New Perspective

A video on what God taught me while on the other side of the world.  I'll let it speak for itself.

I bet you can't...

It's the newest motivational phrase around here... we've definitely discovered that playing a little "Devil's Advocate" or "reverse psychology," or whatever you want to call it, WORKS for our little man.

 He'll be whining about how he needs help with his shoes (which he doesn't) or how he can't eat another bite (when he hasn't eaten a thing) and all it takes is a simple statement (said with a smile):

"I bet you can't do that."

And does he ever do it.  He gets a gleam in his eye, and gets to work faster than I've ever seen.  Its become a game to him too and he'll say "Mommy, say 'I bet you can't chew up this grape.'" And then, boy, will he ever chew up that grape.  Is it wrong?  Is this an inappropriate motivational tool?  All I know is that it sure does work.  He's got a bit of a competitive spirit in him, like his momma.  If you think I can't do it, I will show you that I can.

So I've started using it for myself too, changing those nagging guilty, defeating thoughts that sometimes creep in into what they really are:  a challenge.  I guess that's why its called Devil's Advocate.  "I bet you can't clean up that kitchen {again} joyfully for your family."  "I bet you can't put away your phone and {really} play with your kids."  "I bet you can't show grace and patience today."  "I bet you can't find the time to spend a quiet moment with the One who made you."

Oh yeah?  Watch me.


and not by my own strength...
"Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.   Look to the Lord and his strength: seek his face always."

11 Months

My sweet eleven month old...

...has two teeth (barely!), loves playing peek-a-boo, waves, claps, adores her brother, and steals the spotlight with those big blue eyes and kissable cheeks.  She's done with baby food and prefers to feed herself- her favorite foods are bananas, cheerios, carrots, peas, black beans, and cheese.  She sleeps through the night and takes two naps, though sometimes they are shorter than I'd prefer!  She is an early riser, snuggly, and pretends to be bashful around people she doesn't know, burying her face in my shoulder (I have to say- I love it!).  

We've been taking her to physical therapy weekly for about a month now.  When she was 9 months old and still not crawling/scooting or rolling to her tummy, the pediatrician thought it would be a good idea.  The PT has given us lots of good feedback as well as exercises to get her on her tummy and strengthen her legs, neck, and arms.  

She still hates being on her tummy, but I have seen her roll to her tummy recently and she will even get on her hands and knees for brief periods of time now.  Her new-found love is standing.  She can't pull up to standing, but if I set her up on something, she will hold on forever and even take a few steps side to side and this is helping to strengthen and slim (boo-hoo!) those legs.

I'm so grateful that while she is taking her time with things, we are definitely seeing that she is capable of it all, just taking her sweet time with moving along.   This girl is showing me that she is her own unique little person and she will do things in her own time... I've been so eager for her to crawl, to pull up, you know, reach all those milestones, but I'm realizing I've got to enjoy this sweet baby stage while it lasts!

And I've got to let her be who she is, and allow the Lord to write the story her has for her.  I'm realizing that's a lesson I'll probably have to learn over and over as my children grow up.  Its one of those hard, but good lessons to learn, you know?

I love you, precious girl, and I am SO PROUD to be your momma!  

Lazy Blogging...

It seems blogging has taken a backseat for me recently, but here's my attempt at a catch-up post...

fun trip to the zoo with friends...

little day trip to the coast...

A Happy Easter with family and no less than FOUR egg hunts...

a fun plane trip (Norah's first!)...

 My cousin's beautiful wedding and a visit with family (LOVE this 4 generations pic)...

Norah got a new tooth, Charlie got a new haircut, and I got some new pillows for my bed...

Can't believe in one short month my baby will be having a birthday...

We have our fair share of long days around here, but when I take a breath to stop and think I see how quickly its all flying by.  Doing my best to cherish it all...

3 Years Old

I can hardly believe it has been 3 years since I laid eyes on him...

...this tiny sweet bundle...

...turned curious, fun-loving toddler...

...turned loving, protective big-brother...

...turned funny, smart BIG BOY!

(who promptly after blowing out his candles declared  

"it's MY birthday" to everyone around.  Yes, I guess he really is three)

I could not be more proud of this precious son of mine.  His sincerity and wit surprise me every day and I am cherishing every detail of who he is and who he is becoming.  I cannot believe how blessed I am to get to be his mommy!  We love you Charlie, Happy Birthday!

Sprucing up for Spring (& 9 months old!)

We've been spending a lot more time outside recently and decided it was time to clean up the yard (ie get rid of the weeds!) and plant some flowers for spring.  

Charlie had a blast "helping" his Daddy and riding back and forth on the wheelbarrow.

Norah just sat looking cute like she always does.  She's 9 months old now!  Still no crawling, but I'm convinced it's not because she can't, but that she doesn't want to get her hands and knees dirty.  She'll wait until she can walk thankyouverymuch.

After I took these pictures, I thought I'd help a little with the planting.  Not a good idea- soon after this photo shoot, Norah decided to see what grass tastes like and I frantically tried to get it out of her mouth while getting my dirt covered hands all over her face and pretty white shirt.  No choking occurred, but bath time came early that day!

Its been so great to get outside and have some new plants to care for.  Hoping they make it through our hot hot summer.  Happy Spring!

an exercise in relaxation...

drop off the kids, surprise!, 5th floor suite, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, beautiful dinner, great {& uninterrupted} conversation, ice cream by the fire, sleeping in, long hot bath, coffee on the balcony, more eating out, beautiful drive, all with the one I love...

{... in celebration of our 7th anniversary} 

I love you, Paul... and that was exactly what your tired, often un-showered, overwhelmed with two kids wife needed... how ever did you know?