“Coincidence”?!

I think not!

I love how God uses others to sometimes grab hold of my attention…

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/08/when-perfectionism-and-to-do-lists-are-overwhelming/

Just today, poor C got a phone call from me, his pitiful & tearful wife, about how messy our house is…about how ready I am to feel settled and have projects completed, etc.

I am often infected by the the “perfection bug” (and it really is a nasty infection to have)…wanting so badly for our new home to be just right, to have all the boxes unpacked, projects tackled (or at least planned out), laundry done, ironing completed, delicious dinners (not store bought) made, etc. etc. etc. 

I think I justify my desire to have things just right by telling myself that it’s for the kids’ sake…they deserve to live in a neat house with as much order and consistency as possible…well, yes, that is true to an extent…but really a lot of that thinking is coming from my own selfish desire to have control and gain pride through my own thoughts and other's comments and compliments.

I love the challenge of looking for praise through the clutter, the messes, the boxes and the haphazardly put together meals…

Praise God for the home He provided…praise God for my family who lives within the walls of our home…praise God for the messes and the two year old who creates them…praise God for spit up and the health of our baby…praise God for things that even require unpacking…praise God for full tummies….. the list goes on!

Be blessed.

Nugget of Truth…

^“31 “As for God, his way is perfect:
The LORD’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the LORD?
And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength^[a]
and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You make your saving help my shield;
your help has made^[b] me great.
³⁷ You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.”

2 Samuel 22:31-37

Oh, how I wish I felt like I had the feet of deer…the training for battle…arms that could bow bronze…Praise God that He equips those who have willing hearts, even though we are so underserving!

That’s what I desire, a willing heart…because the way that He has made for me is perfect…even if it feels unsettled, messy, filled with dirty diapers, piles of laundry, inconsolable two year olds and fussy babies.

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS SHEILD AND REFUGE!!!

Be blessed.

Kitchen Companion

 

Happy Wednesday.

Be blessed.

Unofficial Book End of Summer…

The Minnesota State Fair!

I am so looking forward to experiencing the cheese curds, mini donuts, milk shakes, dairy barn, machinery hill, the giant slide, the butter sculptures…through little B’s eyes!

(Disclaimer…throughout my 11 year fair hiatus, I did attend the State Fair of Texas…which was quite impressive…but didn’t tug on the nostalgic heart strings quite like the Minnesota State Fair does).

Happy fair going!

Be blessed.

Our Texas “Stay-cation”

Late last spring, we planned a summer “stay-cation” with C’s family.  At that point, we never imagined jumping on an airplane for a stay-cation…BUT did and had a fantastic time spending time with C’s family!

B enjoyed every aspect of the airport/flight!

We enjoyed spending some time relaxing and catching up around Gigi & Papa’s house.

B helped in the kitchen…

And did a little work in his B-sized kitchen as well.

We were able to enjoy a home cooked meal around the table…

…little A even joined in on the fun!

The kiddos seemed to steal quite a bit of the ‘spotlight’ (and laughs)…

Little A & B enjoyed extended special time with their Auntie B company…

B enjoyed special bubbles in the bathtub…

…while little A enjoyed bathing in the kitchen sink!

Both enjoyed bedtimes stories each night.

Little A swam for the first time…

…while B practiced his signature jumping and splashing moves in the water!

We showed photos of our new houses…(Auntie B just purchased her first home).

And enjoyed a special family meal with some of C’s extended family. B was hysterical dinner company as he very proudly belted out “I so HAAAPPY! HA HA HA HA!” while we all were eating.

When we weren’t at Gigi & Papa’s, we we out exploring the area like tourists.

We toured Cowboy Stadium…

Got to run on the field…

And check out Jerry Jones’ private suite!

We (especially B) also devoured burgers and other fried delicacies at Twisted Root…

and enjoyed playing and exploring at the Children’s Museum.

Little A and B also enjoyed their first rodeo.  B seemed hesitant at first…but both little ones gladly took it all in!

We enjoyed a truly fantastic trip. We are grateful for the opportunity for uninterrupted time with family…and Little A and B”s sweet time with Gigi, Papa  and Auntie Beth

Gigi and Papa, thank you for a great trip! We love you!

Be blessed.

The ‘Trifecta’

These our the obvious bedtime favorites in our neck of the wood…we all (B included) almost have them memorized!

Happy Tuesday.

Be blessed.

Sleeping Nuggets

If you look close, you can see a sweet little sleeping face…

(A-2011)

B used to do the same thing…

(B-2009)

I can’t help but wonder what they might be dreaming about to be that asleep and that content!

Sweet dreams!

Backseat Buddy

B is a great companion on the many errands we find ourselves on these days. He typically sits in his seat and watches the world go by outside his car window while playing with some type of car, truck, book etc.

Recently, our little guy started requesting songs as he rides, the two songs most commonly requested are “Mommy’s Song” and “Daddy’s Song” (both are on a playlist that play over and over through the car’s speakers-as I don’t very often get tired of songs).  It’s true…they are both some of our favorite songs…and neither C or I complain when we are asked to play them!

The other day, B surprised me and started singing another song on the playlist. As we were stopped at a stop light, I noticed him singing along to “How Great Thou Art”…seriously!!! It almost brought tears to my eyes and humbly reminded me that he soaks up every little thing he sees and HEARS. 

I couldn’t be more grateful for my backseat buddy and more willing to turn up the music and sing out loud as we drive around town and worship our Heavenly Father!

Happy Sunday.

Be blessed.

Afternoon Naps(s)

Ella jumped up to join in on  B’s story before naptime. 

She got rather comfortable and apparently decided to stay…

This is what I discovered when I went in to check on B.  Both are asleep on the bed sawing major afternoon Z’s.

Happy Sleepy Afternoon.

Be blessed.

Idea

Last winter I walked through the Bachman’s idea house…

They had attached an antique measuring tape to the wall to record kids’ growth.  I filed the idea away in my head hoping that I might be able to use it someday. I have many things like this in my “mental file” that rarely come to fruition…and was thrilled to finally be able to take and idea and make it come to life.

Earlier this spring, while walking through Pottery Barn (I was waiting on mechanics to change the oil in our car) I stumbled upon a new-old looking folding tape measure.  My memory was jogged about the idea so I purchased the tape hoping I would soon have a place to record B’s height.

While unpacking, I found the tape…and last night finally hung it!

Tonight is slated to be our family's inaugural measurement…one of hopefully many as we watch our precious kiddos grow!

Be blessed.

The Sign Says it All…

I don’t want to paint too rosy of a picture…getting acclimated to life here has had it’s ups and downs..but this morning, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude as I think about God’s provision with our new home and neighborhood..it is a happy day!

On the house front…

I am so grateful to have a place where we can play and not worry about waking up neighbors (our rent house was a duplex) and not be worried about having toys etc. cleaned up (like we did when our house was on the market). 

B seems to think that everyday is his birthday as “new” toys continue to be “unearthed” as we continue settling in.

A is becoming more content and willing to play on the floor while B plays…Ella has started to join in on the fun!

On the neighborhood front…

A SWEET neighbor, who claims to be the “neighborhood welcoming committee”, is working on introducing us to different people in the neighborhood as we are trying to develop something that resembles community.

Miss K (as we call her) has joined the kids and I for a morning walk to show me where other young families live…she even knocked on front doors to introduce me to other moms!

We have also tried out the neighborhood park in effort to stretch our legs, take a break from unpacking and try to meet other families and kiddos in the area.

Little moments like playing with the kiddos in the playroom…walking around the neighborhood…meeting new neighbors provide morsels of peace regarding our decision to move and God’s provision in leading us to this precious new neighborhood as we begin this new chapter in out little family’s life.

Praise God!!!

Be blessed.