Posts Tagged ‘Windham Familia’
Happy Birthday Julia Mabel!
Posted on: November 23, 2010
- In: Life
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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
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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!
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Posted on: November 17, 2010
- In: Life
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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}
- In: Life
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Our family is packing up our house for a big move to Texas. We leave next Wednesday, so we are working hard to get everything squared away in time. Thankfully, a lot gets done when Jonathan is at home and we can work together. But, I’ve still found that there are some lessons we’ve learned NOT to do when packing up your entire house.
1. Pack up all your toys – While it might seem like a great idea to clean up the toy room, it’s dangerous territory when your two toddlers have nothing to play with.
2. Pack up all your medicine – Sure, you haven’t been sick in months, so why do you need 3 bottles of NyQuil? Trust me on this – packing up all your medicine is like asking to get sick.
3. Have your oldest get pink eye – See #2. Told you I was asking for it.
4. Have your youngest get pink eye – Could I really expect her not to get it, since big sister is all she has left to play with {see #1}?
5. Get sick yourself – See #2 and #3 and #4.
6. Start The 30 Day Shred – I blame this fully on Alicia’s amazing results. Once I saw her before and after pictures, I went out that afternoon and bought 30 Day Shred. I’m on day 5. And I’m really, really sore.
7. Volunteer for anything – I volunteer for things before I even think. It’s a good habit that comes at bad times. Thankfully all my friends are gracious enough to overlook when I back out of my responsibilities at the last minute {Sorry friends!}.
8. Be hard on yourself – Let’s just say I haven’t been the greenest human lately. Or the most time conscious. Or the most loving. Or the most hygiene prone. Or anything else I strive for.
9. Be overly hard on your kids – Moving is hard for kids. They don’t fully understand what’s going on. And while it’s frustrating to explain for the fourteenth billion time what it means to “pack” I need to cut the girls some slack.
10. Not ask for help – I’m blessed with friends just waiting to help us. And I take advantage of it when I can/need. And that means thankfully I have dinner provided for us every night this week. Can you say awesome? {Thanks friends!}
What are some of your packing tips? Any crazy stories of packing with little ones?
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
- In: Life
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{Be sure to check out my Eco Natural Soap Giveaway!}
I started coloring my hair when I was 14. You name the color and I’ve probably colored my hair that shade at least one {yes, even purple and fire engine red}. But in 2006, I cut all my hair off and Jonathan asked me to keep it natural.
Last weekend, on a spur of the moment, we colored my hair. I love it. I secretly believe I was always meant to be a redhead. Very fitting to my personality.
We Are Moving to Texas
Posted on: November 11, 2010
- In: Life
- 20 Comments
In what has been one of the craziest Windham adventures yet, we have decided to move back to Austin, Texas. We will be moving Thanksgiving week. There are a number of factors as a basis for this decision, as there are with any big move. Three main influences in taking us back to Texas are:
1. Spiritual direction – God is calling us to a place where we can minister to our (extended) family, to our past, and mostly to Him. We know that God is moving mightily and drawing us to follow Him there.
2. Family – Being closer in distance to our family while surrounding ourselves and our girls with our/their heritage.
3. Work – The reason for “why now” is that Jonathan will be employed and that’s important for him and for our family as you might agree.
Now for the hardest part:
For nearly six years I’ve lived in Iowa. And over the last 5 years our friends here have become family. They have been with us through life and death. They have been our support, our encouragement, our lives. I would not be the same person without them. I’ve shared many tears and laughter with each of them; building memories and relationships that I pray stand the test of time.
So, my sweet Iowan friends, we are heading south for the winter. Please know each of you mean the world to me. I treasure your friendship and thank God that I have had you all in my lives.
Now to leave you on a funny note, I give you this:
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
- In: Life
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I lost Molly tonight.
The girls and I went to the library late in the afternoon and Hannah asked to take Molly along. I allowed it. At one point she set Molly down and I reminded her to hold on to her. The girls played, I read. And we left.
When bedtime came around the “great Molly hunt” that happens every night began. Like a punch in my gut, I realized Molly got left at the library. No sweat, right? We’ll just go there in the morning and all will be well, right?
Sure. Maybe most rational people {like Jonathan} can think that way. But not me. No, I’ve spent the last hour searching for a replacement Molly. All I can think is “What mom, what good mom, loses her daughter’s favorite bear?” What if someone took Molly? What if she’s gone forever?
Told you I’m not always the most rational person.
What if? Well, Molly is just a bear. And keeping track of a bear doesn’t actually show my ability to parent {right? please say no.}. And Hannah might have some sadness if Molly doesn’t resurface, yet I’m sure in time it’ll get better.
We said a prayer tonight that Molly would show up tomorrow. As soon as the library is open we’ll be there. Here’s to trusting God for Molly Bear!
*Update – We went to the library as soon as it opened this morning. I ran in alone, searched all the spots that we had gone yesterday before asking at the children’s desk. They had nothing and sent me to the main desk. I anxiously asked if they had a bear, and the librarian said it didn’t sound familiar but that she’d check. Lo and behold, I spotted Molly as soon as the lady opened the cabinet doors! Praise the Lord!
Hannah squealed when I came back out to the car with Molly in hand. She is one happy little girl: http://twitpic.com/34fhw4
A Texan Family Picture
Posted on: October 31, 2010
- In: Life
- 3 Comments
We got back yesterday from a week long trip to Texas. We traveled down to Houston to celebrate Matt and Kristen’s wedding, then headed to Austin to visit friends, and ended the trip spending time in Ft. Worth with family. It was a wonderful trip and the girls did amazing.
As evidence from the photo, Hannah has discovered her nose. She doesn’t actual pick it, so much as just “hang out” there. I’ve tried discouraging it, but everything I’ve tried just makes her laugh. Hmmm, not quite what I was going for. Other than discovering body parts, Hannah’s vocabulary is increasingly daily. She’s mostly into animals, either saying their names {cat, dog, duck} or making the animal noise associated with them. The newest Hannah-ism – she’s taken to carrying Molly {her bear} around in her mouth while growling. It is hilarious.
Julia seems like she gets older and wiser every second. Jonathan taught her how to wave her index finger and say “I don’t think so”. Oh man, that had us laughing for days. She’s now a little parrot, repeating everything we say. It’s been a good reminder to say good things and speak edifying words. Julia’s also taken to being really interested in the map. Perhaps it’s because of the trip, but she’s always asking us to “show me” where we’re going.
Jonathan has really been enjoying the football season. He’s doing a much better job of keeping track of the teams than I am, which doesn’t really surprise anyone. He hasn’t had as many “honey-do” projects, so he’s weekends have been more free {if that’s actually possible for any husband and dad}. He was a groomsmen in Matt’s wedding and I must say looked quite dashing in his tuxedo.
As for me, I’m always up to some new project. Unfortunately I didn’t make it the whole month without sugar. I cracked at the wedding, when several people said “you aren’t having wedding cake?!”. Shamefully enough, once I caved, I caved big time and consumed too much sugar on our trip. I’m having to evaluate how it’s effected my body {more tired, headaches, etc} to decide if I really want to be intentional in cutting out sugar more long term. As for my crazy 100 mile running challenge, I’m a wee-bit behind. I didn’t do any running while we were gone, but I’m hopeful I can make it up in the coming weeks. We’ll see!
Top Ten Posts from October
Posted on: October 26, 2010
Since we are enjoying some family vacation here in Texas, I thought this week I’d keep my top ten pretty easy and let you enjoy reading through my top posts from this month.
1. Potty Training Your 1- Year Old
2. The Gospel of Christ – A Post That Changed My Life {My Personal Favorite}
3. Top Ten Ways to Start Christmas Planning Without Going Crazy
4. Try New Adventures – Learning Spanish as a Family
6. Headache, You Give Me Such a Headache
7. Day Four and I’m Beginning to Wonder “What Have I Done?”
8. Top Ten Fall Recipes I Love
9. Coffee is a Cheerleader in a Cup {Hilarious Video}
Visit Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
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