A Little Outside Fun

Copycat Ambria.

Smile for the camera. Mariah loves it when I take pictures!

It didn't take Ambria very long before she belly flopped into her pool.

Still belly flopping.

A Blog About Blogs

I don't like to read long blogs, so I write short blogs so you don't have to read long blogs either. I am such a nice blogger. (Not to say those of you who write long blogs aren't nice. I like you).

Painted Rocks

When I was younger, I had a rock collection of the most beautiful rocks from my driveway (trust me, it was awesome). Not only did I collect them, I had to wash them with soap and then proceed to color them with markers, paint them, or even put wiggly eyes on the masterpieces and make them my friends.

Mariah must be my child because she enjoys this same weird obsession.

So, how is it that beautiful childhood rocks can turn into something so ugly and painful? Thankfully, children can enjoy this part of Creation before they realize the effect they might have in the future.

Is it possible for God to turn ugly rocks, even unintentional rocks, into beautiful rocks again?

Update from Yesterday

Don't worry, I did get some donuts last night just in time to celebrate before the day was over!! I know all of you that read this were wondering if I was serious. Yup.

National Doughnut Day

Just in case you were wondering when National Doughnut Day was...it is TODAY! Check this out http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/article.aspx?cp-documentid=7908573&gt1=24000

Also, note: the article spells it "doughnut" instead of "donut." I prefer donut.

Now, I have to go celebrate!!

Mariah Knows Spanish!

Dad: Mariah, let's go for a walk. Go get your slippers (He accidently said slippers instead of shoes).

Mariah: Slippers? Dad, I can't go outside with slippers. They will get all rusty.

Dad: Rusty?

Mariah: Yeah. Rusty means dirty in Spanish.

Three Loves of My Life

I'm so in love with my family and I am so blessed beyond belief to have a wonderful husband and two girls who are so full of love.

I love watching Jerry as he helps Mariah learn how to ride a bike, plant a tomato garden, and draw with chalk. I love it that he knows all of Mariah's baby dolls' names and tells Mariah stories about Boobie the Bear and Timmy the Turtle. I love watching him have Dance Parties in our living room as he rocks out to kid songs. I love how Jerry gets excited as Ambria takes more and more steps and learns new things and tries to get her to say new words. I love how he carries Ambria and tries to kiss her using the loudest sound effects possible.

I love how Mariah insists on wearing dresses everyday, but only the ones that twirl. I love how she randomly says that she loves me. I love when we sit in the chair and read Little Critter books before bed. I love how Mariah plays and uses her imagination for hours on end. I love peeking on Mariah only to find her singing and dancing on her bed while no one is looking.

I love watching Ambria's curious mind work as she tries to figure out the world. I love when she talks to herself in her crib, and gets excited when she sees dogs out the window and says "doggie" but sometimes gets mixed up and says "baby." I love her wobbly steps and watching the excitement on her face as she walks across the room. I love how Ambria follows me around the house and tugs on my leg.

This is my life...and I love it.

Car Conversations

Mariah: Mom, the clouds look like they are moving.
Mom: Yup
Mariah: Where are they going?
Mom: Hmmm...not sure.


Mariah: Granola bars and lullabies
Mom: What?
Mariah: Grr, grr, grr, granola bars and lullabies
Mom: Ok (not sure what the heck she is talking about)
Mariah: I mean it
Mom: Ok (still have no idea, but she means it)



(Mariah sees a convertible with the top down)
Mariah: Mom, what kind of car is that?
Mom: A convertible
Mariah: Can we get one of those?
Mom: No
Mariah: Why?
Mom: Because we have a an AWESOME van
Mariah: I don't like our RED van...I want a PINK one!
Mom: I'll ask dad (aka--probably close to never)

A Prayer

Here is a prayer that someone sent me. I thought I would share it with you

Dear God:

I lift up Jamie to you this afternoon. May you step down from your thrown and give her the spirit she'll need to encourage Jerry. God just give her your strength in being the wife and mom that their home needs during this painful journey. May she grow through this life experience and may it be a key to being able to her in their future ministry. God speak to her heart even when she's not wanting you to. Show her glimpses of the bigger picture here and there as she learns to wait on you.

Thank you for having the girls be so young during this season.

Be with Jerry now Lord, we pray that you will pull him close to you and speak to his spirit. Give him a future hope for ministry in you.

We love you Lord....
We pray all these things in Jesus Name!

amen

Scrumptious to Say the Least

Mmmmm, I just finished eating not one...but two donuts. It is funny how a donut can turn a "not so good" day into a better day. You should try it sometime--you're gonna love it.

Class of 2008

I am so proud of my husband!! Jerry graduated with a Master's Degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

Jerry-the future is open wide and I am excited to be on this journey with you. I love you!

Sunday/Monday Blahs

Ever since I was a kid, a blah mood/depression hit right about every week on Sunday afternoon and carried into Monday. . . and twenty years later, life isn't much different.

Calm Down--Yes, I Now Have a Blog

Ok, my page was all set up and it took me a long time, only to have Jerry ask "what is it" referring to the picture I put on the top of the page...so, I changed it.

Now what do I do with this whole blog thing?

I guess you will see some of my daily life, feelings, and emotions, all of which are a rare occurrence for me to share. Wish me luck...