He will make a path

This past week, Tim, the boys and I took a little trip to Red River Gorge. Since my maternity leave sadly comes to an end on Monday when I return to work, we wanted to get away for some rest, relaxation and togetherness. We were able to enjoy our time together and we were all able to take a few naps, for which Tim and I are especially grateful!

Red River Gorge boasts of abundant forests, canyons and wildlife. The location is certainly a hiker's, rock climber's and bird watcher's paradise!

During our getaway, we were able to enjoy two late morning/early afternoon hikes in the Natural Bridge State park and beyond. One such hike opened up to the Natural Bridge.

The arch on the Natural Bridge spans 78 feet and is 64 feet wide. For those without claustrophobia or acrophobia, there is also a very narrow passage-way (called fat man's misery) that permits passage to the top part of the bridge. From there, one can see the beauty of the forest and can walk just a little longer to gain a full view of the Natural Bridge from the other side of the mountain.

At first, I thought that the passage-way to the top of the bridge was man made (the stairs to the right of the arch in the photo above are part of the narrow passage-way). However, after discussion and a bit of research, we discovered that the passage-way was completely natural. This was an impressive realization to me.

This delightful discovery reminded me that God our father always prepares a path for our journey. Although He does not promise that the journey will necessarily be the easiest, the rewards at the end include promises of beauty and life.

Upon reaching the steps to the top of the Natural Bridge, I hesitated- being one who shies away from tall heights and confined spaces. Tim encouraged me on toward the very narrow path. And so, I pressed on.

The beauty at the top was well worth the journey!

In Matthew, Jesus says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)

The narrow path leading to the top of the Natural Bridge reminds me of Jesus' statement. Although the path was extremely narrow, the choice to set aside any fears and travel onward yields a magnificent view of God's creation, not to be paralleled. Likewise, choosing God's path for our lives results in unmatched joy and the promise of an abundant eternal life. While God does not promise that the path will be clear of debris, he does promise that our rewards are with him, at the end of our journeys.

And so, like that narrow path leading to the beauty at the top of the bridge, we choose to walk in the path that God has created for our journey. Expectant that the beauty that awaits is beyond any earthly treasures that may have been gained by taking an alternate route.

How blessed I am to have such an encourager for my journey in my husband, Tim. And, how much more blessed am I that my God wants to delight me by creating the path that will offer the greatest view of His creation!

Below are a few more photos from our trip:

A Whole Lotta Sugar

During my pregnancy with Dustin, I found myself enjoying lots of Starburst candies. Jackson, on the other hand, had me craving chocolate--in any shape, form, size and color. Of course, don't let me mislead you into believing that it was the pregnancy with Jackson that created this obsession with chocolate.

Chocolate and I are old acquaintances.

Alas, my now post-prego state still seeks out the sweet comforts of that chocolate. The challenge--I live with a husband who, for some crazy reason wants us to be more healthy.

Lately, I've been convicted that I need to fully live my life in the here and now--enjoying today, creating special memories and not putting off for tomorrow the joy that might be experienced today. I read this message just last week -- aptly put. I certainly do not want to live the postponed life! And, on Sunday listened to a sermon in part about living out the abundant joy today that God has before us today.

How does that relate to chocolate?

Not so much. But, the way I see it, there are two ways to apply this message to my fond affection toward that smooth brown tasty treat--I can either begin to honor the temple (my body) that God has for this time granted me to perform his will on earth. Or, today I can enjoy that lovely piece of chocolate (I mean, why should I put off that joy for tomorrow).

And so, below is a photo of my recent chocolate endeavor (please pardon the poor i-phone quality photos that are all posted on this blog entry):

This recipe is from annies-eats.com. I recommend that you drop everything (after finishing reading this blog, of course), run to your kitchen and whip this up. NOW!!!




(Maternity leave has given me time and opportunity to bake some sweet little treats!)




And, what would a post be absent a few photos of the sweetest sugar in the Anderson household?

Jackson on his playmat--we tried some tummy time. He instantly passed out. Mommy quickly rolled him back over (after taking this photo).

My little funny face.



Dustin and Daddy. What you can't see is that Dustin shortly thereafter kicked his Daddy out of his chair.

Dedication

This weekend the boys were dedicated to God. What a special moment for Tim and I!

Our hope is that we will raise our sons in accordance with biblical principles, that they will stand upon a firm foundation of faith in Christ and that they will do mighty works to expand the Kingdom of God!

A few photos follow:

Dustin Nathaniel -- "May you thrive like a green leaf because you trust in the Lord." Proverbs 11:28

Jackson Tyler -- "May you choose wisdom rather than gold and understanding rather than silver." Proverbs 16:16

Spring and One Month Celebrations

Jackson Tyler turned 1 month old last week!

I cannot believe how fast he is growing and how fast time seems to be passing us by! I have greatly enjoyed being home with Jackson and regret that I only have four more weeks to enjoy with him at home!

Here is a photo of Jackson on his one month birthday:


This is also the outfit that he wore to church on Easter Sunday!


Jackson is such a little sleeper (unlike his big brother)! Mommy has been able to get more rest at night--with Jackson typically sleeping a 5-6 hour stretch before waking up to eat again (although we've had a few nights with shorter time in between feedings--likely due to a growth spurt). We even had one night this past weekend where he slept through the night!

We enjoyed Jackson's first Easter and Dustin's second Easter!

Dustin finding his Easter Basket:

Daddy and the boys enjoying a little cuddle time:

Jackson on the play mat:

Jackson in his first pair of Nike shoes (I found these at a consignment shop):

Jackson's first time wearing shoes:

We love to shop for the boys at consignment shops and on Ebay. At their age, they go through clothes so fast. And so, it makes perfect sense to find good quality, cute clothes that have been very gently used and are significantly less expense than comparable new clothes. That being said, we do occasionally buy the cute new styles. And, I have a Gap gift card just waiting for use!

A close up of little cutie:

Another one in the Nike shoes:

Dustin painting Easter eggs (he had such fun):

Of course, he also made a huge mess! We also decorated sugar cookies, but Dustin did not enjoy. In fact, he got upset when mommy ate the head off of a bunny rabbit cookie!

Our Family of Four

We have now been home with Baby Jackson for just a little over 2 weeks. Transitioning a new baby into a home with a 20 month old toddler certainly has its challenges. However, we are enjoying this time with our new bundle of joy and have been working with Dustin to ease his adjustment during this time.

I don't think that I had a true appreciation of having two young little boys at home who each need their own time and attention, even if in different ways. Fortunately, my mom came to visit and help out for the last ten days. What a godsend! It's amazing how helpful having meals prepared and laundry washed is to our expanding family.

A photo of the boys with Mom and Aunt Kathy:

It has been an exciting time of transitions and enjoyment of our growing family. Just a few highlights:

• At first, Dustin was upset with mommy--throwing objects at me and hitting me. He seems to have moved past his anger with mommy! He loves his baby bubby, but we have to protect him from over-loving and flying objects!

• We had Jackson's two week checkup with the pediatrician last week--he has gained 19 ounces since his discharge from the hospital!




• Jackson is such a wonderful sleeper (mommy is soooo very thankful, as Dustin is not a strong sleeper).





• Jackson wakes up every 3-4 hours to feed at night.

We are all tired, but are greatly enjoying this time with our new addition!

Jackson Tyler Anderson makes his debut

Jackson Tyler Anderson made his debut yesterday, March 3, 2010 at 10:56 am!

I arrived at the Hospital in time for my scheduled induction, to begin at 6 am. Labor begin around 8:30. I thought (as it turns out, wrongly so) that we were in for a long day of waiting for our precious one's arrival.

Little did I know...

As the contractions came closer and stronger, I delayed the epidural, thinking 'd be getting it too soon and it would wear off by the time Jackson would come.

By the time I requested the drug of choice for us not so fearless moms to be, it was too late! And so, my child birthing experience with Jackson was less than expected in terms of the absence of a pain numbing concoction that would get me through the "push".

Make no mistake about it, this was the most painful life experience! This is not the route that I would choose, should the path be laid clearly before me!

But, alas, my recovery seems to be quickening (as compared to that of my birth experience with Dustin), I have been more alert, Jackson has been more alert and Tim says I just generally look better overall than I appeared after birthing Dustin.

And so, without further ado, some photos from Jackson's Birthday:

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Move Toward the Light

Today, I am 9 days from my due date for Jackson!

Tim had predicted that I would have Jackson on or prior to Valentine's Day. The Saturday right before Valentine's Day, he and I went to see the show Camelot and to a nice dinner at A la Lucie here in Lexington. Since it was the first night in a long while that we'd had to ourselves for a date, he predicted that Jackson would make his debut prior to our date night.

Sure enough, Jackson did not come for Valentine's Day and we still wait for his arrival!

This past week brought a bit of excitement, as we learned on Wednesday that Peanut was breech! We had a good laugh over the nurse who told me to use a flashlight to get Jackson to turn into the correct position!

So, Thursday afternoon I went over to the hospital for an external version--the OB physically moves the baby using her hands on the outside of my belly! This was not in any respect a pleasant experience. The OB had to move Jackson twice. Right after the first turn, he slipped away and moved back into a breech position. Needless to say, after being monitored for about an hour and grabbing some yummy Mexican food for lunch, I went home to sleep it off.

Toward the end of Friday afternoon, I was in such pain that I thought I was in labor and Jackson would soon make his appearance! Needless to say, I was just having minor contractions. Now, we continue to wait for the little guy to make his appearance!