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My Last Minute Family “Picture”
Posted on: November 30, 2010
- In: Life
- 4 Comments
At some point late Saturday night, I announced to Jonathan “I’ve forgotten to take our family picture, let’s make sure to do it tomorrow before you leave.” Then at some point late Sunday night {well after Jon left} I announced to my SIL “I forgot to take our family picture before Jon left.” I soon came up with what I think was a brilliant idea. I asked my 7-year old niece to draw a family picture:
Grandma, Jonathan, Sarah, Julia, Hannah, Jack
November has been a crazy, crazy month. The second week of the month, Jonathan accepted an offer at a company in Austin, Texas. This new job is an amazing opportunity for Jon and we are thrilled to see how God will be using his talents while there. He started the job Monday and is spending this week on a company scavenger hunt – a way the company gets new employees to learn all about company history and their fellow co-workers. Pretty cool idea, huh?
Julia turned 3-years old on the 23rd. Wow. I can’t even fathom that three years have passed. On one hand it’s flown by, but at the same time I can’t remember life without my precious little girl. I’d love for you to read my birthday letter to her: Happy Birthday, Julia Mabel.
Hannah has really started talking more and more. She’s added “Katie {her cousin}”, “guys {as in “hey guys”}, “yes”, “Julia {which sounds more like Ju}” and “grandma”. Hannah is really claiming her own and making me see that she is a force to be reckoned with. She is showing some stubbornness and making herself known far more than I expected at this age. And topping it off with a fearlessness that puts Julia’s antics to shame. She is keeping us on our toes, there is no doubt about that.
As for me, I’m feeling like I’m just trying to keep up with it all. Aside from packing and moving, not much has happened for me this month. I had started the 30 Day Shred, but couldn’t keep up with it the last few days in Iowa and certainly haven’t been able to while we’re in this holding pattern {Jonathan is in Austin, while the girls and I are in Ft. Worth}. It’s been a trying month at times, dealing with a lot of emotions and changes, but God has really been good to show me His continues faithfulness and love. I will say though, I’m so looking forward to setting up all my Christmas decorations. And don’t be surprised if I leave them up a little longer this year.
Top Ten Holiday Highlights
Posted on: November 30, 2010
- In: Life
- 6 Comments
Our Thanksgiving was quite the event. Lots {lots} of traveling, eating, shopping and time with family. It was a wonderful time and made me so thankful to see what our future will look like being in the same state with family for the first time in six years. Here are my top ten highlights from our week:
1. Flying with the girls – I’ll admit I was a little timid about flying solo with both girls, but they did amazing. However, I gave them a candy cane towards the end of the flight which lead to extreme hyperactivity. Never an easy thing when confined to a 3×2 foot space. But at least it was only the last 20 minutes and most of the passengers thought it was cute/funny.
2. Eating Mexican food – I’m sure having Mexican food will eventually get old. But nothing starts off a move to Texas quite like fajitas, queso and warm, fresh tortillas.
3. Baking, baking, baking – I love baking. My sister-in-law loves baking. Put us in the kitchen together making Thanksgiving goodies and we were two happy little mamas.
4. Shopping, shopping, shopping – My SIL, brother and I decided that it would just be a fabulous idea to stay up all night Thursday night/Friday morning to participate in Black Friday shopping. Yeah, maybe that idea ranks up there with giving the girls sugar on a plane.
5. Being with family – I adore my brother’s family. My two nieces are precious and I love seeing them and their interactions with my girls. It’s pure delight. *sigh*
6. Drastic weather change – When I left Iowa it was freezing, hailing and rainy. When I got to Texas it was 85. Now, I’m not thrilled about no longer having winter-ish weather, but I think come January I’ll be pretty happy.
7. Texas – I’m not sure there’s much to say other than “It’s good to be home”. Although, I do feel like I’m on vacation, since we’re still with family while Jonathan is in Austin this week starting work and waiting for the movers to deliver our belongs. Still, just being in Texas is a sweet, sweet thing.
8. Coffee – My SIL makes coffee several times a day. Yesterday we had coffee at breakfast, coffee again after the girls got up from naps and then again when my brother came home from work and made up ice cream lattes. Ah, I could get use to this kind of coffee drinking.
9. Being with family – I know I already said this one, but it’s so warms my heart. I just love the closeness, the familiarity, the feeling of belonging that comes with being with my family.
10. Reliance on God – Despite all my highlights, the last week hasn’t been a cake walk. But God has shown me His continual faithfulness in the midst of trials. Things haven’t gone according to plan, Jonathan is in Austin while we’re in Ft. Worth, our stuff is on a moving van somewhere in the Midwest and life happens. But it’s allowing me to constantly rely on God and not myself.
How was your Thanksgiving? What are your highlights?
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Of pregnancies and babies
Posted on: November 29, 2010
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
Since August, Jonathan and I have not-not tried to get pregnant. Essentially, we aren’t trying to get pregnant, but for the first time since Hannah was born, we aren’t preventing it either. And quite honestly, I am all confused by the not-not trying.
Before I go any further, let me say this: My daughters are more than enough for me. It’s hard to explain or understand, but if I never have another child, my mama heart will be full to the brim just because of Julia and Hannah. Yet, at the same time there is a longing for a larger family. And that’s where the confusion sets in. In all this not-not business, I am constantly having to evaluate my heart and motives. Having to question why I want more children, why I think I’m “ready”, and staying content with my life as is. Then comes the planner in me: If I know my cycle, why would we not try? And how much effort do I put into tracking my cycle if we aren’t necessarily trying?
God has been revealing a lot to me in the last few weeks. I haven’t grasped all of it, but am starting to understand certain points. Starting to understand that life isn’t mapped out, delivered to you in a perfect package. That what I think should happen, is certainly not what needs to happen. Understanding that I rely far too much on my own control than God’s. It’s a constant lesson, not just with our not-not trying, but in all my life. It’s a constant reliance on God to lead me through my days. And I trust that in it all, He will grow me, shape me and draw me closer to Him.
Texas, The Lone Star State
Posted on: November 24, 2010
- In: Life
- 3 Comments
Our family is leaving today for Texas. The movers are arriving around 9 or 10 to load up our moving van. Then Jonathan will take off with Grandma and Jack {the dog}, while the girls and I will be flying down to Dallas later this afternoon. I’m taking off a few days from blogging to spend time with family and get settled in Austin. I thought I’d leave you with a few fun facts about the great state of Texas:
1. Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845.
2. Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty instead of territorial annexation.
3. Austin is considered the live music capital of the world.
4. Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885.
5. El Paso is closer to Needles, California than it is to Dallas.
Happy Birthday Julia Mabel!
Posted on: November 23, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
Three years ago today, my precious Julia Mabel was born. By request we are celebrating with pizza and cake {clearly, she is my child}. With each passing day, she becomes such a wonderful little girl. Her laughter, her smile, her inquisitive nature. It has been a pure blessing to be her mama.
Mabel this morning playing with her new tea set from Uncle Matt and Aunt Kristen
Julia Mabel,
I love you! You are my delight, even in moments of trials. You have brought me countless joys and I am a better woman because of you. My dear, as your life changes over this next year, I pray that you will continue to grow in the understanding of who God is. I pray that you will more fully grasp how much you are loved {because it’s a lot!} and how much you mean to your family {especially your sister}. I love how you want to share secrets and whisper in my ear – even if it tickles like crazy and I don’t always understand you. You’re laughter and willingness to be crazy is something I hope you hold onto for life. Remember always that God created you, just as you are, to fit into our family perfectly. You’re life has touched us beyond words. I love you, I love you, I love you. Mama.
Everybody Panic!
Posted on: November 22, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
{photo credit}
The girls have been watching a lot of tv lately. And while I am not one to use tv as a babysitter {as a general rule} it has come in very handy while packing. They have watched and re-watched the same Word World episodes several times. In one episode the animals keep coming across situations that are out of their control. They immediately say “Everybody panic!” and run around like crazy. Then one animal says “Let’s just stay calm and think things through.”
Julia has been saying “Everybody panic!” for the last couple of days. Each time I have to laugh, because she is saying exactly what I am thinking. As our move date is rapidly approaching I can’t help but think things are not going to come together as we need. Our movers are coming on the last day {instead of today}, we still have several last minute things to organize, making sure that we celebrate Julia’s birthday {which is tomorrow}, along with keeping my heart in check about our family’s future. Every day God is reminding me of His truths, that He is in control. It is a comfort to cling to when I just want to yell “Everybody panic!” I’ve realized, this move has really stretched my faith and forced me to rely on God when so many things are out of my hands.
Here are the latest verses I’ve been holding onto:
“They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.” Psalm 112:7
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103:4
- In: Life
- 11 Comments
We only have five more days in Iowa. Yesterday was the first day that everyone was health {or relatively enough to have outside contact}, so we did a lot. And in the craziness of everything, two amazing things happened:
1. We found renters for our house! Praise God! After several postings on Craigslist, with no response, we finally had a couple contact us for a showing. They are moving into the area for work and just fell in love with the house {who could blame them?!?}. They signed the lease yesterday – the same day we gave them a tour. It all happened in four hours! Whew. Talk about a whirlwind.
2. My sweet and dear friend, Leah, gave me this:
"Would you look at that? Would you look at THAT? Holy smokes. Do... Do you know what this is? This is... A lamp!"
While my version is a night light, it is perhaps the coolest Christmas gift I have ever received. I love it. And owning it now allows me to cross off #27 of my 30 Before 30 – Own a Leg Lamp. Thanks again, Leah!
- In: Life
- 13 Comments
Jonathan and I started Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred last week. I have to admit I didn’t expect it to live up to much. After the first day I really thought “That wasn’t bad.” Maybe I should have waited until Day 2.
The workout themselves are challenging, but not undoable for me. However, doing it every day is what is challenging. My body doesn’t get to rest like it’s use to. In the past I’d workout, give myself three one day off and would feel pretty great once I went back to the gym. But not now. Now there is no resting. Jon and I do “Shred” every night after the girls go to bed and I’m impressed with what a good workout we are getting. I’m sore, but keep pushing through. Certain things are getting “easier” but other moves I dread {like side lunges with front raises – I hurt just thinking about it}. It’s been great working out with Jonathan, because he keeps me motivated and it makes things go faster since we are in this together. Here’s to hoping to be “shredded” in the next 30 days!
What are some of your favorite workouts? Have you tried the 30 Day Shred?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Posted on: November 17, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
Do you know that Bobby McFerrin song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy“? Some days I’ve got a lot more worry and a lot less happy.
{photo credit}
We are moving to Texas in one week. One week. Not a big deal, since packing is coming along {though not without some price}, we have a place to live once we are there, and movers to handle our stuff. But one thing looming over my head is this: We haven’t found renters for our house.
We bought our house in March, and since we have other rental properties, we don’t want to sell. Which means we need to find renters for December 1st. That’s two weeks from today. Two weeks.
I’m trying real hard to say “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. But it can be hard when all you see is worry.
I know God asked us to go to Texas. I’ve seen His hand working in our lives there already. It’s amazing and exciting. Yet it’s scary to take such a huge step of faith. Down right terrifying for me at times. So I’ve been clinging to these verses lately:
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 {NLT}
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:5-7 {NLT}
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:4-5 {NLT}
And the Winner Is…
Posted on: November 17, 2010
- In: Life
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