A lot has changed over the last few months here at the Minder household. Hayden started Preschool at ECA, Easton turned one, Nic hurt his leg...thought he would lose his job because of it, I started teaching again, and Colt...he is still Colt:)
Hayden has done SO incredibly well adjusting to all day preschool. After what we went through last year I was terrified for this new chapter. I was nervous. But she absolutely loves school, even though apparently she doesn't talk...at all...in class. She sure does talk about it at home though! It brings me absolute joy to hear her talk about her teachers, her friends, what she is learning. She is thriving and I am thankful for it.
I have started teaching Kindergarten at Concord and feel absolutely blessed where God has placed me. Don't get me wrong, the transition from staying home with my babies for 3 years to full time kindergarten has been shaky at times, but I love it. The staff that I am surrounded with is amazing. I do have to catch myself saying to my kindergarteners "You need to listen to mommy" and saying to my own children "if you don't stop, I am going to change your clip." Life has sure been interesting. I am sure it will take time to get used to all these changes. Being a working mom isn't quite as bad when you love your job.
Nic has stepped up totally and has been Mr. Mom and actually a better housewife than I was. My house has never been more clean than it is right at this second and our cabinets actually have food in them...ha.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
I'm Back in Action
Well, I am back. I've missed this thing a lot...the therapy of blogging. Some of you may ask where I have been. The truth is these past few months have been the hardest months of my life. I haven't blogged because I didn't want to look back and see that those months were a whole bunch of fake posts with smiles and "good" memories. Maybe one day I will be strong enough to tell our story and how we have come through it by God's grace. Maybe God will be able to use our story someday to encourage others. I would like to share, however, a few things that I have learned over the last months and even the past year and a half.
*God is faithful. He is not human. When I have thought there is absolutely no person on this planet I could place my trust in, He has shown himself to me in a very personal way.
*God gives me the strength I need for each day. If you would have told me 2 years ago that I would be going through what we have been through, I would have said there is absolutely no way I could be strong enough. But I was wrong. That whole saying "God does not give you more than you can handle" has made me laugh more than once. Just when I though I couldn't handle much more, God proved me wrong....a number of times.
*God's love is a powerful love. He does not give up on His children. He will do whatever it takes to get our attention and bring us back to Him.
*Forgiveness...a word that I never understood completely until this time of my life. Actually, I still don't completely understand...but I am getting there. Forgiveness is a powerful thing...more powerful than I could imagine. "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." I still don't have the words to describe the power of God when it comes to forgiveness. He doesn't necessarily let me completely forget everything, but somehow He has given me the strength to press on and strive to live a Godly life. I fail daily, but he is a gracious God. I do know there is no way on this green earth I could have gone through this trial without God's hand guiding me.
*God's peace is a very powerful thing.
*I am thankful for Godly guidance and counsel.
*Trust my instincts. That's all I am going to say about that right now. I have lost a lot of trust and belief in people. Sometimes the people that you think have the best interest in you are actually the people that have the most power to hurt you the most.
These are just a few things. But I did want to jot down some verses that have never been so close to my heart as they are now.
*Phil. 4:6-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
*Colossians 3
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in God the Father through him.
*James 1:2, 19
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
My dear brothers, take not of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
*Ephesians 4:26, 29-32
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, foriving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
*2 Cor. 7: 10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
I do know one thing, although I pray with my whole heart none of my children will have to go through the trials that we are going through now, I am thankful for a God that can do more than I could ever imagine. I would never want to relive the feelings and the moments of the past year and a half, but without those trials, I wouldn't be the person I am today and I would not have experienced God in a very personal and powerful way. I have felt His protection. There was a time I sat with my sister in a restaurant wondering if the tears would ever stop flowing. I wondered what I had done so wrong to deserve the trials that I had to walk through. I wondered if my prayers were ever heard. I wondered if I would ever be able to trust again. I wondered if the pain in my heart and the sleepless nights would ever stop. I wondered if there were any decent people in the world. I wondered when the questions would stop haunting me.
But I can tell you one thing. The wondering has stopped. By God's grace, I have stopped the wondering. By God's grace, He has allowed our family to start growing again and healing. By God's grace, He has brought us back into His blessings. Don't get me wrong, I had my screaming matches with God and times of wrestling with Him. I have hated Him at times. But yet He won't let me go. And for that, I am thankful.
One last thing, God sees and hears all. Your sins will find you out. The consequences suck. Some think they can hide things forever.
*God is faithful. He is not human. When I have thought there is absolutely no person on this planet I could place my trust in, He has shown himself to me in a very personal way.
*God gives me the strength I need for each day. If you would have told me 2 years ago that I would be going through what we have been through, I would have said there is absolutely no way I could be strong enough. But I was wrong. That whole saying "God does not give you more than you can handle" has made me laugh more than once. Just when I though I couldn't handle much more, God proved me wrong....a number of times.
*God's love is a powerful love. He does not give up on His children. He will do whatever it takes to get our attention and bring us back to Him.
*Forgiveness...a word that I never understood completely until this time of my life. Actually, I still don't completely understand...but I am getting there. Forgiveness is a powerful thing...more powerful than I could imagine. "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." I still don't have the words to describe the power of God when it comes to forgiveness. He doesn't necessarily let me completely forget everything, but somehow He has given me the strength to press on and strive to live a Godly life. I fail daily, but he is a gracious God. I do know there is no way on this green earth I could have gone through this trial without God's hand guiding me.
*God's peace is a very powerful thing.
*I am thankful for Godly guidance and counsel.
*Trust my instincts. That's all I am going to say about that right now. I have lost a lot of trust and belief in people. Sometimes the people that you think have the best interest in you are actually the people that have the most power to hurt you the most.
These are just a few things. But I did want to jot down some verses that have never been so close to my heart as they are now.
*Phil. 4:6-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
*Colossians 3
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks in God the Father through him.
*James 1:2, 19
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
My dear brothers, take not of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
*Ephesians 4:26, 29-32
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, foriving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
*2 Cor. 7: 10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
I do know one thing, although I pray with my whole heart none of my children will have to go through the trials that we are going through now, I am thankful for a God that can do more than I could ever imagine. I would never want to relive the feelings and the moments of the past year and a half, but without those trials, I wouldn't be the person I am today and I would not have experienced God in a very personal and powerful way. I have felt His protection. There was a time I sat with my sister in a restaurant wondering if the tears would ever stop flowing. I wondered what I had done so wrong to deserve the trials that I had to walk through. I wondered if my prayers were ever heard. I wondered if I would ever be able to trust again. I wondered if the pain in my heart and the sleepless nights would ever stop. I wondered if there were any decent people in the world. I wondered when the questions would stop haunting me.
But I can tell you one thing. The wondering has stopped. By God's grace, I have stopped the wondering. By God's grace, He has allowed our family to start growing again and healing. By God's grace, He has brought us back into His blessings. Don't get me wrong, I had my screaming matches with God and times of wrestling with Him. I have hated Him at times. But yet He won't let me go. And for that, I am thankful.
One last thing, God sees and hears all. Your sins will find you out. The consequences suck. Some think they can hide things forever.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Easton is 8 months
Well, we have a little problem...my computer charger is not working so I haven't been able to blog in well....a very long time. I finally broke down and decided to use the iPad, but it is a little difficult so bear with me:) Over the last couple of weeks we have had to major celebrations- Easton turning 8 months old and Colt turning 3 years old. SO I need to catch up on a few letters. Unfortunately there will be no pictures until I can figure something out with the laptop:(
Dear Easton,
You are now a whopping 8 months old. This was again another big month for you. Watching you grow everyday makes my heart full of joy but it is bittersweet. You are my baby. My last. I am trying SO hard to take in every single moment with you.
This month you have started CRAWLING. You went from the inch-worm crawl to full out crawling on all 4's. You are officially mobile and man oh man are you mobile. Don't tell anyone, but I have lost you a couple of times in the house...whoops! You are such a content baby and enjoy surfing around the house. Such a happy baby.
You also want to be wherever your sissy and bubby are. You just watch and watch them....wanting to play with what they are playing with. I think they have a soft spot for you though because they don't go ballistic on you like they do each other:) You just smile that precious smile and get what you want, when you want it!
You have also gained 2 teeth...at the same time. Your 2 bottom teeth are fully in. Now, that was quite a stressful time for you:) You aren't a fan of getting teeth. It's ok though, I mean, who really is? You are quite handsome though with your 2 little teeth.
Easton, your personality is amazing. I can't get enough of you...no one can. You allow anyone to hold you and play with you and as soon as you give that toothy, 2 dimple, precious smile, you have them wrapped around your chubby little finger! Your laugh is contagious and comes right from your gut. You are content, as long as you are moving around.
You love your food. Your favorite is sweet potato. You also love the teething biscuit thingys...although that creates quite the mess. You don't mind it though. You are also sleeping through the night, waking up around 5 or 6, eating and going back to bed. You are an excellent sleeper now, which is nice since your brother decided not to be:)
I love you more than you will probably ever know. The joy you have brought to our family is undescribably. You have will always be our amazing little blessing. Can't wait to watch you grow this month, buddy. Just try to slow down just a little bit...I'm not ready for my baby to not be a baby anymore.
Love you Easton,
Mommy
Dear Easton,
You are now a whopping 8 months old. This was again another big month for you. Watching you grow everyday makes my heart full of joy but it is bittersweet. You are my baby. My last. I am trying SO hard to take in every single moment with you.
This month you have started CRAWLING. You went from the inch-worm crawl to full out crawling on all 4's. You are officially mobile and man oh man are you mobile. Don't tell anyone, but I have lost you a couple of times in the house...whoops! You are such a content baby and enjoy surfing around the house. Such a happy baby.
You also want to be wherever your sissy and bubby are. You just watch and watch them....wanting to play with what they are playing with. I think they have a soft spot for you though because they don't go ballistic on you like they do each other:) You just smile that precious smile and get what you want, when you want it!
You have also gained 2 teeth...at the same time. Your 2 bottom teeth are fully in. Now, that was quite a stressful time for you:) You aren't a fan of getting teeth. It's ok though, I mean, who really is? You are quite handsome though with your 2 little teeth.
Easton, your personality is amazing. I can't get enough of you...no one can. You allow anyone to hold you and play with you and as soon as you give that toothy, 2 dimple, precious smile, you have them wrapped around your chubby little finger! Your laugh is contagious and comes right from your gut. You are content, as long as you are moving around.
You love your food. Your favorite is sweet potato. You also love the teething biscuit thingys...although that creates quite the mess. You don't mind it though. You are also sleeping through the night, waking up around 5 or 6, eating and going back to bed. You are an excellent sleeper now, which is nice since your brother decided not to be:)
I love you more than you will probably ever know. The joy you have brought to our family is undescribably. You have will always be our amazing little blessing. Can't wait to watch you grow this month, buddy. Just try to slow down just a little bit...I'm not ready for my baby to not be a baby anymore.
Love you Easton,
Mommy
Monday, April 1, 2013
Easter Weekend
This weekend has been absolutely beautiful. For the past Friday through Sunday the kids spent most of their days outside in the wonderful, Spring weather...and I was just complaining about the weather in the last post:) I am telling you, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect Easter weekend (besides Nic's father ending up in the hospital...but he is home and ok now!).
Saturday was Kristen's birthday. My parents were in Aruba, and in this family we take birthdays seriously...so I decided to get some of her friends together for a little get together as a surprise. But before that, we got to spend almost all day together. It did my heart good to spend some GOOD quality time with my sister. We hadn't done that for a LONG time. We were able to eat lunch together and shop a little at the mall. She was supposed to then meet me at my house "to go out to dinner", but instead her friends came to my house and we had a little party for her.
I think the most special moment of the weekend was on Easter Sunday, when my baby girl told me the meaning of Easter and explained every event from the time Jesus rode in on a donkey through the Resurrection. It was the most sweetest, innocent explanation I've ever heard. On Easter morning, Nic received a message that his father was in the hospital because of passing out the night before. I knew we couldn't take the kids to the hospital, so he went while I took the kids to church. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed hearing Pastor Blodgett preach again....such truth. We then had lunch at my parents' and the kids received Easter baskets and hunted Easter eggs. They enjoyed it immensely.
My heart has been overflowing all weekend.
Saturday was Kristen's birthday. My parents were in Aruba, and in this family we take birthdays seriously...so I decided to get some of her friends together for a little get together as a surprise. But before that, we got to spend almost all day together. It did my heart good to spend some GOOD quality time with my sister. We hadn't done that for a LONG time. We were able to eat lunch together and shop a little at the mall. She was supposed to then meet me at my house "to go out to dinner", but instead her friends came to my house and we had a little party for her.
I think the most special moment of the weekend was on Easter Sunday, when my baby girl told me the meaning of Easter and explained every event from the time Jesus rode in on a donkey through the Resurrection. It was the most sweetest, innocent explanation I've ever heard. On Easter morning, Nic received a message that his father was in the hospital because of passing out the night before. I knew we couldn't take the kids to the hospital, so he went while I took the kids to church. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed hearing Pastor Blodgett preach again....such truth. We then had lunch at my parents' and the kids received Easter baskets and hunted Easter eggs. They enjoyed it immensely.
My heart has been overflowing all weekend.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Where is Spring??
Hmmm...I keep meaning to get on here and blog but life happens...and happens fast:) Well, it is supposed to be Spring...but it really doesn't seem like it. It is snowing as we speak. Here has been the last couple of weeks in pictures...
Also...just a little update on life...
Colt-All of the sudden is not falling asleep until about 9:30-11. It is driving me crazy!!! We start bedtime at 7:30. It's crazy. We are thinking maybe if we cut out naps but the problem with that is he NEEDS naps! So we are still trying to figure it all out.
Easton-Sleeping great. Eating baby food now and LOVING it. Such a great baby.
Hayden-Challenging phase right now. Very challenging. Love her to death but somedays I think she might BE the death of me:) Definitely stubborn. But she has also been a great helper for me and is loving school now.
I know this isn't long, but I need to clean the house:)
Colt-All of the sudden is not falling asleep until about 9:30-11. It is driving me crazy!!! We start bedtime at 7:30. It's crazy. We are thinking maybe if we cut out naps but the problem with that is he NEEDS naps! So we are still trying to figure it all out.
Easton-Sleeping great. Eating baby food now and LOVING it. Such a great baby.
Hayden-Challenging phase right now. Very challenging. Love her to death but somedays I think she might BE the death of me:) Definitely stubborn. But she has also been a great helper for me and is loving school now.
I know this isn't long, but I need to clean the house:)
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