Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Great Sisters
Well, I'm proud to call you both my sisters!
Jess, Greg and I have said numerous times how glad we are that Mark brought you into the family (or that you agreed to Mark's offer to be part of the family). You are an excellent "help mate" to him and handle the challenges that come with this chapter in your life with an up-beat attitude and a "can-do" spirit. What a great example to Ally & Micah! I know that someday you'll arrive on the mission field better prepared than many other families, and your kids will be better prepared too.
Sarah, hearing you talk about discipling Dalton was great. I can't claim any expertise in that area yet since Addie isn't old enough to start much training, but have read a lot trying to get prepared for that stage. (Though reading about something and actually doing it are two different things, I know). Have you ever heard of the book "Shepherding a Child's Heart"? I would be curious to hear what you think about it. We were told about it by some families at church and read it- it seems really good, but then, we haven't had to put it into practice yet. I would love to hear an opinion from someone who is in that stage right now. It was so nice to hear a little about our precious nephews and niece. We really miss you guys.
As for the California Spanglers, I think we are finally calming down. We found out that the first four months of Addie's life she had acid reflux and it was causing her a lot of pain. She was always crying and screaming and I was exhausted. Now that we've caught the issue, she takes medicine twice a day (it's a battle to get her to take it, but it's worth it). We saw a huge change in her once the medicine was started. She is still very strong willed, but overall much happier. She just started sleeping through the night, which really helps too. Praise God!
We also just found out that I've had medical issues going on too. Through an odd series of events, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which means that my thyroid hasn't been working right to regulate my body. It was causing exhaustion, forgetfulness, and sensitivity to cold (i.e. it would be 80 degrees in the house and I would think it felt fine). I laughed when talking with the doctor- how would any new mom not think that being tired and forgetful is just part of her new life? So I've started on a new medication too! It takes several weeks to fully take affect, but I think I'm feeling a little better already. For instance- I don't want to cry at the thought of vacuuming the house (before, that seemed so tiring it would just overwhelm me).
We just had a nice visit from my parents a few weeks ago and my sister a few weeks before that. It was nice to have extra help in taking care of Addie and some family around. It made us both wish that we were closer to family. Greg and I have both been feeling stronger than ever lately that we want to move away from here. A lot of the things that held us here before just don't have as strong of a hold as they used to. The issue is where would we want to go and there is no perfect solution. Both Seattle and Phoenix are strong contenders, but the weather in both places is hard to imagine for one or the other of us. Ultimately, we just wish God would audibly speak and say "Go.... (here)". If not that, then maybe a job transfer or something so clear it would be undeniable. We'll just see. For now, Greg's job is going really well, so picking up and leaving immediately doesn't seem like a good choice.
Greg was just able to hire a part-time guy to help carry some of the hours he was trying to do alone. We had prayed for quite awhile for a dependable and responsible person, and God answered that prayer. The newbie's name is Dennis and I keep saying how much I love him (even though I haven't met him yet). For instance, when on a Saturday afternoon Greg is home instead of working, he'll say "Dennis is taking care of things right now" and I'll say "I love Dennis." Greg is still working hard and still doing a very good job. I think the whole "work ethic" is a Spangler thing- I've never seen so many diligent workers in one family!
That should keep you all up to date on us. Also, you can always read about what is current with us and see lots of pictures at www.calspangler.blogspot.com
Jess, Greg and I have said numerous times how glad we are that Mark brought you into the family (or that you agreed to Mark's offer to be part of the family). You are an excellent "help mate" to him and handle the challenges that come with this chapter in your life with an up-beat attitude and a "can-do" spirit. What a great example to Ally & Micah! I know that someday you'll arrive on the mission field better prepared than many other families, and your kids will be better prepared too.
Sarah, hearing you talk about discipling Dalton was great. I can't claim any expertise in that area yet since Addie isn't old enough to start much training, but have read a lot trying to get prepared for that stage. (Though reading about something and actually doing it are two different things, I know). Have you ever heard of the book "Shepherding a Child's Heart"? I would be curious to hear what you think about it. We were told about it by some families at church and read it- it seems really good, but then, we haven't had to put it into practice yet. I would love to hear an opinion from someone who is in that stage right now. It was so nice to hear a little about our precious nephews and niece. We really miss you guys.
As for the California Spanglers, I think we are finally calming down. We found out that the first four months of Addie's life she had acid reflux and it was causing her a lot of pain. She was always crying and screaming and I was exhausted. Now that we've caught the issue, she takes medicine twice a day (it's a battle to get her to take it, but it's worth it). We saw a huge change in her once the medicine was started. She is still very strong willed, but overall much happier. She just started sleeping through the night, which really helps too. Praise God!
We also just found out that I've had medical issues going on too. Through an odd series of events, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which means that my thyroid hasn't been working right to regulate my body. It was causing exhaustion, forgetfulness, and sensitivity to cold (i.e. it would be 80 degrees in the house and I would think it felt fine). I laughed when talking with the doctor- how would any new mom not think that being tired and forgetful is just part of her new life? So I've started on a new medication too! It takes several weeks to fully take affect, but I think I'm feeling a little better already. For instance- I don't want to cry at the thought of vacuuming the house (before, that seemed so tiring it would just overwhelm me).
We just had a nice visit from my parents a few weeks ago and my sister a few weeks before that. It was nice to have extra help in taking care of Addie and some family around. It made us both wish that we were closer to family. Greg and I have both been feeling stronger than ever lately that we want to move away from here. A lot of the things that held us here before just don't have as strong of a hold as they used to. The issue is where would we want to go and there is no perfect solution. Both Seattle and Phoenix are strong contenders, but the weather in both places is hard to imagine for one or the other of us. Ultimately, we just wish God would audibly speak and say "Go.... (here)". If not that, then maybe a job transfer or something so clear it would be undeniable. We'll just see. For now, Greg's job is going really well, so picking up and leaving immediately doesn't seem like a good choice.
Greg was just able to hire a part-time guy to help carry some of the hours he was trying to do alone. We had prayed for quite awhile for a dependable and responsible person, and God answered that prayer. The newbie's name is Dennis and I keep saying how much I love him (even though I haven't met him yet). For instance, when on a Saturday afternoon Greg is home instead of working, he'll say "Dennis is taking care of things right now" and I'll say "I love Dennis." Greg is still working hard and still doing a very good job. I think the whole "work ethic" is a Spangler thing- I've never seen so many diligent workers in one family!
That should keep you all up to date on us. Also, you can always read about what is current with us and see lots of pictures at www.calspangler.blogspot.com
// posted by Greg, Niki and Addie @ 9:54 AM 
