Catch-Up

So, again, I fail!  I still don't have pictures to post of our trip (I'll have to get Jonathan to help me find them).  We didn't take a camera, except for Jonathan's phone, but all of our friends from our trip did share with us, I'm just not sure how/where they are saved)!  I also haven't done personal thank you notes to all those that helped support us!  That is on my to-do list!

Anyway, Emrick is getting so old so fast.  We were working on a memory verse from church when he started quoting another that I think he learned at school.  It was so neat to hear him saying verses he had learned from school.  Sometimes I struggle with the fact that I'm a working mom, and that the boys spend so much time at daycare, but today it was refreshing and comforting to know that he is receiving some biblical teaching at school, too!  And honestly, probably more than I would do/did when I am home with them in the summers.  Anyway, I digress.  It was so cute, that when we got home, I made him say them for the camera to share with all of you!  Here is the documentation of our first three memory verses!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16 

(I love the way he says perish; and this is the verse I didn't even realize he knew until today)

and

"Don't be afraid!  Stand firm, and you will see how the Lord will save you today." Exodus 14:13

"In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth." Genesis 1:1

Becker is getting just as big, just as fast.  He is SO ROUGH.  He is constantly bumping his head...not soft bumps either...just since Friday, he has jumped/fallen out of the cart at Wal-mart and banged his head on the floor, busted his lip at daycare, and fallen backward off the ottoman into the fireplace on his head.  Please don't call DSS on us...he is just so stinkin fast and fearless.  He always cries for a sec, but then goes right back to where he left off!  The boy has NO fear, and evidently a really high pain tolerance.  He is going to give me a heart attack; I'm sure of it!  In the last month or so, he has popped at least three teeth through, and I'm pretty sure working on more.  He is working on words, but doesn't have that many yet.  He can say his name, and is learning "MORE" very quickly.  He's also developing quite the personality.  I always say, "He is so cute when he's happy!"  Because, he knows what he wants, and he is only happy when he has what he wants...oh, boy!  Some of my favorite, most recent pictures of this bad boy:

This was a TERRIBLE day for the two of us.  We butted heads on many, many occasions this day, but at least there was one cute picture to account for the evilness!  ;)

And here he is sporting one of his bumps and bruises on his head!  Cuteness!

Baby 3 seems to be growing fine!  The heart rate on Oct 8 was 145-150.  Both boys were in the same range throughout their pregnancies.  We've said from the beginning we think it is another boy.  We will see!  And SOON!  We go Friday to do the full baby scan and will hopefully be able to see if our prediction of boy is correct.  Please fill free to pray that the full body scan goes well, and that baby 3 is healthy!  I'll try to get back here then and share with our 2 faithful followers the results!

For good measure, here is baby 3!  

Nicaragua

So, I didn't fulfill my commitment...surprise, surprise!  BUT, I am finally going to update before I start forgetting.

About two weeks before we left to go to Nicaragua, we were asked if we would like to do "home-stays".  These home-stays are one night with a Nicaraguan family.  We would leave the site that afternoon, and then spend the night, having dinner and breakfast prepared by the family, and return to the site the next morning.  While in Nicaragua, it is stressed that no one ever do anything or go anywhere alone, just for safety.  So, when this idea presented itself, I was interested, and it seemed adventurous and fun, so I convinced as many girls as I could to sign up with me, so I'd be sure to stay with someone.  **We'll come back to this idea later**

We left on Saturday, and although I did shed a tear or two about leaving the boys, I think I handled it well, and was able to move past that pretty quickly.

Getting to Nica seemed easy and I felt as though we transitioned well.  We spent the first night (Saturday) at the Christ for the City Guest House, and had orientation (basically culture instruction) on Sunday.  We then packed up the bus, rode (or if you are me, Dramamine-induced napped) through the country side of Nica for 3 hours, and went to the church that we would partner with this week.  I was part of the pharmacy, and we quickly got to work setting up our work place.  We then meet the members of the church.  Next, was an interesting exchange:  they were going to introduce the host families to the team members that would be staying at their home.  They called out Julio and Marta, and then called out Jonathan and I...we were really confused because normally they pair up by gender, but this year they paired us by marriage...which was awesome, but we didn't understand and caused quite the ruckus because Julio and Marta couldn't tell what was going on (they thought we weren't married, or that we might not want to stay with them, which made me sad that we gave that impression).  Anyway, we had a translator come over and help, and all was well.

We stayed at a nice hotel, and Jolidia (spelling?) the CFCI cook, made every meal for us.  So we were very well cared for throughout the week.

Monday we started our clinic.  Clinic went really well.  Probably the biggest blessing was our pharmacy team.  I had heard how hard that team could be...hot, small, stressful quarters.  But, our team was amazing, and had an amazing leader, that in the mist of our only time of real chaos, she had the freedom, the insight, the wisdom to stop, and pray.  And, would you know, things just smoothed out immediately.  God was so good, and so gracious, and I might be biased, but we really had the best pharmacy team.  Girls, if you read this, I know that I wouldn't have gotten as much out of this trip without the amazing team we had...thank you!

As Monday ended well, I was super pumped up about how well it went, but it didn't take long for nervousness to begin to well up in me about home stays the next night.  I was the one that had convinced so many to do it, but I was starting to fear the unknown about what the house would be like, what the food would be like, would they use our distilled water, would they have a shower (at least what I thought a shower looked like), would we get sick?  But that night, Aracelyes (CFCI worker) shared with us what it meant for us to come to their homes.  She pleaded that we watch our responses, and that we reflect gratefulness as these people opened up their best for us.  It really spoke to me, and I tried to allow God to use me, and calm my fears.

So, Tuesday afternoon, Jonathan and Marta walked in with a young lady named Karen.  As Karen started speaking ENGLISH...she shared that she was from New Jersey, was in the Peace Corps, and knew Marta from the health clinic where she and Marta worked.  She told us that she was coming to the house to help us communicate!  Sounds like we weren't the only ones nervous! ;)  That afternoon, we walked to Marta and Julio's from the church.  We talked and rocked and I received a pedicure and manicure (more on that in a minute), and then shared one awesome dinner.  We then played soccer in the street for a while.  We walked to Marta's sister's and visited for a minute, and then headed in for showers and bed.  We had a fun breakfast including toast in a bag (like a loaf of bread, but toasted), and headed back to work at the church.  It was such a fun, but also seemingly normal night.  It felt right, and like we had been a part of the family forever.

Wednesday night was a hard night...I was missing my babies, but I also was wanting to relish in the moments like Tuesday night as long as I could, and tears just flowed...I couldn't even express how I felt (which, if you know me is a feat in and of itself).  Then, to make my conflicted feelings worse, Aracelyes shared with the team how the host families felt about us being there...how much better it had been then they could have imagined.  She shared that the daughters of Marta and Julio had learned and practiced painting nails just for me.  And she shared that one of the girls stated that they imagined that's how Jesus might have looked as He had his feet washed (while she painted my nails there were easily 6-8 girls from the neighborhood, gathered and watching us intently)...can you say HUMBLED???  I was just a puddle by the end of Wednesday night.  Which made our last day together, Thursday really tough.  It was hard to wrap up, and leave our new friends, especially Julio and Marta and their daughters.

Our week with the church ended with the exchange of gifts between us and the church members, and then with a celebration service Thursday night.  It was a special, special week!

Friday and Saturday we did some debriefing and fun stuff (like zip lining on volcanic islands and shopping in the market).  And, finally on Sunday we returned to the boys.

It was truly a great week, and we learned a lot about serving others, about loving others, allowing others to serve us, and about ourselves.  One of my biggest "take-away's" will have to come after my next announcement.

The night that we got home, we took a pregnancy test (I knew there was a chance I might be, but didn't really believe it).  Well, the test was positive.  We were a little stunned, but excited none the less!  Now, in order to understand my lesson from our trip you have to understand our home.  I love it...I do, but it is small.  It is a two bedroom, two bathroom home.  This will be our third baby.  After Becker, I told Jonathan adamantly, that I WOULD NOT have another baby in this house.  And, I was serious!  However, after our week in Nicaragua I learned something:  Although we were in an affluent area by Nicaragua standards, and most homes had flooring, and some even had internet, they still managed to live 7-12 people per home.  Most homes had one bathroom and fewer bedrooms than people.  And that was their norm, it wasn't changing, and they were happy, and willing to host others.  It really spoke to me.  I know that this house isn't forever, and likely, we will only be a family of five in this house for a max of two years.  I know we can be creative and patient.  Even if we are in this house forever, we are blessed with this home, and with each other.  It is a true testament of God changing my heart.  So many people ask if we are moving quickly after they find out we are expecting (and I don't blame them, because I made it quite clear we would come baby #3), but it is fun to share how God is changing me and my heart about the issue!

So, since this is the longest post EVER, I'll "commit" to post some pictures soon!

Sooo Behind

Gosh...Has it really been one month tomorrow that we got home from Nicaragua?  I have so many people that I owe thank you's to, and so many people that have asked about our trip.  And, I have sat down so many times to write this stinkin' post, but just can't seem to get the words down.  It's funny because a close friend, and much better blog writer, wrote on her blog of the same experience.  *Side note, she wrote about her experience already, and you should go read it on her blog, Life of Splendor; especially if you like design and DIYs!*
Anyway, since it is already 11, I still can't expect to write it tonight, but I am going to make a commitment that this post WILL BE written by Labor Day!  And, you'll want to read it, because there is so much to update you with, and show you!

Birthday Boys

I figured I better do a post about the boys birthday parties since I asked Poppy for pictures (and he promptly sent them as soon as he could, regardless of the time).  Since the boys are only 6 days apart, I figured joint birthday parties are in our future for the next couple of years (at least until one boy complains).  However, this year, I wanted to have a FIRST birthday party for Becker.  So I did something insane.  I invited our friends to two different parties in two days.  The parties fell about ten days after I was on an almost three week vacation.  So, needless to say, I was a little overwhelmed with what I should do to pull off these two parties.  Well....between myself and Poppy (he's probably one of the only people that read this anyway) I think we managed two pretty cute afternoons.  I, at least know that they were fun.  Thank you to Poppy for all of the ideas, and work that you put forth.  Could not have done it without you.  Also, thanks to everyone that came...we had a blast, and the boys felt so loved.  We are truly blessed.  Let the picture overload begin!

July 7th...Becker's 1st Birthday Splash by the TRUCKload:

Cute Birthday Banner by Poppy



Festive Food Table - Trucks and Cones on a Road



Eating a Yummy Pimento and Cheese



Cute Sweet Landon



Birthday Cake Time - Big Brother Helping Blow Out Candle

"Poppy, that's one yummy cake"



A truck in a truck wearing a truck

July 8th...Emrick's Freight Sized Fun, Mickey on a Train Party

Super Cute Cake by Poppy



Our Shelter "Mickey-ed Out"



Pretending to Blow Out the Candle (we forgot a lighter)



"But, I want to open it now!"



ALL ABOARD!

We decided to do basically the same food for both parties.  We had a cupcake bar with plain cupcakes, various icing, and many different toppings.  We also had a couple of sandwiches, and a salsa bar.  We really had the best time.  I know Becker won't remember (and Jonathan actually gives me a hard time about that), but I hope they can both look back at pictures and cherish the memories we tried to build with them.  I, for one will remember celebrating these two boys!...So blessed!

There's Still Time...

In most cases, this phrase is true.  I have to remember to not let life just pass me by, leaving me filled with regret about something I "intended" to do.  As is the case we present to you today; if you have been wondering if we still needed support or supplies, the answer is:  YES, we are still in need of a couple of things for our upcoming Nicaragua Trip.  Please prayerfully consider joining our team, and partnering with us on this journey:

1.  Prayer - Will you commit to praying for us, our team, the Nicaraguans, our boys and Grammie Sue and Poppy?  (Truth be known, I am still very concerned about leaving two "momma loving" boys...I know it is good for them, not really worried about them, but Grammie Sue and Poppy)

2.  Patient Gifts - I am in charge of patient gifts, and we could use more: finger nail clippers, combs, toothbrushes, travel size shampoo, travel size soap, travel size toothpaste, etc  (If you are willing to get some this week while you are out and about, I will come get them from you)

3.  Financial Partners - We have reached about 63% of our support team.  This leaves us about $1325 short of what we need for our trip.  If you would be willing to partner with us in this way, it would be a great blessing to us.  Please choose one of the following options for all contributions:

1. Send us your support: 10 South Creek Dr, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690

or (more preferred option)

2. Send our church support for this trip in our name: Grace Church - 2801 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC, 29615 (Please put Edmonds-NICA in the memo line)

 

A HUGE thank you goes to EVERYONE that has already joined our team (from financial support to patient gifts, and even the encouragement letters we have gotten for each day, which I am SO excited about).  There is NO WAY, we could do this without the body of Christ united with us.  We have a tremendous support system that is already helping us carry this weight.  Will you be the next to join?  We have complete faith that God will provide!  To Him be all the glory!

How can you support us?

This question isn't rhetorical.  We have a real need, and a real desire, and we are really asking, "How can you support us?"  At the end of this post, I would love to hear the ways!  By now you are probably asking yourself..."What are they talking about?"  Well, here's the deal:

Jonathan and I both have a real passion for missions.  We love being able to work alongside other believers while meeting needs of other people.  Honestly, though, we love missions because of what we gain from it (yep, we're selfish).  Every time that we have been involved in serving others, we grow closer to the Lord.  We spent our first anniversary in Nicaragua in 2008.  Since then, Jonathan has been on a missions trip almost every year.  I, on the other hand, have found my place at home, taking care of babies (which I LOVE).  But, this year, I began feeling God calling me to trust Him.  To let go of the boys for a week, and serve Him.  I knew that this meant, whether just I went with the team from our church, or whether Jonathan and I both were able to go.  I knew I needed to depend on Him, and just apply.  So, I did.  A couple of weeks later, Jonathan (after getting permission from his boss), applied as well.  Turns out, we've both been accepted onto the team going to Rivas, Nicaragua (July21-29).  We are really excited, and we are just beginning to do some team building (however, 6 of the 19 team members are in our community group, so we already feel like a team).  As we begin preparing, these are the areas where we could use some help:

-Prayer:  Please, please pray for us!  I already get anxious about leaving the boys for that long if I sit and think about it.  I'm sure Jonathan will have work stress that he is thinking about...and I KNOW that Satan will use these two things and others to distract us, and wage war on us.  Please pray that God will remain the focus of our hearts.  That we would be dependent on Him as we prepare, and while we are gone.  Pray knowing that God will be glorified in the work that we will help do.  Pray for the hearts of the people in Nicaragua, that their hearts will be soft, and that they will see evidence of a living, powerful, loving, righteous Savior.  We are taking medical personnel (doctors, nurses, etc).  Pray for wisdom and endurance as they see/treat as many patients as they can.  We are also taking teachers that will teach the Nicaraguan pastors, pray that they have adequate time to prepare and that they are clear in what the Lord wants them to present.  In addition, there will be language barriers, stomach issues, and many, many more issues, so just prayer in general is a great need, and most important need.  And, don't forget to pray for our boys...they won't be used to being away from us for this long either.  I hope that one day they will see it as their sacrifice so that the ends of the world will know our God.

-Encouragement:  We will be away from HOME, for over week.  That may not seem like a big deal, or a long time, but for me...it seems like a LONG time to be away from the boys that I spend everyday with.  If we aren't working, we are normally all together.  Not to mention, it will be hot, sticky, and possibly rainy.  There will be a great opportunity for frustration to set in if we allow it!  If you have any creative ways to shower us with encouragement, I know there will be times during our week that I WILL need it.  I would love to collect scripture, notes, prayers, etc before our trip to read and reflect on while we are gone.  If you know of anything that could help, please send it our way!

-Financially:  Unfortunately, our trip will cost!  While we know and understand that not everyone can help in this way, we know that some can, and are willing.  For our airfare, food, and lodging, we are being asked to raise/pay $1800 each.  If this is something that you feel led to help us with, you can chose one of two ways to do so:
         1.  Send us your support: 10 South Creek Dr, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690

or (more preferred option)

         2.  Send our church support for this trip in our name:  Grace Church - 2801 Pelham Rd, Greenville,   SC, 29615 (Please put Edmonds-NICA in the memo line)

We will be once again working with Christ for the City International.  And, we are so excited to work with the local church to meet practical needs.  We find great peace that once we leave, the local church will be a little more prepared to meet the needs of their community.  So, will you join us?  I know that there is someway you can help!  We thank you in advance for being willing to serve us, the people of Nicaragua, and the Lord!

**Be on the lookout for more information!**

Baby Dedication

Last Sunday, March 11, 2012, we had Landon (Spann) and Becker's baby dedication.  It was a neat, sweet time of prayers that our boys will be raised seeing our devotion and love for our Savior, and hopefully growing to know that, too! All of the grandparents were there, and that really meant a lot (especially for all those that traveled from Charleston, Lancaster, and from MISSISSIPPI)!  Thanks for loving our families so much.  Here is a little show we put together and played (these two boys are so stinkin' cute...you don't wanna miss it:

And then just because I have justice issues with doing a post/video about one son...here is a cute video of Emrick.  He's learned the song "What a Mighty God We Serve" at daycare.  And he is mighty cute singing it...so, ignore my voice, and watch him!

Promised Pictures

So last post I promised pictures...eat your heart out...probably more Edmondsessss than you ever cared see (well, actually the two little ones are pretty cute)! 

In no particular order:

Probably my new favorite picture of the eldest!

Jonathan proposed 5 years ago on Friday (the 24th).  A few weeks ago, we went back to "Our Spot"...here it is!  :D

And the view from there!

Sleeping Handsome...you know instead of Sleeping Beauty

We've been hard at work on potty training!

We went to The Grove Park Inn in Asheville a few weeks ago for a retreat with our church - here's the view

"Our Spot" that we went back to is on the Biltmore Estate property.  After our retreat, Jonathan surprised me with a one-night stay at the Biltmore Inn (also on the property).  This was our view from our room, and yes, it snowed that weekend, too!

A little blurry, but I LOVE it!

Always wants to help!

Just cute

An oldie, but goodie

Bathtime

Doing a little work!  Coloring, its a hard job!

These Days

I started this post literally weeks ago.  And, I started with how hard life had been lately.  But, since then life has slowed some...and Becker has slept some, which has helped tremendously.  So, I decided to scratch all the complaining and just post the updates! AND, even since then, life has gotten better.  Jonathan and I just spent an entire weekend away.  We needed it, and are blessed enough that Poppy and Grammie Sue were willing to watch the boys for us.  I have to give Poppy credit...there aren't many grandfathers that would have done what he did all by himself until Grammie could join Friday afternoon.  You guys rock!

The boys are doing pretty well.  Emrick is somewhat potty training but it is hard when I'm at work all week, then we go to church on Sunday.  The only day we are here all day is on Saturday, and one day each week just doesn't seem to be doing much.  Maybe Poppy and Grammie Sue can work on that in a couple of weeks when they have the boys!  ;)
He is getting so big so fast.  Some days I'm really proud, and others I'm super sad that he's growing a little too fast.  He talks more and more each day.  He's a great helper, and LOVES his baby brother.  He still calls him "Baby" most of the time (probably because I do), but will say his name now, too!  He loves to read, sing, and dance.  He likes to watch his reflection in windows and dishwashers.  His laugh is infectious, and he runs and walks like "Sid the Science Kid".  Man, do I love that kid.  He is such an easy child (so far).
Emrick's health has been decent I guess I'd say.  He's had one stomach bug this year.  But, he's had several ear infections.  This year, they don't seem to be as painful.  However, he just came off a super strong antibiotic because it just wouldn't go away, or would switch sides.  He seems to be a little better now.  And, after a follow-up at the allergist, he's on another antibiotic for a sinus infection...ugh.  I'm hoping we'll stay clear of having to do tubes a second round, but I'm not necessarily against it.

As far as Becker, he's a funny boy.  We've already noticed his little temper.  If a toy falls out of reach, or if Emrick tries to take a toy, he screams...he gets mad-for.real.  It's kinda funny, but I hate it for him...its going to hurt learning that not everything is his, and that the world doesn't revolve around him.  I think coming under authority is going to be a little tougher for him.  He's so big.  Above the 60% in every category.  He babbles more than I ever remember Emrick doing, but he doesn't have any teeth yet  I think he's about to pop his first tooth out (Emrick already had two by now).  He eats like a champ most days.  He is still exclusively nursing when we're at home.  I pump while at work (I pumped 70oz this weekend while we were away), and just started supplementing with formula at the beginning of January.  It's funny to me how different that part is...Emrick only nursed for four months and I was so done, but with Becker it's been hard (on me, not him) to even give him formula.  His favorite person is Emrick, but he also LOVES LOVES his daddy.  He is constantly looking and smiling at Jonathan.  It is quite cute.

All my pictures are on my phone, but I'll try to get some on here soon and very soon!