Craziness in the world

So I've been trying to stay up on current events and finding it harder and harder to rely on the typical 3 networks to do so. There are several serious things being said and movements that are full of hate that aren't being reported via NBC, CBS, & ABC. Shame, really. We don't have cable. So now I'm fully aware of other news websites and lots of talk radio. What I find so crazy is how offended so many people are when someone on their side is criticized. I'm a firm believe that if you need to be criticized, then buck up and take it, especially when in a place of power. And part of that position is to be receptive on neutral grounds. Our president, like many other presidents on both political sides, is very defensive when criticized. It's over 1.5 years into his term and life here in the USA is not getting any better, and he's still blaming "the past administration." I'm sorry. Whenever I would blame my brother and sister over and over again, my parents would let me have it. How is it okay for President Obama to keep passing blame? Well, it's not. And he's an adult who chose to run for president and won. So buck up, buddy. It's time to put on your big boy pants and govern like a responsible adult. Even President Clinton, who is almost as liberal as Obama, found a way to govern from a more centric position with a Republican Congress. I guess, politically, he had to. But, all the same, it was a great move for our country. The budget was balanced, welfare was reformed, and the list goes on. President Obama isn't learning from the past, which frightens me. Every great country has fallen due to repeating history. It's a simple concept that I believe pride prevents from soaking in to political thought.

It's also a shame that almost all politicians are more concerned with reelection and saving face than governing, legislating, judging, etc. according to our founding documents. Really? Monte and I have recently read the Constitution. It's pretty overwhelming how far from it most politicians have gone. That's on both sides. We, as Americans, have let them drift without any threat of being checked or voted out. We have been complacent and did not want to do any homework to make sure we were on the right track. That's everybody as a whole to blame. We liked where we were and wanted our way. When we didn't get it, we voted to an extreme opposite instead of finding out who was really there to serve publicly. And that's what it's supposed to be...public service. Why are they getting rich off of it? And they, as a whole, aren't any good at their jobs? We need to wake up, clean it out, and get back to a place where the USA is a leader for true freedom and a democratic republic. And our politicians need to listen to the voices of their constituents. We are the boss of them. We need to remind them that they are representing us and not their personal side of things.

Life is too short to let the ideals of the USA to fall to socialistic plans. With freedom comes hard work and taking care of yourself. You don't like that responsibility, find a place that will take care of you. But beware. They want power over you too. You can't have freedom and a free meal ticket. The two directly contradict each other. I'll take care of my family and myself. You take care of yours. And we'll all enjoy the freedom to do so. I hope God will continue to bless America. When will we learn that the freedom we enjoy came from Him and is innately all people's everywhere? I give thanks and will teach Gibson and all future children to do the same. I love being in a free land. I just hope it lasts and lasts.

On a much lighter note, Gibson is now the proud owner of 2 teeth. He's enjoying feeding himself all sorts of things. He especially enjoys watermelon and cottage cheese, separately is not necessary. Monte is busy with weekend services and all the planning and prep that goes into them. He just started his own Facebook page. Look him up and friend him. He'd like that. We are heading to the McCoy Family Reunion next week down in north central AR. I'm looking forward to that. There will be 35 of us and many are quite eager and competent babysitters. Oh, yes. I will enjoy that. Gibson has new adventures in crawling everyday. He really likes the dog bones. This has been a major point of discipline. I shouldn't move them since they are in a place where the girls can reach them. So Gib just has to learn they are off limits to him. He has been quite persistent in his attempts with a few times where Momma has had to intervene. Not fun. He's also starting to pull up. It's mainly just to his knees now, but he has once gone to his feet! Already! I'm not ready for walking yet. I hope he sticks to cruising around furniture for a while. He's also found his toy basket. He enjoys pulling it over and letting the toys tumble into his face. Fun but energy sapping. Good thing I'm staying fit.

That's it for now. Thanks for visiting!

Summer Fun

Lots and lots of summer fun. We just returned from a 9 day journey that led us to Louisville, KY to visit our dear friends, the Semenicks. We got to cuddle and coo with Baby Gabe, who is now 11 weeks old. He's a big kid - long and strong! He's got the crazy old man hair thing right now. Love it! Max and Sara are doing well and obviously elated every day they get to love that little guy. God is good! Then, we trekked to Myrtle Beach, SC. Gibson did amazingly well in the car despite not sleeping much. Since he prefers the tummy, the carseat offered him little sleeping comfort. Too bad there isn't a contraption that keeps babies safe while sleeping on their tummies. Gibson would be a happy kid! Myrtle Beach was beautiful and warm. We got to spend some great time with most of Monte's side of the family. It was fun to see all the energy in our nieces and nephews as they played in the ocean most of every day. It wore me out! Now we're home and back to normalcy. Whatever that is!

Gibson is well into his new adventure of eating solids. He loves his spoon and cup even though he doesn't really attain any nourishment from these tools on his own. He's still perfecting those abilities. He's getting the hang of picking things up with his pincer grasp. It's fun to see all the concentration that goes into putting the pointer finger and thumb together. I make most of his baby food, which is a good way to save some cash considering how much he likes to eat.

I've posted more pics at our website. www.hunttrio.shutterfly.com. Enjoy!

New People To Love

So there are some new people in my life to love. Most were expected like Jani's baby, Anke, Sara Semenick's baby, Gabriel, Sara Conley's baby, Darcy, and the list grows on of all the friends of mine who are expecting. However, there was a little bundle of love that joined my family all of a sudden. But what a great surprise! My sister, Sarah, and her husband, Nathan, were privileged and beaming with pride to take home a little baby girl who needed a great home and some super great parents! Elizabeth Kay Reyna was born April 8th and joined their home on the 13th. They just went to court yesterday where everything is now legal and complete! She's theirs on paper as well as in their hearts. Yay! Loving a baby is a whole different ballgame. People always told me that before. I would usually look at them and give them a polite smile. But now I know. How dare I assumed I knew better? This weekend Gibson and I are traveling down to Arkansas to see the family and celebrate with one of four showers for Elizabeth. Monte, of course, will be working with the church and leading the services' music, which means he will not be joining us. Plus, we're heading to Myrtle Beach, SC next weekend and get to stop in and see the Semenicks on our way. I've taken a huge breath of relief now that the school year is over. I never realized how crazy I would feel tackling a few hours a day teaching sex ed and trying to get Gibson cared for and dropped off and all that. Madness! I'm sure this fall will be much simpler since he'll almost be weaned and can fend more for himself in the eating department. I'm super glad I don't have a 40 hr/wk job anymore. I'd lose it or be a gigantic mess! This summer brings vacation, a family reunion, a 10 year high school reunion, and hopefully lots of swimming! I'm stocked with swim diapers for Gib. Love you all and make today your greatest!

Friends

I have a really great friend who just celebrated a birthday Sunday. Sara L. Hill is a wonderful and glorious friend. I cherish our times of just us. Well, Gibson joins us most times. But you know what I mean. I was able to bless her with a Panera birthday breakfast a couple days before her actual birthday. It's amazing how much a yummy bagel, all toasty and spread with cream cheese, and a cup of coffee accompanied by good conversation and company can heal the soul and refresh even the ickiest of moods. Mmmm...it was delightful.

Another great friend, Sara Mitchell Semenick. Yes, Sara. Another one. In fact, the next friend to write about is yet another Sara. But Sara Semenick is expecting their first baby March 16th - a boy. I'm pumped and SO ready to go visit when he's a few weeks old once family has had their initial fill. Gibson and I will probably pack up and head out to Louisville. Not sure if Monte can come and I'm contemplating having my mom or someone else come with me to help with Gibson and driving. P.S. Did you know that nursing in the car is legal in some states? Just found that out. Sara Semenick and I go way back to my sophomore year of college. We were blessed to spend two years together at college as best buds and volleyball teammates. We've been mega close every since. She and her hubby, Max, were able to visit when Gibson was 5 weeks old. They bought him his Boppy, which we LOVE!

Last Sara for the day. Sara Conley, formerly Sara Cable, is also pregnant due early April. This Sara is having a girl, little Darcy Elizabeth. I was blessed that she had a shower here in Joplin that I could attend. It was not good for me to see all the precious baby girl stuff. All these pregnant friends are bad for my agreement to wait til Gib is at least a year before we discuss another one. Ack! But I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about all the different things she and all 8 other pregnant friends are experiencing. This Sara is basically a walking complication. I won't breach her privacy on her health issues, but pregnancy has definitely brought out some quirks for her body to handle. She and Brad are anxiously awaiting the arrival while cherishing and loving every moment she's still in utero.

Last friend - JANI BRAVENBOER. Ya know, I miss this girl the most because it's been over 2 years since I've seen her, hugged her, and shared with her face to face. Jani and Martin, who are also expecting a girl but on March 16th, had to move back to South Africa Dec. 11, 2007. (Heavy sigh...) However, life back home has been good to them and I pray that God continues to use them for His purposes day in and day out. Their new ministry of being parents will be mind blowing, I'm sure! It is different once experienced and it's worth every ache, pain, sickness, or contraction. Oh, man, is it! I pray for Jani very often and want to see her again. I know it will happen. It's just a matter of when. We'll see.

God is good, right? I have 5 other friends who are expecting. Yes, 5. Again, not good on the whole waiting to have another kid goal. Monte keeps me in check. He's not as eager to get back into the fertility freedom stage as I am. Alas, Gibson deserves to have me for a while all to himself. I'm sure I'll be better equipped to have another with giving him this time too. So long for now!

Love, Sweet, Love

So Valentine's Day came and went. No big deal for us. We love each other every day! Actually, neither one of us is big on gifts and big displays of thoughtfulness that requires money we'd rather spend on something useful or to eat. Monte is glad I don't care about flowers or candy or any gifts, really. I don't like shopping, although now I get a kick out of how many great deals I get when buying baby stuff for Gibson. Exciting life, I know.

Gibson now sleeps consistently til 6:30. I'm being very patient in getting him to 7 am at least. He would make things MUCH easier if he slept til then. I think he's also ready to be on a 4 hour routine and get 4 feedings each day. Right now he does 5, but it's a short feeding. Trial and error are key to good parenting. You try it, assess, take notes, and make a decision. Luckily, my baby Bible has been BabyWise, and I'm so grateful. I'm constantly referencing it to make sure I'm within normal expectations on nap times, # of naps, hours of nighttime sleep, # of feedings, etc.

Also, Gib made his 4 mo. appearance at Dr. Holmes' office last Friday. He wasn't quite close to 17 lbs. I thought for sure I saw the scale correctly at our neighbors' house a couple weeks ago. But I was wrong. He weighed in at 15 lbs 10 oz. Still quite above "average" for 4 months old. He's healthy and that's what matters. He was like 25 3/4" long too.

Now, about shots. I was prepared for the worst this time. Last time, Gibson screamed and cried and cried and cried. He looked at me and stuck out his lip and his eyes seemed to be asking, "Why, Mommy? Why is this mean nurse lady stabbing needles into my thighs?" Heart wrenching! I was on the verge of tears. And you all know that I'm NOT a crier. Whew! Awful. But this time, he whimpered a little bit with each shot and that was it! As soon as she was done, he recovered in mere seconds. I was highly relieved.

Just read the last Harry Potter - The Deathly Hallows. It was good. Now I'm ready to see the cinematography challenge of bringing it to life. There will be quite a bit to see. Oh, and I'm way behind the norms and watched Twilight for the first time yesterday. It was alright. I've been told that the books are much better and that the second film was made much better than the first. I have to decide if I want to commit to reading the books first. What do you guys say? Anyone read them?

Enjoy your weekend. I'm off to figure out dinner. Love you all!

Update

It's been a while. Apologies to all those who keep up. I'm sure it's a whopping two or three people! No matter how few, you are important. Gibson is now 4 months old. He's like 17 lbs and growing at a ridiculous rate. We've tried a little cereal every now and then, but he doesn't seem to NEED it. I thought he did, but that idea has fizzled out. He sleeps like 10 hours at night with or without cereal. Sometimes I'm lucky and he sleeps 11 hours and wakes up at 7. It seems no matter how many days I let him fuss til 6:30 he will still wake up at 6. I guess I'll just wait til he gets older for him to sleep longer. I'm heading back to teaching Virtuous Reality next week. I'm pumped. I get to kick it off by doing the girls' STI slides. Favorite! Last time I did them, I had a couple girls in class quietly crying. It broke my heart. They never did share with my why so I just prayed for them. I started back to LifeChoices 3 weeks ago. Right off the bat, I had a client who said that she had to have an abortion even though she would never tell anyone else to do it. Her mother was distraught over this decision and she said that she was unsure of how her mom could love her after she goes through with it. Even after an ultrasound and seeing the miraculous flicker of the heartbeat, she was still determined. I just kept praying. Only God knows what's going on in her heart and mind right now. I just saw the pain she was experiencing and wondered why we even let people have this choice. Yeah, pregnancy is hard and raising a kid is even harder. But living with the memory and pain of getting rid of the life created, whether good timing or not, is exponentially harder from what those who've had them have shared. God is so much bigger than those problems yet He chooses to be a part of every one of them. He welcomes those babies into his arms just like he did ours back in Oct. '08. Luckily for them, He does a much better job than any parent here can. His love is perfect and whole, rich and full, abundant and overflowing. And with the birth of Gibson and the loss of our first baby, I've become very emotional when it comes to them. The first time Gibson decides he doesn't need me or want me and shows it I'm going to secretly fall to pieces. I hear him stirring in the other room. He's so cute. He's dreaming or trying to get through a light sleep stage. He'll be wriggling around and trying to find his hands all while his eyes are closed. The other night we looked in on him and he was curled up on his left side with his little hands nestled in front of his face. Precious! Enjoy the pics!

Quick Update

For any readers who don't follow my Facebook, here's a quick update. Gibson Liam Hunt was born on October 5 at 1:26 pm. He was a whopping 8 lbs and 3 oz and 21 inches long. And they all said that my baby was going to be tiny! Yeah, right! I think even if he had been 6 lbs he still would have seemed huge. Delivering a child is no easy matter. So he's now 6 weeks old and getting cuter by the day. The recent milestone is his once a night feeding instead of two or three. Such a blessing! Ambitious eaters make for good sleepers. I thank Baby Wise for giving me excellent parenting concepts for a newborn to help establish a routine. His metabolism and sleep patterns are pretty set now and it's making for a more predictable day, which includes at least one nap for me too. And I have four friends (yes, 4!) who are all pregnant and due in mid March or early April! I will say there are one or two that I wish were also pregnant, but that's not my decision and I would never coerce anyone who wasn't sure into parenting. It's not for the uncertain if you want to do it well. So congratulations, ladies! I know you are all at the point of diagnostic ultrasounds and finding out the genders. So far - 2 girls and 1 boy. I haven't heard on the 4th one yet.

As for Monte, he's been very busy. Not only is he enjoying the short blips of time with Gibson in between feedings and naps, he's constantly working. If he's not at BioLife for his day job, then he's here or at the Forest Park North campus doing something for the church. Things are gaining stability with the worship ministry as he has found a good chunk of musicians and vocalists to round out the schedule. This is particularly challenging since there are 4 services every weekend (2 Saturday and 2 Sunday) for which he has to lead and find volunteers to play and sing. He's got a system now that seems to be working where he can insert more of his musical friends from other churches by having them play mostly on Saturday nights so as not to interfere with their regular church attendance and service. That also makes for twice as many people to line up, but so far so good. Please pray that his ministry will continue to grow and minister to those who attend.

I said quick, right? Whatever! We're excited for the holidays to see family and friends and for them all to meet Gibson. There are 3 new boys to the Hunt/McSpadden side of our family. Gibson will have some good playmates as he grows up! Enjoy the picture!