Laughter

Anytime my babies laugh, I consider it a moment to live for. But on this extra joyous occasion, Joshua's FIRST REAL LAUGH was super exciting! I'm so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with the opportunity to have joy and laughter in our lives.

Perspective

"This is the day that the LORD has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Today was, in the words of Jennifer, a blog-worthy day.

After picking Julie up from tumbling this morning, we stopped by Nonie's for a quick hello, and headed off to Sonic for corn dogs. The weather was beautiful, so I suggested that Julie and Jonathan have a "picnic" out in the front yard, with ulterior motives...the house was a disaster. I took the opportunity to quickly clean up the living room. I threw out the trash, put toys away, picked up some laundry, vacuumed, and wiped down the coffee table. As I delivered the laundry to the laundry room, which is also our pantry, I discovered an entire bag of sugar, previously unopened, had been dumped onto the floor. Before having the chance to clean it up, I ran to the front door in response to Jonathan, who was screaming frantically. Julie had decided to take a small shovel full of potting soil from the planter on the front porch, and throw it in Jonathan's face. It was everywhere! His nose was clogged with it, his head and shirt were covered, and it was quickly turning to mud as the drool and tears dripped down his face. He couldn't even open his eyes.



Why? Julie says it was because she just wanted to have some fun. I stripped him down, left his clothes and poopy diaper on the front porch, and took him in for a bath. All the while, Julie was crying hysterically, out of guilt. As soon as our short bath time was over with, I cleaned out the tub, refilled it, and put Julie in. Then, I cleaned out the tub, again. Since we were doing baths, I decided to go ahead and give Joshua one too. As I was bathing him, I heard a loud smack, followed by Julie's painful scream. Jonathan had apparently decided to take matters into his own hands and retaliate.
Joshua and I headed off to his room to get a diaper and clean clothes. He was decidedly very unhappy about the temperature, and wailed loudly to inform me of it. Nevertheless, we succeeding in dressing, and returned to the clean living room. Then, I was pleasantly surprised with opened Pixie Sticks that had "spontaneously combusted" all over the freshly Pledged coffee table, and vacuumed rug.
At 4pm, a few minutes after Mike came home from work (to a messy living room), Jonathan and I hurried to our Dr.'s appointment, which we were, of course, late for. I had a "fun" postpartum pelvic exam, blood drawn (in both the right and left arm, after the first attempted vain had failed to produce enough blood for the necessary tests), and learned that Jonathan has RSV.
I'd discovered earlier in the day, that our planned baby-sitter had gotten a stomach virus, and we no longer had a child care solution for our 6 year wedding anniversary date, which was to take place on Friday. So after our trip to the clinic, I proceeded to make phone calls, in an attempt to save our big date night. I was also late for a dinner date with a few of my friends from school (which rarely happens). So I came in the house, to find Joshua crying, ready for a bottle. As I combed my hair, and discussed our ruined plans with Mike, Jonathan was unattended. Therefore, he decided to take some liquid hand soap from the bathroom, pour some on the tile in the hallway, on the arm of the recliner, on the coffee table, and still had enough left to rub in his hair. Mike was urging me out the door so I wouldn't be any later than I already was for my "girls night". As I headed out, Jonathan was hanging onto one leg, Julie on the other, both crying and begging me not to leave.
I made it to dinner, 30 minutes late. We had a great time. After dinner, in the parking lot and freezing weather, I realized that the door to Mike's truck was locked, and the keys were sitting contently on the console. I called Pop-A-Lock, and the problem was resolved.

This was my blog-worthy day.


On my drive home, my mind wandered back to the past. On this day 6 years ago, I had no worries, no stress; only excitement and happiness. I was getting a leg wax, a manicure and pedicure, trying on my wedding dress one last time, and decorating a church auditorium.

I was high on love and smiling at my future.

Today, and all the events of it...this is the future I was smiling at.
Here I am, 6 years later, coming home to this...
and I am high on love, and smiling at my future.

WOW! I am blessed, to say the least. Today, I thank GOD for the innumerable blessings He has given me...including the ability to laugh and rejoice in the days He has made, and all that goes along with them.

"...and she laughs at the time to come."
Proverbs 31:25

"Blessed be GOD, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!"
Psalm 66:20

P.S.
Happy 6 year anniversary Mike. I am so in love with you.

Catch Up

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10b

Jonathan was so cute today. He put his ball (balls are his favorite) in Joshua's swing, turned on the lullabies, and said "shhhh". We laughed so hard!
He has also discovered pulling his sisters hair. He pulled out a handful this afternoon! Poor Julie. He is definitely a boy!

Julie got upset with me for saying "no" the other day. She said "Anything I want, every time I ask, all you ever say is 'No, no, no, no, no!' " Haha. I'm such a meany!
Yesterday, when I picked her up from Sonshine school, her teacher told me what a sweetheart she is. There was a new student that day, and Julie politely introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Julie. What's your name? Wanna come play with me?" The teacher said it was precious! I'm so proud of her manners.

Joshua is 2 months old today! I can't believe it's already been two months. He even smiled for the camera! He's been smiling a lot lately. It's such a joy!


Mike and I have an anniversary coming up this weekend! Feb 20th with be 6 years of marriage. I can't imagine my life without him! I've been in this "I just had a baby" frump phase for long enough. So I decided to get "prettied up" for the occasion, and headed off to the Salon yesterday. I'm hoping I can look "hot" for Mike this weekend when we go out our date!

Before (Decidedly Frumpy)

Phase 1 (The Color)Phase 2 (The Cut)Mission Completed (The New 'Do)

Now, wonder where we will be going for our little date??


Ok, crochet. The hexagons are multiplying, slowly but steadily. I believe they will soon be a bag!

WIP

Yummy Yarn
More Hexagons
I can see the future!

There's this little boutique-ish store here in town. The owner told me to whip up a few projects and bring them up to be put on consignment! Yay! I'm super excited! Hope I can sell some stuff!

A Momentous Occasion

Jonathan went pee-pee in the potty like a big boy for the first time today! HOORAY! I'm just so proud of my little man!

Awww

Jonathan FINALLY said'Joshua'! We have been trying to get him to say it for months, all he would say is "baby". Aww, it's soooo cute! "Jah-wah"and "Ji-ju". Precious. Now we just need to get him to say his own name!

"Children are a blessing

and a gift from the LORD."

Psalm 127:3

Crochet Review

Amigurumi Chick Rattle for my niece Clara

Baby Booties made for the '09 Christmas Bazzar-Design by Jennifer Crawford

Amigurumi Teapot, Made for my Grandma's Collection for Christmas

Granny Square Bag

My little sister's Christmas Present-A bag for her thinline Bible

Julie's Christmas Shrug

Bib, Hat, Booties-Baby Santa Set

Julie's Crocheted Mary Janes

Rose Hat

Jonathan's Toboggan

Unfortunately, it's only been recently that I had decided to start photographing all my crochet projects...so there are quite a few floating around out there that I have no photographic evidence of. Sad.

Smiles

Today was a good day...a few things worth mentioning! I was reminded how GOD decides to bless us daily, even when we sometimes don't realize it.

Joshua smiled! Not the "Oh that's just gas" smile, or the "accidentally while sleeping smile". He stared at me with his big beautiful eyes, and really smiled. A few times even, over the course of about 10 minutes! It was amazing! I only wish I had gotten a picture!

Jonathan loves cookies. Who doesn't? Well, it is absolutely adorable when he wants one, because he says "cook-cook", and points. "Mama, cook-cook!" It is precious!

This afternoon, I offered to "draw a bath" for Mike, because he's been feeling flu-ish (poor guy). So he said "You've drawn me a bath? You didn't even know when I was going to be back!" HAHA!! Am I the only one who thinks it's hilarious that I have turned Mike into the kind of man who quotes the Banger Sisters? Love it.

These are the moments I live for.

Medical update, Gracious Lord

Today, I was telling Mike that the last week seems more like years to me. It has seemed very, well, dark. I had a Dr.'s appt. this morning, and the 2nd blood test results were in...still not completely normal, but better! She said it was 57 points lower, which I guess is good, even though I really have no idea what it means. Most likely, it is some kind of virus causing this Myositis, that seems to be improving on its own. CORRECTION: NOT on its own, by GOD's mercy and love. I don't have to get another EMG for now, so that's good! I'm feeling positive about all this; and very blessed. As I was waiting in the Dr.'s office this morning, I was reading the Bible, and seeking some comfort and relief of anxiety. I found the story of the Barren Fig Tree in Matt. 21:18-22. In vs. 22, JESUS says

"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

"Believing" being the key word that struck me. A different version says "If you have faith". GOD is so amazing. It occurred to me that all this time I'd spent begging the Lord to let me be healthy so that I may live to raise my children to know Him, I was convinced I was sick. Partly postpartum depression, maybe? I had a lot of anxiety; whether it be hormonal or lack of faith, I'm still not certain. What I am sure of, is that GOD answered my prayers. I find it contemptible, outrageous that I forget so easily how faithful the Lord is to us. I am so humbled, to know that our Almighty GOD, the Creator of all things good, finds it reasonable not only to answer my prayers, but to love me as well.

Ps 31:21-24, another passage I came across this morning. What an encouragement it is to me now, and especially then (11 hours ago).

Blessed be the Lord,
For He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!
22 For I said in my haste,
"I am cut off from before Your eyes";
Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
When I cried out to You.

23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!
For the Lord preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person.
24 Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.

Wow!

"Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing GOD
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing GOD"

These song lyrics accurately express the overflowing emotions I'm presently cherishing. (Indescribable-Chris Tomlin)

I am so thankful for all the lovingkindess so many of you have shown me over these past few weeks. Thank you for the prayers, and words of encouragement. I know that the trials I've been facing recently are infinitesimal in comparison too so many of the things some of you have been enduring; not to mention the anguish being experienced in distant parts of the world right now. I appreciate the fact that I may have no real perspective on tribulation. Nevertheless, I have been fortified and uplifted throughout this experience, and astonished once again by the real love of our GOD, and Savior, JESUS CHRIST.

I'm hoping all those in need will look to GOD and seek Him, to share in this GOD-granted comfort and peace.

Nevertheless....

Thank you, my best friend, for being so kind and encouraging to me tonight. I am grateful to the Lord for you, and feel honored and blessed to have you in my life. I will take your advice, starting now...
"I LOVE THE LORD. I LOVE THE LORD. I LOVE THE LORD."

Count on it...I will not overcome this without thinking of you, LB. I love you!

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, WHEN SORROWS LIKE SEA BILLOWS ROLL, WHATEVER MY LOT, THOU HAS TAUGHT ME TO SAY 'IT IS WELL, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL'.".


"...for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.". Philippians 4:11-13

ALL things.
WHATEVER state.

I'm going to need some practice.

"...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance character, and character hope. Hope does NOT dissapoint, because the love of GOD has been poured out in out hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT who was given to us.". Romans 5:3-5

I know that it is the will of GOD for me to be selfless. (Phil 2:3). Yet I feel that the "venting" I'm doing here is just as much for my benefit as for yours, if not more. Yet, I do wish to be encouraging and edifying to all of you as well.

Rejoice

It was a bit difficult to get out of bed this morning. I prayed, and God granted me the perspective to understand that it was the postpartum depression, and the devil, making me feel that way. So, I got up! It was a constant battle for a time. But seeing my kids sing and play, love one another and be happy, is very encouraging, to say the least. I did take my medication this morning. I guess it's helping, although I'd much rather give the glory to God. Sometimes it's so easy to for get the important things. 1 Thes. 5:18 says "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Phil 4:4-7 says: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We know that these things are true. We are told that "All Scripture is breathed out by God..." in 2 Timothy. And, we can be certain that our God cannot lie, and is not a God of confusion. (2 Cor. 14:33, Heb. 6:18). These things I believe wholeheartedly. It has been pointed out in sermons I've heard in the past, that there is a difference between believing in God, and believing God. What a great point! I know the importance of believing every word the Lord has said for us, to benefit us in knowledge and wisdom. I desperately want to have the kind of faith that will please our Lord.

Why is it then, that I am struggling so much? I am ashamed to admit that I feel I am being ignored. I know that cannot be true, because Hebrews 13 states "...be content with what you have, for He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"

At this time, I have decided to play the "Glad Game", from Pollyanna, which was suggested by a good friend and great Christian example-thanks Amber. And maybe I'll walk around singing
"When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad!"
from Sound of Music.

Here goes!
I felt the need to whine and complain about the snowy weather which will hinder us from making it to the Bluegrass Festival in Amarillo this weekend, or leaving the house at all for that matter. Then, I was greatly encouraged when I saw the Facebook status of a sweet girl and friend. It reads " I am LOVING watching the beautiful snow falling outside my kitchen window. It's a perfect day for scrapbooking, cuddling with my babies, and hot cocoa!" (Thanks Jennifer). What a great way to look at things!

So, let's consider the beauty of things, shall we?

God's beautiful creations, viewed from my front porch, and kitchen window.

The warmth and smell of my morning cup of coffee, and the fire burning in the fireplace...experience enhanced, of course, by the wearing of my husband's plaid pajama flannel pants.

My beautiful daughter, Julie's artwork, and the way her hair looks first thing in the morning.



My adorable, tenderhearted son Jonathan, who can make you laugh with any one of his 1000 facial expressions.

Precious baby Joshua, in peaceful slumber, without a care in the world.

My exceptional husband, Mike, who surprised me by coming home from work early today, and still loves me unconditionally.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW


Thank you Lucy from Attic 24, for inspiring me to brighten the days of others, the way you have brightened mine.


I hope this can be an encouragement to anyone who is feeling a little blue today...count your blessings, play the Glad Game, and sing some Fräu⋅lein Maria songs.

Sharing

A rare chair share. It only lasts for a few brief seconds...but when it does, precious.

Since she could talk, Julie has called her grandpa "Honey", because that's what grandma calls him. Since then, that is his universal title. Now that Jonathan is saying a few more words, honey has evolved into "Himey", or the spanish pronunciation of "Jamie". It's adorable.

This morning, Jonathan was the first to rise. He immediately ran to the living room, closely examined the swing and carseat, and frantically yelled "Baby? Baby!" Joshua was still sleeping in our room with dad, but it was precious to know that he has so much love and concern for his new baby brother.

Pride

Julie takes tumbling classes once a week. She is a real natural!! Seriously, she is so talented! I swear, almost everything she does, she does above average. No, I'm not an insane mother who is in denial about her below average child, haha. She just had her first performance at a basketball game the other night, and she was the best in the class! We are so proud. Jonathan was very proud watching her, too. He clapped and cheered for her, it was soooo cute!











Jonathan is the most handsome little boy, with the most beautiful smile!! Well, of course Joshua is equally as handsome, only he's still so tiny, he is more "cute" and "adorable" than handsome. Of course, Jonathan is cute and adorable too! Ok, ok, I'm stopping.
It is precious lately the way that Jonathan has been talking more and more, and that all the words he says that have an "R" sound in them, come out like, well, British sounding! And sometimes like Cliff Claven on Cheers. I just LOVE it! I wish it was more socially acceptable so it never has to change. I think that the day Jonathan starts speaking correctly, I will be sad. Oh, you should hear him say bear, and hair. Haha, it's just to die for when he is pointing to his little head, asking me to brush his "heiw".



It has been interesting, to say the least, having 3 kids at home. My cup overfloweth. It is amazing, and even miraculous to see them all together...the way Julie and Jonathan interact with Joshua, and react to him. I love love love it. I had a small fear that maybe Jonathan would resent his new baby brother for taking up so much of mommy's time, but I was so wrong. He loves him so much. He always smiles at him, says "awwww" when he cries, tries to share his toys and "cup cup". And he and Julie fight over who gets to hug and kiss him. How precious?!




These are the moments I live for.

Julie and Daddy, Wagon Wheel

Mike and I have been working on this song to do at the Amarillo bluegrass festival at the end of this month. Julie picked it up very quickly! She is so musically talented, I just can't wait to see what she does with it.

Long time coming

Ah, the mouth of babes. It's much more precious when it's your babe. For quite sometime now, I have been meaning to document all the adorable things that my kids say and do. I regret not doing this sooner, because of all the hilarious things my kids have done and said that I may not remember. But it is what it is...I'm starting now.

Julie, who just turned 4, has the most interesting logic. My grandmother, who we all love dearly, often tells Julie "I see your business" if she is changing clothes, or her pants are falling down (which happens often since she is so skinny). So tonight, while my sweet girl was changing into her pajamas, she turned her back side toward me and said, "Mommy, can you see my companies?"