My family recently attended the funeral of my husband's grandfather - the man our son is named after. In his lifetime, he earned five degrees, was a missionary to Hong Kong, founded a hospital there, served as a surgeon and chief of staff at a hospital in St. Paul, MN after returning to the states, and wrote a walk-through-the-Bible-in-a-year book - to name just a few. He was father of 10, father-in-law to 10, grandfather to 48, grandfather-in-law to 9, and great-grandfather to 16.
As we gathered with the incredible numbers of family, friends, and church members to remember Grandpa's life, it was very clear that he left an incredible legacy here on earth when he went to be with Jesus. I don't think any of his family would call him perfect - his oldest son summed up his life by saying, "Dad wasn't perfect, but he kept getting better" - but I learned some lessons from him about leaving a Godly legacy for my children and, someday, grandchildren:
He spent individual time. During the family service, grandchild after grandchild stood to share stories of the special one-on-one time Grandpa had spent with them. My own husband remembers times like these. He even called every one of them (remember - there were 48) by their first and middle names. I've seen him and Grandma do this with my own son. It was clear that each one was special to him, and he showed it by singling them out for attention. As a mother, I want to show my children individual attention and love when I can.
He made God priority. In every part of his life, he lived out the idea that God came first. From going back to school - not once, not twice, but three times to fill a much-needed roll in the mission field - to praying about every single decision, he did what God called him to. He didn't make excuses for decisions, and he didn't bow to anyone's expectations but God's. My husband summed up Grandpa's life shortly before he died: "This is a man who, for 86 years, has been running hard in everything he did straight for God. And now he's about to finally see his Goal face-to-face." Will my children be able to say the same of my life? Will they say that I ran hard after God with everything I had?
He brought God home. Reading the Bible and singing songs of praise (specifically, hymns, in this family) was an every-day occurrence in Grandpa's home. I think it's safe to say that each of his children have some fond - and many not-so-fond - memories of these times (they did happen at 5:30 AM every morning...). But I think it's also very clear that each of them, and subsequently their families, knows the truths of God well. They have much of Scripture hidden in their hearts and they share it with their own children. Are the words of God frequented in my home? Are the praises of God on my children's lips?
Leaving a legacy for our children is a big challenge as a momma. Some days we fail. Some days it seems insurmountable. But some days it's encouraging to see a real-life example and tangible ways to set about it. The best part? God wants you to succeed! He's behind you as you work, each day, to build that legacy!
What are some ways your family has left a legacy for you? What are some ways you work to leave a legacy for your children?
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Pediatrician Follow-Up
Our last speaker, Whitney Dee - a fellow MOPS mom and pediatrician, has taken the time to put together her notes and add some great informational links to what she shared at our last meeting. Thanks Whitney!
Dental Care
*teething:
-saliva production starts at 2-4 months;
-average age to start is 6mo;
-most complete by age 3 (20 teeth including “2 year old molars”), then 6 year old molars, 12 year old molars
-symptoms include increased drooling, chewing, gum swelling/irritation, sleep problems, fussiness....and nothing!
-cold washcloths, teething toys, gum massage; caution re: numbing gels (can impair safe swallowing), teething tablets (some have ingredients that can alter the baby's electrolytes)
-why more colds, etc? one theory distract immune system and increased rates of illness
*losing primary teeth starts around 6 years old
*taking care of teeth:
-first visit depends on dentist: some say at first tooth, others say when there is a problem or when they can cooperate with the exam - check with your dentist
-brush starting at first tooth, floss when there are multiple teeth (just to get in the habit)
-brush after last milk - leaving milk sugar during a full night of sleep can lead to “bottle rot”
-brushing “position” (sit on the floor with the child's head between the "V" of your legs, can use your legs to pin their shoulders down too if needed)
-help until age 8 years: kids do not have the fine motor skills to adequately brush their teeth until then
Extras
Safe sleep (blanket in crib) Blankets are safe after 12 months (as are pillows), but technically *nothing* else is supposed to be in the crib. We've loved the blanket sleepers even into the toddler years:
What is your professional opinion on immunizations? Too long for a blog!! Bottom line, I support the current schedule of immunizations. Here are some websites for more info:
Causes for younger kids to need glasses: are genetics a big part or too much tv/video games?
-genetics are a big part, otherwise the causes are mostly acquired like lazy eye, etc.
Child's feet often peely or cracked under her toes. The internet said athlete's foot is stinky and hers aren't...should I treat with something? Worry?
-juvenile plantar dermatitis “sweaty sock syndrome”; wet/dry, treat with emollients (heavy lotions like aquaphor), frequent sock changes; could try OTC steroids; athlete's foot involves toe webs and you would treat with OTC antifungals for 4-6 weeks (!)
Child has a red “freckle” like spot on her cheek that's been there for months. It's not a scab or a bump – feels smooth to touch
-This is hard to diagnose without seeing it in person, so I would get it checked by your doctor. Common possibilities include an hemangioma or cherry angioma
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Coming Up
*For Operation Christmas Child details, click here.*
It's a big week coming up at Two Rivers MOPS! Here's what's going on:
MOPS Meeting
Our first meeting of November will be this coming Tuesday, the 13th. As usual, feel free to come starting at 9:15 to check your kids into MOPPETS and get some coffee and goodies before we get started. We are really excited about our speaker, Jess Griz, who is right in the trenches with young children with us! For more information about Jess, check out her blog.
Moms' Night Out
It's a big week coming up at Two Rivers MOPS! Here's what's going on:
MOPS Meeting
Our first meeting of November will be this coming Tuesday, the 13th. As usual, feel free to come starting at 9:15 to check your kids into MOPPETS and get some coffee and goodies before we get started. We are really excited about our speaker, Jess Griz, who is right in the trenches with young children with us! For more information about Jess, check out her blog.
Moms' Night Out
When: Tuesday, November 13, 7-9pm
Where: Jessie Ostrowski's house, 11421 Old Colony Pkwy, 37934
What to bring: Please bring either a Hors d'eoeuvre or dessert to share
RSVP: katiecteague@gmail.com or on the Two Rivers MOPS Facebook group page
Feel free to call Jessie: 630-512-1484 if you have any trouble finding the house.
Operation Christmas Child
Don't forget to bring your packed Operation Christmas Child boxes with you to our meeting on Tuesday! If you can't make it to the meeting, you can bring your boxes to church this Sunday or next, or drop them by the church office 9-5 Monday-Thursday, 9-3 Friday of next week.
We can't wait to see all of you soon!
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