Update on Josh's tummy

We decided he should go to Urgent Care (which isn't AT ALL urgent) and waited 1 1/2 hours until someone saw us. By that time he wasn't great but not as bad as earlier...at least not throwing up anymore. They basically said exactly what we knew...it was a viral infection in his intestines and they gave him a shot of phinegrin (I have no idea how to spell that) which took effect almost immediately although Josh said it burned worse than any shot he's ever had. It also put him in a deep sleep as soon as we got home. They also gave him a prescription for more if he needed it.

I learned in the process that Hartness' blood pressure tends to bottom out when they're sick which had me a little panicy at first when the nurse said his top number was 86! Then I talked to his mom who told me that that's just what they do. The nurse didn't want Josh to leave for awhile after his shot and then wanted to wheel him out in a wheel chair....apparently concerned he would pass out. He didn't.

Funniest thing I heard while there was when the doctor asked if Josh was still nauseous and he replied, "I'd say it's more of an ache....with just a tinge of nausea." What?!?

The techni-color yawn...

...at least that's what Josh calls it AND it's what he's been doing all morning. You probably call it throw up, ralph, yack, puke, whatever. This ugly little bug has been through all 3 of us now this week and all of Josh's family (except maybe his dad). It's been nasty...the roughest part has been short lived but man, it leaves you feeling it for several days. I had it Tuesday night and still don't feel 100% but better today than any other day. Isaiah mainly had diahrrea, a low grade fever and loss of appetite. He's acted completely normal otherwise and seems to be his usual adventurous self today...chewing on carpet and such.

So this is what being sick with a baby feels like. I am so thankful that Josh took a day off to take care of us and that this thing didn't hit everybody at once. I'm at least able to take care of him...although he's instructed me to call his mom several times to ask her what to do....I know, I want my mommy when I'm sick too. I just don't know how to make his tummy feel better.

What do you do?!?

I've been cleaning the bathrooms, washing sheets and pillowcases, and spraying Lysol like crazy with all the windows open. We are fully stocked on Jell-o, crackers, ginger-ale, popcicles, chicken noodle soup and Immodium AD, but Josh can't keep ANY of it down...not even a few sips of Sprite (bless his heart). I'm out of ideas. I've been keeping cold rags on his head when he'll let me, but he's just so pitiful saying that his stomach just hurts and "what can you do to make it go away?"

Hopefully the germs will fly away soon enough for Josh to not get too behind at school. It's a pretty stressful time of year to be out (as he found out the hard way this past week).

Ugh.

FYI

I'm selling all of my Mary Kay stuff at 40% off to get it out of my house. Here's the link to my Craig's List post if you're interested.

1 year old

I just realized that I let my first blog birthday go by without noticing. My very first blog post titled "Virgin Blogger" was on April 14, 2006. I was 6 mos pregnant and headed to Seattle to visit my friend Meghann for spring break. I was scared to death that my plane would crash.

I've spent the last 20 mins or so reading through old posts and your comments to my posts. I'm am just in awe of the journey we've been on since then, and how faithful God has been in the many changes He has called us to make.

The biggest one in my mind is the call to be parents of our beautiful son and for me to quit my job teaching to stay home with him....which meant the call to live off of one teacher's salary. I journaled the process of making that decision on my very last day of work and worried about how we would make it (see "My heart is a theme park" on June 13, 2006).

Many of you really reached out to me in my fear and offered such sound wisdom and comfort for my heart...I get teary thinking about it. What a faith leap that was for my heart and what rich, rich reward has come from it. I can't put it into words, but I have a feeling I don't need to. You know exactly what I mean.

So thank you for following this blog over the past year of our lives. It's been one of the biggest years of my life and your moral support through these transitions have meant the world.

I look forward to coming back here many more times and just journaling out more of the faithfulness of our sweet and gracious Savior in our lives.

This was taken in Seattle.

All worth it.

Easter and spring break photos

Adorable little boy

This is the lamb cake Nana (my mom) makes every Easter. (I'm kicking myself for not taking anymore pictures there....we had dinner there and were pooped.)

Lunch at Grammie and Pop's house and then a card game (one of our favorite things to do).

Helping Daddy with his game (he needed it!)

Grammie (Josh's mom) and Sassy (Josh's grandmother)

Cutie Pie!

Pops (Josh's dad)

Ahh...spring break at the beach

Aww

First time Isaiah actually enjoyed the beach

My two beach boys

Washing the sand off

More beach pictures this summer....

Proof we're in the good ol' south

Come an git it!!!

Happy Good Friday!

Tonight Josh and I are going to a passover banquet with my family. It's an annual Seder meal celebrated and hosted by Word of Messiah, a Messianic Jewish ministry.

My family used to celebrate this most years as I was growing up, but it's been a long time so I'm looking forward to it as I'm now able to understand more of what it all means. I do remember some of it like dipping the parsley in salt water symbolized the tears of the Israelites and the bitter herbs symbolized their years of slavery (I think). Also the unlevened bread is a reminder of how quickly they fled Egypt and then the lamb, which is obviously Christ.

It's really interesting and adds so much meaning to what all we're celebrating. I recommend it if you've never done it.

I'll update about it later and try to remember what food means what.

Easter dress rehearsal

Yesterday Isaiah and I had one of the best photo shoots we've had in a long time! I finally pieced together his little Easter outfit and was trying it on for size (there's a lot of pressure on a girl to have her kids shined up for Easter sunday!). Seemed like a good photo opp. I didn't want to post his whole outfit yet (I know it's a little shallow) so here are a few snapshots of our little half naked man in motion.

The funniest part was trying to snap pictures before he could scoot over to me to grab the camera strap. I was laying on the floor just gut laughing because I couldn't keep backing up and get the camera focused before he was at me again swatting at the camera! He's moving really fast these days!


Scooting along!

Capt. Isaiah

big glasses for Big Iz (eyes)

my baby blues

My own superstar

Can I just brag a moment? Tonight I went to a talent show at Josh's school that I was not very excited about. Lugging Isaiah into a crowded gym at 6:30pm where he would have to be quiet for an unspecified amount of time did not appeal to me and I nearly turned the car around and headed home, but I would have missed it.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed watching the Irish step dancer, rediculous blindfolded pianist, martial artists, step teams, dancers and a plethora of singers. They were all really good, but the best part for me was when a very tall, handsome man stepped onto the middle of the floor with a tenor sax and kids everywhere started yelling and cheering. One group of girls yelled "We love you, Mr. Hartness!" Others were whistling and yelling other encouragments. And then he played his heart out.

They probably didn't understand the years of preparation that went into being able to pull off that jazz tune (that he had to transcribe by ear) or the nerves that he tried to hide, but it was crystally clear that they loved him. No other teacher received that kind of welcome while I was there and I just stood off to the side, holding Isaiah and soaking up every minute, making sure that Isaiah knew that was his daddy - the humble, kind teacher who really loves his kids - making that beautiful music that everyone was cheering for.

I love you, Baby. A girl couldn't be prouder.

Turning Green?

I've been hearing a lot of the buzz about global warming, and even think that we're feeling some of the effects now. I admit to having been really critical on this issue in the past, but now I'm giving it more serious thought. I would like to hear your thoughts....


Do you think global warming is happening? Why or why not? If you do, what changes (if any) are you making?


In the meantime, Time put out an interesting article on "51 Things We Can Do" to save the planet. Lots of interesting ideas including blueprints for your own green house.

Frank has new friends

Most of what is blooming now (these are just a few of them!) is purple but there are still bulbs and plants just breaking through so hopefully we'll have more friends for Frank soon!

An update on the herbs (I know you've been waiting on the edge of your seat):

I have officially starved and killed all of the thyme and mint, however the basil seems to be doing pretty well (it must be impossible to kill or I would have done it with the others). So, when should I move it outside? And what vegetables can I still plant?

Why I love my digital camera

It has a swivel screen that flips out and faces the front.....photo shoot!
(sorry, baby)

***This is Josh's "what if I looked like this" face (above).***

Happy Spring!!!

I'd like you to meet Frank. He's my very first tulip. I'm very proud of him. Frank also has several friends that have sprung up beside him. One of his friends (Bob) is purple like him and the other is orange. Her name is Abigail.

Apparently that's the side of the house to plant stuff on...it gets a lot of sunlight during the day.

The rest of the pictures are from the Tulip Festival I was privileged to see while visiting Meghann in Seattle last spring. Words and pictures don't do it justice. It was AMAZING.

So, what are you growing?

How Rich Are You?

I just found this at the Desiring God website. Check out where you rank in wealth compared to the world. I was in the top 6.57%!!! That should give you some perspective!

Reasons I'm happy today

Since I've picked journaling back up I have digested more truth and spewed out more garbage than I have in a really long time. I love just getting it all out on paper and chronicling the journey of God bringing my heart back to rich truth all right there in the moment.

This morning I was journaling about how blessed I am, and how strongly encouraged I am by the people God has put in my life to sharpen me. That led to being reminded of the reasons I trust God...specifically with our finances and the decision for me to quit teaching and stay home with Isaiah (I know I'm 7 months into this, but it's still a continuous challenge to trust).

I know that I'm in a season of life that's very temporary and it will change, but for today (and for us) these things are true.

A little of what I wrote about what I would miss out on if we hadn't decided for me to quit my job and stay home.

--"I would miss the relationships that You are cultivating in my life - the women that speak so much wisdom and grace into my life, that push me closer to You. That help shape me into the woman You want me to be. That shape me into a more godly wife and mom to better serve my family and bring You more glory.

--I would miss out on watching Isaiah grow and change DAILY, discovering little by little the treasure You have made in him - the little boy that You designed with Your own hands. Watching it all unfold and even having a part in molding him into the boy and man that fear You and desires You and delights in You and treasures You above all else.

--I would miss out on the freedom and time and ability I have to love my husband by serving him in greater capacities than before. Cultivating a deeper love and respect for who You have made him and called him to be. Watching him grow into a more godly man, husband and father right before my eyes (I wouldn't notice as much if I weren't around). Learning more about his likes and dislikes (esp. with food), dreams and just everyday thoughts that pop into his mind. Discussing more topics than what happened today and what's for dinner - like the sermon, something we read that day, conversations we had and what we thought about them, etc.

I know this is a season and life won't always look like this, but I'm soaking up where I am right now. You have poured out such riches into this season that I almost laugh at the idea of trading that for a paycheck."

Interview with Noel

Girltalk is starting a series called "girl-to-girl talk" that features great Christian women who are making a huge impact today.

They (appropriately) started with Noel Piper and will continue highlighting their interview with her over the next 3 days.

Good read.

X-rays

We went this afternoon to get them done and the reading was that they were completely normal!!! Nothing is wrong with Isaiah's hips! The doctors said that there is a "varient" in hip rotation and his was fine.

I am so thankful for the mercy God met me with this morning in my time with Him and through the day as I battled anxiety over this. I know that many of you prayed.

What a comfort to know that I have friends that care about the little things....and even more that our Father takes even greater care of us! Thank you for your prayers for our precious Isaiah's little hips.

A few matters....

I would love for you to pray about when you think of us.

First, several weeks ago I took Isaiah in for his 6 mo check up (we were a little late) and it seems that he is just going to continue his trend of being a light weight, weighing only 15 lbs 13 oz and 26 3/4 in long. Tall and thin....hmmm. I feel sure he gets this from me.

They weren't concerned with his weight because he has gained steadily. What they are concerned about are his hips. The last several visits when they tried to rotate his little legs around there has been some tightness. This past time we were there, the lady we saw went and found the doctor we saw last time for a second opinion. He's usually really conservative, but said that since it's been noticed twice we should go ahead and get x-rays done. They both said it could be nothing more than tightness that will loosen up over time or...it could be hip dysplasia where the bone is actually popping out of socket. I obviously really don't want this because, according to them, it would probably mean a series of castings and molds that he would have to wear. He's just starting to crawl so that's a little discouraging.

I plan to get those x-rays done today or tomorrow.


The other matter is a job interview I had yesterday. Let me first say that I wasn't out looking for a job. This one came and pursued me and was described as being very part time and minimal hours. The position is the children's chior director at Hickory Grove North. I had mixed feelings after the interview. It went really well (according to the guy who interviewed me) and I feel like I really clicked with Jason. The vision he has for this program is pretty big and he wants it to grow into some other job descriptions. I was really excited about what I would be doing and it would help a lot financially (the main reason we considered it an option to begin with). Aside from that it would give me a little break outside of the house and an outlet to do something I really enjoy.

The down side is that my hours working would have to be done on campus, and they're not entirely sure what the policy is about me not attending church there. I'm not really sure how I feel about that either which may end up being the easy answer here.

Anyway, we just really want to honor God here and all the reasons we believe He called me to stay home with Isaiah. At the same time, we don't want to pass up what may be His provision for us. So, if you don't mind, just pray for wisdom on both ends.

They want to have this person hired by sometime next week.

Events of the Weekend

It's been 10 years since I graduated high school and just recently everyone from our class (of 32 people) has been tracking each other down to plan our reunion. Saturday night, one of my best girl friends from high school hosted an all girls party at her house for us to get together and just reconnect. It was a blast! Crazy how 10 years can go by, and it just feels like yesterday when we're all back together again. I miss those girls....you bond a lot when you've been together since 6th grade.




Then Sunday, my mom hosted a birthday for my grandmother. Happy 77th, Mamaw! I'm so thankful God has allowed you to be with us all this time. You're an amazing woman with a great legacy of women following you! Most of mom's sister's and their families came and we had a great time (as we always do....they're a hoot!).


THEN....my brother Darren finally popped the big question to his girlfriend Brittany. I can't believe it!!! He's my little brother....he can't get married!!! He's like, 7 or something.
Seriously Darren, a big sister couldn't be any prouder. I love you dearly and am so thankful for this beautiful woman God brought you to share life with. Welcome to our crazy family, Brittany. Don't worry...we all get more quirky the longer you know us...it'll be fine.





How was your weekend???

Funny thing happened....

First, let me tell you the events leading up to this. Last Wednesday my friend Julie had her 9th baby. I was honored to be there in the delivery room with her and her husband (under the guise of their picture taker) to experience what I can't describe as anything but super cool and miraculous.

So, it's been a busy week with both Isaiah and I battling colds, running to Dr's appts, keeping track of who had which medicine when ( you know the deal), but I really wanted to make a meal for my friend and her rather large family.

I had all the ingredients together, making what I could while Isaiah was napping but I needed to run to the store for a few other things. I get us all loaded up and ready to go when the car wouldn't start. Completely dead. So I called my other friend who's organizing all the meals and she graciously took over from there....what a sweet friend.

I calm down and happily went about feeding Isaiah, making myself lunch and then some trail mix with raisins, peanuts, banana chips, marshmallows and......white chocolate chips.

So, I'm wondering who can tell me why WATER spilled out of the bag onto my shoulder when I pulled it out of my spice cabinet (no liquids). I tested it myself. Yep, water. Just enough to cover the rest of the chips in the bag.

The really strange thing is that I felt like I could vaguely remember doing it.

Am I sleep walking or just multi-tasking WAY too much???