So, sometimes I try and make-believe that I do not live in Arkansas. Actually, it isn't that it is a bad place...and quite often I really do enjoy where I live. Now, when my family comes to visit, I usually notice how much I have gotten used to the "culture" of where I live. (Granted, my parents live in Colorado, only the mecca of all out-doorsy people! They tend to be extremely trim, health conscious, and hybrid car drivers.) They often make comments about society here being different than theirs 750 miles away.
Every now and then I get a big slap in the face, and I suddenly wake up from my daze and have to question..."why in the heck do I live here?" What, you may be asking, was the so called slap this time? Well, the story goes something like this:
I was in the local Taco Bell, sitting at a table across from my husband. We were munching down tacos and a bean burrito. It was a pretty regular day. There was a group of kids there that looked like they had just wrapped up their Saturday morning soccer game. I was dipping my taco in sauce, and people watching. All of the sudden I got slapped! Not literally...but I had to do a double take because I really wasn't sure that what I thought I saw really WAS what I saw. But oh no!! It WAS!! There was a gentlemen sitting across the aisle from me, and he was a larger person in a wheelchair. Not that abnormal for my town. The abnormal part was that his entire rear-end was completely unclothed and hanging out the backside of his wheelchair. I was shocked, and unfortunately had little more maturity than a 12 year old boy...because I could barely contain myself from bursting at the seams with laughter. Jason was super confused about the look of shock on my face and then the futile attempts at controlling my laughter. So, he got up, went to refill his soda and scanned the room. What he saw was, a large man in a wheelchair...with no legs!! He sat down again, and looked at me as if I had lost my compassion and asked if I was really laughing at guy with no legs?! Problem was, I didn't see that he didn't have legs...I only saw the the back side of him. Fortunately, the guy was done eating and he and his group left the restaurant. I started to try to explain to my husband what I saw. To no avail, my husband is convinced that I am a wretched person for laughing at a disabled person!! My argument still remains, that legs or no legs...surely one would feel the cold breeze on ones lower cheeks. Maybe he doesn't have any feeling past his arms (because I did see that they were working)...in which case I am really sorry for laughing. I guess I was just reminded that this place where I live is really quite "special". You never know what you might see at your local taco shack. But, for all of you that are reading this...please pull at least your undies over your bum, and make sure that anyone you are caring for in a wheelchair also has their lower regions covered! Arkansas doesn't need any more fodder for laughter than it already has. Poor Arkansas. And, poor man that I laughed at. I really do wish I could apologize.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day two
Today was day #2 of being a stay-at-home-wife/soon-to-be-mom. I spent my day doing homework, gardening and just doing some projects around the house that I haven't had time for before. It was grand. I keep feeling like I have to get so much done because this "vacation" will soon be over. I suppose it is, in 62 days when this kid makes his appearance. Haha!
I had a friend call me today and ask if I would watch her son once a week throughout the summer, for just an hour. I don't mind helping, and said I could help some, but that I couldn't commit to anything after June (for obvious reasons). Anyways...after I hung up, I started to panic! I wasn't really panicking about watching her kid, but rather there were a million little thoughts that ran through my head. They went something like this: "How does one entertain a 1 year old for 45 min? Wait, what does one DO with an infant for an entire day? What am I going to let this kid play with while he is here? Is anything not dog-slobbered upon? I have NO toys! What is MY kid going to play with? I guess I could sit him(my friend's kid) in front of the TV (not that I approve of that as a method of permanently entertaining a kid). I don't like holding conversations with children that cannot coherently respond. What am I going to talk to my son about for the first 3 years of his life? I can't do this! I don't even like children!!"
I was about to reach for a paper bag to breathe in and out of, and then realized that I was driving my car...so I reached over to my phone to call mom and remembered that she is in Canada this week (blah...no international calls on my cell). I talked myself down off the ledge by remembering that I DO in fact LOVE my bf Elizabeth's kids! I really don't mind hanging out with them and I DO enjoy babysitting them. There may be almost no other children that I enjoy, but if I can enjoy her three kids...then surely I can enjoy mine, right?! Also, I find lots of things to talk to my dog about, and he can't respond at all...so this could work, right? Right!
I had a friend call me today and ask if I would watch her son once a week throughout the summer, for just an hour. I don't mind helping, and said I could help some, but that I couldn't commit to anything after June (for obvious reasons). Anyways...after I hung up, I started to panic! I wasn't really panicking about watching her kid, but rather there were a million little thoughts that ran through my head. They went something like this: "How does one entertain a 1 year old for 45 min? Wait, what does one DO with an infant for an entire day? What am I going to let this kid play with while he is here? Is anything not dog-slobbered upon? I have NO toys! What is MY kid going to play with? I guess I could sit him(my friend's kid) in front of the TV (not that I approve of that as a method of permanently entertaining a kid). I don't like holding conversations with children that cannot coherently respond. What am I going to talk to my son about for the first 3 years of his life? I can't do this! I don't even like children!!"
I was about to reach for a paper bag to breathe in and out of, and then realized that I was driving my car...so I reached over to my phone to call mom and remembered that she is in Canada this week (blah...no international calls on my cell). I talked myself down off the ledge by remembering that I DO in fact LOVE my bf Elizabeth's kids! I really don't mind hanging out with them and I DO enjoy babysitting them. There may be almost no other children that I enjoy, but if I can enjoy her three kids...then surely I can enjoy mine, right?! Also, I find lots of things to talk to my dog about, and he can't respond at all...so this could work, right? Right!
Friday, May 15, 2009
to my son
Dear Baby Herron,
Today is Mommy's last day at work. This is a big change in my life, after today I will just be a wife to your Daddy and a mom to you. I wouldn't have it any other way. We prayed and prayed for God to give us you as a gift. Now that you are almost here, I am getting nervous. Not "cold feet" nervous, but just jittery. We are so very thankful that you are on your way and it won't be long until we can see your little face. I can see my tummy move when you kick (which is ALL the time), but I am aching to hold you in my arms and love on you.
Yesterday was the first baby shower that we had together. You got a bunch of super cute clothes and blankets and a few books. You even got one outfit that matches your Daddy's style of dress - a Hawaiian shirt! I hung up all your clothes, and folded the little blankets and stacked the shoes. You are blessed already my dear boy. People love you! We have two more showers together. One here with more dear friends, and one in Kansas with your Grandma Campbell and her side of the family. I am looking forward to those two showers as they are a true celebration of YOU! I will confess to you though that it feels strange to be on the Mommy side of the shower, rather than a giver.
Baby, I want you to know that I am praying for you already. That you will be healthy when you get here. That your arrival won't be too traumatic (for both you and me). But, most importantly, that you will learn to love Jesus from a very early age. This will be my constant prayer for you.
You are treasured.
Love,
Mom
Today is Mommy's last day at work. This is a big change in my life, after today I will just be a wife to your Daddy and a mom to you. I wouldn't have it any other way. We prayed and prayed for God to give us you as a gift. Now that you are almost here, I am getting nervous. Not "cold feet" nervous, but just jittery. We are so very thankful that you are on your way and it won't be long until we can see your little face. I can see my tummy move when you kick (which is ALL the time), but I am aching to hold you in my arms and love on you.
Yesterday was the first baby shower that we had together. You got a bunch of super cute clothes and blankets and a few books. You even got one outfit that matches your Daddy's style of dress - a Hawaiian shirt! I hung up all your clothes, and folded the little blankets and stacked the shoes. You are blessed already my dear boy. People love you! We have two more showers together. One here with more dear friends, and one in Kansas with your Grandma Campbell and her side of the family. I am looking forward to those two showers as they are a true celebration of YOU! I will confess to you though that it feels strange to be on the Mommy side of the shower, rather than a giver.
Baby, I want you to know that I am praying for you already. That you will be healthy when you get here. That your arrival won't be too traumatic (for both you and me). But, most importantly, that you will learn to love Jesus from a very early age. This will be my constant prayer for you.
You are treasured.
Love,
Mom
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
the last week
This week has been hectic. Every evening has had something planned...last night, I didn't get to bed till 2am (partly my own fault) and then had to be up at 6:15. An old college roommate is coming into town tomorrow night and spending the weekend at my house, which is great, but I am feeling tired and a little irritated that I won't be able to do what I want to do this weekend. When did I get so selfish? However, I am soaking up this as the last week at work. I am thoroughly excited about closing this chapter at 5pm on Friday, turning in my key and walking through the door as I open a new chapter of my life. Nervous, true, but excited! Part of me is totally ok with all the hectic"ness" and neediness of this week, as next week will be quite a different story.
Today I was praying for a friend. Well, really I was fretting and feeling like I needed to intervene and do something. All I could do was sit in silence and just whisper a prayer on her behalf. Now, I don't often "hear" God's voice and am always skeptical when people talk about "hearing" Him speak to them. BUT...today as I was squirming for this friend and feverishly whispering my prayers, I totally sensed God say to me "Liz, be still. Don't you think that I know what is best for her? I do love her more that you ever could, and I've got this under control. So, just sit back, rest and know that I am God." WOW...immediately I felt a huge weight just roll off my shoulders and I rested in the fact that God does know what she needs, and it may not be what I think she needs (imagine that!). Sometimes God is so tender, ever showing the shepherd side of Himself. I know He knew that I needed to be reminded of that today. He is my shepherd too. Ever beside me, today...making me lay down in some green pastures. It felt good to rest my soul.
Today I was praying for a friend. Well, really I was fretting and feeling like I needed to intervene and do something. All I could do was sit in silence and just whisper a prayer on her behalf. Now, I don't often "hear" God's voice and am always skeptical when people talk about "hearing" Him speak to them. BUT...today as I was squirming for this friend and feverishly whispering my prayers, I totally sensed God say to me "Liz, be still. Don't you think that I know what is best for her? I do love her more that you ever could, and I've got this under control. So, just sit back, rest and know that I am God." WOW...immediately I felt a huge weight just roll off my shoulders and I rested in the fact that God does know what she needs, and it may not be what I think she needs (imagine that!). Sometimes God is so tender, ever showing the shepherd side of Himself. I know He knew that I needed to be reminded of that today. He is my shepherd too. Ever beside me, today...making me lay down in some green pastures. It felt good to rest my soul.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Jason's new favorite toy (of course it has 4 wheels!)
I have been searching for MONTHS online to find a safe, well made, good brand and decent looking carseat/stroller. I had pretty much settled on a britax and figured I would frugal-style it by picking one up on ebay. So, I did just that! Found a steal of one that really is in decent condition, but when it arrived this week, well....let's just say that it didn't possess the "cool factor" that young Mr. Herron should be seen with. I agreed to put it back up for sale on ebay and with any luck, we'll at least break even on it.
So, that brings us to this weekend. Saturday morning Jason and I woke up, helped his younger brother put his belongings into a car and waved him goodbye after he finished up his freshmen year of college. We looked at each other, decided we had nothing else that was pressing to do that day, and so we loaded up the dog and ourselves into the car and headed to Tulsa. We have been a bit frustrated that most stores in NWA don't have much selection to choose from when it comes to strollers or infant car seats. I just wanted to take a look at them in person and see how they open/close, etc.
We ended up at the coolest baby store called Dingbats (if you are in Tulsa, you should check it out!). They stock the brand of carseat/stroller that Jason had been looking at. Forty-five minutes later, we walked out of the store with my husband's new favorite toy.
It is: 1- cool enough for the new dad to walk around with.
2- Compact enough to be taken as a carry-on if we are travelling somewhere
3- Light enough that mom can carry it.
4- Adjustable enough to where we can zip out the entire toddler seat when the kid is too young to sit up.
5- Blue enough that (hopefully) people will instantly know that our baby is a "he".
AND... 6- matchable to the diaper bag that is manly enough for dad to carry without feeling humiliated. (actually, this is a SUPER cool bag that has a ton of features that I am excited about).
Lastly...I found a fun baby food tray for freezing all that yummy spinach I plan on making him eat. ;-)
The stroller was a decent price, and after spending so much time online over the past few weeks/months looking for one, we decided that we couldn't actually get a better deal on a new one anywhere else, so we bit the bullet and bought it. It is fun to have in the house. Makes it feel all the more real that our kiddo will be here soon and we are getting ready for him. He still has no name, but at least he will be riding home in style. Haha.
So, that brings us to this weekend. Saturday morning Jason and I woke up, helped his younger brother put his belongings into a car and waved him goodbye after he finished up his freshmen year of college. We looked at each other, decided we had nothing else that was pressing to do that day, and so we loaded up the dog and ourselves into the car and headed to Tulsa. We have been a bit frustrated that most stores in NWA don't have much selection to choose from when it comes to strollers or infant car seats. I just wanted to take a look at them in person and see how they open/close, etc.
We ended up at the coolest baby store called Dingbats (if you are in Tulsa, you should check it out!). They stock the brand of carseat/stroller that Jason had been looking at. Forty-five minutes later, we walked out of the store with my husband's new favorite toy.
It is: 1- cool enough for the new dad to walk around with. 
2- Compact enough to be taken as a carry-on if we are travelling somewhere
3- Light enough that mom can carry it.
4- Adjustable enough to where we can zip out the entire toddler seat when the kid is too young to sit up. 
5- Blue enough that (hopefully) people will instantly know that our baby is a "he".
AND... 6- matchable to the diaper bag that is manly enough for dad to carry without feeling humiliated. (actually, this is a SUPER cool bag that has a ton of features that I am excited about).
Lastly...I found a fun baby food tray for freezing all that yummy spinach I plan on making him eat. ;-)The stroller was a decent price, and after spending so much time online over the past few weeks/months looking for one, we decided that we couldn't actually get a better deal on a new one anywhere else, so we bit the bullet and bought it. It is fun to have in the house. Makes it feel all the more real that our kiddo will be here soon and we are getting ready for him. He still has no name, but at least he will be riding home in style. Haha.
Friday, May 8, 2009
I am still kinda in a funk. Today I was fine most of the day and by evening I was all emotional and just irrational. I knew that I was being that way, but couldn't help myself. I know that I am exhausted, and that is a major contributing factor, but I am sure that my hormones aren't exactly helping the situation either. This week felt like the longest week ever, but for no real reason! Work was exceedingly easy, but strange because all my students were gone and I didn't feel like I got a good chance to say "goodbye" to them. They are all coming back in the fall, so I am sure I will see them again. They were who kept me sane this past year at my job. I hope that the guy taking my place will be as blessed as I was to have such wonderful students.
I am processing through what it will be like to not have a job after next week. I am totally thrilled and totally scared about waking up next Monday and having no where to go at 8:15 in the morning. Other than the 9 months where I was in between 3 different jobs, I have had at minimum a part time job since I was 15 (with lots of odd jobs for a few years before that). For those of you that don't know my family, they were missionaries, so money didn't grow on trees and other than the basics of food and a roof over my head...there was never any money leftover for other stuff. My 16th birthday present was a belt, because I needed one and because it was affordable. I've always provided for myself and it is going to be a hard pill to swallow to not be at least contributing to our income. I am already feeling guilty about not working because just cleaning, cooking and taking care of a baby doesn't seem like enough. I am very blessed to have a husband that is very encouraging of my staying home and is excited for this new phase of life. It is just going to be hard to have to rely on someone else for all my needs. To be honest, I really don't like that thought at all! It will be a growing process and I know that.
So, I am making a list of all the things that I really want/need to do before Baby Herron makes his grand debut:
- Go to Muskogee and sew some curtains for a best friend
- May- Pick strawberries
- June- Pick blueberries
- July- Pick blackberries
- Set up my sewing table and make a quilt, diaper bag, bibs, burb cloths, and changing pads
- Buy a canvas and pull out my oil paints (it has been TWO years)
- Find a pediatrician (just realized today that I have to do that....where does one find a pediatrician?)
- decorate baby's room
- take my dog for a daily walk/waddle ;-)
- spend more time reading and doing devotions
- Spend time with some girlfriends
- work on some photography
Ok...I am sure there are other things too, but that list looks long enough for tonight.
What are some things that you current moms did before baby #1 came that you found to be helpful? Or things you wish you had done? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am processing through what it will be like to not have a job after next week. I am totally thrilled and totally scared about waking up next Monday and having no where to go at 8:15 in the morning. Other than the 9 months where I was in between 3 different jobs, I have had at minimum a part time job since I was 15 (with lots of odd jobs for a few years before that). For those of you that don't know my family, they were missionaries, so money didn't grow on trees and other than the basics of food and a roof over my head...there was never any money leftover for other stuff. My 16th birthday present was a belt, because I needed one and because it was affordable. I've always provided for myself and it is going to be a hard pill to swallow to not be at least contributing to our income. I am already feeling guilty about not working because just cleaning, cooking and taking care of a baby doesn't seem like enough. I am very blessed to have a husband that is very encouraging of my staying home and is excited for this new phase of life. It is just going to be hard to have to rely on someone else for all my needs. To be honest, I really don't like that thought at all! It will be a growing process and I know that.
So, I am making a list of all the things that I really want/need to do before Baby Herron makes his grand debut:
- Go to Muskogee and sew some curtains for a best friend
- May- Pick strawberries
- June- Pick blueberries
- July- Pick blackberries
- Set up my sewing table and make a quilt, diaper bag, bibs, burb cloths, and changing pads
- Buy a canvas and pull out my oil paints (it has been TWO years)
- Find a pediatrician (just realized today that I have to do that....where does one find a pediatrician?)
- decorate baby's room
- take my dog for a daily walk/waddle ;-)
- spend more time reading and doing devotions
- Spend time with some girlfriends
- work on some photography
Ok...I am sure there are other things too, but that list looks long enough for tonight.
What are some things that you current moms did before baby #1 came that you found to be helpful? Or things you wish you had done? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
a little grouchy
I have decided that with Jason and I both working full time, both pursuing master's degrees, being pregnant AND trying to sell our house, that we have filled up our schedule entirely too much. I desperately want to cut something out. Thankfully in two weeks I will be done with work and then I can get all the "home" stuff done during the week. I currently hate that my clothes for the week are still in the dirty laundry hamper and won't be touched until Wednesday because I have two finals to study for and a paper to edit.
Our weekend was spent with both of us stuck behind our laptop screens feverishly writing papers and then scrubbing the house down before our "open house" today. I just got back from a study session and really should be pouring over my notes some more and memorizing my drug list from Psychopharmocology instead of blogging. But, I am tired....and grouchy.
I was a child that watched Anne of Green Gables (any other fans?) and my favorite line was that of Miss Stacey to Anne..."tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it!" Whatever happened today will be done and behind me. The thing I am most looking forward to tomorrow is that it is supposed to be SUNNY! I love the sunshine and after a week solid of rain and clouds, I need a little sun and warmth to liven my soul back up. Maybe I will take a break and go for a walk tomorrow and remind myself of all the good things that God has blessed me with.
Our weekend was spent with both of us stuck behind our laptop screens feverishly writing papers and then scrubbing the house down before our "open house" today. I just got back from a study session and really should be pouring over my notes some more and memorizing my drug list from Psychopharmocology instead of blogging. But, I am tired....and grouchy.
I was a child that watched Anne of Green Gables (any other fans?) and my favorite line was that of Miss Stacey to Anne..."tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it!" Whatever happened today will be done and behind me. The thing I am most looking forward to tomorrow is that it is supposed to be SUNNY! I love the sunshine and after a week solid of rain and clouds, I need a little sun and warmth to liven my soul back up. Maybe I will take a break and go for a walk tomorrow and remind myself of all the good things that God has blessed me with.
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