Snips and Snails and Puppy dog Tails

"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." -Unknown

Well, our Isaac is growing up to being a boy, not a baby anymore. He is certainly a determined one. In the last month he has surprised us in so many ways. He is growing in leaps and bounds. I can remember the first time Tim and I listened to Isaac's heart beat when he was still inside my belly. It was quick and strong, making us think we might be having a girl, yet it made the rest of the world around us slow down.

Dear: Isaac

As you grow, you'll have opportunities to listen too. And, you'll learn from, and help those around you. I hope you take time to really be there when your siblings or friends need someone to talk to. Sometimes they'll just want a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on, and that's when you have the chance to hear more than just the words they are saying.

Life is an adventure. You have turned mundane moments into pure magic. The wonder of a child is simply the best. I now know why they say that little boys are made of snips and snails and puppy dog tails. Your life's adventure does not have to go as planned or be perfect to be wonderful. Sometimes the unexpected, bumpy road leads to the memories most treasured.

Love: Mom

Gratitude List:

117. Jumping on the bed, fresh out of the tub
118. Playing with the tractors his Daddy played with when he was a boy
119. Stealing kisses...
120. Splash pad fun
121. Awesome half-wet hair dos
122. Telling Mama what dinosaurs and lions say
123. Dancing in the kitchen - it's our favourite dance floor
124. Crying - sometimes it just feel good to cry -when you're sad and when you're happy
125. Farmer's market
126.  Honey, cilantro, and lime chicken... Mmmmm Try it!
127. Mango, Avocado Salsa... Nom nom nom Try it!
128. Exploring the library
129. Life in the womb - Undeniably beautiful. How precious we are in His sight (Isaiah 43:4)
130. My borrowed maternity wear to boost my mat wardrobe. Thanks Sarah!
131. Camping or I think we should now call it Glamping as we have a pretty great trailer now
132. I won something! That never happens. Thanks Linda Bolinger Creations
133. Turning weeding into something to be grateful for - Reflect on small gratitudes while weeding
134. This book ... Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
135. Life lately...

 

Throwing rocks into the lake is so much fun!

I couldn't hull them fast enough!

 

Mothering... What I underestimated

{My Child}

"I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him" 1 Samuel 1:27

You think you know what love is. But there is no greater love than the love for your child.

People told me when I was expecting, that life will be forever changed and that you will never love anything more than you love your child. After the initial "How far along are you?" And, "Get all the sleep you can now" many people would offer their genuine words of wisdom. I also read many books. Some made it seem like there is only one way to care for your baby. After a while, you start to dismiss the advice and wonder what are you getting yourself into?

The truth is you can never be fully prepared for becoming parents and every baby is different. Some are constant criers, some are great sleepers by 2 months, some love their pacifier, others won't take a binky or bottle. Who knows why babies are the way they are? 

In lieu of mothering now for over one year and feeling confident in my abilities as a Mom, I thought I would share some of the things that have been useful to me, myself, and Isaac, as well as some of the things that I underestimated. As with all parenting advice, take this with a grain of salt. No one knows your child better than you, not even the baby whisperer herself, no matter what she says in her books.

1. You will do anything for your child. And with every sweet breath they take you will fall more in love with their tiny body and giant spirit. You will become an absolute puddle over milestones like smiles, and rolling over. Your world suddenly does not revolve around you. You become preoccupied with little things like how many wet ones and poos there have been in a day and if the temperature of the bath water is just right for you new little one.

2. As a mom, you become more keenly aware of worldly values creeping in to your home. You will want to preserve what is innocent and pure and keep your child from things that can be diminishing to your soul. You want your child to experience new things that are uplifting to the soul and grow to be an individual with an open mind. You will want to ease him into the world as you ease yourself into the light of a new day.

3. Your Friday nights will become distantly different. Gone are the days of catching a movie or going out for dinner (at least for a while). The highlight of our Friday night's now are bathing baby, snuggling up with a few Bible stories and tucking little Isaac into dreamland for the night. After picking up from the daily dire, you might just have enough time to snuggle on the couch with your husband before going off into your own dreamland. Oh how times have changed. But, you wouldn't change it for the world.

4. You have a new appreciation for your own mother because you can now relate to her as a fellow Mom. You can now understand that just about everything she did, she did for her children. Your own children will never really understand just how much you love them until they have their own children as well.

5. You will do whatever it takes to hear your child's sweet laughter. And, it doesn't matter how silly you look doing it, you will keep on doing it just to hear the best sound in the world, a child's laughter.

6. Your body will become a softer version of itself before pregnancy. Again, it's SO worth it! Wear your new flab with confidence! And, don't worry if it doesn't go away after a year or if it never goes away at all. You grew another human being inside of you which is nothing short of miraculous. Reclaim your confidence by being proud of what you did. Besides, most other new mothers are too busy taking care of their child or worrying about their own figure to be looking at yours.

7. You will need support from your partner, family, friends, other moms. Try to give yourself some alone time each day, even if just half an hour. Try to get out and talk with other moms regularly. And try to breath some fresh air each day. In Isaac's earlier days, I found it quite easy to stay indoors for days in a row. But, cabin fever hits you and you discover that getting out for a little while each day is best.You will also need people caring for your nutritional needs in the early days of mothering. We were so blessed to have family, friends and neighbours drop off food and flowers. Looking back, I don't know what I would have done without them. Yes, in the nesting stages, I baked and froze a lot of casseroles, but I am so grateful for the extra food that came in.

8. There are a host of gadgets and new contraptions for babies and moms, promising to make life easier and simpler for you and your little one. As my own mother likes to say "How ever did we survive?" The gadgets that promise to make life easier for you and your baby will be added to your junk drawer collection. You may even go through your junk drawer a year later and say "What is this thing and why did I think it would be useful?" In the end it becomes clutter, which is actually making life less simple. Keep life much simpler by really discerning what you need and reducing the amount of new baby/mommy inventions you bring into your home. What your baby needs most is feeling loved and secure which does not come in the form of any new baby gadget and does not cost a penny!

9. Here are some of the survival tools we did find useful:
 - A Carrier to wear your baby. I have the Bjorn and Moby and I love them both!
 - Places to put your baby when you can't wear or carry them - playpen, bumbo, bouncer, cradle,
   excersaucer, jolly jumper. Borrowing these things is even better!
 - Stroller. I have a middle of the road one - it's a Phil and Ted's Classic. It's a jogger stroller. Not the
   most expensive, not the least expensive. But, I like that it allowed me to put my Maxi-Cosi carseat
   into it and it came with the attachment for another toddler seat.
 - Diapers. Of course these are needed unless you are practicing Elimination Communication - a
   hilarious way of saying infant potty training. We use cloth diapers and these are the brands that
   work for us: gdiapers, Awesome Blossom, Bummis.
 - Invisible Dog Fence. This sounds terrible. I love my dog I just couldn't stand cleaning up after him
   after Isaac was born (Remmy sheds a lot and tracks mud in the house). He's our big indoor, outdoor
   German Shepherd. I also didn't have the ability to take him for walks as often. He began hanging
   out at the end of the laneway as chasing cars can be fun. So, it was time to allow him more freedom
   outside without the risk of being hit by a car. He has about 4 acres of land to roam around and gets
   walked on nice days when I have time.
- If you breastfeed, a nursing cover and nursing bras. Thyme Maternity has great comfy ones! I'll tell
  you more about my nursing experience in a later post.
- Sippy cups that don't break when they inevitably get thrown from the highchair, stroller, car
  window ... I can't emphasize enough here that you don't need a fancy sippy cup! Less is more! I like
  the Playtex ones or stainless steel ones.
- Books for you and baby. In the early days, you will have time to read while nursing or feeding your
  baby. Might as well have a few good reads on hand. I did a lot of reading during this time. Maybe
  even too much reading of the "baby advice" type of book. I began worrying if I was doing things
  "right."
- Zwitsal - this product was the only one that worked (for Isaac) for cradle cap (dry scalp) which is
  very common for babies. My friend gave it to me and later I found it in our local Dutch store.
  Coconut oil also has quite the healing properties and is great for relaxing baby after a bath.
 - If you plan on making your own baby food, you don't need much. Just a regular ice cube tray,
   regular blender/hand blender and zip-lock bags. No fancy gadgets and storage containers here. It
   seems like a time consuming job, but really if you're making a meal for yourself just throw an
   extra unseasoned portion in and pulverize it after. It doesn't take a lot of extra time and you'd be
   surprised how many ice cubes you get out of one chicken breast mixed with beans or sweet potato.
   When they are first trying foods, they only eat one or two thawed ice cubes, so it goes a long way.

10. You begin to see all children, young and old, as someone else's baby. Having a child gives you glimpses of what our Heavenly Father sees when He looks as us. There is nothing that my son could ever do, that would make me disown him. Just as there is nothing that can separate us from the love of our Heavenly Father. Even those who do not know Him are loved by Him.

11. Going back to work. It was something I was not looking forward to. As the date approached I was still questioning whether it was the best decision for our family. But, the reality is that I needed to provide for our family too and as hard as it was to be away from Isaac for the first little while, you do adjust. I worried that I would be constantly thinking about him and would not be fully present in my teaching. I'm still navigating the world of being a working mom, but I feel much more comfortable in my roles and I am loving being back to work. And, Isaac is doing so well with the childcare provider. Hooray!

12. You will set new lower standards for cleanliness of yourself and your home. That's okay. Your baby doesn't care about when the last time you showered was. And, time spent nurturing your child is better than time spent dusting and vacuuming.

13. You will see other mothers who look like they have it all together. They look alert, and awake, and clean, their hair looks perfect, they rapidly lost their baby weight, they have a diaper bag packed with every possible thing they might need in case of emergency, and their kids are well behaved every time to boot. Maybe, just maybe, they do have it all together. And perhaps their little one came with an easy temperament. It's also quite likely that they were going bonkers getting out the door in one piece that day and that if they really are striving for perfection, they will never be satisfied as perfection can never be attained. It is best to be thankful for what you have and not desire what those other mothers seemingly have.

14. Time goes by so fast! I really did underestimate how fast my year off would go by. Each time, Isaac masters a new skill, we say "Before long, he'll be asking to borrow the car keys." It's true, time goes by faster for parents. Cherish them while they are small.

15. It is normal to feel a little bit down after the birth of your child and even to question if you love them enough. Post-partum hormones mess with you in many ways. And there is healing to be done physically and emotionally after the birth of a child. Again, make sure you have someone you can talk to and know that the love will come overwhelmingly so once you get to know your child and yourself as a new mom.

There is so much more that I could say. But, for now I'll just keep on loving my baby big and let you figure out the rest for you. If you're a new mom or mom to be, get ready for an amazing new phase of life. Yes, having a new baby is a lot of work, it can be stressful at times. But, it is so worth it. Those little coos and smiles make all the sleepless night worth it.

Cute little Lion with his Lambchops which he loves!

Sitting like a big boy in his little chair - admiring the sound of Velcro on his shoes

A budding chef. His new favourite "toy." He carries it with him everywhere!

Dear: Sweet Isaac,
I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have the chance to raise you. I love you so much I can hardly believe it! Before I know it, you'll be a man out on your own and making your beautiful mark on the world. But, for now I am soaking up the naps you sometimes take on my chest and the sweet smiles and giggles I get out of you just by making some silly sound. You take a bottle pretty regularly now and you always have your hand in my hair while drinking it. Keep it up hon, cause I am loving it!Right now, you're pretty sweet and innocent and I know that you will have to grow up and I won't always be there to hold your hand. I know that our perspectives won't always align, but I'm okay with it, because you are your own person. I hope that we can always share and trust in each other. We all see things differently, but our hearts are oh so similar. As you grow, you'll discover that the world wants to define how you should be and how you should act. You are a child of God, our incredible Heavenly Father, who loves you unconditionally. And, each person you meet, is loved by Him too, so be kind to them and see them through His eyes. If you do you will be making room for some of the most beautiful relationships that will bless your life. Being your Momma is such a privilege. I love you sweetie! Never forget that.
xoxo,
Mommy

So Much to be Thankful For

Little pics of little things to be thankful for:

Gifts:

80. Fruit kabobs
81. Fresh coat of paint
82. Completing a devotional book
83. My old 1970s sewing machine that works like a charm. Inherited from my Oma, the sewing machine is encased in a wooden stand that is over 100 years old and made the trip from Holland.
84. Simple wooden toys that don't have bright lights or make noise
85. Going through old photo albums. I find it so much more enjoyable to look at real photographs in a day where they rarely get developed.
86. Watching Isaac play in his birthday present - a playhouse barn made for him by his momma. It's fun watching him crawl in and out and get all giddy.
87. Tools that make life easier - apple peeler
88. Maple cookies
89. When you use your child's nap time to have a nap of your own
90. When you use your child's nap time to be productive - so that you can spend more quality time with them when they wake up
91. My family together on Thanksgiving
92. Nature
93. Enjoying what nature has to offer by hiking at Bannockburn Trail
94. A bird's eye view of the farm and fields surrounding us. Tim climbed the silo for the last time before the silo's were demolished last week. Looking down on the farm the tractors and machinery look like toys from up above. It puts life into perspective.
95. Naked little jaybird. Isaac loves being free as a bird in his birthday suit after his baths. Unfortunately, he has a stubborn diaper rash. Airing it out by letting him run around in the buff after his bath helps and he is lovin it!
96. My beautiful centerpeice. A gorgeous arrangement given to me from a special lady. Thanks Rhonda! Thankfulness grows where thoughtfulness shows.

Blessings abound.
 In Him,
Sonya

The Hurried Life

Sometimes the slowest way is the fastest way to joy (from Ann Voskamp, aholyexperience.com)

Today, our neighbor’s clothesline is hung with a long row of clean wash flapping in the breeze. It must be bed sheet day because the line the length of the large lawn is lined with crisp white linens and I reflect on how a load of laundry can change from one phase of life to another. In days left behind, hers would have included her husband's clothing, work pants, shirts and socks. His presence on the clothesline is missing now as he has passed away. But life and laundry must go on. Our own clothesline has changed in the past year as well with the addition of baby items, diapers, onesies and PJs. The amount of laundry we do in this house now has increased exponentially.

I recall driving through the Mennonite countryside and admiring the long washlines that extend far beyond twice the size of ours. The clothing neatly pinned almost categorically. You can see the generations that must live life out in their home based on the clothes on their line. There is something quite idyllic about it. The homes are surrounded by rural trademarks, a well manicured vegetable garden, a sign that reads "Slow Down, Children at Play," the farmers working the land, the century cedar fencelines. The Mennonite lifestyle is something to be admired. There is immense wisdom in going through life in the slow lane.

It is believed that the typical  Mennonite farmer produces a greater harvest while consuming less energy than his non-Mennonite neighbours. The Mennonite lifestyle has been centered upon agriculture for centuries. Furthermore, life on the Mennonite farm coincides with faith and religious traditions. To the Mennonite, going at a slower pace, toiling with the soil, raising livestock, and growing their own food is seen as following God's will. Communing with nature is communing with God. To the Mennonite, farming is not merely a job but a sacred lifestyle dictated by the Scriptures. The rigours of farming has traditionally been seen as a way of ingraining these important values within the community.

If we stop living like life is an emergency and embrace the small gifts each day, we may find that time slows down. Nowhere in God's word does it say to live a hurried life. So many people today, myself included, get caught up in the desire to want more and not be content in the moment. For the moment, look at what you have and be thankful. Saying with assurance that you are happy with what you have here and now is a wise way to spend your time. Or, look at the grunge of everyday life and accept it for what it is: life. No life is perfect.

Yes, time flies. I find it does even more so now that I'm a mom. But, life is not about getting it all right. Life is messy, dizzy, burdensome, deadline-full, and can make you soul-weary. We are not fully equipped to handle what life brings us sometimes. Give in to it, receive it, and accept it with grace for the Joy of Christ you are. And, give in to Jesus, who offers peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

And, sometimes the slowest way is the fastest way to JOY (from Ann Voskamp, aholyexperience.com)

Love:
Sonya

Gifts

60. New socks

61. Well worn comfy jeans

62. Pumpkin pie latte (o how I've missed you)

63. Things that are cleverly and intentionally packaged. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my extra large box of Orange Pekoe Tea, that the bags are wrapped in packages of 20 or so tea bags. Now, some of you may say this is wasteful. But, I think it is quite the happy medium. Wasteful would be individually packaged. Because, tea loses some of it's aroma and flavour when exposed to the air out there it must be kept sealed to stay fresh. If you are an avid tea drinker, you know this. It would not stay fresh if it was kept loose in the cardboard box. So, for this packaging, I am grateful.

64. Souvenirs. Snowglobes, rocks and shells from provinces away were just given to Isaac from his Grandma and Grandpa Cook.

65. Warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

66. A new box of crayons. They're just nostalgic for me.

67. "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. Reading it together with my husband for Isaac before bed, we both found ourselves welling up with tears.

68. Jesus told us “in this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Jesus is our peace, hope, strength and rest from all that clamours in this world.

69. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

70. Waking up and realizing it's not Monday, but Sunday. Wow, I was disoriented on Sunday morning thinking it was Monday and I had to get ready for work. But, oh how thankful I was when I realized it was Sunday, and I could lay in bed just a little bit longer.

71. The smell of a wood burning fire.

72. A free concert - The Trews at Pumpkinfest in Port Elgin this past weekend.

73. Going to a pumpkin patch and each picking our own pumpkin.

74. Awesome = Apple picking. Awkward = Realizing that the Honey Crisp ones on sale that you wanted were not available for picking. 10 lbs were on sale for $19. So, I start filling up my reusable bag from the pre-picked bin. Then, I realize, I don't know how much will make 10 lbs. So, I ask if there are already filled 10 lb bags somewhere. They proceed to show me the pre-filled bags right in front of my nose. It gets better. So, I proceed to empty my reusable bag. And, the salesperson promptly yells at me "No no, let me do it for you, gently." Apparently apples are to be handled like eggs. Haha. Oh well, it makes for a funny story.

75. The smell of Fall.

76. Child free grocery shopping.

77. Tea parties with real loose leaf tea, real scones, real homemade jam, and real china.

78. Baked Alaska. White cake is topped with ice cream and meringue, then quickly baked in a hot oven for this delightful dessert. 

79. Getting a hair cut.

In the meantime, in between time, God bless and keep you!

In Him,
Sonya

I Love You a Bushel and a Peck

Wow One!

While you're napping, I should be tackling a mountain of laundry that needs to be folded. But, I just had to write this post. As one of my dear friends says: 

"I'd rather be a good mommy than a good housekeeper."

Sweetheart, You are One! Twelve months ago you were put in my arms for the very first time and each day since I've fallen more in love with you. Here are twelve reasons why I adore being your mom.

1 You give big hugs and big wet kisses. You pull me closer to you by squeezing my cheeks and squishing your face right up in mine.

2 You are a Momma's boy. I'm soaking it all in while it lasts because I know that in time you will become more brave and be content with other family members. There are time when you're being held by someone who has nothing but love for you and I can see the tears welling up in your eyes. And, I just want to tell you "it's okay babe, they love ya." For now I'll take being the favourite.

3 You look like your Dadda. And you still have those gorgeous blue eyes.

4 Your smile and your laugh light up a room. I can get you laughing by giving you zerbers and playing "Achoo" with your stuffies. You love when I say "Achoo" and tuck your stuffed puppy in your neck. You have this husky little laugh that cracks me up.

5 The squinty smile, and fishy kiss face sequence. You do this all the time and I have no idea where it came from. But, it cracks your daddy and me up every time.

6 Sleeping through the night. We are still working on this one. You have been really good at it. But, whenever you're feeling a little off whether you're teething or feeling a little ill, the waking in the middle of the night happens. I can't blame you, but I'm hoping that a full night's sleep becomes more regular soon. Especially, now that I am back to work.

7 Tractor noises. Music and Dancing. You love to play with your big green tractor toys. And, you make the noises to go along with it. It came pretty naturally. I'm sure you'll be doing that for years to come too. You also love to dance along to the music whenever it's playing. Whether it's an upbeat tune on the radio, a toy that makes music, or someone singing, you are boppin' to the beat.

8 I adore nursing you. It's been 12 months and we're still going strong. You are now being given two bottles of whole cow's milk a day and you get so excited for them. You are also eating just about anything (as long as your health nut Momma allows it). But, I nurse you in the morning and a night before bed and you are especially sweet after a good nursing session. Teeth (there's 8 now) are not a problem.

9 You're a chubsie wubsie. Who doesn't love a chubby baby? You've thinned out a lot since the nursing has slowed down a bit and you've become much more active. But, you still have rolls on your rolls, chubby cheeks and the sweetest little dimple that I hope stays there in the long run.

10 Mr. Mischief. Said dimple adds to your mischievous look. I catch you getting into quite the predicaments sometimes. Whether it be getting your chubby hand stuck in the holes of your shoe rack, "climbing" the shelves in the refrigerator, cupboard, pushing the buttons on the tv, vcr, washing machine... emptying out the contents of the tupperware. What is it about that tupperware?

11 You love Remmy, our dog. While I confess, I'm not as fond of our dog as I once was since you came along (I still love him, I just can keep up with him as much), it is hilarious when you kiss him, pet him and or use him as your wrestling mate. Between you, Remmy and your Daddy, I've got three big boys to care for. You three are my rough and tumble boys.

12 I absolutely adore you for giving me a taste of how my Heavenly Father loves me as His daughter.

Love always, xoxo
Mom

Here's some more pics from over the last 12 months

Standing in the need of prayer

We use them all the time. Those three words - "How are you?"

But rarely are we asking how are you really feeling? How is your soul today?

How often do we get asked "How are you?" in one day?
And how often do we give the generic "I'm good. And you?" response? Because, if people only knew what was going on behind our words, maybe they would stop asking "How are you?"

I want to be honest here. Because, I want those who read this blog not to see me as a person with it all together. Trust me, I do not have it all together. I have a lot to figure out. I am a person who is wounded and broken, and not willing to wait on God's will most of the time, and I put on the apathetic smile all the time, and I am impatient, and I get out of sorts when there is not order, I say words that cut and blame it on hormones when I have only myself to blame, I compare myself to others, and my sin-bio is desperately long. And, I need God like I need bread because His grace is sufficient to heal these ailments.

So, I've started to really listen to people when I ask them "How are you?" I listen not just for their voice, but for God's voice underneath their voice. Even if they respond with the generic "Good. And you?" I want to be a soul friend and know the condition of their heart. And, I want you to do the same for me. So, when I ask "How are you?" I am listening to you with an ear towards you and with the other ear towards Heaven. And, if you really are doing good, I will know. But, if you need prayer, the Spirit will intercede and tell me what it is that needs prayed for. And, I will do my best to pray for your brokenness too. And, if you do tell me your struggles and challenges, that's the Spirit telling you that I will listen, that I will not interrupt, and I will not judge. That's the Spirit telling you that your words are safe with me. You can open up.

I will
just
listen.

You see, God never asks us to be strong. Which I love - but this culture does not. In this culture you have to look strong and not show emotion.

Actually, God says the opposite often. He says it is better to be meek and mild and show weakness. For, He says His power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore we should boast our weaknesses and not our strengths (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:28-31

When we feel like we don't have it together, when we are tired of waiting. When we feel downtrodden and broken, and know we are not perfect, God wants to see our real face, not our apathetic face. He would rather us not worship Him at all than be apathetic in our worship. He would rather us be angry with Him than put on a facade. And, I'm glad God understands when we are angry with Him, or whomever. I'm glad that anger and worship are not distinct and separate things. If you are pretending to enjoy God or even love Him, he knows. You can't fool Him, you can't even try. He is someone you can be real with. He knows your prayers before you say them, He knows your prayers even when you do not. I am thankful that He is someone you can be real with. So, I'm praying that God will use me to be a soul friend and show me what you stand in need of so that I may intercede in prayer for you. And, I'm asking God to make me fully present when you answer that question: "How are you?" And, I pray you'll do so too.

Questions for reflection:

Why is it sometimes difficult to be 'real' in each of our daily interactions? 

How will God meet you in some of the people you interact with? How might others meet God in their interactions with you?

As the old hymn says: "Not my brother or my sister, but it's me O Lord. Standing in the need of prayer." Reflect on what you stand in need of. How might you bring these needs up when asked "How are you?"?

The One Thousand Gifts Dare - What's been making me terribly happy lately:

23. Hot oatmeal to stick to your ribs and warm your core on a howling-wind morning.
24. Celebrating four incredible years as husband and wife.
25. Making baby food. Isaac is starting on solids. So far I've made and frozen some pureed sweet potato, butternut squash, acorn squash, pear, avocado, and chicken mixed with sweet potato. And, so far he's tried the squash and nibbled (gummed) on some al dente finger carrots and apple. Apparently he will eat whatever we put in front of him. It is too funny to watch him explore new tastes and textures.
26. Big belly laughs from Isaac when he hears me say "ha ha ha CHOO." or "peek peek peek HABOO."
27. Tiny fingers that have the strongest hold. I will never get tired of the automatic grip reflex that babies have. Can I somehow teach him not to let his clinging fingers fade away?
28. Women of faith and studying 12 Women of The Bible, plus partaking in coffee with these women. Each woman in our Bible study offers insights and perspectives that feed my mind and spirit. Plus there is always goodies to feed the body too.
29. PB and J. I shared a children's message at church recently about how you can't make the sandwich without the bread. Just like we can't live without Jesus in our lives. And Jesus called Himself the Bread of Life. Now, whenever I make a PB and J sandwich in this time of lent, it reminds me that Jesus is the bread of life. His love is enough.
30. This cute recipe for Chocolate Egg Nest Cookies.
31. My Heavenly Father and His Son, my Saviour. Praise His name forever!
32. Old camp tunes. Back in the good ole days when I worked at summer camp we sang songs like "Little is Much (When He Lives in Your Heart)" and "I Want to Walk Like Jesus." I've been looking for new songs to sing with Isaac as the grown up in me grows tired of some of the same old tunes all the time. And, I've been reacquainted with some great ones from my camp days.
33. Back rolls, knee rolls, elbow rolls. My little guy, Isaac, has rolls on his rolls. I love his baby chub.
34. This picture makes me smile every time.

Just a wee bit Irish! (His shirt says "Little Shamrocker" ~ How cute is that?)