It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

The Day After Election Day Thoughts

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Romans 13:1

I know these blogs are a little off of my usual tone, but my heart is heavy for a different reason than those I am listening to today. As I watch the reactions of Christians to the election I wonder if we believe the verse above or not. When it was written, the people reading it were dealing with leaders who were often godless and corrupt. They had a much tougher situation for applying this than we do today. With each comment that comes out of our mouths about our newly elected leader, about the choice of the American people, we need to remind ourselves that we are representing Christ. Our job to choose is now over. Now it is our job to give honor and PRAYER where they are due! I did not pray for a certain man to be elected, I prayed for God's will to be done in our nation. I did not vote for the one who was chosen, but I will honor, pray for, and show respect and Christlike love for the man and his family that God has allowed to have this office. I pray that they will not hear ugliness and pointless babbling from the church, but a Body of Christ ready to love even when they are disappointed, a church who has a God big enough to do ANYTHING through ANYONE! We serve a BIG GOD, people! He can handle this one, too! I say we pray, continue steadfastly in our mission of reaching souls, and watch God show His power. Who knows what He has planned?!

Election Day Thoughts

As I was having my quiet time this morning I read these verses. Once again a reminder of what we all know but can forget as we watch those in power. Even the most powerful man in the world has no power in comparison to our God. Regardless of the outcome today, our mission as Christians remains unchanged. Whether we appreciate the policies and beliefs of the man (or woman) in power or not, we are in the business of souls, of spirits, of what will last beyond the ending of this world and all its kingdoms. It doesn't matter if we meet the physical needs of those around us if we are not reaching them with Christ. Physical needs continue to return, people continue in their ways, and cycles of poverty and wealth will twist and turn again and again. We must be there with Living Water that offers the opportunity to thirst no more. We cannot rely on government policies or the money of others to do our job - WE are the hands and feet of Christ. We pray for our leaders, they can't get into office unless God has a purpose for them there according to Romans. We stop spending all of our energy trying to make those who are unsaved act like they are. Instead we work vigilantly for the harvest of souls and ask ourselves not what others are doing but what we are doing for those around us. Sometimes I wonder whether we should be asking God to have mercy on our nation or on the church. If we spent half as much energy meeting the needs of teen mothers, and sons without positive role models, and those with AIDS, as we do working to have our voice heard on laws on abortion and gay marriage, maybe they wouldn't be such issues in this country. Today I will vote and wait to see what we have chosen, and today I will pray for revival among those who fear God's Name. How can the fire spread when we are not contagious?!!

Psalm 33

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Encouraged

Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers! I am doing much better as I begin this week. I had the sweetest voice mail from a friend today - just reminded me again of how richly blessed I am. There is something that just wraps your heart up like a blanket when someone calls and offers anything they can think of to help you through a rough spot! Love you, Jennifer!

Something is currently wrong with my pictures but I will get some up here as soon as that gets fixed. Until then, here are some verses God has given me in this trial that I am reading each day and just allowing them to soak into my spirit. May they bless you today!

Psalm 34

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Momentary Struggles

I had thought about jumping back in with a perky post and pictures but that is just not where I am right now. There is nothing terribly wrong but I'm struggling with my health and my energy level and honestly on some days barely making it from one chance to rest to another. I have had some issues since Levi was born (long explanation required) that could not be resolved without severe dietary changes (at least temporarily) and some other measures. I have now been at work for 6 weeks trying to figure out the best ways to beat this problem. Every spare moment has been spent in research and I have learned tremendous amounts about health, nutrition, and how I want to take care of my family. I have also discovered what an emotional and social issue food is in our lives. I'm sure Lori T. can attest to this, but when there are restrictions on what you can/will eat, everything changes! It's kind of like that feeling when you were younger and asleep and your mom would walk in, flip the light on, and take off your blanket. Argh! You just want to snuggle back down. Well, with absolutely no sugar or sweeteners, wheat, dairy, fruit, yeast, and many other things, all the "snuggly," comforting foods are gone and everything feels out of whack! Especially when taking care of and feeding your family at the same time. Trying to balance this with nursing is an added craziness. However, God has been faithful to answer my prayers as I've cried out to Him in this temporary madness. I am striving to "Taste and see that the Lord is good. . ." I am making progress and hoping to make more before the holidays. I will get some pumpkin patch pictures of my kids up and let you see my growing baby boy. He is such a blessing in my life right now, full of smiles and snuggles for his mommy. John V is growing and his maturity level seems to be shooting up at the same speed as his legs. And we're all getting ready for Kailey's 2nd birthday! Lots of fun, but I would covet your prayers for me. I refuse to allow Satan to steal this special time with my precious children. I will choose to put my eyes on the Lord, rest in Him, and allow Him to fight this battle in and through me!

I was finally able to quickly run through everyone's blogs tonight. So glad to see updates! I've been out of the loop and have missed everyone!

The Siblings Meet

Here are some shots of John V and Kailey meeting Levi the next morning after we had gotten a little bit of rest. It was so nice to have them come in when we were all rested and refreshed. There are few things more precious and exciting than siblings meeting for the first time!

They were excited to show off their goodies from their bags

Levi's Birth Day

I thought I would give all of you a glimpse into why I have my babies at home. I know the cons are obvious in your mind but I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the pros. I know it's not for a lot of people but it has certainly been two beautiful experiences for us! Birth days are full of such special, life-changing memories!!! Kristin Morales took these beautiful pictures and many, many more. It has been so special to have her pictures of my two home births!

Sent the kids off to Marmee's with their big brother/big sister goody bags from Mom, Dad, and Levi

My personal labor chef because I get to eat while in labor!

Several hours into labor and happy that we are getting nearer to the end

John supporting me through a contraction. We laughed because it kind of looked like he was having one too!

John staying awake with his coffee

Sweet Ann trying to get some rest while waiting - she ended up heading to another birth after mine! She had three moms overdue at once that weekend.

My wonderful husband getting me through the final minutes - the room is so calm and peaceful waiting for Levi's arrival. The midwife prays and speaks words of blessing over the baby and delivery as she encourages and comforts me.

First moments with Levi Joshua

Our precious baby boy

My team (minus Cindy who adjusted me during the birth - oh yeah!). They were all there just for me!

Snuggles with Dad

Cleaning up in the herbal bath. The babies love this part and so does Mom!

Baby feet!

Daddy dressing Levi in his first outfit

Comfy in my own bed with my baby - a good way to end the day

Whew!

Well, I have been chastised long enough for failing to provide my adoring readers with pictures of Levi. The last seven weeks have been a whirlwind! I have much to update everyone on but will have to do it bit by bit. To hold you over, here is our little guy at six weeks. He is growing like a weed. I know he weighed twelve pounds at five weeks and who knows where he is now! He smiles a lot at his siblings, never stops moving, and loves attention. He seems happy to be along for the ride. He's eating, sleeping, and surviving well in our busy household. He does seem to be my most sensitive baby to noise so I'm not sure how that's going to work out for him. : ) As a matter of fact, Kailey apparently just woke him up so I'll have to go for now. She has got to stop doing that!!! I hear John V telling her that as he yells up the stairs to me that he'll handle it. Hmm, why am I not sure I want a four-year-old "handling it?" I'll try to do better about keeping you posted!

Welcome, Baby Levi!

Levi Joshua Critz arrived at 2:45 am on July 19th. He weighed 8lbs. 9oz. and was 20 1/4 inches long. I'll give more details soon, but wanted to get a few pictures out here for those waiting to see him. We are all doing well and loving our new baby! We are extremely grateful for his safe arrival! Thanks to all of you who have been praying faithfully for me and for him!

28 vs. 18

This week I celebrated my 28th birthday. It feels so strange sometimes to be an adult. To be a mother of three and have married siblings with nieces and nephews. To take care of a house and family and teach my child to read. All the things I watched "the moms" do, I am now doing myself. When did that happen?! Someone mentioned my approaching 30th the other day and I realized that I have absolutely no qualms about reaching that milestone. I love where God has me. I love the difference in how I feel at 28 vs. 18. Here are some of my favorites as I compare this year to when I turned 18 ten years ago.

• Instead of a beginning and still unsure relationship with John, I have the fruit of ten years of relationship and almost seven years of the most amazing marriage I could have dreamed up at that point.
• Instead of a job taking care of other people's children, I am taking care of my own favorite babies.
• Instead of constantly wondering what others are thinking of how I look or act, I feel much more free to focus on what God thinks of me.
• I am a person who feels deeply about people and their problems and joys. Instead of worrying if they feel the same way about me, I feel free to dig in and just think about what I can give to them.
• Instead of a faith founded on the belief that God was there and would provide and take care of me, I now have the far deeper trust of someone who has been carried through each struggle and pain by a God who is more real than the things I can see with my eyes.
• At 18 God was my Counselor, Friend, Comforter, Teacher. At 28 He has become far more crucial to my very being. He is Breath, Life, Wisdom, Love, Salvation, Existence.

I would never go back. I would not trade the responsibilities, lack of sleep, or non-existence of alone trips to the bathroom for any carefree fun I had at l8. Life is a lot of work right now. My body has been taken over by a tiny being who will continue to claim much of it for the next several months. My mind is full of things to be done, tasks to be performed, countless jobs that rest with me. My spirit can no longer focus only on my own growth and relationship but has a constant heart's cry for the salvation and relationship with God of my children. And my heart is full. Full to the breaking point with love and gratitude for where God has put me. Full to the point that I can't imagine there being room for more until suddenly God sends someone new and I find that my heart only gets bigger. So if this is life headed toward 30, BRING IT ON!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" Psalm 103:1

Baby Brooklyn Birth Day Pictures

Well, I got the pictures off my camera from yesterday as promised. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture that actually shows the baby! In my defense, I was using Brittany's camera to take TONS of pictures for her when Kyndall met Brooklyn for the first time so I did take lots of pictures of her, I just don't have them. I'll try to get one up here for you to see her soon.

Going to meet Brooklyn

Singing "Every Move I Make" all the way to Denton

A small portion of the crew waiting for sister!

A proud auntie with her new niece - love that girl so much already!!!

Welcome to the World, Baby Brooklyn!

My fourth precious niece was born this afternoon and she is another keeper!!! I'll try to get my camera up here and get some pictures posted tonight or tomorrow. After a fairly long and tiring labor, Brittany was successful in her desire to have a vbac after two c-sections. Go, Dr. Cummings and Brittany! Brooklyn was 8lbs. even and 18 1/2 inches long. She looks a lot like Kyndall and is precious and perfect in every way. We were able to keep Kyndall today and she had a fun cousin day. All three kids played like perfect angels before going to meet sister and cousin tonight. Thank you, Lord, for her safe arrival!!! For my family, that is one baby down and one to go. We're next!

Wrapping It Up

Our excellent boat driver

That's Kailey under there napping. Can you see her foot sticking out?

They were so cute in their life vests!

Some Bubba/Sissy snuggle time when she woke up

EVERYONE driving the boat

Our other excellent driver - we asked him to smile for the camera and he said seriously, "I'm driving!"

Mom and all three kids! : )

One view from our room

Here are the final pictures from Destin. We rented a boat on a spur-of-the-moment whim while walking through the marina and took it out for our last full afternoon. It turned out to be one of our very favorite things and one we will definitely do again. We drove it across the bay to a sandbar where the water was only a few feet deep. It was fun having the ocean surrounding us but still room to move around. Our family, a cooler of snacks and drinks, a ball to throw, and we were in great shape! So many memories. . . can't wait to do it again!

Return to Destin

I am going to wrap up these beach pictures before I start posting shots of Levi. Here are some of my kids hanging out. There are great walking trails at the Sandestin resort and these were taken on those and at the marina. The kids loved the parrot. They really thrived on just being together as a family for a solid week!

Up in the treehouse

Playing a giant game of checkers

Yummy breakfast!

Walking with Mom

Couldn't you eat them up?!

Quick State of the Household Address

For those of you interested in more of an update than pictures from our vacation two months ago, here is the latest.

I am 37 weeks pregnant. If I go by my track record, this puts us looking at 1-2 weeks until our little man arrives. I live with very frequent contractions for the last month or two so they have become a constant addition to my life. Right now I am blogging at 4:30 in the morning because I just can't sleep through them. . . again. I try to ignore them but hopefully will not ignore them at the proper time. I feel like I hit that wall where I just want to have the baby. You know, the one where you feel like a hippo, you remember at some point being a nice person, your husband talks in a high-pitched, syrupy voice whenever he absolutely has to speak to you, and your kids scatter when you walk in the room. : ) Maybe that's a slight exaggeration. It was precious the other morning because I got dressed, feeling huge and bulky and when John V walked in the room he said, "Mom, I love that shirt! And your pants! You look wonderful!" It melted my heart that he would know just what to say when he is oblivious to how it feels to be me right now. God is good to encourage us through our children. Especially when those same children also like to do this:


Yep, that's what I found in my closet after a few minutes of silence from my sweet angels. It was every piece of clothing from the drawers they could reach and several of my lower hanging items. Oh well, time to reorganize the drawers, right? I love them dearly, but will be thrilled when bending over to pick up after them makes me feel a little less grumpy. : )

We are all anxiously awaiting Levi's arrival and trying our best to get all those last pre-baby details taken care of. Thank you for your continued prayers that he arrives safely and in the perfect time!

Three "Wittle" Cousins

Kyle and Brittany ended up, unknown to either of us, planning their vacation in the Destin area for the same week as ours. That's what happens when two pregnant ladies are trying to get their traveling done before their time is up! : ) So, we took advantage of our close proximity and took a few pictures together after a yummy dinner. Our kids had a blast running around together in the village all holding hands. It is hard for me to describe my feelings for my precious niece. She is such an answer to prayer, a ball of energy and life that gives and gives to our family. She was the joy in the morning after the night of suffering. She perfectly embodies how you feel when you have longed, prayed, and waited for something. It has incredible value to you and is always held a little closer and dearer for the struggle that preceded it. Kyndall, I love you! I can't wait for you to have a sibling who is here with us until you can meet your older brother! Baby Brooklyn is almost here!

John and "the girls"

My little cutie patootie who wouldn't wear her cute, white sandals that actually WENT with the outfit.

Holding hands

John will always be a protector for both of these girls! He loves them!