Praising God!!!

Ben and Janet are wonderful friends of ours that just got their referral this week for their little boy in Ethiopia. We met this couple at Cedarville when we all traveled on singing teams. Janet continues to be one of my best friends (even though we do not get to see each other all to often) and her blog over the last year has been such an encouragement. It has been amazing to see how God has provided for them and their hearts of gratitude towards those who wanted to help out with the adoption.

If you want to be encouraged today be sure to check out their blog on the left - Whipple Words.

Simple Yet Complicated

I was just telling my mom a few weeks ago how I think this is the least stressed out I have ever been in my life. I was just not made to work full time outside of the home, Before we had Owen I was working 30 hours a week (at a job I loved) but was still a little too much for me.

Life just seems so simple right now - I love it!!! I love being able to just play with Owen and not worry about time (for the most part). It is awesome that I can stay in pajamas till 3:00pm and no one cares. Our house can be a wreck and I can blame it on the fact that I have a 20 month old!

But at the same time I feel like this is the most complicated my life has ever been. There is a lot to read between the lines of "Raise a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it." How do I raise a child in the way he should go? When do I know what offense to spank for? How do I stop something from becoming a habit of sin in his life?

We just got done doing a study at church on the life of Christ and going through Luke. One of the main things I came away with is that the disciples were a little bit slow, to say the least. Fortunately for me millions of people do not read about my mistakes like we can the disciples'. We are so depraved we do not even realize how depraved we are.

Anyone who does not think that men are sinful should have a child. WOW! Owen has just started a new stage of complete defiance that I am not ready for. That makes life complicated!! Jay and I have had numerous conversations over the last few months about discipline. We want the same end but we just don't always agree on the means to get there. I guess we will keep having these conversations for the next twenty some years. :)

Above all, we long for Owen to grow up as a man who loves his Savior. One other main point I came across in the study was God's mercy and grace. He continued to stay with the disciples even though they kept missing the mark and even though they abandoned Him at His death (and He knew they would). I am realizing more and more everyday that I am just like the disciples and need grace everyday for raising Owen, my thought life and my attitudes that so many of you have probably seen. In the holiday season that we are in I am so thankful for many things but I am most blown away by God's grace and mercy in my life.

September & October Update

I am a little sick of looking at the same pictures of Owen every time I go to check blogs so I decided to do an update. Frankly, blogging has been way down on my list of things I need do (I would much rather just read someone else's than write one myself). We have been out of town for over 2 weeks this month so have not really been keeping up with it. Here are some pics of our last two months....


We celebrated Labor Day at the park with friends and pizza (Owen's favorite).

My Dad turned 60 in September so we went to Columbus for a party and all went out to dinner afterwards. Can I just say how much I love my family??

Saying bye to grandpa Slagle and giving him a big birthday kiss!!

In mid October Owen and I went to visit my parents in North Carolina for nine days. He loved lots of one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa Slagle. We had a GREAT time and it went way to fast.

When we were in the south we also got to visit the whole Slagle clan in South Carolina. These are some of my first cousins and Owen loved all the attention he got the whole weekend (I think Owen was a little sick of being held - which you can tell in the pic).

We went downtown for Owen to do some trick or treating at the local businesses. That is one cute cow!


This past weekend we visited Brumbaugh Farm. Lots of fun but it was freezing!


Owen decided when we were out of town to start talking. His vocabulary now includes mommy, daddy, grandma, grandpa, Elmo, up and car.

Our Book Worm

When you walk into our home there is a bookshelf to your immediate right which has about 30 different children's books and various toys. No toy has gotten as much attention as "Are You My Mother", "I Love You Through and Through" or "A to Z" (just to name a few of his favorite books). There comes a certain time of the day when all Owen wants to do is read. He walks up to us carrying books and grunting. He does not let us finish what we are reading before another one is plopped into our laps.

The crazy thing is that now he knows most of the titles so if I ask him to get me a certain book he just walks over to the pile and pulls it out. About 2 weeks ago he started to go into his room and look through other books all by himself. He just sits there and looks at each page individually and sometimes points and makes the animal noises. :) To cute!!

You can see the little wheels in his head turning all of the time as he is trying to make sense of things. What a fun age!

Last Few Weeks

Jason and I were able to go to the Worship God 08 conference this last week in Gaithersburg, Maryland (I wrote this the week we got back - the first week of August). This was held at Covenant Life Church which is part of Sovereign Grace Ministries (CJ Mahaney, Joshua Harris). "Let Your Kingdom Come", "Psalm 103", "Grace Unmeasured" and "Glories of Calvary" are just a few of the songs that we use at our church through this ministry. Their songs are extremely gospel centered and have incredible lyrics. I would totally recommend their worships albums (sovereigngraceministries.org).

Okay now to the conference.... all I can say it that I feel like I have been punched in the gut a few times because of being convicted of some issues I have been dealing with. I went to this conference just thinking I would be learning more about music, singing and studying the Psalms. I did not expect to learn so much on family worship in the home and being a pastor's wife. While at the conference I was also reading "Feminine Appeal" by Caroline Mahaney which only added to the list of things that need to change in my life (I am not yet finished with this book but would totally recommend it). Lets just say that my attitude toward raising Owen and Jason being in full time ministry is not always the best! Thank you Lord for Your grace and patience with me!!



We went to visit Jay's parents two weekends ago and they took us to the Akron Zoo. Just walking around with Grandma Bradshaw.

Yosie and Owen having a "meal" together at Carriage Hill Park.

Owen at the Great Darke County Fair. Our one and only visit for the year.

Owen just chillin out at home.

We have been gone a lot the last few weeks (hence not blogging or commenting on blogs). Next stop is Cedarville. For the next few days Jay will be playing guitar on a worship team for Fall Bible Conference. Owen and I will be joining him tomorrow evening. After this I am going to be ready to be at home for more than 5 days straight but at least we have kept busy :).

No Sleep for Me

It is 11:26 pm. I am sure that you are all aware of the fact that I cherish my sleep. Why am I still awake? This weekend I got a little sick on sunday and stayed in bed for 24 hours straight (yes, I have an awesome husband). I think that I could get an average of 3 hours of sleep for the next few days and it would not faze me. Thankfully, I am feeling much better now but just have a nasty sore throat (I think I had a 24 hour flu virus or something).

I have not posted in a while because I feel that nothing monumental has happened in our lives recently. To be completely honest it seems like since we have been back from vacation life has just been a little boring. Not that we do not have a lot going on, but it just seems like I keep doing the same things over and over and over (Groundhog Day??). Owen is officially at the stage that I cannot leave him alone for more than a few seconds. He is into everything. I find it kind of discouraging that anytime we go anywhere one of us has to give up adult interaction in order to follow Owen up a staircase or through a yard. I know it is just a phase but sometimes it wears me out.

I also know that I have a VERY healthy and vibrant little guy, which I am extremely thankful for. I really am trying to cherish these times (like all older women tell you to do) and just enjoy them while Owen still loves being around me. I have never been more content than where I am right now (being able to be a stay at home wife/mom) but I guess, being the sinful person I am, I am never fully satisfied.

Now that I have written down the things that have been floating around in my head (and the fact that it is midnight) it is time for me to go to bed. Thanks for listening. Good night.

Home Sweet Home

Our sticky boy after downing LOTS of watermelon.

Owen loved the lake water.

He is his father's son. Owen just relaxing and playing with Jay's ipod.

Bath time in our condos huge tub.

I am always ready to head home when vacations are coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I love them but I also enjoy being on a schedule and knowing what my day holds. Owen decided to start every day nice and early at 5:30 am (we were on central time) but we also had a lot of free time in the evenings because he would go down about 6:30 pm. Mostly are days consisted of a morning walk, a nap time (all of us), going to the pool or lake and dinners with the whole family. It was very relaxing and yet completely different than any vacation we have ever had (Owen was only 2 months old on our last one). Lets just say that we did not lay out and read the whole time (which we used to do). I don't think we will have another get away like that for a LONG time but that is okay with me. I am so thankful for our time away!

Tennessee Here We Come

There are a million things I SHOULD be doing right now because we are leaving for vacation on friday morning. Other than get all of our stuff packed we are also having an open house while we are gone so it needs to be clean (I like leaving the house clean but not that clean). I just cannot wait to go on vacation!!

Let me explain, my father is CRAZY about vacations (this may run in the genes). Both my parents were school teachers (when my mom worked) and so once spring break and summer rolled around it was time to hit the road. My dad bought into a time share when I was just 5 and continually has built weeks since then. My parents were not wealthy at all (did I mention they worked at Christian schools) but this has always been a priority to them. They drove junky cars, we did not eat out often and a lot of things were hand me downs but we did have great vacations.

Now that my dad has points stored up he generously gives us children vacations. I am so thankful for this because I feel that it is a need and otherwise we would not be able to afford them. The most vivid (and best) memories I have are from vacations and I am so looking forward to building some of these with our little family.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the man who comes home from work and instantly has to be in play mode, doesn't mind rolling around on the floor just to get a few laughs, sings all hours of the night to a screaming little boy, changes lots of nasty diapers, has incredible patience (when I want to scream) and wants nothing more than to see his son grow up to be a man who honors Christ with his life.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives!

Anxiousness & Worry

I am a weenie! There are a lot of things that I am not afraid of such as roller coasters, repelling, rock climbing or white water rafting (which I have done all of). But if there is a tornado watch or a really bad thunderstorm I literally start shaking. I hate them!! This is on my mind right now because last night we had some pretty severe storms and of course I got out of bed (twice!!) to check if we had a tornado watch (which we did). I love that I jump in bed when there is thunder (I will say it was very loud) but my 14 month old just sleeps soundly. I think that tells me something about childlike faith that my baby can teach me. God is sovereign and is in control! Period!

We are starting a new study at church this coming week called Calm My Anxious Heart. I have read this book over four times. I read it every summer because these are things I really struggle with (the book also talks a lot about contentment - add it my list). I tend to think about the "What ifs?' in life. What if Jason gets in a car accident? What if something happened to Owen? Oswald Chambers says, "It is not only wrong to worry, it is infidelity, because worrying means that we do not think God can look after the details in our lives, and it is never anything else that worries us." Ouch!

These last couple of years God has really worked on me in these areas (obviously, I still have a long way to go). But one thing that has made a difference for me is having a heart of thanksgiving. When I sit down and write out all of the things I have to be thankful for (sorry for those taking the study - this is in the book) I realize how God has been sovereign over the years and always provided all my needs. At that point worry starts to melt away (at least for a little while) and I am content in my situations God has put me in (again, I wish this lasted longer).

I am going to end with one of my favorite passages:

"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 minds in Christ Jesus."

AMEN!!!

A Full Week

Owen had to go to the ER last sunday because he fell on our heat register's knob. You can see where they glued (yes, I said glued) his skin back together on his upper right side of his forehead. Never thought that I would be so thankful for glue!

We got together with the Slagle side of the family this past weekend to celebrate my mom's b-day. Since it was such a nice day we all went to the Columbus Zoo and then had a picnic at the park. This is my niece Sadie and I am holding my brother's new puppy Scout (you can barely see her - she is dark and tiny).

Owen's first time to the zoo. We are standing in front of the Manatee aquarium. He did not care much about the other animals but loved watching the fish swim by right in front of him.

We have had visitors in our yard for the past week. Owen loves to watch them through the window or just run after them outside.

Baby Yosie and Lyndie came over for a visit. I wish we got a better picture but they just loved to hug eachother! Too Cute!

Yeah for Baby Einstein!!

Thanks to Baby Einstein DVDs I can get ready in the morning if we have to be somewhere, do a quick clean up around the house or take a snort snooze with Owen on my lap. I did not realize the power that these held until a few months ago. With his mouth open wide (like many males and TV) Owen is completely transfixed when these videos are on. Not that I allow him to watch these 24/7 but it is a nice 30 minute break during the day (somedays it takes all my willpower not to allow him to watch more than one). What would I do without them?? 

Wheee!!!!

Once again, it has been over a  month since my last blog. I promise I will try to post more often. Blogging to me is kind of like scrap booking (I know I should do it but I just do not really enjoy it all that much). Here are some highlights for the month of April:

* We celebrated Owen's birthday with both sides of the family. Of course he loved being able to have access to whole cupcakes at two different times. He got a little more daring at the Bradshaw's home and decided to to not only put it in his mouth but all over his face and hair. 

* We were told when we were at my parent's house that they are moving to North Carolina (I would not call this a "highlight" for the month but just a sad event). My dad's new job will be starting Mid July. This is a real bummer for me because I did not grow up anywhere near any extended family so I feel that I do not really know them that well. I think my biggest fear is Owen not being able to spend much time with them.  Guess we will just have to be making some trips down south (especially in the winter - I hate Ohio weather). 

* Owen got to go on a swing and a slide for the first time ever in April. It was so funny! He could not stop laughing his first time on the swing (now it is not nearly as exciting). If it is nice outside we have been going on at least one walk a day and try to  make it to the park. Neither of us like to stay inside very long. I think we still have cabin fever from the winter. I hope he enjoys the pool this summer. 

* Owen has grown in a lot of different ways over the last three weeks. Just yesterday he started making animal noises for the first time. He is also learning some sign language (and starting to use it at the right time). Other than Ma Ma and Da Da he has also picked up the word "nana" (for his favorite food - banana). 

*He also has started to become more verbal by letting me know when he does NOT like something. Screaming and crying have become much more frequent in our household. If I take something away that he is not supposed to play with I cannot just put it behind a pillow anymore (he knows it is there). He also HATES when I take him out of the swing. He is continually testing the limits on what he is allowed to do. Before when I would say "no" he would look at it and then walk away. Now he looks at me and touches it at the same time!!! Ahhh! Little stinker!! The sinful nature is coming out in him already! 

* Owen is much more cuddly now. He takes time away from playing just to come over and give me hugs and kisses (I can always get him to come to me if I "fake sleep" on the floor near him)! I LOVE IT! I guess that makes up for the times he won't go down for a nap or is throwing a temper tantrum. Speaking of naps he is now down to one a day (at least for now). 

* Jay and I are both doing well. It seems like every stage of Owen's life is a new adjustment. With him walking now and in to everything we pretty much have to keep our eyes on him at all times. We enjoy taking turns watching him so the other one can go to coffee, read or take a nap. We had a great date night a few weeks ago and are looking forward to another soon (Prince Caspian comes out mid May - Wohoo). I so look forward to spending one on one time with Jason and it is always so refreshing to get out of the house.  I am so thankful for an amazing husband!!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN!!!!

March Update

Owen enjoying his first Easter basket. I think he liked the "grass" more than anything in the basket. He got a Veggies Tales DVD, a  baby float (for going swimming on vacation) and fruit leathers (just had to add in something sweet). 

These first three pictures were all taken after he got his first haircut. I think he looks more like his daddy when his hair is shorter. 

Here is  big cousin Caleb feeding Owen when we were staying at their house because of no electricity for over 24 hours due to the ice storm. 

It has now been about a month since my last blog. March has mostly consisted of weird weather and sickness. Owen is now on his last dose of antibiotics and seems to be doing much better. He had another sinus infection and ear infection. I think every child at our church has been sick all winter (they probably just keep passing on the same thing over and over). 

Other than that Owen is pretty much been his energetic self. About a week and a half ago he just started getting these crazy bursts of energy. Our house is pretty small so there is not much room for him to move around so instead he just gets into everything he can get his little fingers on. I think he has cabin fever. Every once in a while he goes over to our door and stands himself up to look out the window (we have 3 little windows in our door). He is also eating like a maniac. His favorite foods right now are black beans and cheese tortillas, bananas and steamed carrots. Needless to say what comes out later is not pretty but at least he likes a lot of things that are healthy for him. 

There will be more pics to come of Owen's first hair cut (already happened but cannot upload the pictures for some reason) and his first birthday (April 2). Stay tuned

It's Fun to Stay at the...

YMCA! We just became members of the Y a few weeks ago. It is great because they have free child care. So instead of dreading working out I actually look forward to a little break away from Owen. I have not been able to go very much because of Owen's sickness but he is pretty much back to normal (that means crawling all over the place and laughing again). 

Every time I go I bring a bag in case I get the luxury of a shower. The problem is that when I go back to check on him after my work out he is always crying. Today when I dropped him off he seemed to be doing well. About thirty minutes into my walk I hear over the loud speaker, "Jodi please come to the childcare center". So much for a shower. The best part was the nursery worker has never had to call a parent (she has worked there over three years). I guess he just wants to set some new records. Separation anxiety here we come!!! 

Our Week

I know it does not look like it but we do feed our child (I think you can count all of his ribs). This is Owen after enjoying a teething biscuit. He looks like he has a beard.  

This last week was a week of many firsts in the Bradshaw home. Last Wednesday Owen took his first couple of steps. It was not until Thursday that he actually realized he was not holding onto anything. I wish I had a picture of his face because it was complete horror mixed with excitement. Now he does not take as many steps before falling right into me or on his rump. Sorry no pictures or video yet of walking. 

Owen got a shiner on Sunday morning while he was in nursery. I was right there next to him when he fell unto the toy. Monday he fell again on the same spot and reopened it. Ouch! 

Owen also had his first night away from us. On Sunday night Jay and I dropped Owen off at Grandma and Grandpa Slagle's house and did not come back for 24 hours!! I thought this was going to be really hard for me but after Owen being sick all week (and very grumpy) I had no problems handing him over. We went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner and then stayed in a hotel that night. I do not know the last time I got 11 hours of sleep but it was amazing! Monday was spent eating Chipotle, Graters Ice Cream, and going shopping (does life get any better?). By 4:00 PM we were both very ready to go see our baby. 

Tuesday I  took Owen back to the doctor because he still was crying a lot and always felt warm. He is doing much better with his cough but now has an ear infection. He seems to be fine during the day but nights are a little rough. 

I am so ready to get all this sickness, cold weather, and snow out of the way!!!! I am longing for the day when we can go on walks again. Hurry up Spring!!!

My Little Man

Owen is growing up way to quickly! It seems like this last week he has become even more mobile. He is now standing on his own and transporting himself with his walker from one couch to the other. He is getting better at letting himself down gently (except the bloody lip he got a few days ago from falling and pulling his walker down with him). I am sure one of the next couple of blogs with be pics of Owen's first steps. 

The Countdown Begins

The best show of all time is about to start its fourth season. For any of you who have not watched this show I would highly recommend it (we have the first three seasons for anyone who wants to borrow them). 

I have to admit that last years season finale made me cry like a baby (in my defense I was a little hormonal - Owen was just 2 months). I cannot wait until Thursday but there are only 8 total shows for this season because of the writer's strike. Sad! Hopefully Owen will go to bed (and stay in bed) by 8:00 because I am going to be completely oblivious for 2 full hours! 

Time Away

On Wednesday afternoon after Owen woke up from his nap I realized I was officially bored out of my mind. Being a city girl, every once in a while I start to go a little insane living in the country. I thought after living here over 3 years I would get used to it but after going Walmart for everything I could possibly need for the next month I decided it was time to get out of town. Don't get me wrong I do love living here but during the winter there is nothing to do and after a few days of being stuck in the house I need to do something. 

We got to my parent's house around 4:30 that afternoon. My parents both had meetings that evening but we still got to eat together and once I put Owen down I made cookies for something at the school. 

Owen did not sleep well that night but it was totally worth it being able to go to Springfield. My mom took Owen for a few glorious hours so I could go to the mall by myself and out to lunch. I went to Panera and just stared at the wall when I ate. People probably thought that I was a depressed person but it was so nice just to sit. I then got a few refills of coffee and read for a while. After I got home my mom told me to take a nap (I think I am coming down with a sinus infection - again). After an hour long nap we both decided to head back to the mall and check out more sales at Old Navy. I think I have already bought about half my Christmas gifts, shower gifts and new baby presents for the year - they were having AMAZING sales. We ended the evening with chicken tacos and three episodes of Lost (what could be a better day?). So thankful for my parents!!! 

In the morning we left just in time for me to meet Charity and Isabel for coffee. Jay and I took a lot of turns yesterday of taking of Owen so the other one could nap. I think we have all come down with the same thing. We had friends over for dessert last night and just talked for a few hours. 

Tonight we have a date night!!!! We are going to go to Troy for dinner and then our favorite coffee shop. Thanks Derek and Kari! I am so grateful for these last few days of relaxing and spending time with people we love! 

Adopted

This last week in our Life group we had a great discussion about how we are chosen by God. I love Ephesians 1:4-5 which states, "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." When I look at this verses I cannot help but think of two wonderful couples I know who are in the process of adoption. What an awesome reminder of what Christ has done for us!

I am in awe that Christ chose me before the creation of the world to be His child. I am going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes of all time by Charles Spurgeon:

I believe in the doctrine of election, because I am certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him; and I am sure he chose me before I was born, or else he never would have chosen me afterwards; and he must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I could never find any reason in myself why He should have looked upon me with special love.

Long Time No Blog

Hey! It has been a while since I have taken the time to post. There are many reasons for this which is why I am going to just do a brief overview of the last month.

- We had a wonderful Christmas at the Bradshaw's house. We left right after Christmas Eve service and got into North Canton around 12:30 am. Owen got to meet his Uncle Chris and Aunt Angie for the very first time. He got a lot of attention (being the only grandchild) and a TON of Christmas presents. I think we are going to have to be in the market soon for another house because of all the stuff he has. It is amazing that someone who is so small can take up so much space. The week was spent hanging out with family and doing lots of shopping (I always have a list with me of things we need when we are there).

- The first weekend in January we headed to Springfield to celebrate with my side of the family. It is a little overwhelming with all the kids in one house but such a blast! Owen enjoys just watching his older cousins play together. I know I am biased but I have got the cutest nieces and nephew ever. I enjoyed going to see one of my dad's basketball games on friday night and then on saturday we all hung out at home. I always look forward to spending time with the Slagles.

-Two days later we headed back to Cedarville for Jason to play guitar at Mission's Conference for three days. He got to play with some good friends and it was so nice to see people that we rarely get to see. However, it is depressing going back to a place you spent multiple years of your life at and not knowing anyone. It always makes me feel old when we go back now.

-Owen continues to become more and more mobile. I cannot get anything done with fear that he is chewing on electrical cords or pulling our speakers down on him. I put the pack and play up in our living room so that if I need to make a mad dash into the kitchen I don't have to worry about him getting hurt. He loves to make a lot of faces now and has found multiple uses for toys (check out the pics). The other day he gave me a kiss right on the lips. It was a very slobbery but he opened his mouth and landed one right on me! I think I melted on the spot! The older he gets the more fun he gets. He seems to be a little more work now but it is totally worth it!