Dad's Day

There are so many things I appreciate about Brad but I thought I'd write out what the two older boys had to say on their Daddy's Day kite-card that we made.
From Jaedon:
"Daddy, I love you because...
you color with me,
you play games with me,
I bike with you,
you take me out to breakfast,
you wrestle with me,
you love me!"

from Seth:
"Daddy, I love you because...
you play with me,
you wrestle with me,
you push me on mine swing,
you help me climb up trees,
you turn movies on for me,
you read books to me."

We are blessed.

Owen's new room

Simply Content

No, this is not a shirt that I shrunk in the dryer- it's my latest idea of domestication. I've been wanting an umbrella clothesline for a few years so I finally got one. I commissioned my dear Mom in law to make me this clothespin bag. I figure- if I'm going to act like an old lady ;-) I might as well try to look trendy while doing so. I think it's super cute and yes, I DO hang my clothes out- and (usually) remember to bring them in before it rains. ;)

It occurred to me recently that both our other boys were booted out of the crib well before their second birthday- which we just passed for Owen. Of course, there was another baby on the way in the previous cases and it's NOT THE CASE this time (didja catch that? I don't want any rumors started!) We decided it's time for Owen to make the change. It's a bit sad to de-babyfy. Brad took down the changing table and we got some "big boy bedding" for Owen's room. Our project for next week is painting the room. I found this nearly-new mattress at a garage sale (I know- not all kosher but I painstakingly checked it out!) for $25!!!

Some of my favorite times as a mom are when I can observe my children in their pure, unhindered excitement for life. They teach me a lot in those moments.
We experienced one of those times this past week when Jaedon was able to get his very own library card. OH! The excitement was almost too much. I had to squelch many giggles so as not to appear to be laughing at him- but I so enjoyed his enthusiasm for his growing responsibilities in his life.

So thankful for his teacher this year- Mrs. Snyder. She stuck it out with us and was just what Jaedon needed this year. School buddies open our world to...a whole new world. =)

The joys of reorganization-

and rediscovering forgotten toys that bring delight to the next boy in line!

I've decided to begin a gratefulness journal- inspired by some bloggers and my own journey lately too. In reading through 1 Samuel lately I came across this verse-
"But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." 1 Sam. 12:24
This was from Samuel as his farewell speech- admonishing Israel to be and remember faithfulness. There are so many blessings that I miss because I am too busy looking forward instead of pausing to see either what I already have and where I am or remembering what God has done in the past.
So these pictures are an attempt to capture and revel in the goodness of the here and now.
Here's to pursuing simplicity and contentment today.

my new read

I love finding books that are so timely to where we are in our journey. This is one book I have had for awhile but just recently began plowing into it. It is beyond spectacular to me.
This is a book about being a wife.
Gripping no?
To be quite honest- the things I am learning in this book are very close to me and I'm thankful for this season of personal growth. I am excited to see how God will continue to grow me.

In one chapter, the author is bringing home the point that husbands want to be admired by their wives. This one story he used was simply too precious not to share.

"In the twelfth century, the vast wealthy of Weinsberg Castle lay in peril. Enemy forces besieged the stone fortress and threatened the riches that lay within. The inhabitants stood no chance of defending themselves against such a great horde, and the opposing forces demanded a full and complete surrender. If the occupants would agree to give up their wealth and the men would give up their lives, the women and children would be spared.
After consultation, the women of Weinsberg Castle asked for one provision: they asked to leave with as many possessions as they could carry. If the opposing forces would agree to this one request, the men inside would lay down their arms and hand over the castle's riches.
Fully aware of the wealth of riches loaded within the castle, the enemy forces agreed. After all, how much could these woman take?
Finally, the castle gates opened, and the sight that emerged elicited tears from even the most calloused soldiers. Every woman carried her husband on her back."

I know I needed a fresh view of my own wealth lately.

Owen turns 2!

God Loves Little Boys

(Randy Grayson)

God loves little boys and all that they do
Exploring and laughing and roughhousing, too.
God loves their energy, eagerness and wit.
He loves their serious side and their fanciful spirit.

He guides them and tends them while they grow,
Giving them all of the grace he can bestow.
God's plan for his boys is wondrous as well,
Because soon in their place little men will dwell.