A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - 20 weeks

Night out with Jeff and Pablo at House of Blues, Cleveland.

we find him to be rad

"A few weeks ago it was Mother's Day, today is Father's Day, when is children's day?"

~ the little lady

Life with little ones is never dull, and this year it seems that both of our children thought it would be fitting to demonstrate their full range of emotions, putting their unique personalities on display for both Mother's and Father's Day.  Perhaps we are naive to think that our children would act any differently on a day dedicated to the ones responsible for their very existence.  I took a slightly different approach and delighted in honoring the head of our household on his special day, for he is so very deserving of it.

His day began with a breakfast organized by the little lady, who remembered that Dad's favorite breakfast indulgence is Lucky Charms.  Our sweet ones were more than willing to begin their day with the sugary sweet cereal as well.  Unfortunately, our fearless leader was on call and spent the rest of the day popping in and out of the hospital, but we were grateful for the opportunity to attend church as a family, make him brunch, and grill out as a family.  A highlight of the day was definitely when the children presented Jeff with his present and subsequently tore into it in joyful celebration of their ol' man.

As I watched Jeff answer each page and repeatedly return to the hospital, I admired his ability to balance the demands of work, and family life, shelving the concerns of call once he was home and joyfully reenter the chaos that was brewing in our home.  It's a talent of his.

I'm so thankful to share my life with this man, one that is invested in each of our lives in a very personal and loving way.



One (more) down, one more to go

Last June we celebrated Jeff's graduation from residency, and last night we got gussied up and attended his graduation dinner honoring the completion of his aesthetic fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. As it turned out, we arrived a bit overdressed as the event was a casual but lovely backyard cookout, and Jeff was quickly directed to remove his tie.  Thankfully, I'm not much of a high heels gal, and fit in nicely, albeit a bit too nicely as another expectant woman showed up in the same maternity maxi dress.  Needless to say, our evening got off to a humorous start, but ended sweetly as Jeff received his certificate of completion and a stunning framed image of him operating.

On evenings such as these I'm grateful for so many things, but perhaps the thing for which I am most grateful is having had the privilege of accompanying him on this journey since its beginning.  He and I left for college knowing what major we would each declare, and for the past fourteen years I have witnessed each struggle, triumph, obstacle, and success on this road to becoming a surgeon.  In all honesty, it is hard to believe the finish line is within reach. 

So, what does the immediate future hold for us?  Beginning July 2nd, Jeff will join Cleveland Clinic's staff as a Clinical Associate.  He will stay on through December, and in January 2013 will begin a six month micro surgery fellowship through the Medical College of WI, a position that will allow us to return to our hometown of Milwaukee.  We are thankful for both opportunities and are trusting the Lord as we seek job opportunities for June 2013.

It has been a long road, but one for which I am very grateful.  And of course, having your very own cheerleading squad makes the difficult days a bit easier, and the journey that much more meaningful.

 

"He's Always Been Faithful to Me"

Sara Groves

Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.

I can’t remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can’t remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He’s always been faithful, He’s always been faithful
He’s always been faithful to me.

Bucket List - Golf date with Daddy

Are we rockstars?

Without hesitation, the answer to that question would be an emphatic, "Yes!" followed by a fist pump, or air guitar solo.  At least certain members of our family would like to believe we are rock stars in our own right, or at the very least traveling minstrels.  This week as the children sang their hearts out and banged on toy drums, in a moment of I. just. might. loose. my. mind. I politely requested that they lower their voices and strike the drums with less enthusiasm.  To which the little lady responded, "But Mom, rock and roll is supposed to be loud."  It is hard to argue with such logic.  And, on days when I'm tempted to leave our spirited band members with gypsies, hop off the tour bus in search of solitude, and become a solo artist, I am reminded that we created these little rockers.  And, so our band plays on.  Music loud.  Heads banging.  Rocking to the beat of our own drums.

This particular jam is among their current favorites.  And yes, I'm treated to their renditions of this upbeat tune all day long.  Thanks, Daddy.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - before bed

Bucket List - Eat Fresh.

John 13

"Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

...so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

John 13:1b, 4-5

Perhaps it is because much of my time as a young mother is spent on bended knee cleaning crumbs off the floor, wiping little faces, cleaning dirty bottoms, and drawing evening baths, that I was prompted to think of my "own in the world" after reading the words of John 13.  In my daily actions, including those that can be categorized as "mundane" or "routine," am I demonstrating the full extent of my love?  So often such actions are done in haste, or even performed while grumbling.  I allow the trivial nature of many household tasks to minimize the potential significance behind them as young eyes watch my every move.  The NIV study Bible offers the following footnote on verse 5,

"A menial task, normally performed by a servant.  On this occasion there was no servant and no one else volunteered.  Jesus' action was during the meal, not upon arrival, done deliberately to emphasize a point.  It was a lesson in humility, but it also set forth the principle of selfless service that was soon to be exemplified in the cross."

There are no servants to be found in our humble abode, and I'm pretty confident no one is volunteering to step in and perform the menial tasks I'm responsible for on any given day (with the exception of the grandmas who unfortunately are many miles away), so that leaves me.  I am the one given the opportunity to serve in humility, make decisions deliberately for the greater good of my family, and exemplify a spirit of selflessness as I go about my day.  There is great beauty to be found in the simple and loving act of Jesus washing his disciples' feet, but I also take great inspiration in his taking the time to teach them through his actions.   Am I taking the time to teach our little ones through daily acts of service?  Are my actions a reflection of the love I have for each member of my family?  Sadly, they aren't always.  But, I'm thankful for reminders such as these from John 13 that allow me to take my eyes off the dried cereal on my floor (especially the shriveled Rice Krispies that I swear have the same adhesive power as super glue), and refocus them on things that are good.

While preaching from Titus 2, our pastor recently stated, "A failure to grasp the big picture infiltrates our daily perspective." The act of washing the disciples' feet was performed for reasons greater than mere cleanliness.  Likewise, the acts I perform as homemaker, serve a greater purpose.  In all things, my primary goal is to live out my days to the glory of God.  



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - strawberry pops



Peanut Butter Granola Balls

The perfect snack recipe for small hands eager to help in the kitchen.

recipe from Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup natural peanut butter  (I used Jiffy.)

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup crisp rice cereal

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup chocolate chips

* I'm sure substituting raisins for Craisins, or white chocolate chips for chocolate would also be a delicious combination.

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, peanut butter, and butter.  Stir until melted and smooth, one to two minutes.  Remove from heat; stir in cereal, oats, and dried cranberries.  Let the mixture cool for about two minutes and stir in the chocolate chips.

2. Drop mixture by the tablespoon (or larger) into cupcake or candy liners.  Place on a rimmed baking sheet, and refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes.

** Do not worry if the chocolate chips are added before allowing the mixture to cool, a little melted chocolate never hurt anything.  My little sous chefs are fast and furious in the kitchen.



"this is refreshing!"

With temperatures in the low seventies, we have been spending our days taking long walks, visiting parks, and checking out a number of books from the library.  However, yesterday afternoon the little man decided he couldn't quite settle down for a nap, and the pool was calling our name.  The little lady was thrilled to return to the pool after being told for a week that "it's too chilly."  Frankly, the girl would swim in any temperature as long as the sun was shining.  And, while the slight chill in the air did not prevent her from enjoying the pool, I had to laugh each time she sprung from the water squealing, "Oh my, this is refreshing!" [Read: chilly]    

I'm pretty confident we can cross off "go under water at the turtle pool" from our bucket list.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - pit stop

hymn

O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee

 

 

O Master, let me walk with thee

in lowly paths of service free;

tell me thy secret; help me bear

the strain of toil, the fret of care.

 

 

Help me the slow of heart to move

by some clear, winning word of love;

teach me the wayward feet to stay,

and guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee

in closer, dearer company,

in work that keeps faith sweet and strong,

in trust that triumphs over wrong;

In hope that sends a shining ray

far down the future's broadening way,

in peace that only thou canst give,

with thee, O Master, let me live.

fruits

What does it look like to be fruitful?


"Fruitfulness in parenting comes when your kids see an example of godly living as you live in Christ—when your kids fall in love with the Jesus in whom you’re abiding." 

family pow wow

After taking inspiration from my girlfriend Mel, I decided a summer bucket list would be a fun family tradition to begin this year now that our children are a tad older and naturally full of opinions.  So, after our Sunday night grill we sat down and attempted to take turns sharing our ideas for summer fun.  As you might imagine, the little lady was bursting with ideas and full narratives as she described the many adventures she had planned for us.  And, while the little man lacked the vocabulary to fully articulate his summer wish list, his interest and involvement in the conversation never waned.  We even got the ol' man to toss out a few ideas.  Here's to a rockin' summer.



Roasted Red Pepper Dip

At 18 weeks, I am almost nausea free and have been craving an assortment of vegetables.  Being that it is only a matter of time before I begin craving turtle sundaes or something equally decadent, I'm going to fill up on all of the baby carrots, sugar snap peas, and English cucumbers I can get my hands on.  This tasty recipe is the perfect compliment to any crudite platter.

Ingredients:

6 ounces Ranch dressing

1/2 cup roasted red peppers

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

  In a food processor or blender, combine the dressing, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, seasoning salt and pepper.  Blend until smooth.  Chill before serving.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - worn out

boredom and hair mousse

So, the little man was born with a stellar head of hair.  I would say that had a lot to do with his daddy's genes, though I cannot deny my own brother's thick crop.  But, I digress.  A few weeks ago while admiring his head of hair, I was thinking how sweet it would look if I used actual product in it.  And, on this very rainy day with little do to, the kid got his hair did.  The little lady was more than willing to participate, opting for an updo. No chance I'd spare him the embarrassment of documenting the occasion. 

"Not only did you just put women's mousse in my hair, but now you want to take a picture of it?!"

"I'm rea...dy!"

"But seriously, we are really doing this?"

"How about this pose?!"

"OK.  I think I'm catching on."

"Here's another one..."

"Alright, this is my final offer.  Can we wrap this up?"

Don't worry, Pal, this will not become a part of your daily grooming.