This Week {in pictures}

lunchtime laughter

 

Luke Skywalker became a superhero

an early birthday present

a new friendship

 

snacks and Vitamin D

 

first duets

 

intentional comedy during mealtime 

(this face brings down the house)



Lately...

 

 

 

 

She moves about our home with great confidence, contributing, taking on new responsibilities, organizing her thoughts in such a way that leaves me sitting on the edge of my seat awaiting her next creative move, or thoughtful reflection.  She loves to dress for an occasion and quickly turns everyday events into something special, finding reason to add a bow to her hair, or belt to her waist.  Her ability to bedazzle the insignificant, inspires me to take each moment captive.  She embraces beauty, and seeks to create her own version of beautiful each and every day.  She can be found head bent writing, drawing, composing, leaving notes of encouragement, taped, tucked, and hidden.  Her movements are graceful, reflecting the many melodies she carries within.  She loves community, and sharing life with others.  She is becoming a leader, in and outside our home.  She has a servant's heart, and seeks reconciliation when she feels she has disappointed.  She's a fierce competitor, but is learning to be gracious.  She is both dreamer and practical.  She enjoys the final outcome, but not always the process.  Passionate, she wears her big heart on her sleeve.  

 

 

He enjoys the simple comforts of home, and the freedom to move about his day at a slow and steady pace.  He is happiest when in the presence of his younger sister, whom he smothers daily with tender love and deep affection.  He has become quite fanatical about Star Wars and is intensely loyal to Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.  Looking for any opportunity to perfect the art of light saber battles, he can be found studying, swinging, and striking objects with the many sabers that have been handed down to him.  He is opposed to having "crazy hair" and is quick to smooth, pat down and style his thick mane.  He is equal parts serious and comical, and transitions between the two effortlessly.  He is quick to cry, large crocodile tears streaming his face.  He is quick to pout, lower lip popping out, a signal to the world that he feels slighted.  He is quick to respond with sincere affection, puckering lips for unexpected smooches, bear hugs, or a gentle sweep of the face.  He awakes many mornings with a song, and can be heard sweetly serenading his many "buddies" that provide him comfort each night in bed.  He is interested in grooming, taking great care to select the right clothing (preferably clothes that are soft), brush his teeth, style his hair, and apply various creams "like Daddy."  He is reserved until comfortable, shutting out the world until he is ready, but when he is ready will reveal his inner charm, charisma, the sweetest of personalities and the funniest of facial expressions.  He continues to save his best moments for his Mama.

 

Her curiosity and interest in the world keeps her in a constant state of motion.  She delights in finding common household items around the house, is quick to swoop them up and carry them off to her "secret" corner, a small space behind a favorite turquoise chair.  She is playful, and loves a good chase, her stocky little legs carrying her quickly from one room to another.  Her speed, unexpected, catches many off guard.  She is easy-going and pleasant until she is not, opting then to pitch a tiny fit, thrusting her plump body onto the floor, rolling, scooting, kicking, squirming and finally laying flat on her back in an effort to be noticed.  And, notice we do, each animated gesture, amusing expression, bright smile, new milestone.  She has wonderful rhythm, and freely expresses herself through dance.  She confidently approaches others offering sweet smiles, bright eyes and chatter.  She quickly becomes the center of attention, and seems genuinely interested in making others laugh or smile, especially her older siblings who faithfully follow her every move.  She's content to be on the go, but seeks the comfort of her mama's neck and shoulder when tired.  She welcomes a bottle of warm milk, and the promise of sleep at the end of each busy day, and as she nestles in my arms smacks her perfect lips in anticipation.  While eager to see and explore, she's quick to return to the safety of mama's arms. 

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - hairy situation



So long sweets...

Lent is a time of returning to God.  It is a time to confess how we keep looking for joy, peace, and satisfaction in the many people and things surrounding us without really finding what we desire.  Only God can give us what we want.  So we must be reconciled with God … The season of Lent, helps us in a special way to cry out for God’s mercy. –Henri Nouwen

 

 

 

"There comes a time in the spiritual life when one of the major things God is up to is to lovingly help us see ourselves more clearly. This is a time when we are called to wake up to the darkness within and invite the light of God’s presence to shine there. Just as winter and spring—light and darkness—seem to be fighting for dominance during this season of the earth, Lent is a spiritual season for seeing, naming and confessing our own darkness until eventually it gives way to God’s marvelous light."

 

To continue reading.

 

***

 

In the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, he and I began to brainstorm, each offering up suggestions as to what we would give up for Lent.  In recent years, we have intentionally abstained from the same thing during the Lenten season in an effort to encourage one another and provide accountability.  Ruth Haley Barton writes, "Fasting or some form of abstinence is a key discipline for the Lenten season because, if well-chosen, it can be a concrete way of renouncing sin patterns and attachments that have us in their grip. Consider fasting or abstaining from something that is connected with that place where God is revealing your need to die to some aspect of the false self." In this year of notice, small habits and patterns that I have previously dismissed or willingly neglected have taken on greater significance as I am prompted to thoughtfully consider their impact on my life.  For if I am honest with myself, each and every decision I make is impacted by the condition of my heart.  And, if I am being really honest with myself, my heart is prone to wonder {Lord, I feel it.}

 

This year we have landed on sweets, an indulgence that we had not considered in previous years, but now find ourselves willingly consuming on a daily basis.  If there is a candy jar, my husband's hands will be in it, and for some reason I find it difficult to resist grabbing a second spoon when he cracks the lid off an ice cream carton at the end of a long day.  Sweet pleasures have suddenly, or perhaps not so suddenly, become needs.  Cookies, the solution to long afternoons, salted Carmel chocolates my "band aid" for the unexpected battle wounds of the day. 

 

And, so we begin our fast, having thrown almost empty ice cream cartons into the trash, and dumping what remained of heart shaped candy.

 

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139: 23-24

 

 



This Week

Mom and daughter craft paper dresses.
(I cannot decided if I should show the little lady these images or not.)

 

First pony tail.

 

 

Others first, it's that simple.

 

 

The 9 Toughest Leadership Positions.
(Love that this list focuses on the idea of leadership and not job title or position.  When we consider that, mamas...)

 

 

A slight smoothie obsession.

 

 

I both appreciate and understand her sentiments.

 

 

Ultra gentle, a new favorite.

 

 

 As if we weren't chilly enough already...

The study of wind and its effects.

 

 

 Space to think, eat, play, create.  Took a deep breath and removed a few decorative items this week.

 

~ Ann Voskamp

 

 

Tonight.  New friends, a favorite restaurant, and him LIVE.