Jim

Hey everyone. Nothing much to post on today. I'm getting over a stomach bug that Eli so lovingly shared. It's been a rough couple of days, but I'm begining to feel human again.

I thought I'd share with y0u guys a few things about Jim that I continually fall in love with over, and over, and over again.

He is such an athletic overachiever. He continually strives for better, and he has finally acheived his dream. To slam dunk a ball. Notice in the following pictures how manly and proud he is of himself.

The fact that the basket is only 5 feet off the ground should not convince you that he is not athletic. He is a superpower of masculinity.

I have never met a better friend that Jim. I don't think someone could ever make me laugh, cry, or frustrate and encourage me so much, all at once. He is hilarious, and brings such joy into my life. The kids look up to him and mimick his every move. Certain women in our lives truly enjoy his loving attitude because he doesn't ever hand out a fake compliment. He is very matter-of-fact, and compliments from the heart. I never feel jealous because another reason I love him; he loves me. With all of him. And I know this. I pray each of you are loved with everything. That the one you call hun, or babe, or love...the one who holds you at night, and smacks your tush during the day...the one you share your lives and souls with...that they love you without holding back anything. For that is truly what's important. I am still thankful that Jim's so athletic though :)

Evenings Out

Jim, the kids, and I have started a new evening tradition. It's nothing too exciting, but definitely fun for all of us. There is a playground/school about half a mile up the road from us. In the evenings, after dinner, we pack up the kids, bikes, roller blades, Lilly, and some water of course, and head up.
It has been so much fun! All three kids can now ride a two-wheeler comfortably. I am starting to get the hang of rollerblading. Any praying people out there can keep me in mind! Jim is usually there when I start to fall, but he's threatening to let me go at any moment.
Jim and the boys have begun playing basketball together. Javen and Eli can both make baskets, but Jim still likes to show them up. They have so much fun, and it's wonderful to see them develop a bond that goes beyond dad/son. They are becoming friends as well, and it's wonderful to see. Lena, on the other hand, could care less about basketball. She plays tether ball with me, and if I'm rollerblading, she'll run after the tether ball which is a hilarious sight to see. Lilly likes to play both ball games, and she usually sleeps quite soundly at night.
We usually end the evening with Lena and I walking home. The boys are too worn out to join us, so we're able to get a few private minutes to reflect on the day, and grow closer by sharing our fears, joys, loves, and disappointments. She is becoming such an amazing young lady. I pray these next few years go slowly so we can enjoy each moment. They're growing up way too fast. I pray you all are enjoying this amazing weather. May He bless your day!

All Growed Up

You may think I'm talking about the kids; but alas, no. Jim and I made it official a couple of months ago. We entered the realm of grown ups by purchasing our first set of new...yes, that's right...brand new furniture. Tarrah has been asking for pictures, so here are a couple.

I wondered if we would change when we got the furniture. We've always been sticklers for kids not eating on the couch, so I didn't think there would be much of a difference. The only difference now is wine and coffee is not allowed from certain, unnamed sources of klutziness. Ahem, ahem.

We've had unfortunate luck with the couch and chair already. Niko, my parents German Shepherd, so loved the chair, he decided to scent it one evening. The couch was christened by Eli barf.

I don't think any of this happened to the older furniture. Or I just didn't mind so much. Except for barf. I would've noticed that.

Change

The title sounds ominous doesn't it? Change. Well...don't fret. This is a small change. My loving husband and I decided to go for a jog this morning. It was...ummmm...interesting. We jogged and walked a little over a mile.

That's one change. The other change is much more dramatic. Jim has gone from scrunched, folded over, old man white knee high socks, to nice and neat ankle socks. Obviously for work he needs to wear the old man socks. But with shorts and sneakers, he has committed to ankle socks.

The Beginning

Stories always have a beginning. The Bible sums it up perfectly; "In the beginning..."

Today, I found myself awestruck. I had taken the kids to the beach, knowing I wanted to take pictures for this blog. Talk about hooked, I can't stop writing!

Question for you guys. How many of you have taken the first chapter of Genesis for granted. He created the heavens and the earth, sun, sky, birds, animals, us, blah, blah, blah. I feel like I've heard it so much, it's become an obvious. OF COURSE God created it. OF COURSE it only took 6 days.

But have any of you sat back and just looked at one single creation and thought, wow. He created THIS. For ME. To enjoy, to nourish me, to help me in my daily life. He created THIS.

My moment today was, He created the ocean. Yeah. It sounds simple. He was able to do this in a day. No biggie. But the earth is covered with water; over 70%.

I like to think, when he created the oceans, he was letting us glimpse His power. Water provides life. Life for the fish. Life for the plants on land. Life for us. It sustains life.

Can you imagine, us being like a spec of sand, and God being the ocean? How formidable and encompassing is he! Who are we to obtain His grace, but he loves us regardless, and for that I am truly humbled.

I pray God blesses each and every one of you.

Thanks for putting up with my rambling!

Rebirth

The kids and I took full advantage of this beautiful day by going for a walk. It's in the 70's, no clouds, with a slight breeze. The kind of spring day that makes you thankful that summer is on it's way.

Something I noticed on the walk. There is life here. The flowers are poking through the dead leaves. The buds are bringing new life to the trees. In the midst of the winter, it seems like death is a way of life. Everything shrivels and gets hidden by snow. There is no affirmation of life. Spring is beautiful, as it shows us that there is a rebirth for us all. If God loves the trees, flowers, and animals so much as to give them season after season, would we not be loved that much as well?
John 6:51

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

Jesus is good.

Javen

For you guys, Javen is a sweet young boy who is finally growing. And growing he is. We're investing in clothes on a monthly basis!
For me, Javen is a pain in the butt, always pushing the limits, and pushing my buttons.
This morning, this is what I found. Jim asked him to water the lawn, but failed to mention that playing in the mud afterwards would not be the best thing.

This is the expression I received after finding him, muddy feet in all their glory, in the living room.

Guilty, yet thinking it's the funniest thing ever.
And I think to myself...get over it mom.

Beauty

I have been given the go-ahead from one very special Meaghin, to use baby pictures for this blog. Ahhh...I am a lucky duck, because where else can you go and see this amazing specimen of love?

This is Addison Leigh. I haven't met her yet, but I am thrilled to say I am sure she'll love me right away.

Meaghin...nice job.

Here She Is...Ms. America

Funny...I always thought blogs were silly. Not really something I'd ever think of doing.
And then...dun dun dun dun...my sister-in-law Tarrah decided to guilt me into sharing our small, seemingly insignificant lives with the blogger world.
I guess there is a small community out there coming together through blogs. I know when Tarrah sends me a blog to read, there's usually a prayer need attached, and I have to say...I've become hooked. So, thank you Tarrah...thank you blogging world.
Here is my contribution to this world.