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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Welcome Fall


“November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.

With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.” 















Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Addy Jo {7 weeks}

I can hardly believe that almost two months have gone by so quickly. I don't know if I have ever wanted to freeze time as much as I do now.  I am so enjoying my little Addy in this stage and I am SO aware of how fast she is growing.  It's a good thing, I know...but bittersweet at the same time.  

I don't know if it is like this for everyone, but, for me, with each baby added to our family, I've grown to love the newborn stage more and more.  With Josiah, I fretted about so much.  I guess that's normal with your first baby.  With Eli, I relaxed and I felt like I finally "got it". I learned so much from Josiah and Eli and now I am taking what I learned and really enjoying the newborn stage this time around.  Not to say that I didn't enjoy it the first two times because I did! It's just been so much easier as far as knowing what to do and what not to do.  

And it definitely helps that Addison is just a pretty content baby in general.  She's just so stinkin' sweet! 

Who couldn't love this:











Monday, October 21, 2013

More Than Just Memories


Charles Swindoll said this: 

"Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children."

I've always said that one of my main reasons for blogging is for my children...to document our lives together and to leave them with a hard-copy memory of their childhood.  But what about the things that aren't recorded here?...the messy stuff that no one wants to remember or put on display for the world to see?

The truth is, anyone can stage a blog and make things appear to be different than they truly are...something that I try hard not to do.  But the actual memories etched within the minds of my babies cannot be deleted with a backspace button.  I try to remind myself of this daily.  

After my babies are tucked in for the night, and I look back on our day, can I say that I made them my top priority? Did I take the time to push them on the "ping" (swing)? Did I read Josiah's favorite book to him (the one with talking vegetables that he picks everytime?) Sit down with them and watch that same ole' movie that I've seen a million times? Did I tell them that I loved them? Smile at them for no particular reason? Pray for them? 

The longer that I am a parent, the more I realize just how important it is to provide more than just their physical needs.  I got that part down...3 meals a day, snacks, water, clean environment, baths, etc. But I want to do more than just provide for their physical needs. In fact, I believe that God has called me to provide for them spiritually, emotionally and mentally as well.  

It's a lot on one's plate, no doubt.  But my labor is not in vain.  You see, it's more than just creating good memories.  It's discipleship.  It's helping shape them for The Kindgom.  And it all begins at home...I only have a short time with them.  I've gotta make it count...










Monday, October 7, 2013

postpartum rambling

September has left us and October's welcome has brought cooler weather to Oklahoma.  Fall.  My favorite season. We have a trip to East Texas planned and it can't get here soon enough.  This time of year always makes me long for my home roots.  It never fails.  Whereas the cooler weather aches most people's previously injured bones and joints, it pulls on my heart strings and I long for my family, friends and East Texas trees.  I guess home will always be home, huh?

Or is it that "home is where you make it?" (yes, I did just use a Joe Dirt quote.) But seriously, I think it is a little bit of both.  For me, home will always be where I grew up but home is also wherever God sends our little family.  And that one is a little harder.  It takes a little more effort.  Bloom where you are planted, right?

Alright. Sorry.  I got the postpartum mushy-gushies.  Speaking of...baby girl turned one month old last week.  Not much has changed since her two week update.  She's still sweet, gaining weight and growing longer, sleeping great, and we still adore her!

The boys are doing good too.  They've been spending the majority of their time in the backyard enjoying this weather and catching "rog-rogs". (That's Josiah's coined term for a frog-I guess it's mating season?!?)

Now that mama is slowly making her way out of the newborn haze, the plan is to start back homeschooling on Monday. I'm ready.  We need some more structure around here instead of just free-play all day.  I thrive on structure and planning and list making and all that jazz.  I need some order folks! But I have to say that I have enjoyed the down time and all-day pajama days.  But it's time...time to be a little more productive!

Well, my little nursling is about to suck her fingers off...here's pics from the last couple of weeks: