. If not a comforter then maybe a blanket type thing that she could play with (that's what I'll tell people if it turns out really bad). Thanks again, and happy sewing.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Amanda's New Job
April 25th, 1990, at 2:19 pm, there was a cry from a brand new baby girl. She weighed 7 lbs. 9.5 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. She had brown hair, blue eyes, and was immediately adored by all who met her.
That little girl starts her first job on Monday.
AAAHHHH!!! My baby has a job!?!
OK, I'm fine now. Amanda got a call today from her friend Jennifer who works at a restaurant in Helena called Brickworks Cookery. It's a nice little place that serves food cafeteria style. I've never eaten there but I've heard that it's very good. Well, it turns out that the restaurant is very short staffed and they need her to start work ASAP. Travis and I talked about it and said it would be ok on a trial basis, no more than 20 hours and 3 days a week. We'll see how it turns out. She's excited though, as you can imagine. I have mixed feelings about her working so young, but with her homeschooling I think it will help to make things less boring for her. It will be interesting to see what her work ethic is like. I guess I'll see if we're doing as good of a job as I think we are raising her. I'll let you know how it turns out.
That little girl starts her first job on Monday.
AAAHHHH!!! My baby has a job!?!
OK, I'm fine now. Amanda got a call today from her friend Jennifer who works at a restaurant in Helena called Brickworks Cookery. It's a nice little place that serves food cafeteria style. I've never eaten there but I've heard that it's very good. Well, it turns out that the restaurant is very short staffed and they need her to start work ASAP. Travis and I talked about it and said it would be ok on a trial basis, no more than 20 hours and 3 days a week. We'll see how it turns out. She's excited though, as you can imagine. I have mixed feelings about her working so young, but with her homeschooling I think it will help to make things less boring for her. It will be interesting to see what her work ethic is like. I guess I'll see if we're doing as good of a job as I think we are raising her. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Pita Chips
I thought it better to just post about pita chips than to write a really long comment on my previous post.
A couple of weeks ago Travis bought some black olive hummus and pita chips. I told him I didn't like hummus and didn't want to try it. I had tried it on a trip to Atlanta during my college years and I thought it was too tart. Anyway, as he usually does, Trav insisted that I try it and I loved it. The pita chips were great but I didn't like paying $2.99 a bag for 3 ounces (I'm a cheapskate) and thought I could make them. So, picked up a bag of pitas for about a dollar, made chips out of them, and I really like them. They're great for hummus but you could also dip them in warm black beans. It's a really healthy snack alternative and I love snacking. That's actually the thing I hate about dieting. Anyway, here's the recipe (sort of).
Preheat oven to 450
Cut pitas in half open up the pockets and cut them in half again (along the crescent, does that make sense? Cut them so there are two halves exactly alike, I should have taken pics)
Spray a baking pan with olive oil, or pam
lay the cut pita chips on the pan and spray with oil of your choice
Sprinkle with seasoning- I've tried several and I like roasted red pepper and garlic the best, although just plain salt is good too.
bake to desired crispness
Enjoy warm with hummus, black beans, salsa, or the dip of your choice! They don't keep very well so it's best to bake them shortly before you plan to use them.
A couple of weeks ago Travis bought some black olive hummus and pita chips. I told him I didn't like hummus and didn't want to try it. I had tried it on a trip to Atlanta during my college years and I thought it was too tart. Anyway, as he usually does, Trav insisted that I try it and I loved it. The pita chips were great but I didn't like paying $2.99 a bag for 3 ounces (I'm a cheapskate) and thought I could make them. So, picked up a bag of pitas for about a dollar, made chips out of them, and I really like them. They're great for hummus but you could also dip them in warm black beans. It's a really healthy snack alternative and I love snacking. That's actually the thing I hate about dieting. Anyway, here's the recipe (sort of).
Preheat oven to 450
Cut pitas in half open up the pockets and cut them in half again (along the crescent, does that make sense? Cut them so there are two halves exactly alike, I should have taken pics)
Spray a baking pan with olive oil, or pam
lay the cut pita chips on the pan and spray with oil of your choice
Sprinkle with seasoning- I've tried several and I like roasted red pepper and garlic the best, although just plain salt is good too.
bake to desired crispness
Enjoy warm with hummus, black beans, salsa, or the dip of your choice! They don't keep very well so it's best to bake them shortly before you plan to use them.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Halle's First Finger Food
Well, today was the first time I gave Halle "finger food". I went to the mall with the girls because the power went out and it was way too hot to stay home. So we went to the food court and after we got our food Halle started fussing. Usually I just pick her up and eat with her in my lap but in the past couple of weeks that has become increasingly difficult. She has started squirming and reaching and will pull anything within reach of her little fingers off the table and into your lap. She will also (it's really cute) try to pry my lips apart after I've taken a bite, presumably to get to the food inside (well, that's kinda gross). Eating a salad is really a two hand job anyway and I was helping Chloe with her food so I decided to give her half of a cracker (since Chick-fil-a was kind enough to give me 10 packs). She handled it quite well and seemed very happy to have it. After that she took a sip of tea through my straw. I know, I know, bad Mom. Anyway, she has successfully dethroned Amanda as the earliest "straw drinker". I think Amanda was doing that at about 11 months.
Her top left tooth broke through about the middle of last week and the right one should happen any day now. She has started shaking her head "no" and said "bye-bye" more like "ba-ba" imitating my parents. OK, OK, enough about the milestones, but cut me some slack this is my last baby.
Chloe seems to really have an artistic bent and loves all things crafty, artsy, and musical. She's Travis and I on speed. It's really exciting to see her grow. Several nights during the week her bedtime story consists of going through a photo album that Grandma made her. It's an ABC and 1, 2, 3 book so she'll go through and spell things and count at the end of the book. She really likes to count in Spanish to 10. Thanks Joyce!
Amanda is going to be homeschooled again. We tried everything we could think of to get her into school and it just couldn't happen. I say couldn't because there was no way to make it happen. It's weird but around here instead of having just county school districts some cities have their own districts. Bessemer is one of those cities and so is Hoover. The Bessemer High School (that we're zoned for) has done so poorly on tests that under the "No Child Left Behind Act" they are required to let their students transfer. Well, Hoover High School was the only one that we felt was acceptable for her to go to but again, it's in a school district unto itself. You have to live in Hoover to go to a Hoover school. Same thing with Shelby county and there were just no other options. So, at least for now she'll be doing the home school thing.
Wow, that's all I have to write about. Oh wait! Pita chips. I forgot, making Pita chips is my new hobby. Hmmm, still boring. Oh well, I'll try to do something incredibly exciting and post about that.
Her top left tooth broke through about the middle of last week and the right one should happen any day now. She has started shaking her head "no" and said "bye-bye" more like "ba-ba" imitating my parents. OK, OK, enough about the milestones, but cut me some slack this is my last baby.
Chloe seems to really have an artistic bent and loves all things crafty, artsy, and musical. She's Travis and I on speed. It's really exciting to see her grow. Several nights during the week her bedtime story consists of going through a photo album that Grandma made her. It's an ABC and 1, 2, 3 book so she'll go through and spell things and count at the end of the book. She really likes to count in Spanish to 10. Thanks Joyce!
Amanda is going to be homeschooled again. We tried everything we could think of to get her into school and it just couldn't happen. I say couldn't because there was no way to make it happen. It's weird but around here instead of having just county school districts some cities have their own districts. Bessemer is one of those cities and so is Hoover. The Bessemer High School (that we're zoned for) has done so poorly on tests that under the "No Child Left Behind Act" they are required to let their students transfer. Well, Hoover High School was the only one that we felt was acceptable for her to go to but again, it's in a school district unto itself. You have to live in Hoover to go to a Hoover school. Same thing with Shelby county and there were just no other options. So, at least for now she'll be doing the home school thing.
Wow, that's all I have to write about. Oh wait! Pita chips. I forgot, making Pita chips is my new hobby. Hmmm, still boring. Oh well, I'll try to do something incredibly exciting and post about that.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Well, I'm sure you all remember when we moved here and what we came here to do but I'm going to recap before I let you know what's going on now. This is a long one you might want to go to the bathroom and eat something first. That's my attempt at humor before you read this really, really serious post.
A little over a year ago we started talking with Mom and Dad about starting a church. I don't really remember how it came about or anything like that but we were talking and praying about it anyway. My Dad went to his pastor and said he was thinking about starting a church. Well, immediately the pastor went to his office with my Dad and called the State Evangelism Director for the Church of God. The pastor told him that my Dad wanted to start a church. The Director said that he'd been wanting to start a church in Helena for quite some time. Well, that was the city that we'd been praying about. As time went on Dad was approved to start the church and was told to find a building. That was around the time we moved here. Just prior to our moving here Mom and Dad found out about several inproprieties on part of the pastor of their church and it led to Mom getting fired and them leaving that church.
When we moved here we were still approved to start the church. We located a building that the State Evangelism Director approved and because of their former pastor it was disapproved the very next day. All of this stemmed from the former pastors sexual harrassment and character assasination of the chidren's pastor. Dad told the state officials what happened and asked for a full investigation into all of the allegations made by that pastor and the children's pastor. Mom and Dad sided with the children's pastor because of several lies they knew that the pastor had told and through their own investigation they found out about a number of women to whom he'd done the same thing.
The extent of the investigation into the matter consisted of state officials asking the pastor Did you do this? He said No, and that was it. BUT they said that the children's pastor was barred from ministry and if we were going to use her then they would not approve us starting a church.
Dad asked again for a full hearing in front of an impartial jury, so to speak, and they said they'd get back to him. After two full months of waiting Dad decided to surrender his license and pursue other avenues.
We looked at other denomination options but for several different reasons Dad decided to remain independant.
The things that we know are that Dad is called to pastor and that we did our very best to make this happen. We have exhausted every avenue of starting a church and it has failed. So, where are we now? Well, we're not going to start a church. That's where we are. I know what we came here to do, with much drama I might add. Yes, we uprooted our family, left our jobs, friends (who really are family), stability, etc., to start a church that is not going to come into existence.
So then, did we really hear from God? Yes, I believe we did. I had to ask myself, Is there a scriptural precedent for God telling you to do something and it not happening? Well, there is at least one.
Genesis 22:1-12
Basically God told Abraham that he would be the Father of a great nation. He and his wife waited for the promise and Isaac was born when they were very old. Verse 1 says, " Later on God tested Abraham's faith and obedience". How did he do that? By asking him to sacrifice his son. The son from which the Lord had already told him that through him the promise would be fulfilled. So, Abraham did what he said. He took Isaac to the mountain that God showed him, carried the fire and the knife himself, bound Isaac, put him on the altar raised the knife, and then the angel of the Lord called out to him. "Lay down the knife...Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God." Abraham got to the point of raising the knife before God called out to him to stop. I think it's Hebrews that says Abraham figured that God could raise the dead. He knew God spoke to him, he knew what the promise was, and he knew that God would make a way.
Am I putting our faith on the same level as Abraham? Um, not in this lifetime. Moving from TN to AL doesn't come close to sacrificing a son. It was hard and I wouldn't want to go through this again, but it doesn't rank up there with the faith of the father of the Jewish nation. I do believe, however, that the Lord tests your faith in order to develop the character, faith, and perseverance, (Romans 5) so that you can do the work to which He's called you.
All through college I told God, I'll do whatever you want me to do, go wherever you want, say what you want me to say," etc. But when things went wrong I cried, moaned, complained, and was angry with God. So, I said "Do whatever", what I meant was "Do whatever, as long as I'm incredibly successful and have the love, respect, and admiration of everyone I meet, and as long as I'm comfortable, yes, please make sure I'm comfortable. I wouldn't want to struggle or anything."
So now, I believe I can truly say, 'whatever God". It's not the whatever of someone so tired of life, so tired of fighting that it doesn't matter anymore. It's not the whatever of stoicism or sarcasm, it's the whatever of surrender. Am I completely surrendered in every single area of my life? I'd be a fool if I said yes. I hope that God's major project is done and that it will just take some tweaking here and there, but I'm not God.
So, where do we go from here? That's a good question. At best, we look foolish, at the worst we look like failures that think they hear from God but don't. I don't think you guys will think that, but people that don't know us will certainly think that. "There go the Buttons, the most unstable people you'll ever meet". I know people and I know they'll think that, but we have to go on. As soon as we know where we go from here I'll let you know. Sorry about the length but I wanted a synopsis so that you wouldn't think we just moved down here half cocked. Well, what I really wanted was to justify our move. Anyway, when I know you'll know. Until then pray for direction for us and for my parents. We're not discouraged. Actually, this is the happiest and most at peace I ever remember being.
A little over a year ago we started talking with Mom and Dad about starting a church. I don't really remember how it came about or anything like that but we were talking and praying about it anyway. My Dad went to his pastor and said he was thinking about starting a church. Well, immediately the pastor went to his office with my Dad and called the State Evangelism Director for the Church of God. The pastor told him that my Dad wanted to start a church. The Director said that he'd been wanting to start a church in Helena for quite some time. Well, that was the city that we'd been praying about. As time went on Dad was approved to start the church and was told to find a building. That was around the time we moved here. Just prior to our moving here Mom and Dad found out about several inproprieties on part of the pastor of their church and it led to Mom getting fired and them leaving that church.
When we moved here we were still approved to start the church. We located a building that the State Evangelism Director approved and because of their former pastor it was disapproved the very next day. All of this stemmed from the former pastors sexual harrassment and character assasination of the chidren's pastor. Dad told the state officials what happened and asked for a full investigation into all of the allegations made by that pastor and the children's pastor. Mom and Dad sided with the children's pastor because of several lies they knew that the pastor had told and through their own investigation they found out about a number of women to whom he'd done the same thing.
The extent of the investigation into the matter consisted of state officials asking the pastor Did you do this? He said No, and that was it. BUT they said that the children's pastor was barred from ministry and if we were going to use her then they would not approve us starting a church.
Dad asked again for a full hearing in front of an impartial jury, so to speak, and they said they'd get back to him. After two full months of waiting Dad decided to surrender his license and pursue other avenues.
We looked at other denomination options but for several different reasons Dad decided to remain independant.
The things that we know are that Dad is called to pastor and that we did our very best to make this happen. We have exhausted every avenue of starting a church and it has failed. So, where are we now? Well, we're not going to start a church. That's where we are. I know what we came here to do, with much drama I might add. Yes, we uprooted our family, left our jobs, friends (who really are family), stability, etc., to start a church that is not going to come into existence.
So then, did we really hear from God? Yes, I believe we did. I had to ask myself, Is there a scriptural precedent for God telling you to do something and it not happening? Well, there is at least one.
Genesis 22:1-12
Basically God told Abraham that he would be the Father of a great nation. He and his wife waited for the promise and Isaac was born when they were very old. Verse 1 says, " Later on God tested Abraham's faith and obedience". How did he do that? By asking him to sacrifice his son. The son from which the Lord had already told him that through him the promise would be fulfilled. So, Abraham did what he said. He took Isaac to the mountain that God showed him, carried the fire and the knife himself, bound Isaac, put him on the altar raised the knife, and then the angel of the Lord called out to him. "Lay down the knife...Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God." Abraham got to the point of raising the knife before God called out to him to stop. I think it's Hebrews that says Abraham figured that God could raise the dead. He knew God spoke to him, he knew what the promise was, and he knew that God would make a way.
Am I putting our faith on the same level as Abraham? Um, not in this lifetime. Moving from TN to AL doesn't come close to sacrificing a son. It was hard and I wouldn't want to go through this again, but it doesn't rank up there with the faith of the father of the Jewish nation. I do believe, however, that the Lord tests your faith in order to develop the character, faith, and perseverance, (Romans 5) so that you can do the work to which He's called you.
All through college I told God, I'll do whatever you want me to do, go wherever you want, say what you want me to say," etc. But when things went wrong I cried, moaned, complained, and was angry with God. So, I said "Do whatever", what I meant was "Do whatever, as long as I'm incredibly successful and have the love, respect, and admiration of everyone I meet, and as long as I'm comfortable, yes, please make sure I'm comfortable. I wouldn't want to struggle or anything."
So now, I believe I can truly say, 'whatever God". It's not the whatever of someone so tired of life, so tired of fighting that it doesn't matter anymore. It's not the whatever of stoicism or sarcasm, it's the whatever of surrender. Am I completely surrendered in every single area of my life? I'd be a fool if I said yes. I hope that God's major project is done and that it will just take some tweaking here and there, but I'm not God.
So, where do we go from here? That's a good question. At best, we look foolish, at the worst we look like failures that think they hear from God but don't. I don't think you guys will think that, but people that don't know us will certainly think that. "There go the Buttons, the most unstable people you'll ever meet". I know people and I know they'll think that, but we have to go on. As soon as we know where we go from here I'll let you know. Sorry about the length but I wanted a synopsis so that you wouldn't think we just moved down here half cocked. Well, what I really wanted was to justify our move. Anyway, when I know you'll know. Until then pray for direction for us and for my parents. We're not discouraged. Actually, this is the happiest and most at peace I ever remember being.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Church Update
Well, we didn't get the building. There is a rule that the liason didn't know about that prohibits churches from renting the building unless you are currently in a building program. We're fine. We don't know what's going to happen but I'm fine with whatever. The lesson is obedience. Obedience in everything. So, from now on until we are in the building I'm not posting about it.
Much Love,
Amy
Much Love,
Amy
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
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