A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Buds

first borns at play

 

 

third borns at play



The "Madness" Evolution

Once upon a time there was a fella who enjoyed hoops who happened to be (seriously) dating a girl who enjoyed hoops.  Each March, their excitement for the game intensified as the NCAA college basketball tournament approached.  Together they would pour over the pages of USA Today, drafting, editing, and finalizing their brackets just in time for the tourney's first tip-off.  They would invite friends to crash at his parent's pad (not embarrassing in the least) for tournament action, hunkering down in the basement for hours of uninterrupted basketball viewing.  As the hours rolled into days, brackets were scored, chips were consumed, aluminum cans piled high as people sweated out their brackets, celebrated victories and mourned loses.  Slowly a slight stench would permeate the basement as boys' men's belongings took up various corners of the basement.  With the exception of commercial breaks, and the occasional viewing of BET, game after game filled the large television screen. It was magical.

 

 

They were young and carefree. 

 

Then one year the strapping young man married the basketball-loving girl.   In marital bliss, their love of the game and all its madness remained.  Slightly older, less carefree the group of friends continued to gather each March in his parent's basement (still not embarrassing), celebrating all that is beautiful about the tournament. 

 

And, then the time came for the couple to have their first child.  Perfectly timed, the baby girl would arrive in the first weekend of tournament action.  With stomach, the size of a basketball and highlighter in hand, the young woman scored brackets awaiting the arrival of her spirited baby girl born in the season of Madness. 

 

And, just like that the tournament was forever changed.

 

 

The following year, friends gathered with duffel bags and babes in tow, older still, a tad more responsible in the spirit of the tournament.  With little ones at their feet, they cheered (a bit softer), consumed food and beverage (with more restraint) and celebrated their growing brood.  It was different, yet still magical, the chaos perfecting the Madness.





 

They would continue the tradition, each year having more to celebrate.  New fans would join the party, each with their tiny mascot-ed tees.

 

Sippy cups replaced aluminum cans, the amount of Gerber Graduates equaling chips, as the noise intensified, a symphony of cries, squeals and cheering. 



 

And, there was always cake, as the first born was celebrated.  Her fire and spirit matching that of the tournament, the little lady born in the midst of all the Madness.

 

 

These days, the once carefree young couple, have grown nostalgic for the days of old.  However, they have come to embrace the beauty of raising little Badgers imparting their love of the game, and the art of bracketology. 

Little bodies now take their place in front of the big screen, filling seats once reserved for rowdy boys men. 

 



 

As pint-sized fans enthusiastically cheer on their favorite colored teams. 

 

 

Aged and responsible, the couple and their faithful friends will continue to gather each March, celebrating the hype, the magic, the Madness of the tournament, as they raise the next generation of fans.

 

 

 



sisterly affection

 

 

Testify

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

 

 Last week, during breakfast, the little lady casually mentioned she had "news" to report.  In the midst of hanging birthday decorations, I paused to give her my full attention.  She went on to report that she had "asked Jesus into her heart... (two weeks ago)."  Apparently, it had slipped her mind, but she was now ready to fill me in on all the glorious details. 

 

Words fail to express all that my heart felt in that moment as I listened to our sweet child share her faith story.  She dropped words like "testify" and "accept" as she communicated what transpired in her classroom, as she and four others gave their hearts to Jesus.  These are the moments we have prayed for, the type of news we rejoice over.  I'm thankful for her sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, and for her young faith.   It is in times like these that I am overwhelmed by the responsibility we have as parents to train up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6), but am privileged to play a  part in her faith story, as I live out my own, testifying to the good and faithful works of the Lord.   

 

 

Sharing her news with Nany over coffee cake.

 

 

 

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

 from "Blessed Assurance" by Fanny Crosby

Hand me downs - elephant jams



The many faces of June

Whether at rest or at play one thing is certain, our littlest is rockin' a set of chubby cheeks.  They are becoming one of her defining characteristics, plump and round.  Few pass up the opportunity to give them a gentle poke or loving squeeze.  Thus far, the littlest does not mind the constant facial prodding.

 

 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - 3:00 pm and bored



a melody of comfort

 

 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - awaiting five



Looking Up

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." (Deuteronomy 4:9)

 

I love to position the littlest on my legs and watch her as she uses her neck muscles to look up at me.  As her neck muscles have strengthened this task has become easier, but it still requires a bit of effort on her part as she balances her bobble head to meet my gaze.  As our eyes lock, her grin widens and suddenly she is overcome with happiness, as am I as we sit staring at one another.

This simple exercise recently got me thinking.  Our littlest has learned that the effort involved in looking up reaps a great reward, face to face interaction.   The comfort of my smile or catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror motivates her to look up even when the weight of her own head makes it difficult to do so.  How often in life do we allow the weight of daily tasks or troubles prevent us from looking up?   When my eyes are kept firmly on Christ, the author and perfecter of my faith, I experienced great joy and comfort as I rest in His love and grace. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
-Helen H. Lemmel



Chubs: month four

 

The littlest is four months, and time. is. flying. She is now just over 14 pounds and 2 feet long, which puts her in the 61st percentile for weight and 36th percentile for height.  Due to continued middle of the night feedings, our little shrimp is packing on the lbs and we enjoy watching her milky white round tummy expand with each week that passes.  Recently she surprised us by sleeping from 9pm - 6am, but most nights she wakes around 2 am for a feeding and then again at 5.  And, while she may have forgotten she can do such long stretches, I have not and will gently encourage her in that direction.  She continues to be very social, smiling at anyone willing to chat with her.  She is ticklish under the chin, and offers up the cutest chuckle during bath time when I slip my soapy hand across her chubby neck.  She is experimenting with her voice and is very intentional with her sounds.  She keenly observes the little man and appreciates the sweet melodic original songs he sings for her, but is quick to become fretful when big brother produces loud sounds (i.e. tiger roars) or cries too loudly in her presence.  She is quickly soothed by the little lady and always appreciates being in her company.  She enjoys laying on her back and is greatly amused by her play mat.  Playing independently suits her.  While she appreciates being fussed over, she enjoys quiet moments of solitude.  She has not yet rolled over, but has begun moving her body across her play mat, and is able to spend more time on her tummy especially if in front of a mirror.  Her bright eyes track very well, and are quick to lock in on her mama.  She and I share a very special bond, and she knows it full well.

Just this weekend I was reflecting on our life and all that is beautiful about it.  Our lives are better because of June.  It blesses me greatly to observe the little man in his role as big brother, and already I can appreciate the bond that she and the little lady will have. 

Spaghetti aglio e olio (fancy for spaghetti with garlic and olive oil)

recipe courtesy of Barefoot Contessa

 

 

Commonly referred to as "Midnight Spaghetti" because chefs make it for a quick meal at the end of a long day in the kitchen, the doctor and I enjoyed this garlic infused pasta at a more reasonable hour last night.  Satisfying at any hour, I appreciate this pasta for its simplicity.  It's a dish that highlights a few ingredients, demonstrating that less is often more when it comes to pasta.

 

Ingredients:

 

Kosher salt

1 pound dried spaghetti

1/3 cup good olive oil

8 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup minced parsley

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus EXTRA for serving (Yum.)

 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add 2 tablespoons of salt and the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package.  Set aside 1 - 1 1/2 cups of the cooking water before you drain the pasta.

 

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a pot large enough to hold the pasta, such as a 12-inch saute pan or large, shallow pot.  Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it just begins to turn golden on the edges - don't overcook it!  Add the red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds more.  Carefully add the reserved pasta-cooking water to the garlic and oil and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat, add 1 teaspoon of salt and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about a third. 

 

Add the drained pasta to the garlic sauce and toss.  Off the heat, add the parsley and Parmesan and toss well.  Allow the pasta to rest off the heat for 5 minutes for the sauce to be absorbed.  Taste for seasoning and serve warm with extra Parmesan. 

 

*During clean up, we found the little lady and man over the serving bowl dangling pasta into their open mouths like little birds.  

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - mutual affection



...and, yet

 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

 

He will be remembered, always.

 

In His Hands



Praying



What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.

Words: Joseph Scriven (1857)

 

Praying today for Finnegan Andrew, a true miracle.

You can read his story here.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - food envy



Beef Stew and Creamy Cheddar Grits

recipe courtesy www.thekitchn.com

 

On occasion, the little lady and I will get cozy on the couch and watch a cooking show together while the little man and littlest take their afternoon nap.  At her tender age, she already appreciates the likes of Ina Garten and Giada De Laurentiis, but her new favorite Food Network show features "the lady and all her kids" aka The Pioneer Woman.  Last week while watching fiery-haired Ree ("Mom, did you tape this show because you know it's my favorite?!") whip up a batch of stew and grits, I was inspired to end our weekend with the same comforting combination. 

 

Sunday afternoon with the little ladies napping and the menfolk at the Auto Show, I enjoyed preparing this hearty and savory stew.  There was something quite satisfying about watching the stew bubble away in the Dutch Oven, developing its rich color and tantalizing aroma.  Taking inspiration from Ree, I served the stew atop creamy Cheddar grits, a wonderful combination. 

 

 

Beef stew from scratch

 

 

Barefoot Contessa's Creamy Cheddar Grits

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes     Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes    Yield: 6 side dishes

 

Ingredients:

 

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup quick-cooking grits

1 1/4 cups half and half

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, grated

4 stalks green onions, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

 

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Add the salt, then slowly add the grits in a thin steady stream.  Stir constantly with a wooden spoon.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits thicken, 5 minutes.

 

Add the half and half and butter to the grits and stir.  Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.  Cover the pot, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally for 35-45 minutes until very smooth and creamy.  Off the heat, stir in the Cheddar, green onions, and pepper.  Season to taste; serve hot. 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - couch potatoes