My last few posts have been quite intense, so for all of our sakes, this one will be a lot lighter. My child is almost 2 and 1/2 and everyday he says or does things that make us laugh. Jason and I kept saying that we needed to write them down, so on our way to Pine Bluff yesterday, we made a list. The list made me laugh, so I thought I'd share a few for your enjoyment.
He loves to push the buttons and ride the "alligator", which most people refer to as an elevator.
He comes home every day and fills Charis (our dog) in on the day's activities. He tells her where he's been and what he's done.
Basketball is his favorite and after he shoots it, he yells "Three!" then he turns in a full circle and shoots it while yelling, "Three-six-e."
He has a ridiculous sense of direction and tells us which exits to take on the interstate to get to certain places. If we don't go the way he says, it is very upsetting!
He has learned to spell his name and now thinks that every word is spelled "C-A-D-E". When asked how to spell Mommy, he says "C-A-D-E, Mommy!"
After he makes a basket or runs for a touchdown, he makes us sing the Razorback fight song. Every time.
He is obsessed with all things Apple: iPods, iPhones, and iPads and can work them better than some adults. However, he refers to them all as "Bees"- not sure why.
When asked about Sammy, he says "Sammy is your brother. You share toys with him." Its as if someone has said that to him a few times!
Finally, he always refers to himself in the third person. "Cade do this, Cade see that, Cade play with toys." He used to call himself "Nade", so actually using his name is an improvement. However, when teaching him his name, I sounded I out for him so many times that when you ask him his name, he tells you it is "Cuh, cuh, Cade Moore."
He's so sweet and cute and stinking funny! I love this age so much! Can't wait till I have two of them to entertain me, because there's never a dull moment!
God bless,
Manesseh
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Saying Goodbye
This week I had to say goodbye to my sweet 81 year old Grandad who went to be with the Lord on Wednesday. Fortunately in my life, I've never had to deal with death much, so this has been a whole new experience for me. It hasn't been easy, but I am so comforted by the fact that my Grandad is now with Jesus. When I found out that he was fading, my prayer was that he would go quickly and peacefully and God answered that prayer and took him just a few hours later. I watched him go, without pain and suffering, calmly and quietly, and for that I am so thankful.
I have to tell you that my Grandad was something else. He was a very kind and gentle man, a man who was prepared for anything and who analyzed everything. Every time he and my Mamaw wanted to buy a new car, it would take him two or three months to decide on which one they wanted. He wanted to make sure that he made the right decision. I really think that it was because he wanted to make sure that my Mamaw was taken care of, because she was always going to get to drive the new car and he took the old one. He was a true gentleman- a man who still opened doors for his wife, who made sure that she had a plate before filling hers, a man who peeled the potatoes for her because the arthritis in her hands made it too hard for her to do so. Even right before his death, his concern was for her. He spent his whole life making sure she was taken care of, and he accomplished his goal. His concern was for those around him and he worked hard, up to the time he went into the hospital, to make sure that his family was provided for.
My Grandad was funny and witty and he loved to joke around. I loved to see that big old smile when I'd one upped him in our banter. He'd smile and shake his head as if to say, "I give up, you win." We shared some common interests, especially in sports, and every time the Razorbacks would lose, he'd tell Jason and I that we just didn't cheer hard enough. I loved to listen to him tell stories about his days in the Army, especially while he was in Germany, and he loved to listen to me talk about my school, my job, whatever was going on. I never had a doubt in my mind that my Grandad was proud of me and that he supported me in everything I wanted to do. He was the best grandfather that a girl could ever ask for and a man that taught me a lot of things- how to be unselfish, the value of hard work, the importance of being responsible. But more than what he taught me is what he gave to me, and that was love. He was a major piece of the foundation that is my family, and the heritage that I will pass on to my children and grandchildren.
I'll miss my Grandad very much, but I know he is with Jesus. I know that I will see him again. My heart aches and probably will every time I think of him, but I am so thankful that I had the chance to know him and to love him for 28 years. I'm so thankful that God chose him to be my Grandad.
This seems like another bump on the very bumpy road our family has traveled lately. We've dealt with the long-term separation from my sister, my mother's breast cancer, the persistent longing to get those Haitian babies here, and now this. I don't say that to throw a pity party, I say that to testify to God's faithfulness. Our lives have changed, but God's faithfulness has not. He has been there in the mountains and in the valleys. He has strengthened me when I felt I had no strength, He has comforted me in my tears, He has given me peace when I've questioned Him as to why. His character has not changed. A friend reminded me the other day that we still serve the same God that was with David as he slew Goliath. He's the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and I am thankful for that stability. I want to use these experiences to help other people. I can't guarantee that I can talk to you about any of this without tears, but I will talk. I've already seen God use these things for good and I look forward to seeing how He'll use them in the future.
Saying goodbye is hard, but its much easier when comforted by the fact that my Grandad is sitting with Jesus. Oh what a glorious day, and thanks to His sweet grace, our separation is not permanent. I'll see my Grandad again and together we'll praise our holy and glorious God for eternity.
God bless,
Manesseh
I have to tell you that my Grandad was something else. He was a very kind and gentle man, a man who was prepared for anything and who analyzed everything. Every time he and my Mamaw wanted to buy a new car, it would take him two or three months to decide on which one they wanted. He wanted to make sure that he made the right decision. I really think that it was because he wanted to make sure that my Mamaw was taken care of, because she was always going to get to drive the new car and he took the old one. He was a true gentleman- a man who still opened doors for his wife, who made sure that she had a plate before filling hers, a man who peeled the potatoes for her because the arthritis in her hands made it too hard for her to do so. Even right before his death, his concern was for her. He spent his whole life making sure she was taken care of, and he accomplished his goal. His concern was for those around him and he worked hard, up to the time he went into the hospital, to make sure that his family was provided for.
My Grandad was funny and witty and he loved to joke around. I loved to see that big old smile when I'd one upped him in our banter. He'd smile and shake his head as if to say, "I give up, you win." We shared some common interests, especially in sports, and every time the Razorbacks would lose, he'd tell Jason and I that we just didn't cheer hard enough. I loved to listen to him tell stories about his days in the Army, especially while he was in Germany, and he loved to listen to me talk about my school, my job, whatever was going on. I never had a doubt in my mind that my Grandad was proud of me and that he supported me in everything I wanted to do. He was the best grandfather that a girl could ever ask for and a man that taught me a lot of things- how to be unselfish, the value of hard work, the importance of being responsible. But more than what he taught me is what he gave to me, and that was love. He was a major piece of the foundation that is my family, and the heritage that I will pass on to my children and grandchildren.
I'll miss my Grandad very much, but I know he is with Jesus. I know that I will see him again. My heart aches and probably will every time I think of him, but I am so thankful that I had the chance to know him and to love him for 28 years. I'm so thankful that God chose him to be my Grandad.
This seems like another bump on the very bumpy road our family has traveled lately. We've dealt with the long-term separation from my sister, my mother's breast cancer, the persistent longing to get those Haitian babies here, and now this. I don't say that to throw a pity party, I say that to testify to God's faithfulness. Our lives have changed, but God's faithfulness has not. He has been there in the mountains and in the valleys. He has strengthened me when I felt I had no strength, He has comforted me in my tears, He has given me peace when I've questioned Him as to why. His character has not changed. A friend reminded me the other day that we still serve the same God that was with David as he slew Goliath. He's the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and I am thankful for that stability. I want to use these experiences to help other people. I can't guarantee that I can talk to you about any of this without tears, but I will talk. I've already seen God use these things for good and I look forward to seeing how He'll use them in the future.
Saying goodbye is hard, but its much easier when comforted by the fact that my Grandad is sitting with Jesus. Oh what a glorious day, and thanks to His sweet grace, our separation is not permanent. I'll see my Grandad again and together we'll praise our holy and glorious God for eternity.
God bless,
Manesseh
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Living With Boys
It's been a great weekend with my boys, but as I sit here, I am surrounded with the noise of my son running around "scoring touchdowns" with my husband hammering in the background. I look around to find army men and "Football Guys" scattered all across my floors. Shoes are scattered throughout the house, and shirts, pants, and socks are strewn about. For the record, I cleaned my house pretty well yesterday. The point is, living with boys is an adventure, and one that has taken some getting used to!
Before getting married I had never lived with boys (aside from my father). Most of you probably know, but I have two sisters. Obviously when I went to college, I lived with girls. I had eight different roommates in my four years. Let me clarify that, it sounds like I'm really hard to live with. I lived in an apartment with three other girls at a time. Because of graduation or transferring, I had eight different roommates. No one moved out because we couldn't get along, just for the record. The point is, until Jason, I had only lived with girls. Then we got married and then Cade came along. Now I live with just boys. And its a whole different world.
First of all, girls tend to be neater. Now, I can't say that all the girls I lived with had rooms that were spic-and-span, but we all kept the common areas neat, mainly out of courtesy for each other. My boys, not so much. I spend half of my life picking up after them, and I mean both of them. Obviously my two year old scatters his toys around the house, I don't think that's just a boy thing. However, along with his toys are his clothes. The second he gets home, he starts stripping. First the shoes, then the socks, then the shirt and pants, until he's left with only his big boy underwear. It does not matter how cold it is in the house, he strips on down. And he gets it from his father who does the same thing. That's a new concept to me- sitting around watching tv in your underwear. But that's my boys for you.
Second of all, girls tend to be quieter. Now that's not to say that it didn't get loud from time to time at my parents' house or in my college apartment. However, just not the same kind of loud. Girls are loud when they get all giggly or decide to dance and sing along to the radio or a CD. Boys are just loud all the time. They walk loud, they run loud, they talk loud, they play loud. Neither one of my boys understands the concept of a whisper and both feel the need to yell at me from another room instead of getting up to walk in to where I am. Jason listens to the TV loudly and Cade wants all of his toys to make noise at the same time. Quiet is not something I get around here very often.
Finally, girls tend to be calmer. Again, I had some hyper roommates and there were times in which my sisters and I got to be pretty rowdy. However, my boys are hardly ever calm. Wrestling, throwing things at each other or "shooting baskets" in anything they can find, playing chase around the house, jumping up and down on the couch or the bed, or just my husband tickling my child until he cackles so hard he is barely breathing, they are always moving. My husband can't be still- awake or asleep. Cade is the same way. Sitting down for more than a few minutes at a time is unheard of. Cade just moves from toy to toy, from activity to activity all day long. Even when its time to go to sleep, he does somersaults in his bed until finally falling asleep.
All of this to say, living with boys has been an adjustment to me, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love the craziness that they bring. I love the fact that my house is always alive with laughing, talking, running, and playing. I love that they are so full of life and never dull. I love that I sometimes step on army men or "Football Guys" and that I get tackled a few times a day. These boys bring so much joy to my life!
Not to say that I will never have a daughter, because God's plans are greater than mine, but right now it sure looks like I'll always be in a house full of boys. I think its loud and crazy now, adding Sammy to the picture will make it even more so. However, I think that raising boys is a very important calling. Men are to be the spiritual leaders of the household, and it is up to me as their mother to help develop in them a heart that chases after God. Fortunately, I have a partner in life who wants to help me in that mission. Together, we hope to teach them how to be polite and chivalrous men who seek God's will for their lives. I'm already praying now for their wives (who may not even be born yet) and for their future families. Before I know it, the loud and crazy house that currently belongs to me will be quiet as they grow up and become men. However, I'm going to cherish every second of it and prayerfully seek God's face in the midst of the chaos. I know that God has a purpose for all of my boys and I can't wait to see the men they will turn out to be!
Before getting married I had never lived with boys (aside from my father). Most of you probably know, but I have two sisters. Obviously when I went to college, I lived with girls. I had eight different roommates in my four years. Let me clarify that, it sounds like I'm really hard to live with. I lived in an apartment with three other girls at a time. Because of graduation or transferring, I had eight different roommates. No one moved out because we couldn't get along, just for the record. The point is, until Jason, I had only lived with girls. Then we got married and then Cade came along. Now I live with just boys. And its a whole different world.
First of all, girls tend to be neater. Now, I can't say that all the girls I lived with had rooms that were spic-and-span, but we all kept the common areas neat, mainly out of courtesy for each other. My boys, not so much. I spend half of my life picking up after them, and I mean both of them. Obviously my two year old scatters his toys around the house, I don't think that's just a boy thing. However, along with his toys are his clothes. The second he gets home, he starts stripping. First the shoes, then the socks, then the shirt and pants, until he's left with only his big boy underwear. It does not matter how cold it is in the house, he strips on down. And he gets it from his father who does the same thing. That's a new concept to me- sitting around watching tv in your underwear. But that's my boys for you.
Second of all, girls tend to be quieter. Now that's not to say that it didn't get loud from time to time at my parents' house or in my college apartment. However, just not the same kind of loud. Girls are loud when they get all giggly or decide to dance and sing along to the radio or a CD. Boys are just loud all the time. They walk loud, they run loud, they talk loud, they play loud. Neither one of my boys understands the concept of a whisper and both feel the need to yell at me from another room instead of getting up to walk in to where I am. Jason listens to the TV loudly and Cade wants all of his toys to make noise at the same time. Quiet is not something I get around here very often.
Finally, girls tend to be calmer. Again, I had some hyper roommates and there were times in which my sisters and I got to be pretty rowdy. However, my boys are hardly ever calm. Wrestling, throwing things at each other or "shooting baskets" in anything they can find, playing chase around the house, jumping up and down on the couch or the bed, or just my husband tickling my child until he cackles so hard he is barely breathing, they are always moving. My husband can't be still- awake or asleep. Cade is the same way. Sitting down for more than a few minutes at a time is unheard of. Cade just moves from toy to toy, from activity to activity all day long. Even when its time to go to sleep, he does somersaults in his bed until finally falling asleep.
All of this to say, living with boys has been an adjustment to me, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love the craziness that they bring. I love the fact that my house is always alive with laughing, talking, running, and playing. I love that they are so full of life and never dull. I love that I sometimes step on army men or "Football Guys" and that I get tackled a few times a day. These boys bring so much joy to my life!
Not to say that I will never have a daughter, because God's plans are greater than mine, but right now it sure looks like I'll always be in a house full of boys. I think its loud and crazy now, adding Sammy to the picture will make it even more so. However, I think that raising boys is a very important calling. Men are to be the spiritual leaders of the household, and it is up to me as their mother to help develop in them a heart that chases after God. Fortunately, I have a partner in life who wants to help me in that mission. Together, we hope to teach them how to be polite and chivalrous men who seek God's will for their lives. I'm already praying now for their wives (who may not even be born yet) and for their future families. Before I know it, the loud and crazy house that currently belongs to me will be quiet as they grow up and become men. However, I'm going to cherish every second of it and prayerfully seek God's face in the midst of the chaos. I know that God has a purpose for all of my boys and I can't wait to see the men they will turn out to be!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Snow Days, Hospitals, and Big Boy Underwear
Well, the snow came down enough to get me a snow day this week, so Monday I got to stay home with both of the boys (Jason was off Monday and Tuesday). I seriously considered not taking Cade out to play in it, but I gave in. Last year when it snowed, Cade just sat in it and ate it, but he thought it was pretty cool. This year, he didn't even want to touch it. When we went outside, he said, "Mommy, snow on the floor" and walked very gingerly in it. Jason and I were making snowballs and throwing them at each other and at him. He laughed and laughed and would say, "Mommy, throw it again" or "Throw snow at Cade" but he did not want to pick it up himself. So, since he wasn't really participating, we didn't stay out long. I can't say I was too disappointed. We still have a little snow on the ground and he makes me carry him to the car every time we go outside because in his words, "Its too cold and Cade no walk on the snow." Who knows why snow isn't cool?
The hospitals part of this post is the downer. Unfortunately, both my grandfather and Jason's grandmother are currently in ICU. My grandad had a bleeding ulcer that landed him there and has had some breathing complications. Jason's grandmother fell and broke her elbow and fractured her pelvis. It has been complicated by medicines and encephalitis. So, we've spent some time at hospitals in the past few weeks. Cade has done really well with it and gone to see them both without being too scared. His favorite thing is to run up and down the hospital halls and he's been pretty entertaining to the people in the waiting rooms. All I can say is thank goodness for iPhones and instant streaming from Netflix. I think he's watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs around 10 times. Please pray for our grandparents as they are slowly making progress. Pray for our parents as well as they have been charged with caring for both the sick grandparents and the others who are at home. It's been an exhausting few weeks for them.
The big boy underwear part is a celebration! The potty training is going pretty well. He's been wearing big boy underwear and going and peeing on the potty by himself. Woo hoo! Last night, I just found pee in the little potty- he never said anything to me about it. So, he decided he needed to go and went. He's done that a few more times today! So, I'm celebrating and hoping for no regression. He still doesn't want to poop in the potty. Today he asked me for a Pull-Up, so I put one on him, and he pooped in it. Then he wanted big boy underwear again. I guess that's better than him pooping in his underwear and it means that he recognizes that he has to go. Its frustrating because he does know what to do and is choosing not to. However, I'll take what I can get right now. I have to say our babysitter has been amazing in all this and I credit our progress to her. He's only a few months over two and we're getting there. I never knew how excited I could get about urine and excrement until I had a toddler. It's really the little things!
Still no word from the FBI on the background check- the waiting game continues! So for now, we'll keep doing what we can do- praying for Sammy and keeping in touch with the orphanage so we can see him as much as possible. He's in good hands, but I want him to be in my arms. However, I'll wait patiently and enjoy my time with Cade as an only child.
Here's hoping for more snow, no more hospitals, and a permanent move to big boy underwear while we're waiting!
God bless,
Manesseh
The hospitals part of this post is the downer. Unfortunately, both my grandfather and Jason's grandmother are currently in ICU. My grandad had a bleeding ulcer that landed him there and has had some breathing complications. Jason's grandmother fell and broke her elbow and fractured her pelvis. It has been complicated by medicines and encephalitis. So, we've spent some time at hospitals in the past few weeks. Cade has done really well with it and gone to see them both without being too scared. His favorite thing is to run up and down the hospital halls and he's been pretty entertaining to the people in the waiting rooms. All I can say is thank goodness for iPhones and instant streaming from Netflix. I think he's watched Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs around 10 times. Please pray for our grandparents as they are slowly making progress. Pray for our parents as well as they have been charged with caring for both the sick grandparents and the others who are at home. It's been an exhausting few weeks for them.
The big boy underwear part is a celebration! The potty training is going pretty well. He's been wearing big boy underwear and going and peeing on the potty by himself. Woo hoo! Last night, I just found pee in the little potty- he never said anything to me about it. So, he decided he needed to go and went. He's done that a few more times today! So, I'm celebrating and hoping for no regression. He still doesn't want to poop in the potty. Today he asked me for a Pull-Up, so I put one on him, and he pooped in it. Then he wanted big boy underwear again. I guess that's better than him pooping in his underwear and it means that he recognizes that he has to go. Its frustrating because he does know what to do and is choosing not to. However, I'll take what I can get right now. I have to say our babysitter has been amazing in all this and I credit our progress to her. He's only a few months over two and we're getting there. I never knew how excited I could get about urine and excrement until I had a toddler. It's really the little things!
Still no word from the FBI on the background check- the waiting game continues! So for now, we'll keep doing what we can do- praying for Sammy and keeping in touch with the orphanage so we can see him as much as possible. He's in good hands, but I want him to be in my arms. However, I'll wait patiently and enjoy my time with Cade as an only child.
Here's hoping for more snow, no more hospitals, and a permanent move to big boy underwear while we're waiting!
God bless,
Manesseh
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Let It Snow!
Well, the first snow of the year is finally falling. I don't know if it will be enough to get us out of school, but I'm excited anyway (as long as I'm inside). The older I get the more I subscribe to my mom's philosophy of only liking it to be this cold if I'm in the mountains with skis strapped to my feet. I wish we were taking a Spring Break ski trip this year, but we're trying to save money for our (hopefully this year) trip to Haiti to pick up the sweet kiddos. I'll trade skiing for that anytime. When I was still in the classroom, I really wasn't too fond of snow days because it threw off my lesson plans (my former students can attest to this), but now that I'm on extended contract, I'm not sure if I have to make up the days, so let it snow!
On a totally different topic, we got to Skype with my sister in South Africa for about an hour today. She's spending the next few weeks in Capetown where she will be working at a camp for high school kids. That's right up her alley, so she's excited. She's also staying in a place with hot showers, so she's doubly excited. It was great to get to visit with her for awhile.
Today is usually one of the days when we get to Skype with Jasmine and Sammy, but for whatever reason we didn't get to today. The people who run the orphanage have been out of town for a few weeks, so I'm sure they're just trying to get everything settled. Hopefully two weeks from now we'll get to talk with our precious children. Cade told me this morning when I told him that we might get to see Sammy on the computer today that Sammy is his brother and he's going to share his toys with him. We've been trying to prepare him as much as you can a two-year-old, but it was great to hear him say that at the simple mention of Sammy's name. I'm not sure that Cade fully comprehends the extent to which he will have to share everything with Sammy, but at least he's aware. I do wonder (not worry, really) about what the transition is going to be like for Cade. He's the only child and the only grandchild on both sides, so he's not really used to sharing his stuff or his people. However, he's a social child and plays well with others, so I don't think it will take him long to figure it out (probably faster than I will figure out how to be a mom to two children instead of one). I know that Sammy will be different from Cade and have his own set of issues, so that is one of my continual prayers- wisdom in parenting both of them well. More than anything I want them to grow to be men after God's own heart. That's going to mean that Jason and I have to be close to God's heart- and that is where we are continually seeking to be!
Well, it's coming down hard now. Welcome, Old Man Winter! Let it snow!
On a totally different topic, we got to Skype with my sister in South Africa for about an hour today. She's spending the next few weeks in Capetown where she will be working at a camp for high school kids. That's right up her alley, so she's excited. She's also staying in a place with hot showers, so she's doubly excited. It was great to get to visit with her for awhile.
Today is usually one of the days when we get to Skype with Jasmine and Sammy, but for whatever reason we didn't get to today. The people who run the orphanage have been out of town for a few weeks, so I'm sure they're just trying to get everything settled. Hopefully two weeks from now we'll get to talk with our precious children. Cade told me this morning when I told him that we might get to see Sammy on the computer today that Sammy is his brother and he's going to share his toys with him. We've been trying to prepare him as much as you can a two-year-old, but it was great to hear him say that at the simple mention of Sammy's name. I'm not sure that Cade fully comprehends the extent to which he will have to share everything with Sammy, but at least he's aware. I do wonder (not worry, really) about what the transition is going to be like for Cade. He's the only child and the only grandchild on both sides, so he's not really used to sharing his stuff or his people. However, he's a social child and plays well with others, so I don't think it will take him long to figure it out (probably faster than I will figure out how to be a mom to two children instead of one). I know that Sammy will be different from Cade and have his own set of issues, so that is one of my continual prayers- wisdom in parenting both of them well. More than anything I want them to grow to be men after God's own heart. That's going to mean that Jason and I have to be close to God's heart- and that is where we are continually seeking to be!
Well, it's coming down hard now. Welcome, Old Man Winter! Let it snow!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Our Cross
One of my favorite quotes is from Oswald Chambers in "My Utmost for His Highest". He said, "God does not ask us to do the things that are easy to us. He only asks us to do those things that we are perfectly fit to do through His grace, and that is where the cross we must bear will always come."
That came into my head today as I was talking with kids. I'm listening to them talk about their lives. Some of them have seen more in their fifteen years than anyone should see in three lifetimes. They come from homes with abuse, drugs, alcohol, and gangs. I found myself thinking- "What am I doing here? Why have I chosen to subject myself daily to these things that break my heart?" Trust me, this part of the job is not easy to me. Helping students pick classes, giving them tips for improving grades, scheduling, and organizing testing- that I can do! But it is a struggle for me to keep dry eyes as I listen to these kids talk. That's where the quote came into my head. God asks us to carry our cross, and with His grace we can follow our calling. This is my cross. This is my calling. God didn't ask me to do it because it would be easy for me, God asked me to do it because He knew it would make me see that I can't do it and I have to rely on Him and His sweet grace.
I'm not going to pretend like I don't hope for drama-free days at work, because I do. But I know that when the days come in which I am challenged, that I am perfectly fit to do this job through His grace. And I'm so thankful for that grace!
God just laid that on my heart today and I wanted to share. God's grace will help you carry that cross, so pick it up!
God bless,
Manesseh
That came into my head today as I was talking with kids. I'm listening to them talk about their lives. Some of them have seen more in their fifteen years than anyone should see in three lifetimes. They come from homes with abuse, drugs, alcohol, and gangs. I found myself thinking- "What am I doing here? Why have I chosen to subject myself daily to these things that break my heart?" Trust me, this part of the job is not easy to me. Helping students pick classes, giving them tips for improving grades, scheduling, and organizing testing- that I can do! But it is a struggle for me to keep dry eyes as I listen to these kids talk. That's where the quote came into my head. God asks us to carry our cross, and with His grace we can follow our calling. This is my cross. This is my calling. God didn't ask me to do it because it would be easy for me, God asked me to do it because He knew it would make me see that I can't do it and I have to rely on Him and His sweet grace.
I'm not going to pretend like I don't hope for drama-free days at work, because I do. But I know that when the days come in which I am challenged, that I am perfectly fit to do this job through His grace. And I'm so thankful for that grace!
God just laid that on my heart today and I wanted to share. God's grace will help you carry that cross, so pick it up!
God bless,
Manesseh
Monday, January 3, 2011
The State of our Union
Well you can see the nerdy former Civics teacher in me by the title of this post. However, I realized the other day that I explained that by blogging, I would be able to keep everyone updated on the current state of things, yet I didn't really explain where we currently are. So, this blog purposes to be informational and to let you know where things are.
The Adoption: We are currently in a state of "hurry up and wait" (which will likely be the norm for us throughout this process). We are waiting on the FBI to complete the background checks. This could take up to twelve weeks. We're around five weeks in. Once the background check comes back, the documentation will go to be translated into French and will then move into the hands of the Haitian government. I fully expect that to be a fairly long process. However, it makes sense to me for our babies to arrive this summer. But as I well know, my time and God's time are not always the same. I know that He's an on-time God, so I'll trust His judgment (like I really have a choice)! :)
My Sister's Trip: She is currently in Capetown, South Africa, where she will spend a few weeks in ministry. After being in some of the most remote places on Earth, she is excited to be in quasi-modern civilization. This will be her last month in Africa (this is month 7 of 11). She'll finish the last four months in Asia-I'm not completely sure which countries she'll be in yet- then return home at the end of May or first of June. I am so amazed at her experiences and what she's learned. Continue to pray for her and her team as they minister to people around the world!
My Mom: My mom is doing awesome! She's back to running now, of course. Once the doctor cleared her, she was back into the exercise thing. She'll get a few more "fills" over the next few months (putting saline into the spacers that are currently in her breasts), and then have the implants put in. At that point it will be done. We're just so thankful that no more treatment is necessary!
Our Family's Current Events: Jason is still going to school and working toward his Superintendent's license. He's got at least a few more semesters. He's considering continuing through the Doctoral program and getting that Doctorate degree. I'm so proud of him and his hard work! He wants to be in district-level administration at some point, and it takes some schooling to get there. Eventually, we'll be out of school for good. Eventually. Now that Christmas Break is over, I'm back to work and that's about all (besides being a wife and mommy). This semester should be quite interesting as it is my first "testing season" as a school counselor. Junior Highs have TONS of tests, so that will consume a lot of my time. I actually have my first testing meeting tomorrow. I can't say I'm super excited, but its part of the job! Cade is in the middle of potty training. He is really good about going pee on the potty if I take him every hour, but not so great at volunteering. Twice tonight, however, he went to the bathroom, pulled down his pants, and went potty on his own. We are having a party around here and rewarding him like crazy! The pooping thing is not going too well, and any suggestions are welcomed! His new thing is to tell us what he likes and doesn't like. However, his likes are very situational as my child who never stops eating and will eat most anything told me the other day he didn't like food. This was because he didn't want to stop playing with his train set to come eat. It's so much fun to be bossed around by a two-year-old. For the record, I don't often do what he says! :)
We really enjoyed our Christmas Break together, but Cade was so ready to go back to the babysitter's today, and I didn't mind returning to my job. We're so blessed and so thankful!
The Adoption: We are currently in a state of "hurry up and wait" (which will likely be the norm for us throughout this process). We are waiting on the FBI to complete the background checks. This could take up to twelve weeks. We're around five weeks in. Once the background check comes back, the documentation will go to be translated into French and will then move into the hands of the Haitian government. I fully expect that to be a fairly long process. However, it makes sense to me for our babies to arrive this summer. But as I well know, my time and God's time are not always the same. I know that He's an on-time God, so I'll trust His judgment (like I really have a choice)! :)
My Sister's Trip: She is currently in Capetown, South Africa, where she will spend a few weeks in ministry. After being in some of the most remote places on Earth, she is excited to be in quasi-modern civilization. This will be her last month in Africa (this is month 7 of 11). She'll finish the last four months in Asia-I'm not completely sure which countries she'll be in yet- then return home at the end of May or first of June. I am so amazed at her experiences and what she's learned. Continue to pray for her and her team as they minister to people around the world!
My Mom: My mom is doing awesome! She's back to running now, of course. Once the doctor cleared her, she was back into the exercise thing. She'll get a few more "fills" over the next few months (putting saline into the spacers that are currently in her breasts), and then have the implants put in. At that point it will be done. We're just so thankful that no more treatment is necessary!
Our Family's Current Events: Jason is still going to school and working toward his Superintendent's license. He's got at least a few more semesters. He's considering continuing through the Doctoral program and getting that Doctorate degree. I'm so proud of him and his hard work! He wants to be in district-level administration at some point, and it takes some schooling to get there. Eventually, we'll be out of school for good. Eventually. Now that Christmas Break is over, I'm back to work and that's about all (besides being a wife and mommy). This semester should be quite interesting as it is my first "testing season" as a school counselor. Junior Highs have TONS of tests, so that will consume a lot of my time. I actually have my first testing meeting tomorrow. I can't say I'm super excited, but its part of the job! Cade is in the middle of potty training. He is really good about going pee on the potty if I take him every hour, but not so great at volunteering. Twice tonight, however, he went to the bathroom, pulled down his pants, and went potty on his own. We are having a party around here and rewarding him like crazy! The pooping thing is not going too well, and any suggestions are welcomed! His new thing is to tell us what he likes and doesn't like. However, his likes are very situational as my child who never stops eating and will eat most anything told me the other day he didn't like food. This was because he didn't want to stop playing with his train set to come eat. It's so much fun to be bossed around by a two-year-old. For the record, I don't often do what he says! :)
We really enjoyed our Christmas Break together, but Cade was so ready to go back to the babysitter's today, and I didn't mind returning to my job. We're so blessed and so thankful!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A New Year
I've tried the blogging thing before and never really felt like I had much to say. However, with the changes coming into our lives and our amazing friends and family who have showed so much concern and compassion, I felt like maybe I should try it again. So, here is the blog- a place where I will try to keep everyone updated on what is happening with the adoption, a possible new home, my sister's adventure, parenting, and our jobs. I can't guarantee that it will be supremely interesting, but we have had so many people committed to praying for us that I wanted to have an outlet for them to know how their prayers are being answered. So, here it is!
Today is 1/1/11, which I think is pretty cool. What I think is even cooler is that I am doing absolutely nothing. I took down the Christmas decor and cleaned the house yesterday, so I plan on staying under my soft fuzzy blanket most of the day. However, this lack of plans has given me time to reflect on 2010 and dream about 2011.
This past year has been eventful for the Moore family:
Jason graduated with his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (to be a principal) in May. He applied for several jobs, but is currently still teaching and waiting for the right opportunity. God knows where he's supposed to be.
In June, I accepted a new job as a school counselor in a different district. This decision was not easy for me and I was very conflicted over leaving the district that I had grown up in and that I love so much. However, I felt like God was leading me to this and giving me an opportunity to use the passions and skills that He has been developing in me my whole life. I am glad I followed His calling because this job has taught me so much about myself and about who I am called to be.
In July, my sister left for an eleven-month mission trip around the world, which means she will be gone until the end of May/first of June- no coming home. I am so proud of her for following this calling and I know that she is learning so much about herself and about our Heavenly Father. Her mission trip led to one of the biggest decisions of our lives. Here's the story for those of you who don't know it. For those of you who do, sorry for the repeat. She spent her second month (August) of her trip at an orphanage called HIS Home for Children in Haiti. During one of our Skype conversations, she mentioned to me that there is a little boy there that she wanted Jason and I to adopt. Micah and I both laughed, but that comment stayed in my heart. I thought about it and prayed about it and then mentioned it to my husband, fully expecting him to tell me that I was crazy. However, his response was quite the opposite as he agreed to prayerfully consider it. Together, we prayed about it and discussed it and felt like God was calling us to it. We found out around the same time that God had planted it in my parents' heart to do the same, just with a 9 year old little girl in the orphanage. We decided on it separately and were delighted at the way the Lord works. So, we are currently in the process of adopting from Haiti. The time frame is unknown to us (patience is not mine or Jason's biggest virtue- so that's hard), but we know that it is known to God. My hope and prayer is that Jasmine and Sammy will be here by this summer and I will have two new family members- a son and a sister. I really have no idea what to expect. Sammy will probably be almost 3 by the time he gets here. He's only 6 weeks younger than Cade, so I'll basically have twins. I've had several people feel the need to tell me adoption horror stories they've heard. Let me say that I know that this will be a challenge. However, let me also say that God will not leave us nor forsake us and where He guides, He provides. Jason and I feel very strongly that this is where God wants our family. This is not what we ever expected our family to be, as we were actually in the process of trying for another baby when we decided to adopt (were is the operative word, I don't feel like God is calling us to have 3 year old twins and a newborn). I've seen firsthand through this process that our plans and God's plans are sometimes very different, but that surrender to Him is the only option. I plan on being challenged, but more than that I plan on being blessed through having Jasmine and Sammy. God has blessed our family so much with a wonderful support system as well as material things, and I just want to share that with someone who needs it, and if anyone does, its those orphans.
In the midst of all of that, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. Fortunately, they caught it very early and were able to treat it. Though it was only in one breast, she elected to have a double mastectomy and through that surgery, they were able to get it all. She is now cancer free and not doing any radiation or chemo therapy. I knew before this that my mother was a strong woman, but you wouldn't even believe how strong. She faced this head-on with a faith that was unwavering. She has used this experience to minister to other women and to set an example of how to lean on God through adversity. I was also amazed through this experience at how much support our family has. I will never know the number of prayers that were sent up for my mom and our family, but I know that there was an outpouring of love. This was just another example of how blessed our family is. For all of you that prayed and supported us, thank you!
Cade turned two in September. The twos have been an adventure. He really has always been a pretty easy kid- and the twos are no different, with the exceptions of the temper tantrums and the ups and downs of potty training. However, we are very blessed- he is happy, healthy, and sweet. He's funny, too! You never know what he's going to say. I love being a mommy.
Jason's sister got married in October. I now have a new brother-in-law (I guess that's what he is to me). We wish Rachel and Kirill all the best in their marriage!
December brought the hankering for a new house. With Sammy coming and this space growing smaller and smaller, we are ready for something bigger. We've prayerfully considered it and worked hard to get ours ready to sell. It is now on the market- for sale by owner! Add that to another thing that we're waiting on God's timing for. He's always been perfect and this will be no different!
One last thing that seems small compared to all of these big events of 2010, but I donated my hair to Locks of Love! This is really a big accomplishment for me, as I am the one who gets constant hankerings to cut my hair off. I just wake up some mornings and think I want a new haircut, then I go and get it cut that day. So for me to grow my hair for two and a half years without cutting it short was a big, big deal. Now its short again and I love it. I'm sure I will donate again in the future!
Well, I hope you were prepared to read a novella because that was a lengthy recap of this year for us. Next year hopefully brings our new child, a principal's job for Jason, and a new home. As I wrote this, I cried (which is no big surprise for those of you who know me well) and I laughed. 2010 was quite a year, but more than anything, it just brings hope for 2011 and countless examples of the Lord's faithfulness that we know will never end.
Today is 1/1/11, which I think is pretty cool. What I think is even cooler is that I am doing absolutely nothing. I took down the Christmas decor and cleaned the house yesterday, so I plan on staying under my soft fuzzy blanket most of the day. However, this lack of plans has given me time to reflect on 2010 and dream about 2011.
This past year has been eventful for the Moore family:
Jason graduated with his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (to be a principal) in May. He applied for several jobs, but is currently still teaching and waiting for the right opportunity. God knows where he's supposed to be.
In June, I accepted a new job as a school counselor in a different district. This decision was not easy for me and I was very conflicted over leaving the district that I had grown up in and that I love so much. However, I felt like God was leading me to this and giving me an opportunity to use the passions and skills that He has been developing in me my whole life. I am glad I followed His calling because this job has taught me so much about myself and about who I am called to be.
In July, my sister left for an eleven-month mission trip around the world, which means she will be gone until the end of May/first of June- no coming home. I am so proud of her for following this calling and I know that she is learning so much about herself and about our Heavenly Father. Her mission trip led to one of the biggest decisions of our lives. Here's the story for those of you who don't know it. For those of you who do, sorry for the repeat. She spent her second month (August) of her trip at an orphanage called HIS Home for Children in Haiti. During one of our Skype conversations, she mentioned to me that there is a little boy there that she wanted Jason and I to adopt. Micah and I both laughed, but that comment stayed in my heart. I thought about it and prayed about it and then mentioned it to my husband, fully expecting him to tell me that I was crazy. However, his response was quite the opposite as he agreed to prayerfully consider it. Together, we prayed about it and discussed it and felt like God was calling us to it. We found out around the same time that God had planted it in my parents' heart to do the same, just with a 9 year old little girl in the orphanage. We decided on it separately and were delighted at the way the Lord works. So, we are currently in the process of adopting from Haiti. The time frame is unknown to us (patience is not mine or Jason's biggest virtue- so that's hard), but we know that it is known to God. My hope and prayer is that Jasmine and Sammy will be here by this summer and I will have two new family members- a son and a sister. I really have no idea what to expect. Sammy will probably be almost 3 by the time he gets here. He's only 6 weeks younger than Cade, so I'll basically have twins. I've had several people feel the need to tell me adoption horror stories they've heard. Let me say that I know that this will be a challenge. However, let me also say that God will not leave us nor forsake us and where He guides, He provides. Jason and I feel very strongly that this is where God wants our family. This is not what we ever expected our family to be, as we were actually in the process of trying for another baby when we decided to adopt (were is the operative word, I don't feel like God is calling us to have 3 year old twins and a newborn). I've seen firsthand through this process that our plans and God's plans are sometimes very different, but that surrender to Him is the only option. I plan on being challenged, but more than that I plan on being blessed through having Jasmine and Sammy. God has blessed our family so much with a wonderful support system as well as material things, and I just want to share that with someone who needs it, and if anyone does, its those orphans.
In the midst of all of that, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. Fortunately, they caught it very early and were able to treat it. Though it was only in one breast, she elected to have a double mastectomy and through that surgery, they were able to get it all. She is now cancer free and not doing any radiation or chemo therapy. I knew before this that my mother was a strong woman, but you wouldn't even believe how strong. She faced this head-on with a faith that was unwavering. She has used this experience to minister to other women and to set an example of how to lean on God through adversity. I was also amazed through this experience at how much support our family has. I will never know the number of prayers that were sent up for my mom and our family, but I know that there was an outpouring of love. This was just another example of how blessed our family is. For all of you that prayed and supported us, thank you!
Cade turned two in September. The twos have been an adventure. He really has always been a pretty easy kid- and the twos are no different, with the exceptions of the temper tantrums and the ups and downs of potty training. However, we are very blessed- he is happy, healthy, and sweet. He's funny, too! You never know what he's going to say. I love being a mommy.
Jason's sister got married in October. I now have a new brother-in-law (I guess that's what he is to me). We wish Rachel and Kirill all the best in their marriage!
December brought the hankering for a new house. With Sammy coming and this space growing smaller and smaller, we are ready for something bigger. We've prayerfully considered it and worked hard to get ours ready to sell. It is now on the market- for sale by owner! Add that to another thing that we're waiting on God's timing for. He's always been perfect and this will be no different!
One last thing that seems small compared to all of these big events of 2010, but I donated my hair to Locks of Love! This is really a big accomplishment for me, as I am the one who gets constant hankerings to cut my hair off. I just wake up some mornings and think I want a new haircut, then I go and get it cut that day. So for me to grow my hair for two and a half years without cutting it short was a big, big deal. Now its short again and I love it. I'm sure I will donate again in the future!
Well, I hope you were prepared to read a novella because that was a lengthy recap of this year for us. Next year hopefully brings our new child, a principal's job for Jason, and a new home. As I wrote this, I cried (which is no big surprise for those of you who know me well) and I laughed. 2010 was quite a year, but more than anything, it just brings hope for 2011 and countless examples of the Lord's faithfulness that we know will never end.
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