Josiah is here!

Josiah was born today 3/31 at 5:17. He is 19.5 inches and 7 pounds 10 ounces. I'll try to post some pictures. We are also in the process of switching over to a new blog server. You can check it out at http://thelittlefields.wordpress.com --dirk

Ever heard of this?

This past spring break my aunt came down from Austin for a visit. She is a fabulous 3rd grade teacher, and she infomed me of a new craze in elementary life science classrooms across the nation: owl pellets.

An owl pellet is really code for owl vomit. When an owl eats a field mouse, do you ever wonder what it does with all that fur and bones? Me either. But apparently they form it in to a ball (i.e., pellet) and throw it up. Some adventurous person came along and was not fooled by its appearance as furry fecal matter and decided to poke around and reform the bones nestled within. Then he realized you can make money selling these little balls of refuse and VIOLA! A business is born. And business is booming.

It has become popular in many classrooms because it is considered more humane than disecting a frog--since the owls will eat field mice regardless of our feelings about it. Students unwrap the refridgerated pellet out of its tin foil casing, pick apart their respective pellet and attempt to piece together the bones. Sounds like smelly work.

My aunt said she would bring me back an extra one to play with since I missed out in elementary school. I'll let you know how it goes...

Note: Dirk has just informed me that at his school's Science Club has disected them. He got to help them out with it. He said they didnt smell because they superheat them to kill off bacteria. He said you can figure out what your owl ate by the shape of the skull. Interesting.

WOOHOO!

You might not have known, but about a month ago I lost my ipod. I was sick about it because it was a gift from Dirk for my birthday. I would like to say that I have never lost an mp3 player before, but that woudl be a lie. So when Dirk trusted me enough to get me another one, I was so excited. I really wanted one because I get distracted easily in the teacher's lounge and I would end up not not getting much done because I would just listen to the banter instead. It's definitely entertaining and fun, but not so great if you HATE taking work home (which I do).

So one Saturday morning I went to take it out of my purse and it was gone. I panicked and searched through everywhere I could think of in the apartment and even drove back up to school in my pjs (Dirk was meeting with a friend) while they were having a literature festival to search around my desk. I was sick. For two days I didnt tell Dirk. I was hoping it would be found before he ever knew it was gone. Finally, a discussion in Sunday school about the conviction of sin broke me and I had to confess to Dirk that I lost my ipod. I was so miserable and ashamed. In the big scheme of things its really JUST an ipod, but to me it was a symbol of responsibility. I lost it after two weeks!! I had no excuse, no explanation. It was just gone. And to think that in a few short weeks I'll be in charge of the care of another human being. yikes!

So the other day when I spotted an earphone and then a whole ipod at the bottom of my backpack, I was elated! I couldnt believe it! It had been there the whole time--riding back and forth to school all this time. I am relieved and thankful. I might have a chance at being a trustworthy mother after all!

So this wasn't that exciting of a story, but I just wanted to tell you--especially if I 've told you previously that I had lost it.

Another thought

I was thinking about my last post and realized that I am drawing inspiration from the wrong Edwards. Very soon I should be looking to Sara as a role model (minus 13 kids) of how to be a godly wife. Not that Jonathan is not an inspiration, but withing a few weeks I will need to find contentment in changing diapers, doing laundry and cleaning up spit up. My job will also be to support Dirk as he studies, goes to work and adjusts to our new family. This is the role that the Lord will have for me and I should not look to the wrong model as I learn what it is to be a godly mother. I will probably not have time to read deep books or study intently--as I will probably just be trying to cope with a new sleep(if I'm lucky)cycle. I pray that I will not compare myself to the wrong people(husband instead of wife), and learn to love my new role as wife and mother instead of wife and teacher.

Oh, and happy Ides of March!

Paper, paper everywhere but not a thought to think

I played this blog entry in my mind this morning when I couldnt go back to sleep. We'll see how it turns out...

I remember hearing a story about Jonathan Edwards that always made me sad. His wife helped raise his (14?) kids and was known for her hard work and self sacrifice. One of the ways that Jonathan liked to dote on his wife was to spend a little of his money on chocolate for her (a rare commoditiy back then, I'm sure) when he sent money to town with someone for paper for his sermons. One day, he asked his church for a little more money so that he could afford more paper. They told him that he should spend the money he spent on chocolate if he needed more. I always thought that was so sad...the one indulgence(I'm sure Sara did not have many) that she was given by her beloved husband was taken from them in order to meet the needs of his office--which should have been gladly supplied by the church, in my humble opinion. I'm sure that Sara could give up chocolates, but it must have made Jonathan sad to let go of one of the ways that he showed his love to his wife.

But I was also thinking about another angle of this small anecdote. I know that paper was not in great supply back then, but what must it be like to write so much, and have so many thoughts that need recording that you run out of surface area? The man was a deep thinker--you know this is true when you try to read his works--and it is amazing with all that he left us with, that he did not have enough space to say it all.

This makes me sad because we live in an age of plenty, where paper is everywhere and cheap. I could write myself a novel and get it copied for friends without so much as a dent in my spending money. OR, I could do what I'm doing now and write drivel(for free!) that will probably never be recorded with paper and ink.

It is an interesting paradox where we now have enough paper for all of Edward's thoughts, and reflections, yet we have no Edwards.

I could make some sweeping statement that this is because our culture is steeped in mindlessness and triviality. I could blame it on the prevalence of television and pop culture that keeps me from deep thoughts and introspection--the kind that I feel compelled to write down for my own reflection. But the reality is, I'm just lazy. I have the choice to turn off the tv, push aside the magazines, and read something meaningful and then record my own thoughts on the matter, but I'm just lazy. I know that it is possible in this life--even today--to be like Edwards and commit yourself to reading, study, and writing (all committed to absolute devotion to the Lord) because I have seen it done. But the cost is denial of self. And by 'self' I mean the trade off of being entertained by television, movies, music, magazines, internet surfing, and various time wasting activities that have eaten up my leisure time(by leisure I mean spring break). I could at the very least commit myself to read what was so important for Edwards to record that he would sacrifice comfort and indulgence to put on paper--even if it meant wrapping my mind around his difficult use of the English language.

I remember Dirk asking one of these people that sometimes remind us of of Edwards' devotion to study how he was able to read so much and get so much accomplished in a day. His answer was "it is easy, you just do something different with your time."

Indeed.


--Kathy

Spring Break 2007

Dirk is gone to Ecuador for the week with a couple other men from our church to meet a missionary and his family and to build up a relationship with a church there to partner with. I'm really excited about what they will be doing there and I am glad about Dirk being able to go.

Dirk and I have spent time apart before, thats not unusual--I went to Scotland for 11 days and he has gone to Hamlin for a week or so, and we've been apart a few nights here and there too. I don't usually get sad when we part because I know its only for a short time--maybe its because my dad was gone a lot when we were little that goodbyes are ok because they always end.

But this time its different.

It is probably the surge in hormones from being pregnant, but it was REALLY hard to part from him this time. I missed him before he left and I was so weepy the whole day. I know the Lord is with him, I know that the He has planned Dirk's steps and I know nothing will happen to him that the Sovereign Creator hasn't ordained beforehand, but it was still hard. I do not want to go into labor or have any problems without Dirk with me. I can't sleep very well, and I need things to fill up my time. Dirk and I are pretty much inseparable whenever we have vacation time (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, Summer) so its such a bummer to have all this time off without him here. Again, I dont grudge him at all for going to Ecuador, I'm excited about what he's doing and all that he'll get to see and experience, I just miss him.

OK. Enough with the sappy stuff.

What have I been doing?

Saturday night I met up with some students at the movies to see 300. I was so pumped that there was FINALLY a movie about Greek history, I HAD to go see it. Looking back, I'm not sure if I liked it. I don't think thats a good sign. As a history buff and a lover of all things classical(Roman and Greek) there were a few elements missing and many liberties taken. On the other hand, it got several things right and was true to the essence of the story. I was amazed at the art of the blood spatter, and at the same time, I was shocked that NO ONE actually got blood ON them. It was interesting--very much like a video game--or at least I think it was .

Then today, after spending the night, Jenny and I went to see Amazing Grace. In case you dont know, its about William Wilberforce's fight in the British parliament to get the slave trade abolished. It was a great movie, I enjoyed it a lot and it was much more edifying than 300, for sure! I recommend you go see it.

Ok, I have definitely met my quota for going to the movie theaters for the year! I can't believe movie tickets now are NINE DOLLARS! Crazy.

I'll keep you posted on the rest of my exciting week.

Please pray for Dirk, Russ and Eral as they spend the week in Ecuador
Oh! And also pray for safe travel for my parents--they are in Washington D.C. until Thursday. They are even getting to see Robin and Jason!! Lucky ducks. :)

--Kathy

BIG NEWS!!!

I have the honor and privilege to announce to the blogworld that Jamie and Kris had their baby today! Asher Owen Rives was brought forth into the world on around 2pm. He weighs 4lbs and 13 oz--which is a good size for being six weeks early! He was not due until March 19, so this is a big surprise to everyone, but very exciting! I'm sure when Jamie feels up to it, so will share her whole day--from her water breaking to incision--but for now you have me to share the news. :)

Jamie will be home this weekend and Asher will follow in 2 weeks, hopefully Feb 21. Please keep the Rives family in your prayers as they celebrate the joy of their new arrival!

--Kathy

Six Weird Things About Me

I have been holding off on posting my 'six weird things' because what I could come up with were either not weird, or too weird to share. Here's the list I could come up with:

1. I do not like watching movies I have never seen before.

I know that doesn't even make sense if you think about it, but its true. For some reason, it makes me anxious to sit down for a movie for 2 or 3 hours without any guarantee that I will enjoy it. I'm much happier with movies playing in the background while I clean or do laundry (I know that makes me sound way too industrious or driven--please dont get the wrong idea.)

2. I write sideways.

I never noticed that other people don't write the same way I do until I went to college and started taking notes next to people in classes. Apparently other lefty's curve their whole arm around the paper. This is much easier.

3. I absolutely LOVE onions.

I love them all. 1015's, Vidalias, Reds, Sweet Yellows, Peruvians, Green Onions.....it doesnt matter. Any and all meals are made better with some onions.

4. I carry a copy of the U.S. Constitution in my purse.

It was a gift from the Rives who might have actually meant it as a joke. Ever since I received it though, it has been invaluable. I pull it out when I get bored somewhere without a book and refresh myself on the ammendments.

5. I have a real problem with tardiness.

I am consistenly exactly 10 minutes late anywhere I go. I dont know how I do it, but it seems like my internal clock needs to be turned back a few ticks. Dirk has really helped me with this but its a constant problem.

6. Whatever book I am reading, I have to explain to someone else.

Dirk can vouch for this because he has vicariously read dozens of books because I pretty much recap every chapter of every book I read for him. He must love me very much because he is always able to seem interested. (This is also true for Claire, Jenny and Nancy!)

I'm sure those of you who know me at all could come up with many other weird things about me, but this is all I have right now. Everything else is normal for me. :)

--Kathy

A great quote

I was looking around the web trying to find some fun stuff for Black History Month and I came across this quote. I thought it was very true:

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous that sincere ignorance and conscienctious stupidity."
--Martin Luther King Jr.

Just wanted to share.

--Kathy

My New Books

I ordered these books with my Amazon Gift Certificates (Thanks Mimi!) I'm posting them up here for some sort of acountability so that maybe it will urge me on to read all these before my due date. (That is a lofty goal!) Anyway, here they are in no particular order:

I'm working on my photo placement. These are taken from Amazon. I'll establish hyperlinks to the pictures as soon as I figure out how to do so. I'got recommendations for these (at least the Gladwell books) from the Discerning Reader.

I'm really excited about them all and as always it will take me a few days to settle on just one to get started with. --Kathy

Fun Book Meme--Dirk

Kathy tagged me with this meme thing. But first the Houston Half Marathon update:

I SURVIVED! That was a big concern of mine, especially about mile 11. I was feeling good all the way until I got there. Then for some reason, going down the hill on Montrose right before Allen Pwky my quad started to cramp. Then my calves started to cramp. So I had to slow down my pace and stretch ever 1/2 mile or so. I have been around running long enough to see crazy runners that pushed harder and ended up with full leg cramps....I have vivid memories of lots of screaming from them. Besides the lack of preparation, the warm weather (70 and humid), and the dropping out of my running partner I survived. I also need to say that I think that picture was of me between miles 4 and 5. I was hurting more by mile 6. Maybe next year I'll train better and win the race...ok maybe just train better.

Back to this meme thing. Here are the directions:
1)Grab the book closest to you
2)Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence.
3)Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog
4)Name the author and book title
5)Tag three people to do the same

#1--The first book I picked up was a Greek Morphology book. Did you know there weren't four sentences on pg 123? So next was God's Indwelling Presence: the Holy Spirit in the Old & New Testaments by Dr. James Hamilton.

#2--In line with Romans 12:1-2, Skaraune points out, "the new people of God are not in a temple, attending a service led by priests, they are the temple and they are its priests, themselves conduction the service." Whereas formerly it was right to worship in Jerusalem at the temple (deut 12:5), God's people are now His temple through the indwelling of the Spirit. This salvation-historical order of events is precisely what we saw in John.
(There are a couple of footnotes in this passage of the book, but this blogger won't let me put them in.)

#4--God's Indwelling Presence: the Holy Spirit in the Old & New Testaments by Dr. James Hamilton

#5--Now I have to find three people that actually look here at this blog. hmmm.....I think these are the last 3:

1. Joe
2. Ryan
3. Jonathan

Pictures from the Houston Marathon

This is Dirk running the half-marathon at mile 6. Looking good!

Here is my precious niece cheering on her daddy running the full marathon. (She made the poster herself)

Dirk and I after the race.

Fun Book Meme --Kathy

Robin tagged me for a "Fun Book Meme." (I've never heard of this, but I'm a sucker for anything 'survey-esque')

Here are the directions:

1)Grab the book closest to you
2)Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence.
3)Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog
4)Name the author and book title
5)Tag three people to do the same

The book is How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster

"Okay, so the heavy-metal sound isn't in the hymnal. And this character would be very hard pressed to take over Savior duty. No literary Christ figure can everbe as pure, as perfect, as divine as Jesus Christ."

(From the chapter, "Yes, She's a Christ Figure, Too" I'm not even going to try to explain, but its a good read if you want some insight in literature) I'm tagging Dirk :), Jenny, and my dad (I know I'm being a little too optomistic) although I'm only pretty confident about Dirk responding. If you're reading this, you're included too. Join in the fun. :)

Does anyone read Flannery O'Connor?

I was inspired to read some of Flannery O'Connor's short stories after reading a post by Justin Taylor extolling her skill as a storyteller. So over Christmas I purchased a book of all her short stories at Barnes & Noble and dove right in. So far I've read 6 of the 31 stories included in the anthology ("The Geranium", "The Barber"-my favorite, "Wildcat", The Crop", The Turkey", and "The Train"). I like her writing style and she is an excellent writer, but I'm afraid I dont get it. Most of her stories are a little dark and I get the feeling there is more going on than I'm aware of. I would like to appreciate her work more--if only I understood what she wanted me to see in her stories. I feel like I'm too dense to understand what she's saying and I really want to love her stories, but I dont grasp her point.

In college I read her short stories "A Good Man Is Hard To Find", and "Everything that Rises Must Converge" but those were a little easier to understand. I liked those. I'm not really saying I dont enjoy reading her work, but I'm afraid its a little out of my reach at times.

Does anyone else read or enjoy Flannery O'Connor? Can anyone explain or offer insight to some of her stories preferably ones I've already read?