Blessings

Another busy Monday and during naptime I take a minute to reflect, thank God and share the beautiful blessings in my life.

11. A night away with Dirk

12. Footed jammies

13. Beckham calling Baby Gemma on the phone (aka label maker)

14. Josh for saving my family last week. For fixing my garage door, back door, keeping my daughter warm, and for loving the opportunity to help. Your wife is right, God has given you a spirit of peace. Thank you for sharing it with us.

15. My husbands sense of humor and grace

16. Costa Rica!!!!!

17. Grandparents that not only watch our kids but LOVE them. Thank you for sitting in traffic on Friday night, sleeping over Saturday night. laundry, dishes, laughter...

18. therapists who help my children to eat, listen to my frustrations and offer solutions.

19. Briana- you have taught me so much and changed my heart. I saw a glimpse of you when Evalyn was sleeping. Oh how I miss you...

20. friends to work with- it makes everything so much better

21. a dark room, piano music playing, a down comforter and dog snores...my heart at peace

What are you blessed with? Have you been too busy to notice the small gifts God has placed for you today? Open your eyes, open your heart and listen. You will find them, He is waiting, I promise.

Two Years

My precious Beckham turned 2 yesterday and I can't believe I lived without him. I can't really remember what it felt like. My heart has forever been transformed! Beckham LOVES cars. He lines them up, pushes them across the table, talks to them, even shares a few with Evalyn. He can sing most simple songs and knows his ABCs and how to count to 10 (we are working on 20). He can go in the big potty but just doesn't want to right now. Beckham loves Elmo and has been punching, hugging and carrying around his child sized Elmo balloon from his party. It is now sitting in his chair at the table.

Beckham has amazing dimples and a smile that lights up the room. His eyes (like mine) smile when he is happy. The last few days Beckham has been praying at night with me. It pretty much is a list of EVERYTHING he is thankful for. Thank you God for Mommy, Dada, Nana, Bapa, Baby Evalyn. Then it starts to go downhill. Thank you God for light way up high, tummy, water in bath, lotion, bonus room (OK that is where all the toys are). You get the picture.

Last night when we were singing/reading Away in a Manger we got to last page and I showed him like I always do how Jesus has an ouchie (that is what he calls it) on his hands from the cross. I have been telling him how for everything we do wrong Jesus hung on a cross and died so that we can spend forever with him. He did it because he loves Beckham. So last night I said all of this again and Beckham said, "Thank you Jesus for ouchies. You love Beckham, I love you." Then he kissed the picture of Jesus.   That may just be my new prayer as well.

Happy Birthday precious Beckham. You are a good boy, smart boy and God will make you a great man. I am proud to be your Mommy and if I could chose any little boy in the whole wide word, I would choose you everytime. All my love, all my heart. all my life...

Beckham just after he was born.

Beckham's 1 year Photos

Beckham blowing out the candles at his 2nd birthday.

Blessings

Well, at least I did it on the right day this week. Here goes...

11. Beckham- 2 years ago yesterday he was born. My heart swells for this sweet little man.

12. Evalyn rolling EVERYWHERE and smiling with pride.

13. Mommy getting a long afternoon nap.

14. Billie keeping my bed warm for me.

15. The snow sparkling like crystals on the deck tonight.

16. Christmas is over and the peace and calm of a new year and changed heart

17. Dirk finally being recognized for his hard work.

18. My darling best friend and my daughters best friend meeting for the first time. 

19. Not having to put her down. My arms and heart are full.

20. This smile...it brings me to tears.

A few hours ago I heard from a friend that she miscarried a week before Christmas at 14 weeks. My heart breaks for them as I know the deep sorrow of losing a child. I held both kids a little longer tonight and whispered my love for them into their sleeping ears. I did this just because I could. Just because I love them. Just because I know what a precious gift they are, how much of my heart they hold and how God has chosen me to be their Mommy. Basking in the wonder of being a Mommy...

Splish Splash

Here is my bathing beauty. She LOVES her bath time and splashes, smiles and laughs. Maybe she will be a little swimmer like her mama.

Thankful...

This year I am not going to have any new years resolutions. Rather I am going to stop and enjoy the blessings in front of me. To make sure that I don't miss what God is gifting me at this very moment. To be the mother and wife that God calls me to be, not this world. I am going to speak words that make souls stronger and I am going to be more organized.

I have a daily to do list  that I have created, a weekly and monthly checklist to hold myself accountable. There is a binder to hold all of the kids forms, activities, schedules, school info. If I don't get to something or even do a list for the day, oh well. I will do what I can and let go of what I can't.

 I am ready to get rid of all the "clutter". The clutter in our home (room by room) the clutter of our schedules (what do we REALLY need to focus on) and the clutter of my soul. Yes, Jesus fill up my heart, be in each word I speak so others can see and hear you through me, take the place of the "clutter".

Let me give myself the grace God bestows on me each day and start fresh each day.

So today (already a day late) I will join Ann VosKamp at A HOLY EXPERIENCE and post my blessings each Monday. I will write them down each day, to notice and delight in the small wonderful gifts God is constantly giving me. Oh how I love him!

Blessings 1-10

1. a warm bed to nap in

2. giggles when bellies are blown on

3. cookie sticks and chocolate mustaches

4. Away in a Manger sung by a 2 year old

5. Beckham sharing his cars

6. Moments of silence

7. Soaking in a warm bath

8. Yellow buses that bring big giggles

9. open mouthed kisses on the cheek

10. a clean mudd room

For Ann Voskamp this is the year of "here" which I love and in addition for me this will also be the year of grace. May I feel God's grace shower each of my days. May I give grace to others around me (yes, with a 2 year old this may be a challenge) and may I see the grace others extend to me.

2011  - The year of HERE, ENCOURAGEMENT & GRACE...I can't wait!

What will 2011 be for you?

Mary

Every Christmas since I have been pregnant Mary fills my mind. I can so relate to this young woman, wondering why God chose her. Scared of just what the future holds for her, Joseph, her baby and her family. Not knowing the details of God's plan but just trusting he is good and faithful. I can almost feel her doubt, did the angel really appear in front of me. I can feel her fear, what will I tell Jospeh, my parents, EVERYONE!!! I can feel her pain, pregnant and riding across the country on a donkey (OK, I haven't really had that experience). I can feel her faith, love, patience, surrender, wonder, excitement, amazement.

Do you think she doubted at times? Do you think she was fearful? Do you think she was ever mad at God? Did she wonder if he had forgotten about her as she had to give birth in an old, cold dark cave? Do you think she had feeling of inadequacy?

I LOVE Mary and I love what she teaches me about being a woman, being chosen and being faithful. May this Christmas remind you that the simple became sacred and it can continue to today.

STOP, LISTEN, WAIT...HE IS COMING.

Birthday Suit & Hairbows

Evalyn is now 6 and a half months old and I took some fun pictures of her today. The light coming in her bedroom window was reflecting off her amazing blue eyes and perfect skin (yes, I am jealous of it). She was having a ton of fun with Mama's attention and making silly faces.