My parents, in recent years, fell in love with the game of golf. Not only have they excelled in it themselves, they have taken the time and effort to teach us (-as in every member of our family-) this sport that we're learning to appreciate.

During our most recent trip downstate, Dad took us all to the range. The boys were able to break in their new golf clubs that their harabuhgee handcrafted for them.

Here is a short video from that trip:

Prologue:

Last week, I was downstate at my parents' place before Steph & Jeff's wedding and before we road-tripped it to the lovely Shenandoah region. (Israel is the speaker for SVA's fall week of prayer...it's really beautiful here!!) My little brother came over to hang especially since our sister, Julie, was moving to Guam soon. Well, to make a long story shorter, we ate, slept, golfed, and played my parents' favorite card game called "hula". Now, our family typically doesn't promote the habit of gambling however, between family, gamble is what we do. Most of us see it as an opportunity to help each other financially...as this story will prove.

The Case of the Forgotten Wallet

Last Friday, Julie's flight to Cali was early in the morning. I was going to take her and Justin so graciously let me drive his car...since he didn't have to work until later. My sister and I left at about 6am while everyone else was still sleeping. (Although she did wake everyone up to say bye.) I drove her there and then headed home. What I didn't realize was how much construction was going on on the way home! The ramp from 94 to 275 was closed. But I must have missed the sign because next thing I knew I was beginning to see signs for Ann Arbor exits! With no phone and no GPS, I ended up taking the unabridged scenic route home. Not only that, but I was panicking because I didn't want to make Jutin late for work since I was driving his car. By the time I got home, the gas was also running low, but the good news was that Justin was still sleeping. I woke him up and he rushed off to work.

Later that day, I received a phone call from Justin. He went to the gas station to fill up gas, when he realized he didn't have his wallet! He had left it at my parents' house! When I asked him what he did, he shared how he still had his hula earnings (in cash money...that's how we roll) in his pocket so he was able to pay for some gas. Good thing! Well, I found his wallet at home and stuck it in my bag so I would have it the next time we met up.

On Saturday evening, I was talking to my sister on the phone and I decided to drop by Target to get a few items. The boys were in bed already and so I took my dad's car and headed over. The number one item on my list was sweets to give my boys as an incentive to do well at the wedding. Then I wanted to look into getting one of those belly bands to help me fit into all of my pants that are slightly too small still. I've refused to buy any new pants that are larger than size 6. So off to Target I went at 9:15pm.

It was nice to be chatting on the phone with my sister and strolling through the store in complete freedom and independence. I got snacks, sweets, gum, and the BeBand. I pretty much got carried away with the time. And the next thing you know I heard some announcement about the store closing. So I got off the phone and headed over to check out. But none of the registers were open. I momentarily panicked as I realized I was the only customer in the whole store AND they had already locked up the store! One guy spotted me and said,"We didn't know you were in here! But we can open a register for you." Apparently the announcement was for store employees! Whoops! I thanked him and he asked another lady to check me out. So, she reopened the register and as she began scanning my items, all of the employees congregated by that register...it seemed like they were going to have some sort of meeting or something. Then, my worst nightmare occurred.

Before she was done scanning all of my stuff I went into my bag to get my wallet. No wallet. My palms became sweaty and I felt myself turning red. Inside I was panicking. I kept looking and looking. Not only did I not have my wallet, I was the last customer in the store and the store had already closed like 10 minutes ago and they were all waiting on me! All of the employees were staring at me and I didn't know what to do.

Then, I spotted the hula cash. It wouldn't cover everything, but I just handed it to the lady to buy some time. THEN, I spotted Justin's wallet. I knew he was poor but after paying half of the bill with the hula cash, I figured he should have enough money to cover me. No cash in his wallet. Only a couple credit cards and his debit card. I told the lady I had to make a phone call. I wanted to make sure this transaction wouldn't result in any overdraft fees for my bro. If so, I'd have to go through the embarrassment of choosing which items I could afford and which ones to return...They'd most likely have to redo the transaction all over again and they wouldn't be too pleased. I tried calling Justin but no answer. Of course. Now the group of employees were starting to get impatient. So, I just grabbed Justin's bank debit card and swiped hoping it'd go through and that they wouldn't ask for ID. It did and I zoomed out of there. I was the last car in the parking lot.

The morals of this story are simple but multitudinous:
1. Bring your cell phone while driving.
2. In Michigan, keep in mind that there is always construction on all major freeways.
3. Don't let your gas level get too low.
4. Remember to keep your wallet with you at all times.
5. Sometimes it helps to have an extra wallet handy.
6. Even if you forget these things, a little hula cash can save the day!

Epilogue:

I did end up getting in touch with Justin later that night and the card that I used was fine. In fact, now that I think about it, I haven't paid him back yet. I'll have to do that when we get back...

Last month, we decided to sign Imanuel up for the swimming classes that they were having at Michigan Tech.  It was for 2 weeks - Monday through Friday from 11am-noon.  He was in the pre-school aquatics level 2 class and it's really amazing to see how much progress he made in just 2 short weeks.  Imanuel even had to skip 2 days of class because we went on a trip!  Today was the last day of class and Imanuel was very sad to say goodbye to his teacher, Laura.  In his words, "She is so nice and pretty."  (He uses the words "pretty" more in the context of character rather than physical beauty.)  She is a wonderful teacher.  She taught him the basics of swimming as well as the confidence to be in the water. 

Swimming lesson in session

Imanuel's biggest fan

Getting ready to jump off the diving board!

Swimming in the deep end

During an open swim, with plenty of inspiration from his cousin, Jacob, and extra coaching from Daddy...

Tio Juan and cousin Jacob came all the way from California to spend this past week with us.  Post soon to come.   

This post is dedicated to my sister (family doc) and sister-in-law (pediatrician) who have helped me make many of my decisions.  Thank you for being patient with me in answering my questions and concerns.  I feel so blessed!

Since our firstborn came along, I was faced with something I've never, ever had to deal with before.  Although I had read close to a dozen books on parenting, the gravity of it didn't sink in until he came along.  I, all of a sudden, had to make every decision for my baby.  It truly felt as though the destiny of my children rested in my hands.

There were many aspects of this that were quite easy.  We already had a name for him.  We had read Adventist Home & Child Guidance several times through.  We were willing to do anything to first and foremost ensure his salvation, but then after that things got a little blurry.  The decisions got more and more difficult to make.

Circumcise or no?  Should we get the no-chemical diapers?  Which is better: binky or thumb?  Do we want to get them vaccinated?  Homemade baby food or store-bought?  Should we go organic?  Are fluoride drops safe?  Allow any TV or videos?  Should we get a babysitter?  Toys during church or no?  Is giving Benadryl on a long plane ride drug abuse? ...and the list goes on and on.

There is a lot of hype going around about many baby-related things.  I remember being so overwhelmed by having to decide all of these things for my child, particularly when you have so many women peers bringing up these issues with a determination to convert you.  There is a super-sensitivity that parents have when it comes to how to properly raise your babies...actually, I'd say a more accurate word is anxiety.  And it never did help that the first thing many turned to to get our information was the Internet and all of the "research" out there.  Our protective instincts seem to assume that the world is out to get our babies and do them harm and only an elite few have the honest answers.  (Maybe it's just an Adventist thing.)  It's like we're out to find "new truth".  It's amazing how easily we are drawn to conspiracy theories risking much for the slight chance that it may be true.  I know, because in the past 4 years, I've gone through all the extremes and back again and sometimes again...even if it was just in the dark recesses of my mind.  It can be quite torturing. 

Well, I have made my decision:          

I have decided to follow the Bible, Spirit of Prophecy, and yes, the doctors in my life.  No more Internet perusing or believing those news headlines.  I'm so thankful that God has blessed us with so many intelligent, faithful doctors in our sphere whom we can call at any time.  Unless there is proven research on a topic that has the attention of the medical community, I am going to take these "concerns" or "developments" with a grain of salt.  I am no longer going to stress nor engage in these issues that a loud few are so passionate about.  I'm sure they are very sincere and they may have some evidence, but it's not going to be something I turn into a salvational issue. 

In our day and age, technology has definitely increased knowledge.  But this has opened up so many doors for devil's rabbits.  (Colporteurs were here last week so I thought I'd use that analogy in honor of them...what a waste of time!    I don't want to fall into that trap of fear and paranoia again.  I know God doesn't want me to live like that.  It takes faith to believe that these negotiable decisions are not what determines God's ultimate will for our children.  He hasn't designed motherhood to be so challenging that we are spending hours upon hours on a decision that may have minimal effect on our kids' lives.  We have more important things to focus on.  I believe we must move on.

So, here's to a new life of human effort combined with divine power and a faith that cannot be moved.  Our best, however sorry that may be, is enough to beckon God's grace.  He is strong enough to cover and even reverse our weaknesses and failings.  It's a miracle that only God can perform and it makes me feel free.

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you FAULTLESS before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy..." Jude 24

Last week, we had the privilege of going to Camp Au Sable for family camp.  Thanks to a tip from Stephanie, , Israel was asked to be camp pastor for that week so we were able to enjoy what the camp had to offer...which was much, much more than what we had imagined!  This was a first for our whole family since none of us had ever been "campers" before.  From swimming at the water front to listening for the bugle that called us to meals, the boys had a wonderful time.  The boys went to "Kids Kamp" for ages 0-7, in the mornings, which was a good & educational experience for them.  They had activities like visiting the fire station, going to Hartwick Pines, going inside an ambulance, and lots of playing.  Micah was nervous at first, but after some coaxing from his big brother, they decided to go together.  That gave me a chance to join the basket-making class and for Israel to get some work done.  We're looking forward to when the boys are old enough to participate in more classes/activities and really take advantage of camp!  Here are some pictures from the week at camp:

Our usual place to eat meals

Manu braved the climbing wall and almost made it to the top

Boys at the water front.  Swimming was definitely one of the highlights for the boys.

Walking home after a volleyball game.  It was crazy because both Israel's and my team made it to the championship game.  But my team decided to let the pastor's team win.  We figured it's common courtesy.

On the trail back to Forest Lodge.  Manu and I had many "races" to and from the lodge.

Their favorite teacher from Kids Kamp, Auntie Christine.  She was the reason they kept going back!

These are the 2 baskets I made in my class.  The one on the left was for Micah and the other one for Manu.

Manu next to our over-traveled vehicle.  PS:  Someone during MI campmeeting stole our UP sticker!  If anyone has any leads on this, please let us know.

Bentley (& Alanna ) held the fort back home and took care of the group of colporteurs that stayed at our place for the week.  He was happy to have his new buddy, Giggles, keep him company.  It was a gift from Manu right before we left.

And lastly, here's a little video of Manu on the swing there at High Adventure.  I was nervous because he was apprehensive before going, but afterwards, he wanted to go again...higher.

Camp Au Sable is definitely a blessing and we're even more thankful for their dedication and ministry.

First of all, I can't believe my baby is 6 months old.  Second of all, I can't believe Micah is totally potty-trained (even at night).  And third of all, I can't believe the triathlon is in 2 weeks.  

Ty is such an amazing baby.  'Tis true that the Lord only gives us what we can handle...and He knew that I'd only be able to handle 3 kids as long as one of them was virtually stress-free.  (I hope I didn't just jinx myself.)  I believe he weighs about 23 lbs or more and he is very long.  Last time I weighed him was a few weeks ago.  He has become an avid left-thumb sucker this past month and he has also grown his bottom two teeth.  He has learned to roll over from tummy to back but has yet to maneuver himself from back to tummy.  And just yesterday, we moved him into his big brothers' room so the three of them all share their bedroom.  They love it (-at least the two older boys).  :)  

Micah has become fully potty-trained after about 3 weeks.  The incredible thing is that since then, he hasn't wet all night either.  (Imanuel still requires a pull-up at night...but he is quite determined now to quit wetting the bed!)  It is amazing the amount of pee he puts out every morning.  He sounds like a man.  But I am proud of his progress.  Believe it or not, I used tips from watching the free DVD put out by "Big Kid Central" (from the Huggies/Pull-Ups Brand).          

Imanuel has been in learning mode and loves anything that involves books/reading, triathlons (-his daddy promised to train him for his first triathlon when he turns 7), and bells.  We started a little bell choir with our home school group and during our first performance at a nursing home, Imanuel played his bell notes flawlessly.  It shocked me...but it shocked me more to realize that he is 4 and he will be starting school soon!  We're also going to enroll him in swimming lessons sometime soon (part of the triathlon training).

Israel completed his first triathlon, Hawk-i, on Sunday, June 6, 2010.  We were so proud of him as he finished nearly 20 minutes faster than his trial race a few weeks earlier.  On July 11, our 6th year anniversary, we'll both be participating in the Belle Isle Triathlon in Detroit.  We're both going to be on relay teams with Israel doing the swimming portion and I'll be doing the biking portion.

We drove down to Michigan Camp Meeting 2010 in the Freestyle and Leon.  We're thankful for Leon because Bentley was able to drive down with us and he's come to view Leon as a second home.  On the first Sabbath, Israel was ordained into the gospel ministry.  That was a very special experience for our family and a true milestone in Israel's life.  We're so thankful for all of our family and friends who attended.  

In just less than 2 weeks, we'll be heading down again for CAMPUS l.e.a.d.s.  A couple weeks after that, we'll be at Camp Au Sable for Family Camp with Israel being camp pastor, then U.P. Camp Meeting at Camp Sagola at the end of July.  To top off the summer, we'll be back downstate at the end of August for Stephanie & Jeff's wedding!  We're hoping sometime before then, we'll be able to sneak in a week of vacation.  Lots of plans but hopefully lots of fun too.

This is also a memorable time for us because taking place right now in Atlanta, GA is the 59th General Conference session.  At the 58th GC session in St. Louis, Israel and I found out that I was pregnant with our first son, Imanuel.  So, within the 58th and 59th sessions, we've had our 3 boys.  And we now have a new GC president, Ted Wilson.

We're so thankful for God's guidance and leadership in our lives.  He has proven time and time again that He is in control and He has carefully mapped out plans for us and all we need to do is stay faithful and trust Him.  There are so many more updates that I can think of, but it'll have to wait until another time.  

Here are some memorable pictures and a special video that the boys made to remind us of the importance of daily studying His Word (-they thank their buddy Elisha for teaching them the song!):

 

We are going to miss Ian & his family!

 

The boys & Abuelo.  Ty got to meet him for the first time!

 

Ty wearing the pink PJ set that was passed down from both Manu & Micah.

 

At "Harmuhnee & Harabuhgee's mall" for lots of playing & yummy treats.

 

Brothers

 

Training partners

 

 

The other day, Imanuel and Micah were playing (-and when they play, they mean business!) and I was in the kitchen doing some cooking.  All of a sudden, Imanuel shrieked quite loudly, "MOMMY!  IT'S A DISASTER!"  Now, I had established that the only time we raise our voices in the house is if there is an emergency...meaning, someone gets badly hurt, Bentley is about to get eaten by a coyote, - you get the idea - and Manu is usually pretty good about abiding by this rule.  So, I rushed over and asked him what happened.  Manu exclaimed, "LOOK!  MICAH!"  There was Micah, sitting on the living room floor, knocking over all of Manu's block towers that he was building.  And Micah had no remorse at that.  Manu had even tried asking Micah to stop and he wouldn't.  It was a disaster. 

My temptation was to explain to Manu that what was happening didn't fall into the category of a "disaster" and wasn't reason enough for raising his voice as he had done.  In that moment, I was reminded of something I had read a while back:

"Parents should know how to sympathize with their children in their little troubles, that look as large to them as older people's trials look to them," ST May 20, 1889.           

Parents "should...mingle with the children, sympathizing with them in their little troubles, binding them to their hearts by the strong bonds of love,"  RC 174.  (also found in AH)

I had thought about my childhood. 

My first clear memory was my first day of kindergarten and I was age 4.  I remember what craft we did - we were pasting together traffic signals - and I also remember the emotional rush of being away from my entire family and with (at that time) complete strangers for the A.M. session.  I also rode the bus all by myself.   

Well, Imanuel is age 4.  And I remember being age 4.  I don't know why this intrigues me so much, but it does.  I find myself trying to empathize with him more, but at the same time, remembering my role as his mother.  Here's a list of some of my "major disasters" from childhood:

-  Having to give away Kitty's kittens. 
-  Wanting to go to McDonald's really badly, but Dad saying no.
-  Missing the school bus and having to walk/run to school and not be tardy.
-  My sister or a friend not wanting to play with me.
-  Getting a "B" on my report card.

 It seems so silly now, but at the time, it was serious and emotions would run high.  If we think back, we would remember how those bitter (or sweet) interactions between our siblings, parents, and friends at home, church, or in school were our lives. 

The Lord so patiently listens to all of our worries, and more amazingly, He deeply cares about our feelings.  So, I've been trying to remember what it was like.  I've always wanted my priority to be caring for my boys.  What this means now is being a good listener and knowing how to respond to their "little troubles", their disappointments, their sadness.  I need Jesus to give me wisdom.  Even though I will probably fail them on more than one occasion, I want them to know that I'm trying to understand their young hearts, and to be reasonable.  After all, I'd gladly fix "disasters" at this age when a hug or kiss can make everything better, than when they grow up and experience what "real" life is all about! 

One of my current "little troubles".  The Lord has been merciful and after just 2 days of consistent training, Micah has been doing great at using the potty.  HALLELUJAH!

Hope everyone has a restful, relaxing Sabbath day!

About a couple years ago, one of our churches, L'Anse Seventh-day Adventist Church, started a Christian home school group for the community.  My kids aren't school age yet so they would mainly participate in the craft activities, but it's been nice to have our kids get together with other kids once a week for "school".  Israel was the Spanish teacher last year but is now has taken a sabbatical from that.  Daniel was the worship/Bible leader.  I help with music which involves singing and hand bells.  Our group has fluctuated from time to time, but we seem to have a pretty solid group now.  Now, we meet on Wednesdays from 10am-noon.  It's been a blessing to work with such amazing kids and their dedicated parents.  Plus, the boys really love it!

Here are some pictures from the past couple years:

Craft time

 
Special Music at Houghton Seventh-day Adventist Church - "The Gift Goes On"

Picnic

Collecting food to make baskets

Fall Harvest Party

The Daults raised baby rabbits & chicks and brought them to class 

We're thankful for this group and for the leadership of Karen! 

It first hit me while I was changing newborn Imanuel's diaper after a night feeding.  I looked at him laying on the changing table in our bathroom at our Ypsi house.  As he looked up at me with his eyes filled with wonder and innocence, I wanted to tell him.  I wished I could express just how much I loved him.  But he pretty much had no clue who I was, let alone understand how he had altered the course of my life.  It broke my heart to realize that he wouldn't remember these moments.  I wanted him to know how much time and energy I had dedicated for him - waking up every few hours with him, feeding him, bathing him, watching him, worrying over him, praying for him, dreaming dreams for him...I just wanted him to know what he meant to me.  I realized that these special moments were for me to cherish alone.  He wouldn't remember.  Call it hormones, but I remember being so overwhelmed that I began to weep.  It was from then, that within me, I began to grow the heart of a parent.  

A while ago, I remember hearing in a sermon that a child can never out-love his/her parents.  The more he explained, the more it made sense.  It's a natural law that my kids will never love me more than I love them.  I was not alone.  But to make matters "fair", I realized that my parents love me more than I love them.  That was pretty humbling.  After all of the self-sacrifice they endured, my siblings and I can't love them as they truly deserve.  

The conclusion was simple, but really spoke to my heart - we can never out-love God.  He is the Father of all.  This means that no one in the universe loves God more than He loves them and He knew this would happen even before we were created.  I realized that during that night in the bathroom, I didn't cherish that moment alone.  We never really do.  My Heavenly Father was close, giving me a glimpse into His heart.  If I would have known what I know now, I would have taken those moments of weeping to thank Him for His matchless, unselfish love and for showing me the true heart of a Parent.  It will never be fair for God.  

It is my sincere hope and prayer that as my boys grow, they will strive to know how much God loves them.  After all, who am I compared to the Lord?  The boys may never understand my love for them, but no one will ever know God's infinite love for us.        

"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:38-39

Who will love Him back?

 

A little while back, I went through this phase where whenever the boys would apologize to me for doing something wrong, I would say, "That's okay, just please don't do that again". I'm grateful that my boys apologize so well, but there comes a time when you start to wonder how sincere the apologies are. After all, "obedience is better than sacrifice". That phrase took on a whole new meaning after my boys became toddlers.

As it often happens with small children, they began to use my line. Whenever I asked Micah to apologize to Manu for doing something wrong, he would say "I'm sorry," to which Manu would respond, "That's okay, just please don't do that again". Then after a while, when I would ask Imanuel to apologize to Micah for doing something wrong, Micah would respond, "That's okay, just please don't do that again".  They even started busting that line on me!  As you can imagine, it started getting irritating.  So, whenever someone would apologize, the dreaded response would be, "That's okay, just please don't do that again." If that line was heard, there would be an uproar in our house, and even more apologies would need to be made. It was almost as if that response became demeaning.

Well, a few days ago, I took Manu and Micah with me to go run some errands. Ty was napping at home while Israel was getting some work done. I was on the phone with a church member and the boys were sitting quietly in the back seat. We were in the red car which meant that the heater was perpetually on. The windows were down to help cool off the temperature. After we were about half-way into town, Imanuel said that it was too windy and asked me to close the windows. Without thinking twice, I put both Imanuel & Micah's windows up all the way. About 3 seconds later, Imanuel shrieked, "MOMMY! MICAH!" and I turned around to my horror. Micah's face was frozen in pain and his arm was suspended in the air with all of his four fingers trapped in the window. I immediately put the windows down again and pulled over as Micah finally let out his quiet sobs of pain. (He rarely cries out of pain, so seeing him like this just broke my heart.) I ran around the car and swung open the door and grabbed Micah in my arms.  You parents can imagine how I was feeling at this moment.

For a split-second, I considered blaming the incident on Imanuel for asking me to put the windows up without checking Micah's window.  Then, I thought about giving Micah a lecture on how he should never stick his fingers out of the window.  But when all was said and done, I knew I had no one else to blame but myself.

I looked at his bluish fingers as he managed to utter how his fingers got stuck in the window. I repeatedly told him how sorry I was and kissed his hand over and over again. He was able to move them and I felt some relief. As he stopped crying, I looked him in the eyes and apologized one more time. Then he responded in between those crying hiccups, "That's okay, just please don't do that again".  I almost cried. I knew that he had forgiven me and I promised him that I'd never, ever do that again.

After I got back into the driver seat and we continued towards town, I didn't have to explain much to the boys.  The lessons in safety were already learned.  We moved on a happier topic...we were going to recycle!

That day I learned a thing or two about true repentance.  It is painful.  It is traumatizing.  There is no justifying or blaming.  It makes you want to never hurt/fail that person again...and you do whatever it takes to ensure that it doesn't happen.  After being forgiven, you are utterly humbled and it makes you love that person even more.  You are forgiven, but you never forget.  You will always be sorry.  And still you must move on.

I want my boys to learn what it means to have sincere repentance for their sins and an authentic forgiveness towards one another - an experience that ultimately changes who we are and causes us to love each other more.