Thankful Thursday 6

Today I'm thankful for:

1. Good people with good hearts. Chelsey over at Paper Mama has an excellent post on her blog today. Here's my favorite part:

"Step back and rethink. This works for talking bad about someone. My girlfriends and I try our best to keep negative gossip out of our lives. We don't want to talk bad about people. We want to see the good in everyone. So, we just don't gossip very often. It's hard. You know there's just that one person that upset or hurt you and the thing you'd like to do MORE than anything is tell someone that can relate to you all about it. Before you do that... before you write that email to complain to someone about another person... step back and rethink. Maybe that negative thought doesn't need to be shared."

I stuggle so hard sometimes with the desire to tell the whole world how others have offended me. It's hard to keep my mouth shut and say only positive words about people, especially when I know they're not doing the same for me. Thanks Chelsey, for the reminder -- exactly what I needed this week!

2. We hit a dead deer last night on our way home from church. So thankful it didn't damage the car. I am noticing a pretty foul smell coming from the car now. Gross. If you have any suggestions for how to get rid of dead deer smell, please leave a comment. I'd be forever grateful.

3. Every time I pick my son up from the nursery at church, he smells like lady's perfume. I used to have mixed feelings about that, but now I am so thankful that they are in there holding and kissing and loving on my baby. This morning, they were so sweet to us, and it really makes me so happy.

4. I love the Bible Study I am a part of on Thusday mornings. The last two weeks have been so wonderful: I've laughed, cried, been challenged to think new ways and trust my Lord more. So thankful for that ministry and the women who run it.

5. Jess over at Running with Scissors has created adorable patterns for Halloween costumes. I think the patterns will be available next week for purchase. Jess has allowed me to test out the wolf pattern ahead of time. I am so excited about getting it finished and having Cohen's costume done so early. I'll share details of the finished product when I'm finished. For now, here's what I've got, haha:

6. My husband's brother's girlfriend (still with me?) had surgery this week and, from what I know, she's recovering well. I'm sure she'd appreciate your prayers, though!

7. I am noticing more and more yellow and orange spotting the trees each time I walk outside. So thankful for the upcoming season and cooler weather.

8. Two weeks ago, hubby and I had one of those serious conversations. About how things are going for us financially and what needs to happen for me to be able to stay home with the little guy next school year (and beyond, hopefully). I walked away sad and feeling a little defeated. So I prayed very specifically for what we need, and wouldn't you know I'm already seeing God work. He is taking care of us.

9. Eggo French Toaster Sticks (minus the syrup -- usually we do naked sticks. Sometimes we dunk them in applesauce). Cohen loves them. I just wish they were whole grain. Hint, hint, Eggo.

10. My baby sleeps 12 hours at night. Hello? How awesome is that? I am so thankful to be out of (fingers crossed) that up -all- night stage. Oh, so thankful. Mama loves her sleep.



Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Wordless Wednesday 6

What a beautiful Wednesday morning at the park. Good friends, good exercise, good swinging, good snacks, and great weather. I mean, can you really ask for anything more?

We met some ducks and geese. They were pushy little suckers and demanded some puffs before getting bored with us and walking away.

We took a stroll around the lake while Cohen munched on a snack and threw his sippy cup on the ground every 5 minutes.

The little mister woke up super early this morning, and by the time we made it to the park, he was already ready for his morning nap. So needless to say, he was oh so sleepy. And there's just something about swings that will knock a little guy out. Sleepy baby + swing = pictures of baby with droopy eyes.



We got pretty daring in the swing. We're a wild crew.

We played on the playground a little bit. Cohen mainly watched his buddy and tried to sneak bites of wood chips when I wasn't looking, but after a while he decided to get in on the action, too. He ended up climbing up a slide which nearly gave me a heart attack.  

All in all, he had a fantastic morning. I mean, just look at the joy written across his face.



Remember, a photo challenge

Before we dive into this week's photo challenge, we must take care of celebratory matters first. My photo from the Heart photo challenge won an acknowledgement from Paper Mama! So cool!



OK, now let's get down to business.

This week's challenge, in honor of the 10th anniversary of September 11, is to share a "sweet photo of a moment that you will always love to remember." Only one picture comes to mind.

November 10, 2010 rocked my world forever. My son entered my world fast and furious and long-anticipated.

I don't remember much about those first few moments with my son - his birth was somewhat traumatic and I was recovering from hysterics. But I do remember looking at him and being taken back by how beautiful he was. And how perfect. And he was mine.

10 months later, I still lose my breath at his beauty and perfection. And I love that he is mine.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17

Linking up with Paper Mama for this photo challenge.

Blessings

Lately, I have felt blessed.

My heart is joyous, my smile is wide, and my mind is at peace.

I don't know why I'm sharing this today. I just feel like I need to. If you are struggling today, if you are overwhelmed or burdened, I encourage you to dwell and cultivate, follow and trust. God is good and provides for all our needs.

 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

 Psalms 34:12-15

My eyes are fixed on the Lord today.

I have noticed the change for a few weeks now. A peacefulness and a lightness that are not natural characteristics of mine. An appreciation that the things that happen around me aren't of much significance in the grand scheme of things.

The more I allow myself to let go of the stuff that consumes me, the closer I feel God stepping in and the easier it is to see the works of His hand. It is so obvious today that He is taking care of me.

Here are just a few of the ways the Lord is blessing me recently:

1. I was given a giant pack of diapers. And by giant, I mean a box of 228. On the day I realized I had $57 to get us through the next 2 weeks and only 2 diapers left in the diaper stacker. Now that I don't have to worry about diapers, I have enough money in my budget to take care of groceries.

God is good and provides for all of my needs.

2. I have been praying for something very specific since school let out in May. This weekend, I saw the beginnings of God's answer unfold before me. And the coolest part about the whole situation is I didn't do a thing. I just waited and prayed, and he sent people to me.

God is good and provides for all of my needs.

3. This weekend, I began to pray for something else by name. I'm seeing that unfold before me already.

God is good and provides for all my needs.

  

In July, I stumbled upon Psalm 37 during a time when I was begging God for something important to me. The answer I received was in verse 3: dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. The time for what I desired had not yet come. I was given other instructions.

So I have been doing my best to dwell and cultivate, follow and trust. And the more I do, the more I notice my heart begin to transform. I begin to find joy in other places. I begin to desire other things.

Because my heart is aligning with the Lord's.

10 years

I've been trying to come up with something profound to write today to honor the victims, survivors, and families of 9/11. I've got nothing.

I've spent the morning worshipping my Lord and the afternoon with my husband and son reliving the events of that day. That just seemed to be the right thing to do today.

I was a senior in high school tin 2001, and we were on a field trip that day. We went into downtown Atlanta to watch a play. It was going to be a fun, easy day.

Before we went into the theater, our chaperone checked her phone and told us that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York. I didn't even know what the World Trade Center was.

Just before the intermission of the play, the lights came back on, the actors stopped, and the theater manager walked out on stage. He told us of the terrorist attacks. He said Atlanta might be a target. He though we should go.

I don't remember much. I remember curling up in the seat of the school bus as we sped down the interstate, desperate to make it back to the school. I remember the blue sky. I remember looking into the windows of the cars as we passed. The drivers were frantic in their cars. I prayed and cried.

I remember walking into my art class and watching the news coverage with my classmates. I remember driving home and being afraid.

I remember going to church that night -- a Tuesday night -- and the church was packed with people. I remember the church was packed again the next night. That was the only time I've ever seen the church packed on a Wednesday night.

I remember how we all needed God. There was an urgency. I remember being surprised how quickly we lost that urgency.

Today, 10 years later, I cry for the families who lost loved ones. I hold my son tight as I watch interviews with 10 year old children who lost their fathers before they ever knew them. And I pray.

Cohen is 10 months old!

Dear Cohen,

You are 10 months old today! I can't believe it. Time really does fly when you're having fun! And I am having a blast being your mama.

This month was a big month for us: I feel like you really did a lot of growing up in the last few weeks. You are learning things so quickly! You are learning sign language, and have already mastered how to tell me you want to get "out". You sign "out" to me when you are in your high chair, your crib, and the stroller. Basically anywhere that you are strapped in, you want out! You love to crawl around and discover everything and will not sit still for more than a few minutes.

You have become more generous with your "bye bye" waves, and will wave at strangers walking by. They love it and will stop and talk to you, which is exactly what you love. You are not a shy little boy.

You love music, and you love it when I sing to you. You will smile and laugh and sway back and forth. It looks like you're dancing! Your favorite song is the hammer song, and we sing it at least 10 times a day. You have a toy hammer that you shake as I sing. If you don't have the hammer in your hands, you will make the motions.

If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the mornings.

I'd hammer in the evenings. All over this land.

I'd hammer out DANGER! I'd hammer out WARNING!

And I'd hammer out the love between *the mama and the baby

All over this laaaaaaaaaaand!

*I changed the lyrics some.

You also like the "Wheels on the Bus" song and "My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness." I've learned that singing to you is the only way to keep you still during a diaper change.

You learned how to climb up on the couch this month. It's really funny to watch your little body work so hard to climb. Sometimes you get frustrated, but you are so determined! Determined is a great word to describe you. Once you realize you can do something, you won't let anything get in your way -- and you won't let anyone help you, either. You are Mr. Independent.

You started taking your first real steps this month. You will walk about 5 steps before you get scared and lower yourself to the floor. But I am noticing you walking along the walls more and standing up when you play. I expect that you will be a full-on walker by the time you're 11 months old!

You are still a really good eater and will eat anything I give you. You don't like to eat baby food much anymore -- you'd much rather eat real food and pick it up and feed yourself. You like broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas, sweet potato, pasta, pears, banana, chicken, bread, yogurt, and pretty much anything else that I am eating. You started taking sips out of real cups this month, and that really makes you feel like a big boy -- you get so proud! You love to drink water and grape juice out of a cup. Your favorite snacks are Cheerios, puffs, rice cakes, and Little Crunchies.

You are still about 21 pounds, and you are really long! You wear 12 month clothing now. It's a little big, but I'm sure you'll grow into it quickly. You wear a size 4 shoe -- when you actually wear them. You like to take your shoes off the moment we put them on.



You are the joy of my life. I am so proud of the little boy that you are turning into.  You are so sweet, too smart for your own good, and more active than I can sometimes handle. I am blessed every time you call me "mama." How did I get so lucky to have you?! I love you to the moon and back, little boy.

Until next month, I love you.

Mama

Finding the Joy Friday, v3

Today I'm finding joy in

1. Discovering the park with my little guy. We had so much fun swinging and going down the slides. I have a feeling we'll be living there by the time Spring comes back around.

2. Watching the two most beautiful people in the world smile at us in the mirror. Cohen and I spent a good portion of our morning waving and pointing at ourselves in the mirror. So much fun to watch him discover and learn.

3. Warm pajamas that are way too big on a little guy. I bought them for the winter, but we're having to use them now. It's so cute to see him dwarfed by such big clothing. Especially when his feet come out of the footed part.

4. Anticipating a dinner tonight that I don't have to cook. Going out to eat is rare for us these days, so we really get excited about it when the opportunity arises. Tonight we're going out with the hubby's parents. They're taking us out because they miss us Cohen.

5. Being inspired to learn more about the mother of Jesus.

6. Reading the same books over and over again.

7. Sweeping and vacuuming the floors with the little guy. He loves to play with the vacuum while I clean. I'll let him play with cleaning tools allllll he wants. Heck, he can even clean with them when he's a bit older!

8. Puppy snuggles. They don't deal with cold well, so whenever the temperature drops, they become the best cuddlers. Cohen is enjoying the snuggles, too.

9. Surrendering things to the Lord.

10. Warm fudge brownies and a giant glass of cold milk. Someone needs to get these brownies out of my house before I eat the whole pan.

Thankful Thursday 5

Today I am thankful for

1. Being surrounded by genuinely good people.
2. Being part of a church that provides not only a bible study for women but also free childcare during that time. What an absolute blessing.
3. Watching my child's eyes light up when he sees me. It never gets old, and I don't know that it ever will.
4. The reminder of how big my God is. He's bigger than my problems, that's for sure.

5. It is the beginning of September and should be miserably hot, but I currently have the windows open and the AC turned off, and the thermostat is reading 76 degrees.
6. A sweet reminder that what I have is more than enough.
7. The courage to follow where I feel God leading me, even though I'm terrified of being there.
8. Sticky, slimy little fingers that pull me into a hug.
9. Being the only person in the world who knows the song that makes Cohen belly-laugh every time.
10. The overwhelming feeling of peace I have right now. I can't explain it other than by saying that God is good, and He supplies all my needs.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!

Wordless Wednesday 5... with lots of words

Y'all, I'm being duped. And I know it. But at this moment, I don't care a bit -- because it's Fall outside. Fall, y'all. Glorious Fall.

It's the most beautiful thing I've seen all year.

The baby is wearing fleece footed pajamas. And he's not even sweating. My toes are cold, and I'm seriously considering bringing down the big snuggle blankets. I have regained the desire to turn my oven on again. I want to go apple picking. And the leaves are dying outside. Glorious Fall.

And, yeah, I know that we're still barely into September yet. And I know the weather forecast is calling for warmer temperatures next week ...

And I have been reminded more than once by my dear hubby that the turning leaves are probably just victims of a drought and not the upcoming season, but still. It's Fall this week.

And the members of this household are determined to enjoy it for as long as it will stick around.

Heart, a photo challenge

Paper Mama's challenge this week is to capture with my camera what is on my heart.

Over the past 10 months, one verse has been closer to my heart than any other: Proverbs 22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

What a wonderful promise from my Lord! I am learning day by day that I cannot control what happens to my chld. I can try to protect him, I can do my best to shield him from pain and disappointment and all the evil the world throws at him, but in the end, I am powerless.

For a control freak like me, that is disturbing news. So I cling to Proverbs 22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go -- teach him the ways of the Lord -- and when he is old he will not depart from it. When he is grown and away  from my influence, the Lord's guidance and word will stay with him.

So I devote endless hours in prayer for my son and his future. I teach him songs about the Lord and his faithfulness. I read his Bible to him. And as he grows older, I will continue to teach him the ways of the Lord. And I begin to realize that is the greatest role of motherhood.

I have no power, but I serve the one who has all the power. And in the end, I know the control is in the right hands.

Not Me (aka: things that have recently happened that I will shamelessly deny)

I did not pack up my husband and son and drive to my parents' house for a fantastic-ly lazy restful Labor Day weekend. I did not pack my camera with hopes to take cute pictures of my little dude.

I did not let everyone else in the house (including my 11 year old sister) take care of my baby while I did whatever I wanted to do.

I did not eat a ridiculous amount of food in the span of 24 hours. I am not currently experiencing digestive issues. Why would I put information like that out on the internet?



I did not allow my husband to buy me a beautiful new diaper bag. I did not get excited at the thought of a beautiful new diaper bag. I am not contemplating using the beautiful new diaper bag as my purse -- a purse that just happens to have a nifty compartment for a bottle. It is not the prettiest thing I own.

I did not allow my mother to put on the brightest lipstick she had and kiss all over my baby. I did not laugh at his expression. And I would never take pictures of his misery.

I did not see my family feed my baby Oreo cookie pie. I did not think it was hilarious that he propped his foot up on the table as he was being fed all that chocolate. 

I did not hide out in the basement as a tornado passed through my parents' town. There's no way I would take pictures of my baby while everyone else is sweating bullets at the prospect of beling blown away by a tornado. That's just silly.

I am not bummed that our 3 day holiday is quickly coming to an end. I will not miss hanging out with my sweet hubby tomorrow.

Scripture and a Snapshot 4: Abide in Me



Saturday Morning Goodness

Cohen and I woke up this morning to the sound of water splashing on our windows.  Curious, we made our way outside to find daddy washing the gunk off the siding on the back of our house. Don't judge, you know you get the gunk too.

We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning with daddy and the dogs. Sitting on the blanket with my little guy this morning, I just had to thank the Lord for such beautiful moments...

... and for such a sweet little guy...

...and for all those other sweet little things I so easily overlook.



And because no good work should go unnoticed, let's all take a moment to appreciate hubby's workmanship:

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Want to know what other people are doing this morning? Check out Saturday Morning Scene:



Finding the Joy Friday v.2

Friday already? Gosh, this week flew by. It amazes me how quickly my days come to an end now that I'm at home with Cohen. When I was working, each day just dragged on and Fridays never seemed to come quick enough.

It's not hard these days to find joy in things. Here are the top 5 things that have brought me joy today:

1. Being domestic. I absolutely love taking care of my home, and I like to look for the healthiest ways to do so. This summer, I became interested in making my own household cleaning products. So far, I've made my own laundry detergent, dish soap, drain cleaner, all purpose cleaner, and carpet cleaner. I'm amazed at how well they work, and it does make me feel pretty awesome knowing that I made the products that clean my home. Yeah, I'm that mom now.

2. Tickles and snuggles on the couch. My little guy was especially cuddily this morning. I jumped on the opportunity to love on him, and he let me hold him and snuggle close for almost 10 minutes. For a little mover that doesn't stay still for longer than 30 seconds at a time, that's a big deal!

3. Leftovers. Mmmmmm ... leftover biscuits and sausage from last night's breakfast for dinner. Just the smell of it heating in the oven this morning was enough to show me today is going to be a good one.

4. Surprises. Hubby left a surprise for me this morning in a place I wasn't expecting. It was fun to find it. I love that he is creative and thoughtful and willing to show me he loves me. Swoon.

5. Learning with Cohen. He's at this really fun stage where he wants to investigate and make connections. I love sitting with him and watching him learn.

Linking up with Momma St. J today

Thankful Thursday 4

Today I'm thankful for

1. Baby steps. Yup, the little guy is taking them! He is having so much fun learning to walk, and his confidence is skyrocketing. It's fun to watch him learn how to do things all on his own.

2. The sweet little voice in the backseat last night singing (literally singing in a high-pitched, drawn-out voice) "Maaaaaaaama. Mmmmmmaamaaaaa. Dadaaaaaaaaaaa." Seriously? Can it get any cuter? My husband and I sat in silence all the way home and just listened to his beautiful song and giggled (ok, and I may have cried a little, too).

3. Sweet friendships with really wonderful women.

4. Real, accepting, and heartfelt conversations with my husband. My new favorite time of the day now is the few moments after we put the little guy to bed, turn off the tv, and just talk. Sometimes I forget just how amazing that man is.

5. Good cooking. We're meeting up with hubby's family tonight for a breakfast for dinner. Hello? Best meal ever. It's pathetic how giddy I get over food sometimes, but we are talking about homemade biscuits and gravy here.

6. The ability to recognize, accept, and appreciate that God has a perfect plan, and that every little aspect of my life is part of it. How comforting to know that nothing surprises my Lord!

7. Being able to share what I know and have learned with others. I love being able to share what I know about couponing and sewing with others. I really don't know much and sometimes feel like a fraud when people ask me for advice. But I am reminded of the parable of the man who buried his talent to keep it safe vs. the men who multiplied their talents, and the last thing I want is for my Master to call me a wicked, lazy servant for hiding my talents. He can use all things for His glory, even my coupon knowledge.

8. Labor Day weekend. In years past, I looked forward to this weekend because it was the first "day off" in the school year. Nowadays I don't get a day off (and I wouldn't have it any other way!), but my hubby does! I can't wait to spend 3.whole.days with him. Aaaaand, we're spending it at my parents. So that means a weekend of Mom's food (and really, does it get any better than Mom's food?! I don't think so), sleeping in (!!!), and free childcare (because everyone takes the little guy, and I don't really see him until we're back in the car to go home). It's a win-win weekend for everyone.

9. Football season starts tonight! We're looking forward to one game in particular this weekend. Cohen's already a fan.

10. Getting not one but two (2!!) projects inspired by Pinterest completed this week. I blogged about one here. I'll blog about the other one in the near future. Who says Pinterest is only good for sitting around on the computer all day gathering ideas you'll never do?

Not me :)

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What are you thankful for this week? You can post in the comment section below if you don't have a blog to post to!