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.

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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...

holiday favorites

"Let's watch the old year die
With a fond good-bye
And our hopes as high
As a kite
How can our love go wrong if
We start the new year right?"

Let's Start the New Year Right - Bing Crosby

After Christmas is one of my favorite times to look through old pictures, watch family movies and sit and watch the cold weather turn from Christmas to winter. It's a great transition. Especially because winter doesn't really start here until mid-December. Snow continues to cover our yard and roads and trees. It's still 14 degrees out there, peeps. It is cold. With a cup of hot chocolate, my favorite fleece and some pleasant music I am geared up to embrace winter and say goodbye to the wonderful holidays. fare thee well.

I think little Aaron loved Christmas.

Jack and I were the only ones up at 7am Christmas morn.

John showing off his Christmas present for the camera. Jack is no amused.

Grandpa and his number 3 grandson.

Taking a Christmas day walk with my boys.

 

My sister in law, Leilani and I holding each other's kiddos. Babies on Christmas = serious fun.

     Welcome, 2011! We looking forward to seeing what you hold.

http://www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com/

Christmas Magic

"You could've swept in like a tidal wave
Or an ocean to ravish our hearts
You could have come through like a roaring flood
To wipe away the things we've scarred


But You came like a winter snow
Quiet and soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below"

..Winter Snow by Audrey Assad..

And just like that, Christmas is through.

There's such great anticipation, wonder and a glowing thrill that when it ends I'm always somehow...surprised. This year was somehow different than the last. Wonderful in all sorts of new ways yet different. 

Perhaps it was the lack of snow (I think we might get a storm tomorrow!) the lack of a sibling (who I always seem to be missing) or that I feel like I am finally growing up. It's been a long haul, but this last Christmas kind of cemented the truth. Though the mystery and joy of the holidays and celebration of Christ's birth will always continue it's time to embrace this new stage. The stage where John and I choose to create memories for our little family of three. It's time we set up new traditions. New ideas that may or may not include opening presents on Christmas eve (that would be a first for me) or sleeping under the Christmas tree the night before Christmas, or perhaps one day reenacting the Christmas story with our little kid-lets. Whatever the future Christmas' hold I feel the need to embrace this change. I really love memories, habits and routines, but something is pulling on my coat tail to remind me that change is good. Though difficult at first, it is almost always good. 

I love spending Christmas with my parents and hopefully that will always be a part of our tradition, but I think it might be time to step out into the unknown and clear the tradition plate a little. When I really think about it, the possibilities are endless! There are a few traditions I plan to carry on (though I'll let my mom carry the banner with most of those.) but next year...we're startin' fresh, people. 

This Christmas was splendid. After Christmas Eve service(s) we drove to my parent's where we were greeted by potato soup (the best in the WORLD!) dozens of cookies, and some good 'ol cheese ball. We watched Claymation Christmas (the quirkiest Christmas movie there is.) and stayed up 'til midnight. Jack was a champ and fell asleep at home, slept the hour and a half down and fell right back asleep in his lil packnplay. That alone made up for the early Christmas morn wake up call. But after all, it was Christmas!

Jack and I were the first awake. We drew in the rising sun, brewing coffee and warm glow of the Christmas lights. It was truly magical.

And then the cousins came...we ate breakfast, opened presents, shared stories and enjoyed good coffee.

This was Jack's face almost the entire time. Of course, he was obsessed with his cousin's gifts more than anything. He wasn't aloud to touch them (always a hard thing to endure, for a first time mama! What do you say to a 6 year old who won't even let your one year old look at the gifts? Jack was a little pretty heart broken. Poor chap. I'm sure it will be done to the siblings in the future.)

...and then Jack sort of pooped out. I think he was trying to tell us he was a little Christmased out for this year. So he napped and we enjoyed cinnamon rolls and more coffee. Bless his little heart.

One of my favorite pictures and captures of Christmas. Jack last year and this year with my dad. Yes, that's the same chair. It's my dad's fav.

The magic in this year was the beautiful reminder that Jesus could have come as anyone or anything, but God chose to send Him as a sweet, small and perfect babe. Someone so small and unassuming yet He was the one who was going to save us from ourselves. So beautiful that He came as a babe to set an example of life and the simplicity that we need to have. That His long awaited coming was so small and simple. So simple and yet that night our Savior was born.

check out other captures.

You Capture - Outside

 

This was right before the winter came. Today it was cold and rainy outside. It's finally feeling like an Arizona Christmas. Will it snow tonight? Perhaps!

We're still praying for Cougan. Praying for direction and healing. He and the fam are on their way home, though. That's a praise!

 

kindred

I have a short amount time to write before our chicken pot pie comes from the oven, hot and ready to devour. Soteria is here for a visit and our time has been both delightful and refreshing. Today we went off roading and saw the most beautiful site from the Thumb Butte.

This afternoon Teri and I sifted through old letters, pictures, notes, reminders and graduation cards. It was both embarrassing, hilarious and full of nostalgia all at the same time. Such precious, precious memories. I'm reminded of what kindred spirits we are and were and all the precious memories that go along with it. I'm taken back to a time where boys, movies, drama and the deep questions about God and life were our most beloved conversation. A time when staying up until 5am talking was how we spent our Friday nights and sitting together at church was a must. For a brief time today we went back to that place and laughed, apologized and relived it be it ever so briefly. 

Some of the pictures we browsed through today...

our own ya-ya sisterhood night 2001

My seventeenth birthday

don't judge us.

stand by me recreation. 2001.

one of our infamous photo sessions. 2002

Graduation for one, 2002

This last week has included lots of laughter, movies, Glee episodes, a hike, Jack attacks (and lack of naps) and walks around the neighborhood. Jack squeeled with excitment at the sight of the horses that live down the street.

I am so thankful for such kindred souls. I am thankful for times in the past and the future. Teri leaves for Cambodia in 3 months to serve Jesus and encourage disciples of Christ to encourage disciples of Christ. She will be there indefinitely. Oh, how I'll miss her.

  
And I am oh so thankful for these kindred souls too. Jack and John when he was little. Can you tell they're related?

the concert & the park

I could watch this a hundred times. The lyrics. The music. The soul. Love it. It reminds me so much of my dear friend Kate. A friend and I saw Mindy Gledhill (if you go to her website you also get a free download!) live last night. It was just fantastic. We took a spontaneous trip to Phoenix and spent the day cruising the city with our kids in tow. It was a lot harder than we thought. They had a blast though (I think) and Jack crashed at the concert right around 8pm. It was quite the adventure.

 

so fuzzy from swaying with jack in the ergo and yet such a cute set.

Today Fall was in full bloom. The leaves have fallen and I saw Jack run through them for the first time. I have so, so many fond memories of jumping into leaves, building forts in the leaves, playing in the (pumpkin) bags of leaves on the side of the road (not the safest/best idea, but it was a great hiding place during hide and seek.) I gotta be honest when I say that raking leaves was not my favorite activity. But that came later in life. A time when homework and paper routes won over a jump in the leaves.


This week has been a doozy. Colds have brought early bed times and groggy mornings. I feel like I've hardly seen Johnny. Between nights at church, bible study and last night's adventure we've hardly had a chance to really breath (and with our colds, we really haven't had much of a chance to breath.) Tonight there are plans to cozy up and watch some Parenthood, Office and drink some apple cider. 

check out other serene moments here