Yesterday we took Jacob for his second college tour. It sorta felt like the first 'official' one as he has now actually applied to colleges. Plus it's the first school we've visited that we had no prior knowledge or experience.
He's actually taken classes at Miami University (Hamilton branch) and we visited the University of Wyoming 2 summers ago.
This was different. New. REAL! He's A-C-T-U-A-L-L-Y going to be going away to college next year. He COULD go to THIS school. Needless to say, it caused a bit of a lump in my throat more than once. {However, I didn't cry AND I completely forgot to take any pictures. Doh! Jacob is probably thankful - less embarrassing than having your mom pose you all over the place! :-)}
We drove the 3 hours to Golden, Colorado to visit the Colorado School of Mines. Three hours away isn't TOO bad. :-)
At first I was unimpressed with the campus. "Very industrial looking," I stated, as we climbed out of the truck in this half-under construction parking lot.
I can't deny the views were still beautiful as we looked out away from campus at the mountains, but... my first impressions were less than grand.
We then headed toward the student center where we were to start our tour.
Things improved dramatically as we walked to the center of campus away from the parking areas.
The tour was well organized; our guide very knowledgable and personable; the campus pleasing; the presentation following - thorough.
Jacob was sold.
An engineering school!
EVERYONE there would have similar interests, be at a similar academic level. They'd all be hunkered down to study because ALL the classes would be rigorous.
He was invigorated.
Then we met one-on-one with the recruiter.
Looking at his scores, "Wow, impressive! Great GPA, wonderful ACT scores. You should be getting your acceptance letter in December." That was encouraging.
"What type of scholarships are available?", we questioned.
"Oh with these scores and your grades," she gestured to Jacob, "you'll be eligible for the $12,000 scholarship that will allow you to have in-state tuition costs."
Wow, an 'automatic' $12,000 scholarship. That's awesome.
So. We. Thought!
Once accepted, an out-of-state student is welcome to attend the Colorado School of Mines for the mere price tag of.............. $47,000!!!!
GULP!!!!!
Granted, this does include room/board, tuition, fees, etc....... but.... still........
Even with a $12,000 scholarship, we're still looking at over $30,000 a year to attend. OUCH!
Disappointment can't even begin to describe how I'm sure Jacob felt.
He even entertained the notion of going into debt because of the quality job he'd be 'highly likely' to obtain upon graduation.
Brainstorming about all the 'external scholarships' he could apply for filled his thoughts.
On the way back home, he checked his e-mail. His acceptance letter to the University of Wyoming was waiting in his in-box. He'll be contacted regarding scholarships as early as Dec or as late as Feb.
Conflict!
The <very high> potential of a full-ride at UW vs. major debt at the Colorado School of Mines - which offers very limited scholarship opportunities - especially to freshman.
A little research shows other universities in our area also have good engineering programs.
The recruiter at CSM indicated other colleges/universities have 'deeper pockets' and would most likely offer great incentives to a student of Jacob's caliber.
I guess this is......... JUST. THE. BEGINNING!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
God's Amazing Timing
As many who've read my blog know, we moved to Wyoming in Dec of 2012 and put our house in Ohio on the market in Jan 2013.
We knew the timing was 'rough'. Most houses DON'T sell the best in the dead of winter.
However, we also felt God had 'paved the path' for us to move to Wyoming in that specific timeframe.
Much prayer, thought, discussion, counsel, shock, tears, laughter, planning, packing, and sweat went into our decision to move when we did.
So.... month after month, I'd find myself waffling between doubting our decision and trusting God that we'd done what he had called us to do.
At one point, just as I hit rock bottom in my weariness in thinking our house would NEVER sell, we got on offer and accepted it. The only problem was it was contingent on the buyers house selling.
Still.... I was G-R-E-A-L-T-Y encouraged. God knew I needed a little lift, a little sign, to renew my 'active' faith; my trust; my leaning on Him.
Then....... More months of waiting..... Waiting.... Waiting.
It took some time for the buyers to get their house ready to sell.
Then it took some more time for their house to be 'visible' and get some showings.
Finally, just a few weeks ago, we got the message. They. Had. An. Offer. An offer they'd consider. "In the ballpark", the e-mail read.
It's here I have to admit, once again, God came through despite my fickle faith. It had wavered time and time again. He knew in my heart I trusted he'd sell our house, but he also knew how fretful I could become as bills came in, checks went out and still..... our house in Ohio..... sat..... empty. Us still paying the full mortgage and utilities. All the while 'living life' here; paying for new propane tanks; the septic system to be flushed; the office to be transformed.
I had begun praying, feeling God would answer, before we knew our buyers house had sold. I prayed the house would sell and be finalized before or during our trip to Ohio in Nov. I prayed we could be 'done with it' so as not to have to go back to the house on our next visit - at least not as owners of that home; to not feel the sting of the 'should of's/could of's' as we walked through the still empty house; to not have to continue paying the neighbor boys to mow; to not have to continue paying to run electricity to a house not in use; to be able to close the book on that chapter of our lives in that house.
After getting the e-mail that the buyers 'might' take the offer. I THANKED God. I PRAISED God. I MARVELED at his grace.
Then.... another message. They ACCEPTED the offer. Their buyers would like to aim for a closing on or before Nov. 15.
WHAT?????
Amazing. God in action, yet again.
Our travel dates we have tentatively set??? We would leave Wyoming on the 16th of Nov. (following Jacob's college tour of UW), arriving in Ohio on the 17th..... late.
Who else could arrange such timing? Yep, only GOD!!
This journey is not yet over. We have just completed the inspection. Work needs to be done. Fortunately the buyers house inspection went marvelously. Closing needs to be finalized on both houses. Yet, I'm confident in God's power. In His grace and mercy.
How couldn't I be? He's shown himself every. step. of. the. way!!
He holds us in His hand. He's had a plan all along. We prayed the right family would be brought to our home in Ohio. We have no doubt this is what God wanted to happen.
One day, it'll be amazing to see WHY. WHY it took so long. WHY other potential buyers fell through, dropped out. WHY we had to go through 10 months of paying a mortgage on a house we weren't living in.
But, I'm reminded of Job -- who am I to ask WHY of my God? He. Knows. Best!!!
His best is so much better than anything I could ever imagine. His timeframe is always right. Never late, never early. Just Perfect!
We knew the timing was 'rough'. Most houses DON'T sell the best in the dead of winter.
However, we also felt God had 'paved the path' for us to move to Wyoming in that specific timeframe.
Much prayer, thought, discussion, counsel, shock, tears, laughter, planning, packing, and sweat went into our decision to move when we did.
So.... month after month, I'd find myself waffling between doubting our decision and trusting God that we'd done what he had called us to do.
At one point, just as I hit rock bottom in my weariness in thinking our house would NEVER sell, we got on offer and accepted it. The only problem was it was contingent on the buyers house selling.
Still.... I was G-R-E-A-L-T-Y encouraged. God knew I needed a little lift, a little sign, to renew my 'active' faith; my trust; my leaning on Him.
Then....... More months of waiting..... Waiting.... Waiting.
It took some time for the buyers to get their house ready to sell.
Then it took some more time for their house to be 'visible' and get some showings.
Finally, just a few weeks ago, we got the message. They. Had. An. Offer. An offer they'd consider. "In the ballpark", the e-mail read.
It's here I have to admit, once again, God came through despite my fickle faith. It had wavered time and time again. He knew in my heart I trusted he'd sell our house, but he also knew how fretful I could become as bills came in, checks went out and still..... our house in Ohio..... sat..... empty. Us still paying the full mortgage and utilities. All the while 'living life' here; paying for new propane tanks; the septic system to be flushed; the office to be transformed.
I had begun praying, feeling God would answer, before we knew our buyers house had sold. I prayed the house would sell and be finalized before or during our trip to Ohio in Nov. I prayed we could be 'done with it' so as not to have to go back to the house on our next visit - at least not as owners of that home; to not feel the sting of the 'should of's/could of's' as we walked through the still empty house; to not have to continue paying the neighbor boys to mow; to not have to continue paying to run electricity to a house not in use; to be able to close the book on that chapter of our lives in that house.
After getting the e-mail that the buyers 'might' take the offer. I THANKED God. I PRAISED God. I MARVELED at his grace.
Then.... another message. They ACCEPTED the offer. Their buyers would like to aim for a closing on or before Nov. 15.
WHAT?????
Amazing. God in action, yet again.
Our travel dates we have tentatively set??? We would leave Wyoming on the 16th of Nov. (following Jacob's college tour of UW), arriving in Ohio on the 17th..... late.
Who else could arrange such timing? Yep, only GOD!!
This journey is not yet over. We have just completed the inspection. Work needs to be done. Fortunately the buyers house inspection went marvelously. Closing needs to be finalized on both houses. Yet, I'm confident in God's power. In His grace and mercy.
How couldn't I be? He's shown himself every. step. of. the. way!!
He holds us in His hand. He's had a plan all along. We prayed the right family would be brought to our home in Ohio. We have no doubt this is what God wanted to happen.
 |
| Closing a chapter. - bittersweet. This house was such a blessing for a certain season of our lives. |
But, I'm reminded of Job -- who am I to ask WHY of my God? He. Knows. Best!!!
His best is so much better than anything I could ever imagine. His timeframe is always right. Never late, never early. Just Perfect!
 |
| God brought us TO this house in 2006 and he moved us AWAY from this house in 2012! |
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Button Memories
Unpacking all my sewing and craft supplies, I came across a basket of sewing accessories that belonged to one of Doug's grandmas. When we moved here, we inherited some items Mom and Dad had left. Some of that was crocheting, knitting, and sewing supplies. I had packed them away to be dealt with once my craft nook was prepared.
As I sorted and organized the various trinkets, I found a basket of buttons.
Buttons!
Oh the memories that came flooding back.
Initially I considered just 'tossing' the whole basket, but as I sifted through the multitude of shapes housed in that round wicker container, the memories changed my mind.
I recalled how I used to play with my mom's jar of buttons. Sorting, sifting, organizing; pretending they were jewels; picking out my favorites; just dumping them out and putting them back.
Buttons. were. fun!!!
Such fond memories.
Over the years, that jar of buttons disappeared. I stopped playing with those little round treasures.
Yet...... the memories remained.
{Maybe that explains my fascination with buttons at the fabric and craft stores. I LOVE those bags of buttons they sell. I'm so tempted to buy them each and every time I see them.}
As I rummaged through the button basket, discarding broken pieces, shreds of thread, and other unwanted items, I found myself reminiscing about my mom's 'button jar'. At that moment, I made the decision to start my own such jar.
While placing the multi-faceted little prizes in what will now be my jar o' buttons, adding to them the buttons I have of my moms, I thought of all the fun my kids, most likely the littles, will have sorting, counting, matching, dumping, and filling these gems.
Maybe Bethany and I will use them in sewing projects. Maybe Trinity, Charity, and Selah will choose some for eyes on their sock monkeys. Maybe they'll be used in costumes we make. Maybe the girls will pretend they're money or jewels from a lost treasure. Maybe they'll just like doling them out - making sure each has their fair share. Maybe some of those buttons will be the very ones I played with as a youngster.
Whatever it is...... I hope their memories of the 'button jar' will be as wonderful as mine.
Thanks, Mom, for letting me play with YOUR button jar those many, many years ago.
As I sorted and organized the various trinkets, I found a basket of buttons.
Buttons!
Oh the memories that came flooding back.
Initially I considered just 'tossing' the whole basket, but as I sifted through the multitude of shapes housed in that round wicker container, the memories changed my mind.
I recalled how I used to play with my mom's jar of buttons. Sorting, sifting, organizing; pretending they were jewels; picking out my favorites; just dumping them out and putting them back.
Buttons. were. fun!!!
Such fond memories.
Over the years, that jar of buttons disappeared. I stopped playing with those little round treasures.
Yet...... the memories remained.
{Maybe that explains my fascination with buttons at the fabric and craft stores. I LOVE those bags of buttons they sell. I'm so tempted to buy them each and every time I see them.}
As I rummaged through the button basket, discarding broken pieces, shreds of thread, and other unwanted items, I found myself reminiscing about my mom's 'button jar'. At that moment, I made the decision to start my own such jar.
While placing the multi-faceted little prizes in what will now be my jar o' buttons, adding to them the buttons I have of my moms, I thought of all the fun my kids, most likely the littles, will have sorting, counting, matching, dumping, and filling these gems.
Maybe Bethany and I will use them in sewing projects. Maybe Trinity, Charity, and Selah will choose some for eyes on their sock monkeys. Maybe they'll be used in costumes we make. Maybe the girls will pretend they're money or jewels from a lost treasure. Maybe they'll just like doling them out - making sure each has their fair share. Maybe some of those buttons will be the very ones I played with as a youngster.
Whatever it is...... I hope their memories of the 'button jar' will be as wonderful as mine.
Thanks, Mom, for letting me play with YOUR button jar those many, many years ago.
 |
| Who wouldn't think these are 'treasures'? |
Monday, October 14, 2013
Craft Room Nook
FINALLY!
Shelves are up; boxes and bags filled with craft and sewing supplies are lugged in; 'matching' bins are purchased.
Let the craft/sewing nook organization begin!
When we first moved to Wyoming, I knew 'where' my craft nook would reside. Unfortunately, it had to be put on hold as that space was also the perfect local for Doug's 'office' until the shed remodel was accomplished.
So.... for months, my sewing and craft supplies just sat dormant in boxes in the garage; waiting to be unpacked, re-shelved, and put to use.
In preparation for moving, I had to downsize -- DRAMATICALLY -- the quantity of my craft and sewing inventory. I knew I couldn't fit it ALL in our new domicile.
I thought I had done a decent job.
However, upon viewing the number of boxes we brought in compared to the space I had to store it, my heart sank.
Was I going to need to do ANOTHER big purge? How do I decide? I only kept the stuff 'I'm most likely to use'.
Here's what I had to unpack and organize, in the space I had to utilize for my nook. I was certain it would NEVER fit.
As I unpacked, I tossed obvious 'trash'. That made me wonder "Why did I pack it if it's now trash?" Ha. Most of what I was tossing was packaging - boxes, bags - that held the various craft supplies which were now finding new homes in cute matching storage containers.
To my GREAT amazement.......... IT. ALL. FIT!!!!! With room to spare. Crazy right?
I can't wait to get crafty.
The girls can't wait to make sock monkeys. LOL! Last years Christmas gift. Hmmmmm......
I just printed off labels for the various bins (instead of 'popcorn' they will tell what's ACTUALLY in each of them); I plan to put some fun 'decorative' wording on the walls, soon; eventually we'll paint the walls which may require some painting of the bins as well to be sure the 'reds' match. But..... that's another project, for another day!
For now...... this is my sewing and craft space. I could't be happier. Once I get the school closet/toy closet organized.......... it'll be 'craft time'.
Which is good. Just in time for making costumes, sock monkeys, turning T-shirts into dresses, and making Christmas gifts.
Shelves are up; boxes and bags filled with craft and sewing supplies are lugged in; 'matching' bins are purchased.
Let the craft/sewing nook organization begin!
When we first moved to Wyoming, I knew 'where' my craft nook would reside. Unfortunately, it had to be put on hold as that space was also the perfect local for Doug's 'office' until the shed remodel was accomplished.
So.... for months, my sewing and craft supplies just sat dormant in boxes in the garage; waiting to be unpacked, re-shelved, and put to use.
In preparation for moving, I had to downsize -- DRAMATICALLY -- the quantity of my craft and sewing inventory. I knew I couldn't fit it ALL in our new domicile.
I thought I had done a decent job.
However, upon viewing the number of boxes we brought in compared to the space I had to store it, my heart sank.
Was I going to need to do ANOTHER big purge? How do I decide? I only kept the stuff 'I'm most likely to use'.
Here's what I had to unpack and organize, in the space I had to utilize for my nook. I was certain it would NEVER fit.
 |
| All the boxes/bins/bags of sewing/craft supplies I needed to organize and fit in this small 'nook' - plus a small closet. |
To my GREAT amazement.......... IT. ALL. FIT!!!!! With room to spare. Crazy right?
 |
| The overall 'view' of the craft/sewing nook! Amazing --- ALL that stuff fit here. (and in the closet on the other side of this space) |
 |
| Fabric and sewing projects under the table. |
 |
| The 'craft side' of the table. Nice and open for various projects. |
The girls can't wait to make sock monkeys. LOL! Last years Christmas gift. Hmmmmm......
 |
| Sewing machine storage and scissors. |
 |
| The 'sewing side' of the table. |
I just printed off labels for the various bins (instead of 'popcorn' they will tell what's ACTUALLY in each of them); I plan to put some fun 'decorative' wording on the walls, soon; eventually we'll paint the walls which may require some painting of the bins as well to be sure the 'reds' match. But..... that's another project, for another day!
 |
| One half of the closet - filled. |
 |
| The other half. Half full. Love my new ribbon storage system. |
For now...... this is my sewing and craft space. I could't be happier. Once I get the school closet/toy closet organized.......... it'll be 'craft time'.
Which is good. Just in time for making costumes, sock monkeys, turning T-shirts into dresses, and making Christmas gifts.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Our Latest Adventure! Caution: graphic for some
Good friends of ours recently went hunting and shot an elk.
They asked if we'd like to give our kiddos the opportunity to help 'butcher' it.
Well, why not? When we go hunting next year, we'll save a whole boatload of money if we learn to cut it up into steaks ourselves rather than paying a butcher to do it.
So......... Off we went.
I 'supervised' and took pictures.
Translation: I came out once in a while to watch what they were doing, ask a couple questions, and snap a few photos. Otherwise.... I sat in the house enjoying tremendous relationship building fellowship with my friend while the hubbies and older kids hacked at the elk meat. ;-)
We were skeptical at best as to how the kids would do. Some of our children have 'weak' stomachs and turn a bit green at just the discussion of such things. {Yeah, no big dreams of one-day-surgeons in our house. ~LOL~}
Pleasantly shocked - THEY. ALL. TOOK. PART!!! And did fabulously, I might add.
Well, the younger three watched for a short time then went about their business of playing. LOL!
Thank you to our friends for giving us this opportunity and for a wonderful day filled with precious fellowship, shared meals, playing, laughter, and learning.
OH THE THINGS YOU LEARN LIVING IN WYOMING!!!
They asked if we'd like to give our kiddos the opportunity to help 'butcher' it.
Well, why not? When we go hunting next year, we'll save a whole boatload of money if we learn to cut it up into steaks ourselves rather than paying a butcher to do it.
So......... Off we went.
I 'supervised' and took pictures.
 |
| The elk, hanging, waiting to be 'cut up'. |
Translation: I came out once in a while to watch what they were doing, ask a couple questions, and snap a few photos. Otherwise.... I sat in the house enjoying tremendous relationship building fellowship with my friend while the hubbies and older kids hacked at the elk meat. ;-)
 |
| Doug getting in on the action. Working on a front leg. |
We were skeptical at best as to how the kids would do. Some of our children have 'weak' stomachs and turn a bit green at just the discussion of such things. {Yeah, no big dreams of one-day-surgeons in our house. ~LOL~}
 |
| Jacob jumped right in and got to work. |
Pleasantly shocked - THEY. ALL. TOOK. PART!!! And did fabulously, I might add.
 |
| Bethany and Elijah working on 'fajita' style meat and 'elkburger' pieces to be ground. Now THAT'S determination on his face. |
 |
| Quite a rack on this elk. I've informed Doug he needs to seek out such an animal when we hunt b/c I WANT the antlers. |
 |
| Our friend teaching how to make various 'cuts' of meat. |
 |
| Jacob wanted a picture of the rib cage cavity. Here it is. |
 |
| By the time they were done, they had cleaned the whole top half of this wonderful creature. All that was left was his hind quarters. Which apparently hold LOTS of meat, yet. AMAZING!!! |
Thank you to our friends for giving us this opportunity and for a wonderful day filled with precious fellowship, shared meals, playing, laughter, and learning.
OH THE THINGS YOU LEARN LIVING IN WYOMING!!!
Monday, October 7, 2013
Fall... err winter?.... is in the air
Here it is, early October.
The leaves are turning colors! Gorgeous bursts of yellow and the occasional red intermingled with fewer and fewer splashes of green, speckle the mountainous landscape of our home.
Blue skies, white puffy clouds and mild temperatures are encompassing our days.
Just this morning, on Techno-genius's birthday, the temps were cool in the morning, quickly heating up to where little Selah didn't even need a coat while playing outside -- chasing the neighbor's dog who had come for a visit.
But, wait.... the weather channel has issued a WINTER WEATHER WARNING!!!
UMMMM..... Didn't they notice it's F-A-L-L?
We haven't carved pumpkins, roasted pumpkin seeds, made costumes, put out corn stalks, burned pumpkin spice candles. It. Can't. Snow!! Not yet.
Ah yes, then I remember -- we live in Wyoming now. Snow can come At. Any. Time. Any month. Any day.
Like today! It starts in the mid 60's in the morning; the nice warm sun shining to make it comfortable even without a coat; only to DROP to the 20's as the day progresses, allowing S-N-O-W to fall. Temps to drop. Coats to be required.
By the next morning.... we have 6-8 inches of the white stuff covering the ground.
Fall? Winter? Who's keeping track?
The joke here is, "Wyoming has two seasons. Winter and July!" We're getting a little taste of that now. ;-)
Can't say I mind all that much.
It's still so beautiful.
I also know the temps are supposed to climb back up in the 60's next week. 60's here is pretty. darn. warm! Guess it's all relative after a snowfall. LOL! Not to mention, the elevation makes that sunshine a bit more intense.
I just hope I can get out and get some photos of this beautiful fall foilage before all the leaves drift to the ground -- frozen.
Enjoy your fall, whether it feels like winter where you are (like it did here in Wyoming for a couple days) or summer (like I've heard it's been in Ohio where we used to live). It's still all part of God's wonderful creation.
The leaves are turning colors! Gorgeous bursts of yellow and the occasional red intermingled with fewer and fewer splashes of green, speckle the mountainous landscape of our home.
 |
| The moose and mild temps we've been experiencing. Notice the green leaves with just a touch of yellow/orange in the background. Yellows and oranges are everywhere as we drive around. |
Just this morning, on Techno-genius's birthday, the temps were cool in the morning, quickly heating up to where little Selah didn't even need a coat while playing outside -- chasing the neighbor's dog who had come for a visit.
But, wait.... the weather channel has issued a WINTER WEATHER WARNING!!!
UMMMM..... Didn't they notice it's F-A-L-L?
We haven't carved pumpkins, roasted pumpkin seeds, made costumes, put out corn stalks, burned pumpkin spice candles. It. Can't. Snow!! Not yet.
Ah yes, then I remember -- we live in Wyoming now. Snow can come At. Any. Time. Any month. Any day.
Like today! It starts in the mid 60's in the morning; the nice warm sun shining to make it comfortable even without a coat; only to DROP to the 20's as the day progresses, allowing S-N-O-W to fall. Temps to drop. Coats to be required.
By the next morning.... we have 6-8 inches of the white stuff covering the ground.
 |
| This was taken Oct. 4, 2013. Just a couple days after the above 'moose' photo. |
The joke here is, "Wyoming has two seasons. Winter and July!" We're getting a little taste of that now. ;-)
Can't say I mind all that much.
It's still so beautiful.
 |
| Those trees were such a beautiful hue of yellow against the gorgeous blue skies just a day before. |
I just hope I can get out and get some photos of this beautiful fall foilage before all the leaves drift to the ground -- frozen.
Enjoy your fall, whether it feels like winter where you are (like it did here in Wyoming for a couple days) or summer (like I've heard it's been in Ohio where we used to live). It's still all part of God's wonderful creation.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Beauty in the little things
Waking this morning, we lay there waiting for the pitter patter -- or should I say the clumpity clump -- of little feet running down the hall.
Since school started we haven't had time to 'nuggle' in bed with the girls like we did over the summer. Even on weekends we've been busy and haven't had a chance.
For our anniversary, Doug gave me a new comforter and curtains for our bedroom.
I chose a soft crushed velvet like material with a fleece underside. Super soft. Perfect for our cold winter nights. The girls have been chomping at the bit to 'nuggle in it with us.
This morning, we waited for them to appear.
Finally, a little after 7:00 am, we heard the first 'clump' of feet hitting the ground, followed by some giggles and more clippity, clop, clumpity, thump down the hall toward our room. The door flew open and 3 little heads appeared.
The most wonderful sound was hearing the joy filled giggle as Charity first realized we were still in bed and they could, in fact, 'nuggle with us this morning.
Giggles, hugs, kisses, tossles, and lots of wiggles ensued.
Beauty in a sound.
Observing the kids getting ready for church that morning, I couldn't help but notice the collaboration and cooperation. Bethany brushing little girls' hair. Bethany and Elijah walking the dog. Trinity getting the dog's food while Elijah filled his water bowl. Jacob helping the littles find shoes, coats. Selah and Charity synchronizing what markers and coloring books to take for the drive. They worked together, helped one another.
Beauty in action.
After breakfast everyone but Trinity and I headed off to church. {She continued to have remnants of the tummy bug going around our house.}
Watching Trinity in the front room while I worked in the kitchen, I was struck by her beauty. Her hair pulled up in a loose bun on her head, her little PJ clad body dancing to music from the video she was watching, a huge smile on her face. It was that smile that caught my breath. Eyes twinkling, face beaming.
Beauty in innocence.
Later that evening, driving back to church with just Bethany - the boys had stayed and 'hung out' with our pastor's son for the day and the girls were still sleeping as we left - I started various conversations with our oldest daughter. Asking her about her crushes, her feelings, how she felt about moving. We talked about her plans for the future and how she'd handle certain situations if they were to arise. Her comment of, "I don't do or plan to do xyz because of how you've raised us. You are a good mom, most of the time, and you can tell because I don't do xyz. You've taught me better than that." WOW!
Beauty in obedience.
It's these little things that remind me just how much I love being a mama.
How B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L life can be. Motherhood can be.
This was all in just. one. day! One Day!
I've tucked these memories in the crevices of my mind. They are catalogued and ready to pull out on days when 'the ugly' happens. Days when I miss the beauty - despite it's presence. Days when the enemy is whispering lies of how 'un-beautiful' the mundane of motherhood can be.
This will help me remember...... beauty is ALWAYS there..... in the little things. I just need to be purposeful in noticing it.
Since school started we haven't had time to 'nuggle' in bed with the girls like we did over the summer. Even on weekends we've been busy and haven't had a chance.
For our anniversary, Doug gave me a new comforter and curtains for our bedroom.
I chose a soft crushed velvet like material with a fleece underside. Super soft. Perfect for our cold winter nights. The girls have been chomping at the bit to 'nuggle in it with us.
This morning, we waited for them to appear.
Finally, a little after 7:00 am, we heard the first 'clump' of feet hitting the ground, followed by some giggles and more clippity, clop, clumpity, thump down the hall toward our room. The door flew open and 3 little heads appeared.
The most wonderful sound was hearing the joy filled giggle as Charity first realized we were still in bed and they could, in fact, 'nuggle with us this morning.
Giggles, hugs, kisses, tossles, and lots of wiggles ensued.
Beauty in a sound.
Observing the kids getting ready for church that morning, I couldn't help but notice the collaboration and cooperation. Bethany brushing little girls' hair. Bethany and Elijah walking the dog. Trinity getting the dog's food while Elijah filled his water bowl. Jacob helping the littles find shoes, coats. Selah and Charity synchronizing what markers and coloring books to take for the drive. They worked together, helped one another.
Beauty in action.
After breakfast everyone but Trinity and I headed off to church. {She continued to have remnants of the tummy bug going around our house.}
Watching Trinity in the front room while I worked in the kitchen, I was struck by her beauty. Her hair pulled up in a loose bun on her head, her little PJ clad body dancing to music from the video she was watching, a huge smile on her face. It was that smile that caught my breath. Eyes twinkling, face beaming.
Beauty in innocence.
Later that evening, driving back to church with just Bethany - the boys had stayed and 'hung out' with our pastor's son for the day and the girls were still sleeping as we left - I started various conversations with our oldest daughter. Asking her about her crushes, her feelings, how she felt about moving. We talked about her plans for the future and how she'd handle certain situations if they were to arise. Her comment of, "I don't do or plan to do xyz because of how you've raised us. You are a good mom, most of the time, and you can tell because I don't do xyz. You've taught me better than that." WOW!
Beauty in obedience.
It's these little things that remind me just how much I love being a mama.
How B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L life can be. Motherhood can be.
This was all in just. one. day! One Day!
I've tucked these memories in the crevices of my mind. They are catalogued and ready to pull out on days when 'the ugly' happens. Days when I miss the beauty - despite it's presence. Days when the enemy is whispering lies of how 'un-beautiful' the mundane of motherhood can be.
This will help me remember...... beauty is ALWAYS there..... in the little things. I just need to be purposeful in noticing it.
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