We got home really late from church, lunch and errands today, but Flurry managed (with some help) to stay awake until we got home so he could nap in his own (big boy!) bed. His mattress is up off the floor now. He has a bed frame and boxspring. No guard rails. Just like all four siblings who went before him, he fell predictably one time out of bed the first night and hasn’t since.
It’s been one month since I’ve seen or spoken with MckDaddy. I’m not sure why, but it feels much shorter. It feels like we just moved into this house, too, even though it’s been nearly a month as well. Never since our courtship have we been apart for this long. Crazy. I miss him. I still have no idea what’s going on or what’s going to happen. Talk about needing Jesus more than ever.
Pardon me while I scoop chewed Cheez-It from Flurry’s mouth as he has apparently decided he is done with his snack. Right now.
This was what we are having for dinner tonight:
It’s Sweet Potato Chili. My friend Annie made us the first batch a number of weeks ago. I’ve adapted it and have made it again twice since then. I am in love with it. Even for breakfast, though still I mostly just have protein and fat for breakfast, saving my carbs for lunch. But what can I say? Sometimes I just can’t wait.
Isn’t Nuggey so handsome in his church clothes?
His windows in his room have these gigantic sills. He sits there and reads or thinks or plays with my phone. He and I are talking lots more at night lately. I love that bedtime takes ever so much longer these days than it used to. I really do.
There were so many of you interested in the metabolism boosting products I’ve been taking for a while that I decided to call you up on the phone. No, really! My friend Carrie and I are hosting (hostessing??) a phone call with you guys tonight at 9:15 pm Central. Anyone interested in learning about the products or wanting to know which ones would benefit you the most, feel free to join me for the call! It will be on the phone with an optional watch along at a presentation on your computer choice. You don’t even have to talk. But you sure are welcome to. Fingers crossed that I can get all pertinent people in my house to sleep before then so I’ll be less occupied when we have the 20 minute or so call. Oh, and I should probably charge my phone! To get the number you need to dial in to join the call, just email me at contact.mckmama (at) gmail.com and I’ll email it back to you.
My bed broke in the car accident I was in. I figured there was no use getting rid of it, so instead I’ve been trying to find someone who can repair it for me. I finally did this past week!
Can you believe how big those clamps are? I was told by the nice gentleman who is fixing it for me not to touch it at all until Monday. We’re doing our best.
The kids continue to love school. Nuggey is super social. Small Fry is digging her letters. Big Mac enjoys the routine. And Stellan loves “snack time.” Our mailbox is broken, I have a sinus infection and Small Fry told me she learned about “Moseph” at Sunday school today.
Have a great end of your weekend!
ahhh sweet Nuggey in his window seal… I love that. I love that he likes his “quiet” time. He seems like such a deep thinker … I thought that when I met him.
Wishing you all the best and praying for you and your family daily!
OH yes…I’ve seen clamps just like this many a time! My dad has several sets…he loves to build stuff…and I’ve had the priviledge of borrowing the pipe length clamps before! Can’t wait to hear it’s all ready to go tomorrow night!
Um yes, we’ll be needing that sweet potato chili recipe. In your spare time
I think Nuggey is very handsome in church clothes and I love his window sill also.
When I saw the clamps i figured you would get a kick out of my bed story. We have a sleigh bed and my husband sat on the end and the whole side board that connects the food board and head board split so we got out those ratchet straps and have 3 holding the side of the bed together! Sometimes you have to utilize other things to make it work as we don’t have the extra $ right now to replace the frame!
Hey…..are son has a good friend named, Moseph. Maybe she met him
. Seriously though…..kids say such funny things! I hope things keep moving in a positive direction. To do all that you have managed should certailnly make you proud. I think its great you have been able to start back on your diet. I yo-yo so much. Lost 20lbs on 17 day diet and then gained 10 back when holidays came around. I have a hard time jumping back on the bike 
. Good luck to you!
One month? How is that possible since he came to the hospital? It hasn’t been a month since the accident. I’m glad you and the kids are doing ok and your all adjusting. Kids are making friends and going to friends houses. Its a part of life. Many of us before you have been thru the same thing and made it and so can you. No matter what the reason, his fault or your fault, kids need to move on and it seems you have. Good for you. Now back to the month thing. Month? almost 3 weeks maybe but thats not a month
She cleared this up already earlier in the comment section!
She mentioned in response to a previous comment that she forgot about the hospital visit.
All you children are handsome and beautiful! What a blessing!!!! So glad they are finding things they like about school!
Again I will say I don’t like the way so many people are speculating about why Israel has left. As if things aren’t hard enough for you, and as if you haven’t had tons of scenarios go through your head already. I’m praying for the people choosing to comment to have more compassion and respect for your situation. To cover you with love and positive thoughts and prayers. The Lord wants us to rest in Him, in His truths and the things we know we can count on. Jennifer, continue to count on Him to keep your mind clear and sharp and free of any negative thinking. You will know, in God’s timing, what the future holds for you and your family. Find solace in Him. Don’t let all the “what if’s” cloud your mind.
Lovin on you today! You are strong and wonderful and you CAN DO THIS!!
Good thoughts–we do need to pray for those with all the negativity….it does not matter the reason, it just is what it is and it is hard–prayers for Mckmama and her fam too—-Nuggey is quite handsome (all your kids are beautiful)…my daughter going thru similar issues right now with 3 kids–the separation has not “actually” occured, but is emotional and three little in the middle of it—love and support is the best to give!
Jennifer. I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and I admire you so much as a mother, a woman, a photographer, a cook… It breaks my heart to hear about your husband. My husband too walked away , on news years day in 2009, when our daughter was only 9 months (after trying to conceive her for 3 years). We had been married for 9 years. I loved him with all I had… even though I was so hurt, I tried to see his side, as you are… I trusted that God would saved my marriage ( I had no idea that things were that bad for him to begin with) I was caught off guard to say the least. I couldn’t believe that he would just walk away from me, his young love, and his brand new baby girl that we waited so long to have… without saying much… it makes me think of that Adele song (Dont you remember). I waited and waited and tried to honored my vow , honor our marriage even though he was far far gone. After 10 months, yes, 10 months,,,, he let me hold on to a hope for that long… it was the day before my birthday he came clean about his affair… the one he had been having since I was pregnant, the woman that he was with when he went missing for one month, the one he had spent all our savings on… I never looked for it… he just could not stand my kindness towards him any longer. He did not even want my forgiveness… so I let him go of my heart and my life. I hope this is not the case for you… I have been divorced for 2 years now. He is now a stranger to me… I still trying to understand God’s plan for my life , but I know that I haven’t failed Him or my daughter. Good luck, God bless you I hope whatever it is, he doesn’t leave you hanging without answers… he has the right to be hurt… but not the right to just disappear without further explanations… I hope he gives you the respect that you deserve and stop acting so selfishly . Hugs from a fellow blogger who understands how you heart feels. Youa re doing a terrific job keeping things together and a normal life for your gorgeous children! feel free to e-mail if you want
Jennifer~ your children are beautiful and you are doing a fantastic job at trying to keep things as normal as possible for them under such circumstances. What I’m about to say is completely just a hunch, not trying to be mean or hurtful….I dated a lot before meeting my husband so I have first hand experience of men flipping a switch and playing the dissapearing act. When they show behavior that is completely out of character for them, 9 out of 10 times is because there is another female in the picture. I can understand keeping space from a spouse during a seperation, but nothing justifies his behavior for not seeing his children in over a month. The fact that he won’t share his address and claims to not have a phone just stinks of him thinking with something else besides his brain. I’m sure as a mother, as angry as you want to be at him, your heart must be breaking for your babes and them not understanding where daddy went
. I’m a mother of 4, ages 4 months-7 years and I couldn’t imagine the strength I would need to be in your shoes daily right now. Prayers for you and your crew!!
I haven’t read all the comments yet but would you share the recipe?
It sounds like you are finding a new routine, a new way to do things. Keep working toward your new normal and best wishes, prayers and lots and lots of positive thoughts!
My babies were 15 months, 18 months, and 16 months when out of the cribs. Mainly because they thought crawling out and nearly breaking their necks were great nocturnal activities. We put them in regular beds and they did fine. Flurry looks like such a big boy.
Hope you have a week of refreshment and peace. Praying for restoration for you and your husband and that resentment and bitterness does not take root in either of your hearts. Blessings.
Mmm, love chili (vegetarian), though I always prefer it with some barley in it. I am usually doing your protein/fat for breakfast thing these days but I may have had strawberry cobbler for breakfast this morning.
And…
Time flies when you are too busy to breathe? Praying for peace for you guys.
I just wanted you to know that you sound so srong! I know from my 6 month seperation with my husband that IT is only through Jesus, and the strength that he gives, that you can even get up in the mornings some days. Hang in there, its so hard (sometimes) to keep going, but through my adventure, I had to picture myself sitting in Jesus lap, and declare his word ALL over my house, that I could finally pull it together and find my stregth. {{{{Hugs}}}}
I’m sorry you have gone through all of this Jennifer. I don’t know if you want to share or not but why has he chosen not to see the kids? I can not imagine what those poor kids are thinking not seeing their daddy.
You and Your family are in my prayers!
So sad about the kids not seeing their Dad.
I will keep him in my prayers.
Thought about you guys today at church.. I’m still praying and praising and worshiping on your behalf. An older lady at church told me today that she’s getting married … to her ex-husband.. they’ve been apart for twenty-years, divorced, he re-married and divorced again, became a back slider and found the Lord again in recent years. This is the second time within a year that God has restored a marriage within our church. The first time was a younger couple, who had never divorced but had been apart for 10 years. As a child of God, I declare that your wait won’t be as long. I will continue to pray that God will hasten to do what He has to do with the both of you during this time, so that you’re family will be together again.
Nice choice of bedding (that Flurry is sleeping on). We have the same one!
Yes, Nuggey does look so handsome in church clothes! I am a little envious of those wide window sills. They are beautiful, and I think I would like to sit in one and soak up the warmth of the sun!
Once, when I was little(ish) my bed broke and my grandpa used clamps just like that to glue it back together. I totally forgot about said clamps, and ran “full speed ahead” into my (very dark) bedroom and ran SMACK into it at about rib level. I’m convinced my ribs have never been the same…the bottom one sticks all wonky. Stupid clamps.
I keep thinking/feeling/being nudged that we do not know what is on McDaddy’s heart. I wonder if all the financial upheaval, worry, etc. which can come with such, has overwhelmed him and he cannot see the forest for the trees. Which is to say I wonder if he has literally shut down and is unsure of everything and can literally do nothing. It is a heavy burden to carry.
I only suggest this as I’ve seen one of my sons do much the same in the last year. So emotionally overcome and overwrought by circumstances that he cannot function or see a way forward, let alone take that step. I am not suggesting this as an excuse either. Just as a “what if”.
I am keeping all of you in my prayers. I am praying for forgiveness, strength, love, and healing. Whether it be forgiveness to oneself or someone else, I do not know. I do not know much of the circumstances, nor is it my place to know. But I can pray without ceasing for you because God knows that which your family needs. I pray that all will be open to the leadings of His spirit and care.
I follow your blog occasionally – you and your children have been on my mind & in my prayers as your travel this journey … your willingness to share is inspirational.
AND the pic of the chili looks amazing! would you be willing to post or email the recipe?
Although it is such a sad time for you, I was thinking that maybe the reason it seems that the time has gone fast is that there has not been arguing or contention in your home for the past month. That is a good thing for you. A time to feel more calm so the Spirit can help you to figure out what the heck you are supposed to do. You know, Be still my soul.
Haha- “Moseph”… My dd used to say “Mary and Jofus”
LOVE how they mispronounce stuff when they are little.
My 3 year old says Jofus too! I don’t ever correct her because I think it’s adorable!
My daughter says Jofus too!!
My son used to say “Doofus,” cracked us up!
We still had one of those clamps on our chair at our kitchen table until about a month ago! We never took it off. LOL. I hope MckDaddy decides to see his children and realize that they are not at any fault in this situation. I know that part of the situation must be totally breaking your heart. Stay strong. You are doing amazingly!!!
I found your blog a few weeks ago and I love it! Your kiddos are so cute! I can’t believe how much fun you have with them. You are an amazing Mom!!!
) and want the best for you.
I didn’t know your blog while MCKDADDY was still around. But I’m sad for all of you. What kind of MAN/DADDY leaves his wife and kids and has no contact with them? I know you don’t control him or his actions, but I don’t have any respect for someone who abandons his family. You can’t work anything out without communication. I’m not hear to bash him or tell you what to do. No one can tell you what to do. You have to figure that one out the best you can and you are, moving on with your life with what choices you have.
I pray for your happiness and that you will have all that you and your kids need and deserve. My positive thoughts are coming your way! Your kids know you love them. Thank God for kids, they are the greatest blessings. May you all be watched over and blessed beyond your dreams.
Sometime, I’d love to hear more of your story of why he left and what you think will happen. But that’s up to you to share. I care so much about you and your kids
Your stories are so fun to read.
I thought McDaddy came to see you in the hospital? Was that a dream? Was that a month ago? I am so confused. At my age it doesn’t take much. Can you share the chili recipe? Looks great!
Yeah Starzz reminded me of that! I did see him in the hospital at the beginning of the month. Your memory is better than mine I guess!
I just remembered when I read it…that it almost sounded like a dream!
I bought the most colorful duvet cover two days ago at Ikea and thought of you. You’d love it. It’s pink, orange, and red and was only $25. If you do a Not Me Monday tomorrow, I’ll include a picture of it
Brightens up the whole room.
Our bed is crazy high – because we have an Ikea bed and my husband insists to put the mattress AND the box spring on it, even though those European beds are not made for box springs. It’s a German-American compromise
Can we get the recipe for the chili? Looks amazing!
I thought he came to see you in the hospital when you had your accident?
Ahh, you’re right! I saw him for a couple minutes that day…which was, I think February 6 or 5?
Though; still, sad that he hasn’t seen his children. Mine is going on 1yr.
Sorry to hear that.
Have/will the kids had a chance to speak to him or visit in person?
Not yet.
i love the update and am so glad you are kept the bed. I cannot imagine not hearing from him for a month. Praying he reads your blog and is doing well.
When my oldest was little she came out of Sunday school saying that she learned about “Madame and Beef” A couple of raised eyebrows at the teacher, she explained “Adam and Eve.” Ahhhhhh….I miss those days. She’s 10 now, and can recite all of the names of the disciples and all the tribes of Israel. I can’t. LOL
That reminds me of my son when he was younger. He would ask to read Beauty and the Beef. Or Jacket and the Beanstalk. He would also ask for Pinocchioca, which I never quite figured out if that was a request to read the Pinocchio book or for tapioca to eat.
Laughed hard when I actually said “Pinocchioca” out loud! Thanks for the Monday chuckle!
My Dad has big c-clamps that he uses a lot on our farm when he built some of our goat sheds and his raised bed gardens. Sweet picture of sleeping Flurry! My Mom made a butternut squash chili before I think.
Amy
Liza is still in her crib! I can’t even imagine her in a big bed yet!
Yeah I think most kids his age are. We have always gotten out of cribs early in our family…usually because we only had one crib and needed it for the next baby!
We were the same way. Evan was out of the crib at 15 months and Kendra by 18 months (though, if we’re honest, she never slept in the crib. She went from the infant carseat in the living room to sharing the full-size bed with Evan.). With Laura, we had no idea when to get her out of the crib since we weren’t needing it for anyone else.
Your DD slept in a carseat???
Oh, how I wish she had slept!
No, she didn’t sleep. Hardly ever. But, when she would sleep, it was in the infant carseat. The very first time she slept through the night, she was 2 1/2 years old. Or at least we thought she did, but that’s the age when she learned to stay in bed quietly while she was awake. She will now be 6 in a few weeks. I asked her a couple of weeks ago if she sleeps at night now; she replied, “no, I just lay in bed and be quiet until I fall asleep. I stay awake for a long time, then when I fall asleep, I sleep for a long time.”
Both of my kids slept in a big kid bed well before the age of two also. Lily because I was pregnant with Jax and Jax because he really wanted more space. He sleeps much much better in his “boy bed”.
That picture of L is sooo sweet!
My grandson just turned 2 and he loves his crib! Has never even thought of trying to climb out of it. My daughter and son-in-law will let him stay in it as long as he wants to.
I am so confused by him not seeing his children. What’s with that? But I am sure you are asking the same thing. Is he helping you witht he bills? Ok! None of my business. I hope your family is being supportive and that you have good friends who are helping you out. I hope you feel better soon. Please let us know when you will be doing another informations session about this health product. Tonight I am watching the oscars.
My father in law has those gigantic clamps. We have used them to built the kids’ cribs that converts into full size beds, an armoire and a dress.
I guess they come in handy with furniture stuff!
I’m guessing you meant ‘dresser’, but I’m having so much more fun imagining 6-foot clamps holding the waistline of a gigantic wooden dress together!