Tag Archives: Motherhood

August 9, 2010 · 5:00 am

It’s For Them, Too.

Jett looks like he is wondering what kind of family he’s been placed into. 

A fun one.

Seriously. 

We are all pretty hysterical.  Or, at least, that’s the world we choose to believe we live in.

I love these children.  “Well of course, you do.  You’re their mother!”  I worry about these children.  I question my parenting.  I get on my knees and seek God for their lives.  I remind myself that if I could meet their every need, they wouldn’t need a Savior. 

But, when I read scripture, I honestly forget about it applying to my children’s lives.  Is that crazy or what?

“I will never leave you or forsake you…”  (Heb. 13:5) That’s for my kids.

“I will supply your every need….” (Phil.4:19)  That’s for them, too.

“My help comes from the Lord…” (Psalm 121.2)  For them.

“You are my Portion….” (Psalm 119) Forrrrr them.

I could go on and on.  And on.  I can’t meet their every need.  But God can.  And, He wants to. 

But, I can teach them to seek first His Kingdom, so all of those things can be given to them.  I can teach them to put on the full of armor of God so they can stand up to anything.  I can teach them to chase after God’s will more than their own.  I can teach them to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It’s in HIM and through HIM that they will have EVERYTHING they need.  They will never lack.  Because, THEY serve the Creator of the universe.

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May 5, 2010 · 6:00 am

He Knew.

Do I miss blogging every single day?  Well, of course, I do.  The unfortunate part in it all is that I’ve had a lot to write about, and my time has not accommodated my fingers on a keyboard.  Except for the teeny, tiny keyboard on my iPhone, of course. 

I hardly know how to compile all of these thoughts in my head in an orderly, coherent fashion.  I’ll start with this.  It’s been a roller coaster couple of weeks.  After birthin’ that sweet boy of mine, I was due for my yearly pap smear.  Ahem, pardon me, men friends and readers.  It wasn’t my best performance.  Okay, it wasn’t the news I was looking for.  So, I went in for a little more haven’t I had enough goin’ on up there these past few weeks extensive, hmmm, exploration?  I hoped and prayed that this would put an end to the exploration of the wild, blue yonder.  Alas, it did not.  Again, not the results I was looking for. 

So, here I sit awaiting a little outpatient surgery to investigate the matter further.  I’ve heard the “C” word.  I’ve heard hysterectomy.  I’ve heard it could be absolutely nothing to worry my pretty, little salon-maintained, blonde head over. 

But you know what?  I am okay.  As a matter of fact, I’m even thankful.  Thankful that had I faced this one year ago today, Kris and I would probably not have had the opportunity to pursue, if you will, having the beautiful, little boy who has my heart on a string. 

But, God knew one year ago what I would be facing today.  And, He knew Jett Takle before he was formed in my womb. 

He knew.

He knows the number of hairs on my head.  He knows what my tomorrow looks like. 

He knows.

And, that is the amazement of it all. 

So, no matter what tomorrow looks like for me. 

No matter what the future holds. 

He holds it in His hand. 

And, I am okay.

Besides, He gave me this March 22, 2010.

And, if that’s not a testament to the sovereignty of God….well, it just is.

Because, He knew.

….But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.  Matthew 10:29

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April 28, 2010 · 6:00 am

Shhh…

That’s what I’d tell your right this second if you walked into my house. It’s 9:43pm on the bottom right of my computer screen.  Jett is in bed making little grunty noises.  I hear an occasional whimper.  I go into his room to soothe him.  Um, like now….hold up.

Okay.  I’m back, and now it’s 9:46pm.  We are doing the whole “lay him down awake” technique in hopes that this little man will learn to fall asleep on his own.  In the meantime, I sit up in my soft, living room chair and pass the time reading, writing, and wondering how in the world I can give my older two children the attention they need from me while caring for this little person who can do practically nothing for himself.

So, I feel guilt.  I feel guilty that I have to tell my son, “Buddy, I can’t right now.”  I feel guilty that by the time I made it to my daughter’s room to pray for her tonight, she was already asleep.  I know this only a season.  And, I wouldn’t skip this season if I could.  But I wish I could press a pause button sometimes, so I didn’t miss any moments with any of my children. 

And, John Henry and Anna are both so gracious to me.  They are gracious to their new little brother.  I hear John Henry singing Jeremy Camp’s “Beautiful One” to his little brother.  I see Anna brushing his cheeks with her hand and trying to make him smile.  Of course this afternoon, Kris and I overheard her telling him about Jesus and God.  How they live in heaven.  How we’ll all die one day and live in heaven, too.  Poor kid just got here, and already Anna is preparing him for the sweet by and by. 

Nonetheless, they have been gracious.  And, I can’t help but think that God has given them grace for this season, too. 

Do you ever feel guilt as a parent?

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April 13, 2010 · 7:17 am

Grace For the Season.

What was I thinking?  I mean, starting all over again with the baby stuff?  The sleepless nights, the diapers that require hazmat suits and masks, the feedings….by hand? 

I was thinking that God wanted a Mr. Jett Takle to be born into His Kingdom.  And, I know that God already knew him long, long ago. 

I’ll admit I had moments throughout my pregnancy where the thought of enduring this season again seemed overwhelming.  Shoot, there are moments at 2:00AM that I feel those same overwhelming thoughts now.  Will I ever blog again?  Will I ever sleep again?  Will I ever eat slowly again, because I have all the time in the world?  But, I know it’s just a season.

My sweet friend, Cindy Beall, sent me this message when I was in the hospital with Jett:

“God has given you the grace you need for this season.  You are fully equipped as a child of the King to accomplish what He wants you to.”

My response to Mrs. Beall was simply, “I receive that.”

The truth is you can receive that, too.  No matter what season of life you are in.  No matter where God has you.  He will give you the grace you need for your season.  He will equip you to accomplish what He wants you to.  Do you get that?  Do you get that God wants to use you for His glory no matter what season you are in? 

So, even when I am patting the back of my amazing baby boy…..    

Even when I’m resting my cheek on his sweet smelling head….

Even when I’m wiping the sleep from my eyes at 2:00AM….

I will remember that God has given me the grace for this season.  And, I will soak up every minute of it.  Because, I will blink my eyes, and it will all be over.

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April 12, 2010 · 6:00 am

What’s Going On?

Thank you, Marvin Gaye.  I’m sure you’ve all been wondering the same, no?  Well, I’ve been a bit busy.  Well, not necessarily busy in the days leading up to childbirth.  However, it was becoming increasingly difficult to reach the keyboard due to the protrusion known as my then very pregnant belly.  Then, on March 22nd, this guy entered the world.

That’s Jett Kristian Takle, weighing in at 8lbs. 15oz and measuring 20 inches long.  Such a lightweight. 

John Henry and Anna were very excited to meet the little guy.  But, Kris and I quickly realized that we did not prepare them for things like, well, breastfeeding. 

John Henry:  “So, you just put food on there, and he licks it off?”

Anna:  “Can try some of your milk?”

Loverly. 

Now that we are past the 21 questions of “he came out HOW” and “what’s wrong with his belly button,” we are adjusting nicely.  Big sister, especially, loves to help with EVERYTHING.

And, both love to hold him.

We’re pretty sure Jett loves them, too.

We are blessed.  Sleep-deprived, but blessed.

It’s good to be writing again.  I’ve missed y’all.

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February 26, 2010 · 6:00 am

These Are Things Money Can’t Buy.

If you’re tired of reading about how sweet my seven year old is, feel free to click the “x” in the top right-hand corner.  But, I just had to record this day with him.

I was completely exhausted yesterday due to one little Jett Takle preparing for the 2028 Winter Olympics inside my belly the night before.  But, I wasn’t going to dare miss out on watching John Henry receive his Servant Leadership Award yesterday afternoon at school.

When I told him he was going to be receiving this award, he responded, “Wow!  That’s the award for putting others first!” 

By the way, Anna’s expression in the background of the pic just makes me laugh.  Sweet Anna Takle, you would definitely get the award for “Most Artistic in Fashion” or “Most Social” or “Most Likely To Make Her Mother Laugh.” 

Proud, but still so stinkin’ tired when we got home, John Henry gave me a letter. 

Dear Mom I hope you are ok.  You are the best mom ever.  I can not beleve your my mom.  I am going to let you chose what you want to eat if we go out to a restront.  If Dad is flying I will pertect (protect) you.  I am glad you are my mom.  You chose the right man.  You chose Chris.  From John Henry

*Disclaimer:  He is referring to Kris….not some other Chris.  Thought I should clarify before this blog lost its family rating.

What is in a seven year old to acknowledge that I chose Kris?  To say, “You chose the right man?” 

At the beginning of the school year, John Henry needed some answers about why he has two dads.  I explained the best I could so he would understand.  In the back of my mind, I’ve always wondered if he would one day struggle with the fact that he has two dads and his siblings have one. 

But, in letters like this, I see a young man who is thankful that Kris is in his life.  I see two dads who love him so sweetly.  And, I see a Heavenly Father who has never let him down.

And, that is redemption.

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February 19, 2010 · 6:00 am

I Love His Blue Eyes, Too.

He gets into trouble just like any other seven year old boy.  He can be silly.  He loves to entertain us with his renditions of songs from Elvis to the Steve Miller Band to our hometown’s Death On Two Wheels.  Then, he’ll hear David Crowder’s “How He Loves Us” and sing it with such a worshipful heart that he melts mine every single time. 

He’s just a really cool kid.  Of course, I could be slightly biased.  

Throughout my pregnancy, he has been patient.  Understanding.  And, always concerned for me.  He asks me daily, “Mom, how are you feeling?  Are you feeling okay?”  He has brought me breakfast in bed more than once.  The toast is always a little heavy on the strawberry preserves, but it’s perfection in my eyes.  And, when he prays out loud, he always prays for me and his little brother. 

I’m really not sure how I got so blessed, but I could not be more thankful that he is my son. 

John Henry, I love, love being your mom.

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January 27, 2010 · 6:00 am

Before You Were Born.

I really do need to be still.  And, apparently quiet.  I’m sure if you asked my husband and children, they’d bear witness.  Take last Thursday morning, for example.  I was certain my two children were hiding from me, and it was time to go to school.  I turned into Monster Mom and threw out a warning or three.  Kris immediately turned to me and pointed towards our family room. 

“They are sitting on the sofa,” he said softly. 

“Ohhhhh,” I replied lacking all ability to redeem to myself.

I then heard my husband tell the children, “Come on kids.  Let me take you to school where it’s safe.”

Hence, my theory that they would appreciate some stillness with a little quiet on top.  But, the unpredictable mood swings will all be a distant memory before we know it, yes?  We have finally begun to get ready for the arrival of Jett.  That’s his name, by the way.  We are in the process of turning our guest room into Jett’s nursery.  My other two little people refer to the guest room as “Nan’s room.”  Anna has thought it unfair that Jett gets Nan’s room.  Last night, she locked the guest bathroom door.  When, we questioned her about it, she said, “I don’t want Jett to come out and mess with Nan’s stuff.”

It’s a whirlwind here, folks.  But, it’s a good whirlwind.

Because, God is right in the middle of it. 

I’m growing this awesome baby boy. 

Who is going to bring so much joy to this family.

My prayer is that he knows how excited we are to meet him.  How much we love him.  And, more than anything else, how much his heavenly Father loves him…..Who already met him long ago.

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.  Before you were born, I set you apart…. Jeremiah 1:5

You see?  There are no accidents.  Because, God knew YOU before YOU were born, too.

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January 13, 2010 · 6:00 am

Checks And Balances.

Some may think this picture is the result of fine parenting.  Most can probably figure out it’s the product of a good photographer.  Thankyousokindly, Janna Goodwin.

I have days where I, well, I pretty much rock as their mother.  Then, I have days where I fail them.

I don’t like those days.  I think yesterday was one of those days.  I’m a tad hormonal.  I mean, just a tad.  Recently, I have the tendency of being a little short with them.  And, I’m not talkin’ ‘bout my height.  I love God.  I love studying His Word.  I’m finding that this whole asking God to stretch me in ministry thing is a little more than I may have bargained for.  And, in this process of loving, growing, and stretching, I have noticed a few times where I put that in front of my children.

And, God’s not in that.  Because, they are my greatest mission field.  They shouldn’t have to compete with other things that can sometimes consume my life.  Sure, there will be times when those other things will need immediate attention.  There will be times where they cannot have 100 percent of my attention.  There will be times.  It’s finding that balance that’s important.  And, there have been a few days recently where I haven’t achieved that balance.  Not well. 

So, today, I’m going to ask them to forgive me.  They will.  Then, perhaps, today, I’ll rock as their mom again – sans the awesome dance moves that embarrass John Henry and time consumed on Anna’s microphone; because, clearly, any and all time on the mic belongs Anna Takle.

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November 6, 2009 · 8:28 am

What Will Five Look Like?

Anna - Supergirl

Dear Anna,

Tonight, when I gently tuck the covers around your small frame, it will be the last time I kiss my four-year old daughter goodnight. 

Because, when you awaken tomorrow morning, you will be five years old.

Five.

Will you still refuse to wear tennis shoes if they are dirty?

Will you insist on being Super Girl for Halloween for a third year in a row?

Will you continue to sing the majority of the thoughts that run through your mind?

What will five look like on you?

I do know that no matter what, you will continue to make me laugh.  You will continue to be one of my greatest sources of fun.  You will continue to know exactly what you like and what you don’t.  You will continue to ask questions. 

You will continue to grow in the knowledge of your King.

Anna Takle, I love the way you love your big brother.  I love your boldness.  I love your determination.  I love watching you learn to love God.  I love how you melt in your daddy’s arms.  I love the way you rub my growing belly and talk to a little brother you’ve yet to meet.

I love every single day with you. 

And, I can’t imagine one second without you.

You are joy illuminated.

I love you birthday girl.

Love,
Mom

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