| Happy Birthday Big Boy! | Last Updated: Aug 26, 2008 |
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Christian Daniel Flores August 23, 2007 6:51pm 6lbs 2 oz. |
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Stories ** April 21, 2008 - Traveler **
I love airports; to me they are absolutely poetic. I know that might sound odd to you, but hear me out. In airports it is understood that everyone that passes by is actually traveling somewhere for some reason. Though everyone has a destination, the way each person spends the time moving from one terminal to another, or even sitting waiting for their next flight, is very telling about the person. As each person passes by, they react very differently to those around them. Sometimes you might find a business-person, dressed in a suit, balancing a laptop, cell phone and cup of coffee all while rushing to their next stop. They hardly have time to consider the fact that that their coffee spilled onto their clean shoes, let alone send a smile to a down-in-the-mouth passerby. And then there is the lonely traveler, aimlessly moving through the terminal, trying to catch the eyes of other people just to feel as if they matter. There also is the lost traveler, not sure where they are going or what terminal to be in, but is so focused on finding the answer that they forget to ask the people that have the answers. All of these people will impress an onlooker, such as me, if only as to inspire in one way or another.
Poetic, isn't it? I find that airports are a metaphor for our own lives. We all are on a journey, and the way that we spend our time at each "layover" impacts others. Either we inspire those we meet, or we repel them, but we all impact one another at some level.
I've been reminded of this in several facets of my life lately. On Sunday I spoke ever so briefly with a gentlemen who made mention of how impressed he was when he met my younger brother. They only spoke for a few moments at their particular "layover", but he was moved by Jake. Wow. I've recently had a longing for a few people from my past "layovers", as they are the rare saints that would gladly miss a flight to share a moment with a downtrodden soul. In great contrast, however, within the past couple of weeks I've come into contact with a wicked people. These people sorely lack decency and respect. The positive thing about coming into contact with blokes like the latter is that they cause me to show my true colors...and if they are of a darker palette than I might prefer, I can redirect my eyes to the Source of all that is beautiful and perfect.
With reminders of the brevity of life hitting far too close to home lately, I truly desire to be a traveler that makes each stop on my journey count. What kind of journeyman are you? ** March 24, 2008 - Introspective Thoughts **
Lack of radio and impossible traffic today slowed me to a halt. My normally busy mind kept noisy by the outside world was silenced. I was forcibly made to be still, silent. And so, I turned mine eyes to the heavens in thankful prayer and petition. It had been so long since experiencing such a moment that the sensations that came over me moved me to tears. It was as though I had been starving, and a morsel of food sat upon my tongue and rolled about on my taste buds. I didn't want the moment to end. I was able to express the conflicts within me...the pain, the discouragements, the frustrations, and also the recognition of grace and mercy that has been bestowed upon my life. And just like that, within the three hours that I sat silenced in my car, I was blessed with a sense of peace that transcends time and understanding. Mine eyes were opened to the beauty that surrounded me. The beauty of the green hills dusted only by the yellow of wildflowers. I saw the thousands of people in cars around me with new eyes as well. I was reminded of my Maker's goodness to me, and I couldn't help but tearfully grin. He is good.
It is always in the desert that the rains are appreciated.
Jolene Grace **April 16, 2008 - Entertaining Angels** Over this past weekend we were blessed to be able to host my friend Crystal and her husband Stephen as they visited from Texas. I have been friends with Crystal since my San Bernardino Community Church days (the same place I met my best friend Jessica, my dear friend Janette, and countless other wonderful people). We had dinner with Crystal, Stephen, and the Hekman's on Sunday night (Danny made steak on his new BBQ...YUM). Crystal and Stephen Keiler both have done extension missionary work in the middle east. Their hearts are absolutely golden, and it was such a blessing to hear their desires to return to minister to the Muslim people. Danny told me after they left that our guest room had served its purpose, as we had desired to use it to host missionaries and now we had! Something tells me we will have many more opportunities to do so. What an HONOR! Please join me in keeping our friends the Keilers and other missionaries in your thoughts and prayers, as the job that they do here on earth is one that is by no means easy or glamorous, but necessary and tremendous. **April 16, 2008 - Control Nothing** After the year that Danny was job hunting and I was pregnant, I thought God had truly taught me how to live in faith and surrender control over all. I truly felt I had learned the lesson well. Little did I know that that lesson was just an appetizer, and the main course was still to come... I've recently discovered that I am really struggling with lack of control over everything in my life. I suppose we always think we are in control but when we lose a little footing we revert back to the truth that our time/lives were never ours. Anyway, with Danny's schedule being pretty much "on call"...working during the day, coming home for lunch and dinner and going back to the church for evening events, I don't really have the ability to have "Jolene time" to just go out and do things I want to do. I'm not complaining, I'm just learning. And so, as a pastor's wife, I lack control over much. After Christian was born I realized that I no longer had control over time. Babies take up a lot of things, and time is no exception. I think it is God's blessing as we learn to slow down (to feed the baby, change the baby, bathe the baby, etc.) we let go of our obsession with the clock (at least I have). I have no control over sleep at night. I am nursing and still lack control over my body. And so, as a mother, I lack control over much. I am currently working a full-time job from home. It is a tremendous blessing to be able to do so. I don't know what I have done to have this opportunity, but I am thanking God daily for this blessing. But, since I am working all day, I lack the control over my household chores that I wish I had. And so, as a worker-bee I lack control over much. It is fascinating to again come to the realization that we lack control over ALL. I'm thrown off kilter because for a long time in my adult life, I have felt I had control...being careful to have all my ducks in a row. I loved having a budget and sticking to it. I loved having a daily routine of working and working out, then coming home and tending to my home. I truly thought I had control, but honestly, I never had it to begin with. Control over all is in God's hands, and so I surrender my crazy life to His Will and request that He give me some method to all this madness! **April 16, 2008 - Now THAT is what I call progress!** No, I'm not talking about progress by way of Christian teething; and NO he isn't sleeping through the night yet (for the past 3 weeks he's been up 3-6 times a night...sometimes every hour). What I am talking about is our backyard! When Danny puts his mind to something, look out! Discouragement began to set in as his pick-ax only made minor progress, even with brawn and muscle behind it. And then he was inspired...if a jackhammer could take out that hard concrete, why couldn't it work on that clay-like hill? And so, back to Home Depot to rent it yet again.
All 75' of backyard hill have been cut away now. We are now on dirt moving mode and thrilled, as the view from all back windows reveal a vision of retaining wall...maybe other people can't see it, but in our mind's eye it is beautiful!
Now, for progress with Christian's sleep.... **April 10, 2008 - Jackhammers and Teething Cries** The boys in my life are making quite a bit of commotion lately. Christian for the past 2-3 weeks has been getting up on average of four times a night...sometimes more, sometimes a little less. My best guess (by the drool and chewing on things) is that this is all due to teething. As I write this now, he is laying in his crib screaming his head off. This is a pretty typical scenario lately. Lots of screams....not lots of dreams (at least for momma). Danny continues the work on our backyard. He is inching his way up to the 25-30 foot mark. Hooray! Yesterday he took a pause from digging to rent a jackhammer from Home Depot to demo the concrete pads outside our three doors that lead to our backyard.
Between the jackhammer and sledgehammer, the nap that Christian was taking ended short, and it was just a tad on the noisy side in the house. All this noise is just temporary, and is part of the pain and sacrifice of something better to come. For Christian it is teeth (I am praying that they will break soon). For Danny it is a beautiful backyard to BBQ and relax in. Now for me to tend to my screaming child.... **April 9, 2008 - I Can See Clearly Now the Weeds are Gone!** Last Friday Danny went to a newly opened Home Depot near us and suddenly got an itch. Let me preface this by saying that when Danny gets an itch, he won't rest until it is scratched. He has a little hint of OCD in his system, I think. Anyway, when he came home from Home Depot he decided that we need to build a wall in our backyard. Nevermind that I've been "hinting" at this for the past 7 months. He discovered interlocking blocks that are very nice looking, and so, he wanted to build a wall. Saturday after he did some things at the church (and in between naps for the baby) Danny and I pulled weeds. With all the rain we've had this year, our backyard looked like a jungle of weeds. I even discovered about 100+ bulbs that I have dug up and will plant later on (that was a treasure!). When the day was done, I told Danny that I've never seen a dirt yard look so beautiful!
He didn't waste any time. After we were done in the backyard he headed to Home Depot to buy supplies. He then started the proces of cutting away at the backyard. This is no easy task for one man, let me tell you. Our backyard hill is 75' long and the dirt is very hard (like dried clay). So far, he has cut away at about 20'. I'll be posting pics of the progress. This is an exciting first step to having a beautiful backyard. **April 6, 2008 - INFECTION -dun, dun, dun (dramatic music)** The weekend Christian was dedicated we noticed that Christian seemed to have a spider bite of some sort on his cheek. As the days went by I noticed it looking like it was spreading, which is quite uncommon for him (he'll scratch himself and heal by the next day generally). We took him to the doctor on Thursday when I noticed lesions erupting in a few places. We thought that was the end of it until Friday night when I noticed it spreading. Saturday the doctor prescribed an antibiotic...he has a skin infection! Poor little guy. I'd post pics, but don't think everyone has the stomach for it. March 30, 2008 Today, we dedicated Christian. The chapter we chose as his "life chapter" is Psalm 139 (my favorite). It was such a blessing that my dad, brother, the Hekman's and Dee & Russ were there to share in the event as well. Jake wore his uniform, and baby Ethan blessed Christian with his own little prayer. It was such a great day. Afterward we went out to lunch, my dad left with Jake to 29 Palms (where Jake is now stationed), and then dad went to Arizona for a pit stop at my grandma's house. Danny, Christian and I then headed to Danny's parents' house for a retirement party for his mom. We took a picture of Christian sitting on Debbie's horse, Wazette, which is the same sort of picture Danny took (on the same horse) 27 years ago. It was very cool.
What a blessed day Sunday was! March 22, 2008 - Happy Easter!
For Christian's first Easter, he was dressed up (though there was a last minute pants substitute before church...don't ask). Everyone thought he was adorable at church, and Danny wanted to keep him in the service with us so that it was truly a family event. Afterwards, we headed to Highland to spend our day with the Walters' and the Hekman's. It was a PERFECT day, and we were beyond blessed.
March 20, 2008 - Finally after three years of marriage, we've put together a photo album of our wedding ceremony. Long story short, our photographer skipped town along with the albums he took for us. Fortunately, we tracked down some proofs and designed the book ourselves. This is the first time these photos have surfaced for viewing. Enjoy! (See the link to the book in the "Pictures" section.) March 18, 2008 - Oh the contrast! Christian and I have had to get into a new routine now that Nana is back in Montana. So far so good, and we've even had a few nights that he slept until 6:30am! Wooo hoo! I have noticed also that quite often when he awakes with tears, he will quiet himself down without my help at all. Hooray! We are on the right track. On Saturday Christian and I hung out and did house stuff. I mainly worked on neglected ministry filing. After a long day of less-than-fun chores, Christian and I sat down to hang out. He got into a giggle fit, and I finally had a camera close by to catch it! Click here to catch his giggles, and prepare to smile yourself! Today I had put Christian down for his nap, like normal, with his Moo Cow. When he awoke, I greeted him making my normal mooo sounds. Today, however, he didn't like it AT ALL. I couldn't resist the cute faces he was making though (I'm so mean). Click here to see the faces he made. I thought it was just after his nap (maybe he had a bad dream about cows), but hours later when I "moo'd" he did the same thing! March 12, 2008 - Music tames the wildest of beasts Daddy played music this morning for a wild child. As you can see, the beast was not only tamed, but fell asleep! Precious! (I will be enlisting Danny and his guitar at the 1am wake up calls now). March 11, 2008 After 5pm yesterday, Christian decided he wanted to do some work at my desk.
Once he completed his dictation to daddy, he gave daddy a high-five for his work. There is no better payment! March 10, 2008 - How are you spending your days? Of course at this time in my life I'm reminded of the brevity of life. How are you spending your days? Are they filled with the attempts to pull a bit of dust out of the eyes of others while struggling with the log in your own? Are you busying yourself with jealous or critical thoughts of others? Are you lacking grace or constantly angry? Are you making sure that you love others and make yourself lovable to others as well? What would your eulogy say? March 9, 2008 - Daddy and baby Christian Last Wednesday Christian was not too happy with Nana feeding him spinach and green peas. He threw a fit, for a matter of fact. Then daddy stepped in. He took a bite of the concoction and smiled. Christian smiled back. Christian then followed his daddy's lead and finished his dinner! Hooray for great daddys!!!
March 9, 2008 - Busy, busy, busy So, the reason I haven't posted much is because things have just been busy. My mom ('Tana Nana) has been down visiting. Danny has been working non-stop...funerals, youth events, sermons, counseling, etc. The free moments that Danny has, we're trying to take advantage of by going out on dates (while Nana is visiting). We've had a blast, and even had decent nights of sleep, thanks to Nana. My mom and I have had fun on the weekends...running errands and doing a few shopping trips (Cabazon and Ontario Mills...woo hoo!). Christian has been such an angel, and enjoying his Nana like crazy. (Nana knows more fun songs than his momma does!) He's feeling better too, since he got on special medicine to help his poos. On Friday I flew to Colorado to attend my Great Grandma Warner's funeral. I was glad to do it (especially since I was unable to attend my dear cousin Jason's funeral and memorials), and it was a blessing to be able to celebrate her life and mourn her passing (I was her fishing buddy). After the funeral and reception, I headed back to the airport to fly home. That was the fastest trip I've ever been on! My mom has been absolutely great. She's worked miracles with Christian. Though he still isn't sleeping through the night, she still has four more days to make that happen too!
February 28, 2008 - Update on Christian He now sits unsupported. He reaches and eats his socks regularly. He rolls around, from front to back and back to front. He eats cereal, peas, carrots, bananas, prunes and pears (all pureed of course). He laughs and smiles often. He is talking more and more. No, he still isn't sleeping through the night, but after 6 months I'm holding out hope that it will happen soon (even if soon means 6 more months). I am more and more in love with the little guy who is becoming less little and ever bigger. His personality is coming out more and more too. Gosh, he is an amazing kid. Can't wait to post pics soon. February 28, 2008 - Thank you 'Tana Nana My mom is down from Montana for a few weeks and has been serving me and my family the way she always does: wholeheartedly without complaint or reservation. Thank you, mom, for keeping Christian busy and singing songs to him that you rocked me to sleep with. Thank you for doing my dishes and laundry. Thank you for feeding Christian and cuddling him. Thank you for allowing Danny and I to have a couple of dates, and get two actual nights of rest. Thank you for your selflessness, love, support and encouragement. Thank you for your gentleness and hug when telling me Grandma Warner passed away this morning. I truly love and appreciate you mom. February 28, 2008 - PICTURE FYI Danny and I have somehow misplaced a critical chord that goes to our digital camera. Because of this, we have not been able to take pictures, nor upload them to this site. We're trying to remedy this, and will update soon. Sorry friends!
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Debbie made a fantastic meal (thanks Debbie!), and I baked a cake. That was the first time I was able to spend time on a cake since before Christian was born. It was so fun for me!
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