Overdue Picture Parade

What a long but productive, busy week we had!  And COLD!  We didn't get outside to play for more than 10 minutes at a time this week, argh...so we found lots of entertaining things to do on the inside.

The first pictures are from last Sunday before church, because Isabelle Katie looked so precious in her outfit- one of the dresses I completed for her from that ginormous stash of fabric I had.  And then they simply outline the rest of the week- we had my two sisters-in-law over for lunch yesterday, which was such a wonderful treat!  Although, the furnace repairman was also here for lunch, well, technically during lunch I suppose, replacing our 8-year-old water heater which had a crack and was on the verge of flooding our basement.  A pool in The Pit is not my idea of a good time, and after paying for such services, would have been the only pool we can afford, yikes!  So expensive!  But everyone has to earn a living, right?

And last night we were just plain goofin' around!

See the cute bunny mittens??  :)

 

 

 

I thought this was so cute- E & J poring over books (yes, sometimes their Bibles!) before church

Beloved Auntie Marj (beside Isabelle) and Aunt Kristen-

this girl LOVES her aunties!!

And she loves her a big ol' quesadilla- what a pro!!

 

  

Our li'l...bouncer??

I'm in love with those black legs!  Yum!

 

Wrestling with Dad

Begging for computer time, looking adorable

Jonah was having a very rough afternoon and was avoiding our impromptu family time- missed you Sweetie...so glad he turned the corner later and we had a much better rest of the evening

 

  

 

 

The prin-shesh waving some magic on Mama's foot, ha!

 

 
 

 

Please don't call child services!

I'd been planning about posting something adorably entertaining, like a story about Isabelle Kate's growing (fierce) independence, which would've been titled, "Mumma, I do it."  And I would have written all about her twenty minute attempts at pulling up her little socks, her crazy-mad obsession with zipping her pants, her coat, her pajamas, her sweatshirts- her everythings, and of course I'd have included a clever tale about her newest fixation: brushing her hair (sometimes mine, and I love it!) all by herself and putting in her own pretties (barrettes, clips and bows) with the biggest grin imaginable.

We hear the phrase "Mumma, I do it" a LOT around here these days.  :)

But alas, the events of last night have taken center stage for the time being, and brave soul that I am, I thought I'd share.  Please promise not to make that call, k?

We had just finished cleaning up after dinner and I was working on my...thing, but the boys were demanding my attention like mad, and positively driving me insane with their wrestling, jumping, boxing, and general testosterone-driven mayhem.  Just so you know, we had spent tons of time making treats, eating treats, playing and conversing earlier in the afternoon, so they hadn't been overly ignored or anything.

Anyhoo.

In one of those split second say-out-loud-what-you're-thinking moments, before you have the chance to actually think it through, I may have muttered something about taking their battle of strength outside to see just how invincible they were.  And I may have proposed some ridiculous, shocking contest to see who could last the longest...in his underwear...outside in the yard.

I remember laughing at the absurdity, thinking they would see right through my jest, have a chuckle and quit the bickering about who was strongest, smartest, cutest, bravest, most creative, tallest, biggest.....but they were too busy stripping down before my very eyes and flinging themselves out the door onto the snowy ground to notice the jesting part.

Now here's the part that troubles me a little bit: I let them do it.  In fact, I thought it was really funny, so funny that I grabbed the camera to record it forever.  You should have heard their squeals of mad delight!  They were having a blast!  And they weren't arguing.....

 

  

 

Ethan was way too cool to stoop to his little brothers' level until they actually did it, and then he couldn't help himself- he stripped down FAST!

(I figure this is the last pic of this big boy in his undies that I can share, sigh, since he's getting older and I think it crosses the line between cute and yuck when they're older...)

Their escapade outside lasted all of 60 seconds, and they came in shivering but completely happy and animated.  Problem solved.  Or on hold.  They head upstairs to start getting ready for bed (it was kinda late, for us anyway.)

Suddenly, I notice that it's quiet.  Too quiet.  In a panic I realize that I haven't seen Isabelle for quite a while.  I had no idea where she was...until I remembered that she'd gone downstairs to The Pit to play with her big brothers.  Man oh man!  It's chilly down there, there's a ton of stuff that I don't want her curious little brain conspiring to get into, and there are a few things that are just outright dangerous to her.

Bill was closer to the basement door so he went down in search of our princess.  I heard his laughter all the way upstairs- she'd been playing Mama to her babies and had the family all lined up around her, reading and singing to them, which was sweet but not the entire reason for his laughing.  I'll let you see for yourself.

So between encouraging my three boys to turn themselves into skivvy-wearing ice-pops and totally forgetting about a little girl in a potential mine field of danger for an hour or so, I won't be expecting to receive any particular parenting honors any time soon.

And if someone from child services comes knocking on my door, I'll know one of you ratted me out, and I'm not answering!  Ha Ha

 

look at the hood under the hat!!  ha ha ha ha

Hiatus

I'm still here, just in case anyone might be, you know, wondering- ha!

I'm up to something, something really big, and it's requiring the majority of my free (blogging) time.  I know that isn't much of an explanation, but that's all I can share at this point.

Believe me when I tell you that I'm struggling with balance big time!  I am such an all-or-nothing kind of girl, it's quite pitiful!  So I'm feverishly trying to find and maintain the many necessary balances between spending time with and serving the Lord, loving and caring for my family, all that crazy exercise (which thankfully IS doing something, finally!!!!), and honoring the special friendships in my life.  Then there's the added secretive something, and that demands much time and effort, but I feel SO alive, a feeling I haven't had in a very long time.  I told a dear friend last week that I feel like God has given me the green light to LIVE, and not just exist, to stop wasting my talents and dreams, because the alternative is devastating.  I've lived that alternative for a decade now, and I can no longer justify or make excuses.

Okay, so that was way more than I was going to say, but....

Hope you are all in good health and spirits!!  I'm going to throw in a pic of my cutie girl, because she's well, so cute!  :)

Gratitude...and Prayer

I just want to formally thank each of you who has been so supportive of my family and me over these last few months, either by praying for us, or leaving comments, or both!  From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!

I was sweating (yes, like a pig in case you were wondering! ha!) the other day at the gym, extremely focused, all the while chanting Little Engine-type phrases inside my head as the speeds and levels increased.  I imagine I'm quite a sight to behold; actually, I'm betting I look more like a freak- half the time my eyes are closed (that concentration factor) while giving myself the Little Engine pep talks, and then I realize that one or both of my hands are tapping along on the handles to whatever beat happens to be playing on my Ipod at that moment.  And I would never admit to finding myself singing in a louder-than-socially-acceptable voice while working out in public, because that really would be horrifying, wouldn't it be?...so thankfully I don't have to go there!  Needless to say, I won't be looking at myself in any of those ginormous mirrors anytime soon because this time, I am quite sure that my ignorance is absolute bliss!

Well, halfway through my first circuit, my eyes caught CNN and another story of the tragedies in Haiti.  I was immediately ashamed of myself for thinking how sick I was of hearing about the earthquakes, and then I saw a Haitian woman- a mother- on the screen.  Her eyes looked raw, yet wild and determined.  I didn't catch the majority of her story, so I don't have details to share here, but I did pick up on the fact that she was fighting for her children, for their safety and rescue, and she still didn't know where they were, or if they were alive.

I thought to myself, that is anguish in its truest form.  Undeniably, unquestionably, and unimaginably one of the worst kinds of despair- where are your children?  Are they safe?  Are they suffering?  Are they alive, waiting for you to come and rescue them?

Tears mingled with sweat as I continued my run.  All I could do in that moment was pray.  And then it hit me- prayer isn't the least we can do; it is the very best, the highest honor, to call upon the Creator of the universe and KNOW that He hears, He cares, He will sustain, and He will comfort.  Today I will pray.  I'll pray for that mother, for the children, for other families, for provision, for people who are able to travel and assist.

Let's all be prayer warriors this entire week!

Our Birthday Girl

Yesterday we celebrated Isabelle Katie's 3rd Birthday with some of our good friends from church.  I had SO much fun getting things ready for the big day!  I had also planned on finally posting pics of her birthday dress that I made last month, but...since her party turned into a lovely butterfly (posa, from mariposa, according to Isabelle) theme, I did not have the strength to resist the adorable little butterfly dress at Gymboree, which was on sale and I had my bucks to play around with....it was perfect!  We asked her friends to come wearing their sundresses, as we'd be having a "picnic" in January- what fun!!  They all looked so adorable!!

Here are some pictures of the big day...

My darling girly girl

Someone's a little ex-cit-ed!!

Lots of pink and yellow flowers

And flowers by our picnic blanket

 

I think these goody bags turned out really well!

 

Miss Isabelle giving things the once-over earlier in the morning

I think she approved- she kept dancing around saying "My birsday party, so pretty!  So many pretties!"

 

Flowers as guests entered our home

Mariposa balloon for the princesa

Tissue peonies and pink balloons also in the entry way

What party is complete without a trip to...the Dollar Store?

Can't go wrong with a dollar, folks!

I was a little disappointed that I didn't have enough room for a fancy letter "I"

But I think the cake turned out pretty- that's a heart shape on top of a round layer

 

I can see now why I don't get paid the big bucks for my confection creations- so it wasn't very smooth on the sides there, but it sure tasted good!

Adorable matching sisters

More girly fun

Such cuties

 

She's raring to go!

And she gave us a heart attack as she bent so close to the flames!

(I was really missing my extra set of hands at this point, but Bill took the boys skating and sledding during the party, which actually was a bug help)

That is one very adorable, very brave little guy!

Isabelle Katie insisted that her new pony be allowed to dine with her

Only because she's the birthday girl

She had quite a rude awakening at dinner when pony had to watch from a distance

Such D-R-A-M-A!

These two sweeties are cousins- so cute!

Don't all the girls look so precious in their little dresses???

I only wish that I had remembered to gather them on the picnic blanket for a picture!

And I don't have any pics of the present-opening, either, because I was videotaping...oh well!

We're so thankful for our good friends!

Thank you!

All In A Day

I thought it might be fun to capture the many moments of a typical day on film, mostly for future reference, as I'm all too aware of how easily those memories come and go with time.  Monday used to be Big Clean day, but I've been tweaking my schedule (yes, I clean on a schedule, and I think it's the only way to go!) recently.  Or rather, getting back to even wanting to have a schedule.  Ahem.  Ok, so what did we do?

I'm up early.  I like to be alone to think, pray, read, plan.  When this time is removed by small humans, that is not a good way to start my day.  Happily, yesterday was good.

Then there's the usual morning routine, getting lunches finished, breakfast started (I like real breakfasts), shooing naughty cats off the table, and getting boys up and at 'em.  That's sometimes easier said than done; yesterday was one of those times.

25 minutes and three tantrums later, all from the same child, the first 2 were out the door and off to school.  I love that Caleb and I get to linger.  I'm not so much loving the frigid rude awakening as I bundle up Isabelle Katie and myself to walk Caleb up to the corner for the bus, only to return 4 minutes later and de-bundle.  Isabelle used to sleep until 7:30 so sometimes I walked C really quickly up and would be back before she even awoke.  Anyhoo.

My arctic rush outside yesterday morning literally sucked the air.from.my.lungs.  SO COLD!  Isabelle is in the jogger with the shield, complaining away.  I'm thinking, Get over it, babe, 'cause we're going for a long walk in this beast today- snow on the road or not! (And yes, we did that!  Way to go, me!)

Color time.  And playing with my new camera.

 

More play

 

Laundry. Lots of laundry.

Playtime in the snow.  Isabelle Kate was chirping to the birdies, sprinkling snow "seed" on the driveway for them.  Very cute!  Phone rings- run inside and it's a friend from Grace Group.  I chat away while watching Isabelle from the window.  She still looks so cute out there!

Peek-a-boo

Peek-a-boo again!

Isabelle inside.  Two attempts at playing with beans in a pan.  This was always Caleb's favorite activity.  Isabelle thinks it's fun, but she makes a huge mess.  Not so much fun for me.  Playing with beans has ended for a while.  Stared down the pile of flannel for the boys' PJs.  Nope, that wasn't going anywhere yesterday.

Lunch.  More laundry.  Vacuuming before Calliou at noon.  Since Isabelle hasn't been napping every day lately, I was wondering if I'd need to contend with a tired, non-sleeping toddler on my hands in the afternoon.  Thank you Jesus, she was asleep fast, after singing, reading "Clissorf"- Clifford- and snuggling, which then gave me time for other equally important things, like watching my friend's copy of Twilight for the...third time- thank you SARAH!!  Oh Edward, how you've captivated my feeble little human heart.  Just in case you're wondering, no I'm not serious.  At all.  It's just a movie, folks!  :)  It was productive- I was folding the mountains of clothes AND doing the occasional lunge or karate kick!  See that?  No time wasted!

Boys home. Tantrum boy still not so much fun to be around.  Hot cocoa and snacks in the making.  Twilight soundtrack semi-blaring in the background from my playlist (on the photo blog)- for a pianist, it's really quite motivating and inspirational to me.  Trying to wake up darling girly girl...still.  Not many skirmishes between the testosterone crew, which was a pleasant surprise.  Homework patrol.  Tantrum boy...better...a little.  Carrying armfuls of folded clothes upstairs (and squeezing those glutes at the same time!) Start dinner.  Bill home- yay!!!!!  Help Ethan figure something out on the piano.  Finish up a thank-you basket for the hostess/friend who prepared an entire 3-course delightful meal for all the ladies in Grace Group.  Paint pretties on Isa's fingernails (she calls them handnails- ha!)  Quick game of chase thorugh The Loop.  Dinner on the table- meatloaf, baked sweet potato rounds, steamed baby spinach, milk and wheat rolls.  Yum.  I was so hungry and had a hard time refraining from nibbling while I waited for my own feast at 7:30, which, BTW, seems like forever when you're used to 5:30!  So worth it, though!  It was wonderful to catch up with these special women and hear all that God has been doing in their lives- we've been on Christmas break and won't reconvene for another 2 weeks. Missed Bill, since I was out all evening, and he was in bed by the time I returned at 11pm- too late for me on a school night!  Yawn.

So, that was my day!  I know I missed a few things, but I think I've remembered the important parts.  whew, now I'm tired all over again!  :)

On Sunday, Jonah had a recital and did a wonderful job playing...and waiting.  Many of  the adults who played chose really, really, really long songs, which just made all the children wait and wait.  I'm all for the arts, but c'mon people- just because you can play a 15 minute concerto doesn't mean that you should be playing it at a recital!  I'm just saying...

Way to go, Jonah!

He is actually going to be taking a break from lessons because of his recent behavior- I'll save that for another day.  Sigh.

Weekend

We finally got outside as a family yesterday to enjoy some sunshine!  I was really proud of Isabelle Katie, too, who had yet to walk all by herself on a trail (espcially one covered in snow), but she did it!  What a trooper!  I wish I had pics to share, but I left the camera home.  Darn.

I was feeling rather accomplished yesterday as well simply because I've been working so hard to get our home back "in order."  I'm not entirely sure why, but the last few months I haven't really, well, cared all that much.  My friends who know me well can appreciate that- that is not typical of me and my house.  But things started to click this past week, and I am truly trying to be deliberate (as stated in my New Year's post) with my time and actions, so maybe that's the mental push I needed to get back into the swing of things.  I'm also taking a more proactive role in carving out time to work out, have fun, and relax- all things I have let slide in the last year.  Balance is so hard!  I wonder if it will ever get easier.

And last night I went out on a date!  It's okay, it was with my husband!  :)  (He took the picture of me that I'm now using as my profile pic.)  Not only did he sit through Twilight with me Friday night, but THEN took me out to eat and to see New Moon last night.  If that isn't sacrificial love then I don't what is!  I don't know if I've mentioned this particular quasi-obsession of mine on the blog, but I've been devouring the books since Christmas and now I get it.  All the fuss, I mean.  What girl doesn't want to think that she's The One?  I try to remind myself that that's how Jesus sees me, his one and only, that his love and adoration for me pales in comparison to everything else I could ever experience. 

Church was difficult this morning.  I'm not really going to explain right now, sorry, but there are certain topics that bring me to my knees in agony, and today's was one of them.  I know we are all sinners, I know that I'm in no way exempt- that isn't what I mean to imply; however, there are some sins that occurred in my life and marriage that hurt me in a way like nothing else ever did, or could.  It requires such focus on my part to not get sucked back into that pain.  I'm a little disappointed, as I thought I was doing better in that area.  Life is so complicated!

I took advantage of a few free moments before we left for church this morning by having an impromptu photo shoot with my handsome men.  I need to get a few books to read about how to use this new Big Girl camera of mine, though, but I had great subjects to work with, so of course the pictures came out beautifully!  Enjoy...

Have a blessed day!
~B

Weakness

In a moment of extreme weakness, I did something that, perhaps, I shouldn't have.

There's still a part of me that wishes I hadn't.

But there's nothing I can do about it now.  And at least it can always grow out, though that's the issue that brought forth the dilemma in the first place.  My Isabelle is just about the cutest thing I've ever laid eyes on, but her hair has brought me to tears recently.  I take on a rather unsightly shade of green as I look at other little girls with their long locks and gorgeous braids and swingy ponytails.  I think I have a disorder.  I don't like it one bit.

So here are some pics of my handiwork.  I do like it, but it still feels so wrong to chop off the very thing I've been so desperately anxious to have.  At least it goes both ways- I took the scissors to my 'do too (a couple weeks ago), and this morning I did highlights, which I really, really like.  There is no stopping me now!

Of course I know my daughter is perfect just as she is, but I'm being completely honest here, and it's my blog so I can be.

Okay, so how'd I do?

lovely sweeping bangs now

cute little nape- nice clean edge now

And these are from before The Transformation- all my FB friends loved these pics so I figured I'd share here

my little zebra is so stinkin' cute!

Welcome 2010

I must admit that it's taking me a little longer than usual to welcome in this wonderful, hopeful, brand new year.  Granted, illness last week kept the celebrations at bay, and with that, the usual list-making and resolution-setting were also on the back burner.  However, this week I've been giving some serious thought to what I'm looking forward to in 2010, all that I hope to achieve and conquer, if you will.

The list is pretty small, for me, anyway.  And since I got serious about getting fit over a month ago, I suppose I can't really count that old standby for a NewYear's resolution, ha!  This year I intend to be...deliberate.

Huh?

Deliberate.  I want my words to bring life, and my actions to demonstrate love and hope (even through the more mundane tasks we all face each day).  I intend to pursue my husband and affirm my children, not only to support and encourage them but to show them how much they are cherished, unique, fearfully and wonderfully made by the Most High God, whose love for them far surpasses my greatest attempt at love; I intend to deepen my friendships (an area in which I have always struggled) by showing unconditional love and support no matter what, and I will allow others to see my vulnerabilities and weaknesses as well, an ingredient often missing due to my pride; and I intend to learn more about myself- over the past decade I have been kind of bowled over by my life's circumstances, and I'm now at a place where I see the importance of knowing...who I am, what I like/dislike, what recharges me, what depletes me, what interests me, what makes my spirit soar.  I'm telling you, I have been so out of touch with me that I couldn't even describe to you my ideal day, or my favorite meal, my favorite sport or hobby.  These things take time, effort, and intention, and I believe they are vitally important for our well-being, which of course directly affects how we are able to care for others in our lives.

Yes, 2010 is the year in which I will be deliberate with my time, my resources, my talents and interests, and most importantly, with my words and actions.

I can't wait to read about everyone else's exciting plans for the new year here!  Thank you, as always, Kelly!  I'm always so inspired by all the wonderful ideas and energized by such a feeling of community and hope!

Welcome 2010!

It's going to be a fantastic year!

Thinking To Stay Warm

I did something this week I don't normally do.

I watched the Bachelor.

I like the young man enough- he seems sweet and genuine; though I really wonder what on earth he expects to find in a situation like this one....I digress.  The women, on the other hand, didn't come across quite so well.  Maybe that's all part of the marketing ploy for all I know, yet I found the whole thing really, really sad.

Halfway through the show my heart was aching for some of these girls, wondering why they felt so empty, so "washed up" at the tender age of 25.  The most horrifying aspect was that several of them seemed to have already mapped out their young lives with this man, as if they knew him intimately enough to even fathom the idea.  I guess I felt sorry for some of them, and I wanted to take them aside to tell them how valuable they are, how much God loves them and has a perfect plan for their lives, whether it involves finding love on a TV show or not.  Then it hit me- I didn't know that when I was their age either.  I've always believed in God, but I didn't have any knowledge of His real love for me and for the details of my life.  I cannot reach out to the girls on the show, but I can reach out to the young women in my own circles, to encourage them, uphold them in prayer, and simply be there.  I'm going to have to pray about what God wants me to do...and I'll keep you posted.

For now, I'm cold, feeling a bit withdrawn and isolated, so I'm going to post a few favorite pictures from warmer days over the years.  Enjoy!

I started out the brand new year

without the usual fanfare and excitement; without my annual To-Do list perched by my side; no countdowns, celebrations, or even a midnight kiss from the mister.

No, my date was more the porcelain variety.

Eeewww.

Not pretty.  Definitely not fun.

I suppose my night of terror wasn't really that big a deal; rather, it was the all-nighters I'd been pulling with each child leading up to it.  It was strange- each kid had his, then her, own horrible night and subsequent horrible day, and then it was all over.  One right after the other.  All week long.  I'm not sure if it was worse that it was vacation week, or if it was actually a blessing in disguise.  Regardless, it seemed like a really long week.

But we are back to relative good health today.  The sun is almost shining, which would be a wonderful gift after nearly 4 days of gray, snow-stormy days, and Isabelle Kate and I have already survived the likes of the grocery store, tidied up a bit, and played outside.  And it isn't even lunch time.  Oh, I think I'm making a comeback afterall!


Be forewarned: there may be disconnected, not-fully-thought-through ramblings if you keep reading....so scroll down for a cute pic if you're not in the mood.  :)

I was thinking just the other day that I never mentioned how Christmas Eve holds an extra-special significance for our family.  June 24, 2008 was the day we loaded up and moved down to Guatemala to be with our baby girl, for what we thought would be a 2-3 week stay in the country.  So many things happened there, things that I feel I have yet to fully recover from but I won't allow myself the proper time and space to reflect...well, anyway, we didn't even realize until Christmas Eve last year that it was our 6-month anniversary of being together with our Isabelle.  I think that's pretty special!  And this year, yesterday actually, marked that magical aoption landmark of having more time together than having had apart.

When I look back on our year-and-a-half together, I'm amazed, humbled, and mostly in awe that it feels like she has been with us forever.  Yet the truth is that she spent just as much time with her beloved foster family.  I know God brought us to each other and it is He who has smoothed out the bumps along the way.  I know He meant for us to be her parents just as she was born to be our precious daughter.  Still amazes me.  Leaves me...speechless, if you will, though certainly not for long.  Ha

In reflecting on these things I can't help but feel unworthy.  I am not a perfect Mom.  I lose my cool, battle with self-doubt, insecurity, and other energy-draining issues.  I do not choose peace every time, and I certainly don't feel joy in my everyday life, not the way I long to.  There are many days when I wonder if my daughter would have been better off with another mother; if my boys would be better off with a more giving, fun, easy-going Mom.

Hmmmm.  That's sounding more meolodramatic than I'd intended, but yes, it's still truthful.  I make so many mistakes!  And I'm all too aware of the damage that gets done, even without intention.  Yikes, that's almost unbearable!  Yet I know, I believe, and I have found out for myself, that God does keep his promise about using our pain for good.  He alone gives us the freedom to live, love, and forgive fully, so I think I'll meditate on those promises this week while I now have the chance to think ahead to the promises and hope of a brand new year.

This cutie has always had such a keen sense of style-

this was his response to putting on a warm play shirt and some longer socks for outdoor play

HA

2006-

See my point?????

hee hee hee hee -how I LOVE that boy!!!!

Happy Belated New Year!

~B

Reclaiming Home

I must admit, this is the first year that all remnants of Christmas (except for the presents) have already been carefully wrapped, stacked and tucked away inside massive storage containers, until next year, when it all starts over again.  It isn't even New Year's Day!  Yikes!  I suppose I just needed to get a little of my normal back, whatever that may be, earlier rather than later this year.

Of course, joyous holiday feelings have also subsided due to the frequent vomiting in our home the past several days.  The thought of cleaning and disinfecting amid the Christmas decorations...again...was just too much for this weak soul to take.  No, I'm not the one attached to the bathroom.  Yet, anyway.  Sigh.

So not to be all doom and gloom, I did feel pretty liberated at the sight of my now-rather-naked family room and the cleared off window sills and such.  A mini cleansing of the soul I think, ha!  And today, I braved the arctic wind to get to the grocery store for the sake of my poor family, and I was...alone.  Alone!  Wow!  I don't think I have ever enjoyed puttering up and down the aisles of a grocery store so much!  Did I mention that I was ALONE????  :)  Anyway, I treated myself to a beautiful new pink Primrose plant to welcome in the new year (something I began a few new year's ago), and I think it's the prettiest $3.33 I've seen all week.

If you've seen the Christmas pics, then you're in for a real treat when you feast your eyes upon these post-clean-up pics!  Ha Ha

 

Aaaaaahhhhhh, I have my quiet space back

 What to do with that bare corner in the back...

 

Yup, still waiting on my mantle....

My little reading nook, overlooking our secluded, woodsy backyard

Now onto the kitchen...

Needs something up there- I'm thinking through options

Up here too

My ill-equipped, uninspiring dining room...

I've found a temporary cure for my longing for a sideboard!

This little set up works beautifully for the time being, and I'd rather have it here than taking up too much space in the family room

Finally, that awkward area I've been working on...ta-da!

Hello Isabelle!

I've got one thing in mind for the empty space on the left...betcha can't wait, right???

And of course, just a few moments ago, the slipcover suffered unbearable trauma and will most likely be retired from duty...so the very (faded) blue denim over-stuffed chair will have to make a return to the office space because I'm not dealing with another slip cover in the meantime- no way!  We do not get along!  When does it ever end?  Wish me luck!  :)

Another Wonderful Christmas

Getting ready for Christmas this year felt really special.  Too stressful at times, though I try my hardest not to give into those kinds of pressures, but mostly joyous.  Thoughts of Mary, a frightened and obedient young girl, faced with awesome and incredible events, humbled me often this season as I reflected on the very first Christmas day in the stable so many years ago.  What an amazing gift was given to us all!

Here are some favorite pics, and I didn't even play with my edits...yet.  Gasp.  :)
Christmas morning (and the night before); family dinner with my folks; Christmas with Bill's family a few nights ago.  Whew!  

Jonah felt inspired to drop and do 20 with his beloved Pats shirt on!

 

 

 

 

Sometimes

Love hurts

:)

Merry Christmas

Last Christmas was our first with baby girl home.  Things felt different then, exciting but also feverishly mission-filled, if that makes any sense at all.  I was on a mission to fill in the gaps, the things I had missed out on that still stung so sharply.  Last year it was about experiencing anything and everything having to do with my daughter being home- the prefect dress, the perfect bow, shoes, holiday-themed tights, posed pictures at home, at church, by candlelight, and on and on.  Pressure.  Lots of pressure, which undoubtedly took my focus away from the most important thing, the real reason we celebrate: the birth of Jesus. 

Needless to say, tonight I didn't even get a picture of Isabelle Kate before we headed out, mainly because we were all running around grabbing this and that to bring out to the car, head to family's house, then to church.  Not many pictures at church either.  Unthinkable!  It's special and important, of course, but somehow the intensity of needing those pictures has lessened considerably.  I have what matters most right here with me, our family, and we have the most treasured gift imaginable, the love and acceptance of our Lord and Savior.  No portrait required.

That said, I did snap a couple of the boys.  By this point, Isabelle had already asked to go "pway wiff toys" so I was surrounded by just my handsome boys, young and old....er.  It was simply a beautiful evening of praise, reflection and worship.  Happy Birthday, my dear friend Jesus!

Oh wait, there she is with Daddy

Jovial Jonah

Cutie Caleb

All smiles for the refreshments afterwards!

Merry Christmas!