love them well

A powerful reminder here.

 

 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - back to school shopping



sphere of influence

 

from Seven: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker, Chapter Four, Page 114

 

"Does the collective will and watch of like-minded people keep us from derailing sometimes?  Innumerable times I've grown weary, but the powerful backing of my faith community lit the extinguishing fire, and I carried on.

 

Maybe "letting down my fellow journeymen" isn't such a bad reason for pushing through either.  In my circle of Christ followers, we take turns being strong.  While one of us is down, the rest rally.  Later, we'll trade.  The equation always balances in the end.  Sometimes a second surge of effort affects another believer in profound ways.  I can't count how many times I've thought:

If she can do it, then I can too.

If he can hold steady, then I should try.

If God is keeping them afloat, then he'll do the same for me.

 

Our stories affect on another whether we know it or not.  Sometimes obedience isn't for us at all, but for another.  We don't know how God holds the kingdom in balance or why He moves a chess piece at a crucial time; we might never see the results of his sovereignty.  But we can trust Him when He says press on, cling to hope, stay the course.  He is always at work, even if the entire thread is hidden.  I might just be one shade of one color of one strand, but I'm a part of an elaborate tapestry that goes beyond my perception.

 

The power of the church has always been in its many, many parts.  In a culture of hero worship and conspicuous rainmakers, this concept struggles to emerge, but the story of God's people comprises a billion little moments when an average believer pressed on, carried through, stepped up.  In the quantity of ordinary obedience, the kingdom truly advances.

 

So that one area where you are fatigued and considering surrender, remember this:

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
(Hebrews 12:1-3)

 

 

How grateful I am for those the Lord has graciously placed in my life as a source of continued encouragement, influence, inspiration, and support.  If only I had an image capturing each face that has touched my life in a meaningful way. 

Such beauty in the Body of Christ.

 



a prayer for a daughter

written by Ann Voskamp

 

 

Father who breathed into this daughter…

I pray for this girl being formed into eternity….

 

May the wind always be in her hair

May the sky always be wide with hope above her

And may all the hills be an exhilaration

the trials but a trail,

all the stones but stairs to God.

 

God, clothe this girl in a gown of grace
 Grace, the only dress that makes beautiful,
 the style of Your spirit.

 

Nourish her on the comfort food of the Word,
Word, that makes her crave more of Christ,
have hunger pangs for Him.

 

Enclose her in communion with You
You, Love who makes her love, who folds her heart into a roof
that absorbs storms for souls,
that makes her tongue speak only the words that make souls stronger.

 

May her vocation in this world simply be translation

Translating every enemy into esteemed guest
 Translating every countenance into the face of Christ
 Translating every burden into blessing

 

When it’s hard to be patient… make her willing to suffer
When it’s ridiculous to be thankful … make her see all is grace
 When it’s radical to forgive … make her live the foundation of our faith
And when it’s time to work… make her a holy wonder.

 

May she be bread and feed many with her life and her laughter
May she be thread and mend brokeness and knit hearts
May she be dead to all ladders & never go higher , only lower, to the lonely, the least & the longing
Her led of the Spirit to lead many to the Cross
that leads to the tomb wildly empty.

 

Oh, and raise me, Lord, from the deadness of my own sins to love this beautiful girl like You do…

 

In the name of Christ who rose

and appeared first

to one of His daughters…

 

Amen…

consumption

We are a household of enthusiastic eaters.  If a favorite meal is on the table, we do not simply eat it, we "CRUSH it."  Smitten Kitchen simple tomato sauce with angel hair and garlic bread...crushed.  Chicken pot pie...forget about it.  Crushed.  Subway.  Crushed.  And, don't even get me started on the prospects of consuming Taco Bell.  "I'm gonna CRUSH that crunchy and soft taco, Mama."

 

In an effort to encourage the little man's table manners, the little lady recently gave him a few tips on how to avoid the inevitable spillage that occurs as he attempts to "crush" his morning cereal. 

 

1. When it comes to scooping, less is more. 

2. Always bring your mouth to the bowl.

 

He was a quick learner.

 



back at it

 

5:17 am - saunter to the bathroom for my third bathroom trip of the "night." (If you're ever awake at 12:30 am, 3 am, or just after 5 in the morning, say a little prayer for me...and my bladder.)

 

5:18 am - saunter back to bed, plop into one of two "cozy" positions.

 

5:19 am - Jeff rolls over, settling into an even cozier sleeping position. (One that is no longer possible for me and my watermelon of a belly. I will not be envious; it would be shameful to have my first sinful thought before 6 am.)

 

5:20 am - iphone's alarm signals the start of our day.  Jeff responds quickly, silencing its unpleasant chirp.  From down the hall, the methodical sounds of the K-cup coffee maker being loaded can be heard. (I linger in bed, careful to flex my stiff legs in a way that will avoid the inevitable leg spasm that will occur in the event of  any sudden movement. Third trimester, how you taunt my aging body daily.)

 

5:25 am - I make my way to the kitchen to find my K-cup, coffee cup, and Slim-Fast Chocolate Peanut Carmel bar waiting for me. (The Slim-Fast bar having nothing to do with managing pregnancy weight, and everything to do with a continued morning craving and love affair.)

 

5:30 am - Commence quiet time.

 

 

Monday evening, between mouthfuls of Hodge's delicious food, Jeff and I enjoyed an hour or so of uninterrupted (with the exception of our delightful waiter's steady presentation of courses, which did not bother me in the least) conversation.  At one point in the conversation, Jeff suggested that he might resume waking with his alarm, which typically goes off 45 minutes prior to when he actually gets out of bed, to spend time alone in the Word.  I offered to join him, realizing that I, too, missed having that time of solitude and preparation before the start of my day.  We have been rising early ever since.

 

Three days in, I am thankful for the following:

 

- the peace that rising early brings to my heart, mind and soul as I reflect on Scripture, read, and pray

- the opportunity to quietly study beside my husband

- the positive effect waking early has on the remainder of my day

- the fact that my husband is funny even at 5:30 in the morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



lake metroparks farmpark, kirtland, ohio

Mondays have become one of my new favorite days of the week.  That is, Mondays when Jeff has off, and we are granted a three-day weekend to enjoy as a family.  It is quite satisfying to arrive at a destination Monday morning knowing full well that if it were a Saturday, the parking lot would resemble a used minivan dealership, families in search of a little organized fun.  This week's family day o' fun included a trip to Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a beautifully landscaped park featuring farm animals and farm related activities.  We were blessed with mild temperatures (and temperaments), sun, and the presence of Daddy, who in general makes life more agreeable.

 

 

"It's a SHEEP!"

 

Observing the six-week old piglets, a favorite exhibit.

 

"They're just like our baby." (Yeah, kinda.)

 

The little man appreciates a good pony ride.

 

My favorite aspect of this picture is the little man's identical hand position and posture mimicking big sister's. I'm assuming Pablo girl is striking a similar pose in utero.



on patience

thoughts from Ann Voskamp

 

 

Patient people dare to gratefully accept people where they are. Grateful for who they are now, appreciative of works of art not yet finished, but still deeply loved.

Patient people dare to receive the present always as a present — grace.

Patient people dare to live only in the present. Because they know that is where God is.

 

In every moment I want to escape, some hidden gift hides, if I will wait patiently and dare to live to fully into that moment.

Now is not an emergency to rip through, but a moment to embrace with gratitude.

Love is what stabilizes chaos.

— love is patient first. Because it first is grateful for what is.



Bucket List - date night @ Hodge's

After watching Cleveland native and food-truck owner, Chris Hodgson, compete on Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race, I was excited when his restaurant, Hodge's, opened in downtown Cleveland.  Eager to sample his playful cuisine, I was quick to add it to this summer's bucket list.  Highlights of our meal included lobster corn dogs with a trio of tasty dipping sauces, skillet cornbread with honey butter, chicken schnitzel, and savory french onion ravioli.   



while Mom's away...

This past weekend I was able to slip away for an overnight trip to the charming city of Holland, Michigan.  There I would reunite with three girlfriends from residency.  And, while our time together would be short, it would prove to be ever so sweet. 

Having strategically devised a plan to keep the little lady and man preoccupied and having fun, Jeff faithfully kept me posted of their many adventures via a constant stream of mobile messages, humorous anecdotes, and random questions that included "can opener?" and "do we have any icy hot back pads?"

Early morning Starbucks run. The little man taking the "run" quite literally.

Making "a killing at Office Max."

The Paper Mate pencils a gift for me upon my return.  After eight years of marriage, my husband now recognizes that the purchasing of office supplies counts as speaking one of my love languages.

"Crushing" Subway.

Plan of action.

Taste testing tantalizing treats that would make my mouth water.

Satisfied with Dad's special outings.

Exploring new Ohio destinations.

"Dad 1, Dragons 0"

 And my personal favorite of the weekend, "I'm making Joey fall asleep."

We, too, managed to organize our time together beautifully.



watercolors

Every now and then the little man and I share a quiet moment.  He is engaged.  I observe. I admire his handsome, yet boyish features, watching his mind at work.  His thick fingers busy at play, his blue eyes wide, concentrating.  He knows I'm there, but lovingly ignores me.  In silence we sit, and my heart is full.



time for a change

There are times in a woman's life when she needs to shake things up.  Feeling as though she is in a fashion rut, she turns to her wardrobe to find inspiration.  Finding none there, she turns to make-up, attempting to rediscover colors pushed to the back of her make-up drawer in the hopes that one will do the trick.  Unimpressed, she quickly realizes why certain colors have found their way to the very back of said make-up drawer.  For many women, the solution to such a rut is a trip to the salon in the hopes that a fresh cut, or dramatic color change will put the pep back in her step.

This past Wednesday, after weeks of flipping her hair over attempting to free it from "bird's nests" (a.k.a. knots, snarls), and complaining of being hot, oh, so very hot, the little lady and I decided it was time to get a "short cut."  Instead of our usual walk-in appointment at Great Clips, I decided to treat our gal to a cut at my salon.  I was prepared to pay more for this special appointment, but much to my surprise and delight discovered that a kid's cut, which included a shampoo, cut, blow-out and style cost $1 less than what I would have paid at Great Clips.  And, let me just add that the thrill of walking into a "big girl salon" was well worth the cost of the cut, as our sweet gal marveled over every mirror, nail color, hair product, blow dryer, and fancy dangling light.

Before.  A summer's worth of natural highlights, split-ends, and growth.

I kid you not, once the water was turned on, the little lady reclined and spent the next few minutes with eyes closed enjoying every minute of her wash.  We may never be able to walk through the doors of a Great Clips again.

Sayonara, long locks!

Mid-cut and fascinated by her very fashionable stylist's every move.

Having her very own Panteen Pro-V moment.

Pondering her new cut, "Mom, I think Daddy will only recognize my eyes.  Not my hair, teeth or chin."

She spent the remainder of the day stealing glances of herself in any mirror or reflective surface she could find.  Pleased her father could, in fact, recognize her upon his arrival, she was still skeptical that the rest of the world would not, proposing that we staple pictures of herself to telephone poles in the neighborhood so people would know who she is.



growing

When one is pregnant, it is hard to ignore the dramatic transformation that is taking place just south of one's chin.  Your ever expanding belly and perhaps expanding backside, hips, and let's just say it, bosom, are a constant reminder of the miracle growing inside of you.  And, as your girth increases, you are faced with the reality that in a matter of mere months your little miracle will emerge, forever changing the landscape of your life in ways both unexpected and unfathomable.  Having already birthed two miracles, I am familiar with both the physical and emotional changes that occur with pregnancy.  However, familiarity in no way minimizes the thrill of carrying our third baby.  I continue to marvel over each centimeter that is added to my waistline, and pause with each kick that is felt.  This summer while my waist line went from reasonable to tolerating only "secret" belly fit apparel, which incidentally is a look the little lady finds quite fashionable, even enviable, our first and second born have experienced their very own seasons of growth.

Our little lady...

- transitioned to wearing underpants to bed at night, and handles occasional accidents with relative calm and ease, changing into fresh underpants and pj's independently before waking me to change the sheets.  (If I'm honest, I expected more midnight drama involving bed wetting.  I'm impressed by her ability to stealthily move about her bedroom in the dark without rousing her brother.)

- now enjoys taking her own showers each evening after dinner, and is responsible for washing her own hair and body.  We are probably loosing a bit of money each month due to the excessive amounts of body wash and shampoo she uses to lavish her petite frame in soapy suds, but it is worth the sense of pride she feels as she pats herself dry each night and dresses herself.

- swims like a little fish, and is able to jump off the diving board and swim to the edge unassisted.  She prefers to swim underwater, but is learning a variety of strokes and practices them diligently each time we visit the local pool.

- delights in carrying on lengthy phone conversations with her grandparents.  Each conversation is filled with a variety of topics as our gal tries out new vocabulary words such as, "unfortunately," "actually," "accidentally," "hopefully," "available," and others to communicate her thoughts with strong emotion.

- cannot absorb enough information, and often times interrupts you mid explanation to offer her own take on the particular topic of interest.  She is a seeker of knowledge, but possesses wisdom beyond her years (or so she'd like you to think.)  An example of such knowledge, and one of my personal favorites, is when she "corrects" our navigational skills, convinced that a certain route "will just not work." Such conversations typically result in her moaning from the constraints of her car seat until we have arrived at our destination much to her surprise.

- is easily inspired by creative and talented people.  When she is particularly impressed by something she will suggest, "I can do that when I'm older...like when I'm 9, 15, 40, or 75."  The estimated age of performing a particular task goes up with the skill's level of difficulty.  For example, successful completion of an Olympic gymnastics floor routine would require her to be approximately age 75, but she could easily strum a Top 40 song on the guitar at age 9.

- has become a true mother's little helper, and can be relied upon for many simple household tasks.  She eagerly takes on new tasks, accepting them as a personal challenge.  She loves to feel useful, and appreciates receiving positive feedback. "Aren't you so proud of me, Mom?" I look forward to letting her take the household reigns come November when Pablo girl arrives on the scene.

- is the little man's greatest and loudest cheerleader, often encouraging him in a voice that can only be described as motherly patronizing, but we trust her intentions are pure, and the high pitch voice brings a smile to our faces.  They are constant companions and the best of chums, until one of them looses their cool and all heck breaks loose.  Big sister handles such explosions in one of two ways, either: 1) taking the moral high road, which includes scolding her brother with firm tones of "Now, Joseph Larson!" or 2) flailing about in utter exasperation, agonizing over every injustice endured until her brother shouts out an apology.  Both mishandlings of the situation are simultaneously comical and painful to observe.

- contributes so much to our household each day through her expressive and dynamic nature.  Never one to hide an opinion, she fills our days with her unique and ongoing commentary on life.   She is a vivid storyteller, and thrives on having an audience.  And, when no one is available to listen, she relies on the company of her "friends," Monster, Ian, Kalata, Aiden, Poppy, Shush, and most recently Judias [pronounced Judy-us], her boyfriend, who continue to be faithful companions of hers. 

- often asks to express her thoughts in written form, spending time at the computer "sending emails" or typing lengthy word documents, many of which are proposals for play dates or letters to friends.   When asked to sign a card or note to a friend, she always has something clever and/or meaningful to say.

- is officially a nail biter, much to my dismay.

Our little man...

- is currently revisiting a stage in life when less is certainly not more.  He is a "go big or go home" kind of fella when it comes to displaying his range of emotions at home or out in public.  Like many toddlers caught in the middle of year 2 and 3, he is quick-tempered, obstinate, and struggling with his need for independence in spite of needing assistance in many areas.  "NO, self."  A personal favorite struggle to observe is the daily task of putting on his Crocs.  Like his big sister, he'd rather struggle than ask for assistance.  As he laboriously huffs and puffs his way to success, he will often cry out, "Oh, impossible!"

- has become quite expressive with his growing vocabulary, and enjoys participating in family conversation.  While his phrasing is not always grammatically correct, his enthusiasm for oral language cannot be denied.  His voice is booming, and each thought expressed is often accompanied with an explosive hand motion or facial expression.  I affectionately refer to him as my little sound machine.

- has taken to singing particular thoughts throughout the day.  For example, when asked if he would like more yogurt at lunch, he might joyfully sing out, "Yeeesss, Mommy mooore yoguuurt"  in a melody high and sweet.  We never know when to expect such sudden song bursts, but they always make us smile and laugh.  I am both impressed and in love with his ability to keep a melody and appreciate his continued efforts to correctly sing the "A,B,Cs" " Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Jesus Loves Me"  his three favorite bedtime tunes. (If you know my husband and I well, you may not be surprised to hear that our son is singing his thoughts throughout the day.  We may or may not do the same thing.)

- instantly connects with new music introduced to him by his father, and requests them often by name.  He is a musical monogamous, his faithfulness to a particular song is unwavering. He often responds in disgust when his favorite track comes to an end, and his sister is allowed to select the next song, shouting out, "No Sissy!  Not favorite."  He shows his enthusiasm and appreciation for music with a strong, methodical clap that resembles a seal clapping.

- he continues to question other people's motives when offering him help, with the exception of big sister and beloved mama.  He is fiercely loyal to the women in his life, much to the dismay of his ol' man who daily attempts to win over his little boy with humor, love and playful affection.  The little man is warming up to the idea that his Pops, is in fact, a pretty swell guy.

- appears to have a bit of an identity crisis when he wakes before big sister in the morning.  He will often sit alone in silence on the couch, milk cup untouched until she rouses.  Her presence signifies the true beginning of his day, and he is quick to fall into her morning routine, which involves milk cup, current favorite television show, blankies and lounging.  He; however, enjoys his morning milk with a hint of strawberry flavoring.

- wraps himself tightly with his two beloved blankets each night as he falls asleep, taking the familiar bedtime rhyme, "snug as a bug in a rug," quite literally.  Each evening before putting myself to bed, I peer into his crib and peel back the blankets from his sweaty head revealing his perfectly sweet face at rest.  His two favorite sleep positions continue to mimic his father's, and I find that when slumbering he resembles his daddy most.  He wakes each morning at seven on the dot with a wicked case of bedhead, and shy smile.

- cannot help but emulate big sister's actions, tone of voice, mood, or emotional state throughout the day.  Her influence upon his young life is strong, and he already looks up to her as a role model.  Often when he does not know I'm looking, I will find him attempting to mimic the very way in which she is standing.  His actions are intentional, a symbol of his awe and affection for her.  There are few things sweeter than the sound of his voice calling out, "Come Sissy!"

- frequently underestimates his own strength, and quick simple movements often result in a member of our family becoming slightly injured.  He enjoys a good body check and chest bump from time to time.  And, every now and then is caught red-handed as he attempts to slap his sissy into sweet submission.   He spends a good portion of his day plotting ways to jump on the couch and beds unnoticed.  Unfortunately for him, success in this area often results in his own personal injury. 

- is now more social than he once was, choosing to interact with children his age, and engaging adults in conversation.  For one who used to stick close to mom's legs, he is learning that the world is filled with interesting people, most of which will prove to be much cooler than his mama.  A favorite place of his to socialize is a neighborhood Mexican restaurant that we frequent.  There he has identified a "favorite man" who greets us each visit with an inviting smile and  hearty "Hola, Amigos!"  Our little man now leaves the establishment, with tummy full, shouting "Adios Migos!" to the friendly staff.

- continues to be a "lady killer" with his big baby blues.



on counseling children

On the days when your home is filled with the shouts and cries of little ones, and you might just pull your hair out - 11 Tips for Counseling Children Through Conflict

Marvelous Grace

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Bucket List - Ice Cream w/ Daddy

Blue Cosmo at Mitchell's Ice Cream Parlor



Bucket List - Cleveland Indian's vs. Boston Red Sox

with pals Rob, Toe (aka Matt), and a random dude



truck, how we love thee

We have been taking advantage of the county library system this week, exploring both familiar and new local libraries.  Today one particular branch invited the young and old to come "celebrate BIG trucks."  How could we resist such an invitation?!  Unfortunately, we were only able to pay homage to our favorite rigs and emergency vehicles for a short while before the rain resumed cutting our visit short.  On a positive note, the presence of rain provided me the opportunity to learn a very important lesson concerning rain boots.  They are perhaps the only solution to regulating the little man's stride, whose usual pace in public fluctuates between that of a tortoise and the Looney Tunes Tasmanian Devil.  Neither of which are ideal for a waddling pregnant lady.

From this picture one might think the RTA was actually in motion.  It; however, was parked.  That. Is. Just. How. Much. We. Love. Transportation. Vehicles.



 There was no shortage of piercing sounds, as multiple children planted their tiny fists on the emergency horns and sirens.  It was a symphony of chaos, one that the little lady and man didn't quite appreciate.



Bucket List - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Having completed six out of thirteen summer bucket list items thus far, we seized the opportunity to check off number seven this past Monday.  The Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo is free on Mondays to all residents of Cuyahoga County, and we are fortunate to live in that very county.  So, taking advantage of both the cooler temps and free rates, we packed a lunch, applied some SPF and set off to enjoy a morning among the wild.  While we were unable to cover all of the grounds, we were able to appreciate several exhibits, take a train ride through the Australian Adventure, and get a good ol' fashion workout as we (and when I say "we," I mean my husband) heaved the double stroller up and down the zoo's hilly terrain.  Let's just say my braxton hicks contractions were notably present between viewing the animals, chasing after our own animal kingdom, and walking up the hills.   However, none of the minor inconveniences, sweat, or occasional pouts dampened our spirits, because of the FREE admission, which Jeff and I agreed made the whole trip worth the effort.

Our very own little Joey.