Wow! I can't believe it's been since July since I've last posted. Wasn't staying home supposed to give me more time? Ha! What a true blessing staying home with Kinsey has been. Not that it's always easy or the days always go by fast, but I couldn't imagine my life any different than it is right now. I wake up with Kinsey after a restful night (she's a great sleeper at night), and the mornings are filled with activities, outings with other Moms, and time at home playing. One time a couple of weeks ago, I was driving the same route that I did when I was working. I looked back at that precious face, and had a flashback to last year. Most mornings, I would be so upset leaving her, that I would constantly turn around while driving to talk or sing or to make her laugh. It was like I didn't want to waste ANY time I had. I can't believe I never got in an accident. I started tearing up thinking about this during my drive in present day and just prayed to God thanking Him for leading us to this decision, for my husband's wholehearted support, for finances, and for His continued faithfulness in our decision.
Kinsey is just at the perfect age (19 months)--in my opinion--thus far! I love it! She's communicating more and our "conversations" are precious. She says "Mommy" first thing every morning from her crib and it makes getting up to get her so easy. She definitely loves to test limits, but I feel better equipped than I did a few months ago to know when she's being a trickster and when's she not. That is not to mean that I have it all together or that Mitch and I are the best disciplinarians in the world!!!!! I feel like I have so much to learn and know that I will have to learn as I go and pray for God's wisdom. I really like the Love and Logic approach to discipline, but I constantly question myself! I'm so thankful that Mitch and I are on the same page with parenting:)
So, the biggest news, is the announcement of a new addition to our family come April! We are so excited to add to our family and can't wait to meet this precious little gift. And a gift it truly is. One thing I have learned since becoming a Mommy is to never take getting pregnant for granted, and never "brag" or act as though you are "fertile myrtle." I won't say too much on this, but I will say that I have learned to be joyful in this pregnancy, this gift, and that many are still waiting for this blessing. This has been a burden on my heart and I'm not sure why. I will continue to pray for strength and encouragement for my friends who patiently wait on the Lord.
Until next time....
Our Foursome
Bethany Beach, DE
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Next Chapter...Change is GOOD!
Well, it's now JULY, and it has been almost six months since my last post. And a lot has happened since then. Most notably, was our huge decision for me to stay home with McKinsey. I have been looking for the letter that I handed out to the staff and my friends, and if I ever find it, I'll post it on here. In short, it was the hardest decision to make, yet knowing it was the right one for our family, made it easy. Does that make sense? I have such joy knowing that I don't have to dread September, and I feel so blessed that I am able to stay home. Mitch has been such a encouragement and is so excited to see me stay home. I was talking to a good friend one night about my decision, and she said, "Well, how does Mitch feel about all this?" I looked at her and said, "Oh, he wants to me to stay home." Surprised, she looked at me, and said, "Really? I thought that's why you are here. To tell me you were in disagreement!"
God has been blessing this decision in big ways and little ways. Here's a few:
He has given Mitch and I both summer jobs that will will help us financially. I am tutoring and watching two little boys for the summer and Mitch has been teaching summer school and will be painting. We were given boxes of clothes and toys from friends and parents of my students that will hold us for the next five years! We were given some bags of mulch from a friend who had extra, and have had people offer to watch Kinsey for us if we ever wanted to go out. We even had a close friend give us a year's subscription to Hands-On-House! We just know we will continue to be blessed!
Being home with Kinsey this summer has been amazing. Just watching this little girl, has opened my eyes, to a child's world. For instance, as we were coming down the stairs this evening, and Kinsey saw a rainbow of light on the wall. We must have sat there for five minutes as she examined it, tried to touch it, and made shadows over it with her hands. I wouldn't have even thought twice if I had been coming down the stairs myself. At the park, she stooped down for a couple of minutes to stare at and smell the flowers (got her Grandma's love of flowers that's for sure!). Such innocence. Of course, she wasn't innocent when she threw mulch all over the train at the park and then tried to eat it! Discipline at this age seems hard and Mitch and I often think we are just guessing at it and trying our best. I guess the first one is a learning experience and we can only hope and pray that what we are doing is right and we are creating a sweet, little girl, who loves Jesus with all her heart. It's exciting and scary to think we are molding this small little person! What a challenge God has given us!!! We know we will make mistakes and do things differently next time around, but for right now, we are doing the best we can! It seems as though we now finally have a routine and we are finally off the bottle! I know that once this gets comfortable, she will change, but for now, I'm loving it!
One thing we do know for sure is Mommy and Daddy need a break from time to time! We are very careful as a couple to "get-away" and are fortunate to have babysitters available to us! When you have kids, it's easy to make it all about them, but we know that our alone time is critical to maintaining a good marriage! We definitely look forward to our nights out!!!
That's all for now!
God has been blessing this decision in big ways and little ways. Here's a few:
He has given Mitch and I both summer jobs that will will help us financially. I am tutoring and watching two little boys for the summer and Mitch has been teaching summer school and will be painting. We were given boxes of clothes and toys from friends and parents of my students that will hold us for the next five years! We were given some bags of mulch from a friend who had extra, and have had people offer to watch Kinsey for us if we ever wanted to go out. We even had a close friend give us a year's subscription to Hands-On-House! We just know we will continue to be blessed!
Being home with Kinsey this summer has been amazing. Just watching this little girl, has opened my eyes, to a child's world. For instance, as we were coming down the stairs this evening, and Kinsey saw a rainbow of light on the wall. We must have sat there for five minutes as she examined it, tried to touch it, and made shadows over it with her hands. I wouldn't have even thought twice if I had been coming down the stairs myself. At the park, she stooped down for a couple of minutes to stare at and smell the flowers (got her Grandma's love of flowers that's for sure!). Such innocence. Of course, she wasn't innocent when she threw mulch all over the train at the park and then tried to eat it! Discipline at this age seems hard and Mitch and I often think we are just guessing at it and trying our best. I guess the first one is a learning experience and we can only hope and pray that what we are doing is right and we are creating a sweet, little girl, who loves Jesus with all her heart. It's exciting and scary to think we are molding this small little person! What a challenge God has given us!!! We know we will make mistakes and do things differently next time around, but for right now, we are doing the best we can! It seems as though we now finally have a routine and we are finally off the bottle! I know that once this gets comfortable, she will change, but for now, I'm loving it!
One thing we do know for sure is Mommy and Daddy need a break from time to time! We are very careful as a couple to "get-away" and are fortunate to have babysitters available to us! When you have kids, it's easy to make it all about them, but we know that our alone time is critical to maintaining a good marriage! We definitely look forward to our nights out!!!
That's all for now!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Kinsey is 10 Months!
My little one is taking steps! She took 10 steps on February 1st, a snow day, and her Daddy's 25th birthday! It was a special day indeed--and Mommy was home to see it! HOORAY! This month also marks the first ear infection and significant cold she's caught. I, of course, brought it home to her. Boo. She's teething like crazy--6 teeth now, and got another bout of diaper rash. She's having a rough time! She is babbling and gurgling, loves making funny faces, and can put things in a box, take them out, hand them to you, and put them back in the box. She can roll a ball to you, and laughs when you make funny faces as her. Currently, she likes rolling her umbrella stroller back and forth in the house. She is a great eater. Among her more unusual foods includes: avocados, tofu, kiwi, and Daddy's homemade French Bread. She tries most things--I hope that continues!
Yes, I still tear up dropping her off at her caregivers' some mornings. Don't get me wrong, she loves all her caregivers and doesn't seem the least bit fazed that I'm leaving. She knows it's just a part of the day now. Last week was particularly rough since she wasn't feeling well. Some mornings when that alarm goes off, I wonder how I am going to get up, get myself ready, wake her up, feed her, get her ready, go downstairs get ourselves both breakfast, load the bags in the car, get her loaded in the car, drop her off, say good-bye, leave her, then head to work myself, prepare for the day, and greet 23 smiling 7-year-olds. But I always do it and it's not so bad. And most people in the world, have FAR MORE challenging mornings than that, so my complaining ends right here.
I do hope God has a plan for next year. I have decided to stop trying to open doors myself and let him open them for me. I know he will. I just need to be patient and keep praying. I have such a beautiful family. I am so blessed.
Yes, I still tear up dropping her off at her caregivers' some mornings. Don't get me wrong, she loves all her caregivers and doesn't seem the least bit fazed that I'm leaving. She knows it's just a part of the day now. Last week was particularly rough since she wasn't feeling well. Some mornings when that alarm goes off, I wonder how I am going to get up, get myself ready, wake her up, feed her, get her ready, go downstairs get ourselves both breakfast, load the bags in the car, get her loaded in the car, drop her off, say good-bye, leave her, then head to work myself, prepare for the day, and greet 23 smiling 7-year-olds. But I always do it and it's not so bad. And most people in the world, have FAR MORE challenging mornings than that, so my complaining ends right here.
I do hope God has a plan for next year. I have decided to stop trying to open doors myself and let him open them for me. I know he will. I just need to be patient and keep praying. I have such a beautiful family. I am so blessed.
Technology
Technology. The thing we are bombarded with first thing in the morning and the last thing before bed. Cell phones, web surfing, email (all 5 accounts), video games, facebook, TV, car radio. People can literally have access to you 24/7. Mitch and I realized the other night, that we needed to take a serious look at the amount of time we consume (or waste) on technology. If we recorded minute by minute the amount of time we spend on our cell phones, checking email or facebook, and playing video games it would amount to several hours (for each of us) by the end of the week. When we complain about not having time and being so busy, I think about how much time could be saved by being "unaccessible," and by living in some silence.
Until Easter (an early lent), we are giving up facebook, video games, and "computer" time (except for school work) during the week. We are going to focus on spending time with each other, talking to friends and family, reading with each other, and loving on our baby girl. We started a puzzle, I got out my scrapbook stuff, and we started some new books. As always, the last thing I do before bed, is spend time with God, in his word, or reading some other devotional, but now that time has grown and includes journeling as well (something that was put on the backburner when school started). I'm so optimistic about this new transition and after a week, I'm feeling good about our decision to step away, and be silent for a while.
I'm not jugding anyone who has internet on their phone, but I would become addicted to checking emails and facebook if I had that data plan. It just wouldn't be healthy for me. I don't have anything against facebook, either. I love catching up with friends and posting pictures for people to see, but I don't need to be on every day, or even every week. One email check a day is good too.
I don't like to think about what technology will look like when Kinsey is grown up. Will kids walk around like zombies texting and typing on their cell phones? Will anyone need to learn how to communicate with others? Why do 2nd graders have facebook?
Ahhh, as the world turns, so do the days of our lives...
Until Easter (an early lent), we are giving up facebook, video games, and "computer" time (except for school work) during the week. We are going to focus on spending time with each other, talking to friends and family, reading with each other, and loving on our baby girl. We started a puzzle, I got out my scrapbook stuff, and we started some new books. As always, the last thing I do before bed, is spend time with God, in his word, or reading some other devotional, but now that time has grown and includes journeling as well (something that was put on the backburner when school started). I'm so optimistic about this new transition and after a week, I'm feeling good about our decision to step away, and be silent for a while.
I'm not jugding anyone who has internet on their phone, but I would become addicted to checking emails and facebook if I had that data plan. It just wouldn't be healthy for me. I don't have anything against facebook, either. I love catching up with friends and posting pictures for people to see, but I don't need to be on every day, or even every week. One email check a day is good too.
I don't like to think about what technology will look like when Kinsey is grown up. Will kids walk around like zombies texting and typing on their cell phones? Will anyone need to learn how to communicate with others? Why do 2nd graders have facebook?
Ahhh, as the world turns, so do the days of our lives...
Friday, January 7, 2011
Grandpa McKinsey's Tribute
Below is a letter I wrote to my Grandpa. Mitch read it at his funeral.
Dear Grandpa,
My favorite memory of you, Grandpa, was when you were holding my newborn baby, smiling down at her, and saying, “From McKinsey to McKinsey.” It’s a memory I will always hold dear to my heart, and I’ll be sure to tell her all about the Grandfather she’s named after.
You sure were special Grandpa—born on Thanksgiving Day and going with the Lord on Christmas Day. You once said, “If you die on Christmas, you go straight to heaven,” but you didn’t need to pass away on Christmas for us to know you’re with the Lord. As many will attest, your life continually displayed the works and faith of someone who loved God, and God’s people, very much.
Perhaps the people you most demonstrated this love to, was your family. You loved your brothers and sisters and talked about them often. I loved hearing stories about your youth including living through the Great Depression and World War II. My favorite story was when you had both Grandma McKinsey and Grandma Lutz sitting in front of the window at your brand new law office in Quarryville to make it look like you had business. I could hear that story a thousand times and still laugh! I know you loved your wife Dorothy, my grandma, with all your heart. I wish I could have known Grandma better, but listening to you talk about her, made me feel like I did know her in my own special way.
One person who I know you loved so very much was my mom. Boy did you love her. And, boy did she love you. Sunday afternoons were special for you, Mom, and Tom. You enjoyed going together to the Mountville Concerts in the summer, eating out at Isaacs and Bob Evans, and just spending time together. You and Mom talked throughout the week, if not daily, and relied on each other for many things. You surely had a special bond as daddy and daughter. I’ll never forget when I was holding your hand just last week and I didn’t think you could hear me say, “When you see Mom tomorrow, tell her that you love her.” And yet, in a muffled, yet audible voice, you whispered, “I love your Mom.” I will never forget that.
You loved your Grandkids too! You loved watching McKinsey and Ben play together on Thanksgiving and couldn’t believe how grown up Nick and Drew were getting. Countless times you would mention how good a job Shelly was doing raising all her “boys (Brian included!).” And you knew Mitch would be a good husband and a good father, and completely trusted him with your only Granddaughter. And Brian. Most Monday nights were spent talking to him on the phone, and you’ll both never forget going to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago. I can see a lot of you in Brian, Grandpa. I know you are so proud of him and the beautiful family he’s created.
As for me, I will remember and smile when I think of vacations to Avalon, train rides to Rhode Island, sharing hotel beds on family vacations, swimming at the Y and later at Woodcrest, sleepovers at Springside Drive, raking gumballs in the backyard, watching the Lawrence Welk show together, and Christmas Eve Parties at your house. You were the only one in my family that would go in the ocean with me the first time I asked! It’s true that we won’t create any new memories together, but the memories we do share, will live on forever in my heart. I only hope that my daughter, McKinsey, will share a bond with her grandparents like I did with you.
Thanks Grandpa for everything you’ve taught us, everything you’ve given us, and every story you’ve shared. You have touched everyone sitting here today, in some way. We rejoice in knowing that you were greeted by trumpets and choirs of angels in heaven on Christmas Day. I love you Grandpa, and I’m going to miss you. Really miss you.
Love,
Allison McKinsey
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
Dear Grandpa,
My favorite memory of you, Grandpa, was when you were holding my newborn baby, smiling down at her, and saying, “From McKinsey to McKinsey.” It’s a memory I will always hold dear to my heart, and I’ll be sure to tell her all about the Grandfather she’s named after.
You sure were special Grandpa—born on Thanksgiving Day and going with the Lord on Christmas Day. You once said, “If you die on Christmas, you go straight to heaven,” but you didn’t need to pass away on Christmas for us to know you’re with the Lord. As many will attest, your life continually displayed the works and faith of someone who loved God, and God’s people, very much.
Perhaps the people you most demonstrated this love to, was your family. You loved your brothers and sisters and talked about them often. I loved hearing stories about your youth including living through the Great Depression and World War II. My favorite story was when you had both Grandma McKinsey and Grandma Lutz sitting in front of the window at your brand new law office in Quarryville to make it look like you had business. I could hear that story a thousand times and still laugh! I know you loved your wife Dorothy, my grandma, with all your heart. I wish I could have known Grandma better, but listening to you talk about her, made me feel like I did know her in my own special way.
One person who I know you loved so very much was my mom. Boy did you love her. And, boy did she love you. Sunday afternoons were special for you, Mom, and Tom. You enjoyed going together to the Mountville Concerts in the summer, eating out at Isaacs and Bob Evans, and just spending time together. You and Mom talked throughout the week, if not daily, and relied on each other for many things. You surely had a special bond as daddy and daughter. I’ll never forget when I was holding your hand just last week and I didn’t think you could hear me say, “When you see Mom tomorrow, tell her that you love her.” And yet, in a muffled, yet audible voice, you whispered, “I love your Mom.” I will never forget that.
You loved your Grandkids too! You loved watching McKinsey and Ben play together on Thanksgiving and couldn’t believe how grown up Nick and Drew were getting. Countless times you would mention how good a job Shelly was doing raising all her “boys (Brian included!).” And you knew Mitch would be a good husband and a good father, and completely trusted him with your only Granddaughter. And Brian. Most Monday nights were spent talking to him on the phone, and you’ll both never forget going to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago. I can see a lot of you in Brian, Grandpa. I know you are so proud of him and the beautiful family he’s created.
As for me, I will remember and smile when I think of vacations to Avalon, train rides to Rhode Island, sharing hotel beds on family vacations, swimming at the Y and later at Woodcrest, sleepovers at Springside Drive, raking gumballs in the backyard, watching the Lawrence Welk show together, and Christmas Eve Parties at your house. You were the only one in my family that would go in the ocean with me the first time I asked! It’s true that we won’t create any new memories together, but the memories we do share, will live on forever in my heart. I only hope that my daughter, McKinsey, will share a bond with her grandparents like I did with you.
Thanks Grandpa for everything you’ve taught us, everything you’ve given us, and every story you’ve shared. You have touched everyone sitting here today, in some way. We rejoice in knowing that you were greeted by trumpets and choirs of angels in heaven on Christmas Day. I love you Grandpa, and I’m going to miss you. Really miss you.
Love,
Allison McKinsey
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
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