Friday, June 29, 2012

Everyday Joy

Seems like the past week has held little moments when I just felt blessed. Of course, I am blessed all the time, but often lose sight of that fact when I take my eyes off of my Savior and fix them on minutiae.  Common grace and special grace abound.  Thank you, Lord.



...A two-year old with bed-head and sleepy eyes making his way down the stairs in football-printed pajamas.  The day is fresh and at this moment I feel ready to face the potty accidents that surely lie ahead.

...Relaxing in our comfy overstufffed chair with my little Eli nestled in to nurse.  He pulls away and smiles at me, milk running out of one corner of his mouth.  


...Watching Row and Joe on their last day of swimming lessons.  The water and sky were so blue, the noise of kids having fun so pleasant.  Thank you Lord, for the money to help my children learn this skill!

...Hearing Kevin from the other room encouraging Sam to stay the course on the little frog potty.  I hear him say, "Let's choose some good potty music!" in an enthusiastic voice. 



...Our new neighbor sends me a gorgeous vase of fresh-cut flowers from her yard.  And a hot blackberry cobbler made from berries grown in her garden.  Thank you Lord, for neighbors who delight in our children instead of seeing them as a noisy nuisance.

Sam talks to Debra

 Debra's blackberries, which are adjacent to our yard

...Kevin and I hold each other's glance across the living room.  He's been home for at least an hour, and we've hardly had a chance to speak in the midst of the noise and bustle.  We smile at each other. Remember? it was just us before.  Look at what the Lord has done!  Look at how we've changed!  I love you, my husband and friend. 

I hope you are given the gift of little moments like this today, and the gift of recognizing them and rejoicing in them! 

Monday, June 18, 2012

A Month Gone By!



It's hard to believe it's been over a month since I have had the time or energy to post anything. Our 'slower' month off school has been anything but. Here's a little bit of what's been happening in our lives.


Rowan celebrated her eighth birthday on the 18th of May. She is such a funny girl! We love you, Rowie!




We have tried to get good use of our city pool pass and have enjoyed being able to swim again after hardly going at all last year.


Notice there's no diaper in the above picture? Sam is doing great with potty training, though is not completely 'there' yet. I'm thankful he's not been too resistant to the whole idea. M&Ms and jelly beans help.




Keely, my baby, is fourteen now. I think it was just yesterday that she was Eli's size and I was playing house with my first little one. I was really fine, not emotional at all...until I pulled out the recipe for Keely's requested birthday dinner. She copied this for me a few years ago, and just look at that handwriting! Now my daughter is a beautiful young woman who is quickly surpassing me in areas (Latin? I'ts Greek to me...and she playes piano beautifully). Happy Birthday, Keels!


Elijah is almost five months now and is going to be crawling before long. He gets up on all fours and rocks, and scoots around on his back in a comical way: back arched, pushing with his legs. I think he'll have a new bald spot if he doesn't start crawling soon! He is our family's little pet. Love this little guy!


This is a picture of Lily's wall. It actually looks a bit better than this now, but not much. I have removed all of the outer wallpaper, but still have some backing to work on. I haven't had much time lately to devote to this, but I know Lily is anxious to have her room look nice and not like an abandoned warehouse.

This week is our church's VBS, and I'm excited for the fun and learning that I know will happen. I am teaching the memory verses and Kevin actually has a dramatic role in the daily skits. I will try to get some pics of that. :) I'd better be off; two of the littles have swimming lessons in a few minutes. Have a blessed day, and I hope you're enjoying your summer!