My husband has a few things to say about being married to me for four years. I invited him to say it to me here.
I had a couple things to say to him too, you can hop over to his space to read them.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Four years of marriage.
Four years.
Four years was the average state prison sentence handed out in the US in 2007. That's the length of time I spent in high school. It's the amount of time I spent in college.
It is also the amount of time we've been married, as of today.
I'm not comparing our marriage to spending time in prison. I guess I can't speak for you, but these past four years have been the best years of my life. I don't know how many inmates can truly say that.
I realize four years doesn't break any record for the longest marriage, and it doesn't make me an expert by any means, but I think I've learned a few things.
The first time I heard the instructions on marriage in Ephesians 5, I thought it meant that wives have to do everything their husbands tell them. Marriage would be a piece of cake if I took that literally. But how boring would that be? Who wants to spend their life with someone who just takes instructions?
Not me.
I kept reading in Ephesians, and I found instructions for the husband as well.
The secret to a happy marriage? Love you, my wife, as Christ loves the church.
What does that look like? Like putting my needs, wants, and desires second. Like doing things for you that may not be on the top of my own list. Like sacrificing.
I make a sacrifice when I choose the option I don't desire the most.
That is a huge task. I can't possibly do it all the time. It's not possible for me to pour out the amount of love Christ has poured out on us.
But I can try.
I fail at this. I can't be perfect, but perfection is not something I am shooting for - or will ever attain.
So what am I to do? I can do the things I ought to do, and not do the things I ought not do.
I can come home and help with the girls and with chores.
I can do things so you can relax.
I don't have to go to every social function I'm invited to.
I don't have to have the TV on all the time.
I love you, Julia. Here's to many more years of a wonderful partnership. I look forward to your continuing to challenge me to be a better man, husband, father, and follower of Christ.
Brad
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Famous
I think our little Hadley might just be famous someday.
For awhile she was sporting hair like Justin Beiber.
She loves to dance on the register, letting the air blow her hair and clothes just like Marilyn Monroe.
Now, her hair, resembles Farrah Fawcett's coiffure. Check it out:
For awhile she was sporting hair like Justin Beiber.
She loves to dance on the register, letting the air blow her hair and clothes just like Marilyn Monroe.
Now, her hair, resembles Farrah Fawcett's coiffure. Check it out:
Monday, September 26, 2011
Pears and Tomatoes!
949. Girls learning to pat each other (and Mama and Papa) on the back.
950. Brynne running towards me exuberantly saying, Mama, Mama, Mama! Then, handing me a rock or a leaf or a stick. It never gets old!
951. Playing with Silas and Sara on a beautiful fall day.
952. Precious fellowship time with Malia.
953.Running five miles with Laila.
954. Brynne holding hands with Brooke.
955. Brooke helping me take the girls to playground.
956. Girls picking tomatoes.
950. Brynne running towards me exuberantly saying, Mama, Mama, Mama! Then, handing me a rock or a leaf or a stick. It never gets old!
951. Playing with Silas and Sara on a beautiful fall day.
952. Precious fellowship time with Malia.
953.Running five miles with Laila.
954. Brynne holding hands with Brooke.
955. Brooke helping me take the girls to playground.
956. Girls picking tomatoes.
957. Picking pears in our backyard.
958. Two girls tasting the pears they just picked.
959. A new decoration the neighbors set out for the girls to "visit" each night on our walk around the garden.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Mama Loves: Table Toppers
Welcome to another week of Mama Loves! So glad that you've stopped by!
Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.
_________________________________________________________________________________
A few months back, friends of mine on facebook, posted a picture of their baby girl--she was sitting in a high chair at a restaurant with her chin resting on the table, barely able to keep her eyes open.
The caption was something like: So sleepy.
The normal reaction to this picture would have been, "Awe, how cute!"
Since I am nowhere near normal, especially with the ferocity with which I wage war against germs, my reaction involved an audible gasp, and then I said some prayers that she would not contract some sort of rare disease that I was sure must be lurking on that table.
This is not (!!!) meant to be a shot at these parents!
I said it before, and I'll say it again: We all have to do what we believe works for us to keep our children safe and healthy.
I admit, I'm an extremist. I missed out on any cuteness factor when I saw that picture, because I "saw" those invisible germs attacking this little girl. That's my problem.
Anyway, I'm very happy to report that she is alive and well--completely unscathed from the incident.
Because, I'm an extremist, we always bring our own high chairs when we go out to eat with the girls. This way they have their own tray--no worries about rare diseases lurking on restaurant tables.
Yeah, then we went on vacation, and had to leave our precious high chairs behind.
It's a really good thing that there is a market for extremists such as myself.
Friends of ours introduced us to the table topper. These are like a place mat. They provide a sanitary, BPA-free eating/touching surface for you child(ren), and the best part is that on the back they have adhesive, so they stay put.
Here it is in action. I don't know who this kid is---we didn't take any pictures of our girls using them, but you get the idea.
Our local Target only had either Disney's Cars or Princesses styles to choose from. Since I have an aversion to most things "princess", as well as germs, we went with Cars. There are some pretty cute styles available. And, though our girls are too young to appreciate it, the mat has little games for kids to play on it while you wait for your food.
So, if you're an extremist like me, or even if you're not, you might want to check these out. They hardly take up any space in your diaper bag, and who knows?! They might just save your kid from contracting a rare disease.
Can't wait to see what you're loving this week!
Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.
Maybe you've found:
- a toy or book that captivates your child(ren)
- gear you just can't live without
- a recipe your choosy toddler gobbles down
- a parenting book that you've found perspective changing
- an activity that wears your kid(s) out (these lead to good naps, which we all love)
- an outfit that flatters your post-baby body and makes you feel fabulous
- or anything else you're loving--creativity welcome!
To link your post up, click on the linky tool at the bottom, and follow the directions, it's really easy. You can also add this beautiful button to your post. Just grab the code in the box, copy and paste it into your post. Easy.
A few months back, friends of mine on facebook, posted a picture of their baby girl--she was sitting in a high chair at a restaurant with her chin resting on the table, barely able to keep her eyes open.
The caption was something like: So sleepy.
The normal reaction to this picture would have been, "Awe, how cute!"
Since I am nowhere near normal, especially with the ferocity with which I wage war against germs, my reaction involved an audible gasp, and then I said some prayers that she would not contract some sort of rare disease that I was sure must be lurking on that table.
This is not (!!!) meant to be a shot at these parents!
I said it before, and I'll say it again: We all have to do what we believe works for us to keep our children safe and healthy.
I admit, I'm an extremist. I missed out on any cuteness factor when I saw that picture, because I "saw" those invisible germs attacking this little girl. That's my problem.
Anyway, I'm very happy to report that she is alive and well--completely unscathed from the incident.
Because, I'm an extremist, we always bring our own high chairs when we go out to eat with the girls. This way they have their own tray--no worries about rare diseases lurking on restaurant tables.
Yeah, then we went on vacation, and had to leave our precious high chairs behind.
It's a really good thing that there is a market for extremists such as myself.
Friends of ours introduced us to the table topper. These are like a place mat. They provide a sanitary, BPA-free eating/touching surface for you child(ren), and the best part is that on the back they have adhesive, so they stay put.
Here it is in action. I don't know who this kid is---we didn't take any pictures of our girls using them, but you get the idea.
Our local Target only had either Disney's Cars or Princesses styles to choose from. Since I have an aversion to most things "princess", as well as germs, we went with Cars. There are some pretty cute styles available. And, though our girls are too young to appreciate it, the mat has little games for kids to play on it while you wait for your food.
So, if you're an extremist like me, or even if you're not, you might want to check these out. They hardly take up any space in your diaper bag, and who knows?! They might just save your kid from contracting a rare disease.
Can't wait to see what you're loving this week!
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Thursday, September 22, 2011
Books I Can't Wait to Read to the Girls
The girls and I read books together all day long. They love books, and will sign again for me to read books over and over again.
I never grow tired of this.
Just as with my garden, I want to cultivate the girls' love for books--for stories.
Recently Brad and I have been reading from The Big Picture Story Bible and The Jesus Storybook Bible while the girls drink their milk before bed. (Both great books!)
Doing this with them has brought back a flood of memories for me. When I was a little girl, I'd curl up on my papa's lap and listen to him read The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wind in the Willows, Anne of Green Gables, to name a few.
I loved that he did that.
In fact, when I was hospitalized in the ICU--on a ventilator and unconscious, he sat and read to me every.single.day. I was 27 years old.
Once I woke up, and they took that terrible thing out of my throat, he still came and read to me. That was precious to me--I felt loved and cherished. Even in the stark hospital environment, his reading conjured up feelings of warmth.
________________________________________________________________________________
A few weeks back Jennifer at Twinside Out made a list of books she wants to read to her children one day. Her list made me excited!
I began making this mental list of all the books I want to read the girls one day--I want to pass on that precious legacy of reading aloud to my children that my papa gave me.
Here's my list so far:
The Hobbit
Anne of Green Gables
Wind in the Willows
Little House on the Prairie Series
The Chronicles of Narnia
The BFG
A Wrinkle in Time Series
Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress
I'm sure I'm missing some important ones.
What's on your list?
I never grow tired of this.
Just as with my garden, I want to cultivate the girls' love for books--for stories.
Recently Brad and I have been reading from The Big Picture Story Bible and The Jesus Storybook Bible while the girls drink their milk before bed. (Both great books!)
Doing this with them has brought back a flood of memories for me. When I was a little girl, I'd curl up on my papa's lap and listen to him read The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Wind in the Willows, Anne of Green Gables, to name a few.
I loved that he did that.
In fact, when I was hospitalized in the ICU--on a ventilator and unconscious, he sat and read to me every.single.day. I was 27 years old.
Once I woke up, and they took that terrible thing out of my throat, he still came and read to me. That was precious to me--I felt loved and cherished. Even in the stark hospital environment, his reading conjured up feelings of warmth.
________________________________________________________________________________
A few weeks back Jennifer at Twinside Out made a list of books she wants to read to her children one day. Her list made me excited!
I began making this mental list of all the books I want to read the girls one day--I want to pass on that precious legacy of reading aloud to my children that my papa gave me.
Here's my list so far:
The Hobbit
Anne of Green Gables
Wind in the Willows
Little House on the Prairie Series
The Chronicles of Narnia
The BFG
A Wrinkle in Time Series
Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress
I'm sure I'm missing some important ones.
What's on your list?
Monday, September 19, 2011
Automotive Recalls are Awesome!
Yesterday I shared my gratitude about my husband arriving home safely from work.
There is much more to this story.
We called our repairman to see what the total damage to the car was. In other words---how much is this going to cost?
The man told Brad that the brake line was cut, because part of the structure of the car had rusted completely through and collapsed.
He told us that Brad was fortunate that the brake line did get cut, because the collapse made the car completely unsafe to drive, and something much worse could have happened, had it gone unnoticed. He also added that he'd never seen anything like this before.
This was not at all what we expected to hear. Buying a new car was not on our radar. My stomach knotted.
But God.
Brad remembered a slip of paper from Nissan that he'd tucked away, just in case. A recall notice of some sort. Could this collapsed, rusted piece of metal be the recall?
It was!
Nissan is handling the repair, giving us a loaner car, and incurring ALL the expenses!
Hallelujah!
931. Brad's safety on the road.
932. Brake line getting cut.
933. Recall notice.
934. Not needing to buy a new car.
935. Playdate with Sara and Affton.
936. Finally meeting Miss Aubrey.
937. Trip to the zoo with the girls by myself.
938. Getting to know two mama from church a little bit.
939. The girls' colds being very short-lived.
940. Salted-carmel mocha. Seriously, so delicious!
941. Girls wrestling with their papa.
There is much more to this story.
We called our repairman to see what the total damage to the car was. In other words---how much is this going to cost?
The man told Brad that the brake line was cut, because part of the structure of the car had rusted completely through and collapsed.
He told us that Brad was fortunate that the brake line did get cut, because the collapse made the car completely unsafe to drive, and something much worse could have happened, had it gone unnoticed. He also added that he'd never seen anything like this before.
This was not at all what we expected to hear. Buying a new car was not on our radar. My stomach knotted.
But God.
Brad remembered a slip of paper from Nissan that he'd tucked away, just in case. A recall notice of some sort. Could this collapsed, rusted piece of metal be the recall?
It was!
Nissan is handling the repair, giving us a loaner car, and incurring ALL the expenses!
Hallelujah!
931. Brad's safety on the road.
932. Brake line getting cut.
933. Recall notice.
934. Not needing to buy a new car.
935. Playdate with Sara and Affton.
936. Finally meeting Miss Aubrey.
937. Trip to the zoo with the girls by myself.
938. Getting to know two mama from church a little bit.
939. The girls' colds being very short-lived.
940. Salted-carmel mocha. Seriously, so delicious!
941. Girls wrestling with their papa.
942. Hadley getting over her fear of riding Howard.
943. A friend I can call to pray for me, about the same stupid thing I've asked her to pray about 57 times.
944. She prays for me every.single.time.
945. The realization of a lack of anxiety in a situation that normally makes my stomach ache with stress.
946. Chatting, briefly, with Amanda.
947. For doctors, like Amanda, that do hard things. Every.single.day.
948. Chatting with my dad.
Mama Loves: The Germinator
Welcome to another week of Mama Loves! So glad that you've stopped by!
I apologize for the tardiness of this post. Mama Loves her babies, who were struggling with yucky colds, so I was needed to read stories, pat backs and wipe noses. Thank you for your grace.
To link your post up, click on the linky tool at the bottom, and follow the directions, it's really easy. You can also add this beautiful button to your post. Just grab the code in the box, copy and paste it into your post. Easy.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I am the first to admit I have aunhealthy obsession deterination keep the bad germs out of our lives.
This sign that Kristi at Barn Owl Primitives just put in her shop pretty much makes my heart sing.
So, since germs are indeed everywhere--we've found a fantastic way to combat them away from home. Enter, The Germinator Hand Sanitizing Wipes by BabyGanics.
We have these in our car, in the stroller and in the diaper bag.
We took a whole mess of these with us on vacation. They came in super-handy, not just for little hands, but also for wiping off the tray tables, seat belts, arm rests, and any other wipable surface in the airplane. And, of course to wipe down the germy high chairs at restaurants.
BabyGanics is a great company--we use lots of their stuff around here. All their stuff is completely safe and plant-based--no harsh fumes or dangerous chemicals. All around good stuff!
Can't wait to see what you're loving this week!
I apologize for the tardiness of this post. Mama Loves her babies, who were struggling with yucky colds, so I was needed to read stories, pat backs and wipe noses. Thank you for your grace.
Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.
Maybe you've found:
- a toy or book that captivates your child(ren)
- gear you just can't live without
- a recipe your choosy toddler gobbles down
- a parenting book that you've found perspective changing
- an activity that wears your kid(s) out (these lead to good naps, which we all love)
- an outfit that flatters your post-baby body and makes you feel fabulous
- or anything else you're loving--creativity welcome!
_________________________________________________________________________________
I am the first to admit I have a
- I bring my own pen to sign credit card receipts
- Shoes are not allowed in our house past the rug by the front door
- I frequently wipe my girls' toys and books off with disinfecting wipes
- We wash our hands a lot
This sign that Kristi at Barn Owl Primitives just put in her shop pretty much makes my heart sing.
So, since germs are indeed everywhere--we've found a fantastic way to combat them away from home. Enter, The Germinator Hand Sanitizing Wipes by BabyGanics.
We have these in our car, in the stroller and in the diaper bag.
We took a whole mess of these with us on vacation. They came in super-handy, not just for little hands, but also for wiping off the tray tables, seat belts, arm rests, and any other wipable surface in the airplane. And, of course to wipe down the germy high chairs at restaurants.
BabyGanics is a great company--we use lots of their stuff around here. All their stuff is completely safe and plant-based--no harsh fumes or dangerous chemicals. All around good stuff!
Can't wait to see what you're loving this week!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Just as Much
As my husband pulled into our driveway Friday evening, the last bit of brake fluid trickled from the torn brake line onto our driveway, as he coasted to a halt.
Even as I typed that, all kinds of horrors went through my mind--of what could have been, had the fluid given out on a busy road, or worse yet, on the interstate.
I realized, as we paused to thank Jesus for his grace in the timing of the brakes going out (I never thought I'd be thankful for car trouble), it was the first time in a long time we'd thanked him (together) for Brad's safe arrival home.
There are many thanks whispered when he is delivered home safely in bad weather, or when he narrowly escapes an accident, or even when he is unharmed in a minor fender-bender.
But what about the days when it's dry and sunny and he arrives home from work without incident?
Just as much grace and mercy is poured into those days. It's so easy to forget to see Jesus in that.
We've been reading to our girls from The Jesus Storybook Bible each night as they drink their milk before bed.
The past several nights we've been reading about the Israelites. They wandered the desert for years, waiting for God to give them the land he'd promised them. Each day, for 40 years God provided manna for them to eat--bread, that literally, just appeared in the desert for them to gather and to eat.
Most of you probably know the story. Those Israelites took that manna for granted, and grumbled and complained about everything they didn't have. They forgot the miracle of it.
Every time I read about those Israelites, I pridefully think, Surely, if I'd been in the desert, I would have remained in awe of the miraculousness of the manna--and I'd totally be grateful.
My husband arriving home safely each night might not rank as high on the "miracle scale" as manna appearing out of thin air, but it is indeed a miracle. Each and every time.
I am those Israelites in this story. I take the gift of his daily safety for granted, and forget to give thanks for it. I might, on occasion, even complain about it, if traffic delays him a bit.
Turns out, Brad's not the only one receiving daily grace and mercy.
Everything's a miracle.
All is grace.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I love this little story below:
Clarence Macartney told the story about Dr. John Witherspoon . . . a signer of the Declaration of Independence and president of the (then) College of New Jersey. He lived a couple of miles away from the college at Rocky Hill and drove horse and rig each day to his office at the college.
One day one of his neighbors burst into his office, exclaiming, "Dr. Witherspoon, you must join me in giving thanks to God for his extraordinary providence in saving my life, for as I was driving from Rocky Hill the horse ran away and the buggy was smashed to pieces on the rocks, but I escaped unharmed!"
Witherspoon replied, "Why, I can tell you a far more remarkable providence than that. I have driven over that road hundreds of times. My horse never ran away, my buggy never was smashed, I was never hurt."
So we must beware of thinking that God is only in the earthquake, wind, and fire; of thinking that manna but not grain is God’s food. Most of God’s gifts to his people are not dazzling and gaudy but wrapped in simple brown paper. Quiet provisions of safety on the highway, health of children, picking up a paycheck, supper with the family—all in an ordinary day’s work for our God.
Source.
Even as I typed that, all kinds of horrors went through my mind--of what could have been, had the fluid given out on a busy road, or worse yet, on the interstate.
I realized, as we paused to thank Jesus for his grace in the timing of the brakes going out (I never thought I'd be thankful for car trouble), it was the first time in a long time we'd thanked him (together) for Brad's safe arrival home.
There are many thanks whispered when he is delivered home safely in bad weather, or when he narrowly escapes an accident, or even when he is unharmed in a minor fender-bender.
But what about the days when it's dry and sunny and he arrives home from work without incident?
Just as much grace and mercy is poured into those days. It's so easy to forget to see Jesus in that.
We've been reading to our girls from The Jesus Storybook Bible each night as they drink their milk before bed.
The past several nights we've been reading about the Israelites. They wandered the desert for years, waiting for God to give them the land he'd promised them. Each day, for 40 years God provided manna for them to eat--bread, that literally, just appeared in the desert for them to gather and to eat.
Most of you probably know the story. Those Israelites took that manna for granted, and grumbled and complained about everything they didn't have. They forgot the miracle of it.
Every time I read about those Israelites, I pridefully think, Surely, if I'd been in the desert, I would have remained in awe of the miraculousness of the manna--and I'd totally be grateful.
My husband arriving home safely each night might not rank as high on the "miracle scale" as manna appearing out of thin air, but it is indeed a miracle. Each and every time.
I am those Israelites in this story. I take the gift of his daily safety for granted, and forget to give thanks for it. I might, on occasion, even complain about it, if traffic delays him a bit.
Turns out, Brad's not the only one receiving daily grace and mercy.
Everything's a miracle.
All is grace.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I love this little story below:
Clarence Macartney told the story about Dr. John Witherspoon . . . a signer of the Declaration of Independence and president of the (then) College of New Jersey. He lived a couple of miles away from the college at Rocky Hill and drove horse and rig each day to his office at the college.
One day one of his neighbors burst into his office, exclaiming, "Dr. Witherspoon, you must join me in giving thanks to God for his extraordinary providence in saving my life, for as I was driving from Rocky Hill the horse ran away and the buggy was smashed to pieces on the rocks, but I escaped unharmed!"
Witherspoon replied, "Why, I can tell you a far more remarkable providence than that. I have driven over that road hundreds of times. My horse never ran away, my buggy never was smashed, I was never hurt."
So we must beware of thinking that God is only in the earthquake, wind, and fire; of thinking that manna but not grain is God’s food. Most of God’s gifts to his people are not dazzling and gaudy but wrapped in simple brown paper. Quiet provisions of safety on the highway, health of children, picking up a paycheck, supper with the family—all in an ordinary day’s work for our God.
Source.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Vacation
There is so much, I'm not even sure where to begin!
I greeted this past week with equal parts of excitement and dread.
Months ago, my husband came home from work and announced that we were going on our first ever family vacation. Oh yeah, and the entire things was going to be kept a secret.
I love traveling. I mean really love it.
I've also really come to love the structure and routine we've established with our girls.
Could my love of travel and my love of schedule co-exist?
Turns out, they can (if my attention-to-detail husband is planning it!).
I can't even begin to tell you how hard I prayed over our trip.
I prayed as I folded tiny outfits into our big suitcase.
I prayed as I packed snacks for the flight.
I prayed as I thoughtfully selected books to capture their attention during all the sitting and waiting.
I prayed.
I saw God working through the entire week in a huge way. I felt like I was whispering thank you constantly. I'm sure if I'd recorded each and every one, I'd be well over 1,000.
As it is, I've just hit a few of the many here.
________________________________________________________________________________
Counting my thanks (a few days late):
899. A tear-less flight to Charlotte.
900. The graciousness of all the passengers around us.
901. Praises from one passenger on the girls' behavior on the flight.
902. Juice boxes from Ellen.
903. Adaptable girls.
904. Brad planning the entire trip around our girls schedule.
905. Asking Brad if were in North Carolina or South Carolina.
906. Dick, from Craig's List, with the box fan, was really Derek and Melissa!
907. Brad planning the most thoughtful surprise vacation, so that I could meet a dear friend in person.
908. The gift of getting to meet and spend time with my dear friend, Melissa.
909. Our daughters getting to play together.
910. The hilarity and futility of trying to get a picture with all four of our girls.
I greeted this past week with equal parts of excitement and dread.
Months ago, my husband came home from work and announced that we were going on our first ever family vacation. Oh yeah, and the entire things was going to be kept a secret.
I love traveling. I mean really love it.
I've also really come to love the structure and routine we've established with our girls.
Could my love of travel and my love of schedule co-exist?
Turns out, they can (if my attention-to-detail husband is planning it!).
I can't even begin to tell you how hard I prayed over our trip.
I prayed as I folded tiny outfits into our big suitcase.
I prayed as I packed snacks for the flight.
I prayed as I thoughtfully selected books to capture their attention during all the sitting and waiting.
I prayed.
I saw God working through the entire week in a huge way. I felt like I was whispering thank you constantly. I'm sure if I'd recorded each and every one, I'd be well over 1,000.
As it is, I've just hit a few of the many here.
________________________________________________________________________________
Counting my thanks (a few days late):
899. A tear-less flight to Charlotte.
900. The graciousness of all the passengers around us.
901. Praises from one passenger on the girls' behavior on the flight.
902. Juice boxes from Ellen.
903. Adaptable girls.
904. Brad planning the entire trip around our girls schedule.
905. Asking Brad if were in North Carolina or South Carolina.
906. Dick, from Craig's List, with the box fan, was really Derek and Melissa!
907. Brad planning the most thoughtful surprise vacation, so that I could meet a dear friend in person.
908. The gift of getting to meet and spend time with my dear friend, Melissa.
909. Our daughters getting to play together.
910. The hilarity and futility of trying to get a picture with all four of our girls.
911. Aeralind and Bronwyn sharing their shades with Brynne and Hadley.
912. Girls learning to bounce on the bed.
913. Good night of sleep.
914. Children's Museum fun!
915. Melissa feeling better so quickly, and preparing a meal for us.
916. Eating Derek's world famous double chocolate chip cookies.
917. Proof.
918. Petting goats at the zoo.
919. Running around in a green field before dinner.
920. The privilege and gift of being the subject of breathtakingly beautiful photographs by crazy-talented Melissa!
921. Going barefoot.
922. Baby girls swapping shoes.
923. Four girls on a swing.
925. A good flight home.
926. More compliments on the girls' good behavior on the flight.
927. Arriving home just in time for nap.
928. Smooth transition home.
929. Girls making banana bread with their papa.
930. Anna.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
We Belong to Each Other
My heart is so full of thanks this week. Words swell in my throat, threatening to spill down my cheeks. Hot tears.
I've begun writing this post about 27 times.
This past week we went on our first family vacation.
It was wonderful. My husband planned the entire thing beautifully.
And I will tell you all about it.
In another post.
Flying to the east coast, we experienced our first-ever tropical storm.
Flight delays.
Bad weather.
Stress.
Inconvenience.
Hard things.
And, then, lots of amazing, wonderful things.
I come away from all of that--thankful. Completely and utterly thankful.
I've said this before--blogging gifts me with community.
One of the communities I belong to is Momastery.
It's full of beautiful people, and diversity. Still, there's a universality of the human experience that unites us--binds us together.
There are three standards we Monkees live by:
Belonging to others is beautiful and horrible and authentic and real. It cracks your heart open just a little bit more--ushering in equal parts brokenness and joy.
One of the Momastery crew--a Monkee, lost her son in the same tropical storm that delayed our flight.
The 13 inches of rain they'd gotten swelled the creek that ran past their home, and in an instant, Anna's 12 year old son was swept away as he played in his own backyard. Heartbreaking.
In the middle of the night I felt myself compelled to cry out to God for this woman I've never even met.
I belong to this Anna I've never met, and she to I.
If you have moment, and are so inclinded, pray for this Anna.
The agony of her loss just haunts me--I can't imagine.
Too, Anna's loss brings me to my knees in thankfulness, as they are so often intertwined.
I've begun writing this post about 27 times.
This past week we went on our first family vacation.
It was wonderful. My husband planned the entire thing beautifully.
And I will tell you all about it.
In another post.
Flying to the east coast, we experienced our first-ever tropical storm.
Flight delays.
Bad weather.
Stress.
Inconvenience.
Hard things.
And, then, lots of amazing, wonderful things.
I come away from all of that--thankful. Completely and utterly thankful.
I've said this before--blogging gifts me with community.
One of the communities I belong to is Momastery.
It's full of beautiful people, and diversity. Still, there's a universality of the human experience that unites us--binds us together.
There are three standards we Monkees live by:
- We can do hard things
- Love wins.
Love is a harsh and dreadful thing to ask of us, but it is the only answer. ~Dorothy Day
But the greatest of these is love. ~I Corinthians 13:13b
- We belong to each other.
Belonging to others is beautiful and horrible and authentic and real. It cracks your heart open just a little bit more--ushering in equal parts brokenness and joy.
One of the Momastery crew--a Monkee, lost her son in the same tropical storm that delayed our flight.
The 13 inches of rain they'd gotten swelled the creek that ran past their home, and in an instant, Anna's 12 year old son was swept away as he played in his own backyard. Heartbreaking.
In the middle of the night I felt myself compelled to cry out to God for this woman I've never even met.
I belong to this Anna I've never met, and she to I.
If you have moment, and are so inclinded, pray for this Anna.
The agony of her loss just haunts me--I can't imagine.
Too, Anna's loss brings me to my knees in thankfulness, as they are so often intertwined.
...by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~Philippians 4:6bHot tears of thanks course down my cheeks. Another day with my girls, and the precious gift of their lives.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Mama Loves: Magnets
Welcome to another week of Mama Loves! So glad that you've stopped by!
Mama Loves is a linky party where mamas can share anything that has made your life easier as a mama.
Maybe you've found:
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- a toy or book that captivates your child(ren)
- gear you just can't live without
- a recipe your choosy toddler gobbles down
- a parenting book that you've found perspective changing
- an activity that wears your kid(s) out (these lead to good naps, which we all love)
- an outfit that flatters your post-baby body and makes you feel fabulous
- or anything else you're loving--creativity welcome!
To link your post up, click on the linky tool at the bottom, and follow the directions, it's really easy. You can also add this beautiful button to your post. Just grab the code in the box, copy and paste it into your post. Easy.
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I got the idea from my pediatrician.
A magnetic dry-erase board, right at the girls' eye-level has proven to be some serious entertainement for our girls every time we go to the doctor (after I've wiped the board and every magnet with antibacterial wipes, of course). There's one in every exam room!
(Yes, I did bring a camera to the pediatician's office for the sole purpose of this Mama Loves post)
In the same vein as our favorite bath toys, the girls, arrange all the magnets, then take them down and start all over again. Endless fun!
We have this easel the girls got for their first birthday, and one side is a magnetic dry-erase board. I decided to put it to good use.
The magnets pictured on the easel are animals from Melissa and Doug. What I love about them, is that with the exception of a couple, they are big enough that they aren't a choking hazard.
I found these awesome alphabet magnets that I want to get the girls when they're a little older, because learning the alphabet should always involve the color pink and animals like vampire bats and sea urchin!
Do your kids love magnets? Do you have any great magnet sets you recommend?
Can't wait to read about what you're loving this week!
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Monday, September 5, 2011
Spot On
So.
I was going to title my post. Porch Monkeys, because of #898 and we call the girls monkeys sometimes.
But, the urban dictionary says that would be very bad thing. My husband was laughing at me that I would even consider Porch Monkeys. My ghetto fabulousness ends at the entrance to our subdivision, or maybe it never even started.
Anyway--it was innocent, I promise. What I meant, had I used the title, was part two of definition #1.
The rest of the porch monkey definitions are derogatory and wrong. Boo to you racist people who would ruin the perfect title for this post!
So, the title, Spot On. We're dealing with another rash--poor Brynne! Rashes seem to plague her.
We are so thankful that her rash is no big deal, and not the chicken pox, as I'd first thought!
Always things to be thankful for, even if it does involve rashes again!
And--love my porch monkeys! Even if the urban dictionary says it's not a nice thing to say!
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872. Vomit-covered-Hadley-hugs in the middle of the night.
873. The smell of vomit not bothering me.
874. Bath by candlelight with Hadley at 4 AM.
875. Hadley only throwing up one time.
876. The girls being able to identify which tomatoes are ripe.
877. The girls picking only the ripe tomatoes in the garden.
878. The girls learning how to drink out of straws!
879. Walk with Sara and Silas.
880. Dinner with Steve and Lauren.
881. Good conversation and fellowship.
882. A lovely night to eat dinner outside.
883. Discovering Brynne's spots.
884. Getting an appointment at the pediatrician's office.
885. Brynne not having chicken pox, as I feared.
886. Brynne being diagnosed with ULE.
887. ULE is not contagious!
888. Finding a skirt for $3.74 on clearance!
889. Impromptu dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant.
890. Getting a compliment on our girls' good behavior during dinner!
891. Girls who love to help their mama vacuum.
892. Delight in squeaking shoes.
893. New shoes that fit the girls' feet.
894. Healthy girls with growing feet!
895. The glorious sound of thunder.
896. Eating dinner while watching a wicked lightning storm.
897. The delicious smell of rain.
898. Sitting on the porch swing with Papa.
I was going to title my post. Porch Monkeys, because of #898 and we call the girls monkeys sometimes.
But, the urban dictionary says that would be very bad thing. My husband was laughing at me that I would even consider Porch Monkeys. My ghetto fabulousness ends at the entrance to our subdivision, or maybe it never even started.
Anyway--it was innocent, I promise. What I meant, had I used the title, was part two of definition #1.
A small child who enjoys being on the porch.Perfect, right?
The rest of the porch monkey definitions are derogatory and wrong. Boo to you racist people who would ruin the perfect title for this post!
So, the title, Spot On. We're dealing with another rash--poor Brynne! Rashes seem to plague her.
We are so thankful that her rash is no big deal, and not the chicken pox, as I'd first thought!
Always things to be thankful for, even if it does involve rashes again!
And--love my porch monkeys! Even if the urban dictionary says it's not a nice thing to say!
________________________________________________________________________________
872. Vomit-covered-Hadley-hugs in the middle of the night.
873. The smell of vomit not bothering me.
874. Bath by candlelight with Hadley at 4 AM.
875. Hadley only throwing up one time.
876. The girls being able to identify which tomatoes are ripe.
877. The girls picking only the ripe tomatoes in the garden.
878. The girls learning how to drink out of straws!
879. Walk with Sara and Silas.
880. Dinner with Steve and Lauren.
881. Good conversation and fellowship.
882. A lovely night to eat dinner outside.
883. Discovering Brynne's spots.
884. Getting an appointment at the pediatrician's office.
885. Brynne not having chicken pox, as I feared.
886. Brynne being diagnosed with ULE.
887. ULE is not contagious!
888. Finding a skirt for $3.74 on clearance!
889. Impromptu dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant.
890. Getting a compliment on our girls' good behavior during dinner!
891. Girls who love to help their mama vacuum.
892. Delight in squeaking shoes.
893. New shoes that fit the girls' feet.
894. Healthy girls with growing feet!
895. The glorious sound of thunder.
896. Eating dinner while watching a wicked lightning storm.
897. The delicious smell of rain.
898. Sitting on the porch swing with Papa.
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