The Sleepy Princess Girl

Julia is nearing 2 1/2 years old now and what fun she is!  She has truly taken on her self-given title of Princess, but there's so much more to her too.

 For instance, sure she loves pretty jewelry and baby dolls, but she has a military interest as well.  She often ask for an "army snack", wanting to really experience the kind of food our deployed soldiers must settle for and she points out every American flag in a 1 mile radius, never wavering in enthusiasm at the sight of Old Glory.

 What?  Did someone call for a Mommy?  She is ready and willing to fill that role at a moment's notice.

 And oh, her heart!  Know the expression about walking a mile in someone's shoes to really get to know the person?  She takes this very seriously and regularly commandeers others' shoes in social settings.  Her friends have glowing things to say about her.  Anna and Sage (age 3), commented just the other day, "When Julia comes to our house, she always says, 'That's Mine!' and we always say, 'No that's ours.' "  Yep, she's so convinced she is a princess, that she assumes that any pretty, sparkly thing must belong to her.  She does have the keys to the kingdom, after all.

 And lest you think her only concern is for the people in her social circle, she also avidly prays for countries around the world, with such heartfelt uttering as "Dear God, Costa Rica, in Jesus' Name, Amen".

 While this girl is most comfortable in a "baben" suit and her "fancy shoes" (and let's face it, who isn't?), don't let her beauty fool you.  She has brains too!  She is a strong advocate for learning, and has fun coining new catchphrases for her fellow English speakers, such as "whobody" (as in "whobody did that?") and "explodin'" (as in "There's a army peepee on the floor and it looks explodin'! or "I gon go outside and wide my widing toy and that would be explodin'!") and "stoop" (as in "not for you, you Stoop!")

 While she has great fun being 2, she's always planning for her future.  For example, she's preparing now for when she gets her driver's license.  While we're out and about, he enjoys gathering all the navigational information she can and will often be heard asking, "Ah we on the innahstake?" or "Ah we on the hidaway?" or "Ah we on Cold Milk Road?" (Cole Mill Rd)

As a princess, Julia instinctively knows she needs a horse, but lacking her very own trusty steed she is resourceful enough to use her legs to gallop everywhere she goes.

 Here's a girl who knows who she is.  She pointed out a picture the other day of a little girl wearing a crown and asked me, "What's that kinda like?"  I told her it was kind of like a princess.  She informed me, "No, that is a little girl.  *I* am a princess."

Yes, never a hair out of place, always perfectly composed and poised to answer your deepest question about world peace, we do indeed have a princess in our Julia....just don't tell anyone she still pees on the floor every day, lays in the driveway throwing fits, and screams toddler obscenities like "stinky butt" at her brothers.  I guess everyone has a little room for personal growth.

Step One

Well I still haven't figured out all the answers to the questions in my previous post...or any of them, really.  But today I was prompted to just take a step in living out what Jesus says a little better.

We went out to eat after church and the boys did little else than complain the whole time.  Here we are among the few families in the world that get the privilege (oh boy, took three tries to spell that word right!) of eating out and not only were we not considering it a treat, but we were inconvenienced by it!

Now I know living in American culture makes it hard to appreciate the special things we have because we look around and everyone else has them, so they don't seem unusual.  But I think that still doesn't make it right to embrace those attitudes...it just makes it harder, and the message of the gospel is not about doing the easy thing.  Jesus sure didn't take any short cuts and in gratitude for what he did, we probably need to sacrifice a good bit too if it means people will see who God is and how much more valuable he is than our stuff.

So our first step is going to be a little bit of sacrifice for hopefully a lot of good.  I'm telling you about it so that we can't back out---ha!  And also so you might share some of your practical ideas with me too.

For the month of June (starting now), we're just not going to buy extras.  We're not going to go out to eat, get ice cream, buy ourselves any toys or clothes, choose treats at the grocery store, etc.

My hope is this:  We'll save some money and use it for some deliberate way to bless someone in need.  We'll realize that we don't "need" those extras as much as we thought.  We'll see the extras as more special than we do right now and when we do decide to spend money on them, it will truly be a treat we appreciate.

It may take way more than a month for this to happen.

Oh, and we're going to pray every day that God will make us more thankful and show us how to be a blessing to the needy.

It's not much, but it's a start!

Don't Waste Your Life

by John Piper

See if this challenges you as much as it does me:

"If we look like our lives are devoted to getting and maintaining things, we will look like the world, and that will not make Christ look great.  He will look like a religious side-interest that may be useful for escaping hell in the end, but doesn't make much difference in what we live and love here.  He will not look like an all-satisfying treasure.  And that will not make others glad in God....

...There is no doubt that if we live more like this (he has just described the Christian life according to scripture), the world would be more likely to consider whether Jesus is an all-satisfying Treasure.  He would look like one.  When was the last time someone asked you about "the reason for the hope that is in you"?...

...Why don't people ask us about our hope?  The answer is probably that we look as if we hope in the same things they do.  Our lives don't look like they are on the Calvary road, stripped down for sacrificial love, serving others with the sweet assurance that we don't need to be rewarded in this life.  Our reward is great in heaven.  If we believed this more deeply, others might see the worth of God and find in him their gladness."

Wow.  I can't say the way I spend money makes it look like Jesus is my treasure.  I don't even know anyone that I would say that about.  But it has been on my mind for years and I've really been thinking about it this week, particularly as I've read this book and the book "Radical".

I have a lot of unanswered questions I am pondering.  Like how do I use money in a radical way?  Should we get rid of all our extras?  Should we do minimal gifts so we can give to others?  What about vacations?  We don't take any anyway because of money, but what if we thought we had enough to take one, yet we KNOW there are starving kids we could give that money to.    And what about food?  We've been trying to buy healthy stuff, which is more expensive.  Should we cut that out so we can give more away?  But then if we put a bunch of cheap food in our bodies, will we get sick more and have to spend more money on healthcare?  And who should get our money?  I know that just giving money to poor people isn't always what they need.  It's usually better to form relationships and find ways to help them help themselves.  But there are people that are local that suffer and probably just need food and medical attention.

And what about time?  Am I spending my time in a way that brings glory to God?  Yes, I know that raising our children, loving and teaching them is extremely important, but is it the only thing I should be doing?  Am I devoting all my time and attention to them, so that they can grow up and devote all their time and attention to their families and so on...because that might create a family legacy of faith, but for what purpose?  Just keeping it to ourselves?

I'm really thinking that if our Christian faith isn't having any impact on people in the world, what good is it?  But I look all around me and at myself and I see a bunch of Christians that mostly stay in their own worlds, maybe gaining more Biblical knowledge, teaching scripture to others, figuring out more of how God relates to people, etc... and hoping we come into contact with someone that we might somehow be able to share Jesus with, if they even notice that there's anything different about us.

What I don't see is us making radical decisions to get out in the world with hurting people, taking risks to make Jesus known, sacrificing time and money for the sake of those who need our love and material things.  I just don't see it.

So this week I've been pondering why we don't live like that.  I've been thinking of what it would be like if a bunch of families all decided together that we would live like that rather than further justifying the selfish way we do live by continuing on like the rest of the world.  Cause I can feel all gung ho about it when I read a book, but then fear and doubts and questions get a hold of me and when I look around and no one else is making a move, it sure is easy to think I'm okay just the way I am.

Anyway, I am still trying to figure it out and wrestle with the hard questions.  Struggling with feeling guilt v. conviction, with feeling judgmental v. desiring accountability to scripture, with knowing what we're all called to v. what God specifically asks of certain people, with yielding to feelings of zeal for Jesus v. brushing them under the rug to make it easier.  This is hard stuff and focusing on this life in light of eternity in heaven is taking on a whole new meaning.

On a lighter note, we've had some talks with the kids about poverty and this morning, Joshua showed me he really gets what it's all about.  As he walked out the door for school, he said (with attitude), "Well I know Litzy's not poor because she always comes to school lookin' all PRETTY!"  Yep, nothing like seeing the fruit of deep conversation come out of your child's mouth.

The Uno...I mean Eno...River

Matt swept us away to the river after lunch today and we all enjoyed the change of scenery and beautiful weather...

 Cool drawbridge over the river.  Gray was thrilled to be brave enough to go all by himself on the way back.  He gave himself pep talks along the way, such as, "So far I'm doing awesome!"

 Looking for fish or "wocks" in the "vahtah" (think 'water' with a German accent)

 Gray was all in and he loved being all dramatic and shouting out that he was almost floating "out to sea".

 Joshua was on a mission to kill fish with rocks.  Matt gave him permission as long as he followed this rule:  you kill it, you eat it.  Thankfully fish have pretty quick reflexes.

 Nothing like a snuggly rock for an afternoon nap.

And speaking of naps, somebody's getting sleepy, though she declared, "It's not bedtime" all the way back to the car.

My Mother's Day...

...was sweet!  I took very few pictures, but here are the highlights:

 -Sweet pancakes for breakfast!  I had gotten up early and everyone else was sleeping in from a late night, so I decided to make them myself.  Don't worry, Matt did take over partway through!

-More sweet gifts from Joshua!  A beautiful (seriously) Georgia OKeefe (or however you spell her name) imitation and an "elbow bowl", which he clearly told me several times was his, but he was letting me have it.  He said the painting was mine.

-Sweet talk from Julia.  I was fixing her hair and she said, "Mommy look so pretty in yuhs flowah skuht.  I love you."  Then she snuggled in to me and said, "I love you so much!"

 -Sweet card and promises of chores from the whole fam.  Plus Matt gave me some super cute gardening gloves and when I tried them on at his prompting, there was money in each finger.  We hadn't planted shrubs or anything but vegetables since we moved into our house, so he wanted me to use it to buy flowers to my heart's content.  Sweet man.

-Sweet time of worship at church.  I had been in nursery the past two weeks, so it was really good to be in the service, sing, see friends, hear the sermon, tell everyone about Kids' Night.

 -Lunch at Matt's parents.  Sweet chats with his grandparents.  Moments of peaceful relaxing while the kids and men played.  Good food.  Sweet princess crown gift (handmade) from Gray.

-Surprise date with Matt that night!  Though everyone was super tired, Matt's parents kindly agreed to watch the kids so Matt could give me a surprise of taking me out for dinner and to pick out flowers.  We went to one popular restaurant, found it super expensive, and ordered a sweet (flourless chocolate cake!) dessert, then went to a cheaper place for the main course.  I picked out some flowers and shrubs and two apple trees.  Finished the night with a redbox movie, which wasn't great, but was pleasant and kept our attention.

Loved my day!  Thanks to everyone involved.  I have so many blessings!!

My Mama

 Woke up this morning with my Mama on my mind.  Wish we could be together today, but sending you lots of love from Durham!!

I have so much to be thankful for in my mom.  She has loved me so much and supported me so well...for 30 years!  Now that's a lot of loving:)  She has known me in a way no one else does. She has made sacrifices I don't even know about in order to care for me.  Even when I was ungrateful.  Even when I didn't even notice.  Even when it took 20 years for me to say thanks.

 She has loved my children like crazy and boy do they adore her.  I am like chopped liver when she's around:)  I don't mind.  It's precious to see their special connection.

And even though we keep having more and more babies, she is there to love each one and do special things with and for each one.  That love doesn't run out!

 There's just something about that Mimi that we can't get enough of!

So, though words are seriously lacking to give thanks for a lifetime of mothering, thank you, Mama, for all you have been to me, are to me now, and will always be.  I love you!

Mother's Day Sweetness

Yesterday held several sweet things for me.  First, when Joshua came home from school, he had some Mother's Day gifts with him.  He was going to hide them, and then eventually brought some of them to me.  He told me he was afraid he would get caught trying to water this flower and it would need be in a sunny place too, so he figured he'd go ahead and give it to me.

 This beautiful butterfly was stapled to the bag.

 As was this card.  All of it he made in his class at school.

 This was my favorite part!  Hope we can keep a strong connection as he grows.  He tells me several times a week I am his favorite person in the whole world.  I am so thankful for his sweet love!

Then last night, we had our Kids' Night Out at church again.  We had 11 kids, several of them new, and it was pretty crazy at times.  There were a couple of kids that need their own personal adult to be with them the whole night, just because of their extremely outgoing and sometimes challenging personalities.

The kids were making Mother's Day cupcakes and cards and they had such a good time.  I don't have pictures, but I think my friend took some.  They were really beautiful little cupcakes!  The group of 5th grade girls I've spoken about often were there and they were so sweet.  Really into the baking and were great helping a group of little Hispanic girls that came.  So precious.  In the quieter moments, it was just sweet to take different ones aside, look them in the eyes, and encourage them one on one.

These girls have a special place in our hearts and we're feeling ready to start a girls' group/Bible Study with them for part of the next Kids' Night.  They will be starting middle school in a few months and oh how tough that age can be, especially when you're facing some of the challenges that they are at home.  I so hope we can offer encouragement, direction, and the love and hope of Jesus to them!

Take THAT, you rabbits!

After finding a big bunny sniffing my lettuce while we played outside only a few feet away, we decided if we want to enjoy any of the fruit of our labor, we'd better get some sort of fence up.  So again we made use of the tree protection area fence from our back woods (the stakes this time) and added some chicken wire and voila!  No bunnies allowed!

 Peas and cabbage

 Lettuce

 Tomatoes

 Peas in bloom

Who says you can't do CrossFit in high heels?

Julia proves you can look good and get an intense workout at the same time:

http://youtu.be/EKi2uc9byPU

Field Trip!

On Monday, Gray and I were able to go to a local museum with Joshua's class (and the rest of Hillandale kindergarten...and a few other schools!).  I was a little tense at first, given that it was so crowded and the teachers just gave me two of Joshua's classmates and said go have fun for a few hours.  Our first stop was the playground and I just prayed the whole time I wouldn't lose these kids!

 Then we headed over to my boys' favorite part--the sailboats.  And I soon figured out the kids Joshua picked to be in his group weren't going to be any trouble.

He picked his best friend Eddie, who is super sweet, obedient, and doesn't talk.  Would love to be able to get to know him better and am praying I'm able to get in contact with his mom soon and have him over.  I was also pretty floored to find out last night from Joshua that he asked Eddie if he knows Jesus.  Wow.  I didn't think he would feel comfortable going there.  I think he really feels like the big brother with Eddie, (even if he is the shorter one!) and that makes him feel a little braver.  Really hope we can keep up the connection with this guy.

 Joshua's second pick was the adorable little girl on the right.  She also doesn't hardly talk because she's just learning English.  Joshua's favorite little girl friend wasn't able to come on the field trip, but she also speaks little English...anyone seeing a pattern here?

 After the boats, we saw animals--lemurs, wolves, bears...

 Met up with some other friends at the wetlands area and these boys were on a super serious mission to make a dam with the rocks and sand.

 We ended the morning with a walk down the dinosaur trail, where the boys were obsessed with picking and eating honeysuckle (and again, I was a little nervous, not sure if they were allowed to do that) and had a dinosaur dig.  Then we had a quick trip to the indoor areas and it was time to go.  Fun time for all!

Soccer Sunday

The boys' games were moved to Sunday so we all headed over after lunch on a beautiful, sunny, warm day and had a great time.

Gray first took a turn as the defender of his team and he was great!  He loves to give that ball a big ol' kick.

Go Gray!  He really follows the ball and runs hard. 

The cheering section was pretty big today! 

 Nothing like a back scratch while you're sitting on the bench.

 This picture was a request for Jeannie.  Nice shirt Daddy!

 Happy boy!  This guy got his first goal in a soccer game!!

 One down, one to go.  We headed over to Joshua's game...and the shade.  

 Joshua brought his A game and was pretty relentless.

 He scored goal after goal after goal.

On the last play of the game, he did pass to a teammate instead of taking it himself:)  We are definitely new to being sports parents and it's hard to know how to help him be a little selfless without curbing his enthusiasm and intensity.  Good thing he's only 6 and we don't have to figure it all out right now!

 The poor little goalie for the other team kept crying when he missed one of Joshua's many score attempts. 

 After the game, we got ice cream.  And there was a fountain.  And it was dirty.  And the boys were quite intrigued by it.  One even drank some water from it.  And they kept leaning in.  Then, as if in slow motion, Joshua fell in...all of him.  Didn't know whether to laugh hysterically, feel bad for him, or be grossed out by the dirty water all over him.  On that note, we headed home!  Fun day, though!!