Color Me Fall

It has been a wonderful weekend! Fall is in the air...the leaves are beginning to change...traditions are in full swing.

For the last several years, some very close friends of ours join us at a local orchard to celebrate all things fall. Some of our favorite items on this excursion are the freshly picked apples, apple cider, and of course, the apple cider doughnuts. They are sinfully delicious!

We also enjoy wandering through the pumpkin patch, taking family photos and enjoying the beautiful view. This trip always brings us back to the heart of our friendship and families. This year was especially delightful because both of our children were present and able to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of the season. E was only a few months old last year and enjoyed napping during the festivities. G was not here yet...I was only a few months along.

This year, E was up and about and enjoying every second! G was awake most of the day and took in the sights. We're so blessed to be able to share these times with our families and to expose our children to some of God's most wonderful gifts.

As the weekend winds down and a new work week lurks in the not so distant future, I can't help but cling to memories like the ones we made today. Our babies grow too quickly and the seasons change without hesitation. So many times I have wished that I could slow things down...eliminate the rush. Until the unlikely event that this occurs, I'll continue to embrace each moment and tuck it away.

As the Lord continues to open my heart and mind to His will through the rekindling of my joy and thanksgiving, I will strive to keep centered on His goodness and the precious gifts He has granted me. I encourage you to also slow down, take inventory of the amazing blessings that fill your life, and be thankful. Be joyful.

Five on Friday

It's that time again! I'm linking up with The Good Life for Five on Friday.


[one]
SeE YOu aT THe POlE 2014


SYATP was truly the highlight of my week. I can't express how my heart sang to see the little faces of some of our elementary students that were brought with their parents to pray for our school, teachers, students, school board, superintendent, principal, country, etc. I was overwhelmed with such humility as I heard parents praying for their children and for us, their children's teachers. I've never thought about the fact that there are parents and grandparents praying for God's protection over, provision for, and the blessing of our students, faculty and staff.

[two]
FrUItS aNd VeGgieS



I've loved making homemade yummies for G. I love to see her facial expression with each new fruit or vegetable. Our little one loves mangoes and I was fortunate to find some on sale at our local grocery store this week. I'm keeping an eye out for some more. I want to get plenty in the freezer before they become super expensive as the winter months draw near. I've also picked up a few new items to try out over the coming days. Thus far, G is not a fan of green beans but loves mangoes, carrots, and bananas. Her palate will soon be exposed to new foods such as plums, sweet potatoes, squash and pears.



[three]
pReTTy iN PuRPle
I am very pleased to announce that I accomplished this month's DIY project. I was determined to make G my own rendition of a simple peasant dress. I'd say it was a success!

 

 

[four]

GRirLs' NiGHt oUt

 

I'm am so blessed to work with an amazing first grade team. To make my job that much sweeter, these two amazing women love the Lord, love G, and are two of my most precious friends. Who wouldn't love to work with true friends each and everyday? We've set aside the last Friday of each month to take some time for us outside of school. I am so grateful to have these two women in my life as colleagues and friends.

[five]
oNE tHouSAnD GiFTs

I've been faithfully recording the gifts God has given each morning during the quiet moments between feeding G and leaving for work. I reflect on the day before and the things that God brings light. I find myself laughing more and stressing less. I catch myself smiling. I catch myself singing (which I used to do all the time, but at some point let that area of my joy and worship fade). I can already see small changes in my appreciation of the extraordinarily simple things in life.

 

This weekend holds a lot of promise. I look forward to time with friends and catching up with my hubby who has worked many long hours this week. As my favorite season begins to settle in, I can't help but rejoice in all that is and is yet to come.

 

 

"Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage...Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere..."
Psalm 84: 5, 10a

Eucharisteo: Grace, Thanksgiving, Joy

 

Sunday was the beginning of a new venture in my walk of faith. We began the One Thousand Gifts study. In this study we are challenged to live a life of "eucharisteo". This simply, and yet beautifully, means to live a life with thanksgiving, grace, and joy. We are called to live everyday with intentional thanksgiving. We are to open our hands to God's grace. We are to count all things joy.

I began my list of one thousand gifts this evening. I'm up to 5. I found it difficult to put my pen down. I could easily write down the things for which I am sincerely thankful for hours. I had to remind myself that this journey has just begun and I need to pace myself. With this new outlook and in an attempt to live purposefully, I've caught myself smiling more. I took notice of the moments I laughed during the day. I could not help but recognize the subtle changes that have already begun to occur. God is moving. He is causing change. I am open to this transformation.

Today I took time to review my 30 by 30 list. Slow progress is still progress.

1. Host a Brunch Party

2. Begin (and finish?) building our "forever" home
 

3. Hike to a waterfall

4. Lose 30 pounds
5. Make G a big sister

6. Take a family trip to Washington D.C.

7. Make a pair of shoes

8. Visit a lighthouse

9. Go to the South Carolina Aquarium

10. Take a family trip to the North Carolina Zoo

11. Make a pecan pie

12. Send a card to a stranger

13. Make a photo book of G’s first year

14. Take a cooking class

15. Make homemade truffles

16. Plant a tree

17. Serve at a soup kitchen

18. Make a holiday wreath

19. Teach a kids’ cooking class

20. Take a girls’ trip with my mom, daughter and sisters

21. Learn to crochet

22. Take a carriage ride

23. Make real homemade alfredo sauce

24. Make homemade ravioli

26. Pay for a stranger’s meal

27. Learn to French Braid

28. Be in a parade

29. Read 100 books with/to my daughter

30. Buy new living room furniture

 With the holidays quickly approaching, I hope to knock out a couple more before the year is out. I've also been eyeing the do-it-yourself projects that I have set as goals to complete for each month through December.

This month's project (which I'm cutting it close) is to complete a peasant dress for G. I began this project tonight. I'm having to do a little at a time between work and taking care of G in the evenings. Between G's bedtime and quality time with my hubby, I was able to at least get the fabric cut. Hopefully sewing will commence tomorrow evening.

 

Just for Fun

G has been really getting busy these days. She's rolled over a few times, is eating "solid" food, has found her toes, and considers her spoon a chew toy. I just adore this baby!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green beans and Jehoshaphat

"Jumping Jehoshaphat" has taken on a new meaning over the last couple of days. He has been the central character in my daily devotions this weekend and he was a key example in today's Bible Study. While I have no plans of putting his name on our list of names for future babies, I have developed a real reverence for him as a person and not just a phrase of exclamation.

These last few days have centered around reclaiming my joy. Joy comes from an eternal relationship with Christ. The moment you ask Christ into your heart, a seed of joy burrows deep into your soul. It takes root and forms a permanent stronghold in your heart. I was elated at what I discovered as we began our new Bible Study in Sunday School today. It is called One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

Today, our study began with looking at what is at the root of our fears and sorrows. What are we clinging to so tightly that our hands will not open to accept the grace and overflowing mercy of God? What are we staring at in our past that does not allow us to look ahead to our future? Are we complacent? Are we stagnant? As I began to examine my own heart, I realized that there are some things that I am gripping so tightly that my hands are unable to release and welcome in the presence and healing of God. While I wallow in anxiety and the occasional emotional chaos, I find that I have become comfortable here. While I know it is not healthy, neither from a spiritual or physical sense, I have become so accustomed to these emotions and my sense of being that I have lost focus on my Maker. He has designed a beautiful and perfect plan...but He didn't stop with just the design. No. He continues to bring it to fruition. I became acutely aware of just how much I need to release the ties that bind and open my hands to the blessings of God. I need to raise my hands and catch the grace and mercy that He showers over me in abundance. I need to live a life of thanksgiving, of prayer, and joy.

Our challenge for this week is to begin our One Thousand Gifts list. We'll begin by writing down the first thing we see or think of each morning when we wake. The point is to put our thankfulness in perspective. I can't wait to begin!

Okay. Back to Jehoshaphat...he was faced with a waging war. While this was in the literal sense for him, we all face "wars" of our own, each and every day. Did he shudder in the darkness and silence? No. He thanked God with a grateful heart. He went to God first. He settled his heart on God's promises and Truth.

"If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we wills stand in Your presence before this temple that bears Your Name and will cry out to You in our distress, and you will hear us and save us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

2 Chronicles 20:9 and 12b.  

The last part of this scripture is what resonated with me then and continues even now this evening: our eyes are on You. Time to take off the rose tinted glasses and stare straight into the heavens and seek directly the will and heart of God.

As I prepare to head to bed, my heart and head are reeling with ways in which I can already see and feel God working...

Just for Fun
We introduced G to green beans tonight...while they are far from her favorite at this point, she tolerated them and ate about half of her serving.

Cooking Up (and In) a Storm

My day began at 4:30 this morning. G decided she just could not wait to start the day. My hubby left for work and G and I took solace in the quiet moments of the morning. The rain pattered gently outside and the cool breeze rustled the shades. G's scripture for the day was totally appropriate:

 

"Be still and know that I am God..." Ps. 46:10a



G watching Mommy make baby food

Around 6:00 she went down for a nap. I took advantage of the time and grabbed a shower and some breakfast. She woke up about 7:00 and rocked with me for a while. These moments are always so special. Around 9:00 we left the house to run some errands. I picked up some contrasting fabric for G's peasant dress...I hope to get this done in the next week or so...if you remember a couple posts back, I had this dress listed on my September to-do list. Hopefully I'll be able to post about it soon. We then headed to the grocery store to pick up some fresh produce for G's first experiences with "real" food. I picked up butternut squash (which I do not like but hope she will), a mango, pears, carrots, green beans, bananas, and peas.

Once we got home, I got busy. I was able to get the green beans, mango, and bananas made today. I had peas but I accidentally added to much liquid. Major flop...will try again.

 

 Tonight G had her first taste of bananas...and loved them!

I'll attempt the remaining fruit and veggies later. I love being able to do this for her. I've struggled on and off since I had to stop nursing. I felt very inadequate when my milk supply dried up and I was constantly bombarded with "breast is best" notions and billboards calling nursing moms "Super Moms". While I am completely pro nursing, I just could not do it any more. After 2 months my supply dried up and I had no choice but to go to formula. I don't think G will be any less for not having a "super mom". Fortunately my pediatrician was extremely supportive and hopefully I'll have better luck with our next baby. I'm doing the best with what I have...and I personally think I rock at this baby food thing haha. I've also been reading up on the Baby Led Weaning philosophy/practice. Not sure if I'm all in at the 6 month point but it has its merit. Any thoughts?

Since G had a yummy "dinner" I thought I'd try something new for myself. I opted for Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers. Yum!!! These will definitely be made again.

I suppose I should head to bed considering G has been waking up earlier than usual over the past few days. Tomorrow will hold wonderful fellowship with our friends and church family and then hopefully and afternoon of rest (and laundry). Have a great weekend!

(My First) Five on Friday

I've been wanting to do this for awhile now...so here I am, linking up with The Good Life and RunningMOMentum for 5 on Friday.

 

 

[one]

bAbiEs

 

Today has been filled with wonderful baby related news. My dear friends of forever gave birth to their first child this morning. August Hope was born just after 1am this morning. Her mother's labor was VERY long and hard but, as always, totally worth it. I also received word that another couple we hold dear to our hearts will be flying to China in just a couple weeks to pick up their new son. He is a darling little boy who will be with his forever family just before he turns 2 this November. What an awesome work the Lord has done!

 

 

[two]

CeREal

 

Our beautiful little girl turned 5 months old yesterday. To celebrate, G had her first bowl of rice cereal! She is definitely our child...no problem with the spoon :)

 

[three]

sKin

 

A week or so ago I discovered a good sized black snake in our basement. I helped him along his way and located his entry point. Tonight, my husband, who was so graciously doing laundry, found a parting gift from our undesirable guest.

 

 

[four]

MaIL

 

G and I received a fabulous surprise in the mail today! My youngest sister sent us a special gift. G got a couple of outfits, one sporting a precious little owl (my favorite!) and a festive Halloween outfit. I was also give an adorable owl themed water bottle. She knows me so well! 

 

 



 

[five]

tOes

 

We are continually in awe of the milestones that seem to come quicker these days. While they are often bittersweet, they are also so much fun. My friend and I frequently discuss these precious stages and we can't nail down just one favorite. Every moment of our children's growth is so precious and while we look forward to what they'll do next, we miss the things they leave behind. Tonight's big event, besides G's number two experience with cereal, was that of her officially finding her toes...I'm not a "feet person" at all and yet I can't help but find this absolutely adorable!

 

 

Well that was fun! Now it's off to bed. With G getting up so early in the mornings, I need to take advantage of a good night's sleep. Besides, she and I have a trip to town tomorrow which could involve some yard sales :) Blessings to you all!



Playing Catch Up

Family Photo

These last few days have been a whirlwind. One day I'll get smart and plan a weekend of "nothing". While I love to travel and visit new places and old friends, it can really wear a person out...especially with a soon to be 5 month old. I had to laugh when my best friend commented on how long it takes for me to get in and out of the car by the time I whip out the stroller, diaper bag and baby. It's no longer just a jump in and out process. The same goes for packing. My hubby and I used to be able to throw a bag together and hit the road. Our trips take MUCH more planning now. I am continually amazed at how a little human, so small and precious, can consume so much time and require so much effort. Despite the additional time it takes to prepare and/or get to our destination, it is always worth it.

G with her daddy

G and Mommy next to the fish exhibit

Our trips, no matter how short, have become a very special time for my husband and I. We love to turn down the radio and hear G talking to herself, or Ellie (her favorite blue elephant). We love to hear her raise her voice when we sing as if she is trying to sing along. We have quite the little social butterfly in our midst and we love every second.

This weekend was a treat. I got to visit with some of my favorite people. I was reminded just how much I miss having friends close by. It was so nice to hang out, eat a meal together, and laugh into the night...granted by 9pm we were all exhausted and ready to go to bed.

 Saturday was wonderful. I got to spend a girls' day with my best friend. I am so grateful that she was willing to travel in from D.C. to hang out with G and I. She knows me just about better than anyone. We're joined by a very blessed bond that only God could have created through the perfect set of circumstances. She is my person. I got to enjoy seeing her morph into her "Aunt LaLa" role. She is the best honorary aunt ever! G is one lucky little lady.

While my time away was nice, we were exhausted upon coming home. Everything was piled into the living room and continues to sit there in partiality. I was running late this evening so that put me home later than planned. G wanted some major snuggle time and I was thrilled to oblige. I can't get enough of that little girl. After dinner I managed to get G to entertain herself in her exersaucer while I put away some clothes and went through some of the bags that made their way into the house. After awhile she was tired of hearing the same tunes played over and over again and made it well known that she was ready to begin her nightly routine.

I spent a few extra minutes just rocking her before getting her bath and bottle ready. We had our play time in the tub, which is becoming more fun as the days go by. She has learned that thrashing her legs and arms will produce some nice splashing. I then got her in her pajamas and read to her before settling in for her last feeding. She peacefully drifted off to sleep. Those few moments before I lay her down to bed are always  my favorite. Her breathing is soft and steady and her little body becomes super cuddly. She makes the most precious little sounds of contentment. I'll miss these days...

I thank God regularly for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. While we wrestle with the sin of this world, He remains gracious and His provisions are always perfect and timely. I've been reminded lately that I can't get too comfortable and allow my thankfulness to become silent in its offerings. I rejoice in the Lord for all that He has done. I want to make every day count and count every day. I want to remain ever aware and thankful for my blessings while being a blessing to others. Challenge yourself to do the same for His glory.



"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3

Just for Fun

One of the perks of being a teacher is the literature exposure that I get. While I teach first grade, I have been delighted to find some new authors and book titles that I just adore and continue to make part of both my classroom and nursery library. One of my favorite author/illustrators is David Catrow. His illustrations always make me smile. Some of my recent additions include several of his works.