Hey everyone! Just a quick update - we have been fighting the stomach bug here at the Wagner household. I'm surprised the screen isn't turning green right now...it's been a gross past few days! Poor Juliana got pretty good at aiming for the bucket by yesterday afternoon, and that's all I'm going to say about that in case any of you are reading this on your lunch break.
Landon's procedure (it's technically called a nuclear scan) is scheduled for this Thursday at 9:00 am. Please be praying for the test to go well, for him not to require too much anesthesia, and for the test to reveal 100% kidney function.
I'll try to update with some pictures before Thursday. Hope everyone is doing great!
love,
Brooke
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Random Ramblings
Hello everyone! Wondering when I was EVER going to update this blog again? This week has been crazy. Bo is helping out with the college ministry at church on Tuesday night, then leading a men's Bible study group REALLY early Wednesday morning, and then playing in soccer games Wednesday nights. The kids have been keeping me busy, too - I don't know why I ever thought having one kid was so hard. Juliana has preschool Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and gymnastics in the middle on Wednesday morning. Landon is getting to that phase where he is not always in the same spot you left him in when you put him down. He doesn't really crawl yet but he does this weird scoot/roll/flip thing that gets him around the living room. Juliana likes to "help" him roll over and she says "He likes it!" but he usually just looks annoyed.
We had our first women's Bible study this morning and since I am helping to lead one of the breakout groups with Motherwise (a study just for moms - you probably got that from the title) I was super excited. This is a little out of my comfort zone - I'll sing all day for the women but lead them in the Word? Uh...let's see...I can barely find Genesis some days. Luckily I am leading with a very competent lady named Myla who has been a great friend since we've moved here. She has three kids so she is slightly crazier than I am but still manages to look pulled together when it counts.
Just a little insight into the mind of my daughter...we have had several discussions on the appropriate title for her preschool teacher. In a very casual way, Juliana has begun calling her "Rosanne" which is (luckily) actually her name, but she just omits the "Miss" that we tried to get her to put in front of it, as in "Miss Rosanne". Trying not to panic at the thought of my firstborn throwing all respect for her elders out the window, I very calmly (okay, kind of calmly) told Juliana that it was polite to call her teacher "MISS" to show respect. Juliana looked me square in the eye with one hand on her hip and sighed, "But Mom, Rosanne no mind!" I talked to her teacher today who informed me that it was, in fact, okay with her if Juliana just called her Rosanne. She said they were "cool like that" which was odd to hear from a preschool teacher (but funny in a weird sort of way).
Well, just one last request from this tired blogger. Landon is scheduled to be going in for a test on his little kidney sometime next week. We don't have an exact date for the test but I will post it as soon as we know. From the time I was pregnant the pediatrician has been following some slight swelling and fluid buildup in his left kidney, and it has gotten to the point where it is not decreasing as quickly as they would like. We've been through a few ultrasounds and tests so far but this test involves anesthesia and an hour long nuclear exam where they will take pictures of his kidney processing fluid and checking to see how it's functioning. Bo and I will be able to be with him the whole time but I just hate the thought of our little guy having to go under anesthesia and go through that. I know that God will hold him in His hand the whole time and we have nothing to fear, but I'm just asking everyone to pray for a smooth test, calm nerves for me and Bo, and for clear test results so this can be the end of it for awhile! Thanks in advance for your prayers and I'll keep you updated.
Love and miss everyone!! Email or call when you can - we miss our NC buddies!!
We had our first women's Bible study this morning and since I am helping to lead one of the breakout groups with Motherwise (a study just for moms - you probably got that from the title) I was super excited. This is a little out of my comfort zone - I'll sing all day for the women but lead them in the Word? Uh...let's see...I can barely find Genesis some days. Luckily I am leading with a very competent lady named Myla who has been a great friend since we've moved here. She has three kids so she is slightly crazier than I am but still manages to look pulled together when it counts.
Just a little insight into the mind of my daughter...we have had several discussions on the appropriate title for her preschool teacher. In a very casual way, Juliana has begun calling her "Rosanne" which is (luckily) actually her name, but she just omits the "Miss" that we tried to get her to put in front of it, as in "Miss Rosanne". Trying not to panic at the thought of my firstborn throwing all respect for her elders out the window, I very calmly (okay, kind of calmly) told Juliana that it was polite to call her teacher "MISS" to show respect. Juliana looked me square in the eye with one hand on her hip and sighed, "But Mom, Rosanne no mind!" I talked to her teacher today who informed me that it was, in fact, okay with her if Juliana just called her Rosanne. She said they were "cool like that" which was odd to hear from a preschool teacher (but funny in a weird sort of way).
Well, just one last request from this tired blogger. Landon is scheduled to be going in for a test on his little kidney sometime next week. We don't have an exact date for the test but I will post it as soon as we know. From the time I was pregnant the pediatrician has been following some slight swelling and fluid buildup in his left kidney, and it has gotten to the point where it is not decreasing as quickly as they would like. We've been through a few ultrasounds and tests so far but this test involves anesthesia and an hour long nuclear exam where they will take pictures of his kidney processing fluid and checking to see how it's functioning. Bo and I will be able to be with him the whole time but I just hate the thought of our little guy having to go under anesthesia and go through that. I know that God will hold him in His hand the whole time and we have nothing to fear, but I'm just asking everyone to pray for a smooth test, calm nerves for me and Bo, and for clear test results so this can be the end of it for awhile! Thanks in advance for your prayers and I'll keep you updated.
Love and miss everyone!! Email or call when you can - we miss our NC buddies!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Mom for VP
Hey everyone! First I have to give a Happy Birthday shout-out to Laura, Lori, and Lowell - my three favorite "L's" to celebrate a birthday today! I know their ages but I'm not telling.
Today was Juliana's first morning of preschool, and I was more worked up about it than she was! She hopped out of bed, got dressed, and marched her little pony-tailed self into the classroom like she owned the place. I told her I was leaving and she said "Oh, wait, Mom - gotta give you a hug!" I was expecting tears and drama but as it turned out, they were only from my end. My plan was to take a picture before we went in but we were running late, so I'll try to get one this afternoon to post.
I don't usually comment on the political happenings (I know just enough to be dangerous but not enough to speak intelligently about it!) but I just wanted to say how interesting the whole McCain/Palin camp is turning out to be. I am excited to see how a woman who is a past beauty pageant winner, moose hunter, basketball player, and mother of five will do as a potential VP. We'll see how it will all play out but I am encouraged to read about her values and Christian beliefs - who knows if she isn't an Esther-esque figure "for such a time as this". Okay...enough of my soapbox. Research and make your own opinions, but I for one am excited.
Well, better try to get something done while I have a rare moment to myself! What will I do with all of this new-found free time Tuesday and Thursday mornings?? (Laundry, dishes, dusting...nah, forget dusting...)
Pictures to follow!
love and miss everyone.
Today was Juliana's first morning of preschool, and I was more worked up about it than she was! She hopped out of bed, got dressed, and marched her little pony-tailed self into the classroom like she owned the place. I told her I was leaving and she said "Oh, wait, Mom - gotta give you a hug!" I was expecting tears and drama but as it turned out, they were only from my end. My plan was to take a picture before we went in but we were running late, so I'll try to get one this afternoon to post.
I don't usually comment on the political happenings (I know just enough to be dangerous but not enough to speak intelligently about it!) but I just wanted to say how interesting the whole McCain/Palin camp is turning out to be. I am excited to see how a woman who is a past beauty pageant winner, moose hunter, basketball player, and mother of five will do as a potential VP. We'll see how it will all play out but I am encouraged to read about her values and Christian beliefs - who knows if she isn't an Esther-esque figure "for such a time as this". Okay...enough of my soapbox. Research and make your own opinions, but I for one am excited.
Well, better try to get something done while I have a rare moment to myself! What will I do with all of this new-found free time Tuesday and Thursday mornings?? (Laundry, dishes, dusting...nah, forget dusting...)
Pictures to follow!
love and miss everyone.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Olympic Sports That Might Have Been
In the small percentage of Olympic events I've been able to catch, I have noticed a shortcoming among the sports. Where are all the events dedicated to those champions, those heroes, those people just crazy enough to experience it - - - PARENTS!!! In honor of my fellow moms and dads, I have compiled a list of the Olympic sports that should have been. Maybe next year, folks.
1. Baby Food Feeding - medals would be awarded for fewest spills onto the bib and effective dodging of sweet peas and carrots spit out of baby's mouth during the meal.
2. Diaper Wrestling - Points earned for fastest changing times, least number of wipes used, and (for boy contestants only) avoiding fountain-like expulsions when cold air contact is made (shout out to Lisa Wheeler for the heads-up on this one!)
3. The 9 Month Waddle - This one is for moms only (sorry, dads!). Expectant athletes race to see who can get to the freezer full of ice cream while demonstrating the best waddle walk. Disqualification for pushing, swearing, or falling over.
4. DWI - Driving With Infants - Participants must navigate through an obstacle course of traffic lights, stop signs, and drunk pedestrians WHILE blindfolded by a three year- old's hands, WHILE listening to "This Old Man, He Played One" at top volume, and WITH the added soundtrack of a screaming baby. Extra points awarded for successfully carrying on a conversation with your husband in the passenger seat.
5. Attitude Challenge - This event is not for the faint of heart. Athletes must be mentally prepared, armed with an arsenal of thought-out and age-appropriate responses, and blessed with the patience of a saint. In this event the contestants will be challenged by a toddler's cries of "But I wanted to pour my juice MYSELF!", "You're a MEAN MOMMY!", and the dreaded "NO!". Beginner level challenges will take place in the comfort of a home environment, but advanced level participants will compete in various public settings such as the grocery store and church lobby. Watch out, parents - this one is characterized by onlookers gaping at your discipline techniques and whispering, "Look at THAT lady's kids!"
*****
On second thought, maybe I'm GLAD these aren't Olympic sports! I'm tired already!
Love and miss everyone.
1. Baby Food Feeding - medals would be awarded for fewest spills onto the bib and effective dodging of sweet peas and carrots spit out of baby's mouth during the meal.
2. Diaper Wrestling - Points earned for fastest changing times, least number of wipes used, and (for boy contestants only) avoiding fountain-like expulsions when cold air contact is made (shout out to Lisa Wheeler for the heads-up on this one!)
3. The 9 Month Waddle - This one is for moms only (sorry, dads!). Expectant athletes race to see who can get to the freezer full of ice cream while demonstrating the best waddle walk. Disqualification for pushing, swearing, or falling over.
4. DWI - Driving With Infants - Participants must navigate through an obstacle course of traffic lights, stop signs, and drunk pedestrians WHILE blindfolded by a three year- old's hands, WHILE listening to "This Old Man, He Played One" at top volume, and WITH the added soundtrack of a screaming baby. Extra points awarded for successfully carrying on a conversation with your husband in the passenger seat.
5. Attitude Challenge - This event is not for the faint of heart. Athletes must be mentally prepared, armed with an arsenal of thought-out and age-appropriate responses, and blessed with the patience of a saint. In this event the contestants will be challenged by a toddler's cries of "But I wanted to pour my juice MYSELF!", "You're a MEAN MOMMY!", and the dreaded "NO!". Beginner level challenges will take place in the comfort of a home environment, but advanced level participants will compete in various public settings such as the grocery store and church lobby. Watch out, parents - this one is characterized by onlookers gaping at your discipline techniques and whispering, "Look at THAT lady's kids!"
*****
On second thought, maybe I'm GLAD these aren't Olympic sports! I'm tired already!
Love and miss everyone.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Old, yes; Faithful, no
Well, we survived our weekend in West Yellowstone sans kids. I won't even tell you what time we slept in until (it's too embarrassing) but let's just say I haven't slept that long since shortly after college. We had a great time driving through Yellowstone National Park and took a stop at Old Faithful to see what all the fuss was about. It was odd to be sitting on such a tumultuous piece of the earth - a little unsettling with all of the hydrothermal areas and geysers springing out of the ground. For those of you who might never get to cross the Mississippi to see Old Faithful for yourself, I've included a video of the most exciting part. Bo, I might add, was not as impressed as all of the tourists who gasped and grabbed their Nikons at the first little drop of water to appear. (No eyeballs were injured in the rolling that followed). She was almost 7 minutes late to erupt so everyone was on the edge of their seat.
The rodeo was a blast, and we came out of the weekend with only a dislocated elbow to write home about. Oh, sorry - WE didn't get dislocated elbows - one of the saddle bronc riders did. Bo did a great job announcing and we met a seriously crazy Russian grandma who wanted to shake his hand because he was "FAMOUS!" It was funny but disturbing all at the same time.
I'll try to post more with pictures later this week. We are home this weekend and then back again to West Yellowstone next weekend for the finals. Juliana is very excited to go and see her friend, the rodeo clown, once again.
Miss ya'll!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
You Say It's Your Birthday!
As always, it's been an interesting week here at the Wagner household. Last Saturday was Juliana's 3rd birthday party!! Those of you who remember when she was born are probably thinking what I'm thinking - how can it have been three years already? Rather than post (I'm so tired I almost spelled that "poast"...like "toast") a bunch of pictures, I'm including a link to my Shutterfly album of the Princess party. There's a few pictures of Landon in there, too, that were too hilarious not to include. Juliana had a fantastic time at her party, and couldn't believe that all of those presents were really for her. She was really into opening them until she got to the gift that included a pink purse, lip gloss, and her favorite present of all...GUM! (Thanks, Myla!) After that the presents were only so much tissue paper - she really could have cared less if she opened another one the rest of the day. She kind of flipped out when we went in to cut the cake and sing "Happy Birthday". It was a little too much to have everyone staring at her and being the complete center of attention. Enough rambling - here's the link to the pictures:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8Cat3DNy0asii
In other news, Bo has been worshiping at the temple made of stone - kidney stone, that is. We were in the emergency room last night from 12:30 am until somewhere after 4:00. He got two bags of fluid, lots of morphine, and a reminder of why it's good to drink water when your name is Bo Wagner. Chad Cozad was visiting from NC so it was a blessing to be able to leave the kids sleeping while he was at the house. We like to break all of our visitors in with some kind of midnight surprise, like "Hey! We're outta here! You're in charge of our offspring!" and hit the road for the nearest emergency center. Just for kicks, of course. Those of you who have been fortunate enough to witness my husband on narcotics would have been proud. He held his own and did not have to be physically assisted out of the hospital.
We are leaving tomorrow for West Yellowstone; my first visit to the Yellowstone National Park area. I am told it's one of the most beautiful places in Montana so I'll be sure to post a few pictures when we get back.
Hope everyone is doing great! Love and miss ya.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Putting Paris to shame
"That's hot!" or so Paris Hilton likes to say. (Don't ask me how I know this or why I keep up with Paris Hilton's favorite quotes...I just do). Well, Paris, I have news for you - It's HOT here!!! The bank thermometer said 107 today, although I think the fact that the noonday sun directly beat down on the face of the tower had something to do with that exaggerated temp. I am SURE it was at least 99, though, and did I mention our house doesn't have air? (Hubby, if you're reading this, I'm not complaning - just stating fact!) Of course the only logical alternative to staying in our oven...er...house...was to go to the mall! Air conditioning, food, and a 75% off sale on kids clothes at JC Penney's, all at the same lovely place!
In other news, we are moving into our new worship center next week and there is lots of excitement in the air at church! I went over Thursday night for a bible study and was amazed at all of the ways the church is trying to reach out to non-churchy people. There's a huge atrium with modern lighting, a coffee shop, and a bookstore to browse in...and that's all just when you walk in the front door! The church's website is www.faithchapel.cc if you want to see pictures or listen to a message from Pastor Stan.
I was gardening (yes, the girl who proudly kills all of her houseplants) the other day and couldn't help but notice something. Weeds look a lot like flowers. Now, you might be wondering, "Where is she going with this?" and you would be justified to ponder if I had a point. Yes, I do. It just amazed me how nature reflects our lives and our struggle with sin - the weeds looked so much like flowers that I wondered if I should get rid of them or water them to help them grow! I honestly could not tell which was the beautiful, fragrant flower that was supposed to be growing there and which was the rotten weed that was slowly choking off the life of the other plants. I also noticed how deep you had to dig to really get rid of those weeds. I tried just pulling off the top that was exposed to the surface and sure, it looked better, but I knew the weed was still there. I had to dig and work and get my hands all dirty (yuck!) to get to the root of the thing, and when I finally suceeded in pulling out the weed I was TIRED! But, I also felt like I had accomplished something (which can sometimes be a change from other days when I feel like I have accomplished nothing!)
My point in all of these random ramblings is just to say how thankful I am for God's grace that points out the "weeds" in our life and is never satisfied to just make us look good. He wants us to wrestle with those things that entangle us not to wear us out, but to make us stronger and better in the long run. How often during the day do I catch myself NOT living with the mind of Christ and just thinking, "Nah...I'll deal with it later." Nope, not good enough. Not for this gardener.
John 15:1-8
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
In other news, we are moving into our new worship center next week and there is lots of excitement in the air at church! I went over Thursday night for a bible study and was amazed at all of the ways the church is trying to reach out to non-churchy people. There's a huge atrium with modern lighting, a coffee shop, and a bookstore to browse in...and that's all just when you walk in the front door! The church's website is www.faithchapel.cc if you want to see pictures or listen to a message from Pastor Stan.
I was gardening (yes, the girl who proudly kills all of her houseplants) the other day and couldn't help but notice something. Weeds look a lot like flowers. Now, you might be wondering, "Where is she going with this?" and you would be justified to ponder if I had a point. Yes, I do. It just amazed me how nature reflects our lives and our struggle with sin - the weeds looked so much like flowers that I wondered if I should get rid of them or water them to help them grow! I honestly could not tell which was the beautiful, fragrant flower that was supposed to be growing there and which was the rotten weed that was slowly choking off the life of the other plants. I also noticed how deep you had to dig to really get rid of those weeds. I tried just pulling off the top that was exposed to the surface and sure, it looked better, but I knew the weed was still there. I had to dig and work and get my hands all dirty (yuck!) to get to the root of the thing, and when I finally suceeded in pulling out the weed I was TIRED! But, I also felt like I had accomplished something (which can sometimes be a change from other days when I feel like I have accomplished nothing!)
My point in all of these random ramblings is just to say how thankful I am for God's grace that points out the "weeds" in our life and is never satisfied to just make us look good. He wants us to wrestle with those things that entangle us not to wear us out, but to make us stronger and better in the long run. How often during the day do I catch myself NOT living with the mind of Christ and just thinking, "Nah...I'll deal with it later." Nope, not good enough. Not for this gardener.
John 15:1-8
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
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