Flaas in God's Plan

Time to catch up...

2009-08-18T20:30:00.008-05:00

Wow! What a long time it's been! Here are some things happening in our world now:

Evan is walking--at 10 months he discovered the joys of being 2 footed and all he can see and grab in the process. He still thinks it's faster sometimes to speed crawl or monkey crawl (hands and feet) when he needs to make time.

Owen is loving summer--we have an unruly garden and we keep discovering cucumbers we didn't know were there! He loves taking walks and meeting the new neighbors.

Our house is great--we love having space and hosting gatherings. I've always dreamed of having a home of hospitality. It may not always be a neat and tidy home, but the people inside are welcoming!

A trip to Austria--we bought tickets for October to go to Vienna! The Lord is steering us to a slightly new focus in ministry in Austria and we are ready to obey! We are headed over to meet teammates, get to know the ministry, seek the Lord, and come back with a fresh vision for where God wants us in the near future.

Jon is still working--The Hartford is not a dream come true, but it is an answer to prayers for provision. We are thankful to have made it through layoffs and see God's hand at work in his office.

Kelly Jo is at home--most of the time. We are a zoo and I am ready for bed each night, but I feel priveleged to be at home with my kiddos. The crankies sneak into our home more often than I like, but we always have an adventure to tell Daddy at the end of the day!

We look forward to communicating more frequently through our blog. The Lord is showing me that when you have a story to share of HIS work and you don't share it, you aren't giving HIM the credit and glory he is due.

May you be blessed by him who is able to do more than we can ask or imagine,

Kelly Jo for the Flaa 4

We bought a house...

2009-04-14T20:01:00.003-05:00

Which means Evan doesn't have to sleep in our bedroom closet anymore! We closed on the house at the end of March, and will be moving in at the end of April when our apartment lease is up (so if you are looking for something to do at the end of April, specifically April 25th, feel free to help us move! You know you want to...)

To answer the question that we've been asked the most since we've started to share this news - Yes, we are still going to Austria. Buying a house has not changed that at all. In fact, we are excited to see what God has been doing lately.

We've been praying for about the past 6 months or so about our living situation, since we were getting tired of playing the "leasing guessing game" - trying to figure out how long of a lease we should sign so that we would be free to go to Austria once our support comes in. Well, it was also about 6 months ago that we began to realize that we were suffering from Austria "tunnel vision". We were so focused on trying to figure out how to get to Austria that we were ignoring (unintentionally, but still)what God was doing around us right here at home. So we made a very intentional effort to begin praying and asking God what He wanted us to do on a daily basis. As we began doing that, a new opportunity to get involved with a young adult ministry at our church sprang up almost immediately. That is also when we began wondering if maybe God wanted us to buy a home instead of continuing to rent. Well, we ended up buying this home, which also happens to be in the same neighborhood that our church has been trying to establish a church plant. We didn't "plan" on buying a house in that neighborhood, but when we saw the house, we immediately began to wonder what God might have in mind for us. We still don't know exactly how God wants us to be involved in that neighborhood and the church plant, but we are continuing to pray and are excited to see what comes of it.

In the meantime, we are just excited to be able to move into our own home. Owen is going to love having a yard to run around in (Owen's mom might love it even more than Owen!). We are excited that we no longer have to run to the bank to get a roll of quarters to do laundry, and that our friends and family no longer have to hike up 2 flights of stairs to come and visit us. But most of all, we are excited to see how God is going to use our new home for His kingdom. Enjoy the pictures!

Growing up...

2009-03-19T14:39:00.003-05:00

I remember Owen getting this cool baseball jacket as a gift. It was a 3T, a size we thought it would take him forever to fit into. And here he is looking all suave and ready for spring...and spring training. He's been watching the old Twins Championship tapes with Daddy and has found a new sports hero: Kirby Puckett. Owen loves it when Kirby "jumps way up there" and every time Kirby hits, he shouts, "Home run"! He loves helping me with household chores, especially vaccuming or sweeping. He's also pretty good at cleaning up the dishes when I've just made chocolate brownies. He LOVES spending time with his brother. We're just hoping that Evan will want to play as much with Owen as Owen will want to play with him!

Evan is almost 6 months old and loves showing off his prized pair of bottom teeth. (He'll also leave some puncture wounds behind if you're not careful.) He's figured out how to roll over to what he wants to see, and we're betting he's going to crawl before he's even able to sit. He loves to growl and suck his lips in making him look like he forgot his dentures. He's an easygoing, jovial kid who already looks up to his big bro.

Enjoy the pics!

Kelly Jo for the fam

FUN IN THE SUN

2009-01-31T22:26:00.001-06:00

Baseball, Checkups, & Teachable Moments

2009-01-29T15:17:00.004-06:00

Over this past weekend, our family and my Dad took an outing to Twinsfest to get our baseball fix during this cold winter. I think the highlight for my Dad was to see some of the baseball Hall of Fame materials they have on display. Owen's hightlight was being able to high-five a man in a bright yellow Dinosaur costume (not really sure what that had to do with baseball). Evan's highlight was chewing on the baby carrier all day while Mom carried him around. My wife's highlight was actually getting to touch Mike Redmond's locker (yes, my wife's favorite player is the backup catcher...go figure). My highlight was eating one of the Stadium hot dogs! One of the items that we were given was a small "poster" with a picture of Joe Mauer on it. When we got home we taped it up on the wall in Owen's room. He was very excited to have something new to look at in his room. It was a good time had by all and has us ready for the new baseball season to begin. Maybe we'll get a few pictures from the weekend up here soon.

Evan had his big 4 month checkup today! He is a big, healthy boy, at over 26 inches long and just a shade under 17 pounds (that's what you get when a guy writes about it on a blog...you get general specifics. Maybe later Kelly Jo will give you the exact height and weight!). He is rolling over onto his stomach, but hasn't figured out how to roll back, which makes him mad. That's okay though. I'm confident he will figure it out eventually...he's a smart kid!

And here is the "cute kid" story of the week...

So last night I was putting Owen down for bed. We did our usual routine. Get changed, read a couple of books, sing a few songs, pray for him, and then say good night. Well, as I was laying him down in his bed I asked him "Owen, do you know who is watching over you tonight? Is Jesus watching over you?" Here I am trying to use bedtime as a teachable moment, to teach my son that Jesus is with us and loves us, even when we are sleeping.

Owen's response, "Joe Mauer watching you".

Oh well! Close enough I guess...they both start with a J : )

2009-01-13T14:39:00.003-06:00

Hi all. We've got a little video to share with you. It is a touching video of a father teaching his son some of the important things in life...along with a few laughs thrown in. Enjoy.

2008-12-10T13:51:00.001-06:00

The Hospital...

2008-10-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

Fast and Furious

2008-10-06T20:07:00.005-05:00

How was the birth? Fast and furious! If you are curious about the story--don't worry, no gory details--read on!

Sunday, September 28th came and still no baby. He was already 12 days past due and we had a scheduled date at the hospital for induction. We were to show up at 7:30pm and start the ripening gel in preparation for the induction the next morning. So, we dropped Owen off with Jon's parents...and went out to dinner! After full bellies, we showed up at the "baby hotel" (aka. hospital) and checked in. Because I was having such consistent contractions, they couldn't do the gel. We settled in for the night and enjoyed watching our last Sunday Night Football as parents of one child.

The next morning, my wonderful midwife decided not to induce me. Instead, at 7:15am she broke my water...and everything started. We walked one loop around the nurses station and had to go back to my room because of the intensity of the contractions. After laboring in my bath tub a while, we moved to the waterbirthing suite to finish and birth in the waterbirth tub. At 11:38, Evan Lyning Flaa made his way into the world after 3 minutes of pushing. My midwife almost missed the birth because it happened so fast!

Just over 4 hours of labor, but boy was it intense! I had a shot of nubain early on but no epidurals are allowed for a water birth. Jon says I had some good primal screams during the labor and I kept hitting the wall to the point they were conderned I would hurt my hand. Apparently I gave everyone some good laughs through it all. (I tend to get a little sarcastic when I am in pain.) At one point, I remember asking for a stick to bite on and some vodka claiming that birthing women always got that in the "olden days."

My nurse, my midwife, and the midwife apprentice that were with me were wonderful. They all said it was one of the most fun births they had ever been a part of. My sister was also there and a great support, but my husband was the best of them all! He even endured the multiple nail marks I left in his hands--oopsie!

We are so thankful for our newest little family member! Owen is fascinated with his little brother and loves to help. He enjoys hearing the baby burp and is very concerned when Evan cries. "Sad," he says over and over until Evan stops crying. Overall, we are adjusting quite well. We could all use some more sleep, but that'll come, right?!

PS. Waterbirth is actually giving birth in a big water tub. Babies don't breathe until they hit air. The warm water is great for easing back labor and decreasing your chances of tearing. I would highly recommend it!

It's a Boy!

2008-10-01T18:58:00.002-05:00

Evan Lyning Flaa was born on September 29th at 11:38 am. He weighed 8 pounds 9 ounces and was 22 inches long. We are finally a family of four on the outside!

More pictures and stories will follow...

Waiting

2008-09-21T09:21:00.002-05:00

Still waiting!! We are now 5 days overdue and counting as we wait for baby #2. We are encouraged that Owen is really working hard at developing the necessary skills needed to be a good big brother. He has become particularly good at sharing. In fact, just this week he decided to share a cold with his pregnant mother : ) They are both having a wonderful time bonding together over snotty tissues as they both breath out of their mouths together.....

I'd write more, but Owen is in need of some fatherly attention. We'll try to update this site with pictures of the best looking family of 4 you've ever seen as soon as baby #2 decides to make an appearance...

preggy pictures...

2008-08-27T14:06:00.007-05:00

Praise the Lord! The end is near! No, I am not talking about the end of the world...I am full term now and baby could come anytime in the next 3 weeks! Yahoo!

I am slower than molassess in January and ready to burst at the seams with this baby! The easiest place I have found to take Owen is to tennis courts. He's contained and can run all he wants!

Here are some pictures my photographer friend took of our family. She needed a preggy model with a big belly. I DEFINITELY QUALIFIED! (And I just like to be able to tell people I am a model when they ask what I do.) "You know, full-time mom, part-time model..."

Enjoy!

KJ for the Flaas

The Back-Up Baby...

2008-08-18T21:00:00.007-05:00

The due date is September 16th and is cruising towards us more quickly than we realize! The other night as Jon and I were "finalizing" our baby name choices, we found that the ones we liked were still our "back-up" names for Owen. (This is when I opened my big mouth.) "How appropriate," I said. "Our back-up name for our back-up baby!" Well, that got Jon howling and me apologizing to baby. That is NOT how I meant it to come out! Can I blame this one on pregnancy-brain?

4 weeks left until baby and I am big as a house! Are we ready? I think so...but you never can tell. We dug out the infant carseat, little onsies and burp rags, and even started our packing for the hospital bag. Owen can outrun me, outlast me, but not quite outeat me...yet! (I am sure that day is coming.) We have enjoyed days at the beach and playing with his little girlfriend who lives downstairs, although watching the garbage truck in the mornings is maybe his favorite thing to do. Does he understand he is going to be a big brother? Probably not. But he does come kiss my stomache often and says, "Hhhhhi baby!" Soooo cute!

We'll keep you updated about baby news!

Wanna see some pictures?

2008-08-18T19:44:00.014-05:00

Spring is here!

2008-06-07T08:42:00.009-05:00

A full pantry...

2008-06-06T15:00:00.016-05:00

I love having people over for dinner. Not that I am a great cook--Jon, no comments--but I can provide a decent meal and enjoy providing a place for fellowship to happen around the dinner table. Lately, our dinner guests have been a little scarce. Why? Well, our cupboard has been a bit more bare than usual, and so our meals have been more...eclectic. Thankfully, I don't have a picky husband or son, and we have always had enough to eat--just not the meals I would have chosen.
Owen and I have been befriending a middle-aged man who lives in our apartment building. He appears to live alone and quite frankly, seems very lonely. We would always say hello and smile, but never get a response back. I began praying for him. Soon, we started getting a slight nod with minimal eye contact. Improvement! And one day, when he couldn't avoid us on the stairs, Owen pointed at the man, grunted, and gave his biggest, most friendly smile! The man saw it and chuckled. We talked briefly and went on our way. Every time Owen sees the man he waves or points and smiles. Now, the man even smiles back!
A while back, Jon and I opened our apartment up and invited all our neighbors over for snacks and a chance to "meet and greet" the people who live around us. We have been praying for opportunities to build relationships and hoped this would be a start. Two and a half hours later, no had come. Just 20 minutes before we were going to close our door, the twelve-year-old boy who lives downstairs stopped up for a visit. He apologized for being so late--he had been out shopping with his mom and had just gotten back. We enjoyed over an hour with our new adolescent friend, and learned a lot about him and his mom and family. We often stop to talk in the hallways or ask how his baseball game went--we even have run into his mom a lot, too.
Lately, I have sensing the Lord telling me to invite them up--the boy and his mom, and the man who lives alone. But I haven't yet. What kind of meal would I feed them? Freezer-burned leftovers with a side dish of oatmeal and kidney beans? Yummy! Money being tight and all, extra groceries were not in the budget. I was embarassed to invite them up for one of my "creative" meals.
This Tuesday morning, I read Isaiah 55:1-3.

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

It caught me from the beginning--food and money. Just what had been on my mind. But then, what labor DOES satisfy? Befriending others with the hope of sharing about Jesus Christ. That was the part I was responsible for--to "LISTEN, LISTEN TO ME," he had said. So I did. I told Jon and he agreed we should extend the invitations.

Funny thing is, when my heart became obedient, God did just what this passage started out saying. After being out with friends, I found a $100 gift card to the local grocery store that had been tucked into my purse. Wow! "Come buy...without money and without cost"? But God didn't stop at that--within the next 2 days I had 3 different sources from which I received free groceries. Now, my bare pantry is plum full and I can't find things in my fridge because of all the food! Thank you, Lord! Now I can't wait to start cooking....

911 and Eagle's Wings

2008-05-15T18:14:00.002-05:00

I thank the Lord that I have never had to dial 911 for any reason and I hope to never have to use it. But just in case the need arises, Owen made sure last week that the number actually works!! It was a normal mid-week afternoon in the Flaa household. Kelly Jo was in the bedroom playing with Owen, who was cruising around playing with anything that could capture his short-lived attention span. At some point he happened to find that the telephone had been left in an unusual place, one where he could actually reach it. So naturally Owen picked it up and began to press all the buttons (he loves all the noises they make!). Being the good mother that she is, Kelly Jo decided to use this as a "teachable moment"...She asked Owen to bring the phone to her rather than just taking it away from him. Owen (being the VERY obedient son that he is...must be the parenting!) brought the phone right to Kelly Jo and went on his merry way to the next toy. The phone seemed no worse for the wear, except for one thing - the phone was on and there was no dial tone. Kelly Jo put the phone to her ear and said "hello?" and heard the following reply, "Yes, this is 911." Many apologies (and a visit by a police officer) later, we'll chalk this one up as a "I can't believe our son just did that!" moment.

We also received some encouragement this past week. Life tends to get very busy, as I'm sure many of you can relate to!! We go-go-go from work to home, chasing a little boy while preparing for a newborn..sharing with people and churches about our future ministry in Austria, and doing all of the other little things that can fill up a "normal" day. To be honest, there are times where we are very anxious to get to Austria. We want to be able to tell people that we are "in" Austria instead of telling people we are "going" to Austria. But we keep coming back to the fact that God is in control of our lives. HE gives us the strength and power to handle what comes each day, whether that is here in Minnesota or somewhere down the road in Austria.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Here's praying that we all will continue to put our hope in the Lord (no matter the circumstances of life), and see His power at work in and through us to change lives for eternity!!

Out of the mud and into thankfulness

2008-03-04T09:10:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I like to wallow in the mud. Figurative mud, that is. I don't feel good...I'm tired...I wish we had more time...I wish we had more money...and so on....

The fact is, I am a blessed woman. I have a beautiful baby growing in my belly, an adorable son who is full of life, and a wonderful husband who after a full days work comes home to care for his family when he deserves to be the one being served. I am blessed.

This post is to share another blessing we had this week. With the start of the year, money is always tight. Insurance deductibles start over, bills seem to increase, and even our car joined in the festivities by needing some not-so-cheap work done. With a few more unforseen costs, we were praying, "Lord, stretch our money"! This weekend, Jon and Owen and I were at a party with some friends. We had a wonderful time--encouraged, as always, by the fellowship. The next morning as I was cleaning out Owen's little lunch box from supper the night before, I discovered a baggie full of money. Now, either Owen has a part-time job we don't know about or he's making good money selling his toys on e-bay! Or, we had just been blessed by a caring group of friends who technically "didn't know our needs". Amazing how the Lord works, isn't it? Matthew 6 has always been a favorite of ours. The Lord knows what we need--why do we need to worry?

Thank you, Lord, for pulling me out of the mud to see the blessings you have given me!

The Flaas are....

2008-02-25T19:30:00.005-06:00

Bloggers! This will be the place for you to keep tabs on us if you so choose. We will be keeping this updated as often as necessary. It will include stories about family, ministry, and life in general. Some stories will be funny, some serious, and I'm sure some won't make any sense at all : )

Pregnant! That's right! Owen is coming up on his first birthday on March 10th, and we are expecting baby #2 this year (the due date is September 16th). We will not be finding out if it is a boy or a girl (to the extreme disappointment of my parents). Right now Kelly Jo is going through that amazing pregnancy experience brought on by Eve called "morning sickness". Feel free to pray that it would pass as quickly as possible. Even with the gag reflex in full force, we are both so thankful that both mom and baby are healthy and everything is moving right along. I (Jon) think it is going to be a boy only because Owen is already pounding on Momma's tummy, which makes me think he is already putting his younger brother in his place.

Glad the tomb is empty!