Saturday, October 16, 2010
This is Worship
Alia and I watched this music video together. Both of us singing along... both of us drumming to the beat... and both of us lifting our hands in worship to our Father.
I know she doesn't quite get what worship is yet, but I do believe, without a doubt, that she knows and recognizes the Holy Spirit.
Goodness, what an absolute privilege to raise our children to love and serve Christ. I look forward to worshipping along side of her as she grows, for the day she accepts Christ into her heart, and for her to continually be blown away by the love of God.
I love being a mother. Have I said that lately?
Friday, October 15, 2010
Spinning Delight
Tonight was a treasure, a treasure indeed. A memory that I want to remember for a long, long time. We received a VIP pass to a recital from our favorite 2 year old. Alia donned her pink tu-tu... and danced to her heart's content!
I loved it. I loved every single minute of it.
Her delight and joy when we told her how beautiful she was.
Her laughter when she fell down.
Her little breaks when she got tired of busting a move!
Her being... well, HER!
Dancing with her Prince Charming...
... and her best friend!
Her desire for us to stop EVERYTHING we were doing to watch her.
Her ballerina chats with daddy!
It seems that at some point (and I'm not quite sure at what age, exactly...) we stop telling girls they are beautiful. We stop telling them how much we love them and how wonderful they are. We stop doting on them whenever possible, and we just get into some sort of "I'm sure they know it, so I don't have to say it" mode.
I don't ever want to stop telling my girls how lovely they are. I WANT, so badly, to continue telling them until I'm old and gray. I want them to know what a treasure they are... that they are delighted in... that they have incredible worth and value in Christ Jesus... and that God has a hand picked plan for them.
A plan that leads to blessings... blessings overflowing and better than we ever imagined.
I loved it. I loved every single minute of it.
Her delight and joy when we told her how beautiful she was.
Her laughter when she fell down.
Her little breaks when she got tired of busting a move!
Her being... well, HER!
Dancing with her Prince Charming...
... and her best friend!
Her desire for us to stop EVERYTHING we were doing to watch her.
Her ballerina chats with daddy!
It seems that at some point (and I'm not quite sure at what age, exactly...) we stop telling girls they are beautiful. We stop telling them how much we love them and how wonderful they are. We stop doting on them whenever possible, and we just get into some sort of "I'm sure they know it, so I don't have to say it" mode.
I don't ever want to stop telling my girls how lovely they are. I WANT, so badly, to continue telling them until I'm old and gray. I want them to know what a treasure they are... that they are delighted in... that they have incredible worth and value in Christ Jesus... and that God has a hand picked plan for them.
A plan that leads to blessings... blessings overflowing and better than we ever imagined.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
"I wike Daddy Bwetter!"
This has been one of Alia's sayings here lately. She always follows it up with a quick, "But War Bear Wikes Mommy Bwetter!" as if to ease the blow a little.
At first I didn't think much of it... and maybe I shouldn't start to... but it does hurt a little.
Of course she likes Daddy better. He doesn't discipline her as much, she doesn't get sick of him during the day, he is 100X more fun than I am, he has a gentler nature than I do... the list could go on and on.
I desire to have a strong connection with her when she gets older. I want to have an open, honest, real relationship with her. I want to be a fun parent. I want her to like me.
BUT, I am her mom. And right now my job isn't to be buddy buddy... it's to train, correct, and love her into the child that God desires her to be.
And it's not always easy! There will be (have been!) days when I'm not the most popular in our house, but I'm okay with that. (I think!)
Jon has really started cracking down on her if he hears her say that, and I've had a talk or two about how Mommy's feelings get hurt at such comments... but we have to remember that she's two.
Two going on seventeen.
P.S. I like Daddy better too!!!!!
At first I didn't think much of it... and maybe I shouldn't start to... but it does hurt a little.
Of course she likes Daddy better. He doesn't discipline her as much, she doesn't get sick of him during the day, he is 100X more fun than I am, he has a gentler nature than I do... the list could go on and on.
I desire to have a strong connection with her when she gets older. I want to have an open, honest, real relationship with her. I want to be a fun parent. I want her to like me.
BUT, I am her mom. And right now my job isn't to be buddy buddy... it's to train, correct, and love her into the child that God desires her to be.
And it's not always easy! There will be (have been!) days when I'm not the most popular in our house, but I'm okay with that. (I think!)
Jon has really started cracking down on her if he hears her say that, and I've had a talk or two about how Mommy's feelings get hurt at such comments... but we have to remember that she's two.
Two going on seventeen.
P.S. I like Daddy better too!!!!!
I Know, I Know...
... enough with the eating pictures already! But okay... let me explain.
Reason # 1 - It gives you glimpse into my world... and into how many times I have to clean my kitchen on any given day!
Reason # 2 - The ONLY time Larren is sitting still long enough to focus on anything is when she's eating... and handy, dandy enough, I tend to twiddle my thumbs at those kind of moments - thus reach for my camera!
Reason # 3 - Just discovered that I like the lighting in the kitchen around afternoon snack time
Reason # 4 - I just think she's so gosh darn adorable with food smeared all over her little baby face (please remind me I said that when I'm cleaning up my kitchen for the 17th time in one day!)
Thank you for your cooperation, but I can't promise there won't be any more in the future! This blog is not for the weak stomached!
Reason # 1 - It gives you glimpse into my world... and into how many times I have to clean my kitchen on any given day!
Reason # 2 - The ONLY time Larren is sitting still long enough to focus on anything is when she's eating... and handy, dandy enough, I tend to twiddle my thumbs at those kind of moments - thus reach for my camera!
Reason # 3 - Just discovered that I like the lighting in the kitchen around afternoon snack time
Reason # 4 - I just think she's so gosh darn adorable with food smeared all over her little baby face (please remind me I said that when I'm cleaning up my kitchen for the 17th time in one day!)
Thank you for your cooperation, but I can't promise there won't be any more in the future! This blog is not for the weak stomached!
Up on Anything
Lately, Larren has been trying to stand up on anything that will let her! The kitchen cupboard drawers, the oven drawer, her sister's step stool, laundry baskets, the girls toy shelf, the stairs, the rocking chair, the coffee table, or if I sit on the floor long enough, she'll crawl right over and use me as a human jungle gym! As long as she can get from point A up to point B, it doesn't matter to her! Most times she doesn't know where point B is... but it has to be better than where she's at!
I wasn't kidding about the whole jungle gym thing... as you can see, the camera was point B right about now!
Unfortunately she misjudged on this one. She just happened to topple over into her sister's "boat" (aka empty suitcase!) and couldn't quite find a way to get back out!
Our little eager beaver sure makes for quite the entertainment around here... seriously, who needs TV when there's little tikes around?!?!
NOT THIS GAL!
I wasn't kidding about the whole jungle gym thing... as you can see, the camera was point B right about now!
Unfortunately she misjudged on this one. She just happened to topple over into her sister's "boat" (aka empty suitcase!) and couldn't quite find a way to get back out!
Our little eager beaver sure makes for quite the entertainment around here... seriously, who needs TV when there's little tikes around?!?!
NOT THIS GAL!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Giddy Up
I tell ya... is it ever nice to have an auntie who LOVES horses! She has the joy of feeding, caring for, training, and loving on them... and we are able to enjoy riding them every now and then!
Since Monday was a holiday (Canadian Thanksgiving, for all my American posse!) Alia spent a bit of the afternoon cruising around on Auntie Jer's horse, Patrick!
There was no warm up period, what so ever. Just hop on and hold on!
She wasn't excited in the least... can ya tell?!?!
Daddy walked along side of Alia and Patrick... just in case of an "incident"
And, because Alia is always up for an adventure, they even trotted!
She did great... just held on to "the horn that doesn't make any noise" (when asked what she was supposed to hold on to, this was Alia's response!) and bobbed along!
Larren and I's turn to "chaperone"... which, I must say, Jon definitely had the height and speed advantage in the event that something did occur. I felt next to useless walking along side there, but it's all about the effect, right?!
Another little friend joined the party... which was just icing on the cake!
Looking like a true cowgirl... cozy and relaxed in the saddle!
Larren's turn! She wasn't near as thrilled as her sister, but with a runny nose, cough, and slight fever - who can blame her! We'll have to try again when she's a bit bubblier!
Bidding farewell
Patrick was a VERY good boy! We should have brought him a little treat for being such a great sport... but sadly enough we didn't... and an "I Owe U" just isn't the same!
Giving Auntie Jer a big ole' "thank you" hug!
One more bye bye pat for Patrick!
Alia won't be forgetting this little ride-a-thon anytime soon, and that's a fact!
Thanks again Auntie Jer!
Since Monday was a holiday (Canadian Thanksgiving, for all my American posse!) Alia spent a bit of the afternoon cruising around on Auntie Jer's horse, Patrick!
There was no warm up period, what so ever. Just hop on and hold on!
She wasn't excited in the least... can ya tell?!?!
Daddy walked along side of Alia and Patrick... just in case of an "incident"
And, because Alia is always up for an adventure, they even trotted!
She did great... just held on to "the horn that doesn't make any noise" (when asked what she was supposed to hold on to, this was Alia's response!) and bobbed along!
Larren and I's turn to "chaperone"... which, I must say, Jon definitely had the height and speed advantage in the event that something did occur. I felt next to useless walking along side there, but it's all about the effect, right?!
Another little friend joined the party... which was just icing on the cake!
Looking like a true cowgirl... cozy and relaxed in the saddle!
Larren's turn! She wasn't near as thrilled as her sister, but with a runny nose, cough, and slight fever - who can blame her! We'll have to try again when she's a bit bubblier!
Bidding farewell
Patrick was a VERY good boy! We should have brought him a little treat for being such a great sport... but sadly enough we didn't... and an "I Owe U" just isn't the same!
Giving Auntie Jer a big ole' "thank you" hug!
One more bye bye pat for Patrick!
Alia won't be forgetting this little ride-a-thon anytime soon, and that's a fact!
Thanks again Auntie Jer!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Things Alia is Thankful For
Alia came home excitedly with a special craft from Auntie Betty's house the other day!
She's thankful for : herself, her sister, monkeys (who knew!?), and her mommy and daddy!
And yes... that lovely couple in the middle there represents us! Boy, am I glad my girls don't see my flaws yet... just a carefree, skinny, tanned, flower toting mommy and a handsome daddy to go with her!!
She's thankful for : herself, her sister, monkeys (who knew!?), and her mommy and daddy!
And yes... that lovely couple in the middle there represents us! Boy, am I glad my girls don't see my flaws yet... just a carefree, skinny, tanned, flower toting mommy and a handsome daddy to go with her!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
2nd Annual Harvest Party
This past Sunday was our 2nd annual harvest party. There's only a couple of actual farmers in the bunch... but we are still celebrating the "harvest" - all the blessings that God has given us!
The menu was the same, and just as simple, as last year... chili, cornbread, buns, pickles, potato chips, and veggies with brownies and ice cream for dessert. (Give or take a few added bonuses!)
Our theme was "tools with a hint of fall"! (We held the shin dig in the garage!)
Instead of salt water taffy, we used peanuts as center pieces this year! And threw in a few chocolate pumpkins for the sugar lovers (aka children) in the bunch!
The pumpkin olympics are the main event at our harvest party - and this year we weren't let down! Jon managed to find what little grass we have available right now, and got out his spray paint to make the games happen! Ya'll ready for this?
Ladies and gentleman... LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
Event #1 : Stairway to Pumpkin Heaven
The name of the game was to toss your pumpkin onto the highest stair... without going over to the land of doom
Event #2 : Shake, Rattle, and Roll, Roll, Roll
Roll to the highest point section... without meeting Mr. Frowny Face!
Event #3 : Pumpkin Curling (without the sweeper and all the yelling!)
Event #4 : Can It (which just so happened to be this years most popular event)
Stand behind the line and toss your pumpkin into the can... or if you're REALLY skilled, land it in the "hidden" basket BEHIND the can!
And if you're confused about the scoring... there's a handy dandy arrow to remind you!
Close, but no cigar! It's harder than it looks, folks!
We have a winner!!
Does Joe toss as good as his wife?
It appears so!!
Poor Jen TRIED tossing her pumpkin but it had taken quite a beating!
Event #5 : And for the grand finale... HEAVE HO!
Longest throw wins 25 points!
Pumpkin is a good fertilizer, right? :)
The neighbor cat sure didn't seem to mind!
I am so blessed to have friends that just hold my babe, without thinking twice, so that I can snap a few pics!! Thanks ladies!
Mike CLEARLY won for biggest pumpkin! And he got his workout for the evening having to toss that monster back and forth!
And there's just no way around it... there were some casualties!
Addie was quite concerned about this one!!
There's no age discrimination at this test of the best!
Our little family
And yup... Larren WAS trying to eat Alia's puff ball! We do feed our children, I promise!
Grand prize was a big ole' box of canned goods to be given, by the winner, to a family in need or to the winner's favorite charity!
Zach and Jen took home all the marbles YET AGAIN, this year! They are a force to be reconned with I tell ya!
Brad came in 2nd place... and received, much to his dismay, a brand new (cough, cough... "brand new"... cough...) parts weed whacker! He said he couldn't carry it home... since he was walking and all... but that's what a good neighbor is for, right!? We'll drop off his prize to him within 48 hours!
Alia and Addie making good use of the centerpieces!
Desert is served!
Relaxing after a hard game's work!
This years party was a bit smaller, maybe a bit more thrown together (shhhh!), and a bit less energetic than 2009... but that's why they are annual, right?! So you can just say... oh it will be better next year!
It was still lots of fun, and a wonderful way to celebrate our many blessings with friends!!
The menu was the same, and just as simple, as last year... chili, cornbread, buns, pickles, potato chips, and veggies with brownies and ice cream for dessert. (Give or take a few added bonuses!)
Our theme was "tools with a hint of fall"! (We held the shin dig in the garage!)
Instead of salt water taffy, we used peanuts as center pieces this year! And threw in a few chocolate pumpkins for the sugar lovers (aka children) in the bunch!
The pumpkin olympics are the main event at our harvest party - and this year we weren't let down! Jon managed to find what little grass we have available right now, and got out his spray paint to make the games happen! Ya'll ready for this?
Ladies and gentleman... LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!
Event #1 : Stairway to Pumpkin Heaven
The name of the game was to toss your pumpkin onto the highest stair... without going over to the land of doom
Event #2 : Shake, Rattle, and Roll, Roll, Roll
Roll to the highest point section... without meeting Mr. Frowny Face!
Event #3 : Pumpkin Curling (without the sweeper and all the yelling!)
Event #4 : Can It (which just so happened to be this years most popular event)
Stand behind the line and toss your pumpkin into the can... or if you're REALLY skilled, land it in the "hidden" basket BEHIND the can!
And if you're confused about the scoring... there's a handy dandy arrow to remind you!
Close, but no cigar! It's harder than it looks, folks!
We have a winner!!
Does Joe toss as good as his wife?
It appears so!!
Poor Jen TRIED tossing her pumpkin but it had taken quite a beating!
Event #5 : And for the grand finale... HEAVE HO!
Longest throw wins 25 points!
Pumpkin is a good fertilizer, right? :)
The neighbor cat sure didn't seem to mind!
I am so blessed to have friends that just hold my babe, without thinking twice, so that I can snap a few pics!! Thanks ladies!
Mike CLEARLY won for biggest pumpkin! And he got his workout for the evening having to toss that monster back and forth!
And there's just no way around it... there were some casualties!
Addie was quite concerned about this one!!
There's no age discrimination at this test of the best!
Our little family
And yup... Larren WAS trying to eat Alia's puff ball! We do feed our children, I promise!
Grand prize was a big ole' box of canned goods to be given, by the winner, to a family in need or to the winner's favorite charity!
Zach and Jen took home all the marbles YET AGAIN, this year! They are a force to be reconned with I tell ya!
Brad came in 2nd place... and received, much to his dismay, a brand new (cough, cough... "brand new"... cough...) parts weed whacker! He said he couldn't carry it home... since he was walking and all... but that's what a good neighbor is for, right!? We'll drop off his prize to him within 48 hours!
Alia and Addie making good use of the centerpieces!
Desert is served!
Relaxing after a hard game's work!
This years party was a bit smaller, maybe a bit more thrown together (shhhh!), and a bit less energetic than 2009... but that's why they are annual, right?! So you can just say... oh it will be better next year!
It was still lots of fun, and a wonderful way to celebrate our many blessings with friends!!
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