Merry Christams

Emmanuel
God with us!
Matthew 1:23

Merry Christmas! We have had a fabulous year. We have been amazingly blessed by our families’ in the Midwest whom have been able to visit with us throughout this past year. We have also blessed by those we now call “friends” in Nashville, Tennessee.
In April we were able to take a long weekend for Cousin Melissa’s wedding on Topsail Island, North Carolina. This was Elizabeth’s first trip to the beach and the Allen side of her shown through. She loved it. She loved playing in the sand and splashing in the water. This touched Caroline’s heart to no end knowing that once again the love for the beach extends to another generation. Of course the parents enjoyed the beach time as well and marveled that even on the beach in April, Emmanuel.

In June, Aunt Jen came for a week long visit. Of course we knew the visit was twofold, for Aunt Jen to spend time with both her niece and sister. We had a great time. The three of us then flew home for a week in Chicago. Adam would join us later that week for Elizabeth’s first birthday. Wow, we have a daughter who is one! EMMANUEL!

During the hot months of summer in Nashville we tried our best to stay cool. Over Labor day we met up with Nanny, Poppy, and Mom-Mom in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee for a vacation. We even had our new friends, the Jordans, come for a short visit as well. If you can imagine cramming three small children and two grown women in a room with two single beds and two pack n’ plays, then you would know as Shannon and I did, Emmanuel!

Our last event was a trip to Myrtle Beach with the Lee side of the family. Gene and Candy’s friends also joined us. Even though it was November, we still had time to frequent the beach. And being six months older, Elizabeth enjoyed the beach even more. Looking back at this past year, we know without any doubt, Emmanuel, GOD WITH US!

Love,

Caroline, Adam and Elizabeth

Things that crash

It has been over a month since my last post. The reason being, our computer crashed.YIKES! We lost a lot from pictures, to itunes and a lot of important documents that Adam spent a lot of time on. We have some really nice friends who lent us theirs.


We have done a lot since the last post. We went to a Halloween party ( would have posted pictures), my brother visited and we just got back from Myrtle Beach. We have a great time. With the holidays coming, I am overwhelmed. I shouldn't be. But I am.

Love is hard

I am learning the hard way on how Jesus must feel (on a smaller spectrum) when it comes to loving sinners and screw- ups like us. Or me anyways. I am in women's bible study and we are studying 1Timothy 4. We went over vs 12 and focused on love. Agape love. The other 2 non believers have as well. The Agape love is also mentioned in large account in 1 Corinthians 13. How we need to be patient, kind and self control etc. It is read at weddings constantly but never did I realize that we can't love people like 1 Corinthians says we should. However and thankfully we can love others and others can love us with the help of Christ. And yet at times we fail.

It is hard to love those whom fall away with no second glances. It is hard to love when that person doesn't want it. It is hard to love when the behaviors of loved ones are yucky. It is hard to love on your own. Forget about trying to do it, it can't be done with patience,kindness, not counting wrongs etc. Could you imagine if Christ counted our wrongs? How long would our list be even for one day? Think about it.

Gentry Farm

We went to a farm today to pick a pumpkin and to do something fall-like.However it was 90 degrees outside. In this picture Adam is playing in a barn designed for toddlers. He is building with Lincoln Logs and a random girl begins to feed him "food." He was so cute. The picture of Elizabeth and I, we are in the same barn. She loved that barn. It was a neat place. It is a working farm and their is scripture everywhere. If you look real close at the banners hanging from the ceiling, they are fruit of the spirit.


We had a lot of fun even in the heat. I don't know about anyone else but I am ready for some jean wearing weather.

A Milestone Reached

There are many milestones that occur in the development of a baby. Picking their head up, rolling over, sitting, crawling, walking and YES being done nursing. I thought I would have to go cold turkey all the little one. 4 days ago, she just was fine without it.

At the end of October, I am going on a much needed women's retreat. I was a little concerned because Adam would have to be there when I force our daughter to cut nursing cold turkey. YEA, it does not have to be that way.

I am not sure if I have mentioned it or not, but we have been here in Nashville for over a year. We have made friends. Yippee, people actually do like us. Some of our great friends will be moving next summer.Sad.

Past and The Future

We recently were on vacation with my side of the family.

It has been awhile since I last posted but was told by a friend that my blog is a real blog. So I decided to write today.

Here are my thoughts....I am learning some new or I could say old hobbies. The new is blogging and now facebook. Both can be addicting but cost nothing. It catches me up with other people and their lives. Fun. The other new but old hobby is sewing. Yes, me who got a C in home ec. in junior high is sewing. I love it. I have made 3 dresses for my daughter. I have a great teacher. She has been very patient and giving because she has allowed me to use her fabrics and sewing machine. She is a perfectionist and allows me to not to be one. A test for both of us. MY first dress took over 5 hours and from there it has gotten shorter. If you are new mom and looking for a hobby that isn't scrapbooking but has a final product. Sewing could be for you.

I feel so weird saying that I like sewing. However stepping into a fabric store can be overwhelming. SO much to look at. I have no idea where to begin.

August

Well in a week I will have a 14 month old. Too cool. So much has happened this summer with her communication development. (this will start the section of bragging about my daughter)
She can sign for eat, drink, all done, baby,and book. She can SPEAK the words "no,bye, mama,dada and hi." It is amazing to hear her speak. Ok enough on that.

She really does not like the sunglasses. I had to have Adam take the picture really quick. We have been to the pool a lot but even that won't cool us off.
Because of the heat, we stay inside. We watch Scrubs. Love Scrubs.

Not Much

Hello from Nashville where it never, ever rains. Or so I think. I wish it would rain. Now. (isn't that a song?) Anyways. We are doing well. We stay inside almost all day except to run errands that aren't outside.

I recently(as in today) have begun tutoring again. Actually I just met with the lady who owns the tutoring company. I am excited. I am kind of missing teaching but would miss being at home even more(afternoon naps, reading a book during naptime, watching Scrubs over and over) Ok so I would also miss my daughter dearly. She said "hi" a gazillion times today.

WVHS Girls Varsity Soccer

For those of you who don't know, I went to Waubonsie Valley High School. I also played soccer there for 4 years. But let me back track a few years.

I started playing travelling soccer in the 5th grade. From then on I knew I wanted to play varsity soccer at Waubonsie. I went to their home games off and on. I did the soccer camp that was offered each year.
When I was freshmen and showed up to Midnight Madness. It was madness. But I began to realize through first hand experience and whispers from other players what you had to do to play for Judy Keller. As a freshmen I knew I would probably not play Varsity. But I did play JV and Freshmen for most of the year. Loved my freshmen coach. (went on to play Fall Travel League with him). Sophomore year came around and I had my hopes set high. I played JV for most of the season but when playoffs came, I was asked to set the bench for Varsity. Let me explain how excited I was as a sophomore to do that. Did I play , no. But I practiced harder than I ever had before.

Junior year came and once again I was placed on JV but went to tournaments and playoffs again with Varsity. I was extremely hurt that I didn't play all that much on Varsity. But someone beside Judy Keller saw that sometimes at practice I did play hard and could make the plays. (Steve Keller, Judy's son). He complimented me a lot at practice but rarely did I see play time. Senior year arrived and I made Olympic Development that previous summer, I knew I had arrived. Judy saw otherwise but decided to play a little manipulation between me and 2 other seniors during pre-season. I started maybe 2 games. However my voice could be heard belting the national anthem each home game. As I bonded with the varsity team I began to see what kind of girls some of them were and paid attention so maybe I could be like them so I could play. I began to see it took sassiness, being popular, and not doing well in school. Don't get me wrong there were some players who were complete opposite of that but they were excellent soccer players and deserved more than me to play. I was adult pressured into doing things I did not want to be pressured into doing out of fear. (singing for a girl's family for a dedication of bench). I would have loved to have done it given time to practice and gather up confidence. Because I lacked confidence that year whenever in the presences of Judy Keller. Unbelievable how such small,petite woman could be so intimidating. I was also told I needed to prove I was strong enough to play and had to go 1 v1 against a freshmen in front of the whole team.

Enough of the play by play, the reason for my writing is to finally say good bye to all the hatred I developed for that soccer program. By the time I graduated my dreams of playing college ball were gone. Not because of lack of interest on the college but mine. Playing for WVHS girls soccer was once an incredible dream I had as a little girl. But when the time had come it became a nightmare. One filled with tears and swallowing of pride, hatred towards girls I played with. I now play on a co-ed rec league and love it. Do I screw up? Constantly. But now I don't fear I will be subbed out and not to be played again maybe for the rest of the week.

Years later after I graduated from WVHS I learned Judy Keller had left head coach and became a flight attendant. My father ( who was at just about every game and was also there when I sat the bench) had her as his attendant one flight he had. I thought about what I would say to her if I were to see her again. Let me tell you a lot of nasty words did come to mind. But the loving conviction of the Holy Spirit pricked my pride and said even she needs to know the love of Jesus.

Where we are going?!

where we are going.......

I can tell you where we have been almost a year ago.

On August 7, 2006, the Lee family drove out of Naperville,Il or the western suburbs of Chicago. They were on a new adventure. New parents, new job, new home, new everything.

I was still figuring out breastfeeding and how I was ever going to make it as a new mom. A year later and I am stunned at how God delivered.

Not only did we not have any money coming in, but we had bills to pay and some exploring to do on where we can find the cheapest deals on groceries.
But we made it through August and help from family and friends to help us figure it all out. Last fall, we had everyone visit from both sides of the family at least every month. (very fun) We realized how amazingly beautiful Nashville is in October. But we even had money to spare for Christmas presents.

Springtime brought the idea of looking for a home to rent so we could have a yard. But the Lord directed otherwise. We are still in the same apartment with hopes to buy next year.
Spring also brought some extra money for me as I began to teach private swim lessons.
Spring also developed a mom's playdate into a weekly bible study. These friendships flourished and now we visit even outside of bible study.
Summer brought extreme temperatures seeming to never leave the 90's. But it also brought chance to visit with the Allen family for a week.

So this year in a nutshell has been exactly what God wanted even when we (really me) dragged our feet to be within His Will. We will see what this next year in Nashville has to brung to the Lee's.


ps. the picture is not Nashville. It is Topsail Island,NC. A small reprieve from daily life just when we needed it. My cousin got married on the beach. AMAZING!!

You know you are old when.....

You know you are old when you don't ask for clothes from your favorite Mall store.

You know you are old when you don't ask for cash.

You know you are old when you ask for a screen door for your birthday.


So tomorrow I turn 28. No biggie. Adam turned 30 and my daughter turned 1. Much bigger deals. I love my husband but he tends to forget dates that are of high importance. Our anniversary, my birthday and his own birthday. But now there is this friendly reminder he can get through his email called birthday alarm. It has been sending him emails about my birthday all week. I told him I want a screen door for our back door leading to our porch. Once the summer heat is gone and we can turn off the air a screen door will be amazing.
That is how I know I am old.

Tantrums

So now that we have hit the big ONE, we now have hit "tantrums." Elizabeth's really are not that big yet.

An example, I host a mom's bible study. The kids range from 2 years old to Elizabeth's age. One little boy had a toy and Elizabeth wanted it so she went and snatched it. I told her "no." And handed it back to the little boy. Oh man! She did not like that. She plopped her little self down and cried loudly. It happened a few more times. Wow! I thought infancy was difficult.

Can I relate this a relationship with Jesus. You bet I can! There are many things in life that we all want and sometimes we just snatch it for ourselves before we even ask the owner. And when it is taken back, I am sure I have plopped myself down and cried. So, remember to ask the "owner" of all things if you are meant to have it before you take it.

Addiction to fans

I am not sure how many of you have certain things you need to have to fall asleep. Soft music, dark room, certain pillows. I need a fan. When I say "need", I really need or sleep seems like a crazy idea.

I never realized my addiction to a fan until my wonderful daughter knocked ours over and broke it. She's fine , no damage to her. However last night's sleep even though I was dead tired, sleep was horrible. I would wake up to silence and it was overwhelming. Made me feel crazy.

Hopefully we will buy a new one today. See, addictions of any kind are bad.

TOO HOT!!!

Well, as I sit here at the computer almost noon and it feels like it is 100 degrees outside. YIKES!
Which means we will be inside a lot but we can't because we have some groceries to get. Today would be a good day to get caught up on a season of Scrubs. We love Scrubs. My amazing brother got me hooked over Christmas and now we have to wait for our turn at the library to have season 2.

As we approach the end of July, I realize another birthday is coming up (July 27) and I will be 28. Here in Nashville I am considered a baby and in Chicago a "ol fart". Can't win. I have nothing too incredibly deep to say. Except this, which actually is rather deep and to the point.

I am reading through the book of Hebrews with the "new mom" from TVC. We are on chapter 9 and I was reading on commentary on it. The last few statements can be summed up into this sentence. When Jesus comes back He is not coming back to take away your sins or reconcile you with God , He is coming to take you to Heaven or put you in Hell. 2 things; 1. You should already ask Jesus to forgive your sins and believe in Him before He comes back, when that trumpet sounds and you aren't there, too bad. 2. Yes, Jesus will put people in Hell. He is a righteous God not a sugar coated one. So make your decision, who knows when He will come back. Notice the "will."

A visit to Chicago

My daughter turned one on June 30!! Or should I say, "our"daughter turned 1. We had a lot of fun watching her eat cake. She has not eaten a lot of super sweet things in the past so she had a lot of fun experimenting.

I was able to RELAX!! I think I probably went overboard because I watched a dozen movies or so.

Family is an incredible blessing. I pray everyone who reads this will know that and if there are some tangles in the relationship. Reconcile. There will be so much joy.

I have a one year old!

This is my daughter and husband enjoying some cuddle time. Or as much as she will allow. In this particular picture she was toddling along the couch and got stuck. Her hand is reaching to me, to help her out.

I could do a really good analogy about Elizabeth symbolizes us a believers, doing our usual thing not paying any mind to God or anyone for that matter. Next thing you know you are stuck somewhere and sometimes it can even be around people who love us and love the Lord. You are stuck reaching out the the Lord.

I wonder if this analogy is really meant for even myself. When was the last time I even acknowledged Jesus while doing my usua l thing?

Ps I have a daughter and she will be one in a week.

Coffee Grinds

Word to the wise-check the garbage can to make sure there is an bag in it.

This morning as I was getting ready to make my coffee(hugely needed), I threw away the grinds into the garbage can.(nothing abnormal there)Lo and behold, no bag. Let's just say that stunk!

It basically ruined my day. Or I let it ruin at least half my day. Key words "I let myself." I think the older we get the less we can blame a situation for a crabby mood. The older we get the more we know about ourselves and what we can , can't control and gosh darn it, just don't want to.

So, today was a day of gosh darn it I just don't want to control how I feel or how I base a day on one situation.

Hello!! I am pretty sure Jesus did not feel crabby after being persecuted nor hanging on the cross. I understand that throwing coffee grinds into a bagless garbage can is a little different. So .......remember what your purpose is for each day, love your God with all your heart, soul and mind and strength. NOT once is crabby mentioned.

First ever!

First ever garage sale. Who knows what it will be like. Growing up in Naperthrill I never once went to a garage sale. Wouldn't want someone to know I didn't buy my outfit at the Gap. Nothing wrong with the Gap, I still love the Gap. But I really like garage sales.
Tomorrow will be my first where I sell my stuff. I have been to a few garage sales around Nashville and they barter. I better bring my "A" game.

Um say no to pasta chicken salad

Today was a great day. However never end it with a bad meal or almost meal. I had bible study with the new mom's and we had a great discussion on what it means to be "infant" vs. "mature" Christian. And can you go back? Anyways.

I wanted to find some recipes that are good to make when there is not a lot of cooking involved. What I mean is "cooking" with oven/ stove to keep the apartment cool. Well this meal went directly to the garbage and Adam is on his way to pick up pizza. So just say no to this chicken pasta salad.

Little behind the times

So here we are "blogging" for the first time. I thought for sure I would never do this because I felt proud of myself for being able to download and email pictures to friends and family. But I am taking this step into online technology and blogging.

Here is what our family has been up to; summer has started in TN and it is hot! Elizabeth and I frequent the pool just about everyday. I teach swimming lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays to earn extra cash so we one day may own a home. Adam is doing well as a trainer and continues to receive clientle. I play in an Adult soccer league and love it. I don't ever sit the bench like I did at WVHS. I can suck and still have fun. We are going to Chicago in a few weeks to celebrate my dear daughter's firts birthday. I can't believe we have a daughter yet alone one who is turning one. She is on the verge of walking. She says "mama" and "dada" all the time but not to get our attention. I guess that is it for now.