Side By Side, Indeed

Tuesday nights are a sacred time. A lot of life gets shared on Tuesday nights around here.

Over the course of the last 5 years, I have been privileged to sit in many a living room – or, on occasion, offer up my own living room – to bask in divine Scripture mixed with emotion mixed with life application mixed with friendship mixed with questions and care and concern. Sweet treats and hot tea. Joyful laughter and tears of frustration. Stumblings and victories. Accountability without judgment.

Side by Side is a unique blessing. Comprised primarily of women whose husbands are in pursuit of careers as physicians, it offers the welcome opportunity for some uniquely rich conversations. To me, one of the amazing things about Side by Side is that the unifying factor isn’t identical faith backgrounds or a specific local church affiliation, but moreover, it’s the Mayo Clinic and the simple fact that our husbands work or study there. And yet we find each other. From different walks, with varied experiences, we come together and profess that Jesus is Lord, and we seek after Him side by side. We seek to ignite our homes with passionate faith. We discuss how best to serve in our marriages, our jobs, our roles as mom or sister or daughter. We pray for each other and our families. We come in our sweats and happily bounce each others' babies.  Sometimes we arrive late or get pulled away early because a pager went off at home and whisked our husbands into action. We don’t have to explain – we get it.

We talk about topics that might be socially taboo in other circles. Marriage roles. Money management. Social responsibility. Church investment. Biblical history and character profiles. Counter cultural faith perspectives. And our precious babes (not a particularly taboo topic…. but worth including because there have been a lot of babies this year!)

In our SBS group in particular, we undertook a journey in which we individually journalled our way through personal study of books of the Bible, and it has resulted in remarkable transparency. Through sharing these entries, I have learned so much about each gal. Some musings are comical – some are poignant – many, many, many have taught me more about Christ and opened my eyes to a new way to look at Scripture. And some are full of questions that we cannot answer but must use as a chance to encourage one another in faith.

Side by Side is a staple in my spiritual diet, Not to mention, it’s fun and relaxing and stimulating and uplifting. I am partly the wife and mom and person that I am because of the influences of these friendships, and I am indebted to it. My time in Rochester would have been drastically and unfortunately different if not for this gathering, and I think I will forever give Tuesday nights a special nod. The Lord will provide again in AZ, I have no doubt at all, but I have to express the deep thanks I feel for his provision here first. Oh, what a treasured time it has been.  THANK YOU to the ladies, current and past, who I am blessed to know in this venue.  You made a difference in my life.

 

Ashley & McKenzie

Julia

Karley

Carli and little Evelyn

Beth & Nikki

 

Catherine & Kamber

 

Fab Gab

You would think we would have all the problems of the world solved by now.

What a great friend you are, Steph.

April [Snow] Showers

I'm sorry to report that this is what has greeted our eyes the last several mornings in a row.  

For a southern gal, I really don't consider myself one to complain readily about cold weather.  We do live in Minnesota, after all.  But Mother Nature is testing my resolve.....

See, April - certainly MID-April - in Minnesota is normally beautiful.  Green, bright and fresh -- just what we spend all winter longing to reach.  Part of the problem may be that we've been spoiled; last year's winter never even seemed to arrive.  I have several pics of myself walking the dogs or going for runs wearing capri pants in January when we should have been frozen solid.

I admit that this year I might have prayed for a "real" Minnesota winter, being that it's our last. Big mistake. 

And though I'm sure Mikel and I will be longing for a taste of this come August in Phoenix, I'm craving springtime like never before!

In other news, if you have anything you'd like me to talk to God about, it appears I have the inside track...

This week's forecast as it looked on Wednesday.  Rochester vs. Phoenix.

Bought a few of these sun shield hats for Bobes.  The little redhead will definitely need them once the sun does choose to come out -- and shopping for summer clothing feels especially uplifting in the middle of stubborn snow.

A great way to pass these cold days has been to meet up with friends as much as possible.  I am really trying to slow down and enjoy our remaining time in Rochester, and the Schmitt fam is a big part of that.

Steph sold her house (hooray!) and the inspection during her kids' nap time today.  Rough for her - but lucky for me because it meant they were forced to come entertain me and Nolan for the afternoon.

Claire (2)

 

Eleanore (2)

And of course, Charlie! (4)

Charlie is so good with Nolan ("Baby NoNo").  Such a practiced big brother.

(Another pic of Charlie and Nolan from last night when we visited the Schmitts at their house.)

While Steph was getting seestors into their Pack&Plays for naps, I remembered my mom had sent my childhood "Quiet Books" - felt books with little pieces for every themed page.  Charlie loved them - and it was fun for me to see the books again.  Pretty sure I spent hours playing with those as a kid.

Seestors didn't want to nap.  They kept giggling and jumping out of the P&P's, so Steph went down to separate them into different rooms.  There was cause for great celebration when Ellie (the momentarily pantsless one in this pic who is rocking potty training only 3 days in) took a giant man poop on the grown up potty.  Way to go, Ellie!

NoNo's eyes stay especially wide when the Schmitt fam comes around.  It's a flurry of activity, and he loves to soak it in.

Charlie took a little quiet rest time in our big bed. He loved that he could see himself in the mirror while sitting there.

A couple overtired kiddos who were sweet to snuggle.

Mikel had been in Ohio for the last couple of days for a robotics training course.  He was able to hop on an earlier-than-planned flight and got home in time to see all the kids.  Nolan was so happy to see his dad!

So glad our home could be used to help out a friend -- especially one whose home I invade all the time. Love the joyful craziness those kids bring to our lives.

Dedication Sunday

We are incredibly blessed by our church, Calvary Evangelical Free, here in Rochester.  The teaching is solid, the leadership is transparent, and we have enjoyed many dear relationships that have been nurtured within those walls.  A few times a year, they have Parent/Child Dedication during the service, and we were thankful to be able to participate last week and dedicate Nolan.
**Special thanks to the Piotrowskis, the Schmitts and Mr. David, who all whipped out their cameras to help us capture the event.  Such sweet friends we have!

Happy to join with the Dufendachs, who were dedicating baby Evelyn.

Also, the Gross family.  

Funny -- all of the families represented in that service were resident families!  I think that says something about how the church body receives us with open arms, knowing we will likely depart at some point.  Again -- we are blessed.

We took up a miniscule amount of the stage compared to our friends' big families -- and we weren't nearly as entertaining!

Handsome guys.  

Nolan stared at Pastor Dave a good bit of the time - like he was hanging on every word!

Pastor Dave took each babe in his arms and prayed over the child and his/her parents.  

We planned beforehand to both hold our arms like that.  Okay, no, we didn't.

I have to include this photo of Cayden D.  Between the Gross' and the Dufendachs, there were 6 "big kids" on the platform - and let's be honest, it was a long time for them to stand there.  They were all really great though - no fits, no rolling around on the ground, no noise!  Cayden was desperate to put his hands all over the speaker monitor and investigate the various cables running to and fro.  

The mixture of boredom and restraint shown on his face is priceless! 

Nolan, 

We pray that you would know a saving relationship with Jesus at a young age, and that we as your parents would be given enough wisdom for each day.

We pray that you will "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37)

and that you will "honor God with your body, for you were bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20).

We pray that you will grow "in wisdom and stature, in favor before God and men", just as Jesus did during His time on earth.  (Luke 2:52)

We pray that you will "act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8)

and that we as your parents will do well in modeling this.

We commit to establishing a home where peace, forgiveness and Christ-centered love reverberate.  We will respect one another and you.  You are safe in this home.

We understand God's love for us better because of you, for we cannot describe or contain our love for you.  How much more God, our perfect Maker and very author of love, must love His children!

We are thankful for you.

- Mom and Dad

4 months

I am terrible and never grabbed a 3 month photo with Nolan's usual set-up.....  I know, I know -- first child.... 4th kids are lucky to have any pictures at all.............  But still.  I'm disappointed in myself.  Probably a little too much so.

That said, we do have plenty of photos of the little guy from every. single. day. of. his. life.  So hopefully he forgives me some day.  Or - I forgive myself.

I did manage a quick 2.5mo set, so at least the lapse is a little shorter.  Can't believe how much he is changing -- and how quickly!

February 15
 

 

Not our usual backdrop, but shows some of those rolls starting to form.  February 16.

April 7 (better late than never).  Such a little man!

Had to grab some with his nekkid chubber legs showing.

Couldn't narrow these down - love all of his little faces!

At 4 months old: 14lb, 11 oz, 25 inches long -- and all giggles.

We love you!



You're doin' fine, Oklahoma - OK!

Last month, we had the opportunity to visit Mikel's side of the family in Oklahoma.  What a great thing it has been to see our TX and OK fam while Nolan is still this little and before the craziness of moving, etc, hits.

That Grandma was prepared for our visit.  Not only did she snag a fancy Pack & Play (where Nolan slept beautifully every night), but she hit the sweet spot with this activity mat.  Good thinking, Grandma!

Getting put through the Timmy Time PT ringer by Grandma, and soaking up some Aunt Lizzie cuddles.

 

Meeting Ray - 79 years young.

Enjoying some rocking and Bible stories.  Nolan is really starting to look at pages of books and will actually sit and be read to for a good little while.  It's one of my favorite activities to do with him.

But even the baby Bible can't compare to the fun that is Grandma Debby's iPad.  Debby works with delayed and mentally/physically challenged kids, so she has lots of bright and beautiful, interactive apps on her iPad.  Nolan was fixated!

Love his little arm slung over hers in these pics.  Just chillin' on a favorite lap.

 

These two pups are in no way neglected - especially when we come to town...  I always miss the doxies when we travel, but Paisley and Maggie help a lot.  Something tells me they don't mind our visits either...

Paisley cracks us up.  She is actually deaf, but you wouldn't know it by how she plays and interacts.  Only thing is --- she sleeps like a rock.  

Mikel was right at home with a wiener dog keeping him company.

Can't go to OK without nabbing some Sonic.  And can't write a blog post about it without including.

Jane is a dear friend of Debby's who has been equally good to us.  My favorite thing about Jane, apart from her big heart:  she raises chickens to harvest their eggs (which she obtains by the dozens), and she doesn't like eggs.  :)  

She and Nolan sure liked each other, though!

It was great to have Grandpa John meet Nolan.  See much resemblance???

One afternoon while we were down, we made a special trip to Altus - a town about an hour from Debby's house where several of Mikel and Lizzie's aunts and cousins live.  I have become facebook friends with several of them and enjoy communicating that way, so this was a special chance to see them face to face, as there were a few even I had not met.  Nolan certainly got acquainted with LOTS of new faces that day!

A little breakfast convo with Grandma to start the morning off right.

And some hilaaaarious sock donning with Dad.  Mikel gets the best smiles out of Nolan every time!

Big boy in his car seat.  He's never been a big fan of the car seat, so it was a good thing AL was at the ready to provide some gaigeous distraction.

 A special treat -- we got to enjoy lunch at the Country Dove in Elk City (one of our favorite lunch destinations), thanks to a generous gift from Jane. Can't believe I didn't think to snap any photos, but I wasn't really feeling too hot that day...  rats.

Made it to Altus.  It was so good to see Aunt Kay!  She had accompanied Debby to Rochester back when Debby unexpectedly ended up having to undergo her nephrectomy.  To avoid being stuck with us for 2+ weeks, poor Aunt Kay loaded up with some strangers (though it was a family known well to Mikel and Debby) to hitch a ride back to Altus.  I laugh out loud now thinking about how that all fell together.  Must have been a long drive home...

Anyway, Aunt Kay snuggled and snuggled Nolan, and he loved it.  Cousin Cindy took part of her afternoon off of work just to meet us at the house -- so sweet.

 

With Aunt Kay and Uncle Wayne

 Cousin Cindy

Nolan was starting to get little fried with all of the attention, but Mikel's thumb took one for the team and did the trick.

 Next it was off to Aunt Winnie and Uncle Travis' house just across town.  I had never met them, and they are good as gold.

Their little poodle Ginger, however, is not so sweet.  Wow, that girl has a Doberman-sized attitude in a teacup body..  But when you're 15 (17? I forget) years old, I guess it can be excused.

Nolan enjoyed the opportunity to be put down and stretch for a while.

Grandma Debby is convinced there are about to be some toofers popping through.  I guess Mikel cut teeth at 3 months?  Yikes. Here she's performing a routine exam just in case...  So far: negative.

With Aunt Winnie, Uncle Travis and sassy Ginger. 

Nolan is all socialized out and didn't make a peep all the way back to Sayre.

So thankful we made the short drive out and were able to see everyone!

An unexpected blessing came one evening when my mom called and said that Mokie and Uncle Bruce were at our family farm for the week, which is only 30 minutes or so from Sayre.  They were able to pop over for an hour the next morning to say hello, which was especially sweet since we hadn't seen Bruce in a long time.  Sadly Lisa had just left the previous day for a business trip, so though we missed her, it was great to see these two, even if only for a quick visit.

 Nolan and Great-Grandma Mokie being matchy-matchy in their yellow.  He just loves her.

Great Uncle Bruce told Nolan all about the baseball player Nolan Ryan.  I think he might have made up some of the details, but Nolan got the gist.  Had we been at the farm, Bruce probably would have had Nolan driving the 4-wheeler and holding a fishing rod by now.  He's a super fun uncle!

 This is Bruce and Lisa's dog Dolly - a rescue mutt who is a sweetie pie and kept Bruce company on the trip to OK from their home in Boulder.  My Granddad Bill would probably roll over if he knew his son had a 12lb lap dog with a bedazzled pink collar... but I digress.

  

Love these precious shots.

 At the end of every action-packed day, Mikel and I tag teamed a bath for Nolan.  We originally started giving him nightly baths when we went to Texas in February, as it seems to help him shift gears toward bedtime.  

He loved splashing in the big bathtub!

He gets a little slap-happy at the end of the day and cracks up when we take his clothes off - especially if Mikel is in view. 

I'll never get enough of this face or that dimple.

We are so blessed to have this many family members who go out of their way to embrace us and our little sweetie with such love and enthusiasm. 

 Our return trip to Roch wasn't altogether smooth (i.e., significant delay through Chicago O'Hare, but what's new?).  Poor Nolan was beyond ready to call it quits -- and we were too.  We all pulled it together, though, and arrived home safe and sound.

Before O'Hare & after O'Hare.

In happier news, I live for knuckle dimples.  :)

A shot of the pups to say "Welcome Home".  Thanks for having us, Oklahoma!