Happy 30th Birthday to Brian

Today is my hubbie's 30th birthday. Wow, that's a BIG birthday isn't it? I have come to understand that everyone ---whether your older or younger, thinks 30 is a big deal. You are officially crossing over from your teens/twenties to a decade where you are simply waiting for middle age to hit. :) Brian is out playing golf at the exclusive Vaquero golf course this morning. Then later tonight I have some secrets in store for him. Can't go into detail just in case he checks this today---which I could almost guarantee he won't. I'll definitely post some pictures in the near future though.
So I realize I skipped a month in updating my blog. I really do feel bad about it because people start to think that it isn't worth looking at anymore. I frankly do not read any blog/space that isn't updated regularly. I apologize and ask that you not give up on me!
With the web, we now have opportunities to extend our prayer circle much further than our church small group. With that in mind, I'd like to ask your prayers for my family (extended). There are some hard things to be worked through and a lot of pain to heal from. Please pray for God's grace, love, and mercy to be poured out on our family in sizeable quantities. I appreciate this so much. Maybe someday I can disclose more, but for now, that's it.
I became an aunt for the 7th time this week. Jeremiah Tucker Mulree was born weighing a whopping 9lbs 11oz....booting Noah out of the biggest baby reign. I am so excited about this little boy---more so than usual and I'm not sure why. The last nephew that was born was Payton---and he turns 4 years old tomorrow! But I just LOVE babies and find myself being very drawn to Jeremiah. I think Noah and I are going to make a visit later this summer to spend some time with him (he's in CA). My other two sisters are done having children and it makes me sad. It widens the age gap between us. I obviously just started having kids and there is this funny need to have everyone around you having kids as well. But to know that my sisters are done, and that Kristy is possibly done now, makes me sad. There is a sense of everyone moving on and "closing" that chapter of their life and looking towards getting their kids all grown up and in school so that they can have more flexibility and freedom again. Which don't get me wrong, makes perfect sense. But I always seem to be closest to people who are one life stage ahead of me....and a few that are one stage behind me. I suppose my astounding maturity puts me in this place. ha ha ha. just kidding.
Well, I better get going and start making last minute preparations for tonight. If you know Brian and didn't realize it was his 30th today, send him an email or give him a call. He would appreciate it so much. Until next time..............

Happy Easter!

Good morning! I hope that Easter was enjoyed by all. While Brian, Noah and I had no specific plans with family, it was quite a relaxing wonderful day. Church was exceptional today---lots of energy, smiles and love. Then I came home and fixed us a non traditional to us/traditional to some meal of BBQ beef, sweet potatoes, and corn on the cob. It was quite yummy. And Noah enjoyed his very own cob for the first time. He devoured it! We slept a lot, played outside in the 95 degree weather with sprinklers, and slept some more. It was pretty awesome. Here's a clip of Noah in his Easter garb. He actually didn't wear this on Easter. His father would not have that. He wore a cute very BOY outfit for church. But this outfit I thought was adorable and so I had to get it. Come on, it has an alligator on it!! What girl wears an alligator??? But for some reason some have said he looks feminine. Yes, he has curls, so what. Anyway, I'll stop acting defensive. :)

So Easter has come to mean much more to lately than in my growing up years. I actually got a great Easter book from Target this year for Noah. It talks about how Easter eggs, new dresses, sparkling shoes, and the Easter bunny are all good, fun things. But that the REAL reason for Easter is of course, Jesus--the fact that he died for our sins, and God raised him from the dead three days later. Or as my friend's little girl says it "Jesus has no more owies!". I thought that was adorable. If you grew up in the church, then what I just said is a no brainer. But I have to say that Easter bunnies, candy and dresses are what occupied most of my upbringing. There was never a big emphasis put on the real meaning for Easter. I think it's a shame. Between Christmas and Easter, we have 2 huge opportunities as Christians to use holidays that our culture actually celebrates to be bolder than ever about the faith we profess. And frankly, the fact that Jesus did not stay in that grave, is the reason I can be confident in my faith and eternal salvation. Jesus is alive today and I am free because of it. What a wonderful thing to celebrate! Noah has learned to say "eggs" over the past few days as I was prepping him for his Easter basket. He associates the word Easter with eggs. Yesterday I kept saying "Easter is about Jesus!" Noah would say "Eggs!" I would say, "No, Jesus." Noah would again say, "Eggs!" It was actually pretty funny. But it made me realize that whatever is impressed upon him more, is what he'll remember. Raising Noah up in the Lord is something that will take a lot of work and prayer. But I know God wants him to be his child more than I ever could. So that is pretty reassuring.

Hey, before I get too carried away with Easter, I thought I should write a short update about my days off lately. I am LOVING my days off now. Not only do I love having a pretty open schedule, but I truly have not focused on "getting things done" on my days off. I really just do fun things with Noah, or maybe run an errand or two. But mostly just let the day take us where it wants. I bought a couple books from Mardels that have various activity ideas, so that is good. But going on walks, baking cookies, and doing puzzles have managed to be very fulfilling. So thank you to those of you have said a prayer here and there or offered an encouraging word. We both appreciate it.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I really care nothing about St. patty's Day but I couldn't think of anything else to title this. Yes, lack of creativity is my name. Anyway, I'm right on par with writing once a month on this blog. I would love to do it more and heaven knows YOU want me to do it more! :) ha ha But I simply don't have the drive or time to sit down and do it. I want to write long entries and not little snippits, which is what keeps me from sitting down and doing it because I know it'll take awhile. All that aside, here I am, writing today. I had to update everyone on my not so part time status at work. Well, officially as of March 1st, I am part time. Woo hoo! To be honest, it doesn't feel much different. See, I am keeping the exact same schedule---the difference is the 2.5 days I am at home, instead of working on my computer, I can play with Noah. Now while that may sound simple, I have to admit it is an adjustment. If you haven't ever had 2 full days every week off work, then you know what I mean. What does one do with that time? There are two extremes that I dont' want to fall into. One would be that you can sit around and do nothing all day and be lazy (at 4pm I realize Noah and I are still in our PJs). The other extreme would be every Wednesday and Friday I run all my errands and haul Noah everywhere. NO THANK YOU. This all may sound silly, but I'm serious, I don't know how to "structure" my days off. Noah is a very hands on child---meaning, he does not like to play, think, sing, babble, BE alone....ever. As you can imagine, this poses a slight struggle for me. I have to come up with meaningful, fun, educational things to do all day long. I am completely uncreative and so I am having to learn this. You can only play so many puzzles, throw so many balls, and watch so much Barney. :) So any ideas out there would be quite welcome. I've been meaning to go to a teacher supply store and start fishing for new things to do with Noah. If it were up to Noah, he would "sfing" all day long. That would mean he wants to go outside, into the yard, and have me push him on the swing hanging from our tree.........all day long. Hmmmm, no thanks.
All in all, it's wonderful to not have to think about work every day and know that instead I get to be a mom and individual (oxymoron?) 2 days a week instead of a human calculator.
Well, I am actually working today so I better get back to it. Enjoy this incredibly green day and drink some green beer for me.

So anyone else procrastinating?

It's only mid February and I'm already procrastinating on any resolutions or ideas I had last month. Man, I'm pretty sad. My goal to lose some weight still definitely exists but isn't being pursued..........hmmmm with gusto, you might say. But I have till June (trip to Puerto Rico with Brian's company) so plenty of time, right?
My bible reading has actually hung on strong, so that's good. My prayer life needs a good kick in the pants. Anyone have any ideas about how to really get enthralled and disciplined in prayer? Man, I need help. Forgive me Lord, for putting you on hold way too much.
As far as the transition to part time---it’s a slow one. Basically exactly what I thought would happen is happening. We are all so caught up in our work because it is the busiest time of the year and therefore my part time status gets put on hold. I’m just as much to blame though, because I’m too busy to really push it. Plus, they honestly don’t have anyone that can start taking over and no money to pay for a new person. So I’m a little apprehensive because I don’t want the quality of work to go down and I know they don’t either. EVERYTHING that happens in the LST office is so important for the end result---more people hearing about Jesus. I just don’t know how to bridge the gap.....but I know that’s not my job. I also don’t think I want to do as many hours as originally intended. I had said 30 but now I’m thinking 23-25. I know that’ll throw em’ for a loop as well. :)
So bottom line, I've got lots of work to do to in all areas of life. But the good news is Noah is fantastic---I am more and more in love with him everyday. And Brian's and my marriage is doing awesome. So ultimately, what more could I ask for?

Happy New Year

I have had a lot of people recently tell me that they love the new year desperately because it provides them a "clean slate" if you will. I honestly have never really thought of it that way, but it seems to make a lot of sense. I've made resolutions in the past, yes, but I've never really seen it as a brand new beginning. However, I would like to start looking at it this way because I think it would keep every month from banging into the other in an out of control manner where every year is similar to the previous.

But I know this year is going to be different for one reason in particular. I have requested to start working part time. Yes, it's a big step for me. I didn't really see this happening except for maybe when I had child #2. But God has His own beautiful timing for everything. I've been praying off and on for awhile that He would show me if and when I ever should switch to part time. Over Christmas, He chose to make those thoughts known. :)
Some of you aren't aware that my current work schedule consists of 2.5 days in the office, and 2.5 days working from my home. As you can imagine, when I work from home, I also have the job of being a mother. This has proven to be more and more difficult with each passing week. So much so, that I started to see some of my depression symptoms kick back up again. I talked to my doctor about it and she saw a direct correlation with stress and working from home. But I told her there was nothing I could do about that for now. Well, little did I know that God would orchestrate a wonderful transition sooner than I had thought.
All of this is only possible because I work for a wonderful organization with wonderful godly people. The director of Let's Start Talking is extremely supportive and basically agreed with everything I proposed. I honestly can't tell you what a relief this is. It is actually very unexpected (one month ago, I wasn't even thinking about part time), which makes it even better. Just knowing that I wont' have to be splitting myself in two anymore is awesome. I will no longer be working any from home. That time will be reserved for playing with Noah and enjoying that time while I have it. So far it looks like I'll start working 3 days a week. This change will not happen necessarily soon. There are a lot of odds and ins that need to work out, so please be praying about this. I would appreciate it.
Brian has been so great about this. He said the other night that he feels a lot of peace surrounding this, which didn't use to be the case when this subject came up. He has been doing so well at this job and we are hoping for a generous raise next month (his 1 year). His boss has been very encouraging and complimentary towards Brian's work and wants to keep him around at Cook for a long time. :)
Anyway, that's my big news. It's a very exciting step for me and I can't wait to get started. This New year is already off to a great start. I hope yours is too.

Wintry Mix

Good afternoon everyone! Today in North Texas was our first "wintry mix" of the season. That is what the newscasters say when it snows, sleets, and rains all together. So Noah and I have stayed bundled up all morning just playing. I can't believe how much cuter kids look with a beanie on their head. Isn't it amazing? Of course, Noah won't really wear it indoors except a red one that i knitted myself. Yep! I KNITTED. Pretty cool huh? I learned Thanksgiving night from my mother in law's sister. I actually feel pretty accomplished.

Well, last night was a big night in the Spicer household. Noah finally walked!! He stood by himself and walked by himself---2 things he has yet to do. And it happened out of no where! We were just playing on the floor and all of a sudden he started doing it like he had always been doing it. Some think he might have been practicing in his crib at night. Hmmmm...........
Anyway, we're overjoyed and he gets SO excited when we cheer for him each time. That just makes him want to keep doing it.

It has now hit me that my baby is no longer a baby. He's such a little boy and that makes me a little sad. I know every parent goes through it, but it's so weird how time passes. I can remember bringing him home as if it was 6 months ago. But it was 15! Oh well. Only better times are ahead, I know.

Our friends Paul and Brooke Begin stayed with us this past weekend. They are making the trek from their home in VA out to Malibu, CA where Paul will start teaching at Pepperdine in January. We had such a blast with them and Noah ate Paul up like candy. It made me miss our "neighborhood" in Cali. I wonder if God will keep us in TX forever? Somehow I am pretty sure he won't. Brian's job has so many location possibilities that we are open to moving just about anywhere. I love our life here so much and wouldn't want a change just yet. However, God has always given Brian and I peace about Him putting us somewhere else---just like when we moved here.

Well, anyway, I'll write more again soon. I have lots of neat God stories. But my eyes are getting heavy, so now is not a good time. :)

Priorities Shmiorities

While this is definitely not true all the time, it's amazing what lunchtime discussion tells you about the lives and priorties of people. For example, today we talked about:

- the war and or/"invasion" (hee hee) of Iraq
-people who seemed old to us when we were little and now we realize they weren't old at all
-the fact that Albertsons is having crazy coupon days this weekend
-cross cultural experiences

Now, one of these things may seem much less important than the others, but not really. Some things are more time sensitive, and others are issues to ponder for the future, but we all felt engaged to talk about all of them. I can be thinking one minute about how glad I am that my sister is done with her everyday-chemo, and now only has to have it 3 times a week. Then the very next minute I can remember that I'm having someone over for dinner and need to run to the store and develop a menu without spending much money. Isn't it funny how certain things seem so absurd in comparison to others, but really aren't when it's a pressing matter?
Don't ask me where I'm going with this. I have so many thoughts racing through my head each day, this doesn't even come close to covering the bizarre array that is April's thoughts.

But I'm always trying to be realistic about what is truly important in life, and what isn't. I feel like I have good judgement most of the time. However, I did something this week that I've never done before and it kind of depressed me. I actually took a half day off of work so that I could go home and clean. If you know me at all, you know that cleaning is not a forte of mine. Fortunately I have a great husband who pitches in everywhere. But I went home and had a very unpleasant 4 hours to myself straightening up the house, vacuuming, dusting, etc. It was totally unfulfilling and I felt loney doing it. So why did I do it? Was it necessary? Yes. Was it important? Not really.

LST Update

For those of you who are not into reading the mail, I've decided to attach my latest LST update to this blog. (You can click on them to see them up close. If you still can't see well, go up to "View" in the toolbar, "Text size" and pick largest. Page 2 is below.) Chances are it already arrived at your house, or it is on it's way. But I want to take a moment to let you know how much it means to me when you read the latest and greatest work going on at Let's Start Talking. This is a fantastic ministry that God chose for me to be involved in and I've been blessed in more ways than I can write.

One of things I do full time for LST is fundraise. Everyone here on staff does. In order to keep things rolling, it is absolutely necessary. I believe with all my heart that God gave me a large network of people to aid LST in gaining all the necessary resources. It's definitely not my favorite part of the job but it is quite possibly the most crucial. I do not fundraise because anything extra helps. I fundraise because we literally need every penny to get the job done.
I am in the bookeeping/funds tracking department so of all people, I KNOW exactly what LST's needs are every day. You can be confident that your contribution will never be among "the excess" because there simply isn't any. We need your money---it's as simple and ill sounding as that. Thank you for being generous and reading all of this. I hope this latest update will inspire you to look at what God is doing around the world and help Him do more through this ministry.

Hooray!

For those of you who are keeping tabs on my sister's chemo, this post is for you.
I have really been wondering about God's purpose for Kim going through chemo. I don't believe he intentially made it happen of course, but He's allowing it to happen and so I seek to know His purpose behind it. I have been praying that the side effects will be minimal and she will not feel near as bad as she could. Of course, that's the human side of all of us---we don't want to feel any pain and want whatever the trial is, to end as soon as possible. But is that what God wants? So even though that is what I've been praying for, and would pray that for anyone I know going through chemo, I'm constantly wondering if that is the best prayer I could be praying. Well, anyway, God answered loud and clear. Kim had her first chemo treatment Monday morning and they told her that later that afternoon she'd start feeling bad: fever, chills, nausea, etc. But lo and behold I called her Monday night at 9:15pm and she answered the phone herself with a cheerful voice. I was overjoyed to find out that she felt fine so far and hardly had experienced any side effects. She is taking Tylenol/Advil every two hours alternating so that was keeping her fever down. But other than that, she felt good. I was so incredibly excited. And she was too. It was ten times better than what she expected. And as of last night, Tuesday, she was still feeling good! She gets her chemo every day for a month. Then she'll get it three times a week for 11 months.
This will be a long journey, but it's so encouraging even at first to know that things aren't always what they seem. So I will continually ask God to show me what His will is for this whole trial. And yes, I will keep praying for minimal side effects, and complete healing....because I am human, and never want to see my sister suffer, or anyone else for that matter. I'll keep you "posted" ha ha on her progress. Praise God for wonderful surprises every day!

Turning a new leaf.......

I haven't been as faithful as I'd hoped with this blog stuff. I got all excited about writing in it each week, but that has not happened. Oh well, if I'm the only one reading it, then it doesn't matter. :)
It's almost October and we're about to have a change in seasons. It seems like there is a lot of that going on lately. Aren't there times in life when it seems like 10 things change on you every single day? And then there are other times when you feel like your life has stayed stationary for months.
Well, all the changes in other people's lives lately is taking its toll on my life. The first big change that recently happened was Noah turned one. I felt sad because technically he's not an infant anymore. But if you know him, he's definitely still a baby. No teeth, no walking, just LOTS of personality. :) He's in a new class at school, but other than that, he's still my little snuggle bug. Blabbering up a storm and still eating like a champ. ha ha ha

The second thing is that my sister, Kim is about to start chemo for melanoma. She had surgery a few weeks ago to remove many lymphnodes and install her port for the chemo. She has been recovering well, thank the Lord, and is preparing herself??? for the next step. How DO you prepare for chemo anyway? I know her, and she's probably expecting the worst. But I've been praying for minimal side effects. I don't want her to be in a lot of pain and I don't want her to lose hope. But she's not the type to lose hope. She'll fight this thing hard. And my ultimate prayer is that this nasty cancer never peers its head into her life again. Please join with me in this prayer! I'll keep you updated on her progress.

I work at Let's Start Talking Ministry and this is the time of year the ball starts rolling......FAST!
It's the fall recruiting season and recruiting for summer mission projects is in full swing. We have our Super STAR weekend on Oct 1st and we welcome people from all over the country and out of the country to get prepped to go back to their homes and recruit mission teams. It's an exciting and busy time. But it's also a reflection and prayerful time because every bit of our work relies on God. He is hand picking the people who will make the decision to GO this year. It's fascinating process and a huge puzzle as missionaries request a team, and people request to GO. But it all gets put together and by May, hundreds are on the ground in foreign countries sharing their lives and Jesus with others.

And then the most obvious change is the weather change we're about to encounter. YAY!!! I'm so ready for the cool air. Which if you know me, is not something I'm fond of. But this summer has been long and hot and humid. Enough already. I think the fall season is such a joyful time because there is something about it that makes you appreciate everything. The beautiful weather, your warm clothes, the pretty leaves, the spirit in the air........okay, so that may seem a little mushy to some. But I feel this stirring excitement in my bones as I wait in anticipation for this season. There will be challenges and victories, no doubt. But each day begins with so much possibility and hope.

I hope that we all savor the change that is about to happen and look internally for what God might be preparing us for.