3136. a wonderful camping trip
3137. amazingly beautiful weather for our camping weekend
3138. Birdie's BFF visiting from Alaska and spending the weekend with us camping
3139. Buddy-Ro riding his bike and hanging with the older girls
3140. children who sleep well in the camper
3141. a camper to camp in :)
3142. having a s'mores party at our campsite with new friends
3143. cooking fajitas over the fire
3144. taking MM cookies to enjoy as a fun treat over our long weekend
3145. Peanut's "George" camping chair that he lugged everywhere we carried camping chairs
3146. Scott and Buddy-Ro making it home safely - just as his brakes and power steering went out in his truck
3147. a new baby niece born into our family
3148. fun memories to share and remember for years to come
Psalm 145:10, "All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!"
Monday, April 28, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
Easter 2014
Every year we wake up to eggs all over the yard. Even at Nana and Papa's house - they just "appear!"
The tiny one was very serious about his early morning egg hunting adventure. (Really, he just wanted to carry around a little duck that he found in one egg. His big brother filled his basket for him!)
Easter afternoon was filled with lots of fun and pictures. :)
On your mark, get set, GO!!
Multitudes on Monday
3123. great results from Birdie's previous blood work scare
3124. a brave girl at her follow up appointments
3125. Legos as a surprise for being brave (despite the inner turmoil she put her Mama through for a week!!)
3126. a sweet nurse who prayed over Birdie's blood samples before going back for testing
3127. pediatric nurses who remember that they are dealing with young children - and take the extra effort to make needles a little less scary
3128. a beautiful Easter Sunday
3129. waking up on Easter morning to find eggs, bubbles, chalk, and play-doh all over Nana and Papa's yard
3130. how Peanut was content to find just ONE egg and sit down and play with it as everyone else ran around on a crazy egg hunt frenzy
3131. Buddy-Ro sharing his eggs and bubbles and cars with Peanut
3132. celebrating with our family that we serve a risen Savior who loves us and who is for us
3133. Birdie's excitement of her BFF returning from Alaska for a month long visit
3134. preparing to go camping this upcoming weekend - and having a camper to sleep in!
3135. Buddy-Ro's new bike skills
Psalm 118:28, "You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you."
3124. a brave girl at her follow up appointments
3125. Legos as a surprise for being brave (despite the inner turmoil she put her Mama through for a week!!)
3126. a sweet nurse who prayed over Birdie's blood samples before going back for testing
3127. pediatric nurses who remember that they are dealing with young children - and take the extra effort to make needles a little less scary
3128. a beautiful Easter Sunday
3129. waking up on Easter morning to find eggs, bubbles, chalk, and play-doh all over Nana and Papa's yard
3130. how Peanut was content to find just ONE egg and sit down and play with it as everyone else ran around on a crazy egg hunt frenzy
3131. Buddy-Ro sharing his eggs and bubbles and cars with Peanut
3132. celebrating with our family that we serve a risen Savior who loves us and who is for us
3133. Birdie's excitement of her BFF returning from Alaska for a month long visit
3134. preparing to go camping this upcoming weekend - and having a camper to sleep in!
3135. Buddy-Ro's new bike skills
Psalm 118:28, "You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you."
Monday, April 14, 2014
Multitudes on Monday
3112. the way the baby pulls at short sleeves and shorts because he's used to wearing long sleeves and pants :)
3113. surprising Nana and Papa with a new swing for them to enjoy while they watch their grandchildren play
3114. enjoying my morning coffee on the swing and spending quiet time to reflect on the day ahead
3115. crisp, juicy apples
3116. Easter egg hunting in the house for Buddy-Ro who has severe allergies
3117. taco lasagna - one of my all time favorite meals
3118. cute summer PJs for our hot natured Birdie to sleep in
3119. Sears' huge appliance sale over the weekend (where we purchased ALL of our appliances for the new house)
3120. meeting more new neighbors during our Sunday house visit
3121. celebrating 11 years with the love of my life
3122. knowing that we are better and more in love than we were when we started our journey together
Psalm 86:12, "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever."
3113. surprising Nana and Papa with a new swing for them to enjoy while they watch their grandchildren play
3114. enjoying my morning coffee on the swing and spending quiet time to reflect on the day ahead
3115. crisp, juicy apples
3116. Easter egg hunting in the house for Buddy-Ro who has severe allergies
3117. taco lasagna - one of my all time favorite meals
3118. cute summer PJs for our hot natured Birdie to sleep in
3119. Sears' huge appliance sale over the weekend (where we purchased ALL of our appliances for the new house)
3120. meeting more new neighbors during our Sunday house visit
3121. celebrating 11 years with the love of my life
3122. knowing that we are better and more in love than we were when we started our journey together
Psalm 86:12, "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever."
Saturday, April 12, 2014
1 Corinthians 13 for Moms
I heard this poem at a conference that I went to a few weeks ago, and I loved it. It spoke directly to my heart. It helped me to realized that the "perfect Mama" is unattainable, and that if I go looking for it I will miss the wonderful memories that come from the normal, messy, everyday life.
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness not godliness.
If I scream at my children when they don’t follow instructions,
get frustrated and fault them for every mess in our house,
and have no grace and love,
my children learn that Mom cares more about having things done exactly her way
than about listening to the needs and hearts of her children.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child’s laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present “mommy,”
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Before I became a mother I took glory in having it altogether.
Now I glory in knowing that God’s in control, and His grace is sufficient for each day.
All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.
Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters, and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.
-adapted from 1 Corinthians 13 by Jim Fowler
1 Corinthians 13 for Moms
If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness not godliness.
If I scream at my children when they don’t follow instructions,
get frustrated and fault them for every mess in our house,
and have no grace and love,
my children learn that Mom cares more about having things done exactly her way
than about listening to the needs and hearts of her children.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child’s laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present “mommy,”
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.
Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.
Before I became a mother I took glory in having it altogether.
Now I glory in knowing that God’s in control, and His grace is sufficient for each day.
All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.
Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters, and markings,
But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.
-adapted from 1 Corinthians 13 by Jim Fowler
Monday, April 7, 2014
The New House - part 1 & 2
I decided when we started building our new house to take weekly pictures. We go over on Sunday afternoons to let the kiddos run around and explore while we (mostly meaning "me") get excited over the progress. Scott won't let me go during the week since he's in this house building business and says that I can't embarrass him by popping in all the time and driving everyone crazy. Like I'd ever be that lady who stops in and asks what's happening today, as opposed to yesterday. Ahem. It's a little difficult to restrain myself at times, but keeping the hubby happy (and not embarrassed about going to work) is more important. ;)
Pictures from week 1:
I came up with the idea to take pictures at the front porch each Sunday to see progress. And, with my photographer's outlook and semi-romantic mind, I can't wait to eventually have our picture taken on the front porch when the house is finished!! Scott wasn't as impressed with my wonderful idea as I was, but come on - won't it be a great way to see progress and the completion?!? :)
So here we are standing in front of what will be our new front porch.
Week 2:
It's hard to get a feel for how big or small a house will be from poured basement walls. Just looking at it, to me it doesn't seem big, just normal. But when I see the kiddos standing in it, it looks so much bigger. It will be fun to watch the process as it comes into its true shape and size!
Peanut is standing where the garage will eventually be - with his silly smile and holding his hood down on a very windy Sunday.
And, us on the spot where our front porch will be. Ahhh, I just love it!! Even when not everyone's eyes are open or even facing the camera. ;)
Pictures from week 1:
I came up with the idea to take pictures at the front porch each Sunday to see progress. And, with my photographer's outlook and semi-romantic mind, I can't wait to eventually have our picture taken on the front porch when the house is finished!! Scott wasn't as impressed with my wonderful idea as I was, but come on - won't it be a great way to see progress and the completion?!? :)
So here we are standing in front of what will be our new front porch.
Week 2:
It's hard to get a feel for how big or small a house will be from poured basement walls. Just looking at it, to me it doesn't seem big, just normal. But when I see the kiddos standing in it, it looks so much bigger. It will be fun to watch the process as it comes into its true shape and size!
Peanut is standing where the garage will eventually be - with his silly smile and holding his hood down on a very windy Sunday.
And, us on the spot where our front porch will be. Ahhh, I just love it!! Even when not everyone's eyes are open or even facing the camera. ;)
Multitudes on Monday
3102. the baby's new silly smile
3103. matching outfits with my girl...because it's the fun thing to do when I don't have little girls for matching outfits
3104. hearing Peanut "read" books out loud as he looks at pictures and remembers the story
3105. allergy medicine for Buddy-Ro so that he can function outside (despite his eyes being puffy and red) - at least he can breathe!
3106. days off from technology so the kiddos can remember how much fun it is to use their imaginations
3107. Peanut's new fascination with babies and baby dolls - he will be a good Daddy some day
3108. knowing how important it is for children to develop their imaginations and not to freak about "gender appropriate" toys when they are two
3109. friends who have the same values about family and raising their children, because often times it feels that we are going against the grain in many things
3110. knowing that many times the unpopular choices are the wise choices
3111. new comfort food recipes that may not be considered "healthy," but they sure do taste good and surely won't kill us :)
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie:
5 thawed out chicken breasts, two cans of cream of chicken, 1 can-full of water, 1 Tbs butter, 1 chopped onion, 1/2 bag frozen peas.
Put everything into the crockpot (minus the frozen peas) and cook for 6 hours. After 6 hours, break the chick apart in the crockpot and stir in frozen peas. Turn off heat, set the table, and prepare drinks. By the time the table is ready and hands are washed, the peas will be perfect! Serve over homemade biscuits (or canned if you prefer), and enjoy!!)
Psalm 109:30, "But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone."
3103. matching outfits with my girl...because it's the fun thing to do when I don't have little girls for matching outfits
3104. hearing Peanut "read" books out loud as he looks at pictures and remembers the story
3105. allergy medicine for Buddy-Ro so that he can function outside (despite his eyes being puffy and red) - at least he can breathe!
3106. days off from technology so the kiddos can remember how much fun it is to use their imaginations
3107. Peanut's new fascination with babies and baby dolls - he will be a good Daddy some day
3108. knowing how important it is for children to develop their imaginations and not to freak about "gender appropriate" toys when they are two
3109. friends who have the same values about family and raising their children, because often times it feels that we are going against the grain in many things
3110. knowing that many times the unpopular choices are the wise choices
3111. new comfort food recipes that may not be considered "healthy," but they sure do taste good and surely won't kill us :)
Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie:
5 thawed out chicken breasts, two cans of cream of chicken, 1 can-full of water, 1 Tbs butter, 1 chopped onion, 1/2 bag frozen peas.
Put everything into the crockpot (minus the frozen peas) and cook for 6 hours. After 6 hours, break the chick apart in the crockpot and stir in frozen peas. Turn off heat, set the table, and prepare drinks. By the time the table is ready and hands are washed, the peas will be perfect! Serve over homemade biscuits (or canned if you prefer), and enjoy!!)
Psalm 109:30, "But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone."
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Papa's Duck Pond
Peanut has this strange fascination with ducks. It seems so funny to all of us that his favorite animal is a duck. I mean most kids like dogs and cats and horses. But anything from baby chicks to Donald Duck to a turkey, to an actual duck he goes crazy over. :)
Luckily for him, and for Mama on long days, Papa's duck pond is a short hike away. OK, with three kiddos in tow it's more like a 15-20 minute hike. But, hey, it gets us out of the house and allows us to breathe in fresh air. So out we go with our left over sack of bread and head out to feed the ducks.
Peanut is not one iota scared of them. He will feed them, chase them, and call out, "Ducky! Ducky! Duu-ckyyyy!!!"
Birdie girl used to be semi afraid of the ducks, all animals in general really (except for cats). But since Peanut is brave, she has decided to be as well. Here she is feeding one of the ducks from her hand. She was SO proud and was SO excited that I got it on camera!!
Buddy-Ro likes to feed the fish. Off to the side so the ducks don't bother them, of course. ;)
And then when Daddy is home, he gives us a fun ride back on the four wheeler. :)
We are enjoying our country-livin'-fun-filled-outside-all-day-long days here at Nana and Papa's house. If I start talkin' with a thicker southern accent, I reckon you'll know why. :)
Luckily for him, and for Mama on long days, Papa's duck pond is a short hike away. OK, with three kiddos in tow it's more like a 15-20 minute hike. But, hey, it gets us out of the house and allows us to breathe in fresh air. So out we go with our left over sack of bread and head out to feed the ducks.
Peanut is not one iota scared of them. He will feed them, chase them, and call out, "Ducky! Ducky! Duu-ckyyyy!!!"
Birdie girl used to be semi afraid of the ducks, all animals in general really (except for cats). But since Peanut is brave, she has decided to be as well. Here she is feeding one of the ducks from her hand. She was SO proud and was SO excited that I got it on camera!!
Buddy-Ro likes to feed the fish. Off to the side so the ducks don't bother them, of course. ;)
And then when Daddy is home, he gives us a fun ride back on the four wheeler. :)
We are enjoying our country-livin'-fun-filled-outside-all-day-long days here at Nana and Papa's house. If I start talkin' with a thicker southern accent, I reckon you'll know why. :)
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