atlantafest

Taking the youth group to Atlantafest, a Christian music festival held at Stone Mountain Park was a lot of fun… even when our fuel pump died in the hotel parking lot, just as we were loading in to head to lunch.  God gave us a hand by hiding the Chik-fil-A we were going to stop at on our way to the hotel (so we didn’t get stuck there); putting a Goodyear repair shop 2 doors down; keeping our other vehicle, an 8 passenger van in good working order; helping everyone remain patient; etc etc etc.

The bands were awesome, and the youth were almost always perfectly behaved.  What more can you expect from a bunch of teenagers, am I right?  We headed straight to the park after getting the van limped over to the repair shop, and enjoyed worship led by Fee, a new-to-us band who was awesome.  Then we were properly introduced to Leeland, who have taken the title of “MY NEW SECOND-FAVORITE BAND.”  Any guess of who’s my FIRST FAVORITE BAND?   I believe I’ve mentioned this before.  The night was capped off by Skillet, who aren’t always my thing – but at least the guy was sparkly. 

Day 2 we refined our routine and ate lunch before heading to the park.  We pulled up and were loading our chairs, cooler, and other flotsam in our arms when I heard the unmistakable dulcet tones of Mr. Marc Martel of my favorite band Downhere (duh) as they took care of their sound check.  They, too, had been cursed with van and trailer troubles and were probably exhausted, but you’d never know it.  We met up with them at their merch table before their praise and worship set, for as soon as they were done playing, they had to head to the airport and fly out west for a week or so.  I acted maturely and was able to make conversation instead of feeling like a total moron.  I’m sure you’re proud.

That night we were treated to a 90 minute kick drum solo set from Kutless.  I was rather confused by the lead singer’s choice of tight pants, long sleeve white button-down, and leather jacket, given the fact that it was SO SO SO HOT.  [as an aside, I waited each day to see which performer or speaker would use the names “Hot-lanta” and/or “ATL” – oh, I was not disappointed.]  At least some of us had fun dancing!

Day three we perfected our process, and found the place to where the shade would arrive first but would still give us a good view of the stage and screen.  It was great – we enjoyed each other’s company and the music.  The highlight of this evening was Family Force 5 – they are always so much fun.  And their attire was the SUPREME WIN of the whole weekend:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In case you’re having trouble catching that – they’re wearing denim knee-length shorts, white wife-beaters, mesh wife-beaters, gold belts, and golden football pads (also gold sparkly high-tops).  It was awesome.  The night ended with an incredible show by Casting Crowns, complete with candle-light.

I had a blast with the kids – who knew J could fit her entire fist into her mouth?  And guess what?  In 3 weeks we get to do it all over again!

nineteen

Last week the youth wrote questions on little slips of paper. Here's all the ones I got asking about me and my answers to them. Notes to explain stuff are in { }s. (Hi, Amber! Thanks for reading! Now, go do your homework!)

1. “How many somersaults can you do in a row?”

In the water, probably 2 or 3. On land, probably only one, but I will spare you the demonstration. {Unlike the time I attempted to demonstrate a pushup when I was heavily pregnant with Henry. Remember that one, Chad? Ridiculous. But it might explain this.}

2. “Where were you born?”

I was born in Hartford, Connecticut.

3. “What’s your favorite ice cream?”

Breyer’s Coffee

4. “How do you feel about kitties?”

I can take or leave kitties. Not really a huge fan, but I’m not steering into them with my car, either.

5. “Why do you love us?” {meaning the youth}

Because I know that God created you, that he loves you, and that you are worthy of love. I also know that many of you feel unloved by a lot of the people in your lives, and I want to try to cancel out at least some of those negative feelings. I am SO glad at least one of you feels loved by me, and I want you all to know that I really, really do love you. Even when you act like idiots. {see example here}

6. “How many children do you have?” and “Do you think you would have another Baby?”

I have two children, Henry who’s four and a half, and Maria who’s two and a half months. I don’t think our family is complete yet, but it will be a while before we have another baby.

7. “Why did you decide to paint the walls green and blue?”

I think the colors that the youth, Matt, and I chose are very soothing. Plus they’re much more interesting than white and gray, like they were before. {talking about the youth room here}

8. “When are you getting your tattoo?”

Probably in a couple of months. I am committed to getting one, on my left wrist, of a laurel wreath and a cross for Victory in Jesus. {I told myself if I gave birth naturally I'd get a tattoo, and told the kids about it.}

9. “Have you ever dyed your hair a funky color?”

Yes, if you count sort of purple as funky. Nothing like Aubrey though. {Aubrey is a youth group member who frequently bleaches her hair white and then lays pink, purple, or green over top. It's SO cool, seriously; it's like the brightest color you've ever seen.}

10. “What is the most outrageous thing you have done?”

I haven’t done much that’s outrageous. Unless you count that time I skydived onto the peak of Mount Everest and then had to climb down without a jacket. That was crazy. {I never really did that.} {Also, I'm exceptionally boring.}

11. “If you could turn back time to relive a good moment what moment would it be?”

Oh, there’s SO many. Probably any time that I’ve had a really good laugh. I’d love to relive some of the funniest times when I was in college, I’d love to remember more clearly Henry’s babyhood. I wish I could relive my wedding day. Also, the first time I heard Mack {one of the youth} imitate Bill Cosby.

talk about dramatic

Well, I feel like after that tragic haiku I should clarify some things...

1. I work across the street from my house.
2. My wonderful husband is home this week and was really wanting to take care of Maria instead of me having to juggle her and my first night back with the youth group.
3. I'm not actually back to work full-time - I still have about 60 hours of leave time left, and I'm just trying to spread that out by doing what is manageable at this moment.
4. Being back with the youth group tonight was really nice. (Hi, Amber! Thanks for reading! Now go do your homework.)
5. My job is very flexible - I can bring Maria with me most of the time, at least for now. I really have no right to complain about that situation.
6. Um, my baby is flippin' SIX. WEEKS. OLD.
7. I admit to melting down here in my house when I came home to nurse Maria this afternoon. I haven't had too many post-partum meltdowns, so I figure I was due. 'Cause, seriously, people:


Who would want to leave this? I mean, ever?


Oh, and Uncle Phil? Henry saw Maria wearing this hand-me-down shirt, and wonders where his SECOND Purdue shirt is. You other moms might be interested in the Thirsties cloth diaper cover she's sporting. Cute, eh? We've been doing pretty well with the cloth diapers. I'll post more on that another time.

So, in conclusion: Thanks for your sweet remarks about this afternoon's over-dramatic poetry. I will slowly but surely get back to work, and Maria will be just fine. I guess I will be, too.

doing fine, thanks *updated*

Yeah, I'm tired. But, who isn't when they're a little over 2 weeks from their baby's due date? Things are shaping up around here for Bertha's arrival - I feel like I've got a handle on work stuff and having everything ready for the volunteers who'll be working with the kids while I'm out. We've got car seats, we've got cloth diapers, we've got pink clothes, I picked up some stuff I'll need post-delivery today on 70% clearance at a grocery store that's going out of business ($45 worth of stuff for $13.50 - now that's what I'm talkin' about!)... And not that it means anything is imminent, but I lost this today (don't click if you're not interested in TMI) and that's encouraging. Of course that could be a result of the rather, um, vigorous cervical check the OB did on Monday, but I choose to believe it's because I'm making progress. We shall see...

I've been loving all the Bertha guesses - keep 'em coming!

***UPDATED***
My doula, Robyn, just called to check in with me. She seems to think differently about the labor beginning sooner rather than later. She thought if I lost the mp because of the OB visit check it would have happened sooner than today. She has a feeling it will be this weekend... can you imagine having a baby on LABOR DAY?!?!? Timon has joked all along that we're due near the most aptly named day of the year...

Also, this has NOTHING to do with my current state, but the Oprah show today has been completely brilliant. (This is hard for me to say, because I think she is so self-absorbed 90% of the time.) Bill Cosby and a psychologist have been on discussing their new book. Absolutely brilliant.

37-esque

I've emerged from under the annual pile-up that is Youth Sunday. It went amazingly well, despite the fact that the kid who was to sing lead on 3 of 4 songs in the youth praise band decided not to show on Saturday for rehearsal. After 3 hours of rearranging, we managed to find some solutions to get the music to work. Oy. They were incredible. The 3 ladies who delivered the sermon were fantastic, too. I'm so glad it was a service they could be proud of.

Today was my 37 week OB appointment... I'm pretty sure it was the different scale I was weighed on 2 weeks ago that gave such a skewed measurement, because today I was weighed on the scale from most of my visits, and it showed a 2.5 pound LOSS. So there. Total weight gain is about 9 lbs. My blood pressure was good, 120/76. Bertha's heartrate was great, too. And guess what? I'm 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced. Although that probably doesn't mean impending labor since I was at least that with Henry for over 2 weeks. My favorite OB, who's 34 weeks pregnant herself, couldn't figure out Bertha's position, so she brought me to the ultrasound room for a very quick peek to double-check that she's head down, and she is. Thank heavens. I think she's going to be loooong, given the way her legs are pushing on me.

So, it's time for you all to share your predictions... Leave your guess for birthday, time, weight, length, and any last guesses at her name (SHUT UP, KATHERINE AND GODMOTHER A) in the comments. The winner will get an awesome prize, for real. And here I am, in a crummy picture, at 37-esque weeks:

ashley

This is Ashley, my 15-year old youth who, after a nearly three year battle with cancer, yesterday afternoon entered heaven, where "He will wipe every tear from her eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. And He who was seated on the throne said, 'Look! I am making all things new!'" -Revelation 21: 3-4

But here on this mountain, God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will throw a feast for all the people of the world...
And here on this mountain, God will banish
the pall of doom hanging over all peoples,
The shadow of doom darkening all nations.
Yes, he'll banish death forever. - Isaiah 25: 6-7

oof.

When my husband (who is utterly convinced that I spend far, far too much time browsing the world-wide interwebs and claims my fondness for frequently checking email surpasses my love and committment to him) points out that I haven't posted in quite some time, it's time to post. And so, as it says in scripture, "Wives, submit to your husbands in all matters of blog posting...", here I am.

It's been a very, very busy week and a half. Last week the youth renovated the upstairs rec-room in the church completely - new carpet tiles, 3 colors of paint, and an awesome new purple leather sectional ($800! What a steal!) have transformed this area from gross torn up gray carpet and white paint into something really cool. Here it is after we cleaned it out (the boxes in the middle are the carpet tiles):


And here is an example of the fantastic teamwork the youth showed off almost every moment of the week:


I'm so glad that I had this week with them - it has restored my faith in teenagers that had been so shaken during the lock-in from Hades. Here's two views of the (almost) finished space:



In Henry news, he's continually killing us with his comedic timing and turn of phrase. One recent example is when he so innocently asked his father, "Daddy, what is those things that suck your brain out?" Timon replied, "Umm, you mean aliens or something?" Obviously satisfied, Henry answered back with an assured, "Yeah, aliens, that's right. Watch out for those." Of course. He's also become quite the artist. Here's a recent sample of a family portrait (signed by the artist):


And because nobody asked, here I am at 27-ish weeks:


I feel like a giant. My pelvic pain is much more manageable between the brace and the occasional Vicodin. What's happening now is the baby's growing so much that my ribs are starting to feel the pressure. Sea Monkey moves all the time and has even made him/herself seen and felt by several other people. Two more days until we'll get another look at the little bugger and hopefully get a good view of the parts. I still have no concrete feelings either way, but I am excited to discover whether we'll have to start unpacking the blue or gathering up the pink. Any guesses?

100

Looking at my little baby ticker over to the right today lets me know there are only 100 days left until my official due date. I imagine the baby will come after Sept. 14, however. My friend Stanny-poo is pulling for a baby on his birthday, the 13th. Any other guesses?

Two more weeks 'till the ultrasound, and we are really hoping the baby is more cooperative this time. I am feeling some relief from several factors - my belt arrived from the Mars Rover New Zealand yesterday, and I'm still taking one Vicodin at night before bed. However, I'm convinced that the most relief has come from the occasional Aleve that I've taken. My doctor told me that it was not ideal, but it was okay to take Aleve until 28 weeks. I'm not sure what happens in the 24 hours between 27 and 28 weeks that transforms Aleve from a drug whose benefits may outweigh the risks into a drug that may cause birth defects. But I'm certain that the anti-inflammatory part helped the acute symptoms and now it's more under control. It still hurts, but I'm not crying when I get up or turn over or sit anymore.

I've spent the last 24 hours attempting to recover from what will go down in history as the worst youth group event of all time - a disastrous lock-in Wednesday night. Here are just some of the things that went on: an iPod got stolen, and the one kid who seemed the most suspicious snuck out and left at 5:30am, before bags were searched (ALL the other kids happily submitted to search of bags and pockets); kids sneaking out to smoke; food belonging to other church groups being eaten out of the fridge and freezer; outside doors being propped open for their friends to come and go; the snack room looked like a pack of raccoons were set loose in it; and on and on and on. Virtually all of these offenses were committed not by my regular youth group attendees, but by the friends and friends of friends they had invited. My group of kids are for the most part totally awesome, but man, do they have some rude peers. And I had to be somewhat alert all night so I couldn't take my medicine. THANK GOD my (paid this year - woohoo!) summer intern Matt was there. [Chad - I kept picturing that thing you'd do when the youth would pull crap: your eyeglasses would get tossed onto a nearby surface, your head would go down into your hands and while grabbing your face you'd groan and grimace with rage as you resisted the urge to throw them headfirst off the balcony and crush their skulls - all with the love of the Holy Spirit, of course.]

weekend

Soooooo, how was everyone's weekend? Ours was busy, but nice. Friday started things off with quite a bang... I took 6 youth to a concert in another part of the state, purportedly headlined by our favorite band ever, downhere. It took us 2.5 hours to travel a distance that should have taken 1.5 hours. Nice. But we kept being reassured, thinking that we'd just miss a little of the two opening acts and be right on time for the boys. HA! We walked in the door of the mega-church where the concert was being held and heard the sounds of downhere coming from the sanctuary! WHAT? So, yeah. They were the opening act. But we only missed one song, and their show, while much, much too short, was incredible, as usual. Frankly, even if they'd played for 3 hours, I'd still want more. The upside to them playing early was that we had plenty o'time to chat with the band after they played. And that's some of the best part of downhere - they love to take time with their fans. After I re-introduced myself to Jason and Jeremy, they remembered me from previous shows and their two visits to our church (even though the most recent of which was in 2003). And, I wasn't my usual starstruck dork moron around them this time. I actually conversed like a grown-up, a fact about which I am exceedingly proud. *sigh*

Then Saturday I had confirmation class most of the day. Not much else to say about Saturday except that we watched The Kite Runner, and it was incredible. Just as awesome as the book, although I'm weird that way, and usually like both the movie and the book it's based on. When you watch it, you'll probably be as incredulous as me at how amazing a country Afghanistan used to be, and how wrecked it has become, first by the Soviets and then by the Taliban.

Yesterday we went to church, then to the church picnic for a short time, then we headed to the ballgame, to see our mailman pitch. He did great, even though I got a crummy picture of it. The game was crummy too, with our hometown ballteam losing 6-0. Oh well. We were able to get close to the field before the game and Henry was pretty focused watching the players warm up and the mascot fooling around. The giveaway at the game were some wristbands, which Henry promptly put on and posed with. They didn't come off until we made him do so at bedtime. He wore them to school today.

Okay, now for the pictures!

Mailman Eric winds up to pitch

what'cha lookin' at, henry?


oh, him. that's the starting pitcher, warming up.


still wearing the wristbands, even while eating
cereal for dinner (we are the parents of the year)

One more photo, and I can't even believe it - here's the bump, at 19ish weeks:

dilemma

Do you know your mail delivery person's name? I do. His name's Eric. Eric is a single dad about my age who works full-time as a mailman. He greets people by name at their homes, and many, many folks on his route are older, retired people who may not see or talk to another soul all day long. So he works 5 long days a week, walking 10 miles a day in Florida heat. Every time I see him and ask how his day is going, he replies with "Oh, I'm just havin' too much fun!" and a smile. All that is special but what's even cooler is that on his 2 days off each week he mows lawns for free, for several older people on his delivery route who have no one else to do it for them and can't afford to pay someone. Last summer he got quite a bit of local media attention after a newspaper article and tv spot were put out about "The Mowing Mailman." Donations poured in, both cash/gas cards and lawn mowers, trimmers, etc. And even after all of this, Eric refuses to accept any glory for himself. Today, he came into the church office (also on his route) to drop off/pick up and he told us about the upcoming articles in both Reader's Digest and Guideposts AND how he'd just been asked to throw out the first pitch at the major league baseball game (here in town) in a couple of weeks on a Sunday afternoon. When he told us these things, of course we were so excited for him and I said something like, "Wow, Eric, you deserve all these nice things to happen to you." And he completely refused any praise, instead pointing it all towards God. Like I said, he's awesome. And modest.

So, here's the dilemma. I have been looking forward to going to some of these home MLB games and wouldn't this just be the perfect opportunity? To go, catch a game, cheer on the mailman while we're there? But that same Sunday afternoon is the church picnic, to which I'm expected to go and attempt to bring some youth group members. Will I be fired if I don't go? No, but I'm sure I'll hear all sorts of comments about what a shame it was that we weren't there and how in the old days all the youth used to go and play volley-ball, etc. I would be shocked if any of the youth in my group want to go - they're not really into the picnic thing. And I'm just dying to see Eric throw out the first pitch. But I definitely feel, not really a responsibility, but I guess pressure to go to the picnic. And of course, the events are exactly at the same time, so going to both is not an option.

What would you do? Leave answers/suggestions in the comments.

retreat

Thanks to one of my gals, and no thanks to whomever stole the church's camera, I have photos to share from this last weekend's youth retreat.

the dock to nowhere


the beach


C., buried up to her neck - STANDING UPRIGHT!!!


another cool photo of C.


beautiful sunset


fire on the beach


the whole group on a windy morning

it is finished

As you can see below, I have finished the accomplishable (is that a word?) tasks on my to-do list. I am excited about the retreat with 9 youth, Timon, and Henry this weekend and hope all your weekends are wonderful! Back on Sunday.

empty shelf

17 youth came tonight. the Bible shelf was empty. now would be a good time for someone to start helping out on wednesday nights. *crickets*

oh, please.

Sorry I've been absent - my right wrist has been experiencing a very bad flare-up of tendinitis over the last few days. The strength needed for typing has been reserved for work whenever possible. Speaking of work - this last Sunday was Youth Sunday at church, and the kids were phenomenal, which was not a surprise to me. I am beyond proud of the kids who learned to be a real praise band, and the ones who took the challenge to write a sermon seriously. I have had lots of folks come up to me and tell me how great Youth Sunday was... and then they inevitably follow that up with, "it's just a shame that the praise band didn't play in the 2nd service," or "... it's too bad I've never seen any of those kids before," or "... where are their parents?", or "I think it's terrible that they had to go all the way to Tennessee to do any mission work instead of doing it here" and many, many other critical comments in the same vein. I started responding with things like, "Yes, they did great, didn't they? Would you like to come spend some time with them on Wednesday or Sunday and get to know them better/volunteer to be a mentor/volunteer to lead a mission project?" That usually was met by a sheepish or blank stare and a stammering NO. I've been alone in this job more than I've had volunteer help. I've prayed over and over for... well, another me. Or at least a Chad. I guess after 3 years I've finally come to terms with the fact that Chad's not moving back here to get back in ministry partnership with me. We'll see what comes next. I really do love my job - just not the fact that many seem to think they know how I could be doing a better job but aren't willing to do anything to help me with these kids. Okay. Off to ice my wrist now.

request

2 Chronicles 6:40 "Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."

Ashley, one of my youth, is not at all well. She has had brain cancer for 2 years. In April they pronounced her cancer-free, but three weeks later she began having shunt problems due to the tumor's sudden increased growth. She has spent time at Johns Hopkins and has been sent home to try to regain strength and put on weight (currently below 75 pounds at 5'3") from all the agressive treatments she has received. Ashley, age 15, has no mobility below her waist, leaving her dependent on her (divorced) parents and home nursing care for all her needs. Her spirits are high, says her grandmother. PLEASE PRAY.

Psalm 17:6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.

Jeremiah 29: 11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."