It's been a busy few days, so this week-end was a welcome respite.
I left my mostest fave down vest and car keys at the Bar Harbor Inn where I stayed when I went scrapbooking, so on Friday, we had a really great excuse to head to the ocean again. We lounged around the house all morning and then loaded into the car around the time I hoped Jesse would konk out for a snooze. We found a new, cheap, and super cool coffee shop in Ellsworth where we split some soup and bagels for lunch - delish - and then we headed onward.
It was such a gorgeous day at the ocean - really the first that we've had since we've been home. (The week-end that I went scrapbooking was beautiful, too, but I was too focused on my work to enjoy the weather). So, we just spent the whole rest of the afternoon walking along the trails and the shoreline collecting shells, throwing rocks into the water, searching for treasures, rolling down grassy hills, and just going along at the boy's pace.
It was lovely. I love this time of year where when we play outside I'm constantly reminded to slow down and to look at the world through their eyes. Jesse wants to collect every stick. Kaden wants to turn over every rock in hopes of a worm or a bug or a salamander, and there is just absolutely no rush whatsoever.
I love that.
We spent an awesome evening with friends on Saturday night enjoying delish food, guitar playing by the guys, and a little Wall-E with the kidlets. Good times.
And today is supposed to be the Mommy's Monday that I host each week. But, just about every Mommy was away for the week-end and feeling the need to be nesting in their own homes this morning. So, we are all cozied up inside our little abode right now, too. It's 11:00 and we're ALL still in our p.j.'s...well, actually the kids are running around like hoodlums in their undies. Daddy made eggs and homefries for breakfast. And we're just chillaxing.
Plans are being made for a nature walk and some grocery getting a bit later in the day....and it's aaaaallllll good.
Happy Monday!
news, News, NEWS!!!
Wait for it.
Wait for it.
Well, now! What in the world is this?????
We are pleased and proud to announce that we have another baby on the way!!!
How far along you ask? Well, he/she is about this big:
and is due right around October 11. My very first Fall baby. Hmmm. We shall see how we do through the winter months of feeling cagey with a baby - if they are anything like my other two - who screams all the blessed day long! I am praying for a happy one. Maybe I didn't pray hard enough for the other two! :0)
More to come later on our thoughts and ponderings, the boys' reactions - Jesse screamed "HI BABY!!!" at the sonogram machine during our visit. It was pretty cute! etc., etc. For now, we just wanted to share our news with the world.
Usually I wait a little longer - until about fifteen weeks or so. I'm only about eleven and a half now. But, Kev oh so graciously asked the other day: "Soooo. How long do you think you're going to be able to hide that paunch?!" Therefore, this time, we are sharing with the world a little early....I don't really have much choice! :0)
Suffice it to say - we are excited and happy. And we are psyching ourselves up to "embrace the chaos!" This is my new theme in life!
Wait for it.
Well, now! What in the world is this?????
We are pleased and proud to announce that we have another baby on the way!!!
How far along you ask? Well, he/she is about this big:
and is due right around October 11. My very first Fall baby. Hmmm. We shall see how we do through the winter months of feeling cagey with a baby - if they are anything like my other two - who screams all the blessed day long! I am praying for a happy one. Maybe I didn't pray hard enough for the other two! :0)
More to come later on our thoughts and ponderings, the boys' reactions - Jesse screamed "HI BABY!!!" at the sonogram machine during our visit. It was pretty cute! etc., etc. For now, we just wanted to share our news with the world.
Usually I wait a little longer - until about fifteen weeks or so. I'm only about eleven and a half now. But, Kev oh so graciously asked the other day: "Soooo. How long do you think you're going to be able to hide that paunch?!" Therefore, this time, we are sharing with the world a little early....I don't really have much choice! :0)
Suffice it to say - we are excited and happy. And we are psyching ourselves up to "embrace the chaos!" This is my new theme in life!
Tea for Twenty!
We had our very first Mother's Tea this morning, and for the first time of ever having done this sort of event, I think that it was a rousing success! Twenty Mommies were able to make it, there were no major glitches, and I think that overall the goal was accomplished of having them come and be refreshed and leave with a renewed sense of purpose that we are are doing as Moms is viewed in the Lord's eyes as something that is of utmost importance.
I know of at least ten who were not able to come because of child care - or lack thereof, at least three who had to work, and a few more who had sick kidlets at home, so I think with each time, this has potential to grow bigger and better.
I'm posting just a couple of pictures, but they really don't do justice to the cozy little atmosphere that we had with china teacups and saucers, candles, and individual teapots for each table. We had delish little finger foods, we played some silly games and gave away lots of fun prizes, and a sweet older Mama shared with us from her heart and had many of us in tears. So sweet.
We've learned a few things to make it better next time, we got some good ideas from the ladies of topics they would like to have covered in the future, and we're revving up for a summer event that will most likely take place on a Saturday so that hopefully there will be some Daddies out there who will be able to cover for a couple of hours so more Mommies can make it.
.....And next time the tea will stay hot. We promise.
I know of at least ten who were not able to come because of child care - or lack thereof, at least three who had to work, and a few more who had sick kidlets at home, so I think with each time, this has potential to grow bigger and better.
I'm posting just a couple of pictures, but they really don't do justice to the cozy little atmosphere that we had with china teacups and saucers, candles, and individual teapots for each table. We had delish little finger foods, we played some silly games and gave away lots of fun prizes, and a sweet older Mama shared with us from her heart and had many of us in tears. So sweet.
We've learned a few things to make it better next time, we got some good ideas from the ladies of topics they would like to have covered in the future, and we're revving up for a summer event that will most likely take place on a Saturday so that hopefully there will be some Daddies out there who will be able to cover for a couple of hours so more Mommies can make it.
.....And next time the tea will stay hot. We promise.
A Young Mother's Tea
I'm not really sure who even reads this blog....or who checks out my facebook page. BUT - just in case there might be someone who hasn't heard of this fun little event taking place on Wednesday morning, this post is for you!
A friend and I are hosting a wee get together for any young mom in the area - or out of the area, for that matter. Any mother who has young children is welcome to attend. We want you to come and just take a break with us and enjoy sweet fellowship and fun food with other moms. You spend all day every day serving the ones that you love most. Now is your chance to come and be served by US!!
Normally, I am ALL about bringing your kids with you - it's easier, it's more cost effective, AND it's a fun chance for them to all play together anyway. But for this one event, we are asking that you find someone to care for your children for those two hours - and we promise (we pray!) that it will be worth it!
We have a really fun atmosphere donated to us for the occasion, we'll be serving coffee and tea out of beautiful teacups and saucers, we'll have tons of fun finger foods, random prizes given away, and a "seasoned veteran mom" will share some encouragement and truth with us that what we are doing is important!!!
Mothering matters. It is the highest of callings - and it is so easy to forget and be discouraged amidst the season of diapers and sibling fights and the mundane same old same old. The entire goal of this little get together will be for moms to leave with their tanks completely filled up - physically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. II Timothy talks about the older women teaching the younger women. Maybe older moms feel that they have nothing of importance to share. Maybe some of us come across acting like we have all of the answers. Either way, God tells us that we need each other, and we don't do it enough. I think this will be a pretty fun way to live out some practical Scripture.
So if you can come and bring a friend - it'll be awesome! If you can't come, please pray for us. Pray that women are blessed, that some unsaved Mommies come and are exposed to the Lord and to a whole new community of women, and that, above all, Christ is honored and lifted up during these two hours.
Here are the stats:
When: Wednesday, March 25 - as in TWO DAYS!
Where: The Light House Christian Cafe - 453 Wilson St., Brewer
(Attached to Vacationland Village Inn)
Time: 9:00-11:00
A friend and I are hosting a wee get together for any young mom in the area - or out of the area, for that matter. Any mother who has young children is welcome to attend. We want you to come and just take a break with us and enjoy sweet fellowship and fun food with other moms. You spend all day every day serving the ones that you love most. Now is your chance to come and be served by US!!
Normally, I am ALL about bringing your kids with you - it's easier, it's more cost effective, AND it's a fun chance for them to all play together anyway. But for this one event, we are asking that you find someone to care for your children for those two hours - and we promise (we pray!) that it will be worth it!
We have a really fun atmosphere donated to us for the occasion, we'll be serving coffee and tea out of beautiful teacups and saucers, we'll have tons of fun finger foods, random prizes given away, and a "seasoned veteran mom" will share some encouragement and truth with us that what we are doing is important!!!
Mothering matters. It is the highest of callings - and it is so easy to forget and be discouraged amidst the season of diapers and sibling fights and the mundane same old same old. The entire goal of this little get together will be for moms to leave with their tanks completely filled up - physically, emotionally, and most importantly spiritually. II Timothy talks about the older women teaching the younger women. Maybe older moms feel that they have nothing of importance to share. Maybe some of us come across acting like we have all of the answers. Either way, God tells us that we need each other, and we don't do it enough. I think this will be a pretty fun way to live out some practical Scripture.
So if you can come and bring a friend - it'll be awesome! If you can't come, please pray for us. Pray that women are blessed, that some unsaved Mommies come and are exposed to the Lord and to a whole new community of women, and that, above all, Christ is honored and lifted up during these two hours.
Here are the stats:
When: Wednesday, March 25 - as in TWO DAYS!
Where: The Light House Christian Cafe - 453 Wilson St., Brewer
(Attached to Vacationland Village Inn)
Time: 9:00-11:00
Scrap-a-dee-doo-dah!
Just got back from a glorious week-end of scrapbooking in beautiful Bar Harbor with lovely friends. I am a "task oriented people person," so this week-end was just perfect for my little personality. I was able to accomplish something that has been hanging over my head for months - getting caught up on my albums - while enjoying sweet fellowship with some wonderful women.
Part of me feels like I was gone forever, and the other part of me feels like it was just a blip and now I'm back home and ready to step back into life again. This little hiatus was just the thing that I needed, and now I feel completely refreshed and rejuvenated. It has been almost two years since I have been away from all of my boy loves. Crazy.
They are all sleeping right now....but I cannot WAIT for them to wake up!
THIS is why I love little getaways once in awhile. They make me realize afresh and anew how truly full my life is and just how much love I have waiting back home for me. I am refueled and refreshed and ready to pour back into them again. Awesome.
And the amount of pages accomplished? No journaling, mind you - just the pictures with the borders, stickers, titles etc - but STILL!!!
101!!! That's right.
Part of me feels like I was gone forever, and the other part of me feels like it was just a blip and now I'm back home and ready to step back into life again. This little hiatus was just the thing that I needed, and now I feel completely refreshed and rejuvenated. It has been almost two years since I have been away from all of my boy loves. Crazy.
They are all sleeping right now....but I cannot WAIT for them to wake up!
THIS is why I love little getaways once in awhile. They make me realize afresh and anew how truly full my life is and just how much love I have waiting back home for me. I am refueled and refreshed and ready to pour back into them again. Awesome.
And the amount of pages accomplished? No journaling, mind you - just the pictures with the borders, stickers, titles etc - but STILL!!!
101!!! That's right.
Life
Wow....I'm really rotting at this whole posting thing lately.
Lots of little things happening lately. Mostly just life stuff. I'm finally starting to feel like I know what I'm doing at work. It's definitly not my LOVE sitting in an office by myself and working with numbers, paying bills etc. I actually find it quite funny that this is what I am getting paid to do, as I don't really have a sweet clue of the bills and money happenings in my own home! If Kev were to kick the bucket, I know where he keeps the file of "our life," but other than that - things wouldn't go south pretty fast!
Ah well. My work is only a few hours a week, it pays some bills, and I love the school. One couldn't ask for a nicer atmosphere to work in. This is the place where Kaden spent two days each week the first year of his life - in a little swing, exersaucer, or johnny jump up! The Lord knew that we needed to have Kaden first - Jesse would have lasted ten minutes in that tiny space before he would've freaked out, and I would've gotten fired! :0)
For our family day last week, we all went ice fishing on super slippery Green Lake. Jesse was not impressed at his lack of ability to stay standing, so I pushed him around on a sled. I took one nice digger that Daddy got a good picture of AND stuck my entire boot right through a hole in the ice, but other than that, we stayed relatively dry. We had hot chocolate and played around on the ice until naptime. One of our bait fish lived to see another day, so he is now our pet "until he dies," says Kaden. And his name.....wait for it...."Fishy." Of course.
We had a wonderful friend from Pennsylvania come and visit us for a long weekend this past week. He was sort of like a surrogate uncle to the kids while we lived out there. I fear Kaden may have sucked him dry, but he seemed to have a good time.
We took him to the coast, as he had never been there before - in 20 degree weather. It was FREEZING but beautiful. We fed the seagulls, and one POOPED on my head! That's a first! It felt like someone threw a rock at my skull! Both boys were quite the gentlemen as they proceeded to double over laughing hysterically before Kev would wipe it out of my hair for me! Good times! :0)
And now we are in the throes of support raising. It's been a slow start, but I do love getting together with people that we know and love and just hanging with each other for a few hours, sharing food and our hearts with them. It's been really nice reconnecting and building our team. There's always some wonderful encouragement right when we need it!
I'm off to scrapbook for the weekend with some friends, and I CAN'T WAIT! It has been well over a year since I even touched a photo. I have grand plans for what I hope to accomplish - 1,400 pics give or take. We shall see. We shall see.
And today, we are just hanging home - two boys with colds and their Mommy. A slow, lazy day of making bread, reading Little House on the Prairie, watching an occasional show, and maybe some painting...maybe even a baby to snuggle if friends want to enter the germ house!
Happy Wednesday!
Lots of little things happening lately. Mostly just life stuff. I'm finally starting to feel like I know what I'm doing at work. It's definitly not my LOVE sitting in an office by myself and working with numbers, paying bills etc. I actually find it quite funny that this is what I am getting paid to do, as I don't really have a sweet clue of the bills and money happenings in my own home! If Kev were to kick the bucket, I know where he keeps the file of "our life," but other than that - things wouldn't go south pretty fast!
Ah well. My work is only a few hours a week, it pays some bills, and I love the school. One couldn't ask for a nicer atmosphere to work in. This is the place where Kaden spent two days each week the first year of his life - in a little swing, exersaucer, or johnny jump up! The Lord knew that we needed to have Kaden first - Jesse would have lasted ten minutes in that tiny space before he would've freaked out, and I would've gotten fired! :0)
For our family day last week, we all went ice fishing on super slippery Green Lake. Jesse was not impressed at his lack of ability to stay standing, so I pushed him around on a sled. I took one nice digger that Daddy got a good picture of AND stuck my entire boot right through a hole in the ice, but other than that, we stayed relatively dry. We had hot chocolate and played around on the ice until naptime. One of our bait fish lived to see another day, so he is now our pet "until he dies," says Kaden. And his name.....wait for it...."Fishy." Of course.
We had a wonderful friend from Pennsylvania come and visit us for a long weekend this past week. He was sort of like a surrogate uncle to the kids while we lived out there. I fear Kaden may have sucked him dry, but he seemed to have a good time.
We took him to the coast, as he had never been there before - in 20 degree weather. It was FREEZING but beautiful. We fed the seagulls, and one POOPED on my head! That's a first! It felt like someone threw a rock at my skull! Both boys were quite the gentlemen as they proceeded to double over laughing hysterically before Kev would wipe it out of my hair for me! Good times! :0)
And now we are in the throes of support raising. It's been a slow start, but I do love getting together with people that we know and love and just hanging with each other for a few hours, sharing food and our hearts with them. It's been really nice reconnecting and building our team. There's always some wonderful encouragement right when we need it!
I'm off to scrapbook for the weekend with some friends, and I CAN'T WAIT! It has been well over a year since I even touched a photo. I have grand plans for what I hope to accomplish - 1,400 pics give or take. We shall see. We shall see.
And today, we are just hanging home - two boys with colds and their Mommy. A slow, lazy day of making bread, reading Little House on the Prairie, watching an occasional show, and maybe some painting...maybe even a baby to snuggle if friends want to enter the germ house!
Happy Wednesday!
Been Awhile.....
I just realized that I have been off the radar for quite some time now. I seem to go through phases of posting daily and sometimes multiple times daily...to people wondering if I've died because of the length of time that goes between posting!
I haven't purposefully become a hermit. I think that's just how I get sometimes when my life feels a little bit out of control and when there is so much change going on that I don't quite know how to process it all. I am quite a creature of habit, and I love when my life has a somewhat predictable routine. I talk big about "bringing on the change," but when it actually happens, it throws me for a loop until I can find a rhythm again.
Needless to say, there's pretty much nothing about our lives right now that looks like it did a few weeks ago. Well - that's not true. Kev is still leading worship at our church, and things are going really well there. AND - a huge blessing to us is that our landlord has guaranteed us another year here with our rent staying the same if Kev helps out a few hours a week marketing the hotel. So, those things are steady and stable. Two huge things for which I am thankful.
Pretty much everything else though.......whew! The winds of change are upon us. And it's good - it's all very good. It's just a lot to wrap my brain around. Whenever our family goes through a season of change - which seems to happen a lot with us - I always find myself really thoughtful as we process through all of the new.
It is during these somewhat stressful times of change that the Lord reminds me afresh and anew of my great need for Him, of the necessity of making time, and of the need to be still amidst the crazyness to hear His still small voice calling me and wooing me back to Him. He knows my heart. He knows what needs to be done. He knows what I need, and he knows the needs of my family.
He promises me just what I need for today. The light He provides for my path is just enough to see ahead for the next couple of steps. That is enough.
"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in his bosom, and He shall gently lead those that are with young." - Isaiah 40:11.
I haven't purposefully become a hermit. I think that's just how I get sometimes when my life feels a little bit out of control and when there is so much change going on that I don't quite know how to process it all. I am quite a creature of habit, and I love when my life has a somewhat predictable routine. I talk big about "bringing on the change," but when it actually happens, it throws me for a loop until I can find a rhythm again.
Needless to say, there's pretty much nothing about our lives right now that looks like it did a few weeks ago. Well - that's not true. Kev is still leading worship at our church, and things are going really well there. AND - a huge blessing to us is that our landlord has guaranteed us another year here with our rent staying the same if Kev helps out a few hours a week marketing the hotel. So, those things are steady and stable. Two huge things for which I am thankful.
Pretty much everything else though.......whew! The winds of change are upon us. And it's good - it's all very good. It's just a lot to wrap my brain around. Whenever our family goes through a season of change - which seems to happen a lot with us - I always find myself really thoughtful as we process through all of the new.
It is during these somewhat stressful times of change that the Lord reminds me afresh and anew of my great need for Him, of the necessity of making time, and of the need to be still amidst the crazyness to hear His still small voice calling me and wooing me back to Him. He knows my heart. He knows what needs to be done. He knows what I need, and he knows the needs of my family.
He promises me just what I need for today. The light He provides for my path is just enough to see ahead for the next couple of steps. That is enough.
"He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in his bosom, and He shall gently lead those that are with young." - Isaiah 40:11.
Making Time
Came across a poem yesterday that I love. So good for me.....this mother who struggles with always wanting to accomplish things, who has a hard time just sitting and "being;" yet, who so desperately doesn't want to have any regrets.
* * * * * * *
Time is of the Essence
Now is the time to get things done,
wade in the water,
sit in the sun,
squish my toes
in the mud by the door,
explore the world in a boy just four.
Now is the time to study books,
flowers,
snails,
how a cloud looks;
to ponder "up,"
where God sleeps at nights,
why mosquitoes take such big bites.
Later there'll be time
to sew and clean,
paint the hall
that soft new green,
to make new drapes,
refinish the floor -
Later on....when he's not just four.
* * * * * * *
So good......so good
* * * * * * *
Time is of the Essence
Now is the time to get things done,
wade in the water,
sit in the sun,
squish my toes
in the mud by the door,
explore the world in a boy just four.
Now is the time to study books,
flowers,
snails,
how a cloud looks;
to ponder "up,"
where God sleeps at nights,
why mosquitoes take such big bites.
Later there'll be time
to sew and clean,
paint the hall
that soft new green,
to make new drapes,
refinish the floor -
Later on....when he's not just four.
* * * * * * *
So good......so good
Wonderland
We're snuggled up inside on another wintery day this Monday morning. It's usually the day when all my girls come over, but I'm thinking none of us will be braving the roads today.
It's been a very quiet, restful weekend for all of us over here. On Friday, we did absolutely nothing - and it was glorious. We all stayed in our pajamas all day, and we all took naps at naptime! That evening, we did go downstairs to the coffee shop to hear some friends play and sing....and after the boys went to sleep Kev and I did have a wee date with some Chinese - but it was a blissfully relaxing and sloooooow day.
On Saturday, we decided that we needed to go outside to get the stink blown off of us, so we went back to the Camden area to try another Mt. Battie trail! When we were there last weekend, one of the trails was completely plowed, so we took the stroller with us this time. Well, half of the trail was plowed, and half of it was super snowy, so we walked up as far as we had the gumption to do, and then Kev and Kaden hopped over to the other side of the trail and slid down while I tried to keep control of Jesse in the stroller while running down the mountain on the other side!
Yesterday, we had church in the morning as usual. During our first song, our saxophone player royally messed up his solo, and Kev and I could not hold it together on stage. The congregation was laughing too, so that was good, but - oh my word - I had problems keeping it together for the whole song. And to top things off - he was supposed to play a little ditty at the end of the song to finish it out, and he bombed that part, too! We literally had tears rolling down our faces as we were leaving the stage, and it took us a good five minutes back in the pew to pull things together. Good times! I haven't laughed that hard in awhile!
Church was cancelled last night because we thought the snow was coming in early, so we just vegged home as a family and we all watched part of a movie together with a fun little dessert. It was a very nice weekend before a very crazy week ahead. So, I am thankful for those three days.
But NOW - I haven't been around my friends for awhile, so I am CAGEY today! I need to pull myself together and find some things to keep all of us occupied while the storm rages around us. I'm going to look for some snowy, wintery books. We're maybe going to make a snowman cake, and if I feel really energetic we might do something that involves paint and messiness. We shall see! :0)
Happy winter wonderland!
It's been a very quiet, restful weekend for all of us over here. On Friday, we did absolutely nothing - and it was glorious. We all stayed in our pajamas all day, and we all took naps at naptime! That evening, we did go downstairs to the coffee shop to hear some friends play and sing....and after the boys went to sleep Kev and I did have a wee date with some Chinese - but it was a blissfully relaxing and sloooooow day.
On Saturday, we decided that we needed to go outside to get the stink blown off of us, so we went back to the Camden area to try another Mt. Battie trail! When we were there last weekend, one of the trails was completely plowed, so we took the stroller with us this time. Well, half of the trail was plowed, and half of it was super snowy, so we walked up as far as we had the gumption to do, and then Kev and Kaden hopped over to the other side of the trail and slid down while I tried to keep control of Jesse in the stroller while running down the mountain on the other side!
Yesterday, we had church in the morning as usual. During our first song, our saxophone player royally messed up his solo, and Kev and I could not hold it together on stage. The congregation was laughing too, so that was good, but - oh my word - I had problems keeping it together for the whole song. And to top things off - he was supposed to play a little ditty at the end of the song to finish it out, and he bombed that part, too! We literally had tears rolling down our faces as we were leaving the stage, and it took us a good five minutes back in the pew to pull things together. Good times! I haven't laughed that hard in awhile!
Church was cancelled last night because we thought the snow was coming in early, so we just vegged home as a family and we all watched part of a movie together with a fun little dessert. It was a very nice weekend before a very crazy week ahead. So, I am thankful for those three days.
But NOW - I haven't been around my friends for awhile, so I am CAGEY today! I need to pull myself together and find some things to keep all of us occupied while the storm rages around us. I'm going to look for some snowy, wintery books. We're maybe going to make a snowman cake, and if I feel really energetic we might do something that involves paint and messiness. We shall see! :0)
Happy winter wonderland!
Winter Daaaaaaaze.......
This winter has seemed very long to me.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm coming off of three MILD Pennsylvania "winters" or what, but man, I am tired of the snow and the cold and all of the bundling that goes with this. The process of it all is beginning to get to me.
I think I'm just feeling cagey and mundane and same ole same ole. Not sure.
I'm also not a huge fan of change, and there is a lot of that coming our way these days. All good things - all "God" things - and all also very stretching things for this lover of all things comfortable and safe. I tend to get into "panic mode" before I settle into the new norm of what our life is going to look like. I'm learning. I feel like I've walked this road enough times to have it down by now, but it always takes me a bit to process things through. And God is gracious.
Whenever new chapters come our way, lots of family revamping and rescheduling take place, lots of reorganizing of priorities, and lots of quiet reminders from the Lord to me that I need to be drawing ever closer to Him, ever seeking His face, and ever striving to become more like Him.
We are making a life change career wise, I'm going to be going back to my Christian School to work very part time starting this week, and we may possibly have to find a new place to live come spring. All pretty big things for me. All things that force me to rely on the Lord for my sufficiency and strength - and not myself. I am not called to be comfortable. I am called to be obedient. Life's a journey - and we try to view it as an adventure - laying it all out there with no regrets. I honestly do feel this way most of the time. Sometimes, I just think I forget! :0)
I am being reminded afresh and anew these days to hold things loosely with an open hand. "My soul waits in silence for God ONLY; from Him is my salvation. He ONLY is my rock and my salvation." ~ Psalm 62:1,2
Be still and know that He is God.
Be still and know that He is holy.
Be still oh restless soul of mine.
Bow before the Prince of Peace,
Let the noise and clamor cease.
Be still and know that He is God.
Be still and know that He is faithful.
Consider all that He has done.
Stand in awe and be amazed.
And know that He will never change.
Be still.
Be still and know that He is God.
Come rest your head upon His breast.
Listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love.
Beating for His little ones.
Calling each of us to Come.
Be still.
Be speechless.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm coming off of three MILD Pennsylvania "winters" or what, but man, I am tired of the snow and the cold and all of the bundling that goes with this. The process of it all is beginning to get to me.
I think I'm just feeling cagey and mundane and same ole same ole. Not sure.
I'm also not a huge fan of change, and there is a lot of that coming our way these days. All good things - all "God" things - and all also very stretching things for this lover of all things comfortable and safe. I tend to get into "panic mode" before I settle into the new norm of what our life is going to look like. I'm learning. I feel like I've walked this road enough times to have it down by now, but it always takes me a bit to process things through. And God is gracious.
Whenever new chapters come our way, lots of family revamping and rescheduling take place, lots of reorganizing of priorities, and lots of quiet reminders from the Lord to me that I need to be drawing ever closer to Him, ever seeking His face, and ever striving to become more like Him.
We are making a life change career wise, I'm going to be going back to my Christian School to work very part time starting this week, and we may possibly have to find a new place to live come spring. All pretty big things for me. All things that force me to rely on the Lord for my sufficiency and strength - and not myself. I am not called to be comfortable. I am called to be obedient. Life's a journey - and we try to view it as an adventure - laying it all out there with no regrets. I honestly do feel this way most of the time. Sometimes, I just think I forget! :0)
I am being reminded afresh and anew these days to hold things loosely with an open hand. "My soul waits in silence for God ONLY; from Him is my salvation. He ONLY is my rock and my salvation." ~ Psalm 62:1,2
Be still and know that He is God.
Be still and know that He is holy.
Be still oh restless soul of mine.
Bow before the Prince of Peace,
Let the noise and clamor cease.
Be still and know that He is God.
Be still and know that He is faithful.
Consider all that He has done.
Stand in awe and be amazed.
And know that He will never change.
Be still.
Be still and know that He is God.
Come rest your head upon His breast.
Listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love.
Beating for His little ones.
Calling each of us to Come.
Be still.
Be speechless.
A "Life With My Boys" Kind of Weekend.....
It has been a very fun Valentine's Day weekend celebrating with my three loves.
Kevy took me out on a date Friday night, and believe it or not - gasp! Hold your breath - I actually wore a cute little black dress with some funky black boots to go with it. Not bad for a highly "anti-dress" kind of girl. I figure that Valentine's Day warranted a little more dressing up. We went out for a really yummy meal and then saw a funny movie afterwards. It was a very nice evening of just relaxing together and reconnecting after some serious crazyness lately.
Yesterday morning, my boys let me sleep in, and when I woke up they had a day of adventure planned. We bundled up warm, made some hot chocolate in a thermos, packed a picnic lunch, and hightailed it over to Campden. We stopped at the trails that climb to Mt. Battie, pulled the kids up in one sled, and a huge stash of supplies in another, and walked UP one of the trails until we were wiped.
THEN, - this next part was Kev's brain child - we pitched a tent!
And inside this blue little wonder, we had a delish little picnic lunch - completely protected from the outside elements!
When we were finished, we loaded everything up and slid back down the trails all the way to our car! It was a MUCH shorter trip back to the car than it was up that hill, let me tell you! It was a hoot....and it was SO MUCH FUN!
Yes. This is life with the man that I married.
Then, we headed to our most fave coffee shop where Jesse proceeded to fill - and I mean FILL - his diaper....to the point of exploding out of his onesie, his long johns, his p.j's, his jeans, AND his snowsuit. It was amazing, to say the least...and it permeated the room. Fantastic. (Sidenote: just last week, Kaden projectile vomited some french fries all over Kev and the entire bathroom! These boys and their inner workings have outdone themselves these past few days).
No pictures for those two creations of joy. Hope none of you are disappointed.
Anyway, it's been a very nice weekend. I have been made to feel very loved and appreciated by my three boys, and it has been very restful and relaxing.
Kevy took me out on a date Friday night, and believe it or not - gasp! Hold your breath - I actually wore a cute little black dress with some funky black boots to go with it. Not bad for a highly "anti-dress" kind of girl. I figure that Valentine's Day warranted a little more dressing up. We went out for a really yummy meal and then saw a funny movie afterwards. It was a very nice evening of just relaxing together and reconnecting after some serious crazyness lately.
Yesterday morning, my boys let me sleep in, and when I woke up they had a day of adventure planned. We bundled up warm, made some hot chocolate in a thermos, packed a picnic lunch, and hightailed it over to Campden. We stopped at the trails that climb to Mt. Battie, pulled the kids up in one sled, and a huge stash of supplies in another, and walked UP one of the trails until we were wiped.
THEN, - this next part was Kev's brain child - we pitched a tent!
And inside this blue little wonder, we had a delish little picnic lunch - completely protected from the outside elements!
When we were finished, we loaded everything up and slid back down the trails all the way to our car! It was a MUCH shorter trip back to the car than it was up that hill, let me tell you! It was a hoot....and it was SO MUCH FUN!
Yes. This is life with the man that I married.
Then, we headed to our most fave coffee shop where Jesse proceeded to fill - and I mean FILL - his diaper....to the point of exploding out of his onesie, his long johns, his p.j's, his jeans, AND his snowsuit. It was amazing, to say the least...and it permeated the room. Fantastic. (Sidenote: just last week, Kaden projectile vomited some french fries all over Kev and the entire bathroom! These boys and their inner workings have outdone themselves these past few days).
No pictures for those two creations of joy. Hope none of you are disappointed.
Anyway, it's been a very nice weekend. I have been made to feel very loved and appreciated by my three boys, and it has been very restful and relaxing.
Our Journey....
This will be news for some.....not so much for others. Bear with me!
This past Sunday, Kev stepped down from his position of Pastor of Family Ministries at our church. This is a decision that we have been praying about for some time as we have felt the Lord's strong leading in our lives to go in a different direction. We love our new church family, and they will remain as our home church. Kev will also stay on staff as the part-time worship leader. Our pastor and deacon board have been nothing but supportive and understanding, and they have our full respect.
We are going to begin raising full-time support to be missionaries with U.S. Center for World Missions whose mission is to "see God’s Kingdom come and His will done on earth among all the world’s peoples." The number one reason why missionaries leave the field and why ministry teams disband is because of interpersonal problems. The goal of our ministry will be to fulfill Jesus' last prayer before He went to the Cross.
In John 17, He prayed that "we might be one!" He always knew what the biggest obstacle would be for the Gospel going forth. We want to use Clarion Consulting as a tool to help teams of believers - whether they be missions teams, a husband and wife team, or a church leadership or ministry team - be healthy and be "one" so that the Gospel will be proclaimed more effectively.
Did we make a mistake in coming back home and in coming to this church to take this position? No way! It's all been part of the journey and part of our story. We needed this process. We were going to stay an extra year out in Pennsylvania to do this exact thing while I finished out my Master's Degree, but we "common sensed" ourselves out of it because we had a super fussy baby and student loans. The timing wasn't right back then. It is now. This is what we have always wanted to do, and we thought we would be able to do it in this role that Kev accepted at our church. We have never doubted our calling. What we have found, however, is that this role is not the best fit for what we feel the Lord calling us to do.
Life is a journey of faith - full of chapters and twists and turns - some expected and some not. When we accepted this position we didn't know the future and couldn't see that this particular chapter of our lives would only be about five months. But God knew. He is confirming to us daily that this is the next step we need to be taking. He hasn't promised that it would be easy, but He HAS promised very clearly that He will take care of us and supply all of our needs. And isn't that what life is supposed to be all about, anyway? A life walked by faith and not by sight?
And I will tell you this - I firmly believe that MY number one calling is to follow my husband and to be his wife and the best mother possible to my children. My calling is easy! But, what a joy it is to watch your man walk his journey of faith with abandonment and passion and know in your heart of hearts that he is truly living out what he has been called to be and do.
Will we struggle? I'm banking on it.
Will it be our biggest test of faith ever? Ummmm. Have you been paying attention to our economy lately? People are being let go from their jobs right and left. In human eyes - who would EVER voluntarily give up a good paying job in today's times? But our trust is not in man. We are far less worried about safety and security and way more invested in purpose and meaning. We're on a journey of faith and obedience, and we're just putting one foot in front of the other until He leads otherwise.
Walk with us.
This past Sunday, Kev stepped down from his position of Pastor of Family Ministries at our church. This is a decision that we have been praying about for some time as we have felt the Lord's strong leading in our lives to go in a different direction. We love our new church family, and they will remain as our home church. Kev will also stay on staff as the part-time worship leader. Our pastor and deacon board have been nothing but supportive and understanding, and they have our full respect.
We are going to begin raising full-time support to be missionaries with U.S. Center for World Missions whose mission is to "see God’s Kingdom come and His will done on earth among all the world’s peoples." The number one reason why missionaries leave the field and why ministry teams disband is because of interpersonal problems. The goal of our ministry will be to fulfill Jesus' last prayer before He went to the Cross.
In John 17, He prayed that "we might be one!" He always knew what the biggest obstacle would be for the Gospel going forth. We want to use Clarion Consulting as a tool to help teams of believers - whether they be missions teams, a husband and wife team, or a church leadership or ministry team - be healthy and be "one" so that the Gospel will be proclaimed more effectively.
Did we make a mistake in coming back home and in coming to this church to take this position? No way! It's all been part of the journey and part of our story. We needed this process. We were going to stay an extra year out in Pennsylvania to do this exact thing while I finished out my Master's Degree, but we "common sensed" ourselves out of it because we had a super fussy baby and student loans. The timing wasn't right back then. It is now. This is what we have always wanted to do, and we thought we would be able to do it in this role that Kev accepted at our church. We have never doubted our calling. What we have found, however, is that this role is not the best fit for what we feel the Lord calling us to do.
Life is a journey of faith - full of chapters and twists and turns - some expected and some not. When we accepted this position we didn't know the future and couldn't see that this particular chapter of our lives would only be about five months. But God knew. He is confirming to us daily that this is the next step we need to be taking. He hasn't promised that it would be easy, but He HAS promised very clearly that He will take care of us and supply all of our needs. And isn't that what life is supposed to be all about, anyway? A life walked by faith and not by sight?
And I will tell you this - I firmly believe that MY number one calling is to follow my husband and to be his wife and the best mother possible to my children. My calling is easy! But, what a joy it is to watch your man walk his journey of faith with abandonment and passion and know in your heart of hearts that he is truly living out what he has been called to be and do.
Will we struggle? I'm banking on it.
Will it be our biggest test of faith ever? Ummmm. Have you been paying attention to our economy lately? People are being let go from their jobs right and left. In human eyes - who would EVER voluntarily give up a good paying job in today's times? But our trust is not in man. We are far less worried about safety and security and way more invested in purpose and meaning. We're on a journey of faith and obedience, and we're just putting one foot in front of the other until He leads otherwise.
Walk with us.
Things Not to Say During Labor....
I just came across this list in my travels and found it to be quite amusing.
To his credit, my husband has never once said anything even close to these things during my labors.....he just got a wee bit turned around on our way to the hospital with Jesse...after my water broke....while I was telling him that I needed to push "NOW"....and he asked me if we were supposed to turn right or left. He quickly closed his dear little lips and simply found his own way to our midwife!
Okay, here we go!
-- Gosh, you're lucky. I sure wish men could experience the miracle of childbirth.
-- Do you think the baby will come before Monday Night Football starts?
-- I hope you're ready. The Glamour Shot photographer will be here in fifteen minutes.
-- If you think this hurts, I should tell you about the time I twisted my ankle playing basketball.
-- That was the kids on the phone. Did you have anything planned for dinner?
-- When you lay on your back, you look like a python that swallowed a wild boar.
-- You don't need an epidural. Just relax and enjoy the moment.
-- This whole experience kind of reminds me of an episode from I Love Lucy.
-- Oops! Which cord was I supposed to cut?
-- Stop your swearing and just breathe.
-- Remember what we learned in Lamaze class! HEE HEE HOO HOO.
--You're not using the right words.
-- Your stomach still looks like there's another one in there.
(Taken from Generation Cedar).
To his credit, my husband has never once said anything even close to these things during my labors.....he just got a wee bit turned around on our way to the hospital with Jesse...after my water broke....while I was telling him that I needed to push "NOW"....and he asked me if we were supposed to turn right or left. He quickly closed his dear little lips and simply found his own way to our midwife!
Okay, here we go!
-- Gosh, you're lucky. I sure wish men could experience the miracle of childbirth.
-- Do you think the baby will come before Monday Night Football starts?
-- I hope you're ready. The Glamour Shot photographer will be here in fifteen minutes.
-- If you think this hurts, I should tell you about the time I twisted my ankle playing basketball.
-- That was the kids on the phone. Did you have anything planned for dinner?
-- When you lay on your back, you look like a python that swallowed a wild boar.
-- You don't need an epidural. Just relax and enjoy the moment.
-- This whole experience kind of reminds me of an episode from I Love Lucy.
-- Oops! Which cord was I supposed to cut?
-- Stop your swearing and just breathe.
-- Remember what we learned in Lamaze class! HEE HEE HOO HOO.
--You're not using the right words.
-- Your stomach still looks like there's another one in there.
(Taken from Generation Cedar).
Happy Valentine's Day Cookies
Pictures are a wee bit yellowish....sorry about that.
Warning: These are not healthy AT ALL! But, they're yummy and fun to make with your kidlets for a special Valentine's Day treat. Equally fun to give away, as well! :0) I have doubled the recipe, because I figure if you're getting out all of the mess for a wee batch, why not make a big one and share the wealth?
Each to his own....
Cookie ingredients:
2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup shortening (the only thing I EVER use shortening for), 2 Tablespoons vanilla, 4 eggs, 5 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 2/3 cup multi-colored long candy sprinkles (or whatever you have. I only had pink and brown today).
Chill dough at least one hour before rolling and shaping. Cut into hearts or whatever your little soul desires and bake at 325 degrees until set, but not crispy. Cookies should not be brown on the bottom. Approx. 10ish minutes. Cool.
Filling:
1 1/2 cups butter softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons canned milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla OR almond extract, and 3-6 drops of red food coloring.
Spread one heaping teaspoon (or one large blob if you measure like I do) of filling between cookies and sandwich them together. Store filled cookies in fridge until partaking of or giving away!
Warning: These are not healthy AT ALL! But, they're yummy and fun to make with your kidlets for a special Valentine's Day treat. Equally fun to give away, as well! :0) I have doubled the recipe, because I figure if you're getting out all of the mess for a wee batch, why not make a big one and share the wealth?
Each to his own....
Cookie ingredients:
2 cups sugar, 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup shortening (the only thing I EVER use shortening for), 2 Tablespoons vanilla, 4 eggs, 5 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 2/3 cup multi-colored long candy sprinkles (or whatever you have. I only had pink and brown today).
Chill dough at least one hour before rolling and shaping. Cut into hearts or whatever your little soul desires and bake at 325 degrees until set, but not crispy. Cookies should not be brown on the bottom. Approx. 10ish minutes. Cool.
Filling:
1 1/2 cups butter softened, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons canned milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla OR almond extract, and 3-6 drops of red food coloring.
Spread one heaping teaspoon (or one large blob if you measure like I do) of filling between cookies and sandwich them together. Store filled cookies in fridge until partaking of or giving away!
One Year Ago......
A year ago this week, this Mommy had the scare of her life. Jesse was seven months old, and it was the very weekend that he started scooting. Kev had a Saturday class, and I drove him to school because I wanted the car to go to the market later. In my hurry to get him out the door, I was careless and left my curling iron on and sitting on the floor in our bathroom. When the boys and I got back home from dropping Kev off, I completely forgot about it and went about my business. Kaden went to use the bathroom, Jesse crawled in after him, and the rest is history.
Certainly the most traumatic thing we have ever been through as a family. Days upon days of screaming and cleaning and bandaging and rebandaging his sweet little hands. 45 minutes to an hour both morning and evening. Trying times.
Our family experienced God's grace and mercy in amazing ways during those weeks and months, though. We have a very unique insurance, so because of this only certain doctors and hospitals will take us on. If we didn't have this situation, we would have simply gone to one of the doctor's right in the area of our school. Instead, our pediatrician sent us to the number one Pediatric Hospital in the nation with one of the very best plastic surgeons in that hospital. And get this - not only was our Dr. Chang one of the BEST.......he had a specialty, and it was specifically HANDS!
Kev doesn't like re-living those days, and neither do I. But, it is important to remember how very good God was to us and how well He took care of us! We got the number one hospital with the number one doctor who was known for making toes into fully functioning fingers and operating on far more severe burns than our little guy experienced. He took such great care of our baby and what was even more amazing was the fact that back in those days Jesse was quite the screamer.....and he was completely mesmerized and calm whenever this doctor took care of him.....every single time! I wanted to take him home with us!
Being in that hospital was also helpful for me to gain proper perspective of our situation. Many parents were experiencing far more excruciating and traumatic situations than we were. In the grand scheme of things, it could have been far far worse. Nothing I EVER want to go through again.....but it was helpful to be reminded of how many things I had to be thankful for.
This is not a great picture, but it shows how his fingers healed before having surgery. They healed somewhat claw-like, and the doctors said that as his hands grew he would be in pain because of the lack of skin there and he would not have full functionality like he should.
So, on Jesse's first birthday, he got a little blue cast and had a skin graft taken from his hips. You can't even see the hip scar today, and the scarring from his burns is all on the bottom of his hand, so no one ever even notices unless he flips his hand over. I can't believe that I don't have a picture of his hand now, but needless to say, it is completely healed with full and total functionality. Praise the Lord! There is a tiny little scar along the side of his middle finger that may need to be looked at when he turns three or four, but if it feels tight or painful not only will he be able to tell us by that age, but it will be the tiniest, most minor of surgeries - and in and out thing which will not be a big deal at all.
And knowing my Jesse like I do......methinks this will be the first of many a hospital visit! But the last of one that is because of me, Lord willing.......
* * * * * * * * * *
"He heals the brokenhearted....and binds up their wounds." ~ Psalm 147:3
"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God...I rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, oh people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." ~ Psalm 62:5-8
"When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." ~ Psalm 63:6-8
Certainly the most traumatic thing we have ever been through as a family. Days upon days of screaming and cleaning and bandaging and rebandaging his sweet little hands. 45 minutes to an hour both morning and evening. Trying times.
Our family experienced God's grace and mercy in amazing ways during those weeks and months, though. We have a very unique insurance, so because of this only certain doctors and hospitals will take us on. If we didn't have this situation, we would have simply gone to one of the doctor's right in the area of our school. Instead, our pediatrician sent us to the number one Pediatric Hospital in the nation with one of the very best plastic surgeons in that hospital. And get this - not only was our Dr. Chang one of the BEST.......he had a specialty, and it was specifically HANDS!
Kev doesn't like re-living those days, and neither do I. But, it is important to remember how very good God was to us and how well He took care of us! We got the number one hospital with the number one doctor who was known for making toes into fully functioning fingers and operating on far more severe burns than our little guy experienced. He took such great care of our baby and what was even more amazing was the fact that back in those days Jesse was quite the screamer.....and he was completely mesmerized and calm whenever this doctor took care of him.....every single time! I wanted to take him home with us!
Being in that hospital was also helpful for me to gain proper perspective of our situation. Many parents were experiencing far more excruciating and traumatic situations than we were. In the grand scheme of things, it could have been far far worse. Nothing I EVER want to go through again.....but it was helpful to be reminded of how many things I had to be thankful for.
This is not a great picture, but it shows how his fingers healed before having surgery. They healed somewhat claw-like, and the doctors said that as his hands grew he would be in pain because of the lack of skin there and he would not have full functionality like he should.
So, on Jesse's first birthday, he got a little blue cast and had a skin graft taken from his hips. You can't even see the hip scar today, and the scarring from his burns is all on the bottom of his hand, so no one ever even notices unless he flips his hand over. I can't believe that I don't have a picture of his hand now, but needless to say, it is completely healed with full and total functionality. Praise the Lord! There is a tiny little scar along the side of his middle finger that may need to be looked at when he turns three or four, but if it feels tight or painful not only will he be able to tell us by that age, but it will be the tiniest, most minor of surgeries - and in and out thing which will not be a big deal at all.
And knowing my Jesse like I do......methinks this will be the first of many a hospital visit! But the last of one that is because of me, Lord willing.......
* * * * * * * * * *
"He heals the brokenhearted....and binds up their wounds." ~ Psalm 147:3
"My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God...I rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, oh people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." ~ Psalm 62:5-8
"When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." ~ Psalm 63:6-8
Okay. I love this lady. I want to be like her when I grow up! She's funny. She's witty. She puts on no pretense. She's authentic. She's vulnerable. She's encouraging. And she is super cool.
I like what she is NOT even better.
She is NOT holier than thou. She does NOT admit to having it all together. She is NOT afraid to share when she is struggling. And she does NOT fake her walk with the Lord.
I wish we could be friends. I wish I could go over to her house for coffee and just glean from her. I wish she could come to our Monday morning Mommy times and share with us all of the things that she has learned from walking this journey and being down the road a little farther than us. But alas, it is not meant to be. Instead, I'll just have to read her blog every day and pretend that we're fabulous friends and tell everyone else about her!
Anyway, one of her posts that she had written quite awhile ago has always stuck with me, and I was reminded of it again when I had the privilege of watching a dear friend's three month old baby today. This baby was a little doll today - nearly perfect. There were only three somewhat intense moments of her crying pretty hard and me learning how she needed to be soothed. But, Mister Man, those few minutes took me smack dab back into what my life was like nineteen months ago when My Little Screamer entered my world. The first six months of this little guy's life are months that I will be happy to not have to repeat. They were intense. Many tears all around!
That's the jist of this post and the reason why I love it so much. It's all about remembering.
Remembering the super intense moments that take place all throughout the various stages of childrearing. And then, not only remembering these moments but also empathizing with our friends as we see them walk down those same roads with their babies.
Empathizing is far different than sharing unsolicited advice. Empathizing is different than joking about how it can only get worse! Empathizing is different than patronizing. Empathizing is coming alongside our sisters and walking the road with them. It's loving and accepting no matter what. It's not judging. It's bearing their burdens with them. I am blessed to have friends who do that for me. And it's what Christ does with all of us on a daily basis!
Anyway, read this post. It rocks. This is how I want to be encouraged by other moms. And this is how I want to be an encouragement to them.
I like what she is NOT even better.
She is NOT holier than thou. She does NOT admit to having it all together. She is NOT afraid to share when she is struggling. And she does NOT fake her walk with the Lord.
I wish we could be friends. I wish I could go over to her house for coffee and just glean from her. I wish she could come to our Monday morning Mommy times and share with us all of the things that she has learned from walking this journey and being down the road a little farther than us. But alas, it is not meant to be. Instead, I'll just have to read her blog every day and pretend that we're fabulous friends and tell everyone else about her!
Anyway, one of her posts that she had written quite awhile ago has always stuck with me, and I was reminded of it again when I had the privilege of watching a dear friend's three month old baby today. This baby was a little doll today - nearly perfect. There were only three somewhat intense moments of her crying pretty hard and me learning how she needed to be soothed. But, Mister Man, those few minutes took me smack dab back into what my life was like nineteen months ago when My Little Screamer entered my world. The first six months of this little guy's life are months that I will be happy to not have to repeat. They were intense. Many tears all around!
That's the jist of this post and the reason why I love it so much. It's all about remembering.
Remembering the super intense moments that take place all throughout the various stages of childrearing. And then, not only remembering these moments but also empathizing with our friends as we see them walk down those same roads with their babies.
Empathizing is far different than sharing unsolicited advice. Empathizing is different than joking about how it can only get worse! Empathizing is different than patronizing. Empathizing is coming alongside our sisters and walking the road with them. It's loving and accepting no matter what. It's not judging. It's bearing their burdens with them. I am blessed to have friends who do that for me. And it's what Christ does with all of us on a daily basis!
Anyway, read this post. It rocks. This is how I want to be encouraged by other moms. And this is how I want to be an encouragement to them.
Pooch Pops
I came across this cute little cookie recipe the other day in Family Fun Magazine. This is seriously one of the coolest resources for finding fun kid recipes, crafts, and really fun and creative ideas.
Anyway, we tried it, and it was really easy and the kids loved it. Granted, most of the cookies didn't come out looking like puppies, and I ended up not using the popsicle sticks, but they were still pretty yummy. Behold! A masterpiece!
POOCH POPS
2/3 cup all-purpose flour (I would use 1/3 next time. It made them a little dry)
1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2 TBlsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
8 lollipop sticks
2 TBlsp. mini chocolate chips
1 tube vanilla decorating frosting (not really necessary - just shove the candy into the dough)
24 brown and/or red M&M's - (or whatever candy you have. Jesse kept eating all the M&M's, so we ended up using different chips)!
1. - Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Knead flour into cookie dough until smooth. Divide dough in half. Knead cocoa powder into one half until smooth.
2. - Roll out vanilla and chocolate cookie doughs until they're barely 1/4 inch thick. Cut out 8 hearts from each using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Place the vanilla hearts about 3 inches apart on cookie sheet. Insert a lollipop stick into each heart shape. Slice the chocolate hearts in half lengthwise. Place on either side of vanilla hearts as the ears. Press 6 mini chocolate chips, pointed side down, on each of the vanilla hearts for freckles. Use frosting to attach eyes and nose - or just shove them in.
3. - Bake until just golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire rack and cool completely. Tie a ribbon on the lollipop stick, if desired. Makes 8.
On Savoring......
I came across an awesome post by someone this morning.
I love reading about other moms and their children.....their struggles, their lessons learned, their love for their babies. I love reminders to savor, reminders that childhood is fleeting, reminders that these - the right here and right now moments - these are the glory days. These are the moments to savor and to drink in. These days are not for wishing away. Not for waiting for life to slow down and for the crazyness to be over.
These days are about CHOOSING to slow down. choosing to stop. to listen. to get down on my babies' level and to look them straight in their eyes and to truly see them. Clean floors don't matter. Piled high laundry will eventually get folded and put away. Dishes will get washed.......
And my chilren will grow and one day be gone....and then I'll have all the time in the world for that other stuff.
Jesus teach me. Remind me. Show me how fleeting this moment of motherhood is. Help me love as You do. To see my children through Your eyes.
To savor.
I love reading about other moms and their children.....their struggles, their lessons learned, their love for their babies. I love reminders to savor, reminders that childhood is fleeting, reminders that these - the right here and right now moments - these are the glory days. These are the moments to savor and to drink in. These days are not for wishing away. Not for waiting for life to slow down and for the crazyness to be over.
These days are about CHOOSING to slow down. choosing to stop. to listen. to get down on my babies' level and to look them straight in their eyes and to truly see them. Clean floors don't matter. Piled high laundry will eventually get folded and put away. Dishes will get washed.......
And my chilren will grow and one day be gone....and then I'll have all the time in the world for that other stuff.
Jesus teach me. Remind me. Show me how fleeting this moment of motherhood is. Help me love as You do. To see my children through Your eyes.
To savor.
I Want to be a Bezalel!
I had never heard of Mr. Bezalel before yesterday, but now he's my new fave and I love him! Might even want to name my next boy after him. (Big joke - Kev would never go for it).
I'm doing a Beth Moore Bible study - a first for me - entitled "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place," and I really really love it. She's taking us through the building of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, and yesterday's lesson was all about this guy named Bezalel.
Bezalel was nothing out of the ordinary - just like me - but he was chosen by God because he was available and because he was obedient. Back in Old Testament days, before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on only a handful of people - for a period of time - and these were mostly leaders, prophets, elders...basically "important" people. In all the list of those important few who were filled by the Spirit, Bezalel was the only one who was not a leader or a prophet. He was just a wage earner....a blue-collar guy. Nothing special. Yet, he was the only one in Old Testament history to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to construct the Tabernacle. Super cool. Just a regular dude.
The name Bezalel means "in the shadow of God." This guy was not on a power trip or craving recognition. He was perfectly happy to dwell in the shadow of the Almighty! God's name was enough for him, and he considered it a privilege just to work on God's team.
This is so awesome! And so unlike me, I'm afraid. I too often love and crave the accolades and the recognition. I like the spotlight way too much. But, I so badly want to just simply be happy and content serving and loving Jesus....content to live in His shadow.
Okay. Here's where the lesson hit home for me.
God empowered this man for an assignment that was WAY out of his league......hmmmmm.....somewhat like motherhood for me...., and He did this ON PURPOSE! He purposely assigned Bezalel a task beyond his capability so that God could fill him with His power.
Motherhood IS completely out of my league - raising my kids to love Jesus, helping them to become young men of character, etc. etc. Anything and everything of priority in the Kingdom is waaaaay out of my league! BUT THAT'S SO GOOD! I need to remember that God has me in a position way beyond my capability so that I will be at His absolute mercy, realizing that only He can succeed.....never me - especially in my own strength.
Sincerity and sweat will never suffice! Good intentions will always result in failure.
God wants to raise my boys to be godly men THROUGH me. He doesn't want ME to do it! He wants me to simply let Him do His job through me as a completely open and willing vessel. If I can stop to remember that I work for Him - and not the other way around - with my assignment will ALWAYS come the guarantee that I will be equipped for the job. It is ONLY through Christ that I will be an effective mother, wife, friend, woman!
He promises to equip me "for the work of service" to the building up of [my boys]. (Ephesians 4:12) He measures grace to me (Ephesians 4:7), and He promises that when I am in His Word and have His Word being lived through me that through Him, I will "be adequate, thoroughly equipped for every good work!" (II Timothy 3: 16,17)
That's a promise that I will cling to! Just call me Mrs. Bezalel......
I'm doing a Beth Moore Bible study - a first for me - entitled "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place," and I really really love it. She's taking us through the building of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, and yesterday's lesson was all about this guy named Bezalel.
Bezalel was nothing out of the ordinary - just like me - but he was chosen by God because he was available and because he was obedient. Back in Old Testament days, before Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on only a handful of people - for a period of time - and these were mostly leaders, prophets, elders...basically "important" people. In all the list of those important few who were filled by the Spirit, Bezalel was the only one who was not a leader or a prophet. He was just a wage earner....a blue-collar guy. Nothing special. Yet, he was the only one in Old Testament history to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to construct the Tabernacle. Super cool. Just a regular dude.
The name Bezalel means "in the shadow of God." This guy was not on a power trip or craving recognition. He was perfectly happy to dwell in the shadow of the Almighty! God's name was enough for him, and he considered it a privilege just to work on God's team.
This is so awesome! And so unlike me, I'm afraid. I too often love and crave the accolades and the recognition. I like the spotlight way too much. But, I so badly want to just simply be happy and content serving and loving Jesus....content to live in His shadow.
Okay. Here's where the lesson hit home for me.
God empowered this man for an assignment that was WAY out of his league......hmmmmm.....somewhat like motherhood for me...., and He did this ON PURPOSE! He purposely assigned Bezalel a task beyond his capability so that God could fill him with His power.
Motherhood IS completely out of my league - raising my kids to love Jesus, helping them to become young men of character, etc. etc. Anything and everything of priority in the Kingdom is waaaaay out of my league! BUT THAT'S SO GOOD! I need to remember that God has me in a position way beyond my capability so that I will be at His absolute mercy, realizing that only He can succeed.....never me - especially in my own strength.
Sincerity and sweat will never suffice! Good intentions will always result in failure.
God wants to raise my boys to be godly men THROUGH me. He doesn't want ME to do it! He wants me to simply let Him do His job through me as a completely open and willing vessel. If I can stop to remember that I work for Him - and not the other way around - with my assignment will ALWAYS come the guarantee that I will be equipped for the job. It is ONLY through Christ that I will be an effective mother, wife, friend, woman!
He promises to equip me "for the work of service" to the building up of [my boys]. (Ephesians 4:12) He measures grace to me (Ephesians 4:7), and He promises that when I am in His Word and have His Word being lived through me that through Him, I will "be adequate, thoroughly equipped for every good work!" (II Timothy 3: 16,17)
That's a promise that I will cling to! Just call me Mrs. Bezalel......
Out of the Blue!
All of a sudden....
in the past couple of days, Kaden has discovered that he can write a whole whack of letters AND draw REAL pictures! This may not sound overly amazing to you, but it is the absolute coolest thing in my book to watch him literally go from one day drawing scrawly lines and squiggles to the next day writing letters and drawing real pictures!!!
He was just scrawling out a "picture" like he always does, and he looked down and said: "Hey! That's looks like an 'A'!" and it was like a lightbulb turned on inside his little head and something just clicked. He suddenly realized that he could write letters ALL BY HIMSELF! And now he's exploding with letters and asking me how to spell words right and left!
And then -
he was coloring with Grammy last evening, and he watched her create her own "real" picture, and it was like watching another lightbulb go on. And now - he's drawing pictures of trees and houses and suns and alien looking people....but they're real, honest to goodness PICTURES!
LOOK!!!
Amazing.
in the past couple of days, Kaden has discovered that he can write a whole whack of letters AND draw REAL pictures! This may not sound overly amazing to you, but it is the absolute coolest thing in my book to watch him literally go from one day drawing scrawly lines and squiggles to the next day writing letters and drawing real pictures!!!
He was just scrawling out a "picture" like he always does, and he looked down and said: "Hey! That's looks like an 'A'!" and it was like a lightbulb turned on inside his little head and something just clicked. He suddenly realized that he could write letters ALL BY HIMSELF! And now he's exploding with letters and asking me how to spell words right and left!
And then -
he was coloring with Grammy last evening, and he watched her create her own "real" picture, and it was like watching another lightbulb go on. And now - he's drawing pictures of trees and houses and suns and alien looking people....but they're real, honest to goodness PICTURES!
LOOK!!!
Amazing.
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