My Sweet Little One Is Here!

We arrived home from the hospital today! Alec Josiah was born Saturday, July 11th (right on his due date) at 1:23pm. He weighed 8 lbs, 9 oz (my smallest baby yet) and was 20 1/4 inches long.

He's perfectly delightful and we all love him--including his brothers who are learning what it means to be, "gentle, **gentle!!**" (As my heart leaps in my throat...)

I hope to share his birth story and pictures soon, but for now I need to rest. ;)

What Crisis Management Mode Actually Looks Like

Image by Hamed Saber

Um. It's not pretty. (Unlike the lovely picture I've chosen for this post. I think I'm wishing I were there sometimes.)

I've been talking about crisis management mode here and here. And I'm definitely right in the middle of it. My baby isn't even here yet, but it is taking everything I've got just to get through the day. I'm waking many nights not being able to return to sleep. So, I'm very fatigued. Very.

A dear friend told me that perhaps even my last list was a little too ambitious. She told me to focus on "getting dressed and feeding and watering my family". Yes. I think she was right. As I have energy, I'm looking to other things as well, but I really don't have much energy.

So, right now, the house is often littered with random things. We've eaten eggs for dinner more times than I care to count. Laundry is in a little behind and what is clean is still in baskets. My husband is doing lots of dishes, and the meals we've had that weren't eggs, he prepared on the grill. (Bless that man.)

And blogging?

Ha!

That's about all I have to say about that.

To be honest, this has been really hard for me. I felt irresponsible and as though I were letting "someone" down. You know, the hordes of you who are tromping over here every day waiting with bated breath to read what I've written.

But I've come to realize (a bit painfully) that I may need to really step back from blogging even more than I had intentioned to when I anticipated baby coming. I don't plan to stop altogether. I love to write and I love to share what God has been teaching me. But this blog simply doesn't make the cut when it comes to my biggest priorities.

And that's OK.

Wow. What a burden lifted.

I am forever imposing burdens on myself that just don't need to be there. Doing things with a false sense of urgency.

When everything else falls away, there will be so little that really, really, really matters. And I want to focus on, and enjoy, what really matters.

I sincerely hope that those of you who stop by will continue to do so once in a while. Even if it means that there is a serious decline in fresh content. Of course, you could subscribe and then you wouldn't have to keep checking and you'd never miss a single captivating post. Hint, hint. Poke, poke.

But even if some of you move on to greener pastures and never visit again...that's OK. Can you tell I'm talking to myself?

Lord, thank you for the gift of family. For the blessings of children. Thank you for the opportunity of this season of life. Of nurturing, loving and teaching my little ones. May I never miss the "moments" that matter as I'm caught up in something far less important.

The Baby Plan

Image by leezie5

I'm about to have a baby.

I. Am. About. To. Have. A. Baby!

Ahhhhhhh!!

Deep breaths, deep breaths...

OK, in case you can't tell from recent posts, I've been feeling a little overwhelmed of late. I'm fatigued and emotional. I feel awkward and...heavy. My brain has a serious case of fogginess it seems--probably due to fatigue.

I've been trying to take good care of myself by eating relatively well, drinking lots of water, taking my Floradix, etc. But my daily walks have fallen by the wayside and my much, much needed time with the Lord has gotten pretty lax. Sleeping in will do that to you.

So, I'm feeling the need to put a plan--a concrete plan--down on paper. I've had a few plans throughout my pregnancy, but I'm feeling the need to simplify and change it up even more. I want to have a plan for these last few weeks leading up to birth time, and a basic plan in place for afterward as well.

My To-Do List:
Declutter and organize house
Clean, insure and move carseats to Buick (a bigger car to fit all five of us!)
Stock pantry and toiletry cupboards
Redecorating
Get all old pictures organized and made into photobooks
Sell items on Ebay and Amazon
Labor plan for little boys
Organize boys' clothing
Wash baby's diapers and clothes
Paint hallway (This is getting knocked off since Keith says there's just no way we can do this right now. Whew.)
Stock freezer with baked goods and dinner meals
Have garage sale (And this is getting knocked off because I'm seeing the light. Who was I kidding?)
Pack bags for me and for boys
Write series posts ahead of time

My Pre-Baby "Crisis Management" Plan

1. Sticking with the basics every day.
I do need to keep on top of some simple things like my menu plan, making very simple dinners, completing at least one load of laundry a day, a quick tidy, and doing the dishes. I've learned the hard way that letting these items get out of control is disastrous for me. These are my "sinks".

2. Making time with the Lord a priority.
Instead of saying, "Oh, I don't have time for this right now!" I need to say, "I'm so tired and overwhelmed, I must find time to spend with the Lord!" It's really my greatest need right now.

3. Mini-tasking the bigger items on my to-do list.
Some of the things on my to-do list might not get done, but I've got my to-do list tasks spread out and broken down into smaller items if necessary. This way I don't feel so overwhelmed. This approach actually helped me finally get my digital pictures organized and put into photo books. I've had this job sitting on my to-do list since my first son was born. He's four and a half now!

4. Calling in reinforcements.
I just might be calling in some young girls from church who can play with the boys for a day while I finish up some of my cooking and baking.

5. Giving myself grace.
I'm trying to do this, though not always very well. I have a bit of a driven nature, so it's hard for me to allow myself to not be "up to par".

6. Loving my family well.
It's really easy for me to be snappy in my fatigue and discouragement. But the one thing that really matters most right now is for me to love well. For my children to feel secure and loved--even if our house isn't always in the condition I like it to be. For my husband to have a smile in his direction instead of a frown.

My Post-Baby "Crisis Management" Plan

1. Just focus on the basics.
I'm hoping to have lots of food in the pantry and freezer so that I won't have to do very much cooking. But I'll still need to try to do at least a load of laundry every day, keep clean dishes, and do a quick tidy each day. These are things that I know Keith will help me with. (I love you, sweetheart!)

2. Make time with the Lord my biggest priority.
I don't think I've ever taken time to spend with the Lord on a regular basis after the birth of a baby. I was just too tired. But as I just mentioned, when do we need this time most? When we're tired, overwhelmed and discouraged. All things I usually experience after a baby is born. I'd like to be able to say in a couple of months, that even when I did nothing else all day, I found time to rest in the Lord.

3. Call in reinforcements.
My mother-in-law will help me as much as she can, my husband will also do what he can to keep us is in good shape. I may be able to have some young girls come in once in a while to do a quick and basic clean of the house.

4. Doing absolutely nothing that isn't absolutely necessary.
When Caden was born, I got back into the swing of things almost immediately. I thought I felt great! But I crashed soon afterward. I ended up struggling quite a bit with a case of baby blues that lasted longer than it probably should have. When Levi was born, I had learned my lesson. I did my best to follow the above rule, and while I still had some postpartum "downness", it didn't last as long or get as deep as with Caden.

5. Focus on healthy patterns.
Since I'm prone to postpartum depression, I really need to focus on getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious food and getting some activity when it's appropriate.

6. Giving myself grace and loving my family well.
Just as above, it's more important for me to be a source of love and security to my family even if the house is in a bit of chaos for a while. And it's so important to remember that I live under a gracious God! Life will gain a normalcy and pattern once again.

Whew. I feel better having just written down these things that have been floating in my brain. Time to actually put it into practice.

Eight Years of Marriage to the Most Wonderful Man on the Planet

Eight years ago yesterday, I stood beside the man in the picture above and pledged my life to him--and he did the same for me.

Eight years! I can't believe it's been that long!

We've seen some rough days. And we've seen some really, really good days. All in all, I'm so glad those days were spent together.

Every once in a while, I get a fresh look at my Keith. And I feel true amazement that I have the privilege of being his wife. And the mother of his children. Thank you, Lord!

Our wedding day took place in Orillia, Ontario (my hometown) on one of the chilliest June days I'd ever remembered. But I don't remember feeling that cold. My bridesmaids were absolutely freezing, but I must have had some serious love, adrenaline, and happiness keeping me warm that day!

Since then, we've traveled the road of marriage. A marriage is a whole different story from a wedding. You all know what I mean. I've got to say that our marriage has been a beautiful, wonderful thing. It's been hard. Really hard sometimes. But the tapestry of beauty the Lord has woven in our marriage...amazes me.

I know we both feel more secure. Confident in ourselves and each other because of our marriage. I've seen him grow. He's seen me grow. We've seen each other at our very, very worst. And we still want to be with each other. He still loves me and desires me. Frankly, it blows my mind.

I know the next eight years may hold more hard things. But I'm confident that with God's help, they will also hold more beauty and wonder than I can imagine.

Keith, baby, I don't want anyone but you. I'm yours forever and forever yours.

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Unplugged and Plugged In!

Image by functoruser

So, in case you missed yesterday's post and the post from last Friday--I'm on vacation, people!

Woohoo!!

I'm actually writing this post ahead of time--because this week, I'm going more (to be honest, not totally) unplugged than I usually am.

I'm completely and totally grateful today for some much needed time with my family. By God's grace, today we're chilling, laughing, and enjoying each other. By God's grace, I'm not Facebooking, Tweeting, blogging, or surfing.

Today I'm so thankful for the opportunity to plug into my family more and plug into the rest of the world a little less!

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

I'm On Vacation!

Image by drusbi

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! Do you have something special planned for the day?

As for me and my family, we're on vacation! Woohoo! No, we haven't actually gone anywhere, but it's my plan to make this staycation truly fun, restful, and special for us. So, that means a serious decline in my online time. We can all use some downtime and unplugged time now and again, don't you think? And if this isn't the perfect opportunity, I don't know when is!

So, I won't be around much this week, but I have a couple of posts scheduled that I hope you'll enjoy.

What about you? Maybe today would be a good day to unplug from the techno world and plug into your family more. Whatever you do, I pray that God will bless your day and your week!

The Staycation: How to Have a Great Vacation When You Don't Have Any Money

Image by frumbert

I'm about to go on vacation! Well, um, I'm about to be on vacation to put it more accurately.

Keith is taking his vacation time next week and we are so excited! We are in desperate need of a break and some rest.

We have also experienced a serious feeling of tightness when it comes to finances lately. In the past, we've had a vacation fund that we contributed to regularly throughout the year, but that was something that had to go this past year as we tightened our belts some more. We decided that if we were able to do something special to raise some extra money for vacation during the year, we'd do that instead.

But, as it turns out, any time we've been able to set aside some extra money, it's been needed more somewhere else. Thankfully, we were able to get a start on our emergency fund this year and now have three months of savings set aside. That's definitely worth more to me than a vacation to a new spot.

So, we've got this vacation time coming up, a need for refreshment and fun, but no money.

As a result, we are planning our very first staycation! Sound intriguing? Here are the ideas I've come up with to make our week at home fun, exciting, relaxing, and best of all--cheap!

1. Make a commitment to really take vacation.
I don't want to fall into the rhythm of regular life even though we're here in our own house. It needs to feel like vacation! So, Keith won't be "allowed" to work in the yard (unless he presents the argument that it makes him feel relaxed)! I won't have anything on my schedule or to-do list other than the necessary things like laundry, dishes, and cooking. No deep cleaning. No delving into my baby preparation list. No blogging. No extras. Just relaxing and enjoying each other!

2. Plan some fun things to do.
I don't expect to schedule my days to death, but I know us well enough to know that if I don't figure out ahead of time how we'll spend our time, the week will be gone, and we won't have done anything worth doing! Here's a few things I'll be putting on our schedule for the week:

• Swim in Nannie's pool
• Play in our wading pool
• Go for walks with Daddy
• Visit nearby state park and take a picnic
• Take a day trip to the beach
• Visit the library with Daddy (the kids are always begging Keith to come with us--now he can, because he's on vacation!)
  

3. Put some "fun" foods on the menu.
I don't know about you, but vacation always seems extra special to me because of some yummy, fun foods I get to eat along the way. So, our menu will be things that are our family "fun" foods. Burgers on the grill, wings, tacos, chicken caesar salad, and pizza. Breakfasts will probably be some special treats like coffee cake, bacon and eggs, and even a box or two of sugary cereal that I never, ever buy for my family. It's vacation after all!

4. Plan at least one small "luxury".
For us this might be going out for shaved ice. Or we might be able to budget enough to treat the family to a meal out one evening. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to seem like a treat. Just something you don't treat yourselves to very often.

5. Consider taking a break from the techno world.
Anytime we've gone away, we've been somewhat separated from the rest of the world. We don't have cell phones, so we aren't usually on the telephone. And we don't usually have access to the Internet--so, no Facebook, blogs, etc, etc, etc. Really, all that stuff can take up quite a bit of mental energy. I think I'd like to see us turn our answering machine on and turn our computer off--at least for the majority of the time.

6. Look at the very, very bright side of a staycation.
Are you in our shoes this year and expect to be spending your vacation time at home? Maybe you're not really into the idea, and you feel more like moping about it than trying to make it fun. Here's a couple more thoughts to get you pumped about the possibilities:

• You don't have all the prep work that going away requires. (No finding a place for the dog, arranging for the mail and newspaper to be on hold, or PACKING!)
• You don't have to travel in the car with whiney, tired children for hours.
• You don't have to worry about going into debt to pay for the vacation you know in your heart you really can't afford.
• You don't have to UNPACK! (This might be the best one of all.)
• You won't have 17 loads of laundry to catch up on when you come home. (Second best!)

Do you have any more suggestions for our family and the week ahead? Any fun, cheap ideas to make this memorable, relaxing, and exciting! I'd love to hear them!

For more money saving tips, please visit Frugal Friday at LifeasMOM!

Rocky Returns

No, this post is not about Rocky Balboa. (Sorry to all you diehard fans that only came to read this with that in mind. Sorry.)

Rocky, I'll have you know, is a small stuffed raccoon. He's lived with us now for a few years. A few years ago, Keith's grandparents moved down here from their home in Virginia to be closer to family. Shortly after they arrived, Mamaw found a cute stuffed raccoon in the gift shop of a nearby state park. She picked it up for Caden.

It actually took a while, but in the last year or so, Caden has formed a deep attachment to Rocky the Raccoon. He talks to Rocky, eats with Rocky, plays and pretends with Rocky.

Did you know that Rocky almost moved to California to be with his mother? But he loved Caden so much he decided to stay here. That's what Caden told me, anyway.

Rocky has even been to Sunday School with Caden a few times. And every night when we pray before bed, Rocky prays too. He has a small, squeaky little voice that is similar to Caden's. Yes, very much like Caden's, only squeakier.

One night last week, Caden informed us that Rocky didn't want to pray. We were surprised, but we really feel like no one should ever be forced to pray. So, we didn't press the issue.

Apparently, Rocky should have prayed.

Because the following night, when it was time for bed, we couldn't find Rocky. Anywhere. Keith and I looked in every drawer, cupboard, and nook we could think of. He just wasn't there.

I was beginning to feel panicked. Rocky is Caden's friend and security in so many ways. I mean, if I haven't been clear enough already, they do everything together. Everything.

Caden was upset. He kept telling us that he could hear Rocky crying. (*Sniff*) And I felt like crying myself. Thankfully, Keith grew up with his very own Rocky and Caden accepted this very old, worn, loved raccoon as a substitute.

As we prayed together, Caden prayed that Rocky wouldn't be afraid, wherever he was.

After Caden fell asleep, I cried out to God. "Oh, please, Lord! You know where that little raccoon is. Will you please help us to find him?"

The next morning, my telephone rang.

It was Belinda from the State Farm office. We had stopped by there the day before on one of our many errands. "Yes, I was just wondering, is one of your boys missing--"

"A raccoon?!"

"Yes!"

Oh, thank you, LORD!!!

I could have hugged that woman's neck! We did cut her a lily from the garden to show her how very much we appreciated her thoughtful call. That morning, we headed over and found Rocky sitting, quite pleased with himself, on her desk.

Caden rushed over, scooped him up, and hugged him tight. *Sigh*

On this day, I am so very grateful that I have a God who cares about the little people and the little things they care about.

Thank you, Lord, for bringing Rocky home.

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

A Place Called Home

Image by Red Willow

This past weekend my parents moved from my childhood home. The home they've lived in for twenty-seven years and the only home I remember living in as a child. I live almost exactly 1000 miles away from them and we are on a very tight budget. As a result, there was no opportunity to go home and say goodbye to this special house.

It grieved me to know that they were leaving this place. It was hard on them, too. They've moved to a new town about an hour and a half away due to job circumstances. For them this meant moving away from the place they both grew up in, as well. My two sisters and one of my brothers are in my hometown, so it meant leaving them as well as their families--including two sweet baby grandsons.

Last week, my oldest son, Caden, asked when he would be able to make a snowman. "When is it going to snow in Georgia, so that I can make a snowman, Mama?" Unfortunately, we live in a part of Georgia that rarely if ever sees snow--I've yet to see it in the seven years I've lived here. I smiled and told him that he would have to go to Canada to see Marmie and HatDaddy to make a snowman.

Then it hit me. He would never make a snowman in the backyard where I made a hundred of them with my siblings. I wouldn't ever look out my bedroom window and glimpse a peek of the blue waters of the lake down the road. I would never again sit in the shade of the birch tree out back and listen to the cardinals sing. And grief swept over me in an unexpected way.

It's been hard living so far from family. I've had some losses that I haven't really been able to properly "shut the door on", so to speak. I've lost my grandfather and a dear, sweet aunt. I haven't been able to go home to say goodbye. And now I've lost my childhood home without being able to say goodbye.

Sadness.

But God's Word clearly instructs us, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

So, I've been asking myself, "Brianna, girl, what do you have to be thankful for?"

And I've seen that the list is long.

I had a stable childhood. What a blessing to be in the same place with two parents who stuck things out together through the hard times. Things weren't perfect by any means, but there was a lot of security in knowing that I had a mom and a dad and the same place to always come home to.

I lived in a place surrounded by beauty. The lake! Oh, the wonderful lakes that were within driving distance of our home. Our area of the province was called Lake Country and indeed it is. The smell of lake water. The blue of the waves under a cloudless sky. Covered by a golden haze in the fall and a clear freshness in spring. Swimming four times a day in the summer. (Bless my mother who took all five of us plus neighbor kids each day.)

Birds--so many beautiful birds. Trees. Lots of shade and green.

What else am I thankful for? I'm thankful that I'm a thousand miles away. You know why? Because the only reason I'm a thousand miles away is because of the amazing man God gave to me. I'd move to the ends of the earth to be with my Keith.

As my daddy reminded me recently, I have my own home now. Yes. Yes, I do. A beautiful home and family full of love, laughter and peace. I've been blessed with a great man of God as my husband and three beautiful sons.

I'm thankful for the South. I'm a southern gal now in many ways. In some ways, I'll always be Canadian. But I've definitely transplanted and am blooming where I'm planted. I love so many things about the culture here. And the South has it's own beauty. Azaleas. Kudzu. Pecan groves. Rolling hills and mountain foothills.

And sweet tea. And grits. And collard greens. I wouldn't even know about these heavenly things unless I were here!

This is only the beginning of a list that now fills my heart. I'm so grateful for the way the Lord has worked in my life. I was born into a wonderful family in a wonderful place. And now I live with a wonderful family in a wonderful place. He has truly blessed me beyond measure.

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

My Sweet Marmie

Image by PhillipC

Today I found an old, old note that was tucked in to my jewelry box. It was a tiny note card--if I recall correctly, we found them in cereal boxes wrapped up in cellophane many years ago. This is what was written inside the card:

Thank you for cleaning up my dresser and for bringing the wood in for me this morning. It made me so happy to see you do everything so fast. Jesus is happy too!

Love, Mommy

Again, if I recall correctly, I found this little note in my lunch that day so many years ago. I don't think I was any older than seven. I've carried this note with me for close to twenty-five years. I have always kept it in a special place because it was a treasure.

As I looked at the note again the other day, I was reminded afresh of the gift of my mother. Sometime in highschool, I gave her the pet name "Marmie" and now that's what the grandchildren call her, too.

My Marmie. I'm so very, very thankful for her. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders. Especially as a mom. She is a source of deep encouragement to me as a woman, wife and mother. Every time she tells me, "You and Keith are doing a great job as parents--just keep on keeping on", it's like someone handed me a million bucks.

She listens. She doesn't give out opinions unless I ask for them--now that's saying something! When I try something new as a parent that she's unfamiliar with (home birth, babywearing, cosleeping, for example), she is always interested. I don't think she has ever frowned on Keith or me for the way we parent.

You know what that means? I ask her honest opinion about lots and lots of things. And then she tells me. But she always tells me in an encouraging way.

To this day, if I'm with her and I'm crying, she will pull my adult body into her arms and let me cry as she strokes my hair.

I love my sweet Marmie.

Two years ago, my Marmie was diagnosed with cancer. I don't think I've ever been so scared in my life. I was so scared that I did a lot of pretending that nothing was wrong with her. I live about a thousand miles away from her, and, to be honest, for a while that suited me just fine. It was easier to pretend that she was OK.

But then we talked. And I poured out my heart to my sweet Marmie and told her how much she meant to me and that she couldn't ever, ever die. And then the pain was real and the miles between us hurt so much.

But God. God loved me much like Marmie loves me. He let me cry in His arms and He watched over her, too. Two years later my Marmie is cancer free. Her health is not what it was. And I do plenty of yelling at her to take it easy. But God has allowed her to be with me for at least a little longer. And I'm so thankful for that.

I have a wonderful, beautiful Marmie. Thank you, God, for my Marmie.

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Gratituesday: A Healthy Pregnancy

Image by audreyjm529

I'm officially into my third trimester! Twenty-eight weeks and counting! Woohoo!

Today I'm so thankful for a relatively smooth, easy and healthy pregnancy. I had some fatigue at the beginning, but that quickly passed. I didn't experience morning sickness other than a few queasy moments. I've been able to stay pretty active in spite of a sciatic nerve that wants to act up periodically. I've had great energy until recently when it has tapered off a bit. I think that's due to a typical iron slump I usually experience about this time. (Gotta take that Floradix!)

This little guy is much anticipated. Three boys. Wow. How fun and crazy will that be? Caden likes to talk about what will happen when baby Alec gets here. Levi likes to kiss my tummy--so sweet. Keith is excited to be the daddy of three little men.

This labor and delivery is going to be very different for us. Caden was born in a free-standing birth center--which is almost like having a home birth except it's not at home. I had great midwives and a very free and natural birth with Caden.

Levi was born at home. I had a new midwife, who was incredible, and it was wonderful to be able to have him born right here!

This time around my midwife has joined a doctor's practice and is no longer performing homebirths for the time being. She is able to help women "do birth" in the way that they prefer and has had many, many successful natural and beautiful deliveries in the hospital.

But it's still the hospital. And I've never done that before. It's pretty strange to me to go to the hospital for the first time after giving birth to two babies already. But I have a lot of confidence in my midwife and her ability and desire to advocate for me, so I'm very thankful for that as well.

And a hospital birth means less preparation. And less cleanup (for us, anyway). And someone else to fix food for a while even if it isn't the best food ever. So, that's something else to be thankful for!

I've still got a list as long as my arm of things I'd like to accomplish before this little one makes his arrival, but I'm really, truly enjoying this pregnancy.

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this little boy and for such a wonderful pregnancy!

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

My Sweet Little Levi

Two years ago this past Saturday, a sweet little man named Levi joined our family. After a month of false labor starts and stops, he finally came into the world. We hadn't chosen a name beforehand, but the name Levi seemed especially appropriate after his seeming hesitance to leave the womb and join the world. You see, Levi means "attached". And attached he was.

Levi was a pretty contented baby until he developed an intolerance to dairy--even while I was nursing him. He also had a rough go with the first doctor who treated his clubfeet--incorrect castings left him in pain. Once we figured out these issues, we had our sweet Levi once again.

For the past two years, our little Levi has been the source of much laughter and delight. He loves to make us smile and laugh. He affectionately doles out kisses and hugs. He likes to show off with cries of, "Watch dis, Mama, watch dis!" This exclamation is usually followed by some crazy move that makes my heart jump into my throat.

He wants to do everything just like his big brother. Climb as high, run as fast, and so on.

He likes to pray. We have to hold hands when we pray. And he repeats our words in his little baby voice.

He's a bit dramatic. He makes lots of hand motions and faces when he talks. And he talks quite a bit. (Wonder where he gets that from?)

He loves his daddy. And he loves his "Taden". And I'm pretty sure he loves his mama, too. In short, Levi is a boy bursting with love. And I just love him to pieces back.

Today I'm so thankful that the Lord has given Keith and I the privilege and delight of being Levi's mama and daddy. What an amazing gift he is. May we be faithful, Lord, to teach him and love him as you would have us do!

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

He Is at Rizzim!

Image by fdecomite

Last Easter, my oldest son Caden was three. We have always talked quite a bit in our home about the things of the Lord and of His Word. Regular toddler Bible readings, speaking about our Lord in the every day, praying about big and little things.

Caden was just starting to grasp some spiritual truths, and it was extra exciting when he would tell us something he had learned somewhere else--like his Sunday School class. It amazed me how much such a little one could retain from a short lesson for preschoolers.

Around Easter, we talked a LOT about Jesus' death. Caden had many questions about why Jesus died, how he died, etc. It certainly made me look at the story of the crucifixion through fresh eyes. I could see his sadness and horror at the truth of it, and that impacted me. It's so easy to let years of the "same old" story dull the poignant truth.

We also talked about how Jesus didn't stay dead. No, indeed! That he came alive again and is alive still! One day in the car, we were reviewing these truths as Caden asked more questions.

"Did Jesus die?"

"Yes, baby, he did die."

"Why did he die?"

"Because he loved us so much, and he wanted to die for us so that we wouldn't have to."

"Oh. Yeah."

"But he didn't stay dead--did he, Caden?"

"Nope."

"So, where is Jesus now, baby?"

Pause.

"OH! Oh, he is at Rizzim!"

Praise you, Lord! You are risen!

He is risen indeed!


For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Creating Memories with Traditions

Image by luchilu

Just a little while ago, I shared my job description with you. One of the lines of my job description reads: "To build a home that is a sanctuary for my family that reflects God's eternal characteristics of order, beauty, peace, love, harmony, diligence and faithfulness." I'd like to point out that when I think of home, I don't necessarily think so much of a specific geographic location, as a place in our hearts and minds.

Home. Connected to the relationships of our family. A "place" of rest, beauty, discovery.

When it comes to inspiration to fill one's life and family with a sense of beauty, Heidi at Mt. Hope Chronicles has it going on. If you've never been over to her place, hop on over to visit and be prepared to get inspired! Her blog is filled with beautiful photography (she's awesome!), wonderful literature, and beautiful home decorating. She's started a new weekly meme called Living Lovely with Family. The purpose is to be a gathering place for "ideas for making meaningful connections and memories with our families". The theme this week is yearly traditions.

I've only recently started thinking about the importance of my role as a memory builder. But I had decided to intentionally pursue regular yearly traditions to build memories for our family. So, I was excited when I saw Heidi's idea, and am thrilled to participate as well as gather ideas from other bloggers.

Our yearly traditions fit pretty well with the seasons. Some of these traditions are newly formed (read: we've only done them once so far!), but the plan is to do them annually now.

In the spring, our town has a month long festival to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Yes. A whole month long! So, every year since I first met Keith, I've participated in the festivities here. The activities are endless, but we usually participate in the pancake supper, the parade, and the arts and crafts show. This year I got burnt to a crisp at the parade. Memorable indeed.

In the summer, you'll find us trying to take at least one trip to the beach--even if it's just a day trip. We only live a couple of hours from the beach, which is so wonderful. Waves. Sea shells. Sand in your swimsuit. Me getting burnt to a crisp. We love the beach!

Fall brings the state fair. (This is one of our newest traditions.) Oh, how we loved the state fair! A petting zoo, beautiful exhibits, a picnic, and Caden's first ride with Daddy. And me NOT getting burnt to a crisp. Instead, I froze my little tail off, and had to buy a ridiculously expensive sweatshirt from a vendor. I do seem to have weather problems, don't I?

Winter time. When it gets to be winter here in Georgia, I really, really miss the snow--especially for my boys' sake. I wish we could build memories sledding, making snowmen, and trekking through a snowy wood to find the perfect Christmas tree. Instead, we have another new tradition. We go to see a private home that is decorated with over a million Christmas lights! Entry is free--this family does this each year simply to bless their community with a bit of beauty. Plus, I didn't get burnt and I was dressed appropriately! Bingo. (I have to get it right sometimes.)

What are some of your favorite yearly traditions?

A Boy with Straight Feet

Image by lepiaf.geo

Some of you already know that we're expecting our third baby. We have a four year old (Caden) and an almost two year old (Levi). Two delightful little boys. What I don't believe I've shared here before is that both of my sons were born with sweet little crooked feet. Otherwise known as club feet.

I first learned that Caden had club feet at my 20 week anatomy scan. At the time, it was a frightening and saddening experience. I was afraid that I would be repulsed at the sight of my baby (a ridiculous fear in hindsight). I was afraid that there was something else wrong. I was overwhelmed with trying to figure out the best treatment method for his feet.

But we walked through it. Or, the Lord walked us through it. It was trying at times. Weekly casting appointments two and a half hours away (that took much, much longer when we added in the needs of a newborn), minor surgery (a simple tenotomy), and dealing with casts and braces.

It got to the point, however, that all these things were just no big deal. He was still my sweet baby, and we just had a few curves thrown our way. It came to feel like our normal.

Then came baby number two. And 20 week anatomy scan number two. And club feet diagnosis number two. Another boy. Two more sweet crooked feet.

We were sad that we would have to go through the process again--and sad that this new little guy would have to go through the process himself. But we had learned that club feet is really no big deal. When treated by an doctor experienced in using the Ponseti method (and parents who are dedicated to the bracing regimen), a club foot patient has a 95% chance (or better) of avoiding major surgery and having perfectly functional feet for the rest of their life.

In fact, this time around our son was treated by Dr. Ignacio V. Ponseti himself. The (at the time) 93 year old "Master" who developed the method! But that's a story for another time.

In short, we're club feet veterans. We know the Ponseti method backwards and forwards. We realize that it's just no big deal. We're thankful to see our little guys running and playing just like every other kid.

So, when we found out we were expecting baby number three, we wondered. Really, I think we were pretty much expecting to do the club feet thing all over again. The trips, the casts, the sponge baths, the tenotomy, the questions, the strange looks, the weird brace.

Anatomy scan number three. It's a BOY! Three boys. Wow. It's gonna be crazy here.

"And his feet," we ask the sonographer, "does he have club feet, too?"

Nope.

WHAT?!

She shows us the picture. Feet straight as arrows. Not sweet little curved feet like we'd seen before. Feet as straight as an architect's ruler.

Wow.

WOW!!

Now, it's not that feet that are straight are better than feet that are crooked. Not at all. But you know what this means?

• A more restful postpartum period. No traveling.
• No worries about my sweet little guy being put to sleep.
• No casts.
• Bathing a newborn in those little bathtubs!
• Socks! Sweet little newborn socks!
• Shoes--you better believe I'm gettin' him some cute little soft shoes to wear from the get-go. Just cuz I can!
• Cuddling him without the hardness of a cast or brace between us.
  
• Babywearing, baby! (Do-able, but tricky with casts and braces.)
• Seeing sweet little straight baby feet. Just bare little toes with nothing on 'em.

Hallelujah! What a gift! Join me in rejoicing over straight feet!

For more thankful thoughts, please visit Heavenly Homemakers.

Brotherly Love

Image by macrophile

My two little guys are four and almost two. They bring so much delight to my husband and me. Parenting is hard work, but there are those moments. You know the moments I mean. The ones that make all the challenge, tears and struggle so worth it.

Recently, I was outside with my little guys. They were enjoying their swing set (a wonderful Christmas gift from the grandparents). They use the slide the most since neither has developed the ability to pump yet. (Caden, my four year old, wildly waves his legs alternately back and forth. Clearly, we've got a ways to go on this skill.)

Their slide skills, however, are highly developed. Oh, yes. They can go down the slide backwards, forwards, on their tummies, backs, and bottoms. They can climb up the slide. Levi can even run down the slide--well, that was sort of an accident, I guess.

As I was standing beside the slide supervising (something that felt necessary after the running down incident), Caden started climbing up. He was struggling a bit as he neared the top. At that moment, Levi, who was waiting above, held out his tiny, baby, dimpled hand and said, "Tum on, Taden!" Caden's slightly bigger hand grasped Levi's tiny one, and they both tumbled onto the landing at the top of the slide.

*Lump in throat and heart swelling with immeasurable joy.*

I'm so glad I didn't miss that moment. No question about it. I'm not missing out on the finer things in life.

By the way, don't forget to enter the Madeline-Marie apron giveaway if you haven't already! This is the last day of the giveaway!