Thursday, November 13, 2008

Playing with the camera

I'm trying to take better pictures...really, I am trying. Between the bad lighting in the house, and a kiddo who pleads to have a turn each time I get the camera out, I don't think I'm doing too bad. Here's the latest in my experiment.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

A Day at the Park

I don't know how this happened, but somehow we went the entire summer without taking Eden swinging. Last week we took advantage of the warm weather, and went to the park. I, of course, forgot my camera. Thankfully, my friend Mindy had her's on hand!

Eden First Time On The Swings

Hmmm...what's this all about, mom?













Whoa!










That was AWESOME!













Let's go higher this time.












I LOVE SWINGING!




















Owen...
















Has never been one for the swings.













Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Who Are Your Role Models and Why?

Wendy Metzger, a close friend and goldy woman who strives to honor God in everything she does.

My mom, who loves unconditionally--even when it's difficult.

Amy Madden Copp, who exudes professionalism and has more business talent than most women can dream of having.

My husband, extremely wise and humble, and works harder than anyone I know.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Wait, wait, THERE'S MORE

We have video too! This is Eden jumping. Please notice how my living room is incredibly messy.


Be sure to listen for Owen giving Matt instructions on how to use the camera: "Da butt, kay? Da butt. Da button, kay?" Translation: Push that button, dad, okay? That button.



Eden just sounds so funny in this one.

Photo Catch-Up

So, it's been nearly a month since I posted any visuals of the kiddos. Sorry, mom.
My excuses: I use up the batteries taking the pictures (and letting a 3-year-old take pictures), if I get the camera out Owen insists on his turn, and I take really crappy pictures (even worse than the 3-year-old) that I'm embarassed to post online.

Rather than post all 143 images individually, or try to pick the best out of what is a huge collection of blurry and dark photography--I have created a slideshow. Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Back to what you'd really like to hear about..

THE KIDS!!!

Eden is walking--really walking. She's got the whole "Frankenstein" walk down, and it's awesome watching her get a bit better at it every day. I'm working on getting a good video of it, but when I start cheering and clapping she starts laughing and falls down.
I caught Owen carrying Eden yesterday. She was in my room (which, is a "no-no"), and he hauled her up & plunked her down in the dining room. Since it looked rather uncomfortable for Eden, I asked Owen not to do that again. Owen is a big helper though, and has really taken to heart being a big brother & keeping his sister out of trouble. (Nevermind the antics at the dining table.)
Owen has managed to find 3 books at the library, on his own, at different times, all about trains. He is very excited about his finds, and delights in showing them to me when he comes home.
Eden is rapidly learning, I'm amazed at how quickly she catches on to something/anything/everything. She's got Anatomy 101 down pretty well, and will easily help you find your nose, should you lose it.

Oh, and if you are so interested that you do want to know about the latest in my work drama saga--I have had three "interviews" (more like chats with friends), who all are interested in hiring me. Mostly freelancing or work-at-home opportunities that will allow me to continue putting Matt & the kids as a first priority. God's plan is so clear & evident in our lives right now that despite our financial circumstances we're really at peace and very happy.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

End of Story

After a weekend of prayer and consideration over my job at
Wells Fargo we made the decision for me not to continue working
there. I resigned on Monday.

The leading we have been getting in seeking the Lord on this is that
I'm to be supporting Matt's success in business; growing his studio
with my talents and growing the parts of my business that I can
do now. As an answer to that prayer and following the leading of the
Lord, Matt got two amps and one keyboard in for repair as well as a
contract for building an amp cabinet.

We appreciate your prayer and encouragement as we follow the Lord's
leading in our lives.

(That's edited from an email Matt sent out to some of our family members yesterday.)

I feel like I've spent the last few days justifying this decision--to others, to myself, but it simply comes down to the fact that it wasn't what I was supposed to be doing. Right now, today, we know that I'm supposed to be home. I'm still open to working, and I'm actively seeking employment whenever I'm not taking care of my first priorities--Matt and the kids.

We also felt like THAT job was not right. From the day of the interview through my first day, it never felt right. I asked for 20 hours or less, they insisted on 20-25 (and mostly 25). I asked for 4 hours a day, they said 5 (and then had me stay late). I asked for a lunch break to be able to eat & pump, they gave me 15, and were irritated that I asked for a private room to pump. I kept telling myself (and so did everyone around me) that it was just temporary, and I could make it work. After four years working in a Christian environment it was a shock to my system to be surrounded by people who not only didn't behave in a Christian-like manner, it wasn't even professional, and extremely disrespectful towards me. By the end of the day I was sick to my stomach emotionally. After struggling with depression for nearly a year, I AM NOT GOING BACK TO THAT DARK PLACE. No money is worth that.

Thankfully, we have other options to sustain us financially. God is a great provider. I realize now that as soon as I accepted the job I had started worrying about money as I had before. Once I resigned I felt relieved and at peace again.

I truly feel that my "job" right now is to step aside, and let Matt take the role as SOLE financial provider for this family. I've realized in the last 6 months that I'm really good at supporting others & helping them succeed. I see God using me to make Matt a success in the role he's chosen for Matt. It took one day for me to realize that I'm HAPPY in that role as supporter. I don't need more than that. I have so much to say on this, but I'm going to cut it short. I have some work to do.