Polar Vortex

Tuesday morning I set out for Wal-Mart. There were a few flurries, but didn't think much of it. In the 10 min drive the snow on the road wad getting thicker. I ran into the store and by the time I came out 15 mins later the parking lot was white. I drove home...I got up our hill(if it had been 15- 20 mins later I wouldn't of been able to get up it). Jason my brother in law was 15 mins behind me and he didn't make it the hill. I was nervous for Gary, this was only his second time seeing snow let alone his first time having to drive in it. I called him at work told him schools were closing and he might need to come home before the roads were to bad. He finally left and it took him an hour and a half to get home (better then Jason did picking up the kids from school, his round trip was 7 hrs total). On Tuesday, Gretchen and the kids went sledding so I took Lilly out as well. She was not a big fan of the cold or snow, we only were out for an hour, but I enjoyed hanging with sister's and their kids. It's great being back.

Battle of the Wills.

Proverbs 13:24 "whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him"

We were at a standoff, me and my daughter. Then Poppie came and saved the day.

Lilly had a bowl of cereal that she was carrying up the stairs. She let go with one hand and all the cereal spilled out onto the floor. Lilly, who doesn't like mess was distraut. I bent down to help her and realized I was the one doing the work. I asked her to help, that is when the battle of wills took place. And for 20 mins it was a showdown. After 5 mins of me asking her to pick it up, her screaming, then me having to implement discipline, I knew that if I gave up then she had won. So for the next 15 mins the process continued. All the while I was praying that God would help me stick to my guns and help me to discipline in a way that is pleasing to the Almighty.  After 20 mins I felt I was loosing my temper and by Gods grace my dad was home. I called him down stairs, he sat down instructed her to obey and clean up. She did, a little hesitant, but she obeyed.

My mom told me afterwards "wonder who she takes after" I was that kid...I remember clearly sitting on the counter, my mom trying to get me to take my antibiotics, me refusing. Mom called dad, who was in St Louis working on his doctorate, he disciplined me over the phone, and I took the medicine. Looks like
Lilly has my strong will.

Lord help me to be a loving mother, a mother who doesn't squash Lilly's warm loving confident personality, but a mother who loves you more and who needs to obey your word and raise Lilly in the way she go.

Soccer

The Harris boys were playing soccer this afternoon and Lilly really wanted to be apart of the commotion.  She just doesn't get the concept of kicking the ball.  You can see one photo of poppie slide tackling a 7 year old. Ha lots of fun today on this warm winters day

Being sick stinks but having a sick baby is TERRIBLE

Lilly started coughing on Sunday. When she starts to cough it usually always means bronchitis or something else. He pre asthmatic tendencies usually make me a paranoid mom. I took her to the Dr on Monday and he said it was just a cold. Just a cold, no ways...did I mention we are looking for a new pediatrician at this point. Anyway last night with Motrin she had fever of 100, I carried her around in my moms baby carrier from the 70's since we left ours in Cape Town.  It went down by morning but by late morning it was to 102. I called her doctor and they werent much help. Me, an emotional momma at this point called my dear friend Tabitha, who I am sure I have abused her and husbands sweet generosity as medical professionals more times then I should but they are always so willing to help and answer questions where they can,  and she said I needed to take her the doctor and have a flu test strep test and her lungs checked for pneumonia. Tabitha got us an appointment with her kids pediatrician the Dr we wish we could take her to but doesn't take Lilly's insurance, but Tabitha is friends with her and called in a favor. Dr Jeannie worked us in and ran a whole bunch of tests and found an ear infection (which Monday they were clear) and some sort of virus. I am grateful it wasn't the flu...that was my biggest fear since many have been hospitalized so far with it this year. And I have done the hospital once with Lilly and I never want to do that again.  I am praying for a sound night sleep for all 3 of us.  We give God praise that there are answers and a solution. The Doctor also recommended another practice for us that takes Lilly's insurance. We are just so grateful to God for all he has done.

Pure Joy

Tonight I was given pure joy by our Lord. I have been struggling lately with not so much of the loss of our baby, but of the fears of what ifs. My emotions were high and at the brink of tears, but in this rocking chair God reminded me that he is good. He has blessed us with a Child, A wonderful sweet, funny little girl. My baby is becoming a little girl and she will do anything for a laugh, and she found out tonight that she can make faces at mommy while mommy prays with her and sings to her before bed and Mommy will start to giggle which in turn makes Lilly throw her head back laughing. I wish I had a video camera, but that will ever be engraved in my mind.

Bedtime has always been a special time for me and Lilly. Its Lilly and I's one on one time together...not that we don't get that all day long, but there is just something precious about rocking your baby and cuddling and reminding her that you love her and that you will see her in the morning, and praying that the Lord will save her from her sins. I treasure each night I have with her, because these 2 years have flown by and they aren't slowing down. 

Treasure each moment with your children and consider it Pure Joy from our Lord that you are blessed to have them, raise them in the fear of the Lord and trust him in all things.