Philip and his chalk

Sorry for the absence of new posts recently. I've been swamped between volunteering at our church in the absence of the secretary (they've been interviewing so hopefully I won't have to help out much longer; I really want to be there but it just swallows up my time to be doing other things), attending to my duties as Publicity chair for our new MOPS group and our women's ministry Ladies Celebration, taking care of Matthew, Philip and our home, and whatever else God allows to pop up into my day! I really am enjoying life these days, but I cherish my moments of stopping to breathe.

One of my newest favorite breaks would be watching Philip walk around the driveway and front yard. Mollie gave him a bucket of chalk which we can't go outside without!

Here's a few photos of my "big boy" just taking it easy himself. I say "big boy" because that's our latest tactic with him. Whenever Philip is on the verge of a temper tantrum, we say, "Philip can you calm down and be a big boy?" He nods and says "biboy". It works most of the time. Thank you Lord for our sweet biboy!






Yes, the chalk gets everywhere, but we have a good time.

Update on Mom's recovery

My mom, Patty, is getting better from the two surgeries to remove her colo-rectal cancer tumor, but it is still a slow process. She did receive excellent news two weeks ago (I should have posted it sooner). After having the ileostomy bag reversed, she was told she would have blood drawn every three months for a year to make sure she was still cancer-free. Her tests came back wonderfully! The nurse said her tumor level was a number 2. For reference sake, 0-5 is considered normal (scary as it sounds we all have free radicals floating around in our bodies; if triggered just the right way, these particles mutate into cancer cells). To compare, her bloodwork taken last December (before the tumor was removed from her rectum) showed her tumor level was 52! We are praising the Lord that even though the treatments and surgeries were very traumatic, Mom is now cancer-free.

On the downside, she is still fighting to regain control of her bowels. She has severe burning and irritation from using the bathroom more often than normal. I am proud of her as she is trying her hardest to reclaim her life. Monday, she went to Lowe's by herself and unfortunately had to rush to the bathroom and remained there for 20 minutes. She was so discouraged and said she would never go out alone again. Mom's stubborn-nature worked for the good and Tuesday, she ventured out to Walgreen's. Thankfully, it was a normal bathroom-free errand run.

I just covet your prayers that her body would continually (and rapidly if it be God's will) heal and allow her confidence to grow as she returns to having normal bowel movements. Also pray that her test results will come back just as clear as this last one did. Thanks.

Philip's Stats

Yesterday, Philip had his 18-month well baby check-up! The results are that he is a healthy, lively 18-month-old boy. I thought he was being much too fussy and wiggly, but both the nurse and his pediatrician, Dr. Shelly, said this is usually the hardest visit and that he was displaying typical 18-month-old behavior. Other than him being a little difficult to work with, Philip had a great a check-up. Dr. Shelly said she is very impressed with how he was acting (moving his sippy cup and my drink bottle back and forth between diaper bag pockets and the pull-out shelf on the examination table, touching his belly upon request, running/walking to me when she took him to the opposite corner of the room). She was even lucky enough to get a blown kiss from Philip... just as she was leaving the room!

His measurements:

Head: 19 inches (70%)
Height: 31.5 inches (25%)
Weight: 23.31 lbs. (17%)

Philip was born weighing 8 lbs. 4 oz. (big in my mind), but he has remainded always on the small end of the weight scale. He actually even fell below the chart for a little while, but Dr. Shelly was not too concerned because his height and weight were at a good ratio. Just before logging in to Blogger, I saw an article on MSN which proves my thoughts all along! American babies are just getting too big these days and the percentage scale is skewed. Babies at 50-75% are as big as babies should be so it's actually healthier to be below 50%. My baby is not below average in health, but probably really better off. I'm not stating this to make anyone else feel bad (however if it causes a correct concern, you're welcome), but mainly to validate my own feelings. No mother wants to think her baby is not measuring up (literally this time). Philip, you are doing just fine and Mommy loves you soooo much!!

Does Anybody Really Do That?

Before I tell you the question, let me give you the answer: yes, me! Now the question: Does anybody really let the tub fill to the point of overflowing and flooding the bathroom?

I had started the water to take a bath (I rarely take baths but I had just cleaned the shower), and thought I had time to throw our mattress cover in the washer. I did have time for that, but stupidly let my internet-addiction sidetrack me. I just wanted to check a few things. Yeah right, I'm at the point of needing counseling. Well, my undiagnosed ADD let me totally forget about the tub. After about 15 minutes I remembered the tub, but also thought I remembered turning off the water. After another 15 minutes, I thought I better take that bath because surely the water was barely lukewarm by now.

If you've never overflowed your tub (I'm sure I'm in the minority here), let me give you directions on how to proceed lest the situation ever arise.

Step 1: Enter the bathroom and scream, "I can't believe I did this!"

Step 2: Ask yourself, "What do I do?"

Step 3: Regain composure, turn off the water, and let out the drain.

Step 4: Run for the mop and bucket.

Step 5: Begin mopping but realize that would take two days to get all the water out.

Step 6: Think, "I wish my bathroom had a drain like fast food bathrooms."

Step 7: Run through the house gathering all towels; don't forget the beach towels!!

Step 8: Remove everything from bathroom and place towels all over the floor.

Step 9: Begin jumping all over towels.

Step 10: Carry heavy dripping towels to the other bathroom and throw in that tub.

Step 11: Place towels on carpet outside of bathroom and jump as in Step 9.

Step 12: Pray that floor under carpet won't be permanently damaged and husband won't be too mad.

Step 13: Realize you still have to take a shower (no time for a bath now) and be glad that overflow rinsed any remaining SoftScrub out of tub.

Step 14: Thank the Lord that your 18-month-old son slept through the whole event.

Step 15: Consider banning yourself from the internet for a week, but then realize you couldn't give your family and friends a good laugh by posting it on your blog.

Flashback to Paul and Kellie's Wedding

Many of us who attended Paul and Kellie's wedding (Paul is Matthew's cousin)on July 15 said it was by far the most fun reception we'd been to in a long time. The DJ was great and really made sure everyone had a fun time. He had no problem putting the wedding party on the spot. You can see here that Paul and all the guys in the wedding did the chorus line dance. The Twist was played and Arden decided to cut loose with Mollie!! Click here for a replay. I suppose marrying off your two children in a six week time frame will do that to you. If you missed my post with photos from the wedding, click here.

My Baby Has A Tan Line!!

After all that water fun, what should you expect!

Water, Water Everywhere!

Last summer we took Philip swimming several times hoping he wouldn't be afraid of the water. Well, this summer we've done the same thing and after a little warming up, he loves the water and wants to get wet at every chance he has!!

A few weeks ago, we went to a water park in Greenville. It was a scheduled MOPS summer event (more to come on MOPS, but I am so excited about being a part of it; in short, it's a Christ-centered moms group which will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at our church -- moms in the Fellowship Hall for a speaker, craft, fellowship and refreshments and kids, a.k.a. Mopettes, down the hall with a circulum all of their own! I'm the publicity chairperson for our MOPS group.), but turned out to be a little over Philip's head (no pun intended, ok maybe a little!!).

Philip had a blast in the zero depth area, but older kids were running right through and I was afraid for him to be knocked down. We did enjoy a few turns around the lazy river. We'll probably go back in about 3 years when he can get more out of it.


While a water park is fun for some, the back porch is plenty fun for Philip!




Matthew lets Philip get fully soaked before coming in for his bath. He's usually wearing a regular diaper at these times and it ends up weighing about 5 pounds!! Philip loves playing with Daddy.

Yesterday, we spent the day at Ruth Ann's house priming Matthew and Jonathan's old bedrooms. Goodbye Tar Heel blue walls!! After Philip's nap, we all took a break to enjoy his water ring which we had bought the night before.




I always want to remember this sweet age. His little squeals of excitement are precious.

The water ring provided lots of fun... all 20 minutes of fun before a big hole burst in one side of it. We're going to try to exchange it as this was the first time we had used it. Philip wasn't too upset and as you can see was plenty happy just holding his sunscreen bottle.

Waiting and Resting

Matthew and his brother Jonathan are just over two years apart. My brother Mike and I are just under two years apart. I just assumed Matthew and I would have two children, two years apart. Well, Philip is now 18 months old and I am not pregnant. It seems like "my plan" is not working out. However, I am at a point spiritually where I am much more interested in God's plan for me than any plans I make for myself. After waiting one year and three months to get pregnant with Philip, Matthew and I gave all glory to God when it did happen. I want that to be the case again if He does choose to bless us with a second child. I have been taking my temperature each morning for the last 4 weeks, but today I stopped. It was more of a frustration in my life and attempt at making something happen which is totally in God's hands. Yes there is a science in getting pregnant, but also I whole-heartedly believe that each baby is a miracle from the Lord. Why do so many teenagers get pregnant when so many loving Christian couples are unable to conceive? That is something known only in the mind of God.

I thank Christ for Philip daily. He more than graciously blessed Matthew and I and our families with him. If it be His will that I only give birth once, there is still the possibility that a child would be out there who will come to our family by adoption. I would love to raise another child to grow in Christ and especially for Philip to have a sibling all of his own. There is something special about growing up with someone.

Simply put, what I want more than trying to figure things out and plan out things beyond my control is to just rest in the knowledge that my God is able!! Able to do whatever He has planned for me and I will wait until He reveals what that is.

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...." Psalm 37:3-5,7

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Happy 18-month Birthday, Philip!

Our little bundle of joy has reached the year and a half mark. I would think this has bumped him up into the full-fledge toddler phase of life. It is such a joy and wonder to watch him throughout the day as he is learning new things virtually all the time. I'll ask him to do something just wondering what he will do. It floors me when he does just what I've asked because I'm amazed at how smart such a little brain can be. The other day I told him to go put his sandals away. He picked them up walked straight to his room, pulled out the bottom drawer of his changing table and tried to stick them inside. That is his shoe drawer!! Yeah, Philip! After getting the sandals inside, he then pulled out two other shoes -- not matching! However, I want to encourage his independence when it's displayed in positive ways so we put the shoes on. He would only be walking around the house in them for a while so why not. (see above photo) In this world of international crises and just day to day letdowns, I praise God throughout my day for this little miracle He brought into our home.

Prayers for our church

I would ask any fellow Christians to please be in prayer for my church. We've gone through some recent changes in the staff and now the rumor mill has begun working overtime. It's such a horrible thing to see a body of believers (you at least hope they all truly know the Lord but it's doubtful) begin to kick each other while they are down. The Lord brought a verse to me this week which is fitting.

"The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly." Proverbs 15:14

It is my prayer that Christ would bind Satan from our church and its people. God is the ultimate power and I must remind myself also that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). Great things for the kingdom can come from any crisis. Nevertheless, it's hard to know people you love are going through difficult times.

Paul and Kellie's wedding

Matthew's cousins Mollie and Paul have always been close as they are just 12 months apart in age! God worked it out that Mollie would get married and six weeks later would come Paul's big day. We celebrated their upcoming nuptials at a shower on July 2. Seemed like deja vu as Mollie and her then-fiance Michael's shower was just a few months ago at the same place with virtually the same people.

This past Saturday, Matthew, Ruth Ann, Philip and I headed down the highway toward Camden, SC. The wedding would be in a tiny town called Bethune, but Camden had the closest Fairfield Inn (Michael works for Fairfield). We arrived at the hotel at 11:30am as I was hoping Philip could get a long nap before the 5:00pm wedding. It didn't work out quite as planned and he only slept for an hour. However, the afternoon was still great as our dear friends Steve, Tracy, Vassar and Mathis met us at the hotel to hang out before the wedding. Steve was the youth pastor of our church from 2000 until 2004. Our families grew really close during those years. I hope to always remain friends no matter the miles between us!!

Paul and Kellie's wedding was in a small, country church but the ceremony could not have been better. Everyone looked great, especially Kellie of course. Paul sweetly teared up while saying his vows causing the rest of us to cry too. Kellie being an upcoming kindergarten teacher said her vows in a clear, loud voice. They lit the unity candle while one of the groomsmen played the piano and sang a song penned by Paul. He's such a romantic guy. Paul actually put together a surprise scrapbook for Kellie which he gave to her the night before the wedding. The wedding ended as weddings usually do with the groom kissing his bride. What I later found out from Mollie was that Paul and Kellie's kiss at the altar was their FIRST kiss... EVER!! And it was a good kiss. I was amazed and in awe of their level of self control and dedication to God and each other. I'll just say Matthew and I kissed plenty before getting married so I have all the more respect for Paul and Kellie. If that level of love and commitment carries on into their wedding (which I'm sure it will), they will have a long and happy marriage.

The reception was one of the most fun I have attended in a long time. It was inside a very old, small, non-air conditioned building, but filled with talking, laughing, dancing and eating. Philip held up well for only having an hour nap. He enjoyed strawberries, watermelon, cantelope and chicken nuggets for dinner plus made a new best friend: the DJ! The man was nice and held Philip up to look at and play with all the buttons and knobs on his sound system. He even held the microphone to Philip's mouth so he could sing during one of the songs. The DJ was great overall as he conducted the bridal party in a scavenger hunt among the guests, had the groomsmen perform a rockettes kicking line, and played funny song snippits (i.e. "Did I Shave My Legs for This?" just as Paul was reaching for Kellie's garder). We sent them off under a shower of birdseed (memories, Lori?) and watched them drive off in Paul's big blue and white pick-up truck! They headed down to Charleston for a few days and today were to drive on to Orlando to visit Disney World.



The couple dances their first dance to "At Last" by Etta James.



Paul dances with his mom, Elise, to "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago.

Mollie and Michael look on, happy to have the memories of being the bride and groom but I think content to not have the spotlight this time.



Kellie and Paul beside the cake.


Steve, Tracy, me and Matthew. Let's make sure it's not a year before we see each other again, ok? :)




Philip and I with Vassar.




Philip and I with Mathis.


Philip had a mini-internship as the soundman's apprentice. Anyone who lets Philip play with technical equipment is an instant friend!




Everybody, get down!!


Back at the hotel that night, I had gotten Philip's bath water drawn as we were going to give him a bath, put him to bed (Ruth Ann didn't mind staying in the hotel) and Matthew and I were going out to the pool with everyone else. Guess Philip wanted to swim too as he flipped into the bathtub. He has started trying to reach the water at home before I put him in. He tried to do it there, but with the tubside being lower, when he leaned in, he flipped in!! I was terrified to turn around (thank the Lord I was standing right there) and see my baby floating head first upside down in the tub. He was in for less than a second, but still made my heart skip a beat!!

So Long for Now, Skinner Family!

My dear friend and Minister of Music Bryan felt God's call on his life to move on from our church. This past weekend, he and his family drove to New Orleans, LA to begin a new chapter in their lives. They have been a very special family to us. I worked with Bryan for two years while I was church secretary, Matthew and I attended two youth choir tour trips with him, Ruth Ann has been close friends with his wife Angi who was also Philip's Sunday School teacher. Their three children, Heather (14), Jonathan (11), and Anna Grace (4) are great kids. Heather was in my room on our recent beach trip. We love them a lot and might just have to take Bryan up on his offer to for us to come visit New Orleans one day.

Last Thursday I had the pleasure and fun of keeping their youngest, Anna Grace, for the day as the movers were coming to clear out their house. Philip was so excited when she arrived. Anna Grace seemed to be glad too until Philip started trying to climb on her. She's used to being the smallest and wasn't sure about all that. We went "swimming" in our neighbor Jessie's pool to get out of the house. Soon it was me, Jessie, and Roz (another neighbor friend) and five little ones trying to share a little pool. Reminded me why God has not called me into the daycare business!



Filling up the pool!



Getting cool.



Enjoying the water with Amaria, Roz's granddaughter.

A "Hollywild" Birthday Party

My long-term blog readers might remember Philip's first trip to Hollywild Animal Park when he was 8 months old. Well, he got to return last weekend and had much more fun this time!! He actually knows which animals are which and even some of their sounds. This is such a cute age. Our friend Anna who lives across the street invited Philip to her 4th birthday party which was at Hollywild. Jaina (also 4) who lives next door to Anna was invited too. Unfortunately Jaina's parents were unable to go but we happily volunteered to take her with Philip. They agreed and for several hours, Matthew and I were suddenly the parents of two children. We had a great day together. Jaina had Philip laughing in the back seat almost the entire ride to Hollywild. It was neat having a fully communicative child for a change. I do look forward to future days of real conversations with Philip, but once they start, they don't stop (or so I've been told!).


The birthday girl Anna gets ready to blow out her candles while Jaina looks on.


Philip waits for a bite of birthday cake. Such a great way to do a party as the park provided the cake, ice cream and decorations!


Philip and Jaina enjoy the safari bus ride. We had old bread with which to feed the animals.


The deer are fearless when it comes to the buses. They just know buses mean food!!


Philip feeds a baby goat. Funny... just six months ago he was drinking from a bottle!


We had the added bonus of seeing the only albino buffalo in America. It looks like a calf now, but one day will be a really different looking buffalo.

Our 4th of July

Yesterday was a great day. Matthew was off from work which is always a fun treat in the middle of the week. We began the day by going to our friend Kim's house to join her for a swim. Philip "swam" several times there last summer, but I wasn't sure how he'd do this time. Never fear, Daddy's here! Matthew had Philip quickly reacquainted with the water and both were having a great time. It was a little scarier dunking him under water. Last summer, he was so little we really could just bob him down and up. He would come up and just smack his lips and open his eyes wide. Now that he weighs a good bit more, you have to really push him down (sounds cruel, but he's not afraid!). Here are some photos.















After coming home and all of us taking long afternoon naps, we headed to our friend Kristie's house. She lives across the street from her parents whose lot backs up to a big, beautiful lake!! This was the third (at least) year we've spent the 4th at Kristie's lake party. We got there at 4:15pm and just enjoyed fellowshiping with our friends and watching the kids play. It's fun thinking last year Philip was one of the "babies", but now he can be included in the "kids". We walked down to the lake. It was cute but nerve-wracking watching Philip walk around on the dock. He wanted to climb up into the pontoon boat tied to it because he saw its steering wheel. What he didn't see was the foot of water separating the dock and boat. If we weren't there, he most certainly would have run right off the side. The perils of toddlerhood. Around 7:00pm, we ate hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and dip. By 9:00pm, it was fireworks time. We love going to Kristie's because not only do we see the fireworks our friends are sending up from her parents' dock, but we can see all the other fireworks people around the lake are shooting off too. Last year, 5-month-old Philip managed to sleep straight through them all. I knew that wouldn't happen this year. He did stay awake and loved it. Not three minutes down the road driving home, his little head was slumped over and he was sawwing logs.