My Heart is Full

I have to interrupt this Mt. Hermon blogging to share about my sweet Thomas.

Last night I awoke to shouting down the hall, "Mommy! Mommy! There's a worm on my pillow!" was being called out a midst tears. It was so sad. I think he was mostly asleep and had obviously had a dream. I checked out the pillow, flipped it over and convinced Thomas that all was well. He crawled back into bed and asked me to stay with him. I sat and got him all snuggled in and rubbed his back.

I heard him mumbling, but couldn't understand. I asked if he was talking to me and he said, "No, I was talking to Jesus." Tears came to my eyes at his sincere sweetness and my heart was filled. This was the first independent faith I've seen come out of him.

He's been asking to pray at dinner time and closing his eyes to pray with me through out the day and even paying more attention to stories and repeating answers through conversation. He even saw Mary at Costco! : ) Recently, he memorized a verse at Mt. Hermon. I'm trying to encourage this and praying God would give Thomas a heart that longs for Him.

Thank You Lord for these little gifts, even if it's at 1am!!

Sweet Service

My sweet almost 4year old served me breakfast this morning! He wanted to get his own waffles out of the toaster, but I said no. The toaster was hot, the waffles were hot, he might make a mess... so many reasons. So, I served him. When mine popped up, I didn't respond since I was feeding Benjamin. Thomas informed me that they were ready and when I didn't move he said he would get them for me. He's done it before, they had sat there long enough so everything was no longer too hot. He pushed a stool over got them out, found the plate and brought them to me. He then asked if I wanted the knife and a fork and what I wanted on them. HE brought me everything that I needed! What a special blessing from the Lord to see my son serve me.

We talked about how that brought glory to the Lord. A saying we talk about as adults, but one I heard a friend say to his daughter over the weekend. I thought to myself, "wow! they can understand that!" Our children hear us telling them to honor Jesus, but they don't know what it looks like. I need to point that out to Thomas when he does do things that bring Glory to the Lord!

I think a heart of service is growing in my son. I pray this is true. It's something I've prayed for him. This last Sunday we had some friends over for church and he helped me bring the food to the table. He wanted to do it by himself and it was so rewarding to see. Later, he passed out the dessert with a smile on his face, leaving his own plate sitting there while he served everyone else at the table!

Thanks you Lord for your many blessings given to us through small children!

Anything to make his brother laugh

I walked by Benjamin's bedroom the other afternoon to discover this little scene. Once in awhile now I'll set Benjamin down on his bedroom floor to play after I change his diaper. I then have a few moment's to get a quick chore done. Often times Thomas will join B in whatever fun he has found. B loves to pull all the toys off the bottom shelf and see just what looks enticing. This particular time the shelf was empty and Thomas found a new use for it. He was just laying there talking to B and B was cracking up! Thomas would then laugh and make a new silly noise and B would just laugh even louder. It was hilarious! Thomas and Benjamin's favorite thing by far is laughing together. I'm dying to get this on video, but some how the site of the camera causes the laughter to stop and the curiosity to kick in!

Thank you Lord for sweet boys and a home full of laughter!

Hospitatlity

I have always loved the idea of showing hospitality to others. I always wanted my own home to have others in. Church friends, family, my kids friends, anybody! I've just always loved the idea of a home filled with the smells of food and the sound of people.

I was blessed with this love from my mother and she from her mother. I love setting the table, preparing the home and hoping that others feel welcome. I love getting to know others and learning new things about them. I love every aspect of it. Well, that's exaggerated... I don't love so much the cooking side of it... I don't hate it, I'm just not very good at that part. But back to the point... I'm so thankful that my mother instilled this love in me and showed me how to and taught me the importance of showing hospitality.

We've actually been talking about hospitality a lot at church in our Women's Ministry events lately as well. That hospitality isn't "entertaining", but it's actually ministering. We've been encouraged to be hospitable, to stretch ourselves and to look at it as an act of ministering. I've thought of this before, but honestly it's never been the purpose for me. We've been encouraged to think about who we have over. To not just stick to the easy people, like friends and family, but to remember the singles, the widows and the grieving. To minister to them by having them in our homes.

So this weekend I begin this new mission! However, I started with an easy group, yes, I'm choosing the easy way to start! I invited 3 of the single (see, I hit one of the groups) college ladies over for brunch and I'm so excited!! I've set the table with all my china, brought out the cloth napkins and the fancy candles. I can't wait to bless these sweet girls with a special "girly" time. I'm praying for opportunities to minister to them and hopefully to encourage them. The boys are leaving and even the dog is leaving, so it will be just us girls!

Can't wait to tell you how it goes!

Morning Walks in the Fog

I love to walk. I hate leaving for a walk, but I love to walk when I do make it out the door. I love how energized I am when I get home from a walk and how it makes me feel the rest of the day. Walking kept me sane when I wasn't sleeping at night. It was how I got ride of that groggy tingly feeling every morning. Once sleep returned, somehow I stopped walking every day and I missed it. My good friend, Tiffany, asked out of the blue about a month ago if I wanted to start running with her. Now, you have to know Tiffany and how much she hates anything related to exercise to really know how out of the blue it was. She was so serious about this though that she was even going to sign up for the class. Before the class started though she had to walk at least twice a week. She asked me to join her in this endeavor. Still not sure how I feel about this upcoming running class, but I am loving the walking.

She is the mother to three of my favorite girls, you've met them here on the blog before. They love my sweet boys and the boys love them. I bring them into this blog because the walking would not be possible without them. They come and hang out with the boys so that we can go walk. That's just the first wonderful thing about our morning walks.

The last couple of weeks we have been walking at 6:45, yes! 6:45!! I'm actually starting to love it and think it's the other wonderful thing about walking. This gets me up and out of bed at 6am. I get up, get dressed and read my Bible. The walking is the extra motivation I needed to get this done!

Surprisingly, then next wonderful thing (and I say "wonderful" loosely) is the fog and the cold. It has been sooooo cold and soooo foggy the last few weeks, but I'm loving it. There is something extra wonderful about the stillness and quietness of a crisp, cold and foggy morning. You are out before most others are which somehow, is energizing. This also brings the beauty of the sunrising. Now we don't pay attention to the sun rising, but somehow it is dark when we walk out the front door and the sun is shining by the time we walk back to that door.

Now, the icing on the cake to this walking is the time I get to spend with Tiffany. She is to me that wonderful, God-fearing friend that we all need! She truly is a gift from the Lord. I love that I get her all to myself for 40 or so minutes. We talk about everything. Our church and the exciting things that are going on. We make plans for the ministries we are involved in together. We talk about how we need to be praying for the church and those ministries. We share concerns about our family and even funny and embarrassing stories we wouldn't dare share with other people. I've had the blessing of knowing and serving with Tiffany for three years now. I know she is one of the reasons that God moved my family to Vacaville. He has used her to shape me in so many ways. He has used her to speak the truth to me and to kick me butt as is so often needed. I've told many people that between her and Molly (my cousin and best friend), I get away with NOTHING!!! She has also encouraged me and gotten me through so many days. As I was struggling with not sleeping, anxiety and depression she was always just a phone call away. She spoke God's Word to me, prayed with me and reminded me that I could do it. God would equip me to do what He had called me to. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to build this relationship with Tiffany and pray it is one that will continue for a lifetime!!

So, let's keep walking my friend and get these bodies into shape!! I mean, get healthy because that's the goal. but hey if we get all skinny in the meantime wouldn't that be awesome?!

So here's to walking early in the morning in the fog!!

Memories

My mom has been cleaning out the house lately and I have been re-united with my baby blankets. My great aunt made me both (I think) and I remember them from the time I was itty bitty. Of course this is mainly just because of pictures. But I do have distinct memories of laying on them playing with my sister. It's fun to now have pictures of me with my baby boys on the one.

Sweet Benjamin, photo taken by big brother Thomas

Me and my smooch and my butters hanging out on my blanket

Grandpa's are Pretty Great, too!!

Thomas loves his grandpa's as well. They are pretty wonderful guys. They each love Thomas in ways that are so obvious. It blesses my heart and makes me so thankful for the relationships I see building there. I can't wait to see them grow and deepen.

Jared's parents moved into the city right next door, they are now a short 20 minute drive away. It's been great and Thomas couldn't be happier! We were over there last week when Jared was home. The three boys spent the entire day there while I was working at a garage sale. I later joined them and we stayed for dinner. After dinner I was blessed to watch Thomas crawl up in his grandpa's lap with a book "On Top of Spaghetti." The two of them spent a good 30 minutes just enjoying that book and the next. I loved watching them sing the song and simply enjoying reading together. I am a lucky mom!!

Love and Support

Grandma's are wonderful!! I know this from my own experience. There's nothing better than their loves, hugs and spoiling. The only thing that comes close to this is watching your own kids learn this for themselves. My boys have two of the best Grandma's a little boys and their mommy could ask for. I had a horrible couple of weeks just after B was born and they were there for us every step of the way. I wasn't sleeping and could hardly function enough to take care of myself, let alone the boys. Without a single thought, both my mom and J's mom jumped right in to help out. They spent many nights sleeping on our futon listening to the noisy monitor so I could attempt to sleep and Jared could function at work. I would not be a sane person by now if it hadn't been for them. They talked me through the tough mornings. Encouraged me in the Lord. Reminded me I would get through it. On top of that, they played with Thomas and took care of my sweet new baby. They were God's gift to me in those hard days and hours. I love them both in a whole new way now. What a joy for me to be loved by them, but even more to see the bonding between a Grandma and her grandsons grow and deepen. I thank the Lord everyday for them both!

Our Growing Family

My 3 wonderful boys!!
I plan on getting lots more of these! All their wonderful faces all right together. Sorry about that babe... but I just love you all squished together!

Me with my two boys! Thomas likes to make sure he can snuggle right in when I'm holding Benjamin.

More time together!
Now to get some pictures of the four of us!!

Having Fun with Thomas

With baby on the way, I've been careful to enjoy all the little things with Thomas. We've been having great fun!! He's become such a big boy!! He's totally potty trained, even pooping in the toilet now. He can dress himself and likes to pick out his own clothes to wear. He loves to sit and read books. Play dough keeps him entertained forEVER. Toy Story characters are his favorite thing in the whole world. He can't wait to see the movie on Friday and his favorite thing to do with mommy is to go to Target just to push Buzz's buttons. He loves to give hugs and just snuggle, although he thinks it's hilarious to wipe of every kiss I give him. He doesn't like to take naps and makes a horrible noise just to get me to come into the room. He's found his own voice and love for making his own decisions, this has resulted in all sorts of trouble, tantrums and arguments. Jared and I are learning the true meaning of discipline and trying to get to his heart. God has blessed us with this little guy, oops, I mean big boy. I can't wait to start this next phase of his life and see him become a great big brother!!

His tattoo shirt of stickers from the guy at Trader Joes. Not sure what inspired, but he insisted on taking of his shirt and using them all on his body.

Checking out the baby seat. He thought it was a great spot to watch Toy Story. I can't believe he just use to fit in this.

Roasting a marshmallow before dinner for a super special treat.

Growing Up So Quickly

It's amazing how some outfits make us realize just how big Thomas is getting. This last Sunday was one of those times. We had him all dressed up in his "church clothes," his hair nicely combed and when he walked into the hall, I nearly cried. There was my sweet little boy looking like an almost 3 year old! It wasn't just me, Jared thought the same thing also. So did many of the friends at church. I just wish I could slow this part down. I think this stage will be my favorite. Even with the feisty independence. I love the imagination, the exploration, the pretending and the fact I still get a kiss whenever I ask for one. Thank you Lord for blessing me with such a sweet "Smoocher."

ps check out the "guys" in his hands. They go EVERYWHERE with us. I can get him to leave Minnie, Goofy and Donald in the car, but it's tears if he can't bring Mickey and Daisy. They go to the store, the park and even church. We came near disaster yesterday when Mickey was missing for 20 minutes, but Grammy came to the rescue!

My Happy Morning Boy

I love this little face!! He wakes up so happy to start the day and excited to get started. One of our morning routines is eating a banana (often in my bed while watching the disney channel), then making our way out to the kitchen for an orange. I love this shot because he was hanging out with me while I did the dishes, happily chatting away and eating his orange.

Big Brother Thomas

That's right! Thomas is going to be a big brother!! I am 12 weeks pregnant and we are so excited to meet another little baby in July 2010. We found out just a few weeks before Thanksgiving and decided to keep the news a secret until both of our families were together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Well, my sister dropped out and then Jared's sister's family couldn't come. We decided to go ahead and still surprise our parents. So, we bought Thomas this shirt and held our breath. My parents were first to arrive and about 45 minutes later, they still hadn't said anything. Finally, I sent my dad in to read it and he said, "really!!" Mom couldn't believe it was true, she figured since we hadn't said anything, it was just a hand-me-down. Oh well. They of course were thrilled!! Jared's parents arrived shortly after and dad sent Linda in to read it right away. They were both very excited of course and Thomas was excited to then tell them he is a "big brother."

Thomas continues to be more and more excited to be a big brother. He is so sweet the way he asks about the baby and even occasionally talks to my belly. At first when we asked him if he wanted a sister or brother, he would just reply a baby. Now he talks about the baby sister that is coming to live at his house and share his toys. For now, he is excited to share and even shares his most beloved belongings with my belly. He has stuffed both Buzz Lightyear and his blue blankies under my shirts to share with the baby. His sweetness has brought me close to tears several times!

So far, physically, this pregnancy has been a lot like it was with Thomas. Just overall sick and nauseous and very tired. The last two weeks have been better as far as the tummy goes, but I just can't seem to get enough sleep..... but really, is that ever going to happen now?! The one thing that is different is I'm much more emotional. Crying easier at commercials and movies, offended easier and just a little more crabby. I'm starting to feel like those crazy pregnant ladies you see in the movies and on TV. Hoping with some prayer and patience, that will go away (or at least calm down.) It does have me wondering if it is a little girl in there though and I just have to much "girlie" emotions/hormones in me right now!

We've been to our first appointment already and everything is good so far! The doctor's first reaction when finding the baby on the ultrasound was, "you have a wiggly worm!" It was amazing to see the little one kicking their feet and waving their arms all around. Active already, yikes!!

We will keep you all posted on how everything is going. Blogging hasn't been as productive because of the holidays and lack of energy and the fact that blogger doesn't seem to like out picture folder!! Nonetheless, we will keep you all up on how this little one is growing and if we're having a boy or girl. Just 8 more weeks until the big ultrasound. Praying this one's as cooperative as their older brother!!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

This last Saturday was a day for Christmas shopping and tree picking-out! We got out as soon as the stores were open and missed some of the rain. All the shopping was done by 11 and then it was time for the tree. Thomas was beside himself with excitement. Still kicking myself for not having the camera. He ran into the tree lot in the OSH parking lot pointing out each and every Christmas tree. It was pretty cute. In the end, we found the perfect one and thankfully, Thomas agreed with us. He asked about it the whole way home, wanting to make sure it was ok.



When we arrived home, Jared prepped the tree and then much to Thomas' dismay, we had to leave it in the garage to dry out. It did come in after dinner and the decorating began. I made sure there was a Christmas movie was playing, just like when I was growing up, and the ornament hanging began. Thomas caught on quickly and was happy to discover each new ornament. He even got to do the official placing of the star atop the tree. He was thrilled with the finished product and can't wait to see it with the lights on everyday.


What a joy it has been to see this Christmas season through his eyes. He can't believe that he actually gets presents and asks everyday if it's Christmas today. We still struggle to get past the Santa thing, but he knows that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, God's most precious gift to us. He has almost memorized a verse from Luke 2, which I hope to get a video of that posted soon. This year, I'm trying to enjoy the pure joy of Christmas through the eyes of a two year old. I want to have that same sheer delight in our Christmas gift, the gift of the Most High God!
Merry Christmas to all!!

So sad when friends move away. Just last week, Laura and I had to say good bye to our Kristine and her two precious little ones. We (plus Megan and Katie) were all fast friends within days of arriving at school in Southern California and have remained close. We've been in eachother's weddings, Laura and I got married two weeks apart. The three of us had our first kids within a couple of months as well. The kids are friends and we've so enjoyed getting together every couple of months to catch up and get a kick out of the different personalities in our kids, what they are learning and just how to raise them to love the Lord and not to disobey quite so much. What a joy it is to have close, like-minded friends. Well, now we are another one short. Katie left Ca. long ago for Ohio, Meg's our traveler and settled for now in Monterey, but the three of us have always been within an hour. Kristine promises to be gone for only a year, but we know God has the plan in his hand and who knows where He will lead us all. I'm so thankful for these dear girls, I hold them close in my heart. I know we will remain close always and even once in awhile get together for midnight birthday celebrations!!

Besides, our kids are friends now, so one day we'll all be together dropping them off for their first year at Master's!! Here are a few pictures of them enjoying our little lunch together.

Note to self: go back and get some of those old non-digital pictures scanned in for a "remember when" post! Find pictures of us at the weddings also!

3 of the Cutest Boys Ever

Thomas and I had the joy of hanging out with my cousin Molly and her two boys last week. We had a great time catching up and watching the boys play together. They really do have a lot of fun with one another and it's pretty funny to watch them interact. They are both very much boys and very much full of energy!! New to the group of boy cousins is Jakob, Molly's new baby. He is precious, and being so new, wasn't quite ready for playtime! He enjoyed his nap in the swing while the playtime went on around him. Both Timmy and Thomas were careful to check in and bring him toys, to make sure he was included (I'm sure that's what their intentions were, they are so sweet!).

After dinner, we made sure to get some pictures of the day. Thomas had a chance to hold the new baby and what a sweet sight that was for mommy!! He was so gentle, patting his tummy and saying "It's ok, Jacob, shhh it's ok." Ahh!!! so sweet!!! He wanted to just sit there with him for several minutes, just looking at him and giving him little, gentle snugs!

Then we got some fun shots of the boys, they really are quite silly together!


We had to quiet them down so we could get poor Jakob in there for a picture of the day!

Precious Baby

Yesterday I got to be part of God's precious miracle, the birth of my 2nd cousin. Jakob Paul Nelson was born to Molly & Jeff and big brother Timmy at 9:45am 19 inches, 7 pounds and 12 ounces. Everyone is overjoyed and healthy. I stood in awe of God as I was reminded of just how amazing His creation is. Our bodies, as women, were made to give birth. The body knows just what to do! And that little baby that comes out is a pure picture of God's hand in creation, right down to the smallest detail. I was so blessed to be a part of this special day!!

I joined Molly and Jeff at the hospital Sunday morning ready with breakfast for Jeff and something yummy waiting for Molly. I got to visit with them and hear just how the night had gone (she checked in around 10pm Saturday night). It had not been a comfortable night, but filled with rest, the hospital room-contraction-epidural kind of rest, and delivery wasn't too far away. She was progressing steadily, the doctor said at 8:10 but only at a "6". We chatted some more, made some phone calls and Molly even put on some make-up and brushed her teeth, it was a great distraction. 9:15 the doctor was back in and said it was time to push!! Uncle Allan (molly's dad) and I took our place behind the curtain and waited for that precious cry.

Molly amazed me through this! I could hear that contagious laugh of hers between pushes. The nurses kept her happy and distracted and God blessed her with strength (and a great epidural!). By 9:45 Uncle Allan and I had our eyes filled with tears at the screams of Jakob. The best sound in the world!!!

The next hours were filled with family and all the new baby check-ups. Big brother Timmy got to meet his new baby, which went just great and we all got to take turns holding him. I had the blessing of getting to stay behind with Molly and Jakob as everyone else left to get lunch. The room was quiet for a whole 30 minutes, no nurses, no visitors, just the three of us. Molly took advantage of this and slept, she so needed that!! I took advantage of it by holding the new bundle. I was able to pray blessings for him and all of our boys as they grow up, sit and bask in the glory God's creation, and just simply enjoy my new cousin. It was a great day!

Welcome little Jakob, your life is blessed already! You have wonderful parents, a great big brother and an extended family that loves you to pieces. God has blessed you with a house filled with laughter and love and I pray he will fill you will a love for Him, our Savior!! May the Lord truly bless you and keep you!!

Tough Life

Sunday evenings in the Matlock home:

Tough life, I know! Spraled out in the recliner with Daddy and Bailey eating popcorn.

Sweetest Boy

I believe it is my job as the mother of a future man & husband, to raise a gentleman. To raise this little boy to be a great husband. One that is kind, loving and well prepared. Meaning he will open doors, say please & thank you, will pay compliments and notice the things to give compliments for. Also, he will know how to cook, do laundry and clean a toilet. No, I'm not being a feminist in this, I don't think that's his role as a man, but yes I firmly believe he should know how to do these things. He will not be a sissy about this, and will take care of things a manly man should. I pray every day he is a man that loves the Lord above all else and that the Lord gives him wisdom. I pray he is a man of integrity and kindness. These are the things I strive for as the mother of a future man & husband. These things must be trained and taught to him now, so in effort to do this I find myself saying suttle things and pointing things out. Helping him give compliments and letting him open doors for me. Last week I saw this sweetness and kindness in him. He was given 5 stickers at Trader Joe's. He was so excited about them. He looked at them and talked about them the entire 20 minute drive home. When we got home he said, "Here Mommy!" and gave me a sticker. He then proceeded to fill my entire arm with his stickers. It touched my heart. Yes, it's a silly little thing, but to me it spoke volumes. He shared something that he was excited about with his mommy. That is my sweet boy!! Now to work on the toilets and disobedience!

Fun For All!!

Last weekend the three of us had a great weekend! Last Friday we took Thomas to my parents house to spend the weekend, so we could go wine tasting with friends on Saturday. It was great!! Thomas had the best time with his auntie and grandparents and we were reminded what life was like before kids, and how much we love life with a toddler!

We went to a friends house for dinner with 3 other families and stayed up until 12 playing games. Then, came home to watch a movie. Saturday we were up early and out the door headed over to Napa. There were 5 couples split into a girl car and a boy car. Such a blast. We toured Rubicon, Francis Ford Copalla's winery, and several others. I highly recommend Rubicon. So interesting and absolutely beautiful. We finished the evening with a grown-up dinner out. All adults around the table able to eat whatever we wanted, talk as long as we wanted all that without interuption. We were back in Vacaville by 8 that evening and finished the night at one of the couple's homes for snacks and games. We were home by 12. Sunday we were able to sleep in and made it to church on time. It was great to be footloose and fancy free, but it warmed my heart to see Thomas excited to see us and to give him a big hug.

It was a weekend that made me thankful for friends, times of laughing until I cry, and a wonderful husband. The time away from Thomas made me love him even more and appreciate the blessing that being a mom is.