13 Months

Has it really been 13 months since my last blog? I don't remember thinking I needed a blog break on June 12, 2006 and now it is hard to believe that so much time has passed. I do admit I went through a bit of a blog busting phase and dropped blogs entirely. Perhaps that is a story for another day. But over the past months, my favorite bloggers have danced back into my life...and they are a joy (I have vowed to ignore the blog busters!)

So for now, I am going to sign off by saying I am glad to be back for I don't know how long and for what reason?...don't know! But I do know this...I have a lot for which to be thankful and I can't wait to share it with you.

Another One?

I was chatting with my sister-in-law last night and she and my brother informed us that they are having another baby, their second child. How exciting! Another baby in the family! This brings the grandchild total for my parents to 5 and the great-grandchild total for Nonie and Howie to 7. Wow! Now, Sarah attended a baby shower yesterday, and no one at the shower knew she was pregnant. All of the girls at her table were either pregnant or holding new borns. They were kidding her about not drinking the water, HA HA HA! Well, Sarah buckled...and if you know my sister-in-law, you'd know that it is very difficult for her to hide good news. Okay...so where I am going with this story? Well, last night on the phone Sarah humbly referred to the new baby as ANOTHER baby! This is true...it is another baby in a period of our lives where most of our friends and family are having babies. Baby showers are frequent and trips to Babies R Us are habitual. Some are tempted to scream, "YIKES! ANOTHER ONE?"

It doesn't matter to me, though, if this baby were the first, tenth or thousandth. I reminded Sarah that God uniquely designs every baby and has a specific plan for each and every soul. Of course, I didn't need to remind her, because she is very much aware of God's promises and plans. She joined me in celebrating Psalm 139:13, which states...

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb."

So when we start to feel bogged down by babies and showers and all that, we need to push the "all that" aside and remember that God personally designs each and every one of us. That includes an only child, as well as the youngest of seven. Just another blessing for which to be thankful.

WAKE UP MOMMY!

Okay...I am 13 weeks pregnant and while I haven't been feeling as sick lately, I am always very tired. I am a napper to begin with, and when I have the duty of building a baby inside my tummy, the need for naps is even more necessary. My three and one year old make it very difficult for me to sneak in a snooze, so I have to be very creative. Luckily, my little one takes two naps and it is during his afterneen nap I try to execute my plan. I refer to it as Mommy's moments of non-movement. I try to put Daniel down at two, at which point I excitedly call Michael into my room, where all the doors have been locked. I turn on the TV, very low, and tell him that Blue's Clues and Dora are coming on. These are his favorite shows. Now, I really don't like the idea of plopping him down in front of the boob tube, but the nap is more important! I get him all settled in and scurry over to my bed, where I cover myself in the most wonderful napping quilt. I gently rest m head on the pillow and lower my lids. At this point the plan is that Michael will quietly watch his shows and let me sleep for an hour. Then, refreshed and rejuvenated, I awake and we continue on with our day. Unfortunately, that is NEVER the case. Five minutes after I attempt to break away into the world of Nap, Michael crawls up onto my bed, pries my eyes open with his much in need of a nail trimming fingers, and screams at the top of his lungs, "WAKE UP MOMMY". Why is this? Doesn't he want some "Michael" time? I resign to the fact that the nap has vaporized into the vast abyss, never to be seen again, and instead I am stuck watching an episode of Blue's Clues. Stuck, that is, with my little boy, who I love so much and would rather be with than taking a nap anyway.

5/23/06

Season finale of 24

So...the season finale of 24 was on last night, and I was of course glued to the TV. There are few shows that I look forward to watching during the week (I still watch too much TV, which is a complete waste of my time!). But I really enjoy 24. When we were at our bible study on Sunday night, a friend asked why I like the show so much. My response was that I like the show because it is one of the only shows on TV where the lead male character is a "real man". Now what do I mean by that? I appreciate that Jack makes decisions, handles difficult situations without complaining, fosters friendships, risks his life for what is right, etc... Now I know this is just make believe. And I also recognize there are plenty of immoral aspects about the show, but it is refreshing to see a stong man on TV. I wish more shows and commercials exemplified this character trait in men. Unfortunately, our young boys have few strong role models, and instead are led by the examples of weak, complaining, and unsatisfied men. Perhaps I am a little sensitive to this, being the mother of two boys. I am thankful that Michael and Daniel have a strong father figure in Todd.

5/21/06

Once again, I can't believe so much time has passed since my last entry. The days seem to fly by...it is just unbelievable. So much has been happening in our lives as of late. The months of March, April and now May are turning into one big daze. On the one hand it seems like yesterday my sister-in-law Sarah was visiting (early March), yet on the other hand, that seems like a whole year ago. CRAZY!

We have recently been welcoming many guests to the Chateau Abbott. Todd's great-uncle Rick was here for two weeks while he recovered from neck surgery. We greatly enjoyed his presence. He helped out with the kids and did numerous household chores. I know what it is like being a guest in someone else's house for a long period of time...and well, it's always nicer to be in your own home. Todd and I hope that while he was here, Uncle Rick had a good time and felt very welcomed. We are honored that he asked us to help him during his time of need. We love him very much....and Michael asks for him ALL of the time.

My mom arrived a week and a half ago and my dad arrived soon after. They were busy helping around the house, making repairs where necessary, and tending to the boys. I don't know what we would have been eating if my mom hadn't stepped in a made tons of wonderful dinners. I only wish we lived closer to them. It melts my heart to watch them interact with the boys.

AND...Brent and Carol Miller also stopped in for one night before they and my parents took off for a motorcycle ride up the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are planning to meet up with them all on Memorial Day weekend at Brent and Carol's house. This is our third annual trip up to PA. Todd and I are eagerly looking forward to spending time with everybody.

We also sold our house...AGAIN...and will be moving out on the 23rd of June. We will be closing on our new house this week, in addition to starting many renovations. I know that gutting and re-doing a house can be vary stressful, and I appreciate all prayers for smooth sailing.

LASTLY, although it is rather early, Todd and I found out that we are expecting the third Abboot child into our family. The due date is December 16th, which seems far away, but I know better. Before I know it, we will be giving thanks, eating turkey, and counting down the days to Christmas. One thing we know for sure, we'll be spending the holidays in NC.

So, that's been our life lately. God continues to bless us...but you know how it is...when life gets to be fast-paced, sometimes God gets placed on the back burner. I actually had to ask Todd where my bible was before we left for church. In the midst of my hectic life, crazy kids, and Todd's wacky schedule, I misplaced God. Shame on me. My God has mercy on me however, and sweeps me into His arms as I ask for forgiveness. He will slow me down. He will give me strength. And He will give me eternal life. What more could I ask for?...that is the ultimate gift for which I am thankful.

4/28/06

It has almost been a month since I have written. I am always amazed at how fast time passes by. So much has happened in the past few weeks and I have been overwhelmed with many "this and thats". The biggest news is that we sold our house. The buyers, however, are giving us a run for our money...who knows if the deal will even go through. And...we are in the process of buying another house...right across the street. It is a great house with a fantastic backyard, but it needs a lot of work. It is a great undertaking! Hopefully everything will work out for the best. The whole time I have been in prayer about the move. I have been clear with God MY reasons for moving, but more importantly, I have been asking that HIS reasons be the foundation for our decisions. I find it interesting how sometimes it seems like God id talking so clearly and other times I find myself saying, "Can you speak up a little Lord...you're mumbling!" I am eager to see how this is all going to work out...especially since the new buyers could be our neighbors. I wonder what God has in store for us?

As for running...YIKES! I haven't run in almost three weeks. On April 8th, I ran a 10K race (6.2 miles) and it was AWESOME! After that I took some time off because my foot really hurt. Now the pain is gone but the rest of me has been under the weather. I am supposed to run a 15K race on May 21st, but now I don't know. Hopefully I will be able to get out and run today. I miss it!

Todd has been working so hard at the Bank...and at school...and at home. I am amazed he can do all that he does. I am also so very proud of him. And the boys are great! They are growing so fast. Little Daniel is almost walking and Michael is talking up a storm all of the time. The other day, when it was rainy, the boys and I built forts in Daniel's room. We brought blankets, books, toys and stuffed animals into the forts. We had a blast. I know they won't remember, but I sure will. The only thing missing was Todd!. Maybe we'll do it again this weekend.

I am thankful for...

1. God's directives not to be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to the Lord...remembering this steadies me when difficulties and stresses arise. I can't imagine not having a foundation in the Lord. Any other foundation is faulty and cracked.

2. Daniel being completely content in his crib, whether asleep or awake. He is up there right now singing!

3. Michael loving nursery school. I so enjoy watching him enter the room and seeing the other kids run up to him and give him hugs. It just melts me heart.

4. what seems to be an extra dose of patience while dealing with these buyers.

5. Michael having such a fun third birthday.

6. the beautiful weather the past couple of weeks.

7. the relationship Todd and I have. I love spending time with him when he gets home. Lately we have been chatting about all kinds of things. I feel closer to him now than I ever have before. Another gift from God!

8. my neighbor Jennifer, who welcomes me over to her house all of the time to play in their backyard. I don't know what I would have been doing this past year if we hadn't had her backyard to play in.

9. Todd only having one more day of classes after today. Then he gets the whole summer off...and then only one more semester to go. YEAH! December is going to be a great month.

10. taking the time to write today. I have so much I need to do. The house has gotten out of control and the lawn needs to be mowed like you wouldn't believe! Oh well!

3/30/06

Well, it has been a few days. I guess I have been spending all of my free time reading other peoples' posts, I haven't gotten around to posting my own. Last I wrote, I had just run 5 miles. Well, last Sunday, I ran for 7.3 miles and it took me 1 hour and 26 minutes. WOW! When I got home, I burst into the house, tears rolling down my cheeks and I said, "I did it!" Todd said, "What? What did you do?" I then proceeded to tell him that I ran from our house to the Arboretum (a local shopping place) and back...a total of 7.2 miles. He was very proud of me.

Now for the second piece of exciting news...Michael is doing really well with the potty. Everyday he gets better and better. Don't get me wrong...it has been a long week. But just tonight he said, "Mommy, poo poo potty!" So I took him to the potty and he did his #2 business right then and there. Praise God! And I do mean that. There have been numerous times the past couple of days that Michael and I have prayed together for him to develop the desire to be friends with the potty and keep his pants dry. Because no problem is too small to bring to the Lord, RIGHT? :)

I am thankful for...

1. my sister-in-law, Carey, who knows me and loves me! I don't even have to say what I am thinking out loud...she just knows. And I am so proud of her. She has been confronted with so many difficulties the past three years, yet she remains kind and compassionate. AND...she is a wonderful mother...exactly what little BIG James needs. She is just perfect for him and he couldn't have asked for better. Thanks for being such a wonderful example to me, Carey.

2. my friend, Amy, who just called and started our conversation by apologizing for interrupting my time with Todd. Little did she know, Todd won't be home til late, late, late. But, how nice and thoughtful was that?

3. my mom, Anu, and Nonie and Howie being so excited when we called them about Michael going poo poo in the potty. YEAH!

4. the Costco lady giving me a cookie too!

5. Daniel doing so well with standing. He is going to start walking any day now. AND...I saw a molar coming through in the back of his mouth!

6. my friend, Jason, who is done with his surgery and on the road to recovery.

7. Todd being soooooo silly. Most people don't know that about him.

8. my long hair...it just keeps getting longer!

9. my runner's handbook that I am reading.

10. my wedding ring. Not because of how it looks, but because of what it reminds me of. Every now and then I find myself staring at it, thinking about the wonderful creation God made when He brought me and Todd together. What a blessing Todd has been in my life.

3/23/06

So, yesterday I ran, for the first time, FIVE miles. Wow! When I think back to the beginning of the year, and how I couldn't even run for 1 minute, I find myself amazed. Running 5 miles took me one second shy of 60 minutes. That is a long time. And, while I do spend my time listening to music, my thoughts begin to wander. Yesterday I found myself comparing my running life to my spiritual life.

Before I started running, I knew there was more to life than what I was doing. There was something about being able to run that peaked my interest and got me excited. The same with God...before I really dedicated my life to Him, I had the quiet whisper in my heart telling me to keep looking because there was something better for me.

The first day I ran with music was great. It helped me get focused so that I could get into the runnning zone that I so desperately needed. I guess I compare this to reading the bible, Christian books/articles, and listening to good Christian music and sermons on cd. These are all things that I can, and mostly do, by myself. These are tools that focus my life in Christ, and energize me for what life has to offer.

And then Sarah came to visit and I had a running partner at last!!! It is sooooo much better running with somebody else...even if separated on the track. Just knowing the other person is there, struggling and succeeding alongside me made a whole lot of difference. Having her there also kept me accountable to a respectable pace, and although I sometimes felt like walking, I didn't. For me, this is synonymous to having a close friend or small group of friends who are also trying to live Christ-centered lives. They help me and guide me. They keep me accountable and they pray for me. They also believe in God's word and His promises. It makes a difference when I have other Christians around me. It is hard to walk alone...just like it is hard to run alone.

Of course, there was my little FOUR mile race! That was awesome. Being surrounded by those other runners got me so excited. I had butterflies fluttering around in my tummy. When we started the race, I ran at a much faster pace than usual. Being with the crowd pushed me further and harder than when I ran with just Sarah, and especially when I ran alone. I finished with a time that beat my personal best by 4 minutes. Wow! For me, the race is like being involved in an active, vibrant church, like mine and Todd's, Southbrook. I love being in the sanctuary when it is filled to the max with people who know and love the Lord. I love being part of a group that is so much greater than just little me, singing and worshiping to the one, true God. The church, God's church, pushes me further and harder than I would go if I were just by myself. That is one of the many reasons why it is so important to get involved in a God-centered church, not just watch from the sidelines.

Lastly, someday I want to run a really big race, like the New York marathon... a race that has tens of thousands of people running in it. I want to feel the excitement in the air, and I want to witness the awesomeness of being with an incredibly large group of people who all enjoy doing the same thing...running. I can only imagine what a thrill that will be for me someday. Just like I can only imagine what it will be like to be reunited with my Lord, in heaven, where I will join the heavenly host in praising His glorious name. That, of course, will blow the marathon out of the water! And what a joy that will be. I know that my time here on earth is nothing but a short jog compared to the eternal marathon that I will run in heaven. Now that will be the race I will never want to finish.

I am thankful for...

1. having such nice neighbors. I told them today that we are thinking about moving. They were sad. I told them they needed to help me find good neighbors to move in to our house. If any of you know anybody who would be interested, give them our number.

2. Daniel being such a snuggle-bunny. Someday soon, he is going to be too big and too busy to snuggle! Bummer!

3. Amy, Caroline and Catherine coming over for lunch today. I love watching Caroline and Michael play together. And I, of course, love spending time with my dear friend.

4. my friend Tricia, having a baby boy yesterday. Hopefully I will get to see her and meet him soon.

5. my computer working today when I REALLY needed it to. Sometimes I never know and today I was pleasantly surprised.

6. the very nice conversation I had with my brother-in-law, Steve. He is a really good guy and I enjoy talking with him.

7. getting to see Will and Marcelis, the landscapers. I haven't seen them in a long time and it was nice to catch up.

8. the flowers in the yard starting to bloom. It is going to be super-gorgeous soon!

9. getting all caught up on 24.

10. my stress level being very minimal. This is such an incredible blessing and I have God and Todd to thank. I have been blessed more than I will ever even come close to deserving, and Todd is amazing for giving me such a wonderful home life.

3/20/06

RACE DAY was fantastic. Sarah, Amy P. and I had a great time and we all did a super job. It is amazing when I think back to how pathetic I was just 2 months ago. I never would have thought I could (and would) run a 4 mile race. Thanks to everyone who was so supportive of me. I will keep you up to date on my progress and then next race!

I am thankful for...

1. Amy and Mike Parrott and their children, Melanie Chitwood, Anu, Sarah and Ben, Michael and Daniel all coming to the race to cheer me on. I am especially thankful for Todd and all of his words of encouragement. I look forward to running some races with him in the future. I am so glad that he is my best friend. I couldn't ask for better.

2. the wonderful card Ashley Pyle and family sent to me. I rarely get to see Ashley and it was so thoughtful of her to send me a card wishing me the best of luck during the race. I re-reminded me that I need to reach out to people more often. I know how much it means to me!

3. my Aunt Vanessa, who completed who first marathon yesterday and gave all of the glory to God. Good job Vanessa! We are all so proud of you. I watched your interview on the Today Show this morning and tears came to my eyes. I am touched that your beautiful babies inspired you to accomplish such an incredible goal.

4. Todd having such a wonderful birthday party. Wow! I am married to a 32 year old!

5. Sarah, Anu, and Todd helping me make Todd's birthday super special and for the Parrotts, who came over to help us celebrate.

6. Sarah returning home safe and sound with Ben.

7. DVRs

8. having a quiet house, even though we loved having Sarah, Ben and Anu here.

9. the wonderful sleep I was blessed with last night.

10. the helpful hints family and friends give me with respect to raising the boys. I greatly appreciate the, "have you tried this" suggestions. It makes child-rearing much easier.

3/15/06

I LOVE having Sarah and Ben here, and so do Todd, Michael and Daniel. We are having so much fun and I wish I could live next to her always. I am already sad that Sunday is closing in on us. Makes me SAD!

I am thankful for...

1. Sarah babysitting ALL of the boys while Todd and I went out and had a spectacular dinner at Barrington's. YUMMY!! And to top it off, she said Daniel and Michael were very good.

2. eating lunch wit Michael at his school. We decided to pick him up early, and I just so happened to get him right at lunch time. So instead of rushing, I chose to sit, and eat with him and his friends and I had a great time. Michael, even though he can be quite a handful at times, is so sweet and I enjoy him soooo much.

3. Todd and Sarah getting along so well. It reminds me of how much I enjoy spending time with My sister-in-law, Carey's, husband, Steve.

4. my friend Cassie, sending me the most wonderful email today. He words inspired me and made me so happy. Thank you Cassie for being so sincere and reflective. I just happened to be thinking about you today, wondering how you were doing. We have to get the boys together soon.

5. my great shopping spree today. Toddy's birthday is coming up soon.

6. the great runs Sarah and I have been going on. I am so proud of her....and me. We both ran 4 miles without stopping yesterday.

7. strict schedules. I think that is why it has been so easy to handle all of the boys.

8. the countless number of blessings in my life. Why I am so blessed, I don't know. Thank you God.

9. my mom. Even though she is soooooo silly and indecisive, I love her so much.

10. my friend Jason. Please pray for his upcoming surgery and possible job change.