Joshua only a year old but already we are thinking that he is going to love sports. He has eagle eyes for balls, basketballs , baseballs, softballs, etc. So in thinking what we were going to get him for his birthday it seemed like a no brainer to get him some kind of ball. We wanted to get something that would grow with him a little and so we got him a basketball net that telescopes up so that as he grows it will grow with him for a little bit. It turned out to be a hit and the very fist time he held the ball he knew exactly what to do with it and put it through the hoop. For everyone that might now know Joshua took his first steps on July 2nd and seems to think it is a little over rated right now. As you can see in the movie though he is getting a little better. He is just too cute right now!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
July 4 and the Beach
We spent our July 4th down at the beach and had a wonderful time. Our good friends the Millers invited us to stay with them at their parents beach house. It was Ellie and Joshua's first time to the beach and I would have to say that they had a great time. In all we had six adults and five children under the age of five.
We arrived late Thursday night/ early Friday morning. Friday we decided to go to a water park and had a marvelous time. The weather on Friday was just perfect. Joshua loved going down the little slide in the kiddie pool. They also had a lazy river that we all got in and it was so relaxing that Joshua fell asleep in my lap. Ellie rode in her own inter tube like a big girl. Ellie loved being the oldest kid as she tried to be the little mommy to the twins, Natalie, and Joshua. She was constantly watching over them, trying to help feed them, and always wanting to be with them.
Saturday we went to the beach and Ellie and Joshua got to play in the sand for the first time. Ellie stuck her foot in the ocean but it was was to cold for any of us to get in, plus it was overcast and windy. I was very shocked at how chilly it was but in all we had a great time. We built a sand castle with a moat and Mike dug a really deep hole that ended up becoming a sand slide for the girls.
On Sunday we walked on the boardwalk in Ocean City and took Ellie to see the Kite Loft and then she got to ride the Ferris wheel. After we left the board walk Mike wanted to got to one of the go cart tracks. The one we went to was really big and even had a track for the little ones so Ellie got to drive her own go cart. It was kinda scary as it made me realize that before I know it she will be driving a real car.....ahhhhh not ready for that one.
We had a really good time and all in all the children were excellent. Thanks again to the Millers for a wonderful time at the beach!
We arrived late Thursday night/ early Friday morning. Friday we decided to go to a water park and had a marvelous time. The weather on Friday was just perfect. Joshua loved going down the little slide in the kiddie pool. They also had a lazy river that we all got in and it was so relaxing that Joshua fell asleep in my lap. Ellie rode in her own inter tube like a big girl. Ellie loved being the oldest kid as she tried to be the little mommy to the twins, Natalie, and Joshua. She was constantly watching over them, trying to help feed them, and always wanting to be with them.
Saturday we went to the beach and Ellie and Joshua got to play in the sand for the first time. Ellie stuck her foot in the ocean but it was was to cold for any of us to get in, plus it was overcast and windy. I was very shocked at how chilly it was but in all we had a great time. We built a sand castle with a moat and Mike dug a really deep hole that ended up becoming a sand slide for the girls.
On Sunday we walked on the boardwalk in Ocean City and took Ellie to see the Kite Loft and then she got to ride the Ferris wheel. After we left the board walk Mike wanted to got to one of the go cart tracks. The one we went to was really big and even had a track for the little ones so Ellie got to drive her own go cart. It was kinda scary as it made me realize that before I know it she will be driving a real car.....ahhhhh not ready for that one.
We had a really good time and all in all the children were excellent. Thanks again to the Millers for a wonderful time at the beach!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Crab Feast & Warm Summer Days
This past weekend we had our third annual crab feast and as with all the others it was great. Ellie and Joshua spent the night with grandma and it was nice to be able to eat and get to focus on what I was eating. It was a great time as I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. We had a great meal of crabs, steamed shrimp, corn on the cob and watermelon. What more could you ask for in a meal, hehe. For dessert we had cupcakes, and brownies and these wonderful little things that Kera made and I can't remember what they were called but they were excellent.
I think this is the first year that we have had the feast that we didn't have anyone that was pregnant. It made our list of possible activities a little broader as we didn't have to think about pregnancy restrictions. So with that in mind I wanted to do things a little different this year trying to keep it fun. After we finished eating crabs we got out some water balloons and had a good old fashioned water balloon battle. It was great to forget about everything and just have fun and I think we accomplished that on Saturday night.
On Monday I pulled out our little blow up pool and Ellie and Joshua got in to play. Ellie loves the water, though she doesn't like it getting in her eyes. Joshua is still on the fence as to whether or not he like the pool water. He loves bath time but not sure that playing in the cooler water of the pool is great fun. I have a video but am having technical difficulties right at the moment so it will have to wait.
I think this is the first year that we have had the feast that we didn't have anyone that was pregnant. It made our list of possible activities a little broader as we didn't have to think about pregnancy restrictions. So with that in mind I wanted to do things a little different this year trying to keep it fun. After we finished eating crabs we got out some water balloons and had a good old fashioned water balloon battle. It was great to forget about everything and just have fun and I think we accomplished that on Saturday night.
On Monday I pulled out our little blow up pool and Ellie and Joshua got in to play. Ellie loves the water, though she doesn't like it getting in her eyes. Joshua is still on the fence as to whether or not he like the pool water. He loves bath time but not sure that playing in the cooler water of the pool is great fun. I have a video but am having technical difficulties right at the moment so it will have to wait.
July is a great time to have a birthday and we will be celebrating among other birthday's two very special ones, Joshua and Zach my cousins son will be celebrating their first birthday's. It is so hard to believe that it has been a year since Joshua was born.
This weekend we will be celebrating the holiday at the beach with our good friends the Miller's and Sandbek's. This will be Ellie and Joshua's first time to the beach so it should be an exciting weekend. Yesterday Ellie was telling someone that she was going to the beach and she was excited because it had a big swimming pool there, oh to see life through a childs eyes, hehe. Hopefully it will be as fun and exciting as we are hoping and the weather will be great that we can enjoy our time there. Hopefully we will get some good pictures and post them.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
2 Game Win Streak!!!!
Well we have a two game win streak going for our churches softball team. The last two games have been nail bitters but in the end the guys pulled it off and won the game. Today's game we won 20 to 19 and Mike went 2 for 4 and those two hit were really good solid hits. He also tagged a runner out at home plate. Our friend Kevin came to watch the game and he brought his daughter Natalie. He had a very good game to watch and Natalie seemed very content to watch too, she never fussed once. I have had the opportunity the last two games to keep the score book which has been fun. Here are a couple of pictures from one of the other softball games.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ethan turns 6
Well we took a few days off and went up to the campground in Gettysburg and celebrated our nephew Ethan's 6 birthday. We went up on Friday and met my parents who had their camper up there. This was Joshua's first time camping and I have to say that he was amazing. He went to bed fine and didn't seem to be bothered by the change of his surroundings.
We were going to set the tent up on their site but it was to small so we ended up getting another site. For those that have went camping with us before I think we have found a good site that is just as good if not better than the one we have always stayed in before. We really put it to the test too on Friday. We got everything set up and we finally making our way up to the swimming pool when it started to down pour and I mean down pour. We even had hail the size of marbles.
Side note one good thing about Mike always buying the best and not cutting corners is that when we got back to our tent everything inside was completely dry. If it had been a cheap tent everything inside would have be soaked, no doubt about it as hard as it was raining.
Anyway the site even drained well and wasn't a mud pit amazingly enough. It is pretty big and private with shade for most of the day and to boot it isn't any farther from the bath house than our other site.
Well by the time that if finally stopped raining it was to chilly to go swimming so we went back to my parents camper and spent the rest of the evening with them. We ended up playing a card game and my mom and I whipped up on Mike and my dad, which is very unusual, but a lot of fun.
On Saturday my sister and her family came up to the campground to have the birthday party. But first we had to try out the swimming pool as Ellie and now Ethan and Emma all wanted to get in the pool. Of course just as we are getting ready to go up to the pool Joshua fell asleep but would eventually wake up before we all got out of the pool. The pool was still very chilly but we just went to the deep end and jumped in and then it wasn't quite so bad. I will give the kids credit they stayed in the pool for a very long time even though it was so cold. Joshua did finally wake up and got to get in the pool for the first time. He wasn't so keen on it at first and I think most of that was because it was so cold but after a little bit he was trying to splash the water and seemed to be enjoying the experience. Ellie and Emma played well and enjoyed playing in the kidde end of the pool with all the swim toys that we brought.
We were going to set the tent up on their site but it was to small so we ended up getting another site. For those that have went camping with us before I think we have found a good site that is just as good if not better than the one we have always stayed in before. We really put it to the test too on Friday. We got everything set up and we finally making our way up to the swimming pool when it started to down pour and I mean down pour. We even had hail the size of marbles.
Side note one good thing about Mike always buying the best and not cutting corners is that when we got back to our tent everything inside was completely dry. If it had been a cheap tent everything inside would have be soaked, no doubt about it as hard as it was raining.
Anyway the site even drained well and wasn't a mud pit amazingly enough. It is pretty big and private with shade for most of the day and to boot it isn't any farther from the bath house than our other site.
Well by the time that if finally stopped raining it was to chilly to go swimming so we went back to my parents camper and spent the rest of the evening with them. We ended up playing a card game and my mom and I whipped up on Mike and my dad, which is very unusual, but a lot of fun.
On Saturday my sister and her family came up to the campground to have the birthday party. But first we had to try out the swimming pool as Ellie and now Ethan and Emma all wanted to get in the pool. Of course just as we are getting ready to go up to the pool Joshua fell asleep but would eventually wake up before we all got out of the pool. The pool was still very chilly but we just went to the deep end and jumped in and then it wasn't quite so bad. I will give the kids credit they stayed in the pool for a very long time even though it was so cold. Joshua did finally wake up and got to get in the pool for the first time. He wasn't so keen on it at first and I think most of that was because it was so cold but after a little bit he was trying to splash the water and seemed to be enjoying the experience. Ellie and Emma played well and enjoyed playing in the kidde end of the pool with all the swim toys that we brought.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A great holiday weekend
Okay, so I am a little late getting this posted, but better late than never. I was also very pleased to see that my husband had posted about our weekend and he did a great job describing the experience. Anyway below is what was going to be posted for Memorial Day.
This is my cousin Rich and his son Zachery who is 10 days older than Joshua.
We have just had one of the most beautiful holiday weekends. The weather was just amazing. On saturday in the morning I was able to plant some plants. I love all the colors of spring, it is almost like the Lord smiling at you. That afternoon we took Ellie out to fly kites with our friends Mike and Shanna. Ellie had a wonderful time running around and then holding her Kite as it flew high in the sky. Ellie won getting hers the highest with daddy's help. It was also a cool becasue it was the first time that Shanna had ever flown a kite. Then we came back to the house and Mike and Shanna stayed and we cooked out on the grill.
Sunday Mike and I finally used some gift cards that we got for Christmas to go see Prince Caspian. Ellie and Joshua went to church with Grandma and Grandpa while we went to see the movie. It was really good and from what I remember from reading the books they did a pretty good job. It was ridiclous, it was $19 for the tickets and then for the drinks and popcorn it was $17 and that was just for two of us. I cringe at the thought of taking a whole family.
Monday my mom and I went down to visit with Dessairee, Char and her family and then we went to my anut and uncles house. Dessairee is doing well and really bonding with Char and her family. They still do have some concerns about her breathing and her one hand. Her pediatrician wants her to see an ENT beause her sinuses are so swollen she can't see anything to determine if something is going on or not. She holds her one hand kinda curved in ,her pediatrician said it could have happened during birth or another injury. It would have to be something in the nerves or muscles since the orthopedic doctor didn't see any breaks.
We covet all prayers during this time. Tomorrow Johnny has his trial date here in Harford County and I will give an update tomorrow as to what was decided. Well since I am so late getting this post out I can give a praise report concerning Johnny. He had a really good judge from what my mom and dad said and they basically gave him time served. So all the stuff in Harford county is done with and now he has been moved to Baltimore City. It appears that they have denied him bail and with that we will not be able to visit him for the first 60 days. Please pray that the truth will be revealed and that Johnny won't get the brunt of all this becasue he was the one to take her to the hospital. Right now as it stands on the court criminal records site he has all kinds of charges and the mother has next to nothing.
Dessairee's next hearing is June 18 and that will be the parental rights hearing that had to be rescheduled. Her mother has a trial date in August to face the child abuse charges at this point unless she accepts a plea bargin. We are believing that if they are going to offer a plea bargin that it would be that she gives up her parental rights and gets no jail time. I have learned a lot more
about the whole justice system than I ever thougth I would before all this happened.
We had a wonderful time visiting with Char and the family, then my mom and I went to my aunt and uncles house for a cookout. Mike, my dad, and grandmom met us down there as well as my sister and her family. It is always a good time with lots and lots of food at my aunt and uncles house. My cousin Chris is a really good cook and it seems always has a new recipe for us to try. This time is was shrimp with some type of sauce on it and it was amazing, a little spicey but really good.
My cousin Rich and his wife Holly who had their little boy ten days before Joshua. We hadn't seen him since Christmas and it was amazing to see him walking. It's hard to imagine that he and Joshua are only ten days apart because Joshua seems to have no desire to walk yet. I know that will come in time. So anyway now I will get to the really fun part the pictures.
Joshua found a water bottle that still had water in it and had a wonderful time. 
Emma and Ellie playing their version of dodge ball with Mike and Pop Pop.
Emma and Ellie playing their version of dodge ball with Mike and Pop Pop.
This is my cousin Rich and his son Zachery who is 10 days older than Joshua.Good Ole' Camping...
Well Melissa and I had our first camping trip of the year over the weekend. We quickly saw the benefits of the new ride over the Impala. It was so much easier to pack; we threw everything in and still had plenty of room left. With the trunk in the Impala there was a certain spot for everything in order to maximize every inch of space.
Once we had everything packed up we headed over to my parents house to drop off the kids. Indeed this was a kid-free weekend which was more difficult for Melissa I believe then me or the kids as it was the first time we let Joshua spend the night away from us for more than one night. I am happy to say though that both kids did fine and seem to have had no ill side effects. =)
After the trauma of separation we headed over to our friends Mike & Shanna's house and they followed us up to the Battlefield Campground. It was also the first time ever that we were able to get there at check-in time (3pm). It was awesome, we had plenty of time and daylight to get the campsite all setup and still was able to fire up some dinner at a normal time.
On Day 2 we were going to go play some tennis in the morning, but it started raining on us. Fortunately we knew it was coming and practically had everything that we didn't want to get wet packed away in the cars. Instead of tennis we decided to head off into town and check out some of the local shops. We went to the fudge shop (of course) and after a few more stops decided to do one of the group Old Time Civil war photos. I dressed up as a Confederate general and my friend Mike was a Union general while the ladies were sporting the fancy dresses of the time period. The picture turned out great... I will try to remember to scan it in and post it up. After an enjoyable lunch in the Dobbin House the rain was over with and we were still able to go to the courts and get our tennis on. By the end of the that we were all drained and headed back to camp site to make some Chicken Chili from a recipe provided by Smack and relax by the camp fire. I also am pleased to say that the Chili turned out awesome.
On Day 3 we played some volleyball in the morning and then decided to go on one of the Battlefield tours as my friends wife had never been. When we got there we were shocked to see the prices had hiked up to $24 bucks a person. So instead we bought one of the Audio Tour CD's and did our own thing. I actually think I liked that better because we got to stop when we wanted and spend as much time at each spot as we liked. This was the first time we went to Gettysburg since I got the Canon as well. Once I dump the pictures onto the computer I will post up some of the good ones. After the battlefield tour we headed back to the campsite and packed up. On the way home we stopped one last time and ate at the Farnsworth House.
I think that pretty much sums it up. Overall I had a good time and can't wait to head up again. We should all pick a weekend and head up to Thurmont. That campsite we had when we went with Kevin and Lauren a couple years back was entirely in the woods. I would have to believe it stays relatively cool there even when it gets super hot.
Later on...
-Mike
Once we had everything packed up we headed over to my parents house to drop off the kids. Indeed this was a kid-free weekend which was more difficult for Melissa I believe then me or the kids as it was the first time we let Joshua spend the night away from us for more than one night. I am happy to say though that both kids did fine and seem to have had no ill side effects. =)
After the trauma of separation we headed over to our friends Mike & Shanna's house and they followed us up to the Battlefield Campground. It was also the first time ever that we were able to get there at check-in time (3pm). It was awesome, we had plenty of time and daylight to get the campsite all setup and still was able to fire up some dinner at a normal time.
On Day 2 we were going to go play some tennis in the morning, but it started raining on us. Fortunately we knew it was coming and practically had everything that we didn't want to get wet packed away in the cars. Instead of tennis we decided to head off into town and check out some of the local shops. We went to the fudge shop (of course) and after a few more stops decided to do one of the group Old Time Civil war photos. I dressed up as a Confederate general and my friend Mike was a Union general while the ladies were sporting the fancy dresses of the time period. The picture turned out great... I will try to remember to scan it in and post it up. After an enjoyable lunch in the Dobbin House the rain was over with and we were still able to go to the courts and get our tennis on. By the end of the that we were all drained and headed back to camp site to make some Chicken Chili from a recipe provided by Smack and relax by the camp fire. I also am pleased to say that the Chili turned out awesome.
On Day 3 we played some volleyball in the morning and then decided to go on one of the Battlefield tours as my friends wife had never been. When we got there we were shocked to see the prices had hiked up to $24 bucks a person. So instead we bought one of the Audio Tour CD's and did our own thing. I actually think I liked that better because we got to stop when we wanted and spend as much time at each spot as we liked. This was the first time we went to Gettysburg since I got the Canon as well. Once I dump the pictures onto the computer I will post up some of the good ones. After the battlefield tour we headed back to the campsite and packed up. On the way home we stopped one last time and ate at the Farnsworth House.
I think that pretty much sums it up. Overall I had a good time and can't wait to head up again. We should all pick a weekend and head up to Thurmont. That campsite we had when we went with Kevin and Lauren a couple years back was entirely in the woods. I would have to believe it stays relatively cool there even when it gets super hot.
Later on...
-Mike
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Yay! We won again!!
Well my Tuesday game got rained out, but we played Mountain Christian tonight and won 30 to 11. We scored 17 runs just in the 1st inning alone. Our whole team seems to be coming together offensively and defensively. My friend Mike hit another home run tonight as well. I really have no idea how I did tonight personally. I either went 3 for 4 or 3 for 5 or at least I think. If I get the real numbers I will add a comment. Anyway it was a good game.
Hope everyone enjoys their Memorial day weekend. Later...
-Mike
Hope everyone enjoys their Memorial day weekend. Later...
-Mike
Friday, May 16, 2008
When does it get easier?
Yesterday when I went to pick up Ellie and Joshua from Mikes moms house, Joshua was walking with one of those toys to help them learn to walk. I know that I should be excited because my little man has learned something new bit it made me a little sad because I missed it. I had to watch the video of him instead of being the one taking the video. Am I really crazy for having those feelings? I feel like as a parent Mike or I should be there for these such events. It was hard with Ellie and I thought it would be easier this time but it isn't. Please don't misunderstand, I am so very thankful that we Mikes mom is there for us to watch the kids, because otherwise we might have had to move to outer Mongolia so that I could be a stay at home mom. It still tugs on the heart strings when you miss firsts, if that makes any sense.
I think I feel guilty that I am not able to be there for my children like my Mom was for me. I know that times were different and I know that we didn't have a lot growing up but I think I am a much better person because of the sacrifices she and my dad made. It's funny but just the other day I was talking to Kera and we were talking about the kids growing up and how it sometimes feels like they are already have. When I watch Ellie sometimes it almost seems like she is a teenager instead of a four year old. She wants so much to be a "big girl," that my heart aches cause I want her to enjoy being four. I can remember my mom and dad telling me the same thing when I was a kid and how before I knew it I would be older. Parents are so wise, I love you mom and dad! It reminds me of the song "Don't Blink," because truly it does seem that it happens that fast.
You have to learn to trust the Lord that He truly is going to take care of your children when you are not with them. I find it funny but even when I leave them with either set of grandparents or even my sister parents I struggle a little bit. It definitely has gotten better but I know that I still have a ways to go before I have completely given them into the Lord's hands. I know that they will do everything in their power to keep them safe but I still have to trust. It is truly a weird place to be , I guess this is all hitting me because we are letting Joshua spend the night for the first time tonight.
Anyway here is the video of him walking, at the end it almost seems like he celebrates his accomplishment. I you don't smile I think there might be something wrong with you, ha ha.
I think I feel guilty that I am not able to be there for my children like my Mom was for me. I know that times were different and I know that we didn't have a lot growing up but I think I am a much better person because of the sacrifices she and my dad made. It's funny but just the other day I was talking to Kera and we were talking about the kids growing up and how it sometimes feels like they are already have. When I watch Ellie sometimes it almost seems like she is a teenager instead of a four year old. She wants so much to be a "big girl," that my heart aches cause I want her to enjoy being four. I can remember my mom and dad telling me the same thing when I was a kid and how before I knew it I would be older. Parents are so wise, I love you mom and dad! It reminds me of the song "Don't Blink," because truly it does seem that it happens that fast.
You have to learn to trust the Lord that He truly is going to take care of your children when you are not with them. I find it funny but even when I leave them with either set of grandparents or even my sister parents I struggle a little bit. It definitely has gotten better but I know that I still have a ways to go before I have completely given them into the Lord's hands. I know that they will do everything in their power to keep them safe but I still have to trust. It is truly a weird place to be , I guess this is all hitting me because we are letting Joshua spend the night for the first time tonight.
Anyway here is the video of him walking, at the end it almost seems like he celebrates his accomplishment. I you don't smile I think there might be something wrong with you, ha ha.
Here are a couple of pictures that I took yesterday of our two cuties! Joshua loves playing with the keyboard and mouse, I guess he might follow in his daddy's footsteps. He also really, really loves bath time now because he can get in the big tub with Ellie. Amazingly he was not afraid of the jets or bubbles when we turned them on. I had to take the one of Ellie sleeping because this is about the only time that you can keep her still, when she is passed out. 
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
They Won, They Won!!
Finally good news from the Buslers. Last night our church softball team won, wahooo! The score was 18 to 6, great job guys!!This was a good game where it seemed that we had both offense and defense. My wonderful husband had 3 hits and at least one RBI. Our friend Mike had two 3 run home runs which were pretty awesome and certainly helped out. For anyone interested the games are mostly on Tuesday nights with a couple happening on Thursday nights. The games start at 6:30PM and our home games are at Grace which is on 22 right across from the Wendy's. You will have to ask Mike about where the other games will be held if you are interested.
Last night turned out to be a really great night for a baseball game. I am praying that Friday will be as nice as we are going to our first Orioles game of the season. We decided to go to this one because it is a fireworks night. I am really excited as I think the Orioles have a great chance of proving all the critics wrong. We should have a good game because the pitcher should be Garrett Olson who has been doing exceptionally well since coming up to the majors.
I am also a little anxious as we are going to let Joshua stay overnight for the first time. I know that he will be ok just as Ellie has been when she has spent the night away. It will be good to have a night out without having to worry about the children but I still feel a little guilty. I wanted to do this now as we consider the possibility of leaving him while we go camping at the end of May. I don't know if I am logistically going to be able to do it but I need to at least have him spend the night one night before we go away for a couple. Sometimes I feel like I am crazy for it being so hard but I would rather be this way than not caring at all.
Well I was hoping to end this with a couple of pictures of Joshua and Ellie but I didn't do so great with my camera phone this morning. Joshua just looks too cute in shorts that I wanted to share it with everyone. Hopefully I will be able to get a couple and get them posted.
Last night turned out to be a really great night for a baseball game. I am praying that Friday will be as nice as we are going to our first Orioles game of the season. We decided to go to this one because it is a fireworks night. I am really excited as I think the Orioles have a great chance of proving all the critics wrong. We should have a good game because the pitcher should be Garrett Olson who has been doing exceptionally well since coming up to the majors.
I am also a little anxious as we are going to let Joshua stay overnight for the first time. I know that he will be ok just as Ellie has been when she has spent the night away. It will be good to have a night out without having to worry about the children but I still feel a little guilty. I wanted to do this now as we consider the possibility of leaving him while we go camping at the end of May. I don't know if I am logistically going to be able to do it but I need to at least have him spend the night one night before we go away for a couple. Sometimes I feel like I am crazy for it being so hard but I would rather be this way than not caring at all.
Well I was hoping to end this with a couple of pictures of Joshua and Ellie but I didn't do so great with my camera phone this morning. Joshua just looks too cute in shorts that I wanted to share it with everyone. Hopefully I will be able to get a couple and get them posted.
Monday, May 12, 2008
I'm really struggling with this one....
Okay so just a few days ago I was saying that I was struggling with understanding the Lord. Well here I am again never thinking that I would be dealing with yet again another circumstance that unless the Lord does a miracle of epic proportions another baby/babies are going to need help.
Yesterday my mom was talking with my younger sister Cheryl and she told my mom she was pregnant. Not only is she pregnant but they say she is having twins and that she is about 7 weeks along. Can I just scream.........AHHHHHHHHH, she told my mom that she just didn't have enough money to buy her birth control. Ok so buy condoms...sorry I digress. One would think after having to give your first child up for adoption that you would do whatever you had too to make sure it didn't happen again. For all those thinking like I did that 7 weeks was to early for them to know that she was having twins, she was in the emergency room not knowing she was pregnant and was having pain or getting sick. Not exactly sure what made her go to the hospital but I guess through all the questions they did a pregnancy test and then a sonogram.
Once again I am left remembering all the scriptures but I am really struggling right now. I mean WHY would she be able to have no problems and yet I know so many people that have had all kinds of challenges getting pregnant, carrying to term, having babies with health challenges, etc. I guess my other struggle is that I know that Life is a gift from the Lord and I know that these babies are special and the Lord has a plan and a purpose for them. On the same token why couldn't these babies be given to anyone of the good Christian couples out there that so desperately want to have children but can't. I know that there really isn't an answer but it just seems so WRONG that these people who can't even take care of themselves have babies and you can't do anything about it until something horrible happens. I was asking my mom about the possibility since Cheryl has been documented having mental and emotional problems of them taking the babies away from the get go and she said there wasn't until something happens. Which I guess I knew but was hoping that maybe I was wrong.
Another thing that is a challenge for me to understand is we all knew that twins run in the family and that anyone of us could have them. So why her and not my older sister Jes or me. Either one of us would be able to have handled twins better than her. Plus the babies father isn't much better than she is and I don't know about his family but I have a feeling the are a lot like Dessiaree's mothers family. They aren't married and are currently living with his grandmother who has told them that they can't stay there with a baby. Which will probably mean that it will have to be my family that will eventually have to step in and make sure that they are being taken care of and they are ok. I certainly wouldn't depend on the pediatricians or hospitals that are taking care of them to make sure that everything is ok, Dessiaree had been seen two weeks prior to us seeing her and apparently the doctors either didn't see anything or didn't want to deal with it.
I think I am feeling numb right now. This weekend on Saturday I was able to go and see my brother Johnny in the detention center. It was so emotionally taxing and draining. On the one hand I feel very sorry for him and the other part of me tells me that it was his choices that put him there because he wouldn't listen to my mom. I can't imagine having to visit him for years that way. I pray that if you have never had to go and visit some in jail that you will never have too. Just sitting in the waiting room was hard it felt like the walls were so close and I am not usually claustrophobic. He is doing good and thankfully he said that they have him in lock down which keeps him from the general public, which we were very thankful. He said he has only had a few threats, but no one has tried to hurt him. He will be in the Harford County Detention center at least until May 28 I believe and then once that court date and sentence is given than they will move him down to Baltimore City. I am believing that the Judge will see the truth about the resisting arrest charges and that he will only get probation.
Well thanks for reading my rantings. I pray tomorrow I can tell you all the Mike won his softball game. He plays on our churches softball team.
Yesterday my mom was talking with my younger sister Cheryl and she told my mom she was pregnant. Not only is she pregnant but they say she is having twins and that she is about 7 weeks along. Can I just scream.........AHHHHHHHHH, she told my mom that she just didn't have enough money to buy her birth control. Ok so buy condoms...sorry I digress. One would think after having to give your first child up for adoption that you would do whatever you had too to make sure it didn't happen again. For all those thinking like I did that 7 weeks was to early for them to know that she was having twins, she was in the emergency room not knowing she was pregnant and was having pain or getting sick. Not exactly sure what made her go to the hospital but I guess through all the questions they did a pregnancy test and then a sonogram.
Once again I am left remembering all the scriptures but I am really struggling right now. I mean WHY would she be able to have no problems and yet I know so many people that have had all kinds of challenges getting pregnant, carrying to term, having babies with health challenges, etc. I guess my other struggle is that I know that Life is a gift from the Lord and I know that these babies are special and the Lord has a plan and a purpose for them. On the same token why couldn't these babies be given to anyone of the good Christian couples out there that so desperately want to have children but can't. I know that there really isn't an answer but it just seems so WRONG that these people who can't even take care of themselves have babies and you can't do anything about it until something horrible happens. I was asking my mom about the possibility since Cheryl has been documented having mental and emotional problems of them taking the babies away from the get go and she said there wasn't until something happens. Which I guess I knew but was hoping that maybe I was wrong.
Another thing that is a challenge for me to understand is we all knew that twins run in the family and that anyone of us could have them. So why her and not my older sister Jes or me. Either one of us would be able to have handled twins better than her. Plus the babies father isn't much better than she is and I don't know about his family but I have a feeling the are a lot like Dessiaree's mothers family. They aren't married and are currently living with his grandmother who has told them that they can't stay there with a baby. Which will probably mean that it will have to be my family that will eventually have to step in and make sure that they are being taken care of and they are ok. I certainly wouldn't depend on the pediatricians or hospitals that are taking care of them to make sure that everything is ok, Dessiaree had been seen two weeks prior to us seeing her and apparently the doctors either didn't see anything or didn't want to deal with it.
I think I am feeling numb right now. This weekend on Saturday I was able to go and see my brother Johnny in the detention center. It was so emotionally taxing and draining. On the one hand I feel very sorry for him and the other part of me tells me that it was his choices that put him there because he wouldn't listen to my mom. I can't imagine having to visit him for years that way. I pray that if you have never had to go and visit some in jail that you will never have too. Just sitting in the waiting room was hard it felt like the walls were so close and I am not usually claustrophobic. He is doing good and thankfully he said that they have him in lock down which keeps him from the general public, which we were very thankful. He said he has only had a few threats, but no one has tried to hurt him. He will be in the Harford County Detention center at least until May 28 I believe and then once that court date and sentence is given than they will move him down to Baltimore City. I am believing that the Judge will see the truth about the resisting arrest charges and that he will only get probation.
Well thanks for reading my rantings. I pray tomorrow I can tell you all the Mike won his softball game. He plays on our churches softball team.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Offically a soccer mom
Well, I guess not officially until July or August when Soccer season starts for Ellie. Her games will be up in Belcamp because the coach goes to Mikes mom's church and we had a chance to talk to him. I felt very good about how he coaches and what he allows and doesn't allow from the parents. I want her to have a good first experience and I think she should be able too with him.
The second part of becoming a soccer mom is of course the ride. So we have finally bit the bullet and gotten a mini van. Not just any mini van as you can all guess with Mike as my husband. We have most of the bells and whistles in our new vehicle. It is a '08 Honda Odyssey that had 8 miles on it when we purchased it on Monday. I have attached pictures of the new ride.
The second part of becoming a soccer mom is of course the ride. So we have finally bit the bullet and gotten a mini van. Not just any mini van as you can all guess with Mike as my husband. We have most of the bells and whistles in our new vehicle. It is a '08 Honda Odyssey that had 8 miles on it when we purchased it on Monday. I have attached pictures of the new ride.
Sorry the pictures are not much but they are from the camera phone taken by the sales person at about 11 O'clock at night. It took us 4 1/4 hours to get them to come to the price we wanted but they eventually did. We are now a 1 car family as Mike came to the decision to trade in his truck. Yes you read it right the truck is no more. He finally decided that between the gas and the fact that the truck wasn't gaining value and wasn't exactly a family car it was time. I told him that had to be his decision so we traded the car and truck and got the mini van with all the bells and whistles that he wanted.
For those that want to know more about the van you have to ask him because I don't have a clue other than it drives very nice. So I guess for a little bit we are going to continue to be a one car family until we can find a little puddle jumper for Mike to run to the bus stop and back. Ellie is just loving her new ride. The minute we get in the car she is putting on her head phones to watch her movie. Joshua at this point can't enjoy any of it as he is still rear facing but I am sure he will love that too.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Attempting to Blog
Ok, so I have been thinking about blogging for a long time as I have enjoyed reading my friends. I am not sure that I will be able to keep up with it as others, but here is my attempt and maybe sometime my wonderful husband will share his thoughts.
For any that are reading this and have been praying for Dessiaree I would like to give an up date. She is doing very well and her broken bones are healing. She has been able to have all of the casts removed and given the okay to do all that a four month old can do. On May 7 she had the 30 day parental rights hearing. The only problem was that no one made sure that the Dad my brother Johnny had a public defender from Baltimore City. I got to see first hand how my tax dollars are hard at work. Anyway we all get there and find out that it has been postponed till June 18 because he didn't have a lawyer. Even though nothing was decided some good did come out of our time. The court did decide to give the Department of Social Services (DSS) the ability to decide who can see Dessiaree, so my family will be able to see her again. Also we were told that the mother's side of the family will not be able to have visits. We are very thankful for that as Dessiaree, my brother, and her mother Shelly lived with her parents and no one did anything to protect this precious baby. The other good thing was that we were able to clear up some family misunderstandings.
Dessiaree has another court date set for June 18 and we are hoping that the Mother and her family will stop contesting everything. By that time both mother and father will have had their arraignments and will be made aware of the evidence against them. We are praying that justice and truth will prevail. I want all parties involved in what happened to Dessiaree to face the consequences but I don't want Johnny to be the scape goat since he was the one that took her to the hospital.
As my family walks through another trial I have to step back and remember that the Lord's hand is still here and working. I am reminded that we don't know what God has in store for us. We don't know what trials we will have to face. We don't know but the Lord does and we have to hold on with everything that we have in us. I was reminded today of our friends Lauren and Kevin and how the lost their little boy, while at the same time Mike and I were getting custody of my nephew Trent. I can remember at that time really questioning the Lord and not understanding how they couldn't have a healthy baby and my sister who wasn't married and couldn't even really take care of herself had a healthy whole baby. Yesterday I was in court for my brothers baby and that was on the 3rd anniversary of little Joseph going home to be with the Lord. Once again I have the same questions...Why Lord?? I know that I may never understand but I know that the Lord has used Joseph to touch many lives and I know that He has a plan and purpose for Dessiaree's life. I have struggled greatly with understanding why the Lord allows these things to happen. Why did He give Joseph to Kevin and Lauren only to take him away? Why did He allow Dessiaree to be abused the way she was, so helpless and small? I don't know but I know that the Lord was there for Lauren and Kevin. Watching them go through that and seeing how much they grew together and closer to the Lord was awe inspiring. What could have torn them apart had exactly the opposite effect. I know that only the Lord can do something so amazing.
It has always been a challenge for me to start and close something that I am writing so I will leave you with this; I pray that as you read the chronicles of my families life you will be blessed, encouraged, and maybe even laugh at the ups and downs and everything in between.
For any that are reading this and have been praying for Dessiaree I would like to give an up date. She is doing very well and her broken bones are healing. She has been able to have all of the casts removed and given the okay to do all that a four month old can do. On May 7 she had the 30 day parental rights hearing. The only problem was that no one made sure that the Dad my brother Johnny had a public defender from Baltimore City. I got to see first hand how my tax dollars are hard at work. Anyway we all get there and find out that it has been postponed till June 18 because he didn't have a lawyer. Even though nothing was decided some good did come out of our time. The court did decide to give the Department of Social Services (DSS) the ability to decide who can see Dessiaree, so my family will be able to see her again. Also we were told that the mother's side of the family will not be able to have visits. We are very thankful for that as Dessiaree, my brother, and her mother Shelly lived with her parents and no one did anything to protect this precious baby. The other good thing was that we were able to clear up some family misunderstandings.
Dessiaree has another court date set for June 18 and we are hoping that the Mother and her family will stop contesting everything. By that time both mother and father will have had their arraignments and will be made aware of the evidence against them. We are praying that justice and truth will prevail. I want all parties involved in what happened to Dessiaree to face the consequences but I don't want Johnny to be the scape goat since he was the one that took her to the hospital.
As my family walks through another trial I have to step back and remember that the Lord's hand is still here and working. I am reminded that we don't know what God has in store for us. We don't know what trials we will have to face. We don't know but the Lord does and we have to hold on with everything that we have in us. I was reminded today of our friends Lauren and Kevin and how the lost their little boy, while at the same time Mike and I were getting custody of my nephew Trent. I can remember at that time really questioning the Lord and not understanding how they couldn't have a healthy baby and my sister who wasn't married and couldn't even really take care of herself had a healthy whole baby. Yesterday I was in court for my brothers baby and that was on the 3rd anniversary of little Joseph going home to be with the Lord. Once again I have the same questions...Why Lord?? I know that I may never understand but I know that the Lord has used Joseph to touch many lives and I know that He has a plan and purpose for Dessiaree's life. I have struggled greatly with understanding why the Lord allows these things to happen. Why did He give Joseph to Kevin and Lauren only to take him away? Why did He allow Dessiaree to be abused the way she was, so helpless and small? I don't know but I know that the Lord was there for Lauren and Kevin. Watching them go through that and seeing how much they grew together and closer to the Lord was awe inspiring. What could have torn them apart had exactly the opposite effect. I know that only the Lord can do something so amazing.
It has always been a challenge for me to start and close something that I am writing so I will leave you with this; I pray that as you read the chronicles of my families life you will be blessed, encouraged, and maybe even laugh at the ups and downs and everything in between.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)