I am so thankful for all those who have given their lives to serve this country, and to preserve my freedom and to uphold the freedom of others around the world. I often forget that there are individuals who give up their comforts and freedoms to protect mine. What a powerful reminder of their beautiful and courageous sacrifices.

Someday--in much the same way, I have committed to give up my freedoms and comforts to serve others...shouldn't I be practicing that now?

Wow...life with two is definitely an adjustment! Josie is having a hard time, as she has come to the realization that she is not the center of the universe! As most people tell me this is normal, and that I should expect for her tantrums to last about three weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it will be more like a lifetime.

 

Two days ago, Josie wanted to take a picture of Charley. Which, I thought was so cute and a great idea, so I offered to help her, since she can't really work the camera all by herself. However, it is difficult for a two-year-old to understand that he or she needs HELP to do anything, let alone something they have set their will to do. So, the battle began.

 

Josie began to hold on to the camera with all her might, while screaming at the top of her lungs. I calmly urged her to let me help her with the camera, so we could take the picture together. However great an idea this seemed to me, she had other ideas, and simply continued screaming, throwing in a growl or two in my general direction.

 

Disgusted at her attitude, I decided that taking a picture was a very BAD idea after all, and took the camera away.

Unfortunately for Josie (and for me as well), she did not appreciate this change in plans. She made her thoughts very clear, as she continued to scream louder, hitting me with violent thrusts, and then throwing herself to the floor. Wow.

 

After multiple forms of discipline, she finally calmed down enough for us to understand one another--or at least for her to understand me; I understood her PERFECTLY--she is a sinner. But, I had to remind her that I am a picture of the Law.

 

Later, as I retold the days event to Chuck, he simply said, "Now you know how God feels."

 

He is so right. How many times does God offer wisdom through others and His Word to me, and I refuse to listen, trying to accomplish things in my own strength. My selfishness and pride cause me to be disobedient--and then I must be disciplined. If only I would obey the Lord in the first place, everything would be as it should be. Wow. I never thought that a horrible day with a two-year-old would become a Spiritual lesson for me.

 

I am so sorry that this posting is belated.  Life with two is a little different!  Yeah...different, but good. :0)

 

So, here is the news:

WE HAD A BABY!!!!!!

 

[No small accomplishment, I assure you! :0)]

 

Charles Gray Lawrence III

7.7 lbs and 20.5 inches long.

Born on Oct. 18, 2007 at 11:57am

 

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers.  He came beautifully!  The labor went really well, and our doctor was able to deliver him!  My mom was able to make it down in time, even though the labor progressed quickly!  I had no complications in the delivery, and we are both recovering wonderfully! :0)  To God be the glory for such a wonderful experience! :0)

 

"In You our fathers trusted;
         They trusted and You delivered them. 
To You they cried out and were delivered;
         In You they trusted and were not disappointed." 

     Psalm 22:4-5

 

All my love,

Kristin

(for Chuck, Josie, and Charley)

 

And... I am trying to post more often.  I also have another blog... hopefully I can do better at writing!