Nap Time

A look into the Whelan boys napping preferences...

Little Animals

A couple of weeks ago Rivermont Preschool had the annual Noah's Ark parade. The kids dress up like animals, hear the account of the flood and God's saving grace to Noah and his family, and then walk around and through the church like they're following Noah onto the ark. Luke was very excited about his beluga whale costume, continuing the marine life theme from last year (he was a shark). We do realize that aquatic life probably wasn't brought on the ark, but obviously God made provision for these creatures to survive the flood. And Jackson was a giraffe and actually wore his giraffe hat pretty well, especially when his little friends showed up at school with their animal hats on.

Love & Thunder

Two posts in as many days--watch out, I'm on fire! No pictures for this one, but I had to share something I just read. I'm in the process of cleaning the house this morning while the boys are at preschool, trying to get ready to welcome my Bunko group tomorrow night. I went to put in a CD to listen to while cleaning, and I picked one of my favorite Andrew Peterson CDs "Love & Thunder." I found this on the inside cover and was just blown away by the truth and depth of it:

"All over the quiet plains, beneath the snow on the high mountains, rustling through the cattails that congregate along the water, you can feel the presence of a promise. On cold nights when you look at the sky, sometimes your breath catches in your throat at how bright the night can be, not nearly as dark as the tree line on the horizon, and as you stand there shivering with your hands bunched in your pockets suddenly you remember that you're standing on a rock in the midde of space. Suddenly the notion that there's a Someone who made it all and knows us all no longer seems quite so far-fetched; indeed, it seems too good to be false.

"But here we toil and we till the hard earth, where even the warm times with friend and kin are lonely because we know they won't last long enought to quiet the ache. Our sadness points to Home the way hunger points to the feast, the way the light of the cratered moon is always facing the sun, alwyas pointing to where the dawn will come like a pillar of fire when this rock we walk on turns again to burning day. All over the quiet plains and the cold stone cities full of dying and shame the promise is not drowned out by the weeping; it is declared by it.

"God died as a man and rose again, and the sound of the fiery blast of Death exploding shook the firmament. Throughout the wail and shudder, over the shriek and moan of man the thunder has sounded and sung, and it is both the answer and the promise. It sings still, and you can hear what it says if you listen: love never dies."

We live in this spiritual reality as much as we live in the day-to-day bustle of ordinary life, but I so often forget where my citizenship really is, that this life and this place are just shadowlands of what is to come. Some might think we're crazy for hanging our hope on what we can't see, but it doesn't mean we keep our heads in the clouds and become escapists who are out of touch with reality. Instead, living in the promise means our lives here are packed with purpose. I'm mopping the floor to the glory of God. I'm changing this diaper to the glory of God. I'm loving my husband and children to the glory of God, knowing that it's more than just mopping the floor and changing a diaper and loving my family. It's what God has given me to do in obedience to Him, out of love, in response to His grace and mercy.

Kicks and Giggles

Luke's soccer games have been sporadic due to rain--one was cancelled altogether and another was in progress when it started pouring. But this past Saturday was beautiful and the three and four-year-olds got a good workout. They practice for 30 minutes and then play against another team for 30 minutes. There is no real score being kept, but each week the kids are doing better. Luke enjoys it but is worn out by the end of the hour, even with several juice and goldfish cracker breaks. He told his coach this week, "I'm running out of running."

Luke and Coach Sam Holter, Levi, and Luke On a side note, doesn't Levi look like he could be one of our kids? His baby pictures look remarkably like Jackson's. Pretty funny. Luke practicing Jackson runs around the entire time dribbling the ball. Really dribbling. With his little feet and legs. He doesn't seem to get tired at all and has been known to jump in the game at any given moment--on Luke's team, the opposing team, or on another field in another game. He is in hog heaven on the YMCA soccer fields. We debated putting a jersey on him and officially putting him in the game this week.

End of an era

In the fall 0f 1995 I purchased a Jansport MSU sweatshirt. During my college years, the sweatshirt became synonymous with me. It was by the far the best sweatshirt I have ever had. Those who have known me for a while know what I am talking about. All this to say, I have lost my sweatshirt. To recount all the great moments in MSU sports this sweatshirt endured with me would take days. It surely will be missed.

Firsts

We like to celebrate "firsts" around here; actually we like to celebrate everything! But I pay a lot of attention to the moments when Luke and Jackson learn something new or say something for the first time or experience something special. It seems like we've had many of those moments lately--little and big. Luke discovered he could climb our magnolia tree in the front yard. He didn't go too high--not yet--but that's a special rite of passage for a Southern boy. He also had his first soccer practice and game. He is on the Bulls' team with three of his buddies from church, and although it was pretty chilly here last Saturday, he had fun on the field. He is #45; we laughed about that extremely common soccer number. And then we celebrated Easter here at Rivermont for the first time. Wait, you're thinking, I know they've been there almost two years. Correct, but I was sick last year and none of us even went to church on Resurrection Sunday. I was drugged up and don't even remember it. So this year was especially special for me. I actually requested that we go up to the church Saturday night before Easter to see the flowers and take pictures with the sunlight coming in the stained glass windows. I am a goober, I know. But it was so worth it. People have raved to me about the Easter flowers before, but I didn't realize the smell of lilies would overwhelm you when you walk in the back door, and that flowers would be everywhere, even outside the church. And that was just a small preparation for the celebration of worship we enjoyed Sunday morning. All of that beauty and loveliness pointed us to the goodness of God and the new life we have in Christ. Worship was triumphant and joyful and left me awe-struck at the reality of Christ resurrected. And the beauty of it all is that we can live in the joy of our salvation every day. So here are a few pictures that don't really do it justice.

This is actually the lid of our baptismal font (I don't know if those terms are right, but you know what I mean). I thought it was a cool picture with Luke's finger pointing to the dove.

SIN

Last Friday Luke informed Laura that he was going to do whatever he wanted to do. He said he did not care if we put him in timeout, gave him x's on his discpline chart, or used any others means of discipline. Luke followed this up on Saturday with one of the biggest fits he has ever thrown which came to an exciting climax by him peeing right in the middle of our living room floor. This was no accident, you could see the wheels turning in his head and just how pre-meditated it was. Needless to say his behavior has been much better since Saturday, but Laura and I were reminded of the effects of the Fall and the depth of sin in us all no matter what age.

The Big TWO!

Jackson turned two on March 15. We had his party on March 17 and invited a couple friends over. Laura made a Nemo cake and her effort was quite impressive. We also had an egg hunt and that was a big hit. It is hard to believe that Jackson was 4 months old when we moved to Lynchburg.

Point City Peeps

Aaron and Phillip came and visited us last week. They were both part of the youth group in West Point, MS at First Presbyterian EPC . It was great seeing these guys and spending 4 days with them. I took them into the mountains of Virginia for an afternoon. We went to a place called Panther Creek Falls. We were the only ones for what seemed like miles around. It was nice getting out in Creation, and Luke really enjoyed spending time with the big boys.

Little Photog

I let Luke loose with the camera last weekend, and here is what the world looks like through his lens.

Little feet

Luke's beloved bike

Our backyard shed

Our deck

Time Change = More Sleep

Luke and Jackson BOTH slept past 7am this morning. It was a blessing and one that Laura and I hope continues. Luke and Jackson are early risers, so we hope they do not revert back to their former ways. So far so good!

In the Kitchen with Luke and Jackson

L and J helped me make a chocolate chip poundcake Saturday, one of our favorite desserts--even before it's baked! They love to help me "cook." They refer to anything done at the counter, even the assembling of sandwiches, as cooking. Shane was a big help too, licking the beaters so I didn't have to wash them. =) You can see that the tendancy to be a big ham in front of the camera is genetic. Notice Jackson's big boy haircut. Now we can brush his hair without him crying!

Mrs. Pat had the duty of the first real haircut. She is Luke's Sunday school teacher and was his 2-year preschool teacher, so Jackson will be in her preschool class next year. She is a wonderful teacher and cuts hair too! We went specifically to get a trim for Luke, and after he was done, Jackson startd climbing up in the chair and said, "My turn!" I wasn't mentally prepared for this somewhat emotional event, but I was more excited that he would actually volunteer to get his hair cut. He looks pretty spiffy now.

Shane's Turn

If he were a shoe, he'd be a cleat.

If he were a city, he'd be Starkville, MS.

If he were a season, he'd be autumn.

If he were a car, he'd be a Jeep.

If he were a vegetable, he'd be corn.

If he were a fruit, he'd be a banana.

If he were a color, he'd be blue.

If he were a country, he'd be the United States.

If he were a piece of furniture, he'd be a coffee table.

If he were a beverage, he'd be a Guinness.

If he were the weather, he'd be sunny.

If he were a piece of clothing, he'd be a T-shirt.

If he were a dessert, he'd be brownies.

If he were a plant, he'd be a lily.

If I Were...

Here's my "If I Were." I'll get Shane to do this later too.

If I were a shoe, I'd be a flip flop.

If I were a city, I'd be Asheville, NC.

If I were a season, I'd be spring.

If I were a car, I’d be an Eclipse convertible (I've just always wanted one of those).

If I were a vegetable, I’d be a cucumber.

If I were a fruit, I’d be a peach.

If I were a color, I’d be pink.

If I were furniture, I’d be a front porch swing.

If I were a country, I’d be Switzerland, nice and neutral.

If I were a beverage, I'd be Diet Dr. Pepper.

If I were clothing, I'd be a great purse. Okay, that's not clothing, but I can't think of any item of clothing that I like as much as a great purse.

If I were weather, I'd be a summer afternoon after a thunderstorm, when everything is cooler and greener and smells so good.

If I were a dessert, I’d be key lime pie.

If I were a plant, I’d be an orchid. Tag, fellow bloggers, your turn!

Great Sermon

This past Sunday Pastor Mabray preached on Matthew 10:34-39. It was the first time I have ever heard anyone preach on that passage. It was a great sermon and Laura and I continue to feel blessed to be part of a church where God and His Word are at the center of all things. It is also a huge blessing to have pastors who will tackle difficult sections of Scripture and not water them down. If you are curious you can listen to Pastor Mabray's sermon from February 24 titled "No Peace, but a Sword" by clicking on this link. http://www.rivermont.org/sermons/2008/index.htm

Spartan Trail

This morning we visited a new spot that is very close to home. We live in the Sandusky neighborhood of Lynchburg, meaning we are right down the street from Sandusky Elementary and Middle Schools. Behind the schools is a huge playground, soccer fields, a football field, and a trail leading to someplace we hadn't explored. We went to the playground for the boys to play and then hiked down the Spartan Trail to find this beautiful creek and old stone mill. It was a hidden treasure, and we enjoyed our discovery.

What's New?

Running amok The bowling ramp saves the day The "I want to do it myself" face.

Last Saturday we went bowling with the middle school students in the youth group. Our friends the Halls joined us, and we got a lane with bumpers for the little guys to bowl. We also got this great ski-ramp looking device the kids could roll the ball down to get some momentum. They had a blast although it was a bit chaotic to control three 3-year-olds, a 2-year-old, and an almost 2-year old in an environment full of heavy bowling balls and oblivious teenagers. Luke actually bowled a strike using the ramp, and he said, "I can't believe I rolled a stripe, Mom!" It was pretty cute.

My friend Jennifer made the very accurate comment that sometimes blogs sound sugary sweet, making everything sound rosy and not very real. I have to agree. This will not be one of those posts! =)

We certainly don't have any bad news, but instead we're going to be honest about our good news--Luke is completely 100 percent potty trained. woohoo! It has been a long hard road, considering he'll be 4 in May, and as Shane and several of our friends in the same situation have said, it can be the most difficult, most challenging thing parents face with a young child. He had no problem going #1; he's been doing that in the potty for almost a year. However, he adamantly refused #2. But the good news is that all that has changed dramatically. He's not wearing diapers/pull-ups at all. And he is so proud of himself, and we are relieved and feel the stress level in our lives has gone down a notch. And all you overachiever moms whose beloved cherubs mastered this at 18 months, more power to you.

So with this in mind, a little encouragement for all our many, many friends who are pregnant right now: There is no formula for raising kids. It is SO challenging, and you'll want to scream when people tell you to just relax and enjoy it. But then you realize they're right. Despite how it feels, those little trials don't last forever. And life enters warp speed when you add children to your family. Parenthood has been a tool that God has used to teach us, to show us our sins in the mirror of our children, to help us glimpse the delight He takes in us, to show us His infinite patience, to show us the need for justice and mercy, to remind us to cling to the Cross.

Let It Snow!!

View off our back deck Laura and Jackson Luke and our snowman