saving the day

Let me just start by saying that I love these spring days.

Even more than the warm weather, I love spending them with friends. What could have potentially been a rough day with a one-year-old (who woke up at the butt crack of dawn) and who didn't want to eat much of anything for breakfast, turned into a lovely day sitting in the sun while our boys played in the sand and dirt. I sent my friend an urgent text before John even left for work saying, "Jack is having a mini-meltdown. Must evacuate." and we did. To Goodwill for dollar day and then to Christine's house to let the boys explore the new swing set. Side note: none of the boys even knew the slide and swings existed. They were too into the sand and trucks. I imagine they will change one day, but for today, it was nice.

I've been so tired lately, I can't even explain it. Could be the sugar crash from the weekend, or the fact that I've really been keeping overly busy (not my top fav in life) and not allowing for much chill time. I've also been cranky (or creeky cranky as Thomas the Train calls it) and I feel kiiindd of emotional by 9:00pm each night. 

so thankful for..

1. I need to say here (not to get all sappy) that I am so so thankful for my husband. He is incredible. He is so available and ready to help. He is supportive and carefree and listens when I need to vent. He doesn't let me wallow in my exhaustion, but rather reminds me to go to sleep and that busyness comes in seasons and we need to embrace it while its there because it will slow down and there will be plenty of time to relax and share long, beloved conversations. He is the man.

 

2. I am thankful for friendships. I have had many wonderful and dear friends over the years and treasure each friendship so tenderly. I am thankful for friends that get you, that understand you and can walk through things with you. I'm so thankful for friends who know you better than most and know secrets that some might not know. I'm thankful for friends to share life with, to cry with and of course, to laugh with.

3. I'm thankful for new Office episodes. I cried. I loved it. I can't wait to see tonight's episode (tomorrow on Hulu)

4. So thankful for birthdays celebrated and baby girl clothes admired. It was a wonderful weekend.

5. Thankful for my mom who will help me clean our condo at last minute's notice. She is incredible and taught me how to clean like nobodies business.

6. Thankful to live close enough to a big city to enjoy their consignment stores, yogurt land's and trader joes. But far enough away that we can enjoy fresh air, little traffic and lots of hunting.

7. Thankful for spring weather and the return of flip flops. 

8. Replacing an old diet with a fresh one and trying something new. Thankful for the funds to be able to do that.

9. seeing Jack play with his train set. He's getting it, he's pretending and moving the train around as if it's really on a track on the island of Sodor (too much Thomas?) His mind is full of fresh creativity and newness. I can't wait to hear him talk.

10. So very thankful for a good nights rest and a healthy nap for my boy. Now, to make dinner.

P.S.

the bread that I wrote about last week was AMAZING! Do try it. Still incredible.

I miss these guys today. Everyday, but more so today. Just found out John's best friend (next to him in the picture) will be here in a week for 24 hours. John is so excited. I'm bummed his wife won't make it, but so happy that they'll get to spend some time together. Thank you Lord for good friends.

There we are, at In-N-Out. Where else?

//

thankful thursday.

1. the busy weekend ahead. a birthday celebration, a baby celebration and lots of yummy food.

2. my man who has loved on me so much this week. even when i'm grouchy.

3. that my favorite tv shows are back to having regular episodes!

4. for God's grace and the sweet time spent with Him in the early mornings.

5. for wonderful late evening chats with a friend at a coffee shop. 

6. that March is almost over and a new budget restarts!

7. the way Jack talks to himself in the mornings for about 40 minutes strait. i need to record it.

8. for friends who are willing to watch jack while he sleeps so we can go out to dinner. what a blessing.

9. thankful for God's provision (and gift certificates) to see a nutritionist and go to a bowenwork clinic in the next couple of weeks. (more of that later.)

10. THIS recipe which I am going to make now. I'll let ya know how it turns out.

embracing twenty six

my man is a gem. he knows me well.

Yesterday I turned twenty six years old. I still feel like I'm twelve half of the time, but twenty six feels...more realistic. After having a baby I kind of felt like I would somehow have to be morphed into an older woman/mother figure. 

I felt that morph for the first few weeks of Jack's life (what with all this slightly unknown responsibility and everything) but tried to regain a bit of that youthful feeling before it slipped away forever. It returned (after the post pardon blues) and brought with it good friends, great food and a time to get into the Word. 



That being said, I feel ready to embrace 26. Anything over 25 has always been a bit daunting. I'd be lying if I didn't say that when I was a kid I was convinced I would have four kids by the time I was 22. (Hey, 22 is kind of old when you're 11.) But truly, 26 is good. It feels right and I'm not so afraid of getting old as long as I have others around me to keep me feeling young. Being married to a pastor I sometimes feel kind of young. I love it. I embrace it. But, being over 25 is kind of a big deal for me. I'm almost 30, ya'll. Seriously.

This is winter here. February brings my birthday. The weather is in the low 60's and cold seems a thing of the past. Please send snow.

This week I'm so, so very thankful to Jesus for things that keep me feelin' young. 


1. An unplanned dance party after Bible Study. 10:30 with babies at home and too much chocolate, oh so fun.
2. A new CD from my man full of light hearted songs that make me swoon like when I was 16.
3. Going out to dinner and being so giddy that our waitress gave us a free appetizer. It was like we were dating again. We had so much to talk about (we need to get out more, I think.)
4. Enjoying a donut on the morning of my birthday. Not even thinking about how bad it kind of is for me.
5. Dancing with Jack any time of the day and turning up the music real loud.
6. Going into my sister's room after John and Jack were asleep to talk and ask her if she had any clothes she was looking to get rid of.
7. Going on a retreat alone and feeling very familiar feelings of being independent. It's been a while.
8. Sharing stories with a new friend of times in the past.
9. Early mornings with Jesus like we used to. It's been tricky to get back into a routine with Jack, but what a difference it makes.
10. Sharing Life cereal with Jack for the first time in his life. He love sit. He should, I ate it almost every, single day (and night) when I was pregnant with him.

r&r

Today marks a first for me.

for other you capture's check out beth's blog

Tonight, for the first time in 15 months, I'm going away for the night all by myself. Mind you, I've traveled far alone, but this is the first time in a year that I've spent the night without Jack. When I read that it stills shocks me and it's a little...sad? I love him and being a mama, but I didn't think it would take me this long to get away. It's flown so quickly I don't think I've had much of a chance to even think of a getaway. He sleeps soundly through the night, but it isn't long before 8am hits and my mind begins to swim with the groundhog day-way. Diaper change, drink of water, play for about 2.5 minutes then ready to eat; banana, oatmeal, cinnamon raisin bread. Then, you can guess what comes next. Lovely.


I am a woman who loves her routine, but it will be nice to have a break from the routine (even if it is just for a day. )I'm going to a women's retreat in Phoenix and getting ready to embrace the quiet moments where I can really sit and think and pray and meet with Jesus.


What to expect: a lot of reading, writing, thinking, talking, sharing and worrying about nothing to do with bedtimes, sippy cups, meals, dirty diapers or binkys. I know I'll miss my guys like nobodies buisness, but goodness. 15 months without flyin' solo? Get ready, world. I am about to embrace all that I've been missing. Or not.


This last week has been kind of hard for me with Jack being sick. I thought I was nurturing, but turns out John (once again) is kind of the winner. He is so sweet and patient with a fussy/ear infected boy. I try to be as well, but it gets tricky to that all else that being a mama calls for. John is incredible and the best partner for me. We are a great tag team and he's going to rock flyin' solo with Jack. His first overnight ever. I guess it's a series of firsts for the whole fam today.

Here's another Andy recommendation. Another personal fav.

++

thankful thursdays (a day late)


1. so thankful for God's perfect timing and grace.
2. for my cousin in Egypt and that she is well and safe.
3. the cold weather this week.
4. my man who installed a thermostat so our heating bill doesn't get any higher.
5. a little guy who sleeps well even when he has an ear ache. so thankful. it gives me strength for the next day.
6. this candy coming back out thanks to v-day

7. an older pastor's wife mentor who has buckets of experience and a heart full of wisdom.
8. this retreat with a dear friend and sisters in Christ.
9. so thankful for the moments with jack when he wants to just sit and read on my lap. i know they are passing too quickly.

10. great friends who watch jack so i can have an hour to look through goodwill. and find 3 really cute shirts for 5 dollars. thank you!

process of chatter

This week has been busy. A good busy. The kind that makes time fly, but not too fast. The kind that creates great napping material for your 15 month old and allows you time to attack the pile of tasks you wrote last week. The kind of busy that gets you talking and talking and talking when your patient husband gets home from work. The other night during dinner we had so much to share we had to take turns. He would tell a good story, then ask about my day, then the process would repeat. I was totally listening to him, but also preparing my next story for when he was done. Just kidding. Kind of. 

  i love jack's face. he was already protesting another picture.

I've been thinking a lot about what being happy is. What brings happiness. What helps us let things go. How we let go. And how great it feels to do so. For me, it's waking up a little early so I can have some alone time with Jesus. It's resting in His peace and sharing with Him the depths of my heart. It's a good cup of coffee with friends on the couch while the kiddos run in circles. It's a good episode of the Office. It's a song I can't get out of my head and turn up really loud just to watch Jack dance. 


Top Ten things I'm thankful for this week are:
 
1. jack sleeping in which results in me being the only one awake in the house for a little while and spend time with Jesus.
2. a treasured email from my brother.
3. friendships. laughter. soup and happy kiddos.
4. the Body at church and the way God uses them to support. to love. to be on the journey with us. to be gracious.
5. John's heart for the Body. the way he works so hard and pours his life into it. the example that he is of losing his life to find it Christ.
6. john changing out my faucet again. thanks, babe. it's perfect.

7. homemade popcorn (thanks to my mom for the popper) orange chocolate and a night with friends.
8. my mom helping me. again and again. thanks to her our garage is reorganized, our furniture is rearranged and jack has a play room.
9. my dear friend Kate going to India for a short trip. her journey always amazes me.
10. God's perfect and unbeatable timing. That His ways are not mine and I am so thankful.

other things to be thankful for over at curious georgi...

you capture - circles

those eyes. (i'm refraining myself from bustin' out into bruno mars here. don't judge me.)
could they get any more circular than that?

be still, my heart. He's growing so fast. 

thankful thursday top 10.

1. the new office episode that's on tonight! (which we will watch tomorrow.)

2. Bible study yesterday morning. The many strangers in the room (it was my second week) praising Jesus together.

3. Jack sleeping in until 8am both yesterday and today.

4. the new years inspirations and goals. so thankful my man is jumpin on board 'cause this boat is sailing fast!

5. new friendships that brighten my life. sisters walking on a similar path and aiding the way.

6. play dates. and one a day. i love them.

7. the new video camera that we got for Christmas. it allows me to capture moments like this one. (movie to come...)

8. a phone call from my dad just asking how things are going.

9. watching on my favorite ladies/mentors getting baptized on Sunday.

10. my man who puts up with me. and that's a whole lot.

check out other thankfuls at curious georgi...

thankful thursday (er friday) top 10

this week i am thankful for...

thankful for this dinosaur that jack put in the dishwasher. on his own. too cute!

1. my man who went out at 3:30 in the AM to get me some fanta and 7up. what. a. man.

2. that the flu is over.

3. SO very thankful Jack didn't get the flu.

4. for my mom who helped me tremendously with cleaning our condo. she is incredible. 

5. thankful for my sister who watched jack the morning we cleaned (and then got the stomach bug that night.)

6. the changing weather and the still visible snow.

7. the book "walk across the room" and all that Jesus is beginning to teach me through it. 

8. music together on friday mornings.

9. watching despicable me with john and jack. such a cute movie.

10. the grace God has given us as He takes us through difficult situations. He's wasting no time teaching me, graciously, all about how to adjust.

check out other thankfuls at candra's blog...

Thankful Thursday Top 10

Today the sky is bright and clear. The snow is slowly melting and the sun is sprinkling through the window. Delicious, creamy chicken tortilla soup was devoured with friends and now the house is quiet. Jack is asleep (with an unfortunate diaper rash, my poor son.) and Katie Melua is on Pandora. I need a cup of coffee. I'll be back.

This week I am thankful for...

1. That Cougan is better (his blood tests came back normal!) and has officially been given the green light to resume playdates! It was a happy day reuniting with friends and watching the boys rekindle their friendship. A month is a long time!

2. So thankful for my man who is so sweet and encouraging. 

3. Thankful for butt paste in diaper rash emergencies.

4. Family in Phoenix that let us outstay our welcome on occasion.

5. Busting a move to dance central for kinect at John's brother's house. So.much.fun. So thankful for the time to reconnect with family.

6. The beautiful and longed for snow.

other black and white pictures at black and white wednesday

7. Renewal of Pandora minutes. 

8. Old Navy's 50% off their 50% off things. HELLO!

9. Late night episodes of The Office season 3. I die laughing nearly every time. That show brings me such joy.

10. A new Bible study and getting to fellowship with new sisters in Christ. Also, I am so thankful for free childcare. Those that serve in that area are just amazing. 

check out other thankfuls on candra's blog.

thankful

In 5 days Andy and Mel come for a visit.

Am I excited? That's an understatement. I don't really say stoked (which, according to urban dictionary means, is "to be completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something." but if I did I would I'd say I'm pretty much that about seeing my brother. 

Because he and his wife life in Nashville we don't see them often, but when do some serious fun occurs.



Seriously fun things such as...


...We stay up late watching hilarious youtubes we've found over the months apart.
...Typically watch the lord of the ring's trilogy.
...See a movie of some kind. This year it will be Harry Potter 7. Oh, boy.
...laugh.
...eat lots of queso.
...play video games (though this is mostly between my sister and brother)
...and enjoy the quirky dynamics that are sibling relationships.

I can not wait.

I'm also thankful for friendships. For gingerbread house making. For pals who are willing to come and eat dinner, watch Elf and have an adult slumber party (kids included.) Friends who make late night Starbucks runs with you. And so, so very thankful for a man who loves me just the way I am.

 

Speaking of Starbucks, I am thankful they are selling a buy-a-holiday-drink-friend-gets-one-for-free deal for the next couple of days!



Oh, and I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am for this wake-up face.

 

I'm so thankful Jesus is patient with me. That His love is so unconditional and lovely. That His grace covers all my sins. I pray for that kind of love for others, especially those that are so difficult for me to love. Especially those that drive me kind of up the wall sometimes. (am I the only one?) I love sermons like this. and I'm learning the difference between reaching out to someone because you love them and reaching out because you pity them. What are my motives and the intentions? Sometimes (ok, kind of often times) my predicaments are my own fault. I'm thankful Christ can show me how to love and speak truth in love, too.

 what are you thankful for?

check out other thankfuls here!

Thankful Thursday Top 10

(a little late, I know.)


It's Sunday morning and it's way too early to be awake, let alone to be writing this. But when Jack woke me up before the sun had even risen my heart was full of thankfulness and His rest (which is something I pray for daily...on my own I rarely wake up that way.) There's frost out on our dusty ground and the sun has illuminated the changing colors once again. My heart is full. What a day.


1. So very thankful we found a renter for our condo. After spending most of the day Thursday cleaning it we weren't sure how it would turn out, but by God's grace He provided. Having a condo + the economy = no fun. And I'm the type of person that likes to have fun a lot more than hard work. (While I'm being honest.)


2. The possibility of going to this concert this Thursday. Her voice truly is incredible. I could listen to her all day long. Plus, some dude did a cover of her song and it's nearly as beautiful. Have you ever heard a song that you listen to on repeat for a few days or so? I do that pretty regularly. I'm slightly obsessive.


3. Thankful for phone chats with an old, dear friend who lives too far away. She's getting ready to leave to be a missionary in Cambodia indefinitely. I choke up just thinking of her bravery and heart for Christ and His will for her life. She's coming in two weeks and I can't wait.


4. Two front teeth peaking through for my little man and lots of giggles and tickles. 


5. Girl's night/birthday fun with these girls. SO incredibly thankful for them.

6. Dinner and 30 Rock with friends last night. 

7. Hearing Jack say "ball" over and over. And watching him obsess over a balloon.

8. John's dreams and his drive. His discernment and time spent with Christ. To see God lay things on his heart and for him to run with it.

9. Making gingerbread houses and Monday night Bible study with the girls.

10. That today is Sunday AND potluck day.

check out other thankful thursday's at candra's!