Google Analytics

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Thanksgiving {2011}

"Eucharisteo means "to give thanks," and give is a verb, something that we do.  God calls me to do thanks.  To give the thanks away.  That thanks-giving might literally become thanks-living.  That our lives become the very blessings we have received." (from One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp)

May this holiday season find you well and may you live out thanks everyday, not just on Thanksgiving. 

Love,

The Rogers' Family

Monday, November 28, 2011

Elijah Neal {8 months}

Our sweet Elijah turned 8 months last Wednesday.  It’s funny how some days just seem to drag on but 8 months have flown by in a blink. This past month, Eli’s crawl has evolved into an even faster crawl and he is now pulling up on everything.  He is trying his best to catch up with big brother.  And he absolutely loves it when Josiah pays him attention…and he especially loves it when Josiah allows him to play with him…or destroy the house.




Did I mention that Eli has become a HUGE mama’s boy?  He wants to be where I am at just about all times and he wants my attention at all times.  It’s incredibly hard to get anything accomplished but also pretty sweet because I know that this will not always be the case.


Oh, and for some reason, Eli has stopped sleeping through the night. (insert a very sad face) At first, I thought it was because he wasn’t getting enough solid food during the day so I increased his intake….didn’t work.  Then I thought that maybe he was teething…no new teeth. I’ve brainstormed and done a ton of research and I'm beginning to think that he may have a milk allergy like big brother because "night waking" is one of the symptoms along with a few other syptoms that are starting to pop up.  Plus, Eli started sleeping through the night at 5 months.  Shortly after that, he weaned himself from breastfeeding...wanted nothing to do with it.  So we put him on a milk based formula and that is when he started waking up several times at night. It's been hard and it has taken me three months to try and figure it all out and I'm still not sure if that is it.   The only way to find out is to change his diet so that is what I am going to do.  I'll post updates.

On a brighter note, Eli has also turned into a little chatter box. He even mimics sounds that we make.  I’m pretty impressed…he might just start talking before Josiah…maybe just maybe that would give Josiah the motivation that he needs.  Who knows…

Here’s some other stuff about our little man:

He loves saltine crackers…and sweet peas...and applesauce.
He has leveled off a bit at about 21 lbs.
He is in a size 4 diaper.
His hair is starting to turn auburn.
He loves bath time.
He will only sit in his exersaucer when he is outside.
He is starting to really like Veggie Tales.
And he is just one happy little guy (when mommy's close anyway)...



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

My Eucharisteo {1}

So I've been reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and let me just say that she has totally knocked my socks off. She is now my new favorite author. (besides God, of course) If you haven't read this book yet, you must.  Go to Amazon and order a copy. Like right now.  You won't regret it!

I've been posting bits and pieces of her book all over facebook, but in case you have missed out, let me enlighten you:

"It was a dare, like a love dare of sorts, and I take it one clear November morning, not at all unlike that long ago November morning that her blood soaked the ground and I can never forget.  It is the beginning of list season.  Lists of holiday menus, lists of handmade projects, lists of have-to buys.  They're scattered and stacked across the counter, around my desk, when a friend's dashed-off digital line blinks up on the my screen.  She dares me, and I don't even blink.  Could I write a list of a thousand things I love? I read her line again.  As in, begin another list? To name one thousand blessings-one thousand gifts-is that what she means? Sure whatever.

It's not like I thought that this is the carving, the flying, the healing of my wounds.  Sometimes you don't know when you're taking the first step through a door until you're already inside.

I grab a scrap paper....Across the backside, on a whim, a dare, I scratch it down: Gift List.  I begin the list.  Not of gifts I want but of gifts I already have.

1. Morning shadows across the old floors
2. Jam piled high on the toast.
3. Cry of blue jay from high in the spruce

That is the beginning and I smile.  I can't believe how I smile.  I mean, they are just the common things and maybe I don't even know they are gifts really until I write them down and that is really what they look like.  Gifts He bestows.  This writing down-it is sort of like...unwrapping love."

After reading this and more from this amazing book, I decided to start my own list...a list of things that I am thankful for...my Eucharisteo. I just had to see what all the fuss was about.  I mean, come on. How can writing these things down make someone as joyous and satisfied as it seemed to make this talented author in her book?

Well, she explains that too.  To summarize, you must live by this motto: "Wherever you are, be all there."(Jim Elliot) And by taking the time to truly stop and think about what you are thankful for, you force yourself to "be all there".  While giving the babies a bath, instead of rushing through, you stop to take snap shots in your mind of the dimples and rolls and cheeky grins, and toothless smiles....all things that you are thankful for. And you can't help but to have joy.  You are "all there". And then you repeat this process with each task or duty that you face all day, everyday.  You will be surprised at what all you are thankful for but never really slowed down to realize this much.  And what joy this brings!

So this is a glimpse at what has brought me joy today:

1. chubby baby cheeks
2. little hands tugging on mommy's leg
3. fresh air blowing through open windows
4. the still, quiet of nap time
5. how the trees dance and sing of His glory
6. the way the boys warm the bed
7. Josiah's nap head
8. the twinkle in Elijah's eyes
9. the changing of seasons
10. "I love you" whispered in darkness
11. The husband's strong embrace
12. Hot chocolate with milk
13. Amazing Grace
14. songs of worship to the One worthy of all honor and praise