We're due November 3 with our 2nd little girl! We've decided after much talk with Jaxson that our baby girl's name is Karson Faith. Jaxson wanted "Jaxson Temm 2" but we thought maybe Karson would want her own identity. :)
She is moving around quite a bit. Jaxson wants to feel her move, but the timing hasn't been right for him to feel her strong enough yet. There will be plenty of time when she's bigger and he can see her movements better. He's so excited and proud. He says, "Karson loves kisses" and then he'll kiss my belly and "tickle, tickle" as he moves his fingers across my belly like a spider.
Even before Mike and I were married, I always thought for some reason I'd have 3 boys. And Mike pointed out to me the other night that we are going to have 3 "sons": Jaxson, Madison, and Karson! Ha!! Interesting, huh?? I was amused by his realization and we had a good laugh. So true, so true! Not at all what I'd pictured, but still true. Life is not always as it seems.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Vacation 2011
We decided this year to go back to the beach! After hoping that SC would be closer to drive than it was last year, I was only a little surprised to see on Google maps that the distance hadn't changed. Bummer! We didn't want to drive 13+ hours so we talked about Michigan again. After all, we did have such a great time last year in Traverse City. But we didn't need to drive that far either so I started looking at Holland and some of the "Beach Towns" on the West coast of Michigan. We decided there was plenty to do in Saugatuck so I began the planning process. We decided on a budget and I was off to the races. I love planning and researching and reading about all the fun things to see and the yummy food to eat. So I started the list of "options" for us to have once we arrived.
We checked in to the Holiday Inn Express in Holland. After all, it had a pool and the all important hot continental breakfast. In my research I saw that CIY was doing their 3rd week there in Holland, only a couple minutes from the hotel. So we messaged a couple friends there and made plans to go the next afternoon. We picked up some pizza at Sluggo's Pizzeria and headed to the beautiful Holland State Park beach. We ate a pizza on a nearby picnic table and did our best to keep Jaxson focused on eating before playing in the sand. We got his trucks and sand toys out of the van and headed to the water. Yeah, the water was a little chilly, but the beach was soft and white. Jaxson ran in and out of the water and loved it. He played in the sand with his toys and built a sand castle and then dug a hole with Mike. I loved watching them play and laugh together. This was the beginning of a very relaxing vacation!! We got some much needed sleep and then decided to head to Saugatuck in the morning for the Dune Rides!
We were all entertained by this experience and Jaxson was so excited. Jaxson laughed and talked to the driver responding to his questions and listening to every word. It was great! We ate lunch at Crane's Pie Pantry and headed to the next "must visit" on our list...Oval Beach. It was nice, but honestly, more rocky in the water than Holland. There were more people and the beach was pretty much the same type sand. Jaxson again played and played and played in the wet sand with his toys. We walked around in the water to cool off and then back to the toys and tractors on the beach. Again, he was so happy and full of just pure fun. We went to the hotel for a quick nap before going to see our CIY friends. It was more than great to catch up with so many of them. It was a SUPER late night, as a matter of fact, we felt like awful parents as we were drinvg around at 9:30 trying to find some dinner. Jaxson was a trooper and didn't seem to mind that it was an hour past his bedtime, I was not so patient. But at last, we picked up some Carino's and headed to the hotel.
Saturday morning we went back to Saugatuck for the "Star of Saugatuck" boat ride. Jaxson wasn't quite so entertained with this 1 1/2 hour experience, but it was educational and fun to see the beautiful condos and vacation homes. We had some sandwiches for lunch before heading to the beach again for the afternoon. We decided to try Tunnel Beach which turned out being our favorite. It was free and it had a big sand dune to run up and over on the way to the water. The sand was nice and inside the water wasn't rocky. It was like the Holland State Park beach. We stopped for an early dessert at Dairy Dayz where Mike decided that my 2 scoops of ice cream was better than what he got even though it was melting faster than I could eat it. Jaxson had already fallen asleep only 5 minutes from the beach. We went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and that evening we enjoyed some dinner at the 8th St. Grille in Holland. We went swimming at the hotel before heading to bed.
Sunday morning we decided the beach sounded like fun again. I know, it was a rough vacation, I told you!! We grabbed a bagel at Panera and then headed to Tunnel Beach again for another day of playing in the sand and water. We ate sandwiches at the hotel and then rested for part of the afternoon. Jaxson enjoyed watching "the race cars" on TV and was cracking us up with his intense focus and concern for the cars. We swam one more time in the pool. We ate Panera for dinner on our way to the beach for one last jump in the water and sand castle to be built. It started raining so our last beach adventure was cut a bit short. Jaxson was sad leaving the beach that day and didn't understand why the rain was preventing us to play longer. The storm came in that evening.
Monday morning we woke up to the wind/rain storm. Mike got soaked getting the cooler out the van so we could get everything packed to head home. We ate breakfast, quickly got the van loaded and headed out of town. The rain was pummeling the van and the wind was blowing leaves across the road. We were thankful the rain held off until now, but what a bummer for those wanting to enjoy the beach today. We had one more stop to make and as we headed off the highway to Crane's Pie Pastry, there were trees in the road and stop lights out. We made it around the debris and as the rain continued to come down hard we pulled into the parking lot. The building was dark, but there were cars in the parking lot. I was greeted by 2 of the waitresses concerned that I wasn't going to get the breakfast I wanted, but thankfully the donuts were fresh and had just got done moments before the power went out. The blueberry strudel was in the freezer. So when they realized I wasn't leaving with out these danishes, they got their flash lights and began gathering my order! I explained how thankful I was because we were heading home and just had to get these donuts for my friend. They for some reason weren't quite so entertained. But deep down I knew Summer would've been extremely sad had I returned home without these delicious "must haves". I paid for the order, thanked them again and went out the van smiling from ear to ear. The timing was perfect and I was trilled. We headed back down the road around debris and back to the highway. We drove in the rain a couple more hours, Jaxson watched another movie and we talked about this great vacation in Michigan!!
We checked in to the Holiday Inn Express in Holland. After all, it had a pool and the all important hot continental breakfast. In my research I saw that CIY was doing their 3rd week there in Holland, only a couple minutes from the hotel. So we messaged a couple friends there and made plans to go the next afternoon. We picked up some pizza at Sluggo's Pizzeria and headed to the beautiful Holland State Park beach. We ate a pizza on a nearby picnic table and did our best to keep Jaxson focused on eating before playing in the sand. We got his trucks and sand toys out of the van and headed to the water. Yeah, the water was a little chilly, but the beach was soft and white. Jaxson ran in and out of the water and loved it. He played in the sand with his toys and built a sand castle and then dug a hole with Mike. I loved watching them play and laugh together. This was the beginning of a very relaxing vacation!! We got some much needed sleep and then decided to head to Saugatuck in the morning for the Dune Rides!
We were all entertained by this experience and Jaxson was so excited. Jaxson laughed and talked to the driver responding to his questions and listening to every word. It was great! We ate lunch at Crane's Pie Pantry and headed to the next "must visit" on our list...Oval Beach. It was nice, but honestly, more rocky in the water than Holland. There were more people and the beach was pretty much the same type sand. Jaxson again played and played and played in the wet sand with his toys. We walked around in the water to cool off and then back to the toys and tractors on the beach. Again, he was so happy and full of just pure fun. We went to the hotel for a quick nap before going to see our CIY friends. It was more than great to catch up with so many of them. It was a SUPER late night, as a matter of fact, we felt like awful parents as we were drinvg around at 9:30 trying to find some dinner. Jaxson was a trooper and didn't seem to mind that it was an hour past his bedtime, I was not so patient. But at last, we picked up some Carino's and headed to the hotel.
Saturday morning we went back to Saugatuck for the "Star of Saugatuck" boat ride. Jaxson wasn't quite so entertained with this 1 1/2 hour experience, but it was educational and fun to see the beautiful condos and vacation homes. We had some sandwiches for lunch before heading to the beach again for the afternoon. We decided to try Tunnel Beach which turned out being our favorite. It was free and it had a big sand dune to run up and over on the way to the water. The sand was nice and inside the water wasn't rocky. It was like the Holland State Park beach. We stopped for an early dessert at Dairy Dayz where Mike decided that my 2 scoops of ice cream was better than what he got even though it was melting faster than I could eat it. Jaxson had already fallen asleep only 5 minutes from the beach. We went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and that evening we enjoyed some dinner at the 8th St. Grille in Holland. We went swimming at the hotel before heading to bed.
Sunday morning we decided the beach sounded like fun again. I know, it was a rough vacation, I told you!! We grabbed a bagel at Panera and then headed to Tunnel Beach again for another day of playing in the sand and water. We ate sandwiches at the hotel and then rested for part of the afternoon. Jaxson enjoyed watching "the race cars" on TV and was cracking us up with his intense focus and concern for the cars. We swam one more time in the pool. We ate Panera for dinner on our way to the beach for one last jump in the water and sand castle to be built. It started raining so our last beach adventure was cut a bit short. Jaxson was sad leaving the beach that day and didn't understand why the rain was preventing us to play longer. The storm came in that evening.
Monday morning we woke up to the wind/rain storm. Mike got soaked getting the cooler out the van so we could get everything packed to head home. We ate breakfast, quickly got the van loaded and headed out of town. The rain was pummeling the van and the wind was blowing leaves across the road. We were thankful the rain held off until now, but what a bummer for those wanting to enjoy the beach today. We had one more stop to make and as we headed off the highway to Crane's Pie Pastry, there were trees in the road and stop lights out. We made it around the debris and as the rain continued to come down hard we pulled into the parking lot. The building was dark, but there were cars in the parking lot. I was greeted by 2 of the waitresses concerned that I wasn't going to get the breakfast I wanted, but thankfully the donuts were fresh and had just got done moments before the power went out. The blueberry strudel was in the freezer. So when they realized I wasn't leaving with out these danishes, they got their flash lights and began gathering my order! I explained how thankful I was because we were heading home and just had to get these donuts for my friend. They for some reason weren't quite so entertained. But deep down I knew Summer would've been extremely sad had I returned home without these delicious "must haves". I paid for the order, thanked them again and went out the van smiling from ear to ear. The timing was perfect and I was trilled. We headed back down the road around debris and back to the highway. We drove in the rain a couple more hours, Jaxson watched another movie and we talked about this great vacation in Michigan!!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Lessons found in our pain!
Music always speaks to me. I love music and KLOVE is on all the time in the car unless Jaxson requests his toddler tunes. :)
These lyrics are from Laura Story's "Blessings". The entire song resonates in my heart and at times starts the tears, but here is the chorus:
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
It's tough to think that Madison's death is somehow good, but I think that's the hard truth. That's the truth that comforts when the pain gets too hard to bear. That's the truth that sometimes forces more tears and more questions. But that's the truth. Truth isn't always easy to accept, but it's impossible to deny. God is molding and shaping our lives. He is using us to encourage and support each other.
The "baby doctor" was sharing with Mike and I at our last appointment about "your innocence is gone". Those were thoughts I hadn't put into words and hearing those words brought up a well of pain in my heart that in turn started the flood gate of tears. It's been a while since I just let the tears flow. Most days I feel good and at peace with our circumstances. There is the occasional teary eyes when Jaxson talks about missing his sister and still asks very sweet questions about her. But I haven't really felt like I needed to sit and cry. Until at the "baby doctor" of all places. But she's really great and super supportive. I guess it just felt safe to me?
I've started reading "Room of Marvels". It's a book we received from friends the February after Madison passed away. So far it kind of feels like "The Shack" but I'm still in the beginning of the story so we'll see. The part I read yesterday kind of eluded to the fact that God doesn't allow things to happen for us, things in this life happen for Him and for His purposes. He sees the big picture, the eternal picture. We see only what effects our little piece of our world. And when we feel like God isn't listening and we don't get what we want, we question God's love and God's attention "to me". Like a 2-year-old that needs our attention and help now, we throw a temper tantrum explaining to God over and over in case He's not hearing us. But that's truly not the case. God does hear the cries of our hearts and does care. He has the eternal in mind, our eternal in mind. As the author of the book says, if it's not this situation, it will be something else that could pull you away from God. At some point, you're not going to get what you want...so what do you do then??
These lyrics are from Laura Story's "Blessings". The entire song resonates in my heart and at times starts the tears, but here is the chorus:
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
It's tough to think that Madison's death is somehow good, but I think that's the hard truth. That's the truth that comforts when the pain gets too hard to bear. That's the truth that sometimes forces more tears and more questions. But that's the truth. Truth isn't always easy to accept, but it's impossible to deny. God is molding and shaping our lives. He is using us to encourage and support each other.
The "baby doctor" was sharing with Mike and I at our last appointment about "your innocence is gone". Those were thoughts I hadn't put into words and hearing those words brought up a well of pain in my heart that in turn started the flood gate of tears. It's been a while since I just let the tears flow. Most days I feel good and at peace with our circumstances. There is the occasional teary eyes when Jaxson talks about missing his sister and still asks very sweet questions about her. But I haven't really felt like I needed to sit and cry. Until at the "baby doctor" of all places. But she's really great and super supportive. I guess it just felt safe to me?
I've started reading "Room of Marvels". It's a book we received from friends the February after Madison passed away. So far it kind of feels like "The Shack" but I'm still in the beginning of the story so we'll see. The part I read yesterday kind of eluded to the fact that God doesn't allow things to happen for us, things in this life happen for Him and for His purposes. He sees the big picture, the eternal picture. We see only what effects our little piece of our world. And when we feel like God isn't listening and we don't get what we want, we question God's love and God's attention "to me". Like a 2-year-old that needs our attention and help now, we throw a temper tantrum explaining to God over and over in case He's not hearing us. But that's truly not the case. God does hear the cries of our hearts and does care. He has the eternal in mind, our eternal in mind. As the author of the book says, if it's not this situation, it will be something else that could pull you away from God. At some point, you're not going to get what you want...so what do you do then??
Summertime!
Summer is in full swing. Jaxson and I spend many hours out in the backyard swinging, playing in the sandbox, laying in the hammock and eating popsicles. We have pool access and will definitely be enjoying that as the weather heats up. It hasn't been warm enough yet to have very many water gun fights, but he always asks. Sometimes he gets the hose out, too and then we pretty much end up soaked! Jaxson is such a sweet happy boy. When we need to take a break from being outside, he loves playing with his trains and watching Thomas or Curious George.
He has lots of energy. He's going through a stage of, "I'm not going to talk to you" when he doesn't get his way. I hope it's a quick stage because it just annoys me. He snaps out of it in 2.5 seconds, but it's the heart of the attitude that bothers me.
He's so extremely excited about the baby. He can't wait to feel her kick and he always lifts my shirt to give her a kiss. He'll oftentimes lay on my belly while we're sitting on the couch. He can't get close enough to her. It will be fun when she can kick him in those moments because his eyes will light up!! He has agreed on the name for the newest baby Temm so that will likely be revealed soon. We're still looking at our options and want to make sure it feels right, though.
He told daddy that "since Madison isn't here right now, the baby can sleep in the nursery." Jaxson still asks about Madison and misses her. They're usually quick conversations, but very important for him to try and communicate his pain and confusion. Most often he asks when we're going to see Madison again. That's a tough one because on some days, the sooner the better. Jesus can't come back soon enough, but on other days the hope of seeing her again and knowing that this life is a moment compared to eternity...forever and ever...I want to enjoy the moments for today and watch Jaxson and Baby Girl grow up. I want to grow old with Mike and have grandkids, etc, etc. So it just depends on the day, but most of the time knowing we'll be in heaven someday to be reunited with her is enough. That may need to be a different post. God is healing and teaching me so definitely need to share that later!
He has lots of energy. He's going through a stage of, "I'm not going to talk to you" when he doesn't get his way. I hope it's a quick stage because it just annoys me. He snaps out of it in 2.5 seconds, but it's the heart of the attitude that bothers me.
He's so extremely excited about the baby. He can't wait to feel her kick and he always lifts my shirt to give her a kiss. He'll oftentimes lay on my belly while we're sitting on the couch. He can't get close enough to her. It will be fun when she can kick him in those moments because his eyes will light up!! He has agreed on the name for the newest baby Temm so that will likely be revealed soon. We're still looking at our options and want to make sure it feels right, though.
He told daddy that "since Madison isn't here right now, the baby can sleep in the nursery." Jaxson still asks about Madison and misses her. They're usually quick conversations, but very important for him to try and communicate his pain and confusion. Most often he asks when we're going to see Madison again. That's a tough one because on some days, the sooner the better. Jesus can't come back soon enough, but on other days the hope of seeing her again and knowing that this life is a moment compared to eternity...forever and ever...I want to enjoy the moments for today and watch Jaxson and Baby Girl grow up. I want to grow old with Mike and have grandkids, etc, etc. So it just depends on the day, but most of the time knowing we'll be in heaven someday to be reunited with her is enough. That may need to be a different post. God is healing and teaching me so definitely need to share that later!
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