8 Years Ago...

Today is Zack's birthday.  I spent this morning looking back at our pictures from when he was born.  This was a monumental and eventful time in our life for several reasons.
Here is a recap of our major events in 2004...
(While reading the first several events, keep in mind that I was due May 8th)

March 26th Dan and I moved to a new Apartment in Appleton, WI.  We were excited to have a washer and dryer for our soon to be family of 3!

April 7th We were both working for Humana Insurance when Dan came down to my desk in agony.  His lung had collapsed at work so I frantically rushed him 30 minutes away to our hospital in Appleton where he underwent 3 surgeries and stayed in the hospital for several days.  I was a wreck with terrible thoughts and HIGH emotions.

April 23rd is my last day working but not without a crazy ending.  Leaving 2 weeks before I was due was essentially like quitting and I lost all of my financial maternity benefits.  I did not care.  I was DONE. 

Sometime around May 3rd Dan gets a call from Epic offering him a job as a Computer Programmer!  I looked for the picture but could not find it of Dan's reaction after the call...it was one of his most animated moments ever as he was dancing around the living room! Oh happy day!  He no longer needed to work at Humana in the call center.

May 8th comes...and goes...no baby yet.

May 13th I am at the grocery store and a random middle aged gentleman asks me, "When are you going to have that baby?" 
My response: "The doctors said 5 days ago."  He chuckled. 

May 15th A week overdue.

Getting ready to go!  I had to be there by 7:00 (to be induced) which was no problem at all!  I did not sleep much at all because I was so excited!

Heading out the door to go have a baby!

               

We got things started at 8:30 and at 1:30...Zackariah Amos Fawcett made his debut!

We were so thrilled to have our son! 

(Zacky at 3 days old)

May 20th We travel down to Madison and endure a 13 hour day of house hunting.  Zack, being only 5 days old, did fantastic.  But, let me tell you...that was not a fun day for this new mamma!  We put an offer in on what we felt was the best option of what we saw.

May 22nd We found out we did not get the house and set up another day to go house hunting in Madison. Yuck. (Oh, and remember we just moved 2 months ago!)

June 7th Dan starts work at Epic.  For the next 3 weeks we live in Extended Stay...a hotel room.  A one room hotel room.  With a newborn.  Who wakes up every 2 hours or less. 

June 25th We closed on our first house and was it ever a joyous occasion!  Not only to own our first house, but to get out of that hotel room after 3 weeks! 

These major events, Dan's collapsed lung, having a baby, Dan and I each starting a new job (mine was being a mommy!), and buying a house made for quite an adventurous couple months. 

And now, 8 years later we still know and feel God's awesome blessing on our family.   

Dan is healed with limited restrictions.

He is still working for Epic.

We have our second home in the school district that is perfect for our boys.

And, Zack, he continues to grow in wisdom and stature. 

 What a great morning reminiscing 8 years ago.  God has surpassed my expectations for our family in every area possible.

I'm thankful for so many blessings.  Today, I'm especially thankful for my newly turned 8 year old (and Dan and Owen too!).    I am beyond blessed.



Bulging with Challenges

I've been bulging with challenges to myself in the last several months.  I want to better myself in so many areas and there are multiple pockets of my life that are surfacing that I want to improve.  Here are 5 goals (although there are more!) I have for myself:

1. I had never read my Bible from cover to cover.  I've read chapters and books at a time but never front to back.  I started in February and want to finish before school is out for the summer.  I hope I'll make it. There are so many things that I want to stop and study to learn more about as I am going, but I feel God is calling me to just read through and then go back after I finish. 

2. I want to be more bold and purposeful in creating and improving upon friendships.  I use the excuse of being shy and not overly outgoing.  This brings me out of my comfort zone, but all for good purpose.  People and relationships are more valuable than anything else.

3. I have been impacted by the simple line in 1 Cor 13, Love does not boast.  I think upon this phrase often while trying to be a better listener than talker.  It is easy to let insecurities take over and feel the need to live life to a monetary fullness.  But, that leaves emptiness... in your pocket and in relationships.

4. I want to be a wife of noble character.  This takes a change of focus.  I need to be more considerate and understanding toward my husbands work pressures and free time.  The good news...I want all the time I can with him!

5. I want to be a Mom that the kids remember as loving them and Dan more than anything else in the world.  That challenges me to be more hands on and physically focused toward them.

 I read a story that impacted me...

Son: Mom (from a different room)
Mom: Yes?
Son: Mom (still in a different room)
Mom: Yes?
Son: Mom
Mom: What? I am listening to you.
Son: You can hear me but you are not listening with your eyes.

Ouch.  I'm guilty of that. 

I am sure that everyone has their list of challenges as I do.  Perhaps you can not relate to some of mine, and perhaps I have brought new challenges to you through writing mine.  Whatever the case, God will reveal things to you as you are ready.  Be sure you are listening.  Then, be sure you are acting.

How Do You Come?

How do you come to God?

This is a question that has surfaced many times over the past month.  I have been reading some excellent books and have been diving a bit deeper and longer in my walk with the Lord. 

My question has created a stirring in me.  I like to think that I come to God in prayer just as He asks us to do.  In reality, my thoughts are often off.  I come to Him in prayer saying "Please help me with such and such" and "please help so and so in a particular way" etc...but it is like reading or speaking a laundry list of my thoughts to God. 

I don't think that is what He means when He asks us to bring everything to Him in prayer.  He wants us to pray in faith.  He wants us to fully anticipate an answer and not just speak out of obligation.  He wants us to rip free of our traditional coined prayers and put some heart into it. Put some faith into it.

Are you a type to pray fervently and come to God with a deep faith that He'll answer your request, or are you, like me, the type that can fall into the pit of repetition and obligation?  Are your dinner prayers or bed time prayers the same thing each day?  A task of something to check off your list for the day?

Why do we have God in a box?  Why do we think that we can fool or trick Him by doing our prayerful duty of reciting our lists?  God is so much greater than that.  God wants us to pray with a deep faith AND He wants to answer those prayers! (Although it is not always how we see it best).

I heard about the famous Corrie ten Boon.  She often spoke to crowds.  While she was speaking, she would look down most of the time.  While she was looking down, she was working on needlepoint. She would lift up her creation at the close of her talk and how the audience the back of the piece.  Of course it looked like a jumbled mess of strings that had no rhyme or reason.  That is how we may see God working in our life.  We see the strings that do not go in a sensible order.  BUT, when she revealed the other side of the creation, it was a beautiful piece of art just perfectly crafted into a beautiful piece of work. That is how God works.  We see the jumbled mess, while he is working miracles and creating masterpieces. 

We serve a mighty God who does great work in our life.  He knows what He is doing.  We need to pray with a faith that can move mountains so we can see the mighty work He is doing in and through us. 

I'd like to challenge you to consider how you are praying.  If you are praying with token prayers out of obligation, realize that is not what He asks of us.  We are talking to the almighty creator of the Heavens and Earth.  Don't forget His place.  And, He loves you and made you in His image.  Don't undermine His love for you.  He will sustain you and care for you, because you are precious in His sight.  Keep seeking after Him.

Jamaican Adventure

"Whatever is illegal in the US is illegal in Jamaica."  This was what we were told right before we ported during our cruise to Jamaica.  You may laugh...but here's my story.

After a fun time zip lining and riding a Jamaican bobsled (cause you just have to do that if you are in Jamaica right?!) we eventually caught a shuttle back to a tourist shopping area.  By eventually I mean that they have no sense of time.  We were completely full and loaded on the shuttle and the driver decides that it is time to eat lunch so our full shuttle of about 25 people watch our driver exit the bus, sit down with some buddies and leisurely eat his sandwich.

OK, so we are now dropped off at the shopping area.  A complete tourist trap.  We like those, for a little while...you know, long enough to peek at some obligatory souvenirs.  So we decide to explore a bit and go find something to eat for lunch.  We walked out of the shopping area and went right.  We walked past tons of little shops full of everything you could think of.  They were not the most presentable either as the poverty level in Jamaica is very high.  So, their shops represented that well.  At the entrance to each shop there was a salesperson asking us to come into their shop.  We politely ignored most of them.  After walking a while an only recognizing KFC we decided to seek out some sort of Jamaican cuisine. 

We noticed a abnormally clean white building called "The Castle" and it did not look sketchy. So, we decided to turn around and walk back to that place to see about getting some lunch.  We get to it and there is a guy outside asking if we want to come inside.

We walk inside and he asks what he can help us with. 
Dan: We are looking for some lunch.
Guy: Oh, I have food here.
Dan: OK
Guy: Follow me. 

We walk into the nice white building.  There is NO ONE in there.  OK, so small red flag for us as we enter a completely empty building.

Guy: Come on up stairs.
Dan: OK

We walk up the stairs thinking that is where the restaurant is.
It is also completely empty of people but has several tables and chairs set up. (More red flags but it almost seems too late to turn around).

Guy: So, what can I get you today?
Dan: Some lunch.
Guy: So, uhhh, would you like some scrabbled eggs and toast?
Dan: No thanks.  We were looking for lunch.
Guy: Oh, OK.  So like, uhhh, some rice and peas and chicken?
Dan: (shrugging his shoulders) Uhh, sure.
Guy: OK, sit down.
(We sit)
Guy: Oh, uhhh, would you like to sit by the pool?
Dan: Uhh, sure.
(We move over to sit on the balcony overlooking the pool...also where no one was).
Guy: What would you like to drink.
Kirsten: Water?
Guy: Sure, I be right back.

So the friendly Jamaican guy returns moments later with a bottle of water and pours it into some glasses.  We smile and say "Thank you."

Guy: I be back in a few minutes with you food. It takes a few minutes to cook it
Kirsten: (nodding) OK.

(So at this point we have no idea what we have gotten ourselves in to.  There were not any menus and no one else there to see what they were eating.)

About 10 minutes later the guy returns with 2 huge plates.

Sure enough we had rice and chicken (no peas but it was replaced with coleslaw). 

Now wouldn't you know, this was the best meal we had the whole vacation trip!  The chicken was juicy and tender and not spicy and the rice was delicious with some unique spices.  I have no idea what type of seasoning they used for either of the items, but it was yummy!

OK, so we are sitting and eating our delicious meal and we think...hmmm, how much is this going to cost us. (Remember there were no menus to indicate price)

After we finish we get our check.  The meals were $11.95 per plate and the water is $3.  So my calculations made that be just under $28.  The itemized bill looks like this:

2 chicken's $11.95
1 water $3.00
Total: $38

Wait a second there...that's either (A) bad math or (B) cheating the Americans.  I am opting for option B.  But, our justification, it was so good, we'd pay that much in America.  So we pay and don't complain.

As we get up to leave the guy walks us out.
Guy: How was your meal?
Dan: Fantastic.  It was really good!
Guy: Is there anything else I can help you with?  You need a place to stay?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy: (What Dan hears anyway) Do you like Bob Marley?
Dan: (Shrugging his shoulders), Yeah, sure.
Guy: (His eyes lit up really big), YOU DO?!?! You want some weed?
Dan: Oh, uhh, no thanks.
Guy: You sure?
Dan: No thanks.

After a few more steps the guy goes back to his "White Castle". Two more steps a friendly Jamaican guy (guy #2) asks:
Guy #2: Do you want to buy a cd of Jamaican music?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy: Do you want some Bob Marley smokes?
Dan: No thanks.

So we keep walking, heading toward our cruise ship.  Up approaches another guy (guy #3).

Guy #3: What are you doing?
Dan: Just walking.
Guy #3: Where you going?
Dan : This way.
Guy #3: Well, where are you going?
Dan: This way.
Guy #3: What are you doing?
Dan: Just looking at shops.
Guy #3: I have a shop. You want to come to my shop?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #3: Well, what are you doing then?
Dan: Just looking at shops.
Guy #3: Well, I have a shop.  Come to my shop.
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #3: I really do have a shop.
Dan: I believe you.
Guy #3: Just come to my shop. I have stuff to sell.
Dan: No thanks.

Finally that guy leaves us alone and lets us walk.  About 3 steps alter another guy comes up to us.
Guy #4: What are you doing?
Dan: Just walking.
Guy #4: Where are you going?
Dan: This way.
Guy #4: Can I show you where to go?
Dan: No thanks. We are just walking.
Guy #4: Well, what are you doing? 
Dan: Just walking and looking at shops.
Guy #4 I have a shop. You want to see it?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #4 Do you want some Bob Marley smokes?
Dan: No thanks.
Guy #4 (after following us for what seemed like forever asking the same questions over and over again): Where are you going?
Dan: Back to the ship.
Guy #4: You are going the wrong way.  The ship is that way. (He points in the opposite direction).
Dan: OK, thanks.
Guy #4: I'll show you.
Dan: No thanks, we are fine.  We just want to walk.
Guy #4 (getting irritated with us): Fine. You're acting strange, man.

So we turn around and start back toward the ship past all the guys who offered us weed, and for us to visit their shops.

Another guy tries to fist bump Dan.  Dan ignored it.  But this is guy #5.
Guy #5: How you doin'?
Dan: Good.
Guy #5: Want some Bob Marley smokes?
Dan: No thanks.

That guy walked away a lot faster than the others, thankfully.

So after an interesting encounter for a mystery meal and 4 offers for weed, we made it back to the tourist shopping area.  Then, eventually back on the ship.  We realized we went the wrong way and left the tourist trap for our lunch...and boy did we get an adventure and true Jamaican culture! 

14 Thanks and Counting...

So I am having one of those days...

When you initially hear that you probably think, "Oh boy, what's wrong?".  Right?  We tend to think there is something bad or awful going on more often than we tend to look on the bright side and count our blessings.

Well, today I am having one of those days...that I am feeling thankful for so much.  What is dominating my thoughts is how fortunate and blessed my family is. 

I love my husband so much (still) after 9 years.  (He is a great blessing for sure!)That in itself is quite the feat these days. I looked up the average length of a marriage in the US...it is 7 years.  So, nine years is a type of marriage longevity.  Wow. How sad.

So, Dan and I have been happily married 9 years AND we have two very healthy and active boys.  Another blessing (or 2!).  So I am up to 3 very substantial blessings in my life.

Dan and I have been happily married 9 years, we have 2 healthy active boys, AND Dan and I both have parents that are still married happily after more than 30 years.  Chalk up 2 more blessings making the count at 5.

Dan and I have been happily married 9 years, have two healthy and active boys, parents that are still happily married, AND our families all get along beautifully together without tension or awkwardness.  There is none of the bad in-law talk from either of us and in fact, we both love our parents and in laws greatly.  Peacefulness=blessing 6.

To top it off, each person referred to has put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ and actively live to seek His will for their life.  Amazing. Blessings 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14...and that does not even include our siblings and their spouses, and many of our close friends.

So, how is it I can let little petty things bother me when I have so much to be thankful for?  It is when I take my eyes off of my Savior.  When I doubt.  When I loose track of what is truly valuable.

I have so many blessings and have so much to be thankful for with so many people that are close to me. 

So, I am continuing on with my "one of those days" day that encompasses thankfulness to its fullest.  Thank you, Lord Jesus for the blessings that run deep in my family roots and for such goodness in my family.  I don't want to ever take that for granted.   

Preparing

It feels like I am often preparing for something.  I prepare for traveling and trips, I prepare lunch for the boys for school, I prepare for the holidays buy purchasing gifts, and most recently, I have been preparing our house to sell. 

I looked up the word prepare and according to wikipedia it means "to make (something) ready for use or consideration." 

OK, so where am I going with this?  The first thing that comes to mind is how I am being prepared.  I was created for a purpose and God knows me more intricately than I even know myself.  Therefore, He knows what it takes to prepare me for my goal.  And, God is making me ready for use in future situations by allowing me to experience current situations (both what I consider good and bad).

There are times where I wonder why I have to go through such a difficult trial, and there are times that I do not realize God has been working on me because He's so gentle, but in either case, He's using me and molding me into a better vessel for Him.  For that, I am thankful.

I want to be flexible to his preparations and not get so stuck in my desires and ways that I miss part of the bigger picture.  I want to be open to where and what I feel He is calling me to do.

So, my goal: open ears, a heart for serving and loving and an ever increasing desire to prepare for His coming. 

Lord, use me and prepare me how You see fit.



An Arizona cross, in my eyes.



A Walk is for the Dog(s)

Carlee has been good for me.  I mean that in a couple ways. 

1) I have again realized my love for animals.  I grew up with a dog, cats, fish, the occasional gerbils and even the desire and fulfillment of a cricket farm.  I worked at a horse ranch, and we had a pet field mouse.  I often wanted a pet lobster but my mom threatened to eat it if we had one so I decided it was safest to skip that one.  Going to college I was away from my pets and did not get another one until I was married.  We splurged and adopted some goldfish.  Now, as of August 2 we have goldfish and a dog.  I enjoy watching the fish swim around, but not so much enjoyment is found in cleaning out their tank.  (But I do it every now and then).  I really enjoy the companionship of Carlee, our family dog.  She has been a welcome addition and renewed love of animals for me.  I had not realized how much I enjoyed my furry friends.  I can not imagine our house without one now. 

2) Carlee has been good for me in another way too.  I use her as my excuse to get exercise.  She must go on a longer daily walk right?  So, Carlee and I have been exploring local parks with walking paths.  I blame it on her for needing exercise, but in reality, I think that is an excuse for my desire to hike some local trails. She acts as my shadow and will follow me everywhere I go.  She'd gladly accompany me on trails, as long as I am within her sight. I love the sound of the fall leaves crunching under our feet and the smell of the autumn air.  I love the company of Carlee so I am not out walking by myself.  Even though she's not all that fearsome, it is still nice to not be alone.  When I talk, I have someone I am talking to so I don't sound like I am just talking to myself.  But, I am not sure she really cares about the color of the leaves that I point out to her or the fallen tree that makes an ideal photo.  She probably does appreciate the sound of my friendly voice to her so what I say is irrelevant as long as I am talking to her.

I'm thankful for her patience with our kids too.  We have one child who likes to be sneaky and tease Carlee.  She has been nothing but kind and well mannered with the kids.  I have deemed her "Saint Dog" for her ability to endure our children.  They do not always understand that she needs a break and likes to sit in peace.  She has not once been aggressive toward them. 

I'm thankful for our newest companion. She's been the perfect dog for our family.  Now, I am trying to convince Dan that 2 dogs would be a good option. He's far from convinced.  I'll keep trying.   But for now, I'll keep using Carlee as my excuse to spend time outside and keep appreciating her gentile manner and companionship.