Happy Birthday, Hannah Michelle!
Posted on: June 15, 2013
Hannah turns four today. F-O-U-R. How did that even happen? She’s so pint sized that I’ve had my fingers crossed that she’ll be little forever, but she keeps proving otherwise. But don’t ever misjudge her by her size, she is a force to be reckoned with.
Hannah (Sissy, Michelle, Hannah Banana),
My sweet, hilarious little girl. You make my heart happy. You dance to the beat of your own drum, and for that I am forever grateful. You know what you like whether it puts you on the fringe or not. You aren’t afraid of who you are, and I pray you always keep that confidence. Your a handful, little girl. I can’t say that it’s always been easy being your mama. You’re stubborn and sneaky. But man, even when it’s hard to parent you, it’s an amazing gift and privilege to do so. You have a heart that wants to soar, but wants to never stray too far from home. Know that no matter how far you fly, you will always be able to come back.
As you get older, I pray that you use your stubbornness, your boldness and your creativity for God’s glory and kingdom. It’s my greatest desire for you to have a personal relationship with our Lord, one that isn’t based on your family, but one that’s between you and God.
Sweet girl, you are loved, beyond words. You may fight like cats and dogs with Julia and Joseph, but I know they will be by your side cheering you on for life. As for your daddy and me? We think you hung the moon. Keep dancing to your own beat, Hannah Michelle. We love you exactly as you are.
Love you to pieces,
Mama
The Aroma of Summer
Posted on: June 2, 2013
- In: Life
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Our first week of summer has seen daily trips to the pool that leave the smell of sunscreen and chlorine lingering in the air.
I love summer.
But, I haven’t always. Texas summers are hot, leaving you sticky and oppressed by the heat. Yet, lately I’ve grown to love it. This aroma that is summer.
The aroma of days filled with sunshine long after kids are in bed, giving you time to enjoy good company and a drink.
The aroma of relaxed Friday nights at the park.
The aroma of cool-air libraries offering reprieve from the heat and enticing you with long-waited-for reads.
The aroma of summer to me is undeniable. It smells of pool water, frozen treats, laughter among friends and late nights that lead to lazy mornings. The aroma is intoxicating and fills you with a happiness that lasts as long after the sun sets.
A Saturday Post
Posted on: May 25, 2013
- In: Life
- 2 Comments
Can I get an AMEN?
To Oklahoma, With Love From Texas
Posted on: May 20, 2013
- In: Life
- 2 Comments
I’ve joked that Oklahoma is no man’s land. I’ve even said that I’d disown my children if they decided to go to OU {I’m joking…}. But, honestly, I know a lot of amazing people from Oklahoma. And when I tease them about their home state, it is just that, teasing. Because, even if I can never cheer for the Sooners, I can still love the Sooners.
Today {as well as this past weekend} Oklahoma was hit by devastating tornados. The news is heart breaking. Elementary schools leveled. People without homes. People who’ve lost family members.
Please join me in praying for Oklahomans. They have a hard road ahead, and we need to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
Two ways you can practically help ::
1. Connect with your local church to find ways to join alongside them with outreach.
2. Financial donations {Check out the following sites – Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, Take Part}
Oklahoma won’t be repaired by tomorrow. Or next month. Or even next year. Devastation like this will be felt for years. Do what you can now, but don’t stop with today. Continue to remember the people of Oklahoma for time to come.
Graduation, Summertime and Mama Sobs
Posted on: May 16, 2013
- In: Life
- 2 Comments
I’m pretty awesome for how often I don’t blog (what I really wanted to title this post). Can I even say I’m a blogger? Not sure what qualifies a person as a true blogger. And if I’ve dropped off that list all together. Whatevs.
Julia’s graduating from preschool on Wednesday. I don’t even want to talk about it. (*silent sobs*)
Jack really is a horse dog.
This kid cracks me up.
Jonathan, Fletcher, John and I went to see The Lumineers at the end of April. It was awesome. But not nearly as awesome as us.
This guy. Love him.
Summer starts in 6 days. Crazy.
The kids and I have already started working on our tans. Hannah has us all beat.
The guys and I have two more kick butt concerts planned (Of Monsters and Men; Mumford and Sons. Don’t worry, you can be jealous.)
Then heading to Annapolis to visit Jesse and Shelly (and their not-so-little-bambinas!).
Jonathan and I will celebrate 8 crazy, beautiful years of marriage July 30th.
I leave for a 8-day mission trip to London August 2nd.
And finally, Julia starts kindergarten in late August. (*loud sobs*)
What are your summer plans? Traveling anywhere fun?
The Tragedy with Tragedy – How the Boston Marathon Bombing Is Effecting Me
Posted on: April 15, 2013
- In: Life
- 3 Comments
As reports of the Boston Marathon bombing keep pouring in, my heart is heavy. My family has stood at numerous finish lines waiting for me to cross and I can’t help but wonder, what if this happened to us?
Running is my release, my happy place, my passion. And today that was torn away. A senseless act has put fear in my heart. Fear of the finish line, fear of running. While watching about Boston, my mind wondered to the tragedy of Newtown just four month ago. Another senseless act that put fear in my heart.
My children aren’t safe in their schools.
I’m not safe while running.
Fear. Overwhelming fear.
That’s the tragic part of tragedy. It puts fear in us. Fear that was never there before. It makes us suspicious and doubtful. It makes us grow weary. Quietly, this verse came to mind.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
I can’t say that I won’t be fearful when I cross my next finish line. I can’t say that there won’t be suspicious and doubt lingering in my heart when I run. But of this I am certain – Fear will not reign over me, because God reigns over me. He has strengthened me. He has helped me. He is upholding me. No shooter, no bomber, no tragedy can ever change that.
Fear will not reign over me, because God reigns over me.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Boston and the runners. You’re in my heart sweet folks, stay strong.
If you live in the Boston area, here are places you can donate blood.
Why The Great Gatsby isn’t Great
Posted on: April 10, 2013
- In: Life
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I’m sure you’ve all been waiting anxiously to hear about our weekend in New York. I will write a post soon. For now, I’m still in recovery mode – which should tell you just how awesome the trip was.
I’ve always wanted to read The Great Gatsby, it’s even on my 30 before 30 list. But for one reason or another, it never made it to my “reading now” list. Until about two weeks ago. I was at the library and noted that had a copy on their “for sale” rack, so I bought it {side note – library “sales” are awesome and cheap}. I set it aside with the hopes of reading it in New York.
{photo credit}
Fast forward to the morning we fly to New York. I opened the Great Gatsby, read about 8 pages, and stop.
Clearly, not a stellar beginning.
On the flight home, we had time to pass at the airport, so while Jonathan finished up some work, I started reading. And reading. And reading. I read 100 pages in one sitting. I finished the book after two more sittings.
For those of you who have never read the book {or are hoping to see the movie this summer}, I won’t ruin anything. Promise. But, I was struck with this thought -
I didn’t like The Great Gatsby.
The story seemed like a dream that weaved in and out of consciousness, making it hard for me to separate reality from fiction. Based on the plot, I suppose that is exactly what Fitzgerald was going for. A surreal feeling stood with me from start to finish.
I had to mull over in my head if I was actually disappointed by The Great Gatsby. I had expectations of a great book, one that would become part of my annual reads. Instead, it will become a book “I read that one time”. But, the beauty of it is this – Even though I didn’t think The Great Gatsby was all that great, it’s still a wonderful read.
When an author can make you feel exactly how he is writing, that is something amazing. When you read a daydreamy, fuzzy-around-the-edges book and you feel grounded the whole time, the author has missed his mark. But, even 70 years after his death, Fitzgerald has my head twirling around, slightly dazed and confused. Just like his characters.
Fitzgerald taught me something, something beyond his written word. He taught me that whether someone likes your story or not, you need to make them feel your writing. Make them hate you or love you, so long as they feel you.
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