Wednesday through Friday

As I was laying in bed last night I thought, "really? Where did the week go?" I started going back through my week and realized that it was busier than I had anticipated. The past couple of weeks have thrown me a bit off schedule as I've been working on things a little out of the ordinary. This fall, I've had the opportunity to do some writing for the media guide. The three pieces I was working on were due last week, so much of nap time and my evenings were used to email back and forth and edit and change the pieces. They were finally finished last week and then I started this week typing some things for Brian. Those were finished on Wednesday. So, Wednesday afternoon I started in on a project that should have been finished weeks ago! I was using all of my down time finishing the articles that I didn't have time to get the kids' t-shirts finished for the season.

I was excited to try something new on my sewing machine this year. I've always worked on simple sewing projects, and I've tried my best to stay away from anything that would require my own creativity. This time, I branched out...a little...and for those of you who are naturally crafty, this might seem insignificant, but it was a pretty big deal for me!

They each are somewhat different...




I spent all evening on Thursday and most of Friday morning working on these...and I'm pretty proud of how they turned out...except for one small problem. Levi might end up with a tie-dye shirt if I can't get the dye out of the front of his! :) Other than the not-so-perfect shape of the football, I like how Levi's turned out! When I told Culley that her shirt said "Tiger Football" she growled like a TRUE tiger!


I tried a different stitching on each of their names. Levi's "Fish" didn't turn out the way I wanted, and looks a bit like a novice seamstress attempted to be fancy...wait, that's exactly what happened! :)

Other than going to practice Wednesday and Thursday...and a high school football game Friday night, we spent most of our time at home this week. But, as I was packing my bag for this morning and setting everything out on the ironing board, I realized how ridiculous it really is...between coloring books, story books, snacks, Levi's food, bottles, diapers, extra clothes, water, and other things.
I mean...this picture isn't even everything I end up taking with me to the games! We have pom poms and jammies for the ride home...and the cold weather isn't even here yet!!!! :) Good grief...I'm tired just thinking about it!

Go Tigers!!!!!

Tuesdays

Well, here we are again. I guess today you could say plan B won out. My Tuesdays are supposed to go a certain way...similar to Mondays, I have a plan. But today, it just wasn't meant to be. Ideally, I would wake up before Brian goes to work and run. He usually leaves between 6 and 6:30 so you can see my dilemma. Most Tuesdays I make it...not this one. I should have known from the first moment my alarm went off and I didn't get out of bed that this was going to be one of those days.

As indicated, I didn't get up and run, but I did get up around 5:45, put in some more laundry (because Tuesday is finish what you didn't get finished day). I read and sipped my lovely Estima coffee until 7:00 when Levi woke up. Culley was up at 7:30, so I thought I could squeeze in a run before Levi's morning nap. I packed breakfast for Cj, loaded the kiddos up, and had a SLOW run on a beautiful morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it and by the time we got home, Levi was ready for a nap, Culley was ready for Sesame Street, and I was ready for a shower.

Doesn't sound like too bad of a day, huh? Well...at some point in all of this, Culley pooped her pants, then went pee pee a few minutes later. Around 10:30 Levi woke up and for 30 blissful minutes we had two happy kids...then it happened. I'm not sure what happened...but I'm pretty sure from 11:00 to 11:30 Culley and Levi were fussing or crying...with it all hitting a climax at 11:30. I truly thought about breaking down myself. I mean, there was no consoling them. I almost let the flood gates down and then I realized the windows and back door were WIDE open and I'm sure my neighbors were having a fabulous time enjoying their retirement loving the fact that the young, new family chose to move in right between them. I actually began to laugh...I mean, why cry when it really is this ridiculous and out of my control?

I finally let them both cry while I got lunch around...lunch is always a great way to stop the crying...for a while. Let's see...not one thing finished on my list except clean laundry sitting on my table waiting to be folded and I was too frazzled to attempt that during lunch...so we all ate and shuffled up to bed. Today I decided that a 20 minute nap wouldn't be too bad, so we were able to dodge the crying before nap time since I told Culley I would take a nap in her bed. Unfortunately, I kept thinking about everything I still needed to do, so I layed next to Culley for about 30 minutes...and when I tried to leave Culley's room, she was WIDE AWAKE. For another 30 minutes of more I tried to get her to go back to sleep. But there was absolutely no way the little girl was going to nod off again. Needless to say, I made her lay in her bed until nap time was over.

During this quick break, I folded laundry and typed up Brian's class syllabus for him. At least a few things were scratched off my list because once Levi woke up, it was time to go grocery shopping for a few things we needed.

The BEST part of Tuesdays is that we get to go to the football office and have dinner with the football staff. Because Tuesdays are another late night, the wives all bring something and for a few minutes we get to see everyone. Not only is it nice to see Brian, but it's also nice to see the other families and fellowship with them during the week.

However, we still had bed time to get through, so as enjoyable as a few moments of my evening have been, bed time brought many more tears...from both of my children. I honestly don't think I've heard so much crying in one day...and I only have two! But, alas, they are finally both asleep and I can enjoy a bit of quiet until tomorrow.

Mondays

Saturday marked a new season. Actually, it marked many new seasons for us. Brian's first season as a head football coach, my first season as a head football coach's wife, and a new season of chaos at football games (just in case you're wondering...two kids 18 months apart can be nothing but complete chaos at games). I didn't get any pictures of the kids on Saturday...partly because their shirts aren't finished...and partly because Levi was on his second outfit by game time. But, I did get a picture of my husband in his debut...I personally think he looks rather handsome!


In this new chapter of our lives, I thought that maybe I would try to give my readers some idea of what life is like here in Bourbonnais for the Fish family. I will not promise to post every single day, but I do intend to give you a rundown of our weekly schedule as often as I can.

Because Saturdays often throw my kids into a whirlwind of sugar highs and sleep deprivation...and Sundays provide mornings visiting new churches and meeting new people, I have dubbed Mondays our stay-at-home-at-all-costs days. It is the only day of the week that the kids can detox from sugar, catch up on sleep, and be reminded that obeying is STILL part of our daily routine. It is a much-needed day for both of the kids and it allows me to work like mad to get the laundry done and house cleaned so the rest of the week we can be free to be spontaneous. Here's how today went:

7:00a.m.--Levi was up and HUNGRY!
8:00--Levi was ready for his morning nap a little early. I put him down, threw in the laundry, cleaned the bathrooms, vacuumed the main floor, and started in on the kitchen.
8:45--Chatted with Kim.
9:20ish--Culley was finally awake (this is not normal).
9:30--breakfast for Culley and I finished the kitchen...sweeping, sanitizing, dishes, etc.
10:00--I think I finished the bathrooms, Levi was awake, and I vacuumed the upstairs.
10:30--played with the kids and folded laundry.
11:00--packed a lunch for all of us and at 11:30 loaded up the stroller and headed to campus where we had lunch with Brian around noon.
12:30--headed home for naps.
1:00--naps...although a certain little girl took a while to fall asleep.
1:45--mow the lawn.
2:30--work on typing paperwork for Brian.
3:15--Culley and Levi wake up and we usually have a little bit of snuggle time.
4:15--Chat with my mom.
4:30--Make baby food for Levi
5:15--Dinner...we eat a little earlier when Brian isn't home for dinner. Levi usually eats at 5:30 anyway, so Cj and I join him.
5:30--fold more laundry while waiting for Cj to finish eating.
6:00-6:45 is playtime/book time, etc.
7:00--baths
7:30--Levi to bed while Culley reads books in the "brown chair"
8:00--Tonight Culley got to stay up later and eat popcorn while we watched a little bit of HGTV.
8:45--Cj to bed...clothes away or finish laundry.
9:30ish--Jodi to bed.

So...there you have it. My Monday's aren't always on the hour perfect timing, but that's usually what they look like. With only a few things left on my list...I think I'll let them go unfinished until tomorrow. It's a good day to get as much done as I can while at the same time giving the kids a little bit of home time and a day back within a routine. Brian works late on Monday's and if I can get it all done on Mondays, it allows my time to be free later in the week when his time is a bit more free. I do love living close to the campus because it allows us to eat lunch with Brian on Mondays whereas if we lived further away it would be more difficult. I probably won't bore you with that many details on the following days...because I don't push to get things done as much.

I think I'll head off to bed...

One Final Summer Post

Today is the one final summer post before we move on to football season. I already have a bazillion football posts written in my head, but I really want to finish filling everyone in on our summer transition.

Summer has been a rollercoaster of emotions for me. There were times I was so incredibly homesick for relationships that had depth and meaning. I know it's tough to believe, but in a few instances I was actually the one to bring conversations to a screaming halt by mentioning Christ and living evangelism. Those moments made me long for what I've had in the past. But honestly, through it all...I have never wanted to actually go back. One thing that God has taught me through my life experiences is that no matter how tough it seems now...He has a purpose that is even more beautiful than what I'm longing for. I think of the Israelites as they journeyed out of Egypt and were eye witnesses to the miraculous works of God ON THEIR BEHALF...for His glory. It wasn't long before they forgot...and they were longing to go back. I often pray that God will keep me from this mindless, thoughtless, trustless way of thinking. I know that what He has for us here is far better than we can imagine...if we just let Him work it all out for our good and His glory.

There have been other times that I've felt right where I belong. Those moments usually had something to do with the joy and laughter my kids and husband showed. These are a few of those moments:

Culley was finally old enough to attend story hour at the library. Once a week we would head over to one of the three available libraries and for 30 minutes she would listen to stories, sing songs (her favorite), and then she would watch me make her craft...yes...that is the only part that I was not thrilled about!
These are two of my favorites. The crown lasted quite a while...the jester hat...not so much.

We have really enjoyed being closer to Brian's family. We have enjoyed time with them at our house, at their houses, and at the lake.

A highlight of my summer was driving up to Lake Michigan and meeting his family there for the day. Culley had a blast! Her cousins looked after her and made her feel like one of the gang! It was one of the more relaxing days of the year.

We also headed up to Chicago with Brian's sister and her family. Not sure why, but I love public transportation since living in Istanbul, so this day was a blessing to me as we took the train in to the city and the bus to the zoo. On the way back, I sat by a lovely elderly lady who talked and talked...and adored Culley. I wish I would have had more time to chat with her.

Culley and Levi have really been growing to love each other.

Levi's face lights up when Cj walks into the room...and well, as you can see he already knows how to make her squeal! Culley is starting to play with him and when he cries, she is very intent on making him happy. Her first attempt is usually the same thing I try...the paci.


Even though these are older pictures, they are some of my favorites.

Not only have I been to the doctor for Levi in the last 10 months, but Brian's back went out, among other injuries from growing old. Culley has also had some medical issues. Nothing that is too serious, but I truly feel like I am the medical/hospital mom. I realized yesterday that there are two lessons to be learned waiting for tests and doctors...patience and trust in God's sovereignty. I guess those are two characteristics that God thinks I need some work in. Anyway...one particular test was an ultrasound for Culley. They were checking her kidneys for various reasons. She was not thrilled, to say the least. This one was tough for me. All she wanted was to wrap her arms and legs around me and hold on for dear life. So, of course I thought that deserved an ice cream cone.
If Culley only liked ice cream before moving...now she loves it! We've had a few pity parties around the ice cream cone these last few months...but her smile is very worth it.

That's about it...not terribly exciting, but that's our summer. Now we head into the real job...the real reason we came. I can't wait for the next part of the journey. It promises to be an adventure...it probably will feel a little bit like wandering in the wilderness for a while...but it will be a ride that God promises to go before us on...and I smile at what He will lead us to.

Blessings!

Adoption

I think today I will take a break in the family updates and fill my blog readers in on a few musings that have been rumbling around in my mind. If you've followed Levi's story at all, you know that I shared about a young teen I met at the hospital who was waiting to be placed in foster care with her 7 month old baby. My brief encounter with her broke my heart. She isn't alone.

I remember sitting in the NICU holding Levi and sitting beside him for what seemed like hours at a time. When the tide of activity and flow of doctors, residents, and nurses would subside, I would often sit back holding my three pound baby and observe. In Levi's cul-de-sac there was room for about eight to ten babies. Some were in and out, and a few were there when we got there and remained there when we left. Of the babies in Levi's section, there were only a few moms who came to visit every day, and only two others who came everyday for a solid chunk of time. I know every family's situation is different and many moms and dads have jobs that do not allow them to sit for hours at a time beside their baby's bed. But I also know that there are babies sitting in the hospital waiting for a home to call their own. One nurse in Levi's area told me that her son was a NICU baby...she ended up adopting him and taking him home...and she shared that for many NICU babies, they do not leave the hustle and bustle of the NICU and go to a permanent home.

If these stories don't tug at your heart, I'm not sure what will. Brian and I have talked at length in the last few months about families who adopt, or families who choose to be foster parents. Brian and I are convinced that God's design...God's basic unit for evangelism is the family.

In Psalm 145, the writer says, "Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever...One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness." My generation...me...I will commend God's works to the next generation...my children. His deeds, his works, his greatness, and abundant goodness are to be on our lips to make God known to our children. Then, in Deuteronomy 6, God commands the people of Israel to "teach them [words of God] diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." See, we don't have to go far to make the gospel known. Our own home is the first place God is declared to our children.

Brian and I began discussing this in the context of adoption. What better way to take a lost soul ad proclaim the gospel than to bring a lost soul into the arms of a loving family who makes Jesus the Lord of their life? A soul that may otherwise never hear the Good News.

Now, I know that not everyone is called to adopt. Not everyone can, not everyone wants to, and not everyone needs to. So this is where this whole conversation has led me...what am I doing with my own children? If I truly believe this is true in adoption, then why would it not be true in my own biological children? My children are lost souls. They are sinners, and in all honesty their eternal state is heading toward separation from God. So what am I doing about that? Am I just making sure they are in church on Sundays? Do I talk like a Christian, but not act like one? Do I expect them to just "get it" on their own? Oh friends, this hit me hard! I'm not saying I need to bombard them day in and day out with guilty manipulation...I am saying that my parenting needs to guide them to the infinite beauty of Christ. Do they understand that their behavior isn't just breaking a rule, but it's sin? Do I make it clear in discipline that I'm not just disciplining because they didn't do what mommy said but I'm truly teaching them obedience to a holy and just God? Do I shower them with love and forgiveness? And do I...yes, do I live a life that makes Christ infinitely beautiful...worth sacrificing the best this world has to offer for the best Christ will give? Yikes...if this doesn't change my purpose in parenting, I'm not sure what will.

There are times I wonder what in the world I'm doing...and this truth has given me a renewed vision and purpose in mommyhood. It's nice when Culley (and hopefully someday Levi) says thank you and uses manners...and embarrassing when she doesn't...but at the end of the day, or rather at the end of my life I need to ask what it is that I've guided them to in Jesus. Have I lived, taught, and reflected the gospel message? It's theirs to accept or reject, but my job remains the same regardless of my children's responses.

Adopted or biological...the family is evangelistic in nature. So for you moms out there...keep at it...and may Christ, who is infinitely greater than anything this life has to offer, be glorified in your mommyhood and your children.

Blessings!

Ledi

And no, the title of this post is NOT a typo. It's a mystery how some nicknames come into a regular vocabulary. Take Juki, for example. I was not born with this nickname, nor did I have younger siblings who could not pronounce my very simple name. No...Juki came from my oldest brother, who happens to be 10 years older than me. I do not remember being called Juki as a child. No...Juki developed sometime between my high school and college years and I have absolutely no idea why. Ledi is what Culley has always called her "bubby." No amount of pronunciation and enunciation drills can get her to correctly say the "v" sound in his name, so Brian and I have adopted the old saying..."if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." And so...the songs written and sung in his honor are sung about Ledi...he may never ever know how to pronounce his real name until he's much, much older.
For those of you who have followed Levi's progress...here's a bit of an update. We had his 6 month appointment a month late due to a change of pediatrician (I think we've finally found a good one). We saw Doctor Kim when he was 7 months old. He weighed in at a whopping 13 pounds! He is barely on the charts as a 7 month old...but at least he's on the charts. A bit of interesting news as well...remember when we had our ultra-sound with the specialist when I was around 26 weeks pregnant? Remember that one of the concerns about him was that his femur bone was measuring short and they were concerned that this could be a sign of Down's or maybe that he would just be short. Well...he's NOT going to be short. The kid has monster feet and he's actually close to normal on the height chart for a 7 month old as well. I'm definitely not looking forward to having two men in my house with size 14 feet...so the short boy would have been ok with me! :)
Here's a few pics so you can see how the little man is doing.

He can't wait to go fishing with his uncles at the farm! The funny thing about this kid is that he could barely fit into 0-3 month clothes until he was 6 months old...but those hats NEVER fit him! Big head...and big feet! :)

Just hangin' out with the family at the coffee shop.


The little guy might actually crawl before he sits up. I think I've got another mover...he doesn't want to sit still long enough to actually learn to sit!

And so...that's Ledi in a "nutshell"...did I mention he's either laughing or crying? Did I mention that he holds his breath when he's mad? Did I mention that this little guy likes to do things his own way, in his own timing? I've got my work cut out for me!

Summertime

Here we are in the middle of July and as a football coach's wife the summer is about to end. By August 1, the staff will be in full speed getting ready for the players to arrive on the 9th. Once the players are here we begin the season. This isn't all bad...other than summertime, the season is by far my favorite part of Brian's job. He has a schedule; we know when we can spend time with him and we can plan accordingly. The rest of the year just isn't predictable, so it's a bit harder for me. With August quickly approaching, and I'm sure there will be many blog posts about the season and adjustments as a head coach's wife I thought I would give you a few posts about our summer.

We've had a blast! I can't say the adjustment to Illinois has been smooth sailing. We've had our bumps, I've had my cries, and we've had our moments of "what in the world were we thinking?" However, we've really had a good time as a family and I believe that even though we are in the thick of adjustment and finding our way that we have grown even closer as a family and the beliefs and convictions we gained while in Sterling and attending GBC have only been strengthened. So...how about a few pictures to illustrate what a fun time we've had?

The beginning of June we arrived home from Kansas and the next day we had some visitors! Andy, Betsy, and their family came to stay. Culley couldn't have been more excited or more thrilled to finally be reunited with her beloved Ya-ee-ya (Sylvia). I get a bit teary-eyed even now as I think of the kindred spirits those two have together. Everyone of those girls loved on Culley and she was extremely sad to see them go. On our tour of campus, Lydia ran all over the place with Culley who is constantly telling me to "come on! Run!" So it was nice for her to actually have someone run with her! We were sad to see them pull away, and in her prayers even now, Culley often thanks God for Ya-ee-ya and Neenah (Hannah and Anna).

The return to Illinois brought the news that our air-conditioner had quit...so for the extremely hot days we spent much of the day outside in the little pool rather than inside the hot, stuffy, and unbearable house. Notice the car? Garage sale number one this summer! :)

One of the things that Brian and I love about living here is we can take the Metra into downtown Chicago. It's about a 30 minute drive to the station and it will take us right down to Millennium Park. This is Culley's first choo-choo nain (train) ride. Oh my goodness...I thoroughly enjoyed watching her experience this adventure. We rode into Chicago and walked the 2.5 (give or take) miles to the Lincoln Park Zoo. She was lovin' it! She didn't even fall asleep on the train ride home. She kept telling everyone that she saw some elephants...there are no elephants at the Lincoln Park Zoo...so we may have to work on that! One of the traits that I love about my daughter is that people seem drawn to her. On the train, walking down Michigan Avenue, or at the zoo people were drawn to her and talked with her and commented on how friendly she was. Oh how I pray this character trait she will use to glorify God!

It's June...late June...hot...very hot.
Culley loves hats...what can I say? I've had to hide her stocking hats so she doesn't sweat to death this summer!

After a walk with Daddy at the coffee shop.
Going to the park. We live a little less than a mile from a great park. We often walk there and Culley plays while Levi takes a nap in the stroller. What a blessing to be able to get out. On our way to the park, there are some small animals that we can stop to see as well. We are hoping that the next time we get to the farm Culley won't be so terrified of the animals there!

And finally...my big helper! We've done some baking and making meals for others quite a bit this summer. She loves to help in the kitchen and this particular time we were making brownies for some people...the only way I could keep her from sticking her fingers in the batter with my back turned was to let her have the leftovers! I know, I know, I know...but I remember my mom letting me lick the bowl clean and those are some GREAT memories. I absolutely love that she want to help me...I only hope that when she's actually old enough to help she still wants to!

So...that's a snapshot of our summer. There is so much more to come! Oh...and if any of you are interested in a trip to the big city...I know a great place that is cozy, has a soft bed, and the best part is it would be FREE! Let me know if you're interested! :)

Blessings!

July 4, 2011

It's been a hard one, friends. For the past five or six July 4ths I've been in Sterling, KS. You really can't beat small town celebrations...you can't...it's not possible. There is a fullness and anticipation that cannot be replicated by large, impersonal crowds. Whether it was the turtle races or the people races, there has always been something for me to look forward to and usually at least pieces of my family would be together.

The first memory I have of the Sterling celebration began when I lived in Istanbul, Turkey. Strange, huh? Betsy and Roxie wanted to run the 15K from Lyons to Sterling (I think it was originally Betsy's idea). Regardless, I was finishing up my first year overseas and the thought of 9 miles of uninterrupted conversation with my sisters-in-law was very appealing. So...I began training. For those of you not familiar with Istanbul...there really isn't a great place to train for longer distances. It was up and down extremely steep hills that were daunting for me walking, let alone running. Not to mention, runners aren't really common...so running down the main sidewalk along the Bosphorus was like...well, it reminded me of how I imagine animals in the zoo feel when people just stand and stare at them, waiting for them to do something interesting. All the while smiling and talking to the person beside them about where the animal is from, what its habitat is like, or whether it feels lonely or whether it even knows it is alone. I didn't do that very often. So where did I train for this 15K? Around and around and around and around and around and around...the track at the sports club. But I didn't mind because the anticipation of spending the fourth with my family and running the race with great friends was worth every bit of every lap completed.

I must admit, that the second fourth was full of anticipation as well. I came home from Istanbul without a job, living on faith that God would provide in some way. Even in all the uncertainty, as I flew in just in time for the fourth activities, the anticipation was more about meeting a certain assistant football coach that my family could not stop talking about. I think that might have been the one and only year a Lambert had a turtle in the races as well. Year three brought my first fourth as a married woman and hosting the get-together for my family.

Year four was right after our trip to China and I hadn't trained for the 5K, but Dad wanted me to run with him, so I did...and just about died in the process. The BEST part and probably one of my most favorite memories was that Chuck had been secretly training to run. The day Brian and I got back from China we were quite jet-lagged so we walked to Paddy's for breakfast fairly early in the morning. As we were sitting there sipping our coffee I noticed a man run by...and incredibly shocked...realized it was Chuck. WHAT WAS HE DOING??? When we confronted Chuck he tried to deny it...but he couldn't pull that one over on us...so we were in on the secret and it was priceless...absolutely priceless to see the looks on my other brothers' faces. Priceless.

Year five was my first fourth with a baby...and I believe I even played in a three on three basketball tournament. Year six was a 5K pushing both my kiddos...one in the stroller and the other in my tummy.

Year seven...well, this is it. There is no year seven and I am very sad. I miss it and I miss the jokes, the fun, the living life together. I'm sure it will come here. We will find new traditions and new celebrations...but today I am enjoying the memories of yesterfourths. I am an American...believe me...but the Fourth of July has always just been a celebration of freedom...but a celebration of family as well. I guess for now my anticipation will be for the years to come...what will our new fourths look like? I wait to eagerly experience what God has for us.

Happy Fourth of July!