Fun Weekend!

Potty Training Child #2

The process for potty training Jordan has been very different (and so far much easier!) than with AJ. After a year of watching his big brother, he's basically deciding to train himself. I'm not holding my breath, or getting rid of the diapers yet......but it's a step in the positive direction!

Chicago!

My Mothers Day gift this year was a weekend trip to Chicago with my good friend, Sara. We attended a reunion at North Park University for students who had gone on South Africa tours over the years. Even though my tour was in 1996, the lessons I learned impacted me so profoundly that even now, 12 years later, I often find myself reflecting on the experience. My eyes were opened to the terrible injustices of apartheid, and I came home to America with a new lens to view the world. I'm so grateful to have had that experience. I am forever changed.

On a lighter note, the rest of my weekend was filled with reminiscing and good 'ol girl fun! I got to spend some quality time with Greta, my future sis-in-law. And I got to see Wicked with my dear friend Michele and her family, topped off by some amazing Giordano's pizza, a stroll downtown Chicago, and coffee at one of my favorite coffee shops.

God has blessed me with some amazing friendships......that have stood the test of time. And although I missed my boys on Mothers Day, I came home refreshed and grateful for the many phases of my life's journey.

Softball

I don't have a picture yet to prove it, but Lawrence & I are in a softball league. This may not seem amazing to some, but it is quite remarkable for us! I haven't played on a team of any sort since intramurals in college (12 years ago). And exercise??? Who has time for that? So to say I'm out of shape is an understatement. I did play softball in middle school, but only for one year. I'm catcher, and after one game I realize I clearly didn't know what I was getting into. I had recurring visions of being knocked out and sent to the ER. And I have yet to throw far enough for the ball to reach the pitcher. But luckily our team is laid back, and it's all for fun! The "Living Stoners" (unofficial name for our church team) won our first game. It's a blast!

Birthdays!

After the dedication, our families came over for lunch. We celebrated our nephews' birthdays. Happy 15th, Addison, & Happy 12th, Elliott! It was the first beautiful day we've had in a long time, so we broke in the picnic table. Then, after a little time playing at the park we rested up for Eden's birthday party. Happy 4th Birthday, Eden!

Dedication

We dedicated Micah to the Lord today. Faith Foley (Pastor John's daughter) was also dedicated. Our church is just a few months old, so these were the first dedications. (see our new website! livingstonescov.org) We were blessed by the presence of all our local extended family and many friends. Wow, when I stop to think about how blessed our boys are to be raised in such love, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to God. Parenting is the greatest blessing of our lives, as well as the greatest challenge. I've already made so many mistakes, but each day I pray God's protection over my children, and wisdom in raising them. And just knowing that we have such an amazing support network, and positive examples for our boys to see, brings me deep peace. I feel very blessed today.