A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Ho. Ho. Huh?

The little lady and little ninja (?) were pleased to hear they made Santa's "good list."  While, the littlest could of cared less...

 

Fa la la la la.

One of the highlights of the season thus far has been attending the little lady and man's Christmas programs and festive classroom parties.  It is impossible for me to sit through any sort of children's program without shedding a few tears, and now that I am privileged to be watching my own children participate in sharing the great news of the Gospel through merry song and playful finger plays, the tears came the moment they hit the stage, standing tall, bright-eyed, and doing their very best to be ever so still. How beautiful it is to hear the voices of children, strong and pure, as they sing the great carols of old. 

 

 ***

 

 True to form, the little man belted out the words he knew, refrained from performing any hand motions or simple choreography, smiled bashfully, and very subtly unbuttoned his Christmas plaid to reveal his favorite undershirt just before the performance was over. 

 

 

The little lady, the consummate performer, beamed as she sang each note, keeping her eyes fixed upon her teacher, head held high, appreciating the magic of the moment, as her family members looked on, captivated.



Merry Days

As we count down the days until Christmas...

 

we lay track beneath tree, only to move train and track to the cold concrete floor of the basement, where it has a prayer of surviving the holiday season, free from the clutches of baby hands,

we bundle and boldly face the elements, rosy cheeked and wide-eyed,

 

we lay beneath lights white, turning page after page while fire warms,

 



 

we wave a white flag to winter, enticed by afternoons indoors, Christmas pj's and festive dance parties,

we crack open favorite cookbooks, covering counters in flour, sugar and spice, the aromas of Christmas filling our home

 



we plot and plan, as we prepare gifts of cheer, humming favorite carols

 

 

'Tis the season.



Advent: Day 12

 

 

from The Greatest Gift Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas

by Ann Voskamp

 

 

Every little thing is going to be okay because God is working good through every little thing.

 

All that's happening is happening to make miracles.  The mundane is what's making miracles.

 

God comes through mangers.  The mundane holds miracles.  Every little thing is going to be okay - you have a Kinsman-Redeemer who takes you and is redeeming everything.  The miracle of gifts is always unfolding under the impossibles.

 

"Joys are always on their way to us," assures Amy Carmichael.  "They are always traveling to us through the darkness of night.  there is never a night when they are not coming."

 

The miracle of gifts...is never not coming.

 

When your Father's hand isn't readily apparent, it's only because He's readying gifts.  Gifts always come out of the unseen and hidden places.

 

It's a miracle itself - how you don't have to order a Christmas miracle.  The miracle of Love is happening all around you.

 

Christ coming freely, willingly, now - coming unseen into everything.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - coffee date



A cup with Joe

Friday mornings the little lady attends school (across town) for two hours, providing me the perfect window of time to run errands with the little man and littlest in tow.  And, so we forego morning naps in favor of riding the escalator at the "fancy" Target, browsing the children's section at Barnes and Noble, driving further west to scan the aisles of Michael's craft store or stumble upon the perfect household find at Marshall's.  We stroll, we purchase, we check items off of grocery lists, and just before our two hour window as a trio is up, we break for coffee and baked goods.  It has become one of my favorite moments of the week, as we visit local cafes or try out a new Starbucks location (so many to choose from). I watch as my little man scans the selection of sweet treats before announcing his choice, and then settles for his second (Perhaps, right now is not the time for a frosted cupcake, sweet boy).  Once seated, the magic happens, as I enjoy the warmth of an Americano, and the pleasant company of my blue-eyed babes.  Crumbs cover the table as we chat about all things fascinating to a boy of four, how Dad surely wants Batman for Christmas, how the building across the parking lot resembles a castle, how funny Junie looks as she stuffs puffs into her mouth, how delicious chocolate milk is, and why the barn at the zoo smells so bad...the cows have gas, obviously.  I wish I could record each conversation, bottle up each playful moment as he hops on and off his chair between bites in order to plant a crummy kiss on the engorged cheeks of his little sister.  These are the moments I treasure, these are the moments I seek to capture as I once again grab for my iPhone, call out his name, point and "click."

 

 

 



T-gives 2013

Decades of tradition,

 favorite dishes prepared in love and presented in pretty bowls,

laughter and listening,

 tiny plump hands held by those wrinkled and aging,

 beautiful moments one after the other,

family gathered in celebration,

hearts full of gratitude.

 



A Picture is Worth is a Thousand Words - men in the kitchen

Children at Play

 

It doesn't take much to influence who your child will become.

- Wess Stafford

 

As temperatures continue to drop and snow covers grassy lawns, we find ourselves settling into the slow and steady pace of winter.  Outings are thoughtful, and less spontaneous as the thought of stuffing layered little ones into car seats yet again exhausts.  And, in the quiet and often long afternoons of winter, I struggle, not with what to do, but with what not to do. 

 

As a young child, I grew up in a home, under that watchful care of a mother who allowed me the freedom to create.  I am told that I "created" all over the house, collecting items, creating sacred piles that could not be touched, redecorating, reorganizing, creating worlds to be discovered, classrooms, and projects for my younger brother.  It must be said that I remember living in a tidy and well-organized home, and I'm sure that my creative contributions often cluttered our main living space or at the very least were an eye sore.  Perhaps, it drove my mother crazy, the creative chaos, but I wouldn't have known, all I remember is her daily support and enthusiasm for my creativity. 

 

As fate would have it, I now find myself staring at piles, sacred piles, all around our home.  They are a sign of a little lady busy at work, a little lady born to create, born to strike the notes of the piano as she prances by, born to shift furniture, stack items, repurpose toys, write, draw, fill bags with anything and everything, always prepared for the next big adventure.  And, when I enter yet another room to find order replaced by creative chaos, I struggle to hold my tongue and the nagging urge to clean, sort, and stack.  I'm simultaneously impressed and fatigued by her creations. 

 

Wess Stafford in his article "Moments That Last a Lifetime" writes, "The spirit of a child is a lot like wet cement.  It doesn't take much effort to make an imprint.  Any time you see your child go skipping by, you're in the presence of a construction zone and ought to ask yourself, What is being built here?  Is there anything I can do to advance this cause?  Discipline and routines are important, of course, but so is our response to those unplanned, seemingly trivial moments."

 

So many of our shared moments as a young family appear at first glance to be "seemingly trivial."  It is easy to miss the significance of toys stacked high, decorated by a single strand of Christmas lights, but I know that to her it is important, just as my mother knew.  It is my prayer that this winter season, I learn the value of a "mess," and that I embrace the clutter, for it IS sacred.   

 

 Teaching little brother the art of perfectly placed furniture.

Luke Skywalker meets Princess Leia in the aisles of Michael's craft store.

 



 An afternoon spent coordinating "Joey's wedding."

 

Early morning devotions in the master bedroom closet, a moment almost missed due to my need for order and morning routine.  Thankfully, I stopped long enough to hang the lights, and stand back amazed.

 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - feeling inspired

The little lady was delighted to receive an invitation to her piano teacher's recital, which was held on UW's campus.  With eyes bright, and eager anticipation, she sat through two sonatas before we enjoyed a stroll down State Street in search of hot cocoa. 



The quiet moments of motherhood

"Sometimes the SLOWEST way is the FASTEST way to joy."

Ann Voskamp

 

 

'Tis the season for hurriedness and productivity.  We string lights, we bake, we shop, we wrap.  All of the hurry, all of the rush in an effort to make lasting memories for our loved ones.  And yet, it is the quiet, everyday moments that often leave the greatest impression.

 

Beauty to behold HERE.

30 Days of Thanksgiving 2013

I am thankful for...

 

- our home, its sounds, comfort, protection, and for the people that enter sharing life

- Jeff, his companionship, friendship, support in all things, and the love that unites us

- God presence, His faithful pursuit of me, and His calling me to be one of His own

- the Church, the community of believers at the Vine and Redeemer City

- prayers answered

- the community of believers that gathers each week, unity in the Body

- the precious gift of June Elizabeth, her generous smiles, bright eyes, love of people, her active body, and for the joy she brings each family member

- the generosity of others, unity of Spirit, and observing the body of Christ at work

- the joys and sorrows of life which propel me forward, clinging to hope and building perseverance

- my sweet sisters in Christ, and the many seasons of life we've been able to share

- the generous collection of donations for the refugee families, and prayers offered up on their behalf

- the opportunity to sit across from friends, share a cup of coffee, and encourage one another in word and deed

- the early morning quiet, a time to study, pray and reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness

- our Joseph Bradley, his sweet and comical presence, his love of music, bright eyes, and the tender affection he pours out to those he loves

- quiet days as a family, moments filled with listening, laughing, observing, playing, lounging and loving

- His outpouring of grace, freely, and His sacrificial love that I might be called a child of the King

- the safe arrival of the refugee families, for needs being met, and for their openness to God's love

- God's word, which is active, the truth of Scripture that stirs souls

- the opportunity to cook for others, break bread and encourage one another in faith

- the opportunity to stay at home each day with our children, caring for, nurturing, attending to, and sharing life with three dynamic souls

- simple pleasures I am able to experience each day, that so often I take for granted

- redemptive ("one-way") love

- coming to the end of a long day with my husband by my side, for quiet moments shared, no words spoken

- the gift of music and the way it stirs each member of our household

- extended family who love and encourage across the miles

- His timing, perfect, even when I doubt

- freshly fallen snow, the glow of white Christmas lights and the familiar melodies of Christmas

- the anticipation of extended family gathering to celebrate the season, traditions shared

- the blessing of family, knowing I am loved, cared for and thought of, experiencing such lofe

- returning to our home, a safe and peaceful refuge, the joy we experience within its walls, sharing life as a family of five

Preparing for Advent

 

One of our favorite family resources for engaging our children in conversations about faith, is The Jesus Storybook Bible.  Simply put, every Bible story featured in the uniquely illustrated storybook points back to the person of Jesus, and the gospel.  Sadly, the same cannot be said of all children's Bibles.  Once again the season of advent is almost upon us.  Once again, I am amazed how quickly another year has passed.  Life with little ones is a blur; I do not want this season to pass without pointing our hearts and minds towards Christ, and the significance of the season.  Our advent calendar is in place, and next to it our copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible.  I was so pleased to come across the following reading plan, and wanted to share.  

 

Jeff and I will be reading this during our early morning quiet time together, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to unwrap all that is sure to stir my heart in Ann Voskamp's latest.

 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - first snow

Batmen

It seemed as though I couldn't get enough of party planning, because I thought it was necessary to throw a second party for the little man.  (I blame the new house.)  And, so an intimate soiree was thrown in his honor, on his home turf, inviting little Batmen to come, play, feast and chase one another around the yard with silly string.  And that they did, for precisely one and a half hours on a Friday evening.  Our home has never seen such action, and I doubt it will for the foreseeable future. I'm counting on the little lady to plan a more refined and dignified affair for her highly anticipated sixth birthday.  {She has already decided upon and announced her theme...Legos.  Thank you very much, Robbie Livingston.}

 

Meet our official ADT Home Security System. 

 



A mighty shout out to my mother-in-law for sewing such fine capes, for these commemorative photos are simply priceless. 

 



One and Four

Having celebrated the previous two birthdays in Cleveland, Ohio with the sweet simplicities of family, cake, candles and the familiar tune of "Happy Birthday," I knew I wanted to treat the little man to a rockin' good time, inviting family and many friends to celebrate his fourth year of life.  And, with the littlest turning one just seven days prior, it seemed fitting that we celebrate this fantastic duo together, superhero-style. Inspired by their Halloween costumes, we brought Gotham to Milwaukee, celebrating in style at Doc and Mimi's home.  Their basement has been our familiar stomping grounds for years, as we celebrated the little lady turning one, two, and three years old and the little man's first birthday.  And, so it was with great enthusiasm that we gathered celebrating milestones one and four. 

  



 

I love planning each aspect of a party, specifically the opportunity to plan and personalize a party celebrating one of our children.  With each paper product purchased and cupcake stand constructed, the little man's bright eyes sparkled as he awaited his Batman party.  In our household, turning four also earns you the privilege of chewing gum for the first time.  Watching our sweet boy scan the gum rack in search of the perfect birthday gum, peeling back the silver foil, unwrapping his first piece of orange Trident tropical gum and popping it into his mouth will forever be one of my favorite memories of his big day.  With pride and sweet satisfaction he chomped all afternoon, stopping only to consume pizza and cake.  Treating the gum as his personal party favor, he politely offered a stick to each partygoer, not wanting anyone to miss out on the explosion of tropical flavor he was experiencing. When I look back at pictures of this special day years from now, I will surely scan each snapshot for his upturned smile, and the bit of orange displayed with each smile for the camera. 

 

 

 

 And, no Batman party would be complete without a Robin.  It is my hope that years from now, when the littlest looks back on pictures from her first birthday she will not question my decision to put her in a boy's Halloween costume when her older sister got to wear a pink personalized "1" t-shirt.  She spent her big day being passed around from each family member, smiling.  She loves a crowd, and the party did not disappoint.  And, when the time came to experience her first bites of frosted banana cake, she did not disappoint.  Looking to me for "permission to proceed," she glanced between the cake and my excited face, before picking up the cake and taking her first messy bite. 

 

 

When I look at our littlest lady it is still sometimes difficult to contain my tears of gratitude.  She is a bright spot in my day, a cheerful and ever accepting bundle of joy.  From her plump cheeks to expressive and searching eyes, she brings peace and comfort to my days, and fills our home with sweet and satisfying love.  

 

 

My heart was full that day, as I looked around the room into the faces of family and faithful friends who came to celebrate our fantastic duo.  Our celebration would not have been complete without them, their love and continuous support.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Four

Chicken Stew and Biscuits

Our household loves pot pie. The little lady and man request it on an almost weekly basis.  For us, pot pie implies equal parts pillowy biscuit-like topping to flavorful stew-like filling.   This recipe provides all of the comforts of traditional pot pie with the simplicity of a delicious one pot meal.  It is an ideal recipe for evenings where you are out of the house during traditional meal prep time (i.e. a 4:00 piano lesson across town).  Simply prepare the vegetable filling prior to your evening engagement, refrigerate, and reheat upon your return while the biscuits bake. 

Ingredients:

store bought buttermilk biscuits (such as Trader Joe's frozen or Bisquick Grands)

1 to 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 red or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes

handful chopped carrots

1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

1-2 stalks celery, diced

1/2 cup to 1 cup of frozen peas

leaves from 1 sprig of thyme

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup milk whisked with 2 tablespoons flour

1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; leftovers or a rotisserie chicken work great)

1/4 cup Parmesan to taste (Sharp cheddar or Jack would also work)

If you are baking biscuits, preheat oven and follow package instructions.  Bring broth to a boil in a medium-sized pot.  Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, thyme and bay leaf and simmer the mixture for 15- 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.  Drizzle the milk-flour mixture slowly into the vegetables and simmer, stirring until it is slightly thickened.  (Remember: you want some liquid for the biscuits to absorb.) Add peas; remove pan from heat, and stir in chicken and cheese.  (If making this ahead of time, allow to cool, cover and place in fridge.  When ready to serve, reheat uncovered on low heat.) To serve, place a biscuit in a bowl and top with stew, or the reverse if mimicking traditional pot pie.  

Then go and do...

Then an expert on the law stood up to test Jesus, saying, "Teacher what must I do to get life forever?"  Jesus said, "What is written in the law?  What do you read there?"  The man answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind."  Also, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."  Jesus said to him, "Your answer is right.  Do this and you will live."  But the man, wanting to show the importance of his question, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus answered, "As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, some robbers attacked him.  They tore off his clothes, beat him, and left him lying there, almost dead.  It happened that a priest was going down that road. When he saw the man, he walked by on the other side.  Next, a Levite came there, and after he went over and looked at the man, he walked by on the other side of the road. Then a Samaritan traveling down the road came to where the hurt man was.  When he saw the man, he felt very sorry for him.  The Samaritan went to him, poured olive oil and wine on his wounds, and bandaged them.  Then he put the hurt man on his own donkey an took him to an inn where he cared for him.  The next day, the Samaritan brought out two coins, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, "Take care of this man.  If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again."  Then Jesus said, "Which one of these three men do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by the robbers?"  The expert on the law answered, "The one who showed him mercy."  Jesus said to him, "Then go and do what he did." (Luke 10:25-37 NCV)(emphasis mine)

 

 

 

In her book, Overextended...and loving most of it!, Lisa Harper writes, "The story of the Good Samaritan underscores a running theme in the Bible: people matter to God.  And He expects them to matter to us as well.  Additionally, his familiar parable highlights a principle that God has been pounding into my hard head a lot over the past few years: part of the blessing is in the stretch itself.  In other words, when compassion is coupled with inconvenience, it's sweeter.  Because if I only extend kindness when it's convenient or natural for me, then I don't need much of God's help to make the investment.  But when I give from an account that already feels overdrawn, then I have to depend on Him to transform my meager capacity into grace that benefits the receiver." Recently, a dear friend of mine and I were having a conversation about service, availability, reaching out, extension, and she said something at the tail end of our conversation that I cannot shake.  Her thought not original, but containing a simple truth, "If you are looking for an opportunity to help another person, you'll find one."  This idea of kindness, others first, help a brother out, (for many of us) is one of life's first lessons.  A toddler adamantly forms the word, "mine," for the first time and is quickly instructed to share.  A dispute over a ball erupts on the playground, and a frustrated young boy is reminded to take turns.  Two hungry children, one cookie, we encourage the ravenous youngsters to break the cookie, be satisfied with their lot, and (hopefully) not shed any tears.  And while this "golden rule" model of servitude is taught and reinforced in the lives of our little ones, so often as adults we forget or fail to put into practice what we preach. 

 

o·ver·ex·tend  

                                tr.v. o·ver·ex·tend·ed, o·ver·ex·tend·ing, o·ver·ex·tends

         1. To expand or disperse beyond a safe or reasonable limit: overextended their defenses.

                        2. To obligate (oneself) beyond a limit, especially a financial one.

                                                                        thefreedictionary.com

 

At the time, I had not thought to label it, this season, {thoughts on hospitality, loving thy neighbor, serving the Body} this growth opportunity as "overextension," but I absolutely love the idea of being stretched "beyond a safe and reasonable limit."   Even more, this idea that when I "obligate myself beyond the limits of my own capacity" I am implicitly trusting the Lord.  As I lean in, He enables, equips, and provides.  Ultimately, in my weakened state, He receives all of the glory. 

 

One of the most compelling aspects (in my opinion) of the story of the Good Samaritan is found in simple geography.  At the time of Christ's earthly ministry the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was commonly referred to as "The Way of Blood."  Treacherous, narrow, and rocky, the winding trail had a reputation for criminal activity.  Being that the road, the only route between the two cities, was so narrow it would have been impossible to miss the man lying beaten on the road.  I picture both the priest and Levite going out of their way, perhaps off the well beaten path, to avoid any form of contact or interaction.  For as long as I can remember, my initial response to their actions was one of disapproval.  As I shook my pride-filled and unforgiving figurative head at their inaction, I failed to acknowledge the countless times I, too, looked the other way, didn't seize the opportunity (when prompted) to put another's needs before my very own, or "innocently" went about my day in such a manner that I didn't lift my gaze long enough to really see others.  In the past month, as I have revisited this passage, the Lord, ever gracious and loving, has allowed me to view this text with fresh eyes.  I am struck by this visual, a narrow road, a man in need, and the choice to either walk around or confront the need head on, in essence walk directly into him.  Harper explains it this way, "Jesus doesn't necessarily paint them (the priest and Levite) unneighborly.  He simply explains they didn't recognize the scope of His neighborhood.  They missed the privilege of stretching beyond the confines of their calendars and job descriptions to pour grace on someone who was desperate for it.  Fortunately, the Samaritan had wiped enough fog off his relational glasses to understand that anyone Jehovah allowed him to rub shoulders with was a neighbor." Good stuff.

 

This morning, I unexpectedly caught a glimpse of a tiny stretch mark on my left side, one of the few visible reminders (if I'm not counting hips forever changed, and skin that could never be described as taut) of carrying our son, our nine pound boy, the only one to stretch the skin of my abdomen in such a way as to leave a mark.  With Harper's words fresh in my mind, and thoughts of loving others more honestly, openly and sacrificially swirling in my heart, the sight of the stretch mark brought me to tears.  And, I was tempted to stifle their flow, but then I remembered this and that "tears are the simplest way to listen for your life."  And, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all - the stretching, the faith building, the opportunity to serve, the calling, the Body of Christ in all of its glory, and the simple fact that in His profound love, He invites me to be a part of it, to play any part...at all.

 

Lord Jesus, I want and I need your power

to rest on me and settle my restless heart.

I'll not pray about next week or even tomorrow.

Just give me the manna of gospel kindness

for this one day.

Help me respond gently and not react rigidly

to the weakness of others.

Help me to roll up my sleeves and not roll

my eyes when I meet brokenness in others.

Help me to love as you love me, for that

is the bottom line and the top priority.

I pray in your powerful name.  Amen

 

from Everyday Prayers by Scotty Smith



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - "Is she ONE, yet?"

we {mothers} must remember

"Motherhood is a hallowed place because children aren't commonplace." - Ann Voskamp

 

a new perspective

Month Eleven

 

Month eleven came and went in a blur of activity, so much so that the littlest has in fact already celebrated her first birthday.  More on that later...

 

Leading up to her first birthday, sweet June bug, reached several developmental milestones, from taking brave steps to drinking from a cup, but I must admit my favorite has been her consistency in (now) sleeping through the night, a solid twelve to thirteen hours.  She wakes with a smile, and greets each family member with her wide, toothy grin, cheeks flushed from sleeping soundly on her belly, blankets pulled close.  She continues to eat heartily, and can often be found circling the kitchen table in an effort to receive table scraps or discover the crusty remains of fallen food.   And, while she loves to eat, she cannot stand to be cleaned. In addition to food, she is a lover of music, clapping, swaying and moving to the many melodies that fill our home and van, and already appears to have a few favorites, upbeat tunes...classic rock, of course.  She continues to be both curious and adventurous, a sweet mix that often results in minor injuries, and big tears; however, she loves the thrill of discovering new things, and is quick to leave my arms in pursuit of  her next big adventure.  She continues to love meeting new people, and hasn't had even the slightest hint of stranger anxiety, though she is somewhat skeptical of men in hats.  She all but throws herself into the arms of admirers willing to hold her, distracting them with her chubby cheeks and wide grins, while attempting to swipe their glasses or pretty jewelry.  (She'd make an excellent pickpocket.)  She loves attention, and appears to genuinely appreciate people who take the time to admire her, chat with her, and wave to her.  She, in return, takes every opportunity to wave (a slow, methodical, Miss America type of wave), giggle, or smile at others.  She fills our home with many moments of delight, as we celebrate each of her milestones, new words (baby), and her joyful presence. 

 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - practice makes perfect