Category Archives: Life at the Lambdins

July 16, 2009 · 5:35 pm

Oh what a beautiful baby!

Oh what a beautiful girl!

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I can’t believe that it has been seven weeks since I have posted anything on my blog! It certainly hasn’t been —

for lack of anything to say (this girl ALWAYS has something to say)
and it hasn’t been because I am sitting around eating bon-bons (although I have been eating a bit too much these last few months & the clothes are getting tight….again. darn it!)
or because I am sitting around watching TV (in fact there is no longer television available in my home – which is not really much different than before the big digital switch over, since we only watched sports and an occasional Hallmark movie anyway).
and no there are not any big JECHS events or fundraisers (although we did enjoy a reunion picnic in June), Creative Memories activities or homeschooling functions chasing me with deadlines at the moment.

Can I just call it “maternity leave”? I took 12 weeks “off” with my first four babies (back when I had not yet decided that I needed to be an “at home Mommy”, whether we could afford it or not). So a seven week break from blogging seems reasonable, after all there are 204 archived posts for everyone to read or re-read! 😉

What have I been doing for seven weeks? I have been enjoying my sweet baby girl…immensly!

FAQ

Is she a good baby?

She is practically perfect – and I am not just saying that. When she fusses it is because she is hungry, tired or messy. Other than that she is happy, happy, happy! She is really an easy baby. (and I have had HARD babies so I know the difference!) But ya know….even if she was extremely fussy and hard, we would love and cherish her just the same…this just makes it more fun!

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How is she adjusting?

This question always makes me laugh. I want to look at her and say…”Christiana, how are you adjusting?” She seems to have taken to us just fine. 🙂

How is she sleeping?

Ahhhh….the number one question every Mom & Dad of a newborn gets asked. (or a variation of it – “Is she sleeping through the night?” or “Are you getting any sleep?”) First let me say that I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night since I began this mothering journey in 1989 (Well except for my annual anniversary get-away, CM conventions & incentive trips). I get woken up at least once after going to sleep by either a fussy two year old, a six year old having a bad dream or telling me they are using the bathroom, a sick child, a coughing child, a teenager with a question, a late night phone call, giggling girls having a slumber party or an all night study session. Oh and then there’s the 63 months (over 5 years) I spent gestating in which I am up with bladder issues, heartburn, nausea, back aches or just plain being TOO large to sleep. So does it really matter if she is sleeping through the night? Nah…not really. Besides someday I will enter into my eternal rest…right?

But I digress….to answer the question. She usually sleeps for 10-12 hours at night, only waking up for one bottle at 2 or 3am. She drinks the bottle, burbs, smiles with her big beautiful smile and goes back to sleep.

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How is Daniel doing with not being the “baby”?

He loves being a big brother. He kisses her feet each morning and says “My baby”. He really does adore her. It is so neat to watch the protective big brother come out in him.

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Actually the only child of mine that ever had a problem with a new baby was the #1 child who after having her little sister for less than a week said – “When are we going to take her back to the hospital?”

I think one of the bonuses of having a large family is that no one ever feels displaced when a new baby arrives…since they were never the center of the universe to begin with.

Is she yours?

Yes! I am the proud Mamma!

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What are people’s reactions to her?

Oh my! I feel like a celebrity every time I walk out the door. Everywhere we go people stare at her saying she is beautiful. They want to touch her, hold her and ask lots of questions. Its really amazing – people are always attracted to babies, but I have never experienced this type of attention with any of my other children. She is charismatic! How great God’s plan for her life must be.

Is the adoption final?

We just signed “semi-permanent” placement papers today (leave it to the State of California to have a long drawn out process). The adoption should be final in November and we will have a court date before the years end. Although it is all just a formality…there is nothing that will stop the adoption from being completed. But it gives us another date to celebrate!

What no one has asked –

Are you going to have any more? or Are you done now?

Wow! How fun is this. After the birth of every baby since Amy (#2) I have been asked if I was going to have more. And after the last few people have gotten bolder and just flat out asked us if we were done now. Sometimes this is said with curiosity, often it is said with sarcasm. To which I have always replied either:

“I hope not” OR
“Ask God – we leave the BIG decisions up to Him”

But no one has asked us if we are done or if we will be having and/or adopting another. So either we have finally reached the tipping point and everyone just thinks we are crazy (so they just don’t ask) or the word is finally out that we trust God with our family size and that we think children are the most amazing blessing in life! But in case you were wondering the answer is:

We sure hope we are blessed again with another child
Ask God – we leave the BIG decisions up to Him

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My eight amazing blessings! Thank you Lord.

Well dear friends, I’ve missed you ….here’s hoping to be blogging more regularly from here on out.

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Filed under Adoption, Blessings, Life at the Lambdins, Motherhood

May 23, 2009 · 8:33 pm

Adoption Update: God’s Providence & Provision

There are some amazing circumstances surrounding our recent adoption that are evidence of the providential hand of God in every detail of our lives. Let me share them in “bullet” form so that I can get them out quickly in the limited time frame I have.

Many have asked about her name. Yes, it is her given name by her birth parents and it is PERFECT. All of our girls first names are ones that we simply like and all of their middle names are “family” names connecting them to a member of one or more of our extended family members (grandmothers, aunts, cousins etc..) and giving them role models to follow. When they told us that our sweet new baby girl’s name was Christiana Michelle, I just couldn’t help but smile. Christiana is a beautiful name that means “follower of Christ” , “anointed”. And her birth Mom giving her the middle name Michelle — well it just doesn’t get any better than that. Our first born daughter is named Michelle and we are thrilled to connect her to that name and couldn’t ask for a better role model. Wow! God is amazing!
As I shared in an earlier post we just “happened” to have our placement the same day as the Open House for Life Choices and got to tour the facility and see the ministry up close & personal. Just watch what the Lord does with that inspiration in the future. Wow! God is amazing!
God provided us with a place to stay in Nashville – Amanda, a former JECHS graduate and a place to stay in Memphis – Kim, the sister of a CMC friend. Connections we have because of two of the great passions & pursuits in our lives – Jim Elliot Christian High School & Creative Memories. Wow! God is amazing!

We decided to visit the capitol building in Nashville while we were there – partly because we wanted photos of Christiana in her birth state Capitol and partly because I had one of my homeschooling daughters with me (Rebekah who is the 13 year old “rich” babysitting daughter & paid her own way to be there for the adoption of her little sister) and after all “life is school”. When we arrived in the building there was a lot of commotion going on. We asked the security guard what was happening and he shared that they were about to start a legislative session. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity to see government in action, we headed towards the balcony seating to watch a few votes. To our surprise we ran into Karen & Sue at the bottom of the steps – the Life Choices Executive Director & Board President. They were as surprised as we were and asked if we were there for “the vote”. Not having any idea what they were talking about it was quickly shared that the strongest pro life legislation in Tennessee was up for a vote that very afternoon and was expected to pass – giving a great victory to the pro life movement. They began introducing us to the multitudes of pro lifers that were there and were showing off our sweet Christiana to all, as a testimony to the option of adoption over abortion. I can’t begin to explain to you what this all meant to me – a lifelong passionate pro lifer. Wow! God is amazing!

Our last night in Tennessee we had the awesome privilige of having dinner with a former student who, without going into details, was a special part of our pro life journey over two decades ago. It was an incredible “full circle” experience to meet and share sweet fellowship with her and her husband who traveled over an hour and a half to join us for dinner. Wow! God is amazing!
My eldest daughter just “happened” to be flying home from her freshman year in college on Tuesday the same day we were flying home from Tennessee. And even better yet she just “happened” to have decided to fly into Los Angeles to spend a couple days with her cousins before driving home to Stockton. And of course we just “happened” to have a 2 hour lay over in Los Angeles on our way to Sacramento. And all this just “happened” to converge at 11:30am on Tuesday. Christiana was greeted by her eldest sister & namesake Michelle as well as three screaming cousins – Kate, Beth & Jen along with an adoring Aunt Caroline in LAX. Wow! God is amazing!

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And last but not at all least an update on God’s provision. Just hours before we left for the airport we had received enough contributions to pay for the adoption placement and all of our travel expenses. (thank you to everyone who has so generously been a part of this amazing adoption – may your generosity be multiplied back to you over & over again!) This left just our post placement adoption fees of between $1200 – $1400 (the amount will vary based on court costs & mileage fees) Just this week we have received over $400 towards these expenses. We have less than $1,000 left and we will have paid it all (the total cost of this adoption has been $16,000+). We had our first post placement visit yesterday and I asked when our fees would be due – we should know that answer next week. We are confident that the Lord who has provided in amazing ways thus far will complete His work on time! Wow! God is amazing!

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Filed under Adoption, Blessings, Life at the Lambdins

May 23, 2009 · 2:52 pm

Adoption Update: Placement Ceremony

Sunday May 17 was an amazing day! It was the day that the Lord placed into our loving arms, through the miracle of adoption – our newest daughter – Christiana Michelle Lambdin. Unlike the days our other children came into our lives, I was actually all “showered, shampooed & shining” for this momentous occasion. We drove three hours from Nashville, Tennessee and arrived at the home of our hostess, Kim in time to get freshened up before heading over to the agency – Life Choices – who just “happened” to be having an Open House that afternoon. We met the staff and toured their impressive facility which offers a full range of services for women experiencing crisis pregnancies – everything from ultrasounds, counseling, prenatal and parenting classes to adoption services, financial, clothing and housing assistance for both women and men who are walking through an unexpected or crisis pregnancy. It stirred up a passion that has long lived in my heart to see this type of organization exist in my own hometown. Nothing about our entire three day in Tennessee was “accidental” but merely the providence of God bringing together our passion for life into our pursuit of adoption. There are so many things I could share and hopefully will have time soon to do that.

After our tour of the facility we met with the adoption counselors to sign papers and review information concerning our adoption of this sweet baby girl. We the drove over to the home of the family that has been lovingly caring for Christiana for her first six weeks. We were joined there by several staff and board members of Life Choices as well as the cradle care family. We had a time of scripture reading –

“For you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully & wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works and that my soul knows very well.”

and sharing by the adoption client counselor, Amanda who worked with the our birth Mom; Rebecca , the Mom who has been caring for our dear baby and both Dan & myself. It was an emotional time of sharing as we each realized the hand of God in the adoption of this child. We were then led in a time of prayer by George, the cradle care Dad who having personally experienced the adoption of his three children, brought the room to tears with his heartfelt prayer for our family and this precious baby. They then presented Dan & me with the most beautiful and sweet baby girl who we held and loved as everyone in the room basked in the joy and presence of the Lord during this miraculous moment.

We enjoyed sweet fellowship with everyone before heading out the door (and to Walmart to purchase bottles – minor detail!) to begin our adoption journey and a new chapter of our lives as the parents of eight blessings from the Lord. We will always remember this special day as a stellar one in the Lambdin family.

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Filed under Adoption, Blessings, Life at the Lambdins

May 5, 2009 · 10:40 am

Life at the Lambdin’s Update

My last post indicated that I was in a bit “over my head” especially with our big annual dinner auction fundraiser at Jim Elliot Christian High School. Since that post on April 15th…I literally worked ’round the clock on this spectacular event. And it was fabulous! You can read about it and see photo’s here – Denim, Diamonds & Dreams.

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As with all big events like this, the work does not end with the actual event. I continue to wrap things up with a post auction sale, recognition, appreciation, evaluations and follow up. Then I get to move on to putting out a quarterly newsletter & planning a 10 year all school reunion picnic. No….it never ends….but is so worth it when I see the hundreds of young people positively impacting the world & loving the Lord.

So hopefully I’ll be getting back to one of my “loves” – blogging – but here is a quick update on life at the Lambdin’s:

Daniel’s Birthday – We celebrated Daniel’s 2nd birthday on April 20th. He continues to be such a joy to all of our lives and his hugs and kisses truly bring life to my bones and refreshment to my spirit. I highly recommend everyone having a toddler in their life to love!
The “Boys Bedroom” Makeover– Three of our former students (who I often still call “kids” – even though they are 35) – Carrie Elliot, Rachel Fichtner & Leah Kidger decided to come over one Saturday & do a makeover on Daniel’s (the “boys”) bedroom – painting the walls & dressers and adding cute accessories. It was so nice to spend the day with these lovely ladies and to be the recepient of their blessing. (Now all we need is a few more boys for the boys bedroom!)

College Grads– My beautiful nieces – Kate & Beth Kirchner graduated magna cum laude from Pepperdine University last Saturday and we were able to take a quick trip down to celebrate this milestone with them. We are so blessed to have “elder” cousins like these girls and Janessa & Chrisann Meier for our children to look up to. They are wonderful role models and examples for those coming behind them to follow. The graduation was beautiful as the campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean (my favorite place in the world!) and the commencement speaker had some great life lessons to share!
Adoption Update– Whew! I know I have been very quiet about our adoption pursuits as of late. Mostly because there has been nothing to share. Well here is the latest – the day of the auction (the busiest day of my life) we got a call from the adoption agency that they had a “special needs” baby they wanted us to consider adopting and even though they knew we “wanted” a boy, there was a little girl named Makayla who was born on Daniel’s 2nd birthday for us to consider. Of course we said unequivocally and without hesitation – YES!(just as we would to any baby we were given by birth). Well…..we were informed yesterday that Makayla’s Mommy picked another family to raise her. However that exact day they received a call from the hospital from another transient mother who had decided to choose a family for her child to be raised by….a little girl born on May 2. So once again we are praying for the Lords perfect plan for this new baby & hoping that we are the chosen ones. And yes we are still believing for a brother for Daniel but just might have to raise $30,000+ and go to Africa to get a couple orphan boys to love. (10 children sounds like a really great number….of course then there is the thought that it is “cheaper by the dozen” – we are open to whatever God has for us!)
Trusting God – We have been given yet another opportunity to put our trust in God as our van had a bit of a mechanical problem that set us back by $700. Since we don’t have an emergency fund for this type of thing – we spent 2/3 of our food and gas money for the month. It will be awesome to see how the Lord provides for our needs and a great learning lesson on faith and trust for our kids.
Coming Up this Month– We will be observing National Day of Prayer on Thursday with our local community, my National Scrapbook Day celebration is happening on Saturday, of course Mother’s Day is Sunday with my usual requests – a foot massage & clean house (both of which cost nothing!), a planned camping trip over Memorial Weekend (which has been put on hold pending finances), School ends for the high schoolers & Dan the man at the end of the month, Michelle is coming home for the summer after completing her freshman year at The King’s College (wooohooo, can’t wait to have her back home) and I am ending the month by speaking at a Ladies Retreat in Lake Tahoe for Valley Community Church.

Life & the Lord are good!

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Filed under Adoption, Blessings, Jim Elliot Christian High School, Life at the Lambdins

April 15, 2009 · 8:08 pm

So what if you don’t have the time….just do it!

To say that I don’t have time right now is like saying that Bill Gates just has a little extra “walking around money”. Yes that would be an understatement.

Besides the regular routine of mothering, homeschooling, household management, my home based business and my “part time” job (yada yada)… I am working ’round the clock on the annual Jim Elliot Christian High School Dinner Auction which is just over a week away (and I still need to sell 150 tickets..yikes, gather up last minute auction donations and work daily with my team of volunteers). Add to that my homeschoolers have state testing this week, not having gone to bed before 2am in days and having kids going “down for the count” daily with the stomach flu…and yes extra time is just about non existent in my life right now.

Yet today despite all of this…I managed to throw on some red, white & blue, grab some flags out of the closet and drive downtown to City Hall for a 45 minute rally at our Stockton City Tea Party.

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Why did I stop in the midst of the craziness of my current life to attend a rally where no one was expecting me or perhaps it didn’t even matter if I was there? Why did I overcome my own personal objections of weariness, busyness and other obligations? WHY? WHY? WHY?

Because I believe in the message!
Because I am role modeling for and training my children. They are watching and listening to not just what I say….but what I do.
Because in the future when I am asked – “Why did you not try to do something to stop this mess?” I will be able to with a clear conscience say – I did do something!

There is so much more that I could say about how sometimes we just need to throw out our excuses as to why we can’t do something….and just do it! (but I will just let me actions speak for me this time)

Life went on today….even though I spent 45 minutes at a rally letting my voice be heard and then another 45 minutes sharing that with you in this blog! And no one may ever remember that I let my voice be heard today, but I will lay my head on the pillow tonight with perfect peace that I have stood for what I believe in, have role modeled that to my children and have began the fight for our future generation who will have to bear the brunt of our current actions.

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Is there something in your life that you say you believe in and that you just are not making the time to do? Or perhaps you really do not have the time? So what….just do it! (This is what I said to myself this morning as I contemplated “skipping out” on this event and listed all the reasons I just didn’t have the time)

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Filed under Determination, Economics, Life at the Lambdins, Life Lessons, Lifes Challenges, My "take", Priorities, Time Management

April 5, 2009 · 2:10 pm

Palm Sunday – Holy Week Begins

Today is Palm Sunday….the day set aside to remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of Holy Week for Christians around the world. Holy Week that culminates in the observance of Christ’s death on the cross (Good Friday) and His amazing resurrection (Easter Sunday) is truly the foundation of Christianity and my faith.

I hope and pray that Christians who are reading this blog will be purposeful this week to use it as a time of remembrance, observation, teaching, training & celebration. If you want or need some ideas or inspiration I blogged last year about all of our Lent, Holy Week & Easter family traditions here – Easter Season – there are 12 different entries that may inspire you.

This afternoon after church we began our Holy Week observances with our traditional Palm Sunday celebration (for details read here). We enjoyed a yummy brunch before reading the scriptural account of Jesus entering the city of Jerusalem, singing the song “Hosanna” and blowing out the first of six candles that will remain burning until Good Friday at noon. Here are some photos of our Palm Sunday celebration.

The girls (minus Michelle who is carrying on the traditions in Apartment 7B6 in New York), Daniel and our friend Maddie Hale.

Daniel blows out the first candle of Holy Week.

Having some fun rein-acting the triumphal entry!

I would love to hear about any of your Holy Week traditions….please share with us all.

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Filed under Easter Season, Family Traditions, Life at the Lambdins

April 2, 2009 · 12:24 am

Amy’s Rite of Passage

This past weekend we celebrated a Rite of Passage with my second wonderful daughter Amy. We held a special Mentor Dinner on Friday night and a ceremony on Saturday. It was another amazing and momentous milestone in all of our lives. This process began 18 months ago at a luncheon for Amy and her eleven mentors. (you can read about that here) Many of you may not have been reading my blog that long ago so let me catch you up on the “what & why’s” of a Rite of Passage.

What is a Christian Rite of Passage?

It comes from Jewish roots – the Bat Mitzvah – meaning “daughter of the Commandment”. In the Jewish community, the Bat Mitzvah is a period of instructing the child in her faith and traditions, culminating in a ceremony that recognizes entrance into adulthood.

1 Corinthians 13:11 says “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put away childish things.” The Jewish Bat Mitzvah is a strong connecting point for the young woman between faith, traditions, family & the community.

There are four main goals of the Christian Rite of Passage for a young woman:

To provide instruction on what it means to be a godly woman.
To create a point in time for the child to accept responsibility for her own spiritual growth. The child will enter into spiritual adulthood and we, as parents, move from being teachers to coaches.
To establish mentoring relationships with adults – to teach, encourage and guide their child in their walk with Christ. They are the child’s accountability team.
To extend a parental blessing

We were blessed to stay with Jim & Janet Weidmann several years ago in Colorado. They are the authors of the book – Spiritual Milestones: A guide to celebrating your children’s spiritual passages and at that time they were completing their daughter’s Rite of Passage. We were so inspired by them and by this concept and we knew that we would implement this as an important tradition in our family. I am so thankful that we have done just that as it is truly an awesome program with long lasting and life changing results for our children.

Amy has met for a month long session with each of her mentors going over the the following spiritual disciplines and topics – Prayer, The Word of God, Evangelism & Missions, Purity, Biblical World View, Outreach & Service, Godly Friendships, Christian Leadership, Marriage, Family & Children. Her mentors ranged in age from 19 (her sister Michelle) to 60+ and were both single and married. They were women who were hand picked because of their commitment to the Lord, strong faith, different gifts and personalities and desire to be an influence in Amy’s life.

The culmination of her time with her mentors came this weekend as we gathered together just with Amy and these amazing women for a Mentor Dinner on Friday night. Each of her mentors quizzed her in the subject they met with her on and then their was opportunity for all to share wisdom and insight. It was truly an incredible night of fellowship, inspiration and challenge for us all.

On Saturday night we hold a very important and special ceremony. We hold it at the chapel in our church and send out invitations to our family and friends. It is a “dress up” affair and Amy looked beautiful in her formal dress.

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The evening program is as follows:

Welcome – Dan got up and shares the purpose of the Rite of Passage and thanks everyone for sharing in this special time together
Prayer – The next eldest daughter – Kristen – opens in prayer
Worship – We had an inspirational time of worship led by our church worship leader – it was heavenly!
Introduction of Mentors – Amy introduced all her mentors and shared how she knew them & what topic they had discussed
Mentors Affirmation & Prayer – This is the most touching and meaningful parts of the service as each of her mentors got up & encouraged, exhorted and spoke words of affirmation about dear Amy. They then prayed a blessing over her. Many tears were shed at this point by both the mentors, Amy, her Dad and me as well as many in the audience.
Parents Blessing – Dan and I each got up and gave a formal blessing over Amy. I love this part as I believe that the Lord will truly honor the blessing we each gave her. Here is my blessing —

Amy, I bless you with………….

A heart that always seeks after & loves the Lord your God
Joy and a positive spirit
Wisdom to make good choices throughout your life
Physical strength, energy, health & a long life
Moral courage to always do the right thing
Unconditional love
Great leadership & incredible influence over & favor with those you lead
Humility & servant hood
A close circle of faithful Christian friend
A Godly husband who is your friend, beloved & partner in ministry
Many Children….Gods gift to us & our future legacy
A ministry that will affect the lives of others for all eternity!

Amy’s Confession of Faith – Amy gave a wonderful message and boldly proclaimed her faith in the Lord and her commitment to serve Him throughout her life.
Video Presentation – A video of her life from birth to now – lots of laughter, smiles and tears during this presentation
Gift & Closing Prayer – We choose to give our child a special gift of a cross pendant that will always remind them of this milestone in their lives.

The evening ends with a celebration & dessert reception for everyone. Here are the pictures from Amy’s Rite of Passage.

I can not encourage you enough to do a Rite of Passage or something purposeful like this with your children. If they are still young you have plenty of time to plan and prepare. If they are already teens or perhaps even about to graduate from high school – you can still pull off something for them signifying their entry into spiritual adulthood and giving them adult mentors who will be there to give instruction, wisdom and accountability. It is so worth the time, effort and energy you will put into it.

With the next daughter, Kristen just 17 months younger than Amy, we will be starting anotherRite of Passage in just a couple months. (and Rebekah is just right after her…whew!) And yes at times it seems hard and overwhelming. And no it doesn’t always go smoothly (ALL day last Friday I was at the hospital with my six year old who was getting fluids from IV’s after a week of very high fevers & vomiting – I had the mentors all coming over at 6:30pm for dinner and when I finally arrived home from Kaiser at 4pm – I gave up my perfectionist bent and had the dinner catered and got the house “clean enough”). And yes….it is WORTH it all!

If you have made it this far in this lengthy post – then you might want to read Amy’s speech from Saturday night (which she wrote by herself, from her heart and delivered it very well!)

Right of Passage Declaration!

To start off I would like to thank all of you here for coming.

Each one of you here have been individually invited because at some time in my life you have made an impact on me, so I want to thank you for that and for coming and supporting me with this.

Being mentored by these women of God has meant so much to me. I have really enjoyed getting to know each of them better. They have supported me a lot these past eighteen months and the only illustration I can think to explain it is this; I have seen it as me dribbling a soccer ball down the field with the goal in front of me, and these ladies are behind me as my defenders. They are pushing me and encouraging me to go forward to my goal, and when I lose control they are right there to kick the ball right back to me and put me right back on track toward my goal again.

I would like to share with you three things that I have learned:

The first was about being hungry for the Word. My whole life I have heard that you need to be hungry for God’s Word. So I would get up every morning and read the bible, but occasionally I would miss a day and then I would go through the entire day feeling guilty for not reading the bible. Then I would have a test and fail it and think, oh man…. if only I had read my Bible, when really I should have studied the night before. I would think the whole day that God was mad at me and punishing me for not reading the Word. But really He’s not mad at me at all. Think about it this way, if you miss a meal during the day you don’t go through the entire day feeling guilty that you didn’t eat! You go through the day yearning to get home and eat something. I learned that I need to start doing that with the Word.
The second thing I learned was about defeating the devil with the word. In Matthew chapter four it talks about Jesus being tempted by the devil three times and each time Jesus quotes scripture to him and eventually the devil flees and leaves Him alone. I learned that I need to do that when the devil starts tempting me, which means I need to know the Word to do that.
I also learned the importance of forgiving others. God says that we need to be continually forgiving one another. My mentors taught me that when I do something wrong God forgives me but I also need to forgive myself. I’d like to tell you a story about one of my friends who taught me to forgive no matter what! My friend had done something in her past that was wrong but some of her friends and people around her wouldn’t forgive her for it. One night we were talking before she had to leave for college and I told her that I would really miss her when she left, she told me that she would miss me too, but honestly she couldn’t wait to leave and go where were no one knew what she had done. Hearing her say that just broke my heart! The people who would not forgive her were Christians and we are commanded to forgive. Ever since she told me that I have made it my personal goal to try and forgive everyone. This can be hard for me because I like holding grudges and getting revenge!

One of my teachers told me once that what we do today effects what we do tomorrow and what we do tomorrow effects what we do the next day. What I have done these past eighteen months with my mentors will effect my next eighteen months and my next eighteen months will effect my next years. And no matter where I go I will always remember what these ladies have taught me.

And now I would like to say:

I’m ready now! I’m ready for when the day of evil come so that I can stand against the devils schemes. I’m armed with the belt of truth buckled around my waist, with the breast plate of righteousness in place, my feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, I take up the shield of faith with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, I have the helmet of salvation placed upon my head, and the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God. I declare Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior; I am His servant, ready now and willing to do whatever my Lord asks of me!

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Filed under Family Traditions, Life at the Lambdins, Raising Girls

March 31, 2009 · 12:50 pm

Red Envelope Day

Red Envelope Day is TODAY – March 31, 2009

I have been hearing about this for months and was excited to participate along with my family. I wrongly assumed that others who believe in the life of the unborn would have heard of it through facebook, email or at their churches. Just this past week I have become aware of some of my close friends who are passionately pro life had not yet heard of this event. So even though the day is here…I am hoping to help get the word out and to inspire those of you out there to join in the effort to take a stand for the unborn.

It’s a simple concept: just buy a red envelope(or make out of construction paper or wrapping paper or color white envelopes red as my friend Becky’s children did) seal it up (yes, empty), address it to the president, and add this note on the back of the envelope: “This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.” Or do it the EASY way go to this website – pay $1.10 & they will send your red envelope (or as many as you want to send) – couldn’t get any easier & way cheaper than your cup of coffee today – http://www.redenvelopeday.com/send.html

You may wonder, “What good will this do?” No one but God can answer that, but the campaign reminds me of the “launcher” tactic used by William Wilberforce and others as they fought against slavery in the British Empire. It’s a simple, peaceful way of drawing attention to an evil that needs to be changed. President Obama, as Chuck Colson noted in this BreakPoint commentary, is confused on this issue: he rightly believes that God does not support taking innocent life, yet he is staunchly pro-abortion.

Here’s the address so you don’t have to look it up:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20550

My children participated in this at their homeschool co-op and also sent envelopes to our local media telling them what was happening. Then last weekend when all the “Borden” cousins were here for Amy’s Rite of Passage (more on that to come) we had a red envelope party.

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red-env-3 The students at Jim Elliot Christian High School also participated – they made their envelopes out of red copy paper and addressed them in my husband’s Bible class yesterday & today.

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dscn7007 The girls and I just dropped ours off at our local post office – hoping that you are all doing the same thing (or getting on line and placing your red envelope order) dscn7008

Even if you are not reading this post on March 31st – I would still do it – a few days late will not matter as hopefully millions of red envelopes arrive at the White House throughout the next week! This is an easy & painless way to let your voice be heard for the innocent unborn.

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Filed under Life at the Lambdins, Making a Difference, Pro-life

March 31, 2009 · 9:05 am

Where in the world is….

…..Beth Lambdin???

Ok, so it has been awhile since I have posted. After Daniel’s accident, we left for our annual beach holiday for much needed refreshment, rest and relaxation….away from it “all”.

beach

Of course, I came back to an overwhelming amount of work to be done – and then Joy became very sick and I spent the last week doing the ER, doctors appointments, IV thing.

In less than a month I have a huge fundraiser to “pull off” for Jim Elliot besides the “normal” things to do in life – homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, my CM business etc….. But I do hope to get back to writing, motivating, inspiring and encouraging soon. I have so much to tell & share about my life, my family, my passions and pursuits. So many insights. So many blessings. So many challenges.

Until then…here are Daniel’s before & after photos – God has been gracious to us and he is doing just great!

daniel-before

daniel-after

PS – And I am having some “blog” issues with my domain as well as changes in the subscription service – so hopefully this will post. (If you are reading it – I guess it did!)

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Filed under Life at the Lambdins

February 8, 2009 · 1:19 am

Deep breathing

I finally figured it out!

Yes, after twenty years of motherhood it has finally hit me what the real purpose of the Lamaze classes were, that I took prior to the birth of my first child. Just in case you have not yet experienced labor & delivery and you think that the purpose of these classes is to help you get through the pain of childbirth by implementing breathing & relaxation techniques, let me set the record straight.

Now, I am sure that there are a precious few who would “swear” by the effectiveness of these breathing methods – but I am not one of them. Just a few hours into labor after almost hyperventilating and after being given pitocin which effectively slams you into intense labor instantly, I screamed nastily at my sweet husband — “YOU BREATHE!” , as he was trying to coach me in these techniques. (a few minutes later I spit water in his face – nice, huh?) I have never taken those classes again but have used various ways to get through my six following labors, including but not limited to – squeezing the living daylights out of my husbands hand, digging my fingernails into his arm, grabbing the nurses by the shirt (truly embarrassing), moaning, groaning, griting my teeeth, writhing and of course my personal favorite – EPIDURALS!

But just this past week it became perfectly clear to me why up & coming Mommies need to learn breathing techniques and it has nothing to do with the birthing process.

It is much more useful for the parenting process that will follow.

This last week I had an opportunity to put those breathing techniques into practice when, in the blink of an eye, our peaceful morning turned into a disaster. After cooking the kids a delicious breakfast of french toast for a Friday morning treat – we were happily going about our morning routine of chores and school work when…..CRASH! I looked up and saw that my beautiful 21 month old baby boy had pulled our 19 inch TV & stand down onto his head. I jumped up from my seat just five feet from where he was lying and immediately began to panic as he started screaming with blood pouring out of his mouth. My pulse shot through the roof (as I am sure my blood pressure did too), my mind began to race and I tried to make a quick decision as to the best course of action. Do I call 911? Do I rush him to the ER? What do I do with the little ones here at home? Do I take them with me? Should I call a friend or rush over to the neighbors and ask them to drive me to the hospital or watch the kids? As my robe became soaked with blood and the sobs of baby boy increased I began to panic and then…..breathe. My clear minded 13 year old daughter called her Dad and in an instant he was headed home to take us to the hospital. And during that eternal 15 minute wait….I breathed…. and breathed…. and breathed along with calling on the name of Jesus for help.

After it was all over (and we are praising the Lord that the worst of his injuries were five stitches, several bruises and a lost front tooth – no head injuries, concussion, facial fractures or permanent damage), my ten year old was recounting the story of the morning and sharing how Mommy was breathing really heavy during it all. That is when it hit me – Lamaze! That is really what those classes are for – all the crisis times you are sure to have for years after giving birth to a child!

And it is probably a good thing they don’t tell you at that time in life when you are anticipating the birth of your first child, that you will truly need to learn to “breathe” as a parent, because you just might have to –

wave goodbye as they wheel your child down the hall behind closed doors into surgery
listen to a life threatening or terminal diagnosis for your precious child
watch your child writhing in pain after an injury or accident
get a phone call from the hospital informing you that you need to come down right away
see your star athlete go down for the count and not get up
hold them in your arms as they cry after a heartbreaking disappointment or defeat
feel like you are going to go mad with all the bickering, stubbornness or bad behavior you deal with daily
sit by the clock that is slowly clicking, hours past their curfew and wondering if they are dead or alive
watch as rebellion, disobedience or bad judgement bring them tragic or life altering results
kiss them goodbye as they leave to fight for their country
endure being separated from them by distance, disappointment or disagreement
or God forbid if you lose them to death at any age (we as parents are suppose to go first!)

In fact, I never remember anyone sharing with me that children would bring into my life such intense heartache and pain. Would I do it all again if I knew the pain and suffering I would have to endure? Would I do it again even if it turned ugly or tragic? Would I do it all again even if I lose my child to death?

Absolutely!
Definitely!
Without a doubt!
In a heartbeat!
No questions asked!
Yes! Yes! Yes!

Why? Because the love, joy and utter fulfillment my children have brought to my life is worth every bit of pain, heartache, dissapointment or suffering I have ,or will in the future , have to endure. They are worth it all!

I will just have to remember my Lamaze training and my faith….breathe deeply and call on the name of Jesus! (and perhaps get a relaxing massage – I sure could use one after Friday – Whew!)

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Filed under Endurance, Life at the Lambdins, Life Lessons, Lifes Challenges, Motherhood, Parenting

February 1, 2009 · 8:16 pm

Super Bowl Sentiments

Ok….so I am watching the Superbowl.

But not because I am a “die hard” football fan, although I do like the sport more than many women I know. Not because I particularly care about either team, I will always be a San Diego Charger fan (due in part to having lived there two different times for a total of six years and because my Dad was a native “San Diegan”) as well as a Washington Redskin follower (if you have ever lived within the beltway I think you have to become a fan or else!) not too mention my passion – GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY! (which is self explanatory for any military children out there – the rest of you just might not get it). And most definitely it is not because I do not have a massive amount of work to be accomplished. (I do!)

So why am I about to spend four hours of my life on the couch eating chips & cowboy dip (that I shouldn’t be eating) and watching a game (that I am not super interested in) on our postage stamp size, bunny eared TV (with not so great reception)?

Because my husband loves football and… I love my husband! He comes from a football playing, football loving family. He played in high school and then went on to coach that same team for the next ten years before he retired from coaching to spend more time in ministry and become a Daddy. When I married him, I married a football fan. So throughout our married life I have been well aware that many Saturday & Sunday afternoons would be spent watching football.
Because although we have been blessed with six daughters who will never find themselves on the gridiron (and will not be cheering either – I won’t even get into my anti cheerleading bias, lest I make some enemies) – it looks like we just might have a future football player in our family in our newest little boy whose first word was “ball”, who at 20 months will sit down & actually watch an entire game with his dad (this is NOT normal for a toddler of either gender!), who can easily identify a football player or ball on the TV, computer or even on a magazine in the grocery store, who bends down & says “hut, hut, hike” the minute the game begins (it is sooooooooo cute!) and who is rarely found without a ball in his hand. I actually hope his passion continues as I would love being a football Mom (call me crazy!)
And finally because this is where the family is convened this afternoon and I love being together with my family in one room. (even if as I look up from my laptop – three of the girls have already fallen asleep)

So…here is my commentary on the highlights of today’s game –

The recognition of the courageous hero’s of 1549 that crash landed in the Hudson River earlier – the pilot Chesley Sullenberger and his crew – who could help but not be inspired by this group. And I couldn’t help but thinking that each of those who were on that flight are thanking the Lord that they are alive today to witness yet another Super Bowl.

The honoring of our military by having General David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, perform the ceremonial coin toss for the Arizona Cardinals’ and Pittsburgh Steelers’ team captains. I am so pleased that at this much watched event, we give honor to those who truly deserve it!

The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award was presented to quarterback Kurt Warner for his philanthropy. Warner, who led the Cardinals to their first championship game in 60 years, created a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to sponsor construction throughout the Midwest. He has raised over $450,000, including a $100,000 personal contribution, $100,000 from his foundation, and $100,000 each from the Cardinals and the NFL Disaster Relief Fund. Bravo Kurt! I love to see those who have been blessed with fame and fortune using it for the good of others.

I also love it that Kurt Warner and his wife have seven children, he has adopted two of them (one with disabilities) and is a believer! What an inspirational role model.

And though I am always hearing about the great Super Bowl commercials – I must admit I spent much of the time working on my lap top during the commercials and half time performance. Besides, it was my way of boycotting NBC for their censorship of one commercial that SHOULD have been aired today. (You can read the deal here – http://www.lifenews.com/nat4801.html) Here is this amazing commerical —

I love an exciting finish….and even though the girls and I were all rooting for the Cardinals (because we love Kurt Warner) my dear darling hubby was quite happy with “his” team the Pittsburgh Steelers winning yet another Super Bowl. The back & forth at the end gets the adrenalin going and there was lots of cheering and sitting at the edge of our seats (as well as coaching from the couch for Dan)! What a great game.

Finally I love to listen to the post game interviews always hoping for some of these athletes, who many across this nation look up to, will be great role models and give God the glory for their athletic abilities and amazing life! Unfortunately the Lord was not publicly recognized by anyone this year, which was disappointing because….after all, without Him there is nothing.

Hey…one last thing – if anyone out there reading this blog won some money in a Super Bowl pool – I’ve got a great non profit organization you can donate some of your windfall too – Jim Elliot Christian High School – an incredible ministry to young people committed to raising up teens to go out and have a positive impact on the world (and yes, we have a football team…go Eagles…baby Daniel’s future team!)

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Just go to www.jechs.wordpress.com , click on Support JECHS and then click on “donate online”. I can’t think of anything better to do with your winnings! 🙂

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Filed under Life at the Lambdins, My "take"

January 5, 2009 · 9:02 pm

2009 Epiphany Celebration

Just a reminder on this 12th Night of Christmas that January 6th is the Epiphany – the celebration of when the Wisemen came. Even if you don’t have the time, energy or motivation to celebrate with a big Epiphany party at least take a moment to read the account in the book of Matthew 2:1-12 and share with your family what gifts you would like to present to the Lord this year from your life. It is regular discussions and devotions like these that help build a firm foundation of faith in your children.

If you want to read about what we do I posted our traditions here. Just today I also typed out the Indian Shrimp Curry Recipe for anyone interested – it is under the comment section of that post.

We are looking forward to another grand Epiphany Celebration. I just might post pictures after the event, if you want to come back and see our party!

Here are the photos –

A Party Waiting to Happen!

n633092661_1240866_3968 There are so many wonderful things about having a large family and I was reminded of one of my favorites on New Years Eve —

A large family is a party waiting to happen!

You don’t need to have a party plan, invitations or even a season, special occassion or a holiday. It’s like those instant soups – just add water! Or perhaps you could see it as a “party in a box” – a large family has everything pre-packaged that you need to have a great time!

There are always enough people to play games (and even if everyone doesn’t want to play there are still enough!)
There are always a enough personalities to add variety, uniqueness and interest to everything
There are always enough ideas to inspire creativity
There is always enough talent to provide entertainment
There are always enough hands to help with preparation, food & clean up
There is always enough humor to bring lots of laughter (sometimes for years after)
There is always enough noise to assure the neighbors that you are truly partying
There is always enough conversation to give insight, wisdom and spark debate
There is always enough love for everyone to have full hands, full hearts and more than enough hugs and kisses to go around!

Yes, having a large family is truly like having a “party waiting to happen” at any given moment, right in your very own home (of course we can take the party “on the road” too or even bring it to your house!). I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!

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These photos were taken as the girls spontaneously started a dance routine while washing dishes

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Filed under Blessings, Life at the Lambdins

October 31, 2008 · 9:37 pm

We the people….

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

The Preamble to The US Constitution

Having just spent a day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…the birthplace of the United States of America, I was inspired all over again by the incredible providential history of our awesome nation, the brilliant leaders who were our founding fathers and the eloquent and influential words that have stood the test of time in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

As I stood and took this photo of my husband, Dan and my two eldest daughters Michelle and Amy, I was motivated to write on my blog how important it is for us, as mothers and fathers, to instill patriotism in our children by not only teaching them the history of this great nation but also by motivating and influencing them to be actively involved in this constitutional republic.

We, the people of this great USA, must not only be involved and active in the government of our cities, counties, states and nation ourselves but we must teach and train our children to be involved as well….if we are to secure the blessings of liberty to our posterity!

I will confess that this comes easy to me, as a product of a military family where things involving the government, politics, citizenship and patriotism were a part of our lives growing up. (Ie: My Mom & Dad did a fabulous job of teaching & training their children!) It also doesn’t hurt that I am a passionate person and am always 100% involved and intense in the things I believe strongly about. I will also admit that during election years I am a bit “obsessed” with the governmental process and often need to pry myself away from election news. (I recently realized that political talk radio was on in my house and car constantly when my five year old daughter asked last week….”Mommy, Who is Joe the Plummer?” )

But even if you are not as passionate as I happen to be, I still believe that it is important to teach your children to be involved in the process. Here are a few things that we have done with our family:

1. Praying for our country and our leaders. This is something everyone can do. Whether it is around the dining room table during your daily meals or at the foot of the bed before saying goodnight, take some time to pray with your children for Gods blessing on our nation and for His direction for our leaders. We always attend a National Day of Prayer Event in May as well.

2. Talk with your children about our nation’s history, our past and present leaders and the governmental process. Listen to the news or radio during election season and talk with them about the issues. Don’t assume your children are too young or not interested….you may just be surprised.

3. Make it come alive by going on “field trips” to historical places and government offices – there is nothing better to fan the flame of their interest and generate enthusiasm than by actually being there. If you live on the East Coast – you have it made – with multitudes of places to visit but even those of us in other parts of the country can go to our city hall, state capitol or visit a local government official.

Michelle & Amy in front of the Liberty Bell

4. Teach them patriotic songs like Our National Anthem, God Bless America, She’s a Grand Old Flag, Oh Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee and one of our family favorities – I’m proud to be an American. Music inspires and uplifts but it also is a great teaching tool. We remember easily things we sing about. (If you don’t think so – just put on a song you listened to decades ago on your youth & see how easy it is to sing every word!)

5. Get them involved in the election process! These pictures tell the story of how I have had my children be involved. We take a day or two every election season to help distribute campaign materials. My eldest daughter even was a volunteer for our local Republican Central Committee Office (as an 11 year old!). This past June my four eldest girls distributed pro-life election literature to local churches. And as a senior in high school, Michelle volunteered to work at our local polling place. There are truly multitudes of ways to be involved in the process that don’t take much time at all.

Joy, Grace & Daniel outside of our local Republican Office

Joy helps pick up some lawn signs & bumper stickers to pass out to our friends one afternoon

6. Take your children to the polls with you when you vote. We have done this many times over the past two decades. It is a great way to role model voting to your children as well as have some great discussions as to why it is important to vote. (even if you live in a state that is sure to go to a candidate other than who you are voting for – you should still cast your vote) I share with them often how men and women have fought and died for the right to vote and that we need to be diligent about expressing our freedom by voting. This year since we will be in New York on election day….we voted absentee for the first time. This did not stop me from making voting an “experience” for my children! Here they are mailing off Dan & my ballots last week.

And after this week in Philly, I was inspired to add another idea to the list —

7. Have them memorize some or all of our countries great documents. As I read the words once again, I decided to have my homeschool age children memorize the Preamble, sections of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence (High school & College age daughters feel free to join us!) And don’t think for a minute that this is too hard for children to accomplish! Not at all! I have been amazed as my girls in past years have memorized entire chapters of the Bible, The Apostles Creed as well as countless scripts for plays they have had a part in simply by reading it over once a day! I can’t wait to get started with them.

Here’s to all of us securing the blessings of liberty to our posterity!

May God Bless America

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Filed under Family Traditions, Inspiration, Life at the Lambdins, Motherhood

October 27, 2008 · 2:17 am