Yesterday, we had another ultrasound, and discovered that we will be having a boy in August or September. This ultrasound was a little different than the time we had Greer's! The first time was so romantic. Chad held my hand, and I think that we both had a few tears.
This time Greer had a cold, so she was requiring much of our attention. I think it scared her that something new was happening to me, too. The first shot the UT took was of his legs toward his head. I was so grateful that we have been through a few of those things, so I could tell almost immediately that it was a boy. Again, much different than the first time.
He is beautiful and looks healthy. He has a different personality than his big sister! We spent a good bit of time prodding him in an effort to try to get a shot of his spinal column, but he wouldn't budge. He was tucked in tight, but kept his legs and feet straight out. Guess that proves that he didn't get his flexibility from Chad!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Soul-ache
In our house we have a lot of headaches. We have neti pots and medicine to try to relieve the pain, but they are both often temporary fixes. Last Friday began a different kind of pain for both Chad and me. I will call it a soul-ache. Unlike most of our headaches, I could clearly identify the sources, but have found no quick fix for any of the hurt.
Friday we found out that Chad's coworker and friend is unable to get a specific treatment for leukemia because his body is fighting too many infections. In watching our friend, my eyes have been opened to the pain involved in the treatment of cancer, and commend those who have fought the side-effects along with the disease. Pray for our friend to find comfort in the arms of The Great Physician and for his family to have the strength to keep filling their roles as encouragers to him.
Unfortunately, I had to meet Chad's sorrow with more that I had learned earlier in the day. Our friends, Allen and Courtney, had lost the first of their six babies. Later, Our God took them all home with Him. How do you go from preparing for a household of kids, to going home empty handed? I cannot begin to imagine their pain, but I am aching for them and with them.
While looking on my phone for an update on the couple above, I read a message from a friend in Montana. Last Tuesday their son, Jordan, (21-years-old) died when he went to get help after the car he was in wrecked. He died of exposure, and was found by his older brother who serves with the local search and rescue team. The two other occupants of the car hid in a hay bail, and were later rescued. Aptly, his parents included John 15:13 on his obituary, "greater love has no man that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Honestly, I could write a whole blog on how much Jordan and his family mean to us, and how much we strive to model our family out of theirs. I think of Merrie and Kenny (parents); Asa, Laura, and Anna (siblings)everyday. My soul aches for their loss and the pain they are enduring.
So what now? Do we all just go through life until memories of tragedies like these fade? Do we simply hope that some good will come out of these situations? Are there lessons we learn? God forbid that we distance ourselves from others as a way to protect our hearts from pain! What do I take for my soul-ache? As you can tell, the treatment isn't a quick one and I sure hope that it isn't temporary.
My intention is not to get theological or philosphical because I am a SAHM that changes diapers for a living- I don't live in that world. But I am reminded that my reality, and the thoughts I am left with when quiet fills the moment, are directly related to the beliefs that I have grown inside my heart. Tozer said, "what I believe about God is the most important thing about me." Do I think that God causes tragedies like this? no, Do I think that God is in control? yes, Do I think that God is still good, even when bad things happen? yes, Do I trust that God can comfort my friends? yes. Why? Because God's Word says so and I have seen it in my experiences and as I watch the experiences of others. The time to prepare for a tragedy is today! I am reminded that I am human, and I will face pain. Nothing pre-qualified these people to undergo what they are experiencing. Despite the busyness of what "feels important" am I building a foundation of truth that will help me to draw near to God in the storm? And most importantly for my stage of life, am I showing her that God is trustworthy all the time?
I am thankful that as Romans 8:26 says, "And in the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Friends, I don't know how to pray for so many of you that are across the country going through trials and hardships. Please know that the Spirit is groaning, my soul is aching, and I don't need any medicine. I am content to have a soul-ache because it makes me scream, "Come back, Lord Jesus, we need your reign on this earth!"
Friday we found out that Chad's coworker and friend is unable to get a specific treatment for leukemia because his body is fighting too many infections. In watching our friend, my eyes have been opened to the pain involved in the treatment of cancer, and commend those who have fought the side-effects along with the disease. Pray for our friend to find comfort in the arms of The Great Physician and for his family to have the strength to keep filling their roles as encouragers to him.
Unfortunately, I had to meet Chad's sorrow with more that I had learned earlier in the day. Our friends, Allen and Courtney, had lost the first of their six babies. Later, Our God took them all home with Him. How do you go from preparing for a household of kids, to going home empty handed? I cannot begin to imagine their pain, but I am aching for them and with them.
While looking on my phone for an update on the couple above, I read a message from a friend in Montana. Last Tuesday their son, Jordan, (21-years-old) died when he went to get help after the car he was in wrecked. He died of exposure, and was found by his older brother who serves with the local search and rescue team. The two other occupants of the car hid in a hay bail, and were later rescued. Aptly, his parents included John 15:13 on his obituary, "greater love has no man that this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Honestly, I could write a whole blog on how much Jordan and his family mean to us, and how much we strive to model our family out of theirs. I think of Merrie and Kenny (parents); Asa, Laura, and Anna (siblings)everyday. My soul aches for their loss and the pain they are enduring.
So what now? Do we all just go through life until memories of tragedies like these fade? Do we simply hope that some good will come out of these situations? Are there lessons we learn? God forbid that we distance ourselves from others as a way to protect our hearts from pain! What do I take for my soul-ache? As you can tell, the treatment isn't a quick one and I sure hope that it isn't temporary.
My intention is not to get theological or philosphical because I am a SAHM that changes diapers for a living- I don't live in that world. But I am reminded that my reality, and the thoughts I am left with when quiet fills the moment, are directly related to the beliefs that I have grown inside my heart. Tozer said, "what I believe about God is the most important thing about me." Do I think that God causes tragedies like this? no, Do I think that God is in control? yes, Do I think that God is still good, even when bad things happen? yes, Do I trust that God can comfort my friends? yes. Why? Because God's Word says so and I have seen it in my experiences and as I watch the experiences of others. The time to prepare for a tragedy is today! I am reminded that I am human, and I will face pain. Nothing pre-qualified these people to undergo what they are experiencing. Despite the busyness of what "feels important" am I building a foundation of truth that will help me to draw near to God in the storm? And most importantly for my stage of life, am I showing her that God is trustworthy all the time?
I am thankful that as Romans 8:26 says, "And in the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Friends, I don't know how to pray for so many of you that are across the country going through trials and hardships. Please know that the Spirit is groaning, my soul is aching, and I don't need any medicine. I am content to have a soul-ache because it makes me scream, "Come back, Lord Jesus, we need your reign on this earth!"
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sweet Sixteen
Today is week 16 of Baby Tidd's life and my pregnancy! We are both doing well and enjoying the second trimester. I had a doctor's appt this morning, and everything is going well. It was a brief appt, which was welcome since Greer was with me. She held my hand while I the doctor looked for the new baby's heartbeat. It was strong, but we could tell the little guy or girl was moving around something crazy! On April 2nd, I will have the ultrasound that will indicate the gender of the baby.
These days are precious as our family prepares for a new addition. I am trying hard to stop and laugh at myself- I can tend to take myself far too seriously! Yesterday, Greer and I got up, ate breakfast, and headed out the door for my doctor's appt. When we got there I was corrected, my appt was the next day :). So what did we do? Shopping! There is so much truth to the pregnancy brain! I read this on girltalk this morning, and was reminded of why I can be brain dead. Speaking of that, I am rambling! Happy Tuesday!
These days are precious as our family prepares for a new addition. I am trying hard to stop and laugh at myself- I can tend to take myself far too seriously! Yesterday, Greer and I got up, ate breakfast, and headed out the door for my doctor's appt. When we got there I was corrected, my appt was the next day :). So what did we do? Shopping! There is so much truth to the pregnancy brain! I read this on girltalk this morning, and was reminded of why I can be brain dead. Speaking of that, I am rambling! Happy Tuesday!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Announcing...
The impending arrival of another Baby Tidd! That's right! Reagan is entering her 14th week of pregnancy, and we are so excited to announce that the due date is August 24th. We could not have been more surprised and overjoyed at the news! Greer is excited, too, and often gives the baby kisses before bed. Chad is hoping for another little girl to add to the household, but that news will have to wait for a few more weeks. Reagan feels great, and is looking forward to the hottest summer of her life. We would covet your prayers for God's will concerning this child and our family!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Love Your Family- Write a Will
I am embarrased to admit that Chad and I don't have a will. We never got around to it, and then decided to move to SC (a will must be current in your state of residence), so we planned on doing it, but haven't gotten around to it. Blah, blah ,blah... Anyway. My sister and I were talking about it the other day, and I told her that I needed to post some of the resources that I have found. There are so many things available to help this process go smoothly, and to give you and your family the assurance that in a crisis everyone will be considered. The title above is a link to Crown's FREE Will Planning Kit.
In my work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in our will brochure, we provided a brochure that gives you a run down of what to provide to the executor of your estate so that he/she doesn't have to start at square one going through your personal documents. I think that we will probably buy Crown's Set Your House in Order Workbook to have a consise place for all our information.
Next, finding a lawyer- again, at BGEA we recommended the Christian Legal Society if you don't know where to start. I am thankful to have a wonderful aunt that is a lawyer and just happens to work within walking distance to the Walhalla Steakhouse, so I am going to get on the ball and give her a call. (You would think the food would be incentive enough.) I would be glad to pass her name along for any of you that need a lawyer in the SC Upstate.
There we go...a start. I am going to print the Crown Will Workbook out, so that Chad and I can work on it this weekend. I hope that this inspires many, many of you to do the same. For our peace of mind and those we love!
In my work with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in our will brochure, we provided a brochure that gives you a run down of what to provide to the executor of your estate so that he/she doesn't have to start at square one going through your personal documents. I think that we will probably buy Crown's Set Your House in Order Workbook to have a consise place for all our information.
Next, finding a lawyer- again, at BGEA we recommended the Christian Legal Society if you don't know where to start. I am thankful to have a wonderful aunt that is a lawyer and just happens to work within walking distance to the Walhalla Steakhouse, so I am going to get on the ball and give her a call. (You would think the food would be incentive enough.) I would be glad to pass her name along for any of you that need a lawyer in the SC Upstate.
There we go...a start. I am going to print the Crown Will Workbook out, so that Chad and I can work on it this weekend. I hope that this inspires many, many of you to do the same. For our peace of mind and those we love!
Stir Fry Recipe
I like to keep stir-fry vegetables in my freezer for an impromtu meal when things are getting tight around here, but I am also really anti-prepared foods aka stir-fry sauce. The other night I needed something to put on my chicken and vegetables, and felt certain that I had plenty of ingredients to throw something together. Before starting, I consulted some recipes in Southern Living's Ultimate Cookbook and discovered a very easy sauce that I will probably use many times in the future. Here it is: 3/4 c. chicken broth, 1/4 c. soy sauce, and 1 T. flour or cornstarch. Mix together and add to your skillet after (1) browning your meat, (2) adding your frozen vegetables until warm, and cook until reduced to desired consistency.
The following night I also found an easy way to make fried rice. There is a "steamer" product of some brand that is rice, carrots, peas, and corn. I put some canola oil in a pan and fried up an egg, added the warmed rice mix, and soy sauce. Viola! Feel free to customize with what you have on hand. When I really make fried rice I use onion, red pepper, and a little chili garlic paste (or chili powder and garlic powder). Just know that the package barely fed Chad and me, so you might need a few of them for a large family. Happy Cooking!
The following night I also found an easy way to make fried rice. There is a "steamer" product of some brand that is rice, carrots, peas, and corn. I put some canola oil in a pan and fried up an egg, added the warmed rice mix, and soy sauce. Viola! Feel free to customize with what you have on hand. When I really make fried rice I use onion, red pepper, and a little chili garlic paste (or chili powder and garlic powder). Just know that the package barely fed Chad and me, so you might need a few of them for a large family. Happy Cooking!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Be My Valentine
Chad and I found ourselves laughing so much yesterday, that I finally told him that I would have to blog about all of our wonderful adventures! Can we begin with last week? Chad graced me with a wonderful iphone on Saturday, and gave Greer a docking station "so that she could dance"- really an excuse to give me yet another present. I was totally surprised and have been having so much fun enjoying them. Then, Sunday...
Chad left us to board a plane for Reno, NV. Bless his sweet heart, Chad had a cold all week. :) Needless to say, he really missed home! He left notes for me to open each day, and he managed to come up with things that he likes about me to share each day. Thanks for all your planning, Chad! It really meant a lot. Greer and I had fun together and managed to survive.
Yesterday, we had breakfast with some old friends from Marshall, Christi and Simon. Thanks for broadening our horizons to Denny's, Simon! We tried to rent a movie, but found out that we are old and cheap. Instead, I got ice cream and chocolate from Publix to make a yummy snack. (Add hungry to old and cheap.) We headed back home to meet Michael, Kate, and Amelia before they left for Costa Rica. It was fun to see Greer and Amelia really play together this time! There was lots of hugging and chasing this time compared to previous stares.
Now the best part...dinner. Chad wanted to take us to dinner at an Asian Restaurant (name intentionally left blank to protect the innocent). We showed up around 5:20 thinking that we had beat the rush and could all enjoy a nice dinner together. There were only about 3 couples on the list and waiting with us, so we sat down and had a good time waiting together. We even got to know the couple sitting by us and the wife helped read Greer a book. About that time we looked at the clock and it was 6. Still same 3 couples, no sign of progress. Apparently we had been trumped by all of the planners that called ahead. Chad graciously told the hostess that we were leaving, at at 6 pm, we decided to head for Zaxby's. Zaxby's must have something against us, because we never order a salad and actually get what we ordered BUT that just added to the humor.
Today, Chad thought he would redeem himself with lunch after church. We just laughed as we entered into the parking lot to see a special sign that read "Closed for cleaning on Feb. 15." Who told them that we were coming? Oh well, we found a new Qdoba instead! Thanks Chad for a terrific week! I am glad we have each other to laugh with at all of life's frustrations!
Chad left us to board a plane for Reno, NV. Bless his sweet heart, Chad had a cold all week. :) Needless to say, he really missed home! He left notes for me to open each day, and he managed to come up with things that he likes about me to share each day. Thanks for all your planning, Chad! It really meant a lot. Greer and I had fun together and managed to survive.
Yesterday, we had breakfast with some old friends from Marshall, Christi and Simon. Thanks for broadening our horizons to Denny's, Simon! We tried to rent a movie, but found out that we are old and cheap. Instead, I got ice cream and chocolate from Publix to make a yummy snack. (Add hungry to old and cheap.) We headed back home to meet Michael, Kate, and Amelia before they left for Costa Rica. It was fun to see Greer and Amelia really play together this time! There was lots of hugging and chasing this time compared to previous stares.
Now the best part...dinner. Chad wanted to take us to dinner at an Asian Restaurant (name intentionally left blank to protect the innocent). We showed up around 5:20 thinking that we had beat the rush and could all enjoy a nice dinner together. There were only about 3 couples on the list and waiting with us, so we sat down and had a good time waiting together. We even got to know the couple sitting by us and the wife helped read Greer a book. About that time we looked at the clock and it was 6. Still same 3 couples, no sign of progress. Apparently we had been trumped by all of the planners that called ahead. Chad graciously told the hostess that we were leaving, at at 6 pm, we decided to head for Zaxby's. Zaxby's must have something against us, because we never order a salad and actually get what we ordered BUT that just added to the humor.
Today, Chad thought he would redeem himself with lunch after church. We just laughed as we entered into the parking lot to see a special sign that read "Closed for cleaning on Feb. 15." Who told them that we were coming? Oh well, we found a new Qdoba instead! Thanks Chad for a terrific week! I am glad we have each other to laugh with at all of life's frustrations!
Greer helping me make a Valentine's Treat: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Tart
Eating Chocolate Chips
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