A Mountain Retreat

Last week we were able to shed the stress of our "normal" (ha ha ha) life and head off to the mountains for some time catching up with friends and family. Jon and I spent some much needed time visiting with dear friends in Asheville, and the kids had a blast staying with their Nonnie and Poppie in Tennessee.

Hannah with Nonnie and cousin Daisy

It was incredibly refreshing to be once again back amidst the strikingly beautiful backdrop of western North Carolina and east Tennessee. The weather was rough during the start of our trip, but it returned to being beautiful as the week unfolded.

Enjoying Lunch at Cades Cove

Referring back to my comment about having a "normal" life, even in typing that one word I think that there is enough irony to pack a real punch - one that either makes you laugh hysterically or simply cry and I've done both. As far as normal goes, Jon and I have experienced a total of nine months of what most people consider to be normal. That nine months began when we started dating and ended the day his brain tumor was discovered. Since then, it seems that life has been a roller coaster full of all sorts of twists, turns, corkscrews, and yes, dark tunnels as well. I've always enjoyed a good thrill, but sometimes this roller coaster has just plain scared me with its unpredictability.

In the same way that a roller coaster always comes back to its original starting point, it seems that we too will be making a return of sorts to a starting point. Two weeks ago our tenants gave their 60 day notice, letting us know that they will be vacating our home on April 30th. This notice came on the heels of our seeking God, asking Him where Jon needed to pursue his BSN and if we needed to stay in Atlanta or not. At this point, it looks like we will be returning to our home in Tennessee and finishing school there.

This is has been another faith journey for us. We are in so many ways right now at the mercy of God and His provision, especially with Jon being in school. We are still in pursuit of our goal to complete nursing school, but it now appears that we will be coming full circle and returning to a place we left almost 2 years ago.

Enjoying Time with Daddy

One of the best and most beautiful parts of a roller coaster is the feeling you have once you've left the ride and are walking away back to 'normalcy.' One cannot and will not be the same - impossible. The experience, wether thrilling and wonderful, or terrifying and horrible will forever be part of you and you cannot be the same person. I believe our leaving TN was a necessary and needed experience, we have lived as we have never lived before and we have made cherished friendships along the way. We have grown and changed as a result of the journey. We will not and cannot be the same people we were before we left - it is impossible.

Life is an adventure... we married each other with this motto, and it has in so many ways carved out what life has held and looked like for us until now. I don't believe life will ever be exactly 'normal' for us, more adventures are still to come. And though not every adventure is a happy one, I welcome them nonetheless.

I wonder what will come along next?

Memories - Making the New, Visiting the Past

I can still remember hot, sticky, and muggy Atlanta summers as a child. It honestly seems like it was only a few years ago that I was running around my parent's home exploring, swimming in the pond, or pretending up all sorts of games. Of course, a summer in Atlanta would not be complete without making a visit to see Willie B.

Willie B.

Who is Willie B, you might ask? He was the patriarch gorilla of the Atlanta zoo, who in his own way changed the zoo forever. Most people in Atlanta knew of him and many came out to see him. I remembered visiting Willie B. as a child. The size and power of that animal was always intimidating, even from a protected distance. Willie B. would just sit in that hot Georgia sun and stare at all his admirers, seemingly unimpressed by his fame. He was a major part of the zoo that left its impression upon me... that and the reptiles!

Seeing the Elephants - a big favorite.

This was Hannah and Elijah's first visit to a zoo and they were able to experience the fun with a sweet friend of theirs. We're still adjusting to these abnormally warm temperatures (hence Hannah sporting a tank top), the weather was just right for us. It truly was a perfect time to visit the zoo.

The Hairless Mole Rats.

Eli seemed more interested in them than anything else.

The Warthog, Hannah was unimpressed.

Hannah on the Willie B. Statue

Look closely, can you guess who might be in there?

Dinner on Our Table and the Next Food Network Star

To honor a Queen, or so the story goes. That is how our modern day 'pizza' idea was born. The idea of a baked, crispy flat bread covered in toppings has evolved over time. Throughout most of history, it has was considered food for the poor - sold cheap on city streets from various vendors. But this 'fast food' became royalty of sorts when in 1889 Raffaele Esposito crowned a piece of flat bread with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, all the colors of the Italian flag. He gave it the name, 'Pizza Margherita' in honor of the Queen of consort, Margherita of Savoy.

Esposito was clearly a genius. His classic taste combo is still a favorite, and was on our table tonight! Glad to still be celebrating this Queen of consort, Margherita. Oh, and as an extra little golden nugget of info, Margherita means "Daisy" in Italian! :)

"Mommy, I help you!" Familiar words to my ears that come calling from some 3 feet below my range of sight. Hannah is already working pull out the step stool that is at least twice her size, quite a taxing task for a little person. But she is eager and motivated to help me cook in the kitchen, and I'm happy to have her. She is ready to mix, pour, measure, and well, take over my kitchen if ever I let her! She is still in a great stage of fascination and learning, and I am soaking up our time together. Tonight she took an active part in making our pizza as well as a delicious batch of cookies! Could she be on her way to being The Next Food Network Star...?

My Helper

Almost Ready to Bake

Individual Pizzas on Multigrain Pita Bread

Finished!

Top with grated parm, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes for a kick

Making Cookies

Soooo Happy!

Where's Eli you might ask. Well, he likes to make the occasional trip into the kitchen, squeezing his way up onto the stool, causing some minor disaster until he's shooed out of the kitchen and on his way to getting himself into some other kind of trouble. Somehow, I don't think he minds having to leave the action in the kitchen. It would seem that for the time making the mess was satisfactory enough for him - mission accomplished.

P.S.

Hannah decided that she need to call "Somebody."

Talking on her very cool phone

So Tech-y

The Dilemma

As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices:

take it or leave it.

~Buddy Hackett

Has anyone else dealt with a child who refuses to eat their veggies or perhaps the meal that you've worked to prepare? Well, that is the case in our home nearly every night. Eli simply does not want any part of whatever vegetable is served - and if it's green, forget it! So, inevitably we work hard throughout the meal to try to entice, bribe, coerce, and to do all manner of methods frowned upon in the 'parental world.' But I say, who cares? I want my children to learn to eat things they don't like, to at least try them. So the battle ensues and we plunge forward and persevere knowing that there is a 50/50 chance that some day our children will indeed get over it, eat their veggies, and maybe, maybe thank us for helping them learn to like their veggies . That's what we all hope for, right? Balanced, healthy children with a right attitude about eating healthy.

Hannah holding an unwanted bite of food, unwilling to give in just yet.

The struggle!

I feel this struggle so acutely because this is where I am today, right now! In so many ways I can identify with this struggle, the knowledge that I must do something because my Father says I should, though it is NOT what I want. I know that it must be good for me, because He is always good. But inevitably I will whine, pout, groan, and just down right fuss until finally at last I submit my will and embrace what He has for me. What a dilemma! Even now my children are learning to submit over something as small as a serving of veggies, and what I wish I could tell them and that they would understand is; GET USED TO IT! Unfortunately, it's never that easy.

SWEET REWARDS

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matt 7:11

The entire time that Eli and Hannah struggled through the battle of will and submission, I knew what awaited them in the end - an oh so sweet treat - ice cream! Their eyes lit up and their smiles couldn't have gotten any bigger when I set that bowl of goodness in front of them. Needless to say, the ice cream was eaten and gone much faster than the veggies.

I have witnessed again and again in my life that regardless of the struggle, God does indeed work good into situations that seem nearly, if not entirely at a loss. He is walking with us all through various trials, small or large, and telling us to trust Him, submit, and wait perhaps. And boy, do I fight it! Yet, He is so gracious, patiently guiding me through each bout of my will, assuring me of His plan and His desire to grow me, and reminding me that He will never leave me. I am always amazed at how He brings us through it and the way He works to bring about endless, soul-filling, heart comforting blessings that fill us back up and strengthen our faith. God is faithful and He has and always will bring gracious sweet rewards to those willing to submit and trust.

Finally!

Sweet Endings!

Getting the Field Ready

It's been a while since I've felt the sharp stinging pain from a thorn, but I felt it today - plenty. Today the kids and I packed a lunch and made our way up to my great aunt's home in Monroe. Far removed from the frenzied feel of Atlanta, I felt I could breath again. I kept wanting to take deep breaths of air as I felt myself relaxing into my surroundings. Today was about visiting my aunt, who at 83 years old owns and works 16 acres of land by herself. Every year my aunt Lois sows seed and nurtures a garden full of vegetables, and this year I have the opportunity to take part in the process.

Aunt Lois

The Garden Area Pre-Clearing

We pulled and worked to clear that weedy field for the better part of two hours. Throughout the morning, I felt so aware of how much the process of clearning mirrors my own life experience. How often I feel that God works to pull and clear problems and hang-ups that choke the life out of me. It's messy and full of thorns, and pain often accompanies the healing. However, the growth that ensues is wonderful!

One of the best parts about visiting aunt Lois is getting the chance to run and play. Hannah and Eli helped clear, but they also played, and played, and played! I always say that it's been a good day when you've gotten some dirt on you.

Lunch Time!

A Hug Post Chocolate Chip Cookie

Sharing the Love

All Done

I love the feeling of a productive day!

And so does Hannah! :)

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

"Can I ride?" Eli asking about the nearby jet that just took off. How do you explain to a 2-year-old that planes aren't like the swings on the playground, you can't just hop on

whenever

the sensation to ride hits. But in this one question is tucked away the essence of what makes childhood beautiful - unharnessed desire and fearless dreaming. "Mommy, I ride." Eli and Hannah were mesmerized by the planes taking flight and landing. Living in a big city has given us the frequent opportunity to watch helicopters and air planes fly over head. I always enjoy seeing my kid's unguarded excitement.

We spent yesterday morning playing at PDK airport here in Atlanta. The kids were thrilled with the playground and the opportunity to see planes taking flight. Each take off drew an equal amount of excitement. Small fingers pointing to the sky, eyes squinting into the sun, and smiles so big!

Hannah and Eli had the opportunity to play with their friend, Will. It is so fun to watch as these little people play and interact with one another sharing their excitement.

I am so grateful that my children are reminding me about the simple joys in life, living in playful gratitude for

little things. What would I be like if I was able to take such delight in even the small things?

Time, Time, Time

Where does it all go?! I can pretty much tell you that 99.9999% is taken by two little people who spend their days scurrying about exploring every nook and cranny of their spaces. The world is alive and full of opportunity. I have flashes of something once remembered when I watch them at play - childhood, oh the joys of it all! And the pain too, I often hear mingled in with the laughter cries of pain from falling or pushing themselves beyond their limits. But they quickly brush it off and the joy of the experience trumps the fading pain. I love watching my kids play. Our little back yard couldn't be more than 20 yards wide, but to them it may as well be a forest teeming with life.

Time... doesn't feel like I've had much these days. I have to laugh at the ridiculous attempts Jon and I make at being quiet in the morning. Our desperate attempts to keep the sleeping tigers asleep! Tip toe... that's kids stuff, we practically pad the doors and elevate down the tiny hall way of our home, walking around in the dark, for heaven's sake!! And all in the name of having some 'quiet time' to ourselves before the kids wake up. But time is so valuable when most of it is dominated by the demands of our children, our jobs, our professors, and ... well, you fill in the blank it just never really seems to stop.

Time... it's time to start keep track again. Time to keep a 'log' of sorts of all the great and wonderful things that are happening these days. Each day seems to be full laughable moments, even the ones when you aren't supposed to laugh, for instance during a serious discipline/training moment. Those are the worst, when all you want to do is bust out laughing but you JUST CAN'T b/c you're trying to teach! I guess you just have to laugh later, but often I find that I'm too tired. I hope reflecting and writing it down will help me remember the moment and bring it life a little bit for others to enjoy.

Time to begin again. Let's hope this time I am able to stick with it!

1 Year Old and Lots of Changes

Hannah and Elijah... I remember announcing their names for the first time just a little over a year ago now. So much has changed! They recently turned 1 year old and I find it hard to believe that these babies are quickly growing out of the baby stages. No walking yet, but Hannah is getting very close! She has taken lots of little steps with our help and once on her own, but hasn't gone completely solo yet. Eli is SUCH a boy! All over the place and into everything! He prefers crawling, and often reminds me of a bull as he plows into just about anything and anyone! They are such a joy to us and keep us laughing with each day!
Life changes are on the brink for our family. Jonathan feels God is calling him to return to school to complete his education. We have been talking to God a lot about this and feel that He is confirming it. Very soon we will take off and leave for Montreat, North Carolina. Jonathan will be attending Montreat College, pursuing a degree in Outdoor Ministry.
I (Betsy) am so proud of Jonathan and I am truly excited to see what all God has in store for him. We are trusting God to continue to lead and provide for us as He has done so faithfully.
We will keep you all posted (no pun intended!) on what happens!