Blueberries

I really wanted to pick some blueberries this summer. Some to enjoy now, some to freeze for later. My mom and I went this week with FOUR kids ages 3 and under. Call us crazy, but it worked out okay. I didn't get quite as many berries as I'd hoped, but I'm not sure if that is because of the kiddos or because it's a little too early in the season. I hope to get back out there in another week or so - possibly kid-free - to get more blueberries.



I have to say, Andrew took this blueberry picking thing quite seriously. For being 2 and a half, he had more focus than I thought he might. He really searched for the blue ones - and got excited when he found one.

Letting go

What a big boy you're becoming, Andrew! You've summoned the courage to go down slides by yourself. You have always been a cautious kid - not one to run right to the edge or tumble down stairs. But I take the blame for your hesitation at the playground. Last summer you were the perfect age to climb and explore and be a rough 'n tumble boy. You were 18 months - 2 years old. You had lots of energy to burn.

But last summer we learned that our family would be growing. You would be a big brother soon. And, for mommy, that meant a sick tummy and trouble getting off the couch for those beautiful summer days. Daddy took you to the park sometimes. So did some of our family and friends.



It wasn't until this spring that I really saw you try to tackle a slide and a playground. And my oh my - you were nervous. Slowly, the fearful cries turned into "Mommy, you slide with me?" and then "Hold my hand, Mommy." Finally, mid-summer, you've built up your confidence enough to go it alone.



What a big boy you are! I'm proud of you for doing what seems so hard for me to do - letting go. When you finally did let go, your face lit up like a Christmas tree. I love that you're careful and cautious, but I hope you keep learning when it's okay to let go.

Five Months Old

Happy Five Months, baby girl! You've been a joy since you arrived, Abigail. In the past weeks, we've watched your personality start to emerge. Giggles, raspberries, squeals. You love to go where the action is. You're happiest when mommy is holding you and carrying you around. Partly because it's mommy, but partly because you love to watch everything and everybody. And your brother. Holy smokes, he can make you laugh.

I love watching you grow and change. But it is so bittersweet. I peek ahead and think of what the next month holds: baby food, learning to sit, maybe adding a high chair back to the kitchen table. And while it's exciting to see you morph into this little person with likes and dislikes, it's so hard to say goodbye to the previous stage. The cuddles, snuggles, first smiles. I'm trying hard not to think about how big you'll be in five more months. Let's just enjoy today and try to burn these memories into my brain.

I hope...

I hope that you remember this love that you have for one another. I hope you can always make each other laugh and smile. While I'm sure there will be bickering, I hope you'll always stand up for each other. I hope you will grow up to be good friends.

Andrew, you're so excited about everything your sister does. I hope you never lose that enthusiasm and pride for her accomplishments. Abigail, while still being so very little, you love to look up to your big brother. I hope you will always try to cheer him when he's down and comfort him when he's sad.


What a wonderful gift you've been given - to have a sibling who loves you so much. I hope that never changes.

But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more. Psalm 71:14

Humble

I had a profound thought today. Well, a rather simple thought that struck me as profound. There will always be somebody better. I mean, I like to think that I'm doing a good job as a mother. But I no sooner think this thought, showering myself in some pride, and I hear myself snap at my sweet boy or scowl at a fussy baby. Surely there are more patient parents. Ones who talk more lovingly and gently to their children.

Likewise, I think to myself, "What a good.... cake I baked - deal I got - picture I took - etc." But there will always be a better cook (many of those!), a better bargain, a more breathtaking picture. To me, this lesson is more than resisting the urge to compare myself to others. The "Keeping up with the Jones'" bit. It's an important lesson God is teaching me in humility. In learning to be humble and meek, without belittling or devaluing myself. It's a fine line, if you ask me. But it's one I'm eager to walk.

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12

Distraction

I don't consider myself the best housekeeper in the world, but I try. I try to stay on top of the piles of laundry. I try to do a once over with the vacuum and Swiffer every once 'n awhile. I try to clean the smudges off the windows and tv. I really try.

But today, there was a greater force working against me. Not just the pleas and cries of my little ones. But the greater calling of nature. It was one of those perfect days outside. Not too warm, not too cool. 100% sunny with a sweet summer breezy. Perfect.

So that is my excuse for a messy house today. We had to get outside and soak up some sun. The dishes (and laundry and dust and dirt) will still be there when the sun goes down.

No Greater Joy

Here we go. I'm setting out into the world of blogging. I hope to record memories of my life, my children, and my walk with God. My kids are still pretty little, but I still feel like the youngster. A true child of God. I am learning that there is no greater joy and no deeper love than that of our Creator. Through Him, I'm blessed with the joys of motherhood. Joys that fill my heart to its limits. With a love so deep, it can only come from Him.