Motivate me Monday

I thought I would try this, in hopes I will think about motivating myself all week.  I pray it works.

"Imagine yourself as a living house.  God comes in to rebuild that house.  At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing.  He is getting the drains right ans stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you know that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised.  But presently He starts knocking the house in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense.  What on earth is He up to?  The explanation is that he is building quite a different house than the one you thought of- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards.  You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace."

C.S. Lewis

This is one of my favorites, that I need to remind myself of often.  Hope it helps you out too.  Have a wonderful motivated Monday!

Mommy Rhapsody

Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

You HAVE to watch this video. In the end, it IS worth it... on every level!

PS. pause my music at the bottom of my blog so you can hear the words.

sixteen steps.  

two minutes. 

surprised baby. 

scared mommy.

Bryn thinks she's pretty tough stuff. She can climb stairs, and diaper boxes, and baby gates... alas, I cannot keep her anywhere! I may be in for a monstrous roller coaster later, but I think the terrible twos will come on early and strong.

And yes, Jennifer, it's time to get off the computer and wash that dirty shirt.

So, my parents are caterers, right? My mom got a call from someone who is planning a lunch in the summer... for 5000!!! Ya, like as in Jesus fed the 5000. Whoa! That is a lot of mouths. We have been throwing around lots of ideas for meals and ways to do it. This was one idea, It's grilled chicken and ham, marinated in a pineapple/sugar sauce, smoked provolone cheese and Dijon mustard. Then you eat it like a sandwich. We all thought it was pretty good. Anybody think 5000 people would like it? I don't think this was the final choice, but please say a little prayer for them to get this bonanza. Prayers go up, blessings come down (hopefully 5000 blessings).

I came home last night to find 8 little chicks and 2 ducklings at my house. Bryn LOVES to watch them bounce around and chirp. This little one got kinda cold but is on the mend. I can hear it right now from my bedroom, all the way in the kitchen. She's getting louder, that must be a good sign.

Sunday afternoon naps rock, especially as a sleepy dogpile.

We tried to take family pictures while Quinn was here. Let me emphasize the word tried. We took at least a hundred. It is a fight to get Conner and Jannae to smile during pictures, and to get them to smile in the same picture is even harder. And then to get Bryn to be looking at the camera too, impossible! Well, mom kept saying things that would make them smile...no luck...then she said "Everyone say, Hope Quinn finds a girlfriend soon!" I crossed my fingers, and unfortunately, the one picture out of the hundred with Bryn, Conner, and Jannae cooperating, was the one I changed my plastered on smile with crossies. Well, I hope this brings you peace Quinn...and lots of luck!

People say that when a baby looks past you and smiles, they are watching angels. You do it all the time. I know little babies come from Heaven. You hate the dark, you always have. When you were born, it was like 3:00am in the hospital and we were all trying to sleep, but you wouldn't... until the lights were on. I know you came from Heaven, I know you see angels, I know that you remember the majesty and wonder of Heavenly Father. Bryn, I promise to do my best for you, to keep that light in your eyes, and to never let you forget what the spirit feels like. I know we can return and be a forever family. I love you.

Happy Birthday Conner! Joana and I had a blast making your birthday treats. Thank you for letting us share your special day with you. By the way, Connerbodonner, I can't believe you are 12!! You are getting way to old, pretty soon you'll need glasses and a cane and kids are going to have to help you cross the street!

Oh my sweet baby, I can't believe you are SIX months old already! I feel so blessed that you have come into our home and taught us so many things. I am proud of all the things you have taught yourself and how fast you catch on to new things. I love you so much, and your Daddy loves you so much. You two can be so silly together, but I absolutely love it. I love how you laugh at him, and giggle, and say his name when he walks into the room. I love it that you watch me wherever I go and cry momma when you need me. I love the way you sleep, and look so much like an angel. I love how you cuddle and snuggle and try to give kisses. Everything about you is my favorite. Happy birthday baby!

Bryn learned to say Dad, and Dad learned to say oowww!! She can also say Mom, Papa and arluerbaabah.

Bryn would like to say thank you to Joana's family who sent lots of goodies! Thank you from everyone else too... Bryn just drools for them more than the rest of us.