Ethan is 2! September 15, 2009

We had a great weekend celebrating Ethan’s second birthday.  I wanted to do something special for him since my mom is throwing a party for him.  So, I figured I could at least bake my little boy some cupcakes.  After searching the internet, I found some pretty cute Cookie Monster cupcakes, right up his alley.  I was happy with how they turned out, so was Ethan.

We had a meager budget for Ethan’s birthday presents.  He doens’t need much, but the more I see the more I want to give him!  I see so many things and think to myself, E would love that.  While preparing to celebrate Ethan’s birthday I was able to reflect on this passage is Matthew 7 (ESV)  in a way that I was unable to before I had children. 

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Certainly I am evil, but it is true, I know how to give Ethan a good gift.  God is willing and waiting to give us good things, he just wants us to ask him.  How much would it show God’s glory if there was something we wanted, asked God for it, and got it.  It would show His glory in a great way.  We have already seen God’s glory in asking him to help us with our debt.  He has done incrediable things with our finances which has allowed us to pay off all our debts but one (which we are diligently working on paying of).  It is only a matter of time before he continues to show his great glory by allowing us to pay off our last debt quickly too.

Long while September 10, 2009

It’s been a long while aye?  Being the mother of two gives me a lot to keep up with!  I can’t imagine what things will be like when I have more (and am homeschooling).  Or maybe I just need to manage my time better (yeah, that’s really it).  We’ve been doing a lot of fun things this summer.  We have been taking the boys on picnics, to the zoo, parks, museums, the mall, and just spending time together.

 

 

We are now the proud owners of a 2007 Hyundai Elentra.  We are well on our way to becoming debt  free. This  goal has become even more important to us in the recent months.  We noticed that we have been slacking a bit on paying things off so quickly.  We are doing well, yes, but we haven’t been pursuing it with quite the same vigor as a year ago.  We noticed we were not really praying for God to work through our finances to help us pay off our debt more quickly.  Recommitting to that prayer has helped us gain a better perspective on using our finances to help others the best we can while we get out of debt.

God already answered a prayer of ours as soon as it was out of our mouths and we were able to come to one mind as to how to spend some of our money.  He is so good!

Hopefully, I’m back on the ball again and will be posting soon.

Birth Story-Titus James April 7, 2009

Two weeks have now  passed since we were blessed with Titus.  I wanted to share my experience.

I woke up Sunday morning (March 22) at about 1:30am and my water had broke.  It was just a trickle every once in a while, no big gush.  I tried to go back to bed but couldn’t sleep.  I knew there was no immediate rush to go to the hospital because I was not yet feeling contractions.  I woke Trevor up a while later to let him know that my water broke but told him to go back to sleep.  At about 2:30am I began feeling menstraul like cramps.  I was not sure if they were contractions or not because when I had Ethan I was induced and those contractions felt different to me.  The cramps continued to get stronger and more painful.

I woke Trevor up at about 5am and told him we should call the doctor and see if we should go to the hospital.  Our doctor told us to make our way to the hospital.  Trevor took a quick shower so he wouldn’t be smelly during labor (thanks Trevor) while I finished packing our bags (one for us, one for Ethan).  We woke Ethan up to leave only to find he had thrown up in his bed overnight 😦  I felt so bad leaving him when he was not feeling well, and I couldn’t believe I was up that whole time and didn’t know he had puked! 

We then took Ethan to our friends house and checked into the hospital around 6am.  I was checked and was 3cm dialated and 90% effaced (the last time I was checked at 38 weeks I was 0cm and 50% effaced).  I got a hep-lock put in and continued to labor on a birth ball we brought with us to the hospital.  We called our parents to let them know I was in labor.  Trevor also called our friend Jenny who was going to help us. 

The birth ball worked very well during my contractions and Trevor massaged my back and was so sweet and encouraging.  The contractions were getting more painful and we asked the nurse about getting into the shower or tub.  Our doctor has told us at an office visit I would be allowed in the shower, but when the nurse called to ask her she said no shower or tub.  We were disapointed in that and I was upset. 

At that point my contractions were becoming very painful and I had to get into the bed for a check.  I labored in bed on my side  for a while but I told Trevor I needed an epidural or some kind of drugs (we had wanted to have a natural birth with no medications and had been studying and practicing the Bradley Method of childbirth).  He of course tried to talk me out of it because he know how much I wanted to avoid medicine during labor.  But I knew the two things to say that would let Trevor know I was serious and I needed and wanted some pain medication.  I told him Iwas panicked and I was unable to relax (the whole idea behind the Bradley Method of labor is to relax during contractions so the uterus can work effieciently).  Trevor then knew I was serious.  We talked about our options with the nurse and decided upon an epidural because it does not cross the placenta.  It was about 15 minutes until I was able to get the epidural.  We decided that the epidural was the best decsion becaue if I could not relax my uterus could not do it’s work effectively.  We were also apprehensive because sometimes an epidural can stall labor, but thankfully it didn’t, it just slowed it down.

At this point it was 9am.  The nurse checked me and I was 8cm dialated!  That was great becaue I was in transition, the hardest part of labor, no wonder my contractions were so intense.  I then was able to rest for a while and by about 11:45am I was 10cm and ready to have a baby.

Pushing was very exhausting, but Trevor and Jenny were so helpful and encouraging.  The pushing was by far the hardest for me because besides being tired I was very emotionally exhausted thinking about my last labor and how long I had pushed for that the end result of that labor was a c-section.  The clock on the wall was staring me in the face the whole time (I had pushed for about 2 hours with Ethan before my doctor decided to get the opinion of an OBGYN).  I was getting nervous that I would be unable to have my VBAC.  At that point my epidural was wearing off and I was once again in pain. 

We then had a decsion to make.  Should I get more medicine or not?  We didn’t want to get more medicine because then my pushing could be less effective because I wouldn’t be able to feel it.  I could tell from the nurse that we may be in for the long haul.  She suggested that we have the doctor come in to acess my progress and see if she thought an episotomy would speed things up. 

Our doctor came in and checked on my progress.  She said that she believed an episotompy would get the baby out soon or she could try the vacum if I wanted.  I was worn out from pushing and we decided to get an episotomy hoping it would move things along.  Well, not only did it move things along, but the Titus was born about 3 contractions later at 1:48pm.  He weighed 9lbs and was 19 inches long. 

I cannot even describe how wonderful it felt when I saw Titus and he was put on my chest immediatly, oh how I ached to have that with Ethan’s birth.  Trevor and I are so happy and pleased with how everything went.

It’s D Day! March 19, 2009

Today is my due date, that means I only have 2 weeks and 4 days or less of being pregnant! We can’t wait to meet Titus and are exited for labor and delivery to begin.
We are praying that I have a successful VBAC with no medications, no tearing, and a healthy baby and mommy. We are also praying that breastfeeding would go well.  Please join us in praying.

 Although he was told he would get laid off we found out last week his company decided to keep Trevor and 3 other agents through April and most likely through the summer. We are not convinced of the stability of his current job. Trevor was in the process of interviewing with State Farm and continued the process.   Yesterday, he got offered a job working for an agent at State Farm Insurance.  We are both excited for him to start his new job!  He will begin April 1st.  He will get a base salary that will be enough to cover our basic needs but he will also earn commission.  I know he will do wonderful and can’t wait for him to start!  I know he will enjoy this job much more than working at the call center and I’m sure he will blossom as an agent. 

I won’t make any promises, but I hope my next post is to announce the birth of Titus and his birth story.

Put on, put off February 25, 2009

Philippians 2:14-16   “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (ESV)

I read that in my quiet time yesterday and boy did I have some repenting to do!  It is hard to shine as a light in the world when you act like the world.  My attitude about this pregnancy of late has not exactly been pleasant.  I had given myself over to much grumbling and an attitude of self-pity, poor me.  What a great relief is is to know that God has made me a new creation through his Holy Spirit, capable of putting on a new self, every day, even moment by moment. 

Of course there are things in life each of us could choose to complain about on a daily basis, but how silly is that when we reflect upon Christ and the cross!  Just thinking about all the grumbling I had been doing in the pastfew days was so sad.   I needed to put off my old self (Ephesians 4:22-24) and put on my new self.  I began thanking God for this pregnancy and all that came with it.  How blessed I am to soon have another child!  How blessed am I that we conceivedso quickly.  How blessed am I to have such a wonderful husband to love so deeply, especially with the challenges that pregnancy sometimes brings to a marriage. Oh yes, and how blessed I am that these minor aches and pains mean that I that much closer to meeting Titus. 

I am so thankful for God’s word and the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart.

Provision and Faith February 18, 2009

So I was thinking once again about God’s provision for us during this past year. We filed our federal taxes a few weeks ago and I saw our total income.  As most of you know Trevor and I moved to Kansas and while he worked for New York Life he did not get paid during that time (he did get some money in January).  Therefor we did not have an income from about June-August.  It was an amazing time to see God give us everything we needed.  We were able to stay at two different places and not have to pay rent among other things.  What was more amazing to me was to look at our income this year as well as our debt paid this year and see how faithful God is.

Our taxable income was $25,783 (we did also recieve some support when we left Harvest as well as a few couples who have commited to supporing us monthly) brining our total income to $29,983.  In 2008 we were able to put $12,732.16 towards our debt (and as you know we only have 2 left, our car and graduate school).  That means we put 42% of our income at debt in 2008.  That also means we managed to live on an average of $1,437 a month.  That in encouraging to me to know that we only need about $1,500 a month!  Now I am sure there are still places we could cut back but I am pretty happy where we are at.

 

 Now we are scheduled to get our tax return (federal, if some of you pay attention to the news you may have seen Kanasas may not be returning our money to us, but that is a whole different story) soon and are trying to decide what to do with the money.  Of course we should put it towards our car loan you say!  Well, that was our intention, but we recently got wind that Trevor will be laid off at the end of March.  We are so thankful that Trevor found out now instead of March 31st that the layoff is to occur.   

But now here is my dilema, I realize it would be wise to save that money in case he cannot find a job quickly, but I guess I don’t know what is best because I  feels like if I were to keep that money I would not be fully trusting in God.

I’ll let you know what we decide, but in the meantime I am so grateful that God has already used situations in our lives to grow my faith in God’s plan.  I am not worried or anxious at this point and don’t anticpate becoming so, I am though discouraged as is Trevor.  We are still praying in faith that God will allow us to pay off our debt by the end of this year.  Iis our hope that God will provide Trevor with a better paying job to allow us to reach that goal.  Thanks for your prayers!

Paul Washer’s Shocking Message January 28, 2009

Trevor and I listened to this message a bit ago. It got both of us really thinking about the state of Christianty in the United States today. It also got us thinking about our own personal walks with Christ and made us examine ourselves as Scripture commands. I hope you find it as thought and prayer provoking as we did.

Here is the link. I would love to hear what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuabITeO4l8

God’s Faithfulness in 2008 January 17, 2009

A new year is upon us, thus it is only right that I time to reflect upon the year that has ended.  I thought it would be a fun family tradition to sit down together each year and remind one another of all the ways we have seen God at work in our lives.  Let the list begin!

By God’s grace and provision we were able to pay off both our undergraduate loans.

God provided two jobs for Trevor since we moved to Kansas City.

We found places to stay in Kansas City for about 2 months that fit our needs and were rent free.

We conceived another child (Titus James will be here soon)!

Trevor has had many witnessing opportunities at his current job (and pray for us because tomorrow we will be meeting with a family that wants us to come over weekly and teach them and their children about God and the Bible).

This summer we didn’t think we would have enough money to make it another month but God proved his promise true and provided for us through several different means.

We live close to our friends from college and the only people we knew in Kansas before moving.

Trevor got a promotion in his job after only being there a couple of months.

We were able to get free health insurance that will last until after the baby is born.

Those are a few of the “biggies” that came to our minds.  I’m sure there are many more ways God has blessed us this past year, but this is the short list for now.

How was God faithful to you in 2008?

Booyah December 20, 2008

A celebration is in order today.  Today we made our last payment to Sallie Mae for the remaining balance of Trevor’s undergrad loan.  Only two loans to pay-yay!  Here is the updated list of our loans and those we have paid off.  We still have $22,000 of student loans from Trinity but our car balance is down to $8,300. 

Trevor has been working so hard lately and I know it is a true encouragement for him to see the progess we have made in repaying our loans.  We certainly have learned our lesson about borrowing money.  We are so thankful to God for giving Trevor two jobs that are helping us climb our way out of debt as quickly as possible.  We’ll see if Trevor can keep up both jobs once we have the baby, but we know even if that is too much God’s will is for us to get out of debt as quickly as possible and he will help us.  Praise God for paying off Trevor’s remaining debt from NIU.

Elizabeth NIU- $16,000      6/08

TEDS (directly from Trinity)- $1000   10/08

Trevor NIU-$5,000  12/10/08

Car-$12,000

TEDS (IDAPP)-$22,000

3rd Trimester December 18, 2008

I’m in the my third trimester today!  The time has gone by much more quickly than I have anticipated, for that I am truly thankful.  I went to the doctor today and had my glucose test done.  I found out our baby is head down-yay and that we are looking good.  My scheduled c-section, in case I do not go into labor on my own, (it is not usually practice to induce a VBAC because it increases the risk of uterine rupture) will be in early April, so I can wait until I am 42 weeks pregnant.

I was a little disapointed because my Dr. is pregnant and due on March 14th, 5 days before my own due date of March 19th.  We really like our OB/GYN but hope that I will just go early so she can still deliever baby boy Holloway #2.

This pregnancy has been much different from my first.  The main difference is that I am so busy and involved with Ethan my focus is not often on his little brother inside me until Ethan is in bed.  My thoughts and attention are so much on my devotion and service to Ethan (and Trevor of course) that I don’t have the same time I did to focus on myself.  I don’t know that I was necessarily selfish when I was pregnant with Ethan, but I will say I did enjoy the attention.  This time I am fully content with all the attention still on Ethan and the soon to be new baby. 

I think I have also grown a lot in my role as wife besides mother during this pregnancy.  I have seen some extraordinary wives and mothers at my church who are great role models. I see all they do for thief husbands and children that I just hope they grew into those roles and that it is not just who they are (that thought gives me hope in becoming the wife and mother God wants me to be).  Although I loved the attention Trevor doted me with while Ethan was in utero, I am so glad that I have time to really be the helper he needs me to be right now while he is working so hard for us. 

I am also making sure to enjoy these special days when it is just me and Ethan.  I am so looking forward to seeing Ethan as a big brother, but right now I am trying to enjoy each moment with him because I know things will never be the same once I have this child.  I love him so much, it is unbelievable and it is hard to believe soon I will two people this much (Of course I love Trevor the most, sorry Ethan and baby, that’s how God designed it.)!