In the wake of a special committee assigned by the school board to research the best options, the elementary school that my kids attend is closing. Though there was a series of meetings that were held and open to the public previous to this decision, all of the sudden parents from my school are coming out swinging and accusing the school board of having an "iron fist" and being unjust. The whole argument seems to have become an us against them argument and I'm watching it from the sidelines in awe.
I'm not going to lie; I have not been happy with the level of education that the school has offered. On top of this, I have had my issues. I used my voice before a decision was made to voice my opinion and made my thoughts stand out when I had the opportunity. This, to me, seems like the equivalent of people throwing their children into the ocean to swim against the warnings of the lifeguards saying that there is a rip tide and ignoring the children, then getting mad at the lifeguards when the children get into trouble. The fact is that the school board didn't make the decision without thought, research and ample opportunity for people to have their voices heard. In the end, the decision was made that their school was the best choice to have close in terms of budget, scores, etc. The fact is that SOMEONE was going to end up mad about this but it is flooring me how quickly these parents are going for the jugular and trying to attack these people, not even close to what has to do with the topics at hand. They aren't looking at what's best for the district; they are mad because their children will have to switch schools.
While I am happy to see people get passionate about something because I believe that our culture has a real habit of being sort of lazy on some counts, I am astounded that people waited until the vote was cast BEFORE getting involved. I equate that with not voting in an election and then complaining about the chosen candidates.
In short, I think that people need to aim their focus on making this as easy a transition as possible on their kids. If the school closes, it's not the end of the world as we know it. It doesn't impede on their ability to have their kids in a good school, etc. What it means is change....and change is hard. I just wonder when people stopped making this argument about what was best for ALL the kids and started making it about what was best for their own? When did our culture become so selfish as to have this me-me-me mentality? It's frightening where our nation and our community is headed at this rate.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Inspiring...and so true
I read a quote this morning that inspired me and it actually describes the mission that I am on in my own life. Abraham Lincoln said the following: "I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, stand by him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." This philosophy has become somewhat of a mission in my own life. I have bound myself to learning as much as possible from as many points of view as possible about history, culture, religion, and so on and so forth. I aim, as much as possible, to keep an open mind while learning and to form opinions based on what I believe to be right and true. Sometimes I agree with people and sometimes I disagree, but I make it a point to try (whenever possible) to avoid getting into arguments with people that will resort to character assassination instead of sticking to the issues. I want to learn but I want to learn in an environment that promotes a healthy, sound mind.
This quote describes my mission because it is a philosophy, in short, of how our nation once was. There was a time when not everyone got a trophy. The winners got a trophy, the losers (and yes they were allowed to be called this before politically correct lingo) got a pat on the back and a "nice try." The word "loser" has become taboo but the fact is that the definition of the word is not an attacking definition. "Loser" simply means " a contestant who loses the contest." Like so many other words, it is not the word itself that is problem, it is the intent with which it is spoken. There was a time at which we didn't have to be politically correct and it was okay to use these types of words. There was a time when our nation was great.
Now don't read into this and think that I'm a hate-monger because I shun politically correct terms. I don't shun them all. I am all for protecting the more "politically correct" terms when it comes to race, religion, and so on. I believe that when words are spoken in love, it is the intent that matters. When words are spoken out of hatred, anger, and frustration, it is also the intent that matters.
What this quote comes down to, for me, is doing the very best that you can do to make yourself, your community, and your nation better. It doesn't matter what your job is, do it to the best of your ability. It doesn't matter if you're married or unmarried, live whatever life you have with passion for the things that matter. It doesn't matter if you are childless, an adoptive parent, a biological parent, or a foster parent. It doesn't matter if you have one children or one hundred, live your life with a passion for what matters. When we started giving everyone the trophy, people quit trying to do their best just to do their best because they were getting an award anyway. I am striving, in my own life, to get back to being the best that I can be for me and to glorify God. I am choosing to make my own path even if it means that some of my friends and family walk away. I am choosing to make my own path toward a goal of closer relationship with God and finding my true purpose in life and then living that purpose with passion.
This quote describes my mission because it is a philosophy, in short, of how our nation once was. There was a time when not everyone got a trophy. The winners got a trophy, the losers (and yes they were allowed to be called this before politically correct lingo) got a pat on the back and a "nice try." The word "loser" has become taboo but the fact is that the definition of the word is not an attacking definition. "Loser" simply means " a contestant who loses the contest." Like so many other words, it is not the word itself that is problem, it is the intent with which it is spoken. There was a time at which we didn't have to be politically correct and it was okay to use these types of words. There was a time when our nation was great.
Now don't read into this and think that I'm a hate-monger because I shun politically correct terms. I don't shun them all. I am all for protecting the more "politically correct" terms when it comes to race, religion, and so on. I believe that when words are spoken in love, it is the intent that matters. When words are spoken out of hatred, anger, and frustration, it is also the intent that matters.
What this quote comes down to, for me, is doing the very best that you can do to make yourself, your community, and your nation better. It doesn't matter what your job is, do it to the best of your ability. It doesn't matter if you're married or unmarried, live whatever life you have with passion for the things that matter. It doesn't matter if you are childless, an adoptive parent, a biological parent, or a foster parent. It doesn't matter if you have one children or one hundred, live your life with a passion for what matters. When we started giving everyone the trophy, people quit trying to do their best just to do their best because they were getting an award anyway. I am striving, in my own life, to get back to being the best that I can be for me and to glorify God. I am choosing to make my own path even if it means that some of my friends and family walk away. I am choosing to make my own path toward a goal of closer relationship with God and finding my true purpose in life and then living that purpose with passion.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Waiting....
I have to say that I am definitely experienced in the art of patience. I do not say that in a proud way, nor do I say that in a way that necessitates addition experience. I am patient because I must be, not because I choose to be. I am more patient than some and less patient than others. When it comes to the things and people in life that I am passionate about, it is twenty times harder to be patient than if it is something that I care very little about. All of this being said, I read a very interesting blog post today on Bible.org written by Bob Deffinbaugh. The article was entitled "Waiting on the Lord." It definitely caught my eye.
Bob speaks of passages from 2 Samuel 1 that tell the story of David. The post is definitely worth a read but I won't reiterate the details as one particular part was the part that caught my eye (though I would recommend reading it). Toward the end of the article, he actually covers SOME of the cases in which God allows a waiting period
(1) Abraham and Sarai promised a son and then waiting 25 years to get him.
(2) The long wait from Noah being told about the flood until the actual flood occurred.
(3) Jacob waiting 14 years for the wife he wanted.
(4)Joseph waiting to see his friends and family
(5) The Israelites waiting 430 years before making it into the Promised Land
For the sake of my writing, I'll concentrate just on these (though there are more listed). As I actually read through these stories again, I noticed something. In all of these cases, God brought about His promise no matter what. The difference was more in the activities that took place during the waiting. Some of them were more patient than others. Some used their time wisely (at the risk of sounding like a third grade teacher) and others wasted their time being angry and frustrated. The fact is that the promise occurred no matter what the reaction was but those that were patient and endured scrutiny during that time seemed (in my opinion) to enjoy the blessing significantly more and longer.
Living in a society of fast food, quick check out lanes at Walmart, and high speed internet, I sometimes forget that patience is actually a virtue. A virtue is defined as "moral excellence and righteousness." In short, virtues have to be worked at and the key way to work towards those is prayer and drawing closer in your relationship with Christ. Patience is something that MUST be worked at whether you are going through a big trial or a small one. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit but that doesn't mean that there is no work involved. You have to draw yourself closer to Christ through prayer and relationship with Him in order to truly live in the Spirit. You have to work at it. Sometimes you're going to have to grit your teeth and exercise that patient when you least desire to (an example of self-control). This helps to build your patience, too, but ultimately growing closer to Christ and letting Him work in you is where the patience will come from. But I digress....
In my own personal experiences, currently, I am practicing the art of distraction. When I start to panic or get too worked up over the things that are happening in my life that I can't control, I pray. When I start to overthink things, I pray. When I start feeling increasingly impatient, I pray. When people start criticizing and character assassinating, I pray. Quite honestly, I spend a good portion of every day praying to my Abba. I pray for God to lead me to hold my tongue when I need to. I pray for God to help me through things. I pray and pray and pray.
Bob speaks of passages from 2 Samuel 1 that tell the story of David. The post is definitely worth a read but I won't reiterate the details as one particular part was the part that caught my eye (though I would recommend reading it). Toward the end of the article, he actually covers SOME of the cases in which God allows a waiting period
(1) Abraham and Sarai promised a son and then waiting 25 years to get him.
(2) The long wait from Noah being told about the flood until the actual flood occurred.
(3) Jacob waiting 14 years for the wife he wanted.
(4)Joseph waiting to see his friends and family
(5) The Israelites waiting 430 years before making it into the Promised Land
For the sake of my writing, I'll concentrate just on these (though there are more listed). As I actually read through these stories again, I noticed something. In all of these cases, God brought about His promise no matter what. The difference was more in the activities that took place during the waiting. Some of them were more patient than others. Some used their time wisely (at the risk of sounding like a third grade teacher) and others wasted their time being angry and frustrated. The fact is that the promise occurred no matter what the reaction was but those that were patient and endured scrutiny during that time seemed (in my opinion) to enjoy the blessing significantly more and longer.
Living in a society of fast food, quick check out lanes at Walmart, and high speed internet, I sometimes forget that patience is actually a virtue. A virtue is defined as "moral excellence and righteousness." In short, virtues have to be worked at and the key way to work towards those is prayer and drawing closer in your relationship with Christ. Patience is something that MUST be worked at whether you are going through a big trial or a small one. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit but that doesn't mean that there is no work involved. You have to draw yourself closer to Christ through prayer and relationship with Him in order to truly live in the Spirit. You have to work at it. Sometimes you're going to have to grit your teeth and exercise that patient when you least desire to (an example of self-control). This helps to build your patience, too, but ultimately growing closer to Christ and letting Him work in you is where the patience will come from. But I digress....
In my own personal experiences, currently, I am practicing the art of distraction. When I start to panic or get too worked up over the things that are happening in my life that I can't control, I pray. When I start to overthink things, I pray. When I start feeling increasingly impatient, I pray. When people start criticizing and character assassinating, I pray. Quite honestly, I spend a good portion of every day praying to my Abba. I pray for God to lead me to hold my tongue when I need to. I pray for God to help me through things. I pray and pray and pray.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
At what point....
I have spent the past several days simply observing the way that people behave. To anyone that knows me, this isn't unusual. I am a people watcher. I like to know how people think and watch how they interact with others. It's a pure fascination to me. I love to talk to people with different viewpoints, different cultural backgrounds, different family lives, and so on. I think that learning about people makes you more open-minded to how many wonderful and different ways there are to live life.
With that being said, I have observed and continue to observe the outright character assassination that seems to be an epidemic today. For the sake of this entry, I'm going to create a fictional character that I call "Bob." Now, "Bob" has very particular opinions on politics, religions, God, and many other things. Bob meets "Fred" (another fictional character) and starts a discussion, finding very quickly that Fred's opinions are quite different from his own. The tendency I observe more and more is that Bob then launches a character assault on Fred. He attacks Fred's personal life, any mistake that he's ever made, and automatically disregards ANYTHING that Fred says. In retaliation, Fred launches a character assault on Bob and the cycle just keeps continuing on. It's an absolute epidemic.
Listen, I have very real, very researched opinions on nearly all areas of my life. Sometimes those opinions change BECAUSE of listening to people who have different opinions. Sometimes they change because of researching and really reading up on things. Sometimes my opinions become stronger because of these things. Nevertheless, whatever those opinions are, they are my opinions. I shouldn't claim that my opinions are the absolute (the very definition of opinion says that it is NOT proven fact), nor should anyone else. Differences of opinion are a beautiful thing; debate is a beautiful thing. Being able to discuss things between people and share our differences and, in some cases, agree to disagree is a beautiful thing. I am bugged to the ends of the earth by character assassinations...it's tireless!
I feel that it is a real mistake for us to disregard people's opinions, as well, just because we don't agree with something they have said in the past. Just because I don't care for "Bob's" ideas on politics doesn't mean that if he says brush fires start when you play with matches in dry, wooded areas, I shouldn't listen. The fact is that opinions are there for you to listen to or observe and then read up/research information and find your OWN opinion on things. Sometimes, you will agree. Sometimes you will blatantly disagree, but I don't think that shutting people out completely is the solution. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power and when you shut out the opinions of others just because you disagree, you are shutting out your ability to gain knowledge and giving away your power.
At what point do we take a stand and say, "I will NOT be a part of picking on someone's personal characteristics because I don't agree with them"? At what point do we stop trying to shut people up because we don't like what they're saying. At what point do we accept what REAL freedom of speech means but still remember that just because you have the ability to exercise that right, there are times when it is inappropriate. I am all for letting your voice be heard, believe me. I am an advocate for free speech and the Constitution but our founding fathers would be mortified at how much time and attention a great deal of the people I've observed spend worrying about someone's weight, shoes, or religious preference instead of what the subject of their discussion is. They would be mortified to see how some people (including a large portion of the media, in my opinion) sit in wait to pounce on those that make a slip of the tongue or voice "the wrong" opinion. At what point do we stand up and say, "No more"?
With that being said, I have observed and continue to observe the outright character assassination that seems to be an epidemic today. For the sake of this entry, I'm going to create a fictional character that I call "Bob." Now, "Bob" has very particular opinions on politics, religions, God, and many other things. Bob meets "Fred" (another fictional character) and starts a discussion, finding very quickly that Fred's opinions are quite different from his own. The tendency I observe more and more is that Bob then launches a character assault on Fred. He attacks Fred's personal life, any mistake that he's ever made, and automatically disregards ANYTHING that Fred says. In retaliation, Fred launches a character assault on Bob and the cycle just keeps continuing on. It's an absolute epidemic.
Listen, I have very real, very researched opinions on nearly all areas of my life. Sometimes those opinions change BECAUSE of listening to people who have different opinions. Sometimes they change because of researching and really reading up on things. Sometimes my opinions become stronger because of these things. Nevertheless, whatever those opinions are, they are my opinions. I shouldn't claim that my opinions are the absolute (the very definition of opinion says that it is NOT proven fact), nor should anyone else. Differences of opinion are a beautiful thing; debate is a beautiful thing. Being able to discuss things between people and share our differences and, in some cases, agree to disagree is a beautiful thing. I am bugged to the ends of the earth by character assassinations...it's tireless!
I feel that it is a real mistake for us to disregard people's opinions, as well, just because we don't agree with something they have said in the past. Just because I don't care for "Bob's" ideas on politics doesn't mean that if he says brush fires start when you play with matches in dry, wooded areas, I shouldn't listen. The fact is that opinions are there for you to listen to or observe and then read up/research information and find your OWN opinion on things. Sometimes, you will agree. Sometimes you will blatantly disagree, but I don't think that shutting people out completely is the solution. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power and when you shut out the opinions of others just because you disagree, you are shutting out your ability to gain knowledge and giving away your power.
At what point do we take a stand and say, "I will NOT be a part of picking on someone's personal characteristics because I don't agree with them"? At what point do we stop trying to shut people up because we don't like what they're saying. At what point do we accept what REAL freedom of speech means but still remember that just because you have the ability to exercise that right, there are times when it is inappropriate. I am all for letting your voice be heard, believe me. I am an advocate for free speech and the Constitution but our founding fathers would be mortified at how much time and attention a great deal of the people I've observed spend worrying about someone's weight, shoes, or religious preference instead of what the subject of their discussion is. They would be mortified to see how some people (including a large portion of the media, in my opinion) sit in wait to pounce on those that make a slip of the tongue or voice "the wrong" opinion. At what point do we stand up and say, "No more"?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
What do You do?
What do you do when you're watching someone you love make decisions, over and over, that you know will impact them negatively? Do you beg, plead, or just pray your way through it? Judging from my current experiences, I would say that you have to pray your way through it. I am dealing with a stubborn person who doesn't want to listen and decisions are becoming an argument when we let them. The problem is that, unfortunately, it would make no difference what I said...their decision would be the same.
I prayed hard about this over the past week or two and God has just layed on my heart to be patient (as much as possible) and to pray over their decisions and their stubbornness. God has a way of letting you know what He wants and His voice will be heard.
I prayed hard about this over the past week or two and God has just layed on my heart to be patient (as much as possible) and to pray over their decisions and their stubbornness. God has a way of letting you know what He wants and His voice will be heard.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Baby is Four Now!
Today is a milestone in our family life...our baby is four years old. That means that we are officially out of the baby and toddler phase of our life and entering full force into all of the kids being at least preschool aged. It's exciting and yet I'm scared to death. For me, it means facing alot of the unknown. Most of my experience lies with babies/toddlers and preschoolers. Getting into the ages that contain double digits scares the crap out of me. It's exciting, but scary....like most things in life.
I thought it would be fun to reflect a bit on the kids' births and what makes them them....
Alyssa was born in the relatively cold of a Georgia January. Having had some pre-term labor issues but nothing serious, I wasn't sure if I'd ever know what real labor felt like. She was due on my Mom or Sister's birthdays (February 4/5) and ended up being born a little less than a week before. My water broke while I was talking to Dan (who was in the tub) and I had A TON of fluid. I had to have Pitocin and was in labor for 12 hours. She was born early in the morning and was absolutely stunning with a thick head of dark hair (that turned curly within a month or two) and beautiful blue eyes with perfect coloring. From the day she was born, she was relatively independent and that's one of her defining characteristics now. She is independent, strong-willed, and a born leader. She is nurturing and has a kind heart. She loves her "baby sister" and loves to try new things. She's very girly and very into reading and art.
Anthony was a completely different story. After suffering a miscarriage, I had a scary first few months of pregnancy with Anthony but the pregnancy itself went smoothly (especially having a toddler at the time just over a year old). He was born two weeks early after I went in for a routine doctor check and found out I was leaking fluid. I had Pitocin with him too and he was an eleven hour labor being born in the middle of the night. His labor nurse was AWESOME and brought me in ice cream for my little fridge in the labor suite (her name was Leah...I actually still remember that). From birth, he was super laid back. He's very sensitive and has a kind, loving heart. He loves to encourage people and has a great sense of humor. He's very smart and loves to learn new things, especially those that challenge his intellect.
Daniel Andrew was a challenging pregnancy and a challenging labor. About the time I started recovering from severe morning sickness, I started experiencing even more severe heartburn and reflux and suffered until his birth. I delivered Daniel three weeks early after my water broke at home in the middle of the night. He was my only afternoon delivery and he was ornery from the moment he was born. The nurses actually ASKED to give him a pacifier because he couldn't quit screaming. He had a hard time passing bowel movements and once he did, he was a little better while at the hospital. He was a grouchy, colicky baby that wasn't nearly as smiley as the two before him and barely spoke for the first two years. At 2 1/2, though, it was like someone flipped a switch and he started speaking in sentences and became a mellow, relatively happy little man. He gets a little more social every day and is super sweet. He's a cuddle bug but he is "all boy." He wants to run, jump, and climb on everything in sight and he loves to poke other people to get under their skin. He is argumentative by nature but is very smart, smart enough to back up his arguments.
Sydney was a diva from birth. She was a relatively simple pregnancy until the last two weeks before I had her when I started experiencing MAJOR labor symptoms but wouldn't dilate. My contractions were crazy hard but they wouldn't do anything. I had keytones in my urine, threw up everything I ate and was getting majorly dehydrated but the new doctor's office wouldn't do anything for me. Finally, one night after Dan took Nyquil for a cold, I started experiencing SUPER hard contractions. I showered and labored at home for as long as I could and finally we woke the kids to go to the neighbors house and made it to the hospital where I was 7 cm dilated. Long story short, they had to hold her in because the doctor took so long to get there and finally moments before he came in, my water sac exploded on the nurse and he whizzed in right after and delivered her. Contrary to my previous 7 lbs __ oz babies, she was 8 lbs 10 oz...a right round chunker but as beautiful as can be. She knew what she wanted and how she wanted it from birth and still does. She refuses to let anyone tell her how things have to be done and though she follows the rules, she's been known to try to charm her way out of just about anything. She is completely unique from any other child I've ever met and is a spitfire ball of personality....it's crazy sometimes how funny she can be and some of the things that come out of her mouth. She charms everyone with her silly ways and her adorable little smile.
We've been asked at least 100 times if we plan on having any more. The answer to that is that we don't. We didn't plan any of our children but we have our hands full with the four that we've got and we have no plans (and have in fact taken measures to prevent pregnancy with Dan's surgery) on having any more. We DEFINITELY believe that all children are a blessing but we also feel like we are going to take care of the four we've got and that God's boundaries are limitless. If He wants us to have more, He will facilitate that with or without our help. I am not a happy pregnant woman and having a newborn at this point would be FAR too big a hand full. We have a nice, fairly large family with four beautiful, amazing children and we want to give them opportunities to fully explore the world around them and have plenty of one-on-one attention from Mommy and Daddy. We look forward to watching them learn and grow. It's awesome! God is amazing!
I thought it would be fun to reflect a bit on the kids' births and what makes them them....
Alyssa was born in the relatively cold of a Georgia January. Having had some pre-term labor issues but nothing serious, I wasn't sure if I'd ever know what real labor felt like. She was due on my Mom or Sister's birthdays (February 4/5) and ended up being born a little less than a week before. My water broke while I was talking to Dan (who was in the tub) and I had A TON of fluid. I had to have Pitocin and was in labor for 12 hours. She was born early in the morning and was absolutely stunning with a thick head of dark hair (that turned curly within a month or two) and beautiful blue eyes with perfect coloring. From the day she was born, she was relatively independent and that's one of her defining characteristics now. She is independent, strong-willed, and a born leader. She is nurturing and has a kind heart. She loves her "baby sister" and loves to try new things. She's very girly and very into reading and art.
Anthony was a completely different story. After suffering a miscarriage, I had a scary first few months of pregnancy with Anthony but the pregnancy itself went smoothly (especially having a toddler at the time just over a year old). He was born two weeks early after I went in for a routine doctor check and found out I was leaking fluid. I had Pitocin with him too and he was an eleven hour labor being born in the middle of the night. His labor nurse was AWESOME and brought me in ice cream for my little fridge in the labor suite (her name was Leah...I actually still remember that). From birth, he was super laid back. He's very sensitive and has a kind, loving heart. He loves to encourage people and has a great sense of humor. He's very smart and loves to learn new things, especially those that challenge his intellect.
Daniel Andrew was a challenging pregnancy and a challenging labor. About the time I started recovering from severe morning sickness, I started experiencing even more severe heartburn and reflux and suffered until his birth. I delivered Daniel three weeks early after my water broke at home in the middle of the night. He was my only afternoon delivery and he was ornery from the moment he was born. The nurses actually ASKED to give him a pacifier because he couldn't quit screaming. He had a hard time passing bowel movements and once he did, he was a little better while at the hospital. He was a grouchy, colicky baby that wasn't nearly as smiley as the two before him and barely spoke for the first two years. At 2 1/2, though, it was like someone flipped a switch and he started speaking in sentences and became a mellow, relatively happy little man. He gets a little more social every day and is super sweet. He's a cuddle bug but he is "all boy." He wants to run, jump, and climb on everything in sight and he loves to poke other people to get under their skin. He is argumentative by nature but is very smart, smart enough to back up his arguments.
Sydney was a diva from birth. She was a relatively simple pregnancy until the last two weeks before I had her when I started experiencing MAJOR labor symptoms but wouldn't dilate. My contractions were crazy hard but they wouldn't do anything. I had keytones in my urine, threw up everything I ate and was getting majorly dehydrated but the new doctor's office wouldn't do anything for me. Finally, one night after Dan took Nyquil for a cold, I started experiencing SUPER hard contractions. I showered and labored at home for as long as I could and finally we woke the kids to go to the neighbors house and made it to the hospital where I was 7 cm dilated. Long story short, they had to hold her in because the doctor took so long to get there and finally moments before he came in, my water sac exploded on the nurse and he whizzed in right after and delivered her. Contrary to my previous 7 lbs __ oz babies, she was 8 lbs 10 oz...a right round chunker but as beautiful as can be. She knew what she wanted and how she wanted it from birth and still does. She refuses to let anyone tell her how things have to be done and though she follows the rules, she's been known to try to charm her way out of just about anything. She is completely unique from any other child I've ever met and is a spitfire ball of personality....it's crazy sometimes how funny she can be and some of the things that come out of her mouth. She charms everyone with her silly ways and her adorable little smile.
We've been asked at least 100 times if we plan on having any more. The answer to that is that we don't. We didn't plan any of our children but we have our hands full with the four that we've got and we have no plans (and have in fact taken measures to prevent pregnancy with Dan's surgery) on having any more. We DEFINITELY believe that all children are a blessing but we also feel like we are going to take care of the four we've got and that God's boundaries are limitless. If He wants us to have more, He will facilitate that with or without our help. I am not a happy pregnant woman and having a newborn at this point would be FAR too big a hand full. We have a nice, fairly large family with four beautiful, amazing children and we want to give them opportunities to fully explore the world around them and have plenty of one-on-one attention from Mommy and Daddy. We look forward to watching them learn and grow. It's awesome! God is amazing!
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