We have recently become huge fans of everything FREE in St. Louis and today was probably the best time yet! We went to check out the less-than-week-old city garden, which includes several fountains, sculptures, plants, and these squirt-up-from-the-ground water features that cry out "Run through me!"
We thought that it was going to be too cold to let Eli run through them, so none of us wore anything conducive to playing in the water (nor did we bring a spare change of clothes). But once Eli laid eyes on the water squirting up in the air, he wasn't going to let us get out of there without giving it a try. We stripped him down to his diaper and Tim sat down to babysit the stroller (aka "stay dry") while I stayed close to Eli as he toddled around the wet tile. A small crowd started gathering as Eli began to put on a comedy routine by holding his face over the water sprayers and they would suddenly and without warning expell huge amounts of water right into his face. He'd look up, gasp for air, and then giggle contagiously. Each time he would do something silly, gentle laughter would roll over the growing crowd that was now nearing 40 or so people. A fountain that was about 18 or 24 inches deep caught his eye and he headed toward it. It had a decent sized wall around it to avoid falling in, so I let him approach it thinking he'd be fine. In a split second, Eli had scaled the wall and jumped in the fountain. Without hesitating, I jumped in after him (screaming like a crazy idiot mom all the while). I plucked him from the water and put him back down to play in the squirty things, but he cried because he wanted back in the fountain. Every mom, grandma, and concerned onlooker in his audience also screamed when he fell into the fountain, but laughed when he cried to get back into the water. Everyone had learned his name by this point and was calling out, "Go Eli!"
After a half hour of chasing Eli and soaking my own clothes, tennis shoes, socks, and every square inch of my body, I decided it was time for us to dry off and move on. Eli didn't agree, but was forced to obey. Mind you, we dried Eli with a blanket and put his dry clothes back on, Tim never got a drop wet, and I left a trail of wet footprints for the over 3 miles that we walked (literally!). We walked down to the arch, went through the landing, met people from Canada and took a group picture for them, watched several helicopter tours land and take off, talked with some people from California, and then wound around downtown until we found a little Italian restaurant and grabbed some dinner.
We finally got back to the van to head home and I took of my tennis shoes and sock and my toes were wrinkly and icky from being in wet shoes for the past 3 hours. But, it was SO worth it! Eli was so fun to watch, Tim and I had a great time chatting as we strolled the streets of downtown, and we had great opportunities to talk to lots of people.
I can hardly wait for our next chance to go visit the City Garden...although next time I'm wearing crocs!
In Christ,
Gwenny<><
P.S.- For those of you who live far away, we invite you to come stay with us for a long weekend; we'll be glad to show you around our wonderful city!
Photo by MKLoeffler Photography
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
A good day
What better thing in life is there than sharing a glass of milk with someone you love as you munch on Chips Ahoy together? This morning Eli and I had each had our own stack of cookies (mine much taller than his stack of one) and he was delighted in taking swashy sips of my milk as crumbles of his cookie trailed back into the glass. I didn't mind a bit. The sheer joy in his eyes as he giggled after each gulp was enough to overcome how gross it was that the milk was tainted with chewed up bites.
God has truly blessed me with a wonderful son. Thank you, Lord!
God has truly blessed me with a wonderful son. Thank you, Lord!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Marathon?
I don't quite know where to start, as it's been too long since I updated you all! Eli is doing great; he's growing and developing by leaps and bounds! He has really accelerated with his sign language and verbal skills. He now says, "shoe" and "-ock" pretty clearly. For some reason, the "s" in "sock" just doesn't want to come out. He is doing great with potty training; it's a rare occassion for him to have a poopy diaper anymore. I'm super proud of how wonderful he's doing!
Tim is terribly behind in his seminary workload. The administration was very kind to grant him an extension to complete his work. The college ministry is doing well; we've seen some growth since the shooting. I think it really caused many of our students to realize the importance of following Christ whole heartedly and making it a priority to be at church.
My business is going well and continues to grow a little each month. I've got some new items that I'll be putting on my website soon. Super cute custom outfits, tu-tu's (great for pictures!), cloth diapers, and a few other things. I've got some big orders to do this week and am looking forward to getting those finished and shipped.
I guess what I really want to tell you all about is my new goal. I've been flirting with the idea of training for a marathon for the last few weeks and last night as I watched Biggest Loser, I made up my mind that I'm going to do it! After a quick google search, I found a marathon (26.2 miles) in Columbia, Missouri on Labor Day. Most marathons are run on Sunday mornings, which just doesn't work well with our schedule, so I was glad to find one on a Monday! Today was my first day of training; I planned to go out and run for 30 minutes and I ended up running 4 miles...and I was even pushing the Monster Baby in the jogging stroller! I was happy with my workout, but fear that tomorrow it might be a feat to walk across the room without collapsing. I think what I really want from this marathon is more self discipline. I want to be that Proverbs 31 woman who rises early, the one who works hard and takes care of her family. I guess that's all for now, I'll keep you posted on my progress (or potential lack thereof!).
In Christ,
Gwenny<><
Tim is terribly behind in his seminary workload. The administration was very kind to grant him an extension to complete his work. The college ministry is doing well; we've seen some growth since the shooting. I think it really caused many of our students to realize the importance of following Christ whole heartedly and making it a priority to be at church.
My business is going well and continues to grow a little each month. I've got some new items that I'll be putting on my website soon. Super cute custom outfits, tu-tu's (great for pictures!), cloth diapers, and a few other things. I've got some big orders to do this week and am looking forward to getting those finished and shipped.
I guess what I really want to tell you all about is my new goal. I've been flirting with the idea of training for a marathon for the last few weeks and last night as I watched Biggest Loser, I made up my mind that I'm going to do it! After a quick google search, I found a marathon (26.2 miles) in Columbia, Missouri on Labor Day. Most marathons are run on Sunday mornings, which just doesn't work well with our schedule, so I was glad to find one on a Monday! Today was my first day of training; I planned to go out and run for 30 minutes and I ended up running 4 miles...and I was even pushing the Monster Baby in the jogging stroller! I was happy with my workout, but fear that tomorrow it might be a feat to walk across the room without collapsing. I think what I really want from this marathon is more self discipline. I want to be that Proverbs 31 woman who rises early, the one who works hard and takes care of her family. I guess that's all for now, I'll keep you posted on my progress (or potential lack thereof!).
In Christ,
Gwenny<><
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Fun with Eli
Hi Friends! Here's a new video of Eli eating an apple.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQVaHB94GoU
He was sitting on the kitchen counter "helping" me wash dishes and he found an apple. He took a good look at it and chomped his mouth on it. He ended up eating almost every last bit of it (stem included!).
Thanks for your continued prayer, calls, cards, and emails. You are all such a blessing to us and we are thankful for your support in this rough time.
In Christ,
Gwenny<><
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQVaHB94GoU
He was sitting on the kitchen counter "helping" me wash dishes and he found an apple. He took a good look at it and chomped his mouth on it. He ended up eating almost every last bit of it (stem included!).
Thanks for your continued prayer, calls, cards, and emails. You are all such a blessing to us and we are thankful for your support in this rough time.
In Christ,
Gwenny<><
Friday, March 27, 2009
Life back to "normal"
I haven't written in the last few weeks, as it's been pretty crazy around here. Yesterday Tim's boss told him to take the day off and spend time with Eli and I. So, we went to St. Louis and had fun in Forest Park. Below is a picture of Eli riding on Tim's shoulder, and he's leaning down for a kiss (which he always does with a wide-open slobbery mouth).
This is Eli and I in front of the fountains in Forest Park.
This is Eli in the bathtub. When Daddy does bathtime, there are always lots of bubbles involved. He loves it!
This is Eli "helping" Daddy change the oil in the truck.
Tim and I are doing okay. There are moments when we just want to stay in bed and cry all day, but we know that is not what God wants. We have to stay strong and put on the armor of God- we're in an all out war, and we're not willing to let satan win. Please continue to pray for strength and healing for our church family, that we would always honor God with our words, thoughts, and actions. Thank you to all of you who have called, emailed, and sent cards. Your encouraging words and prayers are helping us to keep going. We love you all and are so thankful for such a wonderful family (friends, that is you, too!).
This is Eli and I in front of the fountains in Forest Park.
This is Eli in the bathtub. When Daddy does bathtime, there are always lots of bubbles involved. He loves it!
This is Eli "helping" Daddy change the oil in the truck.
Tim and I are doing okay. There are moments when we just want to stay in bed and cry all day, but we know that is not what God wants. We have to stay strong and put on the armor of God- we're in an all out war, and we're not willing to let satan win. Please continue to pray for strength and healing for our church family, that we would always honor God with our words, thoughts, and actions. Thank you to all of you who have called, emailed, and sent cards. Your encouraging words and prayers are helping us to keep going. We love you all and are so thankful for such a wonderful family (friends, that is you, too!).
In Christ,
Gwenny<><
Monday, March 9, 2009
Yesterday was undeniably the hardest day I've faced. But God's strength is enough to pick me up and keep me going. This morning as I was preparing to leave home, the Holy Spirit prompted me to look up Psalm 28. Verses 8 and 9 tell us that God is the strength of his people, he is our salvation, and he will carry us forever!
This is certianly a time when I need God to pick me up and carry me.
I'm not normally in the 8:15 service, but this past Sunday I went so that I could get back to the craft fair where I had a booth for the weekend. Tim went to teach our Sunday School class in the preschool wing but none of our kids showed up. He took a beeper so our Preschool Director could page him if more children showed up and he came to join me in the service. About 3 minutes into Pastor Fred's sermon, Tim got paged and had to leave the service. Less than 5 minutes later the gunman dressed in all black walked quickly down the center aisle. I was sitting in about the fourth pew on the center aisle. I saw him and thought, "Is he going up to give a testimony? He's not really dressed appropriately to be speaking on stage." Before I could finish my thought, he started shooting. The first shot hit Pastor Fred's Bible, causing little shreds of white paper to fly everywhere. I thought it was some kind of drama so I just sat there. I was so close I could have been there in 2 steps. Pastor Fred ran and jumped off the right side of our stage (it's elevated about 4 or 5 feet) and when he landed, the gunman stood over him and just shot. I remember so vividly seeing the orange explosion at the end of the barrell with each shot.
Two men came running up from the sanctuary and tackled the guy. At that point I realized that this all was real and I had to get Eli and Tim. I started to panic and ran to the preschool wing and into the nursery. Our pastor's 8th grade daughter was holding Eli. I grabbed him from her arms and ran out. I ran down to where Tim was and asked him if it was real. He asked what I was talking about and I started screaming that there has been a shooting. Tim ran out of the preschool wing as I chased him and begged for him to stay with me. I was afraid there were other shooters and that he would be killed, too. When I saw he wasn't going to stop, I fell to the ground and screamed. Someone took Eli from me (I don't remember who) and I just laid on the floor and cried.
These memories have been running through my mind over and over. Last night was rough. I couldn't fall asleep- all I could see was the man standing over Pastor Fred shooting over and over and over. I wish I could have done something when he was within my reach.
I have been replaying it all and wishing I would have taken action, but Tim is good to remind me that I couldn't have done anything. God is good to comfort me and He has already begun the healing process. I'm still working through the initial shock of everything and I pray that somehow, God will be glorified.
Last night we had a worship and prayer service and I experienced the most incredible worship ever. When I got home from the police station yesterday (I had to go be video taped), I got in the shower and asked the Lord, "What now, God? What now?" The only thing that came to me was, "I'll praise you in this storm." Yes, this is a storm- a very real and strong storm- but I will choose to praise. I don't understand what happened. I don't understand why it happened. I DO understand that God is present and He will prevail!
Today has been confusing. Tim went to church at about 7:30 and not too much later, I packed up Eli and walked up there, too. I didn't want to be alone. As I was standing in the church office, they walked through with the defibrilater and I lost it all over again. I spent the afternoon with Angie (our Children's Pastor's wife) and she had wonderful encouraging words to share.
I know that God is the strength of His people- our church body- and that he will carry us through this tough time.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Fred's family, for our staff (they're working very hard), for our church family, and for all of us who saw this horrible scene.
This is certianly a time when I need God to pick me up and carry me.
I'm not normally in the 8:15 service, but this past Sunday I went so that I could get back to the craft fair where I had a booth for the weekend. Tim went to teach our Sunday School class in the preschool wing but none of our kids showed up. He took a beeper so our Preschool Director could page him if more children showed up and he came to join me in the service. About 3 minutes into Pastor Fred's sermon, Tim got paged and had to leave the service. Less than 5 minutes later the gunman dressed in all black walked quickly down the center aisle. I was sitting in about the fourth pew on the center aisle. I saw him and thought, "Is he going up to give a testimony? He's not really dressed appropriately to be speaking on stage." Before I could finish my thought, he started shooting. The first shot hit Pastor Fred's Bible, causing little shreds of white paper to fly everywhere. I thought it was some kind of drama so I just sat there. I was so close I could have been there in 2 steps. Pastor Fred ran and jumped off the right side of our stage (it's elevated about 4 or 5 feet) and when he landed, the gunman stood over him and just shot. I remember so vividly seeing the orange explosion at the end of the barrell with each shot.
Two men came running up from the sanctuary and tackled the guy. At that point I realized that this all was real and I had to get Eli and Tim. I started to panic and ran to the preschool wing and into the nursery. Our pastor's 8th grade daughter was holding Eli. I grabbed him from her arms and ran out. I ran down to where Tim was and asked him if it was real. He asked what I was talking about and I started screaming that there has been a shooting. Tim ran out of the preschool wing as I chased him and begged for him to stay with me. I was afraid there were other shooters and that he would be killed, too. When I saw he wasn't going to stop, I fell to the ground and screamed. Someone took Eli from me (I don't remember who) and I just laid on the floor and cried.
These memories have been running through my mind over and over. Last night was rough. I couldn't fall asleep- all I could see was the man standing over Pastor Fred shooting over and over and over. I wish I could have done something when he was within my reach.
I have been replaying it all and wishing I would have taken action, but Tim is good to remind me that I couldn't have done anything. God is good to comfort me and He has already begun the healing process. I'm still working through the initial shock of everything and I pray that somehow, God will be glorified.
Last night we had a worship and prayer service and I experienced the most incredible worship ever. When I got home from the police station yesterday (I had to go be video taped), I got in the shower and asked the Lord, "What now, God? What now?" The only thing that came to me was, "I'll praise you in this storm." Yes, this is a storm- a very real and strong storm- but I will choose to praise. I don't understand what happened. I don't understand why it happened. I DO understand that God is present and He will prevail!
Today has been confusing. Tim went to church at about 7:30 and not too much later, I packed up Eli and walked up there, too. I didn't want to be alone. As I was standing in the church office, they walked through with the defibrilater and I lost it all over again. I spent the afternoon with Angie (our Children's Pastor's wife) and she had wonderful encouraging words to share.
I know that God is the strength of His people- our church body- and that he will carry us through this tough time.
Please continue to pray for Pastor Fred's family, for our staff (they're working very hard), for our church family, and for all of us who saw this horrible scene.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)