Earlier today I was in the middle of writing a post covering a residency celebration that Pete & I attended last week, but I was pulled away by a phone call. Because of that phone call, I’m setting aside what I had been working on and am posting a request for your prayers and good thoughts instead. The call was from my sister, Mama Bex, whose little girl, Malena, was diagnosed with a brain tumor while we were in Kenya in February. It was determined just after we returned that the tumor is not cancerous, but there area still a lot of questions surrounding it. Apparently, it’s pushing against the part of her brain that controls her thirst, weight control, and urine output. Because of this, her body is constantly telling her she is thirsty, causing her to drink crazy amounts of water and then need to go to the bathroom. All of this has thrown off her sodium level in her body. The scary thing is that seizures can happen if sodium levels drop too low. That’s the constant danger Malena faces. Becky is required to be incredibly strict about what, when, and how much Malena drinks every moment of every day. That is not an easy thing when Malena’s body is telling her she needs more water. We’ve learned to be very careful about leaving cups of drinks sitting in her reach or not locking the fridge.
Even when taking great care to keep everything in balance, Malena’s numbers can get off. That’s what happened today. Becky noticed that Malena was having little head shakes, definitely not normal for her, so she called the doctor. The doctor suggested they go to the clinic, where it was decided she needed to be admitted to the hospital. I don’t know any more details than that at this point. Malena’s little sister is staying here with us, and we’ll see what tomorrow brings. Please, please, please pray that the doctors can get to the bottom of this. Malena is 3 1/2, just five weeks younger than Ella. This is a lot for such a sweet girl to go through. Please also be praying for Becky. I cannot imagine everything that a mama goes through during these times. Yes, I know what an auntie feels, but that’s nothing compared to what a mama must feel.
I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating the need for intentionality in my life. Since graduating, I’ve thought about it far more. It probably has to do with the time I have available now to actually be intentional. What do I mean, exactly, by being intentional? Being purposeful, which requires thought and planning. It has a lot to do with the goals I set out to achieve. They can’t be accomplished without some intentional actions. Even little steps toward each goal have to be intentional. I get a bit excited about it when I really think of all the opportunities to be intentional. I can be intentional in my mairriage, my interatictions with Ella and Sam, my time with God, my fitness and health, my relationships with friends. The list goes on and on. Because the list is endless, I have to be intentional with my list of intentional actions. (Whoa, that’s deep.) That’s why I try to always compare my list of intentions with my personal goals and values. I can’t possibly do everything I would like to do, but if I’m spending time doing the things that line up with my values, I know my time is being spent the best way possible.
Sammy showing of his new straw-drinking skills
Here’s a great example that just happened. I was sent a link to an article that covers a few areas I would like to be more intentional about. Things like reading challenging articles, reading Christian-based articles, and reading on the topic of Down syndrome. It’s pretty much a win-win when one article can cover that much!
I’d love to hear what you hope to be more intentional about. Sometimes just writing it or telling someone can get us a step closer to making it happen. And hearing from others on this stuff is always very encouraging on my own path.
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So, tomorrow my little brother is getting married. What?! I’m super excited. His girl, Valerie, is exactly the girl I’ve always hoped and prayed he would marry. It’s an outdoor wedding here in Duluth, so we’re praying it doesn’t rain between 7pm and 10pm. Ella is a flower girl and Sam is a ring bearer. I’m a bridesmaid and making the cake and cupcakes. I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to make the cupcakes for my Jakey Wakey’s wedding. (He’ll be thrilled I just called him that.) Jake and Valerie are two very cool cats with some pretty crazy friends. All I’ll say for now is that a whole lot of lights have been strung in the trees and they’ve brewed a batch of beer for the reception. I can. not. wait.
my typewriter may be playing the role of ‘guestbook’ at the wedding
PS. I couldn’t resist calling Jake & Valerie two very cool cats after hearing the term “cats” discussed at length on Minnesota Public Radio yesterday. They fit the term perfectly.
On Thursday, May 16, I walked across the stage of the University of Minnesota Duluth graduate school commencement ceremony and received my Master of Education. It’s still hard to believe I’ve finished. Two and a half years of work all tied up, my thesis submitted, and a degree in my hand. Done and done.
It wasn’t until I picked up my cap and gown on campus the week before commencement that it really settled in my head that the hours and hours and hours of work was actually accumulating as something. It had felt like I was just doing work, most of it work that I enjoyed, and that it wasn’t for any specific purpose. Fortunately, walking across the stage and receiving my hood changed those feelings. I was thrilled.
I’m not currently teaching, but my degree does have a purpose. When I was in Honduras almost 10 years ago, living and teaching for 13 months, I realized that I may have resources and skills that would be beneficial to others in places where such resources are not easy to come by. I hope to eventually teach teachers. Teachers are the people who touch countless lives and who have the ability to influence an entire nation of people. In a third world country where education is so incredibly important, good teachers make all the difference. I hope that my advanced degree will enable me to educate teachers in the best ways possible, perhaps in Kenya.
Pete’s parents were able to join us for the ceremony, along with my dear friend Krista. My parents were not able to attend, but I know that they were thinking about me. I would not have made it through grad school without the help of all of our parents and my close friends. They watched the kids, made meals, cleaned the house, and provided moral support during the tough hours of making my way through classes.
These are two of the professors who were instrumental in my graduate studies, Julia Williams and Lynn Brice. Julia not only taught me during grad school, but I also had her in undergrad classes. She was wonderful. And Lynn advised me during the long process of writing my thesis. Perhaps I’ll eventually work with these two again when I begin my doctorate studies. That’s not going to happen any time soon, though. I want a few solid years of teaching in Africa first. (Hear that, Dad? I won’t be starting in January. *wink wink*)
I absolutely could not have made it through school without this guy right here. Perhaps we were a little crazy having a one-year-old when I started grad school, mostly because he was also in the craziness of residency. And yes, maybe having another baby, and appendicitis, and spending two months in Africa in the middle of it all made things a bit more challenging, but we made it through! This man made all of that possible. He supported me and challenged me and bought me delicious, carb-y snacks when morning sickness threatened to end my studying. I love him, I love him, I love him.
So now I’m making my way through the transition out of school. It’s been a bit more challenging than I had imagined. A few times I’ve found myself sitting, surrounded by piles of laundry, stacks of dirty dishes, and a list of house projects, yet still feeling unsure of what I should actually do. I’ve become so used to needing to spend time on school assignments and writing my thesis that I have a hard time accomplishing little, everyday things. It’s getting better, but I certainly didn’t expect this. No complaints. I’m relieved to be finished with classes and will gladly work through this transition in order to have more time with the kids. Soon enough, I’ll have my days filled with house work, play dates, and picnics. And that sounds just lovely.
My sister sent this to me the day after graduation. The photo on the left was taken in May 2006 at my undergrad graduation. Pete & I had been dating for a few months. It’s fun to see the changes between 2006 and 2013.
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Look at these two – Caleb and Sam. I just love this photo, taken by Krista while she was watching Sam recently. Their expressions couldn’t be more different!
Today, May 24, is our Samuel’s first birthday. What a day! Really we’ve been celebrating all week. It began with his birthday party on Saturday. I started dreaming up his party when we were still in Kenya. I love planning parties. How could I resist a baby safari theme? I couldn’t!
We kept everything fairly simple and just served cupcakes (the first I had made in months!) pretzels, fruit, and chocolates.
I’ve discovered my favorite thing when it comes to putting together a party with a theme – printable party packages! They are available all over Etsy, but as soon as I spotted this one, which included lots of personalization, I was set. Tania at Designs by Tania arranged the details and got back to me right away. Then all I had to do was print, cut, and assemble! I’m definitely doing printable packages again in the future.
Miss Maira Marie didn’t want to wait to have a cupcake.
Auntie Becky was getting lots of kisses from our little man. He knows just how to share the love.
Our new buddy, Caleb, was able to join us for the party! Caleb is just a few months younger than Sam. I think the boys are going to need lots of fun play dates through the summer.
After we pulled her away from the cupcakes, Maira was focused on caring for Ella’s baby doll. Such a good little mommy.
At long last, it was time to let Sam dig into his cake! When checking out the photo below, it’s important to note that he had never tasted cake or any such substance before. How did he know, as I held it in one hand and took the photo in the other, that it was something he so desperately desired?! Must have been all those cakes and cupcakes I made (and ate) when I was pregnant. Smart boy.
We learned after Ella’s first birthday cake fiasco that the cake…and candles…must stay out of reach until they are ready to be touched. We sang, Ella blew out the candle, and then I set the cake in front of him. The boy dove right in.
Once Sam had devoured his cake and the rest of us had enjoyed our own little cakes, it was time for presents. Sam had the party thing down. He knew just what to do!
Our man got some adorable summer threads, a couple books, a few toys, and of course, a musical instrument from Uncle Jake. It’s hard to say who was more excited about it – Ella or Sam. I think we’ve got a pair of young musicians in this house. Jake, when can you start lessons?
Nana and Papa Scott surprised the kids with their very own miniature chairs to match the two we already have. One of the first things we noticed when we moved into our house three years ago was that all of our neighbors down our side of the street had Adirondack chairs, so we jumped on board! Now Ella and Sammy can sit in style right beside us.
What a party! We had a great afternoon celebrating our Sammy with a little safari. Not quite like the one we experienced just a few months ago, but being in the north woods of Minnesota, it was just right.
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Sam’s party was on Saturday, but today is his real birthday. I set my alarm last night so I would wake up at midnight. I wanted to be able to cuddle my baby right at 12:06am, the moment he came into our world one year ago. I held him and rocked him and prayed over him. He has brought countless blessings to us in the last year, most of which we were not at all expecting. What a boy he is.
After sleeping the rest of the night, we all woke bright and early to attend a conference that Pete was giving at the hospital at 7am. We sat in the back row and ate breakfast while Daddy spoke. He was fantastic. Seriously, that man works harder than anyone I know. I am so proud of him.
How many people do you know who would actually enjoy attending a conference on colons first thing in the morning on their birthday? Clearly, this little guy had a great time.
The mama hen in action. She is very protective of her Sammy Sam.
Isn’t he handsome? I claim him. Yay.
Immediately following the conference, I took Ella to preschool. As I was pulling into the parking lot, she asked if she could show Sam her school since it was his birthday. Why not? The three of us went into the school, checked out Ella’s coat cubby, said hi to a few kids, and then we were invited into her classroom. The kids were so excited to have a baby visiting. When they found out it was his birthday, they insisted on singing to him. We all sat in a little bunch on the floor, each child played a little hand instrument, and we sang happy birthday. Not once. Twice. Sam was thrilled. And so was I. I really wanted today to be special, and that was an excellent addition.
After we picked Ella up from school, we stopped at the store so she could choose a birthday balloon for Sam. Then we headed to the playground. At long last, it’s warm enough to play outside!
Sam’s first swing session! Do you think he liked it? He kept watching his shadow on the rocks below with his tongue out to feel the breeze. Anytime there’s a breeze the boy’s got his tongue out. Maybe I should try doing the same. Maybe.
Big Sister loved swinging side by side.
When we returned home, the kids had special cupcakes and took long naps. It was a beautiful way to celebrate our Samuel’s first birthday.
I am finished. Completely finished. Thesis is in and I walked across the stage to receive my diploma this past Thursday. I feel so free! I’m now catching up on laundry and getting the house clean, seeing friends, and getting blog updates ready to post. I feel wonderful! I’ve been looking forward to being at this place for a good while, and now I’m soaking it in.
While I get blog posts ready to publish, I’ll start with a quick post of recent photos. Check back soon because I’ll be getting other fun events up before the end of the week!
