Raising Money for the Playground Project

Back in September, our family decided to have a garage sale to start raising money for the Playground Project. A few days before the sale, we posted it on Facebook and also reached out to people to see if they wanted to donate any items. The day before the garage sale we had people (some that we had never met) contacting us ready to drop off their donations. It was unbelievable how much stuff we began to accumulate. By Friday night we had a garage full of bags and boxes of goods. With the help of my friend and neighbor, we spent two hours just sorting all of the things we had received.

The kids were so excited the night before.... not only were they excited for the garage sale and lemonade stand they were going to run out front, but also for donuts we told them we'd have in the morning while sitting in our driveway (because an early morning garage sale always means donuts). At 7am Laekin came rushing downstairs -- with hair brushed and her clothes and shoes on -- ready to go! She was so cute sitting at her lemonade table. She took her job very seriously and manned her post for three hours! Micah (whose excitement doesn't show in the pic) on the other hand just couldn't contain his excitement and more lemonade was probably spilled than consumed when he was around the table! :)

 We were so thankful for our family and friends (especially Janet who "specializes" in garage sales) that were able to come and help us.

 And after everyone's efforts that day, we were able to raise $435! So exciting! If you are interested in reading more about the Playground Project and how you can contribute.... click here.

The Playground Project

Over the last couple of months, we have been challenged (from messages at church, God’s word, and His Spirit) to give more of ourselves…whether it be our time, our money, or our possessions. Our prayer and desire is that our family would have eyes to see those in need and to be moved by God to meet their needs. After handful of conversations and brainstorming together, we think God provided a simple and tangible way to teach our kids how to give of themselves and meet a need…a project that we could work together on as a family.

With my sister, Pam, and her family (the McCormicks) living in Haiti and investing in the Haitian people, we asked Pam if there were any specific needs needed to be met. After talking with my sister, she immediately thought of the children in the community and identified a desire to build a park and playground in their community! In the center of their town, the kids currently gather to play in a “grass” area with the playground equipment consisting of a swing set with no swings and one rusted, sharp, and hold-filled slide. While the McCormicks and their organization are working so hard to solve the basic problems of poverty in their town, we figured this could be a small way to directly reach out to the children in the community. A park could provide so much joy to the children in Haiti…it could be a central gathering area for the kids to play, a place to build community, and much more. Pam and I were so excited about this opportunity.

At dinner one night we shared the idea with Laekin and Micah. Since we visited Haiti in 2010 and had a chance to play at the “park” in the McCormick’s community, they quickly understood and agreed that the children in that community could use a new park. We started talking about ways to save and raise money for this project. Laekin said, “I have 3 dollars in my piggy bank we can send to Haiti!” Soon after that, we spent a few hours going through ALL of their toys and filled up 5 boxes of toys to sell in an upcoming garage sale (along with a lemonade stand the kids want to set-up). Since this idea has been bouncing around our house, it has led to conversations about people in need, conversations about other needs of the Haitians, conversations about homeless people that we see on the street corners and digging in trash cans for food, and conversations about the what can we do to help. We see God moving in the hearts of our kids and it is so exciting. One night before bed Laekin looked at me and said, “Mom do you really, really want the people in Haiti to have food to eat every day? I said, “Yes I really do, why?” She responded “Because I really do too.”

We are looking forward to seeing how God continues to move us to action. When we visit Haiti again soon, it will be exciting for our kids to see the progress of the park and to be reminded of the ways that they gave their money, possessions, and time for the benefit of others. 

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:17, 18)

(Stay tuned for more info on how you can get involved too!)

Brynn's home birth

Incredible birth photos taken by the very talented Lindsey Kliewer!

(The expanded birth story)
When I got pregnant with Brynn I knew that I wanted to have her at home. Laekin was born in a hospital and Micah was born at a birth center, both very good experiences and both were delivered by my amazing midwife BJ Snell. But now I was ready and felt confident to experience birth in the comfort of our home. Throughout my pregnancy with Brynn I thought, imagined, dreamed, and prayed for this birth experience. I looked so forward to this birth experience (not the pain...but), the process, wondering what my story would be.

My "due date" of December 2nd came and went, not to my surprise since Laekin and Micah both came after too. That weekend I wanted things to get going but tried to remain patient. Thus we went on a 3 mile walk on Saturday which gave me many contractions, I mopped the floors, and on Sunday I went for a 1 mile walk. I continued to have contractions on and off throughout the day, but no labor yet. On Monday evening things seemed to be picking up a little bit more, but I did not want to get my hopes up. That night before bed, Laekin asked me "Mommy when is your baby going to come?" After the kids were in bed, Jeremy and I had spent a little more time picking/cleaning up the house. By about 10pm I was ready for bed.

Around 1:30am a nice contraction woke me up. I decided to go back to bed and was woken up by another contraction at 2:00am. I got up and knew I was in labor now. I woke Jeremy up and I started shaking uncontrollably, which also happened with my labors with Laekin and Micah. That moment where you know labor is starting and there is no turning back...a sense of anxiety, excitement, and nervousness. Jeremy sat with me on the bed and helped me breath and regain control. I called my midwife BJ and told her that it might be early in my labor but I needed her now! Thankfully she is just minutes from my house and came over right away. I also texted my sister in Haiti and let her know that my labor had started. She had just gotten up as it was 5:30am in Haiti. It was comforting knowing that she knew I was in labor and was praying for me. BJ arrived and checked me and I was already 5cm which was very encouraging. During this time our birth assistant, Birgitte, and birth photographer, Lindsey Kliewer showed up as well. Their calming presence was such a great support to me.

Throughout the next few hours I just tried to stay as relaxed and comfortable as I could. I moved around and changed postitions more in this birth than my other 2. I sat on the birth ball, stood, swayed, and used the tub during this time. I was aware around 5am that this birth was going to be slower than Micah's 3.5 hour labor. I was grateful for this as it felt more manageable and I had more breaks in between contractions. Jeremy remained by my side with each contraction, supporting me, encouraging me, and praying for me. He is quite the pro now!

My contractions continued to increase in intensity. Around 6:30am BJ checked me and I was 9 cm! Again I was so relieved but so nervous too... knowing that this was going to be the final stretch and most intense and hardest part for me. I layed down on my bed with Jeremy behind me, and BJ and Birgitte surrounding me. I think God knew I needed these next 30 minutes to build up my confidence for the finish! My contractions were a tad less intense and they spaced out to 5-6 minutes apart. I tried to relax and let my body do the work it needed to do. I could really feel Brynn beginning to move and position down into my pelvis... the most intense feeling ever! During these 30 minutes I had to have someones hand at all times. Between Jeremy, BJ, and Birgitte, I squeezed the heck out of their hands during each contraction. This really helped me as I could do something while trying to relax the rest of my body. Then a little after 7am I knew I needed to get up, maybe the doula/birth assistant in me knowing that I needed to change positions. I had to pee so bad but I knew I would probably have a bunch of contractions on the way to the bathroom. I got up and the intensity continued to increase. I used the bathroom, slammed my hand on the wall a few times, and used a few choice words. As I came out of the bathroom BJ was standing right there to give me the continued support I needed as I gave her "the look" (as I have several times in labor). The look of utter desperation, help me, rescue me, i can't do this, when will it end....She offered to break my water so I could have this baby to which I agreed! I walked back to my bed and stood and within minutes my water broke on its own....at 7:30am. Brynn was coming... I gave a couple wimpy pushes trying to avoid the pressure to which quickly I reminded myself that the pressure will not go away until this baby girl is out. I regained my confidence and really pushed and baby Brynn was born at 7:38am. I got in bed and my little precious slimy naked baby girl was placed on my chest. There is nothing like those moments after birth... It is the best feeling on earth. Sweet relief, complete joy, the MIRACLE of birth. What an amazing birth, surrounded by God's grace, my family, and my incredible supportive birth team. I am so humbled and grateful to God to have the opportunity to experience this process a 3rd time.