Definition-

I have a question for you.
What is a best friend?

I just recently went to a wedding ceremony of a friend of mine. Couple that with the time I've been spending reading/scanning/skimming of several marriage-related topic workbooks in preparation for our fall Young Marrieds class and the idea of friendship in marriage has stuck out to me.
Is Brad my best friend?
Do I treat him like I treat my other friends? Do I confide in him? Do I look to him for refreshment, encouragment, advice and laughter? Do we have fun together and enjoy each others company?

These are some questions that have challenged me lately.

Amusing cousin times-

Amusement parks for me is anything but amusing. I don't do rides, crowds, heat and waiting and frankly- banging my head against a wall for awhile sounds more appealing. So imagine my dear husbands *shock* when I suggested that we go to an amusement park in PA called Knoebles Grove while we were there in June.
I was secretly hoping and thinking that Jaedon, who has always been a bit nervous of even sitting on someone's shoulders, would have inherited my dis-love of rides and he and I would hang out in the kiddie world with Owen for the day. No such luck. Much to his Daddy's delight both he and Seth couldn't run to the next ride quickly enough! Now to add to that 2 cousins, and aunt and uncle who are having just as much fun as they are and you have the makings of a perfectly dizzing, memory making day. I had just as much watching my family enjoy themselves and who knows- maybe next year I'll let them talk me into the "Big Splash" ;-)

A Re-Post on being a "yes" mom...

I got this from a blog I read : www.jillsavage.com- I hope you enjoy it.


"Last week my boys ran inside and said, "Mom, mom...it's so hot outside! Can we see if it's hot enough to cook an egg on the sidewalk?"

The practical side of me started to say no, but then I caught myself. What would it hurt for them to try it? Why couldn't I say yes? Is it "wasting" an egg, or simply using it for a different, but just as valuable, purpose?

After that quick argument in my head, I finally said, "Sure. If you want to try it, go ahead! Just make sure you wash off the sidewalk when you're done." They got an egg from the refrigerator and ran out of the house to try their science experiment.

Over 24 years of mothering, I've finally learned how to be a "yes" mom more than a "no" mom. It wasn't an easy transition...but it was an important one. For years my interactions with my kids looked more like this:


"No, you can't fingerpaint." (It will make too much of a mess.)

"No, you can't bake cookies today." (I just mopped the kitchen floor!)

"No, you can't have a friend over today." (I don't want to go anywhere today and I'd have to go get them.)

"No, you can't play in the sprinklers." (I'm not in the mood for wet swimsuits, towels, and grass tracked in the house.)

"No, you can't go out and play in the snow." (I don't want to deal with the snowsuits, boots, gloves, scarves, and hassle of it all.)


Over time, however, I started paying attention to the "no's" and my reasoning behind them. It usually had something to do with my selfish reasons. I didn't want to deal with a mess. I didn't want to be inconvenienced. I didn't want to have more work to do.


That's not fun to admit, but it was true. My selfishness was robbing my kids of some of the joy of just being kids!


I remember one afternoon many years ago when a couple of the kids asked, "Can we blow bubbles in the house? I initially said no because bubbles have always been an outside activity. But then I thought about my answer. Why couldn't they blow bubbles in the house? We even have the bubble cups that don't spill! Why do I always say no so quickly? Finally, I called my kids back into the kitchen and said, "Yes, you can blow bubbles in the house. Have a blast."


And they did.

And I started being more of a "yes" mom, than a "no" mom that day.


Now I'm not talking here about permissive parenting. I'm not talking about the times that we need to say no because our kids really do need us to set boundaries. I'm talking about the times that I say no out of selfishness, or default, or habit.

So what about you? I'm going to declare July as "yes" mom month. Would you like to join me? I want to hear your "yes" mom stories!

The more who share, the more we are all encouraged!

I can't wait to hear your "yes mom" stories!

Stop number 1 on Operation Vacation-

I was very impressed with the Buffalo Zoo. It was small- which is one reason I liked it- but had a TON of really cool animals- giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, elephants- not just one of the "big ones" like a lot of zoos. They're exhibts were so close too- I loved being able to see the animals up close. Two thumbs way up!

9 years and counting

I enjoy anniversaries.
I like hearing about other peoples anniversaries and hearing their story.
I love celebrating ours- even if it seems down scaled to some - it doesn't matter to me.
It's a precious time to remember a precious time.
This year we watched (a bit) of our wedding video. Jaedon watched it with us and was in and out of interest but thought Brad looked just the same and I sounded different. (maybe because I wasn't yelling in the video?? =P j/k)
I enjoyed hearing again the charges made to us by the godly men we had directing our service- reminding me of the purpose, the key and the call in marriage.
I appreciate and needed the reminder-

So for our first anniversary Brad intended to take me out to eat at a fancy restaurant in Grand Haven.
Well, it was closed on Sunday...
which began our tradition of going to Pizza Hut every year- much more our speed anyway ;)
The past few years we've made it a family affair- which is, of course, a huge hit.

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.