laughter and noise

2011 a year in pictures

2012-01-01T20:01:00.009-05:00

Heart Melter

2011-09-08T01:15:00.000-04:00

Paraffin Fiasco

2011-08-05T22:52:00.002-04:00

I referred my darling husband to my dentist. I'm not sure if anyone has noticed but basic service providers are upping their game and giving consumers a bit of luxury to go with their mundane service to keep their clientele up during these hard times. I must preface this by saying that my husband is a man's man. I'm talking big truck, works in construction, and doesn't even have an ounce of metro sexual in his body. So when his lovely dental hygienist asks him if he would like the paraffin treatment, he thinks it must be something new they are doing for his gums. Bless his heart. He says sure why not. She takes him over to the hot paraffin lava, takes the top off of what he says looked like a pressure cooker and he just looks at her like a deer caught in the headlights so she motions him to dip his hands into the melting pot. She then proceeds to tie the little plastic gloves onto his hands followed my over sized oven mitts and then takes him to his seat. He is thinking where in the world am I and what has this lady done to me??!! She starts to clean his teeth and he is so uncomfortable with his little mitts on that he interrupts and asks, "what exactly is the plan with this concoction as he lifts his hands into the air?" She tells him that most people leave them on until the cleaning is over. He politely asks if he can get them off now when she lets him know that his hands might not be as soft if he takes them off now which makes him get up at once and head for the sink. He recalls times in his life when he has shaken hands with men who had hands reminiscent of a baby's bottom and he has wanted to recoil. As he fumbles his way to his four wheel drive he mumbles why not just cut off part of my manhood while your at it. No paraffin for this guy.

FULL

2011-07-26T01:12:00.000-04:00

A place lacking longing
the minute I hear my boys pitter patter down the stairs in the middle of the night
when she laughs at the top of her lungs while I'm chasing her on my knees
Him smelling all good leaning in for a kiss when he gets home from work
The peace that passes all understanding embracing me filling me until I can't question His love because I am Full of it
The chocolate cake that perhaps I could have bypassed but loved every second of
My husband's coffee in the afternoon that he almost spills each day
My bath tub when all four of us pile in because I want it that way making the best memories in a pile of bubbles
My heart because I have for whatever divine reason so far lived up to my name "Blessed One"

Loss

2011-07-15T13:53:00.000-04:00

I was holding my son in my arms when the phone rang and that old familiar voice was on the other line. When I heard the sadness as he spoke words that would alter the course of our lives as a family. I handed my son over and fell to my knees with tear stricken grief. It was short lived, as my preference for anger is much greater than finding myself in a heap. As if there is any comfort to be found in rage. It was a loss of my expectations, my idealistic family scenario and discovering my hero was not who I thought. He was just a human being after all. So many years later now I see that the darkest days were used to shed light in places that couldn't be reached before the cracks were there. If I had to go back and feel that all over again to see the growth that has come from that devastation I would do so without question.

Fun for Friday

2011-07-08T16:30:00.000-04:00

Five of my favorite finds over the past week:

1. http://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/ As you know the reader can make or break an audiobook. This is a great version of the NT.... even my five year old wants to sit and listen...... and its totally free.

2.http://catalystconference.com/ This looks like an amazing although expensive conference. If you just sign up like you are interested you get lots of cool music and podcasts for FREE.

3.http://www.e-mealz.com/ I so appreciate this site. It gives you a meal plan, recipes, and shopping lists for $1.25 a week. The meals are great and one of the best things is the plans are based on what is on sale that week in the store you choose to shop at!

4. http://www.zappos.com/aldo-forwood-turquoise I do not consider myself a shoe girl at all unless we are talking comfort and then I'm in... but recently I have gotten into wedges because I can actually walk in them. There is something sort of weird that happens when you step it up a bit like a sexy little shoe on your foot may only give you a couple of inches... but I'm feeling ten feet tall and bulletproof.... who knew. These are my latest favs.

5. http://pinterest.com/ What a glorious way to spend an hour browsing and collecting all of your favorite things. Caution: it is hard to stop.

Taking the time

2011-07-05T18:27:00.000-04:00

   She never really needed God until things began to go awry. He meets so many this way. The divorce a few years back brought her to her knees and she knew that when she dug deep down she didn't have what she needed to get her through. So there He was with open arms- gushing because He does over each and every one.
   A year goes by and life is good again when I hear her say to me, "Yeah, I'm just not sure anymore. It all seems like such a show and the ones around me who are supposed to be the most "Christian" can't stop ear bashing me about all of their accolades during sessions that I am required to sit through". I nod but my heart is breaking, oozing out small bits of rage.
   Mister Preacher man you are trusted. You are the one among others whom people look to and they search for what God looks like because they don't know. They haven't had years of Bible school and even if they did maybe they didn't buy into all that. Who are you being so prideful when the King of Kings rode on an ass?
   And just like that it comes like a cool breeze on a spring morning.... He speaks and He's so patient with me when He says I have sent this preacher out and he isn't perfect but he isn't alone either. Every single day I send you out where you are. That lady at recycling who was taking forever, who wouldn't stop talking to you....uh huh.... that mom at the park with a special needs kid who sat right across from you...uh huh.. yeah I did all of that. Who are you showing the world that I am? Are you taking the time to love when its certain there will not be any return? Are you just giving lip service to the admiration of my ways or are you putting aside your agenda and living out the TRUTH?

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself"- Phil 2:3

Struggling with the vows

2011-06-28T20:46:00.001-04:00

You see when I married my sweet darling besides pledging my undying love and faithfulness one of the things the priest specifically asks is "Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?"... to which we both replied yes. Now what does that really mean? Does that mean that I get to completely surrender to the will of God except for when I feel him asking me to bear more children? Is it okay then for me to say to Him that I have my hands full and it really isn't convenient right now and would I be so shallow as to tell Him, the God of the universe, that I would like to loose five more pounds and run another half marathon first??
On certain days I have envied the call of others. I know full well that we are each called according to His plan and purpose and none of those callings really look the same. Of course I see the irony in God choosing me for this. You see I dream of seeing my name in lights. I was the girl who was happy to be single, wanted a dog to travel the world with so that I could then sit down and write a book all about it.That was really my ultimate shallow definition of freedom. So, for Him to call me to a job with less recognition than a garbage man can be quite the challenge. But He loves so much that it can't be contained in these words and He will do whatever it takes for us to KNOW HIM because every possible outlandish scenario I can imagine cannot compete with truly knowing the love of God and feeling Him sustain me each and every day.
So the other day I decide to read 1 Timothy straight through and I get to the end of chapter two and I just begin to cry. I read it again through blurry vision and then for a third time just to make sure it is really there.

1 Timothy 2:15 But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and love and holiness, with self control.

These are the moments you want to look over your shoulder or something. Seriously, how has this verse been here and I am just now reading it today. IT IS ALIVE. He knows the plans he has for us and I thank Him for not giving me what I wanted but for loving me with such abundance that he gave me exactly what I need.

A time to Celebrate

2011-06-24T03:51:00.001-04:00

My parents had a hard time keeping up with their wedding rings. Dad lost his on the honeymoon skiing and mom left hers outside while painting and someone swiped it. On June 19th they celebrated 35 years together and Dad decided perhaps it was time for a new set. We all gathered out at Berry College at the chapel where they got married so long ago and with a few sweet words the new rings were exchanged. My mom was ecstatic. She was so surprised she simply could not get over it. I mean she was repeatedly screaming out loud and of course now she is walking around like she just got engaged or something. It was a beautiful time. They are an example of perseverance in a world that so readily throws in the towel. How sweet it was that we were all there to witness how love keeps putting one foot in front of the other.
*Pics courtesy of Ryan

No words

2011-06-20T12:37:00.000-04:00

As a former speech pathologist my expectations are a little high for my darling daughter who is 17 months and not quite speaking in sentences yet... instead she has a few approximations of words, plenty of gestures, and a few demanding sounds with a significant clarity of meaning. Most recently whenever I say "Adelaide, give love", she holds her hands out palms facing the sky. At first I thought to myself okay this in no way resembles the hug that she was meant to deliver after my request for her to give love but it did give me pause. It made me think about how I show God that I love Him. Shouldn't I as his child be holding my palms open to the sky saying to Him whatever you give I will accept with a thankful heart and whatever you take I will respond in like. I do not long to have my hands so full of the things of this world that I miss the blessing he longs to give. That when He says, "LOVE me" I will look up to heaven with empty hands facing the sky and He will know that I do.

How emptiness sings

2011-06-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

I had the most amazing opportunity to attend a retreat in NC with Ann Voskamp, Christa Wells, and Nicole Witt. It was for women who create whatever that may be: children, baking, art, sewing, stories, photography, etc. To be in a room with 75 women who love Jesus and are so vibrant and life giving...true culture makers was pretty amazing. There were so many lessons and it is still sinking into places beyond the surface. One of the really beautiful ones though was how God chooses to use our pain and our emptiness, our times of struggle to help others if we would all stop pretending like we have it all together and share our weaknesses.... showing our brokenness to the world that will bring healing.

Camping Adventures

2011-05-23T23:56:00.000-04:00

Smoky Mountains

The Easter Cross we made

Boys will be boys

It all began with dipping her toe in

I will be devastated when he outgrows his little boy undies

This is so how they feel about each other

Every time we think of camping I always think it will be great but somewhere during the packing I question my judgement and sanity because it seems like a lot of work. I ask Damien why we go out in the middle of nowhere with half the stuff we really need and just try and wing it... because that's sort of what it feels like for me at times. Then there are those moments the ones you don't plan when you are casually going out for a little hike and picnic and it turns into a splashing in our underwear rock eating sunkissed series of minutes with laughter echoing off the trees that keep us coming back for more.

Slipper shoes

2011-05-14T17:29:00.000-04:00

So my darling stepson and I are on our way to Mass on Wednesday night when he walks down the stairs and I notice he is wearing his bedroom slippers. My first thought is that he must have left his shoes by the door which he walks right past as he proceeds to the vehicle. I find myself often pondering the days when I was his age and attempt to take myself back there repeatedly before I open my mouth to utter the 32 year- old thoughts that I have now. "So, I guess that is the latest thing huh to wear bedroom slippers around as your real shoes?" He so humbly and casually replies, "Well, it's just that all of my shoes don't really fit except this one bright blue pair so I just decided to wear these". You see I don't expect these things right because I was that kid who asked for a pair of shoes when the current ones were a month or so old or just didn't match my outfit because I deserved them of course. So to be around a kid who is so mild mannered and not the least bit self righteous or entitled in his own mind well I must say it is quite refreshing. Who knows if he was working me over or what but right after Mass we went directly to buy that poor soul some new soles.

Beauty

2011-04-20T19:16:00.000-04:00

So I have this really beautiful Bible that I want to keep on the kitchen table because I am trying to emphasize to my children that even though we eat "food"... the Word is the Bread of Life. I have been inspired by Ann Voskamp to read a little scripture and pray after each meal time. I already admit that this hasn't been happening as I thought it would but I am the first to admit that I am a work in progress. Needless to say, I decide to decoupage this Bible because it is solid white which would not last long at all around our dinner table. I get out all of my read through magazines and I start to search for words and pictures and anything and everything that inspires to put on this Living precious book. What hits me while I'm doing this is that everything the world wants is Him. All of the words advertisers use to make the big sells and to suck us in.... they are everything He is..... Uncompromising, true beauty, pure, real, genuine, 100% authentic... and the list goes on. I ask myself why do I search and search for the new house, the chocolate hiding in the cabinet, even the things I don't even need that are on SALE to fill myself up only to be found empty again hours and maybe even minutes later. I have it all already. He has already given me everything I need but I must see it and deny these teasing facades all of their power. When I open the Book I am blinded by beauty.

Listening to Whispers

2011-04-19T21:07:00.000-04:00

She’s screaming and I’m pacing. I have already checked her diaper, given her a drink and a snack, rocked her, and pleaded with lullabies. Finally, I gather the older two around and say we need to pray. These sons of mine hold my hands and we close our eyes. For me even that moment is a prayer of sorts. I say that I have done everything I know to do and I just ask God to show us if there is anything we can do to soothe little sister and bring her an ounce of peace which will then infuse the household.

So you know those times when you hear it right? Like a whisper with impact. Not something muffled though spoken softly it is as clear as a bell. Nurse her. I can’t nurse her I am trying to wean her and she hasn’t nursed in about five days so we are making serious progress. Only a fool attempts to ignore the voice of Wisdom. I submit and realize that her being weaned isn’t really an emergency and the world will continue on its axis if this particular goal of mine is put on hold. We sit down in our favorite yellow glider covered in flowers only seen when you look for them. I pull her close to me and she begins to nurse. I feel her body relax into a place of calm and breathe a sigh of relief. I smile into her face and I know this sweet girl just wanted some comfort.

Because I have slowed His words wash over me….. “Be still and Know” (Psalms 46:10)…….”The God of all Comfort” (2 Cor 1:3) Isn’t that what He does for us? He allows us to dwell beneath His pinions where we are secure and in a place encompassed by his love. “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler(Psalms 91:4). I know that is the only way I am able to extend love to these precious souls I have been entrusted with. If I had not His love I would be nothing but a clanging symbol. He fills me up so that I can pour out and into the lives He brings my way. How grateful I am, though I don’t have a clue what I should do most of the time, I can rest in Him, lean on Him, and find comfort that surpasses the temporary.

donuts with dad

2011-04-07T12:11:00.000-04:00

I am rushing the boys into the van and just happen to check their little school calendar to make sure I am not supposed to bring snacks today or dress them up in some type of get up... like last week was career day and poor Julian wore a shirt with a Weiner dog on it because his mama didn't tell him because she forgot herself and now all of his friends think he aspires to be a canine when he grows up. That's when I see it... today is "Donuts with Dad". Utter shame creeps in as backpacks drop to the floor. Dad is long gone from our house and has no clue that he has another appointment this morning. I ponder just letting them stay home but notice the juice from yesterday that was spilt on the floor which is now starting to collect things like lint pieces and Adelaide's handprints and I decide we will just go in late and miss all the dad together hoopla. He doesn't even know anything is going on but I feel like such a loser. I start to tell myself things like how hard is it to look at the school calendar? Darling, you might want to step it up a notch. Then as I am leaving the school I convince myself that I don't want to be responsible for bringing cheese cubes on the 19th and snacks for everyone on the 23rd and I think maybe next year when I begin homeschooling Julian we will just all be home together, feed each other grapes, and not worry for one second because we are all right where we are supposed to be.

My angels.... mostly

2010-09-20T22:35:00.000-04:00

Fat housewives

2010-09-02T00:03:00.002-04:00

Pre-baby:
I seriously might have even said, "What is up with these women that just have these kids and then let themselves go.. I mean are they just like, 'I got my man.. who cares?' I mean they are at the house all day long.. you would think they could squeeze some kind of workout in"
Pregnant with Baby#1
Six months along complete Nashville half marathon.. I got this in the bag.. plenty of time to work out during the whole pregnancy because hey it is just me right??!!
Pregnant with Baby #2
I haven't slept in 7 months when I find out Cooper is on the way and let's just say my neighbor thought someone had died... I rebound from the shock and take Julian out in the jogging stoller on occasion.. manage to squeak out another half marathon.
Pregnant with #3
Seriously.. whose counting anymore... exercise... smexercise.. you must be joking. May be when I'm like 50 I will start running again!

The point of course is this is a shout out and an apology of sorts for my complete and total ignorance and preconceived ideas about stay at home moms... because seriously some days I need that Nutella and peanut butter to get me through the day... it's not that I am a total pig but that there are now so many needs to put before my own that sometimes it really is impossible... experience has a way of shifting perspectives.

New Wardrobe
As I reach for the fifth pair of jeans I am attempting to squeeze into
fastening is considered a success
The long lost bodyis nowhere to be found
It's replacement isn't quite as chiseled and certainly more spread out
but does things the other one only dreamt about
This body sustains life, nourishing a precious little soul
Survives on the lesser side of sleep and comes back for more
Oh how little appearances really matter
life is so much more than what's in the mirror
Toss goes the skinny pair of jeans

Inspiration

2010-09-01T23:56:00.002-04:00

Well I must admit I've been inspired by my fellow bloggers to pick up the old habit again and try to do a better job.. we'll see how long it lasts. I just feel for whatever reason that blogs are so much more personal than facebook.. of course I have a facebook account but really I hate even getting on there...it's great for many things don't get me wrong but facebook vs blogging is like cheap scratchy hotel sheets vs Egptian cotton... may be its just me but that's my rant nonetheless and if I'm gonna run my mouth I suppose I should back it up with a little blogging effort.

2010-08-29T13:11:00.001-04:00

Wilderness waterpark

2010-08-29T12:35:00.000-04:00

Sweet summer

2010-07-30T23:26:00.000-04:00

Pretending to be Betty Crocker with these cookies...

Watching Toy Story 3 at the drive in....

Looking at each other just laughing...

Having surprise parties...

Taking a few swimming lessons...

Supporting the local events....

Representing the 1% wearing ear protection at the fireworks...

Sleep

2010-07-13T11:05:00.001-04:00

So, I've asked around and I realize that we are a slightlly dysfunctional family where sleep is concerned. We all sleep in the same room for one thing which is somewhat ridiculous but we love it so we continue on with it. I am beginning to think it may be a neccessity of sorts considering our night last night, a normal... slightly typical night... Kids are all in our room sleeping, we get into bed around 11 and I read with my book light until twelve because even though I am a sleep deprived mom this is my one escape and I will make myself stay awake to read until my eyes are burning in such a way that I simply have to give in... 1:30 Adelaide wakes up and wants to eat, 1:45 Cooper wants some apple juice, 2:30 Damien wakes up screaming out that the fan is only hanging by a thread and it is going to fall on us if we don't get it.. I tell him he is crazy and to go back to sleep but he says no he must fix it and so I tell him to be careful and I roll over...3:30 Cooper gets up to go to the bathroom with light on of course...4:00 Julian falls out of bed and lands on his head despite the toddler rail that is firmly in place....4:30 I hear footsteps I look over and Cooper is pacing between our beds with a sheet over his head like a memeber of the klan (sleep walking) Damien asks me what Cooper is doing and I say I'm not sure but I can't deal with it because I just picked Julian up out of the floor... so he unveils Coop and puts him back to bed....5:30 Adelaide has poo diaper and wants to eat again... finally 7:45 a little r and r is coming my way and my new cell phone alarm goes off singing, "Good morning, it's a beautiful day!" (Not sure what mood I was in to pick that but I can tell you it sure wasn't in the a.m. when I picked it!!)........ I trudge in the kitchen to get some coffee and I think, "Did that really just happen to me??!!" So when you mention the earthquake victims and the oil seeping into the ocean... how about a shout out for the Kenworthy sleep crisis.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T13:17:00.000-04:00

To witness Damien as a father to the boys has been one of my greatest joys, but to see him with his daughter simply melts my heart.

2010-06-16T20:18:00.001-04:00

Look out world

2010-06-16T20:16:00.001-04:00

Sweetheart

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May

2010-05-18T00:48:00.001-04:00

"Mom, I didn't mean it!"

First family camping trip in our pop up camper... Adelaide is asleep inside and we are sitting around the camp fire discussing very intellectually stimulating topics that Julian is constantly bringing up... "Seriously Dad can you take down a black bear and a dinosaur??" Fun was had by all... a new family tradition begins...

Coaster Cars

2010-05-18T00:42:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day

2010-04-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

Teacher

Her frail hand gently rests across the top of his back
She feigns interest in "Wheel of Fortune"
For when he is with her she tries not to stare
Unfathomable is the beauty she sees in him
As a constant slideshow plays from an endless reel
what tool is there to measure the depth of a lifetime?
This man who began to teach her when he was only an infant
About what it means to love others more
That sacrifice often goes unnoticed but is consistently demanded
There is more value in thirty seconds of laughter than in any bank account
It isn't a yard full of weeds, but grass with a million wishes in it
And really, just being together is enough

hey little sister...

2010-04-11T11:37:00.000-04:00

A few pics

2010-02-16T19:33:00.000-05:00

We love our Valentine shirts!
Okay Daddy, you officially have your hands full!
Melts my heart...
Bring on the snow... an interesting example of the two extremes of our world... toddlers and teenager.

2010-02-09T18:00:00.001-05:00

My sweet angel

Adelaide Raine

2010-02-01T23:29:00.000-05:00

There have been times in my life when I have looked back and thought to myself.. wow.. God was really with me then but it has been rare that I have had the awareness at the time. When I was in labor with Adelaide... God's ever present help and the awareness that others were laying us at his feet was overwhelming. I began to feel some contractions around three am but I wasn't sure if it was the real thing because if you've had a baby before you know there is all sorts of cramping and whatnot so sometimes it's hard to tell. I woke Damien up at 5 to let him know I think this might be it honey... I get my ipod on and I really start to get in the zone.. I know that I need to go somewhere else in my mind and I really try to focus on not getting sucked into the pain. It started getting pretty rough at around five thirty but I found that moving around really helped. I got into the bath tub around six and the midwife arrived around six fifteen. It was getting really intense and I knew I wasn't going to be able to move from there even though the plan was to have Adelaide in the birthing pool. I told Damien to get the camera and tell the midwife I was about to start pushing.. I think they were shocked and didn't believe me for there was some scrambling going on... she checked and said "my my you are 9 1/2 we are about to have a baby!" Here is where I began to cry for God's mercy. I was surviving but when I had to start pushing I began to cry... I have had my ankle sprained severely, walked through burning coals, and had my two front teeth knocked out.... none of them even came close to touching this pain. After about five minutes she was here.. and perfect and beautiful and my husband still can't get the look of shock off of his face haha. It was surreal and amazing... peaceful and humbling...welcome to the world precious one... Born Jan 29th at 6:51 am weighing 7 lbs 9 oz 21 inches long

2010-02-01T22:25:00.001-05:00

Adelaide Raine... birth story coming soon

Justin Timberlake

2010-01-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

For some time now I have wondered what all the hoopla is that surrounds this guy. I mean he is "okay" looking to me and seems to be way to obsessed with sex in his music but every time you turn around he is with a different beautiful girl so I'm thinking... he must have a little something something.... and then I saw him and his side kick sing this song... and the mystery has begun to unravel. In my next life... not the one where I am a doctor in a third world country, but the one after that one... I would be a musician and sit around all day singing my heart out and listening to songs like this.

Mexico Rendevous

2009-12-19T20:15:00.000-05:00

So, we planned a last minute trip to Mexico for five nights together... it was utter bliss and a complete and total contrast to my normal life. The weather was 85 and fabulous each day... the views were amazing.. we kept trying to soak it in... I kept telling myself remember this in a few weeks when you are up all night and blah blah right??!! I could seriously write a whole page on the food alone... the best thing was that it was so healthy and delicious.. I haven't eaten that many fruits and veggies in quite a while... and the absolute luxury of sitting down and having someone bring it to you and then clean up was my favorite part. I thank God for my parents and dear sweet Melody who helped us to make this "babymoon" (do you still call it that when you have kids who knows) possible!!

The pool...

The view from our palapa

This is where I did yoga in the mornings and since the other people there weren't interested in getting up in the morning (like I'm a morning person ha) I had my own private sessions with Monica who was great.. she taught me many stretches and challenging postures as well as techniques to relax and be in the moment.

View from the first palapa we stayed in... mostly they are all open air which means you sleep under a net each night.. which normally isn't that big of a deal except when you are pregnant and you get up like five times a night to go to the restroom... I got into a bit of a wrestling match with the stinking net one night and did a little damage...oops.

Path into town... there weren't any roads in this little village

So, we think we are going on this remote waterfall hike in the jungle and right before we get there this little dude is taking a bath in the swimming section of the falls... haha gotta love those Mexicans... and no it wasn't me who took the picture it was Damien right when the guy looked up!

Thought number three was pretty funny... if you're drunk come on and get on but it's all on you!!

Happy Birthday Julian James

2009-12-19T19:56:00.001-05:00

If I could only put into actual words how this child has changed my life since he entered the world it would include things like miraculous joy, the end of myself, contagious laughter, sparkling eyes... a whole new world. He is spunky, determined, stubborn, sneaky, smart, loving, inquisitive, snuggly (Even at four!), fearless, and the fastest little runner I've seen. When I pray for him that he will be a star that shines with the light of Christ in the Universe I really feel like with each passing day God answers that prayer because he does shine and lights up my life in a way I could never have imagined. Okay we know that it's barely covering the ground.. but we still love it!

King for the day!

The best side kick in the world doing what he does best!

My little Turkey... they had a little Thanksgiving program at his little school and seeing him up there singing "Gobble, Gobble" brought tears to my eyes... pregnancy hormones!

2009-11-13T17:01:00.001-05:00

Boys will be boys

2009-11-13T16:58:00.001-05:00

Watch out Beckham!

October

2009-11-09T17:26:00.000-05:00

I think the deal is that since October is our favorite month we have been so busy that we haven't even stopped to blog which is really pathetic I know.. especially when I consider how much I love it when everyone else does it!! There are simply too many words I could say so instead I am going to let the pictures to the talking for this post. Highlights include trip to Kentucky at a cabin in the woods, the corn maze, Halloween, and My darling and I celebrating six short years together.

2009-09-03T13:18:00.001-04:00

Fun at tj maxx

FWD:

2009-08-22T15:28:00.001-04:00

Check out these huge trees

FWD:

2009-08-22T15:26:00.001-04:00

Ramsey falls

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The Beach

2009-08-04T20:04:00.000-04:00

Watching the storm come in...

What is better than a nice cup of coffee while watching the day come alive??

Brotherly love.. Coop insisted on wearing Julian's "monkey" shorts which is why they are falling down!

Nothing but fun with our big bro Chris
My two little angels!!
Our Daddy is our hero...
Seriously...can anyone question why I constantly want to reproduce with this man??!! By the way number three is on the way which is my only excuse for not blogging the past three months!
This perfectly depicts my little Coop... laid back and just plain cool.

Life is beautiful

2009-08-04T19:28:00.000-04:00

The past few months...

2009-08-04T19:05:00.000-04:00

Prayer

2009-05-11T22:51:00.000-04:00

2009-05-07T17:40:00.001-04:00

Thank goodness for the icecream man!

Hotwheels rock!

2009-04-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

Sorry that you must look sideways to watch... still working on being techno savvy.

Sweet Spring time!

2009-04-27T11:36:00.000-04:00

2009-04-25T20:18:00.001-04:00

Thank you God for this day

The journey

2009-04-16T09:42:00.000-04:00

It seems that as of late what keeps coming back to me is how crucially important it is to fully embrace God in every action, every minute of everyday... that I wouldn't consider the thirty minutes in the morning I spend studying the Bible my time with God checked off the list but that I would discipline myself to practice being in the presence of God constantly that He would permeate my very being and daily transform me so that I become more like His other self...An excerpt from the book, My other self:

Be wise, My chosen one.; shabby substitutes are not for you. You are made for God. Refuse to be satisfied with anything less than your God Himself. Again I warn you that it will not be easy. To be [truly one with Christ] is not for comfort seekers, lovers of ease, quitters, those who turn pale at the first sign of opposition.
It is for generous men and women who are humble enough to admit their weakness, yet confident that I will make them strong. The confidence gives steel to their spirits. But while it’s not easy to be [one in Christ], neither is it as hard as you might imagine. Do not be afraid. Surrender your whole being to Me. Put yourself totally in My hands. Once you take this first step, and truly this step is the most difficult, all that remains is serenely and peacefully to let Me shape you according to My plan. Soon in your work, your reading, your play, even your conversation and your meals, you will find your thoughts turning to Me.
On all sides you will soon discover a thousand reminders of the presence of your God. The sun, the moon, the stars; a tree, a bush, a rose, a lawn; a lake, a river; a pebble, a grain of sand; a robin, a dog, a fish; a book, a song; a clear day, a rainy day; whatever it is will whisper to you of its Maker.

The family hike

2009-04-12T22:03:00.000-04:00

He is such a rock star... we keep asking what instrument he's going to play and he keeps saying the lead singer doesn't need an instrument.
Never be afraid to show your love.
Pondering creation and the big fat kiss my husband gave me...
Two of a kind... special times
My sweet baby Gooz

2009-04-03T15:14:00.001-04:00

Brotherly love

Jeremiah

2009-03-28T21:44:00.000-04:00

So I have just finished studying the first half of all that this prophet was inspired to say... what a courageous man of God. Initially he begged God not to use him because he claimed he was too young and I was reminded how God chooses us and enables us to fulfill His purposes. There have been so many treasures thus far but the one that just spoke almost audibly to my heart was when Jeremiah, after being beaten, imprisoned, losing all of his friends, and basically being the one who had to tell the Israelites what they did not want to hear- that they needed to turn from their wicked ways and till the soil of their stubborn hearts- after a life of ultimate hardship for carrying his cross for Christ he says,

"But if I say, "I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name," Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it.

Oh that we would have the courage and the passion of Jeremiah to speak His name to others... that we would refuse to hold it in.

2009-03-19T13:18:00.001-04:00

Feeling better

Simplicity

2009-03-08T19:18:00.000-04:00

No matter how innovative the toys, there is nothing that these boys like better than enjoying the nature that God gave them. We are so excited that the warm weather is coming our way and we get to spend even more time outside!

Spiritual Conditioning

2009-02-23T23:01:00.001-05:00

I have convinced myself that I must listen to some thumping music while I run. Saturday as Damien and I were going for ten through the woods, I realized that I was praying with the music on.... which basically went something like... "Lord, thank you for this beauty... "I keep bleeding, keep keep bleeding love"..."Please God help me to..." you get the idea and then God whispered as He often does, "listen to me." I immediately turned off the ipod and right next to me was a rushing creek that I couldn't see through the trees but could definitely hear loud and clear once I turned off the "noise." I had to ask God then and there to forgive me for the times that I fill my life up with noise... not bad stuff usually but stuff that keeps me from hearing His voice... So I encourage you as we prepare for this Lenten season.. not to have only one way conversations but that we might choose to take the time and make the effort to create silent spaces in our day to hear the voice of the one who loves us beyond our wildest dreams.

2009-02-09T21:27:00.001-05:00

The most amazing waterfall

2009-02-09T21:16:00.001-05:00

Nothing better than being in the wild with my punks

2009-02-09T21:10:00.001-05:00

Cruising in the woods

Source of joy

2009-02-09T21:06:00.000-05:00

2009-02-09T21:02:00.001-05:00

My hunk of burning love crossing the glacier filled creek

James Gregory

2009-02-06T13:46:00.001-05:00

This is a clip from the show Damien and I went to last night.

FWD:

2009-01-25T16:11:00.001-05:00

I can hang in the woods

FWD:

2009-01-25T16:08:00.000-05:00

I like big sticks

Motivation

2009-01-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

So, I had all of these great intentions to multitask and listen to a book while I was running on the treadmill... how in the world does anybody find motivation in that?? I even joined Audible, an audio book club, to encourage myself not to give up on my capacity to really do this.... all to no avail since after a few minutes of attempting to listen to the book, I switch it to my workout playlist and almost instantaneously there is a spring in my step. You have to have the right songs though. One of my favorties I actually discovered when I was trying to find some decent music for Christopher to listen to that wasn't completely about sex and drugs... so just incase you need a little pick me up or a laugh I am posting the video of the song. Let me know what your favorite workout songs are...I need all the help I can get!

WEBA

2009-01-16T00:14:00.001-05:00

WEBA= We eat Books Alive was born officially this month. We haven't even made it through the first book and are already having more fun than we can hardly stand. Our book for Jan is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. Feel free to join in if you so desire.

Questions for discussion:

Why does Francie love her father more when he is the one who is a jobless drunk?
What sterotypes, prejudices, or assumptions do we have about those who are less fortunate and how can we remedy this?

Boys will be boys

2009-01-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

December highlights

2009-01-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

He is actually from Australia though in his heart he is from some exotic fire walking African tribe.

My darling having some coffee out in the rough and though not pictured rest assured that he brought his own little bottle of creme brule.

Happy 14th Christopher!!

Battling it out on the Wii.

Who needs a horse when we've got Dallas??!!

Getting a little help from cousin Raph

Christmas

2009-01-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

Reading books with daddy

Crusing on our new scooters...

Watch me sit and spin baby spin!!

Happy times

Coop kissing baby Jesus

This was one of the most hysterical moments for me... our beautiful nephew Raph gave Xav a vase that he painted with artificial flowers in it and you would have thought he had won the lottery... one of the greatest parts was that he gave him this little scented pouch to hide inside so that everyone would think those flowers sure do smell nice!

sandhill crane migration

2008-12-11T15:57:00.000-05:00

Amazing kayaking experience with the sound of these great birds flying all around... comforting to think, "Look at the birds in the sky, they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they?"

Such an imperative truth always, but especially now.

November

2008-12-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

It has always been one of my favorite months... so quick to fly by. We enjoyed ourselves for sure. I can't believe my baby is 3 years old... he is so amazingly smart and very passionate about his own way...
Isn't playing in the rain irresistable... it's like so much more fun because it seems like maybe you shouldn't be doing it.

The Thanksgiving crew... a different tradition of sorts has begun I suppose, though some things never change... family, food, games, hikes, and of course football.

Make a wish my precious jewel... I hope all of your dreams come true.

A Thankful heart

2008-11-29T10:33:00.000-05:00

Initially, I think of what I am really thankful for and all of the usual suspects come to mind: health, family, friends but I decided to dig a little deeper and here is a list that just begins to scratch the surface of the gratefulness that overwhelms me...

~ A loving God who chooses to use suffering to save, to teach, to heal
~Watching my children laugh and play together
~ My husband at any random moment tenderly placing his hands on me
~ A story shared from the heart between anyone
~ Knowing you are where you are meant to be
~Connecting with a stranger, if only through an understanding glance
~ Listening to music that moves you to tears and hearing the words for the very first time
~ Having the energy to invest in what matters and the courage to rid yourself of what doesn't
~ Being able to let go of what little understanding I thought I had about life in order to embrace truth and not just ideas passed down from one generation to the next
~ The fact that each person is an individual with specific gifts and their own unique laugh

The Glorious Fall

2008-11-06T11:28:00.000-05:00

How are you voting?

2008-10-29T13:35:00.000-04:00

Article from World magazine I was reading last night...

In praise of single-issue voting
Perhaps less compromise on my part will yield more commitment on theirs Tony Woodlief

I have become something I once reviled: a single-issue voter. I used to think that a wise voter tries to discern each candidate's intentions on major issues, and then casts his vote based on an assessment of who will do the greatest overall good—or the least evil. I thought those voters who support a candidate based on a single issue—whether he will increase school funding, say, or lower taxes—were shirking their duty to consider the full ramifications of putting someone in office. What good is electing someone who is "right" on one thing, I thought, if he gets everything else disastrously wrong? This was the reasoning I used as I congratulated myself for wisely apportioning my votes based on utilitarian calculations.
Now I suspect this sort of calculation misses something. I've become convinced that a nation which sanctions the extinguishing of unborn children, and further, the outright execution of near-term infants, doesn't deserve admiration even if it gets every other policy right.

I used to include abortion as part of my voting calculus, mind you, but only a part. What if a candidate is pro-life, for example, but favors disastrous tax and trade policies that would consign people to lower living standards? Or what if he wants to use our military in pursuit of ill-defined foreign policy goals? Shouldn't these things factor into my equation?

Those other issues certainly affect a country's safety, prosperity, and greatness. But I've come to believe that a nation that tolerates destruction of innocents deserves neither safety nor prosperity nor greatness. We've descended into barbarism, and it poisons how we treat the elderly, the incapacitated, even ourselves. We shouldn't be surprised, having made life a utilitarian calculation, that more and more humans become inconvenient.

It's certainly true that there are other issues that ought to concern Christians, like the sanctity of marriage, and how we treat the mentally ill, the elderly, and children who have been born. But abortion is, in my view, the touchstone. Get this one wrong and your moral compass can guide you in nothing else.

There are complications. Does it really matter, for example, if a county supervisor is pro-life? Maybe so. Years ago the late-term abortionist George Tiller expanded his murderous facility in Wichita, Kan., with little trouble, even as local authorities harassed pro-life groups. The battle over abortion is being waged locally, and it makes all the difference in the world whether officials welcome abortionists with open arms, gutlessly tolerate them for fear of legal trouble, or actually get down to the business of scrutinizing their activities with a fine-toothed comb.

Even worse in the Wichita case, the city's mayor during this period advertised himself as pro-life. Hence an additional problem for the single-minded voter: Many candidates claim this label, yet they have no intention of taking action. The ones who will act, meanwhile, may be far less electable. Voters who don't care about abortion can tolerate a candidate who pays lip-service to the Bible-thumpers. But there's a danger they'll write him off as a nut if he devotes significant energy to the cause once in office.

There's also the challenge that a genuine and committed opponent of abortion may win office, work to end this abomination, and simultaneously arm regimes that slaughter innocents in other countries. If we oppose the murder of unborn infants not because they are cute, but because the execution of innocents is evil, then we have to apply this standard throughout our politics. I always thought the single-issue voter didn't have to think, but maybe that's not the case. There are indeed complications.

Yet there is also painful clarity that comes with single-mindedness. Jobs, highways, schools, economic growth—none of these matter if we're willing to sanction murder to get them. Perhaps my mentality is a recipe for political isolation for Christians, for the losing of elections, and maybe even a loss of national greatness. I worry that the alternative, however, is to lose something far greater, which is our ability to discern good from evil, and to act accordingly.

Pray

2008-10-29T13:28:00.000-04:00

Friends

2008-10-28T16:35:00.001-04:00

There are only a few in a lifetime (if you are lucky) with whom you laugh until you cry, you toot in front of, and no secrets are allowed because with these women you are vulnerable, hiding nothing, trusting them to handle with care who you really are ... knowing that they have journeyed with you for over twenty years and in a variety of ways have played a significant role in the story.

Who knows the name of your second grade teacher?

or that dork of a boy that always had his pants unzipped in the sixth grade?

or the fact that your parents drove a car that looked like a spaceship?

Who used to help you chase boys and hold them down on the playground then take turns kissing their cheeks?

Who knows who your first kiss was and even had the same one!!??

Who was at your wedding and has held your children????

Only a few, if you're lucky.

The Fam

2008-10-23T22:12:00.001-04:00

My brothers give a girl something to be proud of for sure... you guys were born wearing white coats!!

Beautiful lookout where you can see three states at once (Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee). How great Thou Art!!!

The kids had a blast running around and playing at Uncle Justin's house...gave him a good appreciation for the quiet that typically resides there.

Prisoners

2008-10-14T12:41:00.000-04:00

Somewhere between the cotton fields and acres of barbed wire
exists a strip mine of human dignity
A hamster wheel
A treadmill
A path to nowhere
Many different extremes of heart pliability under the same oppressive roof
Though all were created in the image of the One who is true and pure
Who chooses to be cast into a world where your mother cares more about her crack fix than you and you've never looked into your father's eyes?
Sure, at some point everyone must take responsibility
A lifetime of bad decisions can't be blamed on circumstances alone
Yet, aren't those words coming from a mouth whose feet have never walked down anything but a privileged path?
The answer escapes me but the words that keep resounding in my head are ones like
MERCY
and
REDEMPTION
I hear things like justice and consequences too, but they are more of a whisper now
As obligation the gesture is diminished in value, but as an act coming directly from the heart,
Not based on worthiness,
Love becomes a soothing balm
An adhesive that mends all the little pieces of broken hearts
A reminder that you are not this number stamped on all of your clothes,
that has replaced your name
but You are someone worthy
because Love has made it so.

Boston and Vermont

2008-10-08T13:51:00.000-04:00

Ths most unusal thing about this post will be that there aren't any pictures of children. Damien and I had the most amazing blessing of being able to leave our little darlings for a week and enjoy each other without any distractions... though we missed them terribly, it was mostly blissful.

This is Boston's Public Library, the first in America, and it is AMAZING. I don't think I would actually read anything in there because I wouldn't be able to stop looking around.

My dearest friend and most incredible hostess at one of her favorite spots in the park.
A haunting and deeply moving memorial for the Holocaust victims.

Damien and his "you get what you pay for" lobster haha.

One of the most photographed streets in Boston.

Vermont... yes, there's plenty of cheese and syrup but oh this state and its beauty sang some of my favorite songs.

Some precious sisters from Brooklyn we met at the monastary we visited... where the peace was palpable.

Here we are with our ultimate tour guides at the incredible public gardens.
How cool is this...perfect little postcards that I saw with my own eyes.

Two of my favorite things

2008-09-24T17:40:00.000-04:00

Julian came running inside the other day shouting rainbow mama look!! When I saw this outside of course I took a picture but then we just sat there a looked at it for a while...thanking God for keeping His promises and for reminding us of who He is.

Friends are certainly the flowers that grow in the garden of life.

Toddlers rock

2008-09-24T17:31:00.000-04:00

Gooz always climbs in with Coop to take a nap...he can be so sweet.
It got really quite the other day which led me to begin searching and this is what I found... atleast they were both in there together.

Favorite horse hands down.

2008-09-21T21:28:00.000-04:00

A little song for you
Jess K

2008-09-20T19:19:00.000-04:00

Jess K

2008-09-20T19:17:00.000-04:00

Jumpy things at church!
Jess K

Touch a Truck

2008-09-15T15:44:00.000-04:00

I had a feeling the boys would like this free event in Chattanooga where you go and get in a bunch of trucks but I had really never thought of how many different types of trucks there are... Fed Ex, UPS, Mail, Dairy, Ambulance, Fire trucks, Rescue, moving, street sweepers, transfer, ice cream, haulers, etc just to name a few. It was really funny to watch Julian looking around like he thought he was in heaven... he just stood there for a minute trying to decide which one he wanted to drive... then getting in them all like he owned them!

Taste Testers

2008-09-15T15:35:00.000-04:00

You know the boys never really know what they are going to get and since I am low on art projects right now I have been trying out some creativity in the kitchen... the latest being broiled figs with goat cheese which I think I enjoyed a little more than they did.

funny

2008-09-11T01:11:00.000-04:00

I can't help but post this from a fellow blogger because she totally relates to food the way I do at times and she is just funny!
Has anyone ever been to a Red Robin?
Yesterday was my first time and let me just say... I think I'm in love.
First of all... they had televisions everywhere playing football. Heaven.
Secondly... the burgers are the size of Rhode Island (I mean, it was as if I was holding Rhode Island with all of it's Rhode Islanders in my hands preparing to eat them all). People have told me in the past that I have a big mouth, but I think I may have sprained my jaw opening my mouth so big to eat the darn thing. I didn't even have one of the specialty burgers-like the one with the kitchen sink on top. I am a center line type of eater... I don't stray to far away from normal. Cheeseburger-yes, Cheeseburger with goat cheese, onion rings, confetti and frog legs-no.
Lastly... their fries come in a "bottomless basket." When the waiter told me that, I could have swore I heard my hips get wider and my butt add a few cellulite dents to it. These aren't your regular skinny, greasy fries either... these are steak fries, with a really yummy seasoning salt on top that cries out for you to throw your manners aside and suck on every last one of your fingers after each bite just to get every bit of salt that you can. Who cares about water gain... these are BOTTOMLESS FRIES!
After leaving I told the kids how much I loved of this place. I praised it as if Jesus himself were our waiter... and they give you a balloon when you leave!
Then I told them that we are NEVER coming back!
How Red Robin expects me to stay my normal 10lbs overweight is beyond me. If I made Red Robin a regular in our eating circle, I would be 50lbs. overweight by Christmas. The bottomless fries alone would cause me to have to ride around in a motorized cart at Target.

Words of Wisdom

2008-09-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

There is a great difference between successfulness and fruitfulness. Success comes from strength, control, and respectability. A successful person has the energy to create something, to keep control over its development, and to make it available in large quantities. Success brings many rewards and often fame. Fruits, however, come from weakness and vulnerability. And fruits are unique. A child is the fruit conceived in vulnerability, community is the fruit born through shared brokenness, and intimacy is the fruit that grows through touching one another's wounds. Let's remind one another that what brings us true joy is not successfulness but fruitfulness. ~Henri Nouwen

Homeless

2008-09-05T17:41:00.001-04:00

I just finished reading the amazing true story titled "Same Kind of Different as Me." I feel humbled and responsible in a way that I haven't before. I have had to repent of judging others, thinking they should just get a job and wondering why they just couldn't get it together instead of wanting to know their story and their heart and realizing it is only by the grace of God that I wasn't born into a family riddled with tragedy, placing me in the same exact position as them. A couple of the gems from this book:

"You never know whose eyes God is watching you through"

"The truth is, whether we are rich or poor or something in between, this earth ain't no final restin place. So, in a way, we is all homeless-just workin our way toward home."

You have been told what is good and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do what is right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.- Micah 6:8

Thank God for Brothers

2008-09-02T16:57:00.000-04:00

A sweet smooch
Never lacking expression

My sweet baby... how I am loving getting to know you as you grow and change.

ART

2008-09-02T16:39:00.000-04:00

This is for my cousin Cam who asked me quite sometime ago to post my recent projects. The first is a table I amde the week I turned 30 to represent the past three decades... the first is a little girl swinging pictured here.

This is the first mosaic I made with a beach theme using some of the shells Damien and I collected on our honeymoon.

And this is my first attempt at decoupage over a mirror I painted.

Doctor Justin

2008-09-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

Julian now knows what he wants to be when he grows up... a doctor like Uncle Josh and Uncle Justin. After his first few weeks in med school JD came home and tried out all that he has learned so far on everyone in the family and apparently we all passed so I am grateful for that. Thanks for inspiring the little ones baby bro.

Playing hard

2008-09-02T16:24:00.000-04:00

Once you slide down a skate board ramp the normal slide kind of looses its appeal.

Future Olympians

2008-09-02T16:20:00.000-04:00

These guys were so into it... They would pretend that they were divers only their boards were the couch and their pool a pile of pillows on the floor but hey you gotta start somewhere!

Visit with Aunt Court and Big Chris

2008-09-02T16:04:00.001-04:00

What a thrill to know that these guys are going to have a little buddy to play with the next time they see Aunt Court and Big Chris. There are people in the world you see who you just pray will be fruitful and multiple and we can't say that about everyone let's be honest... without any hesitation I tell you the world is a better place because this woman and her husband are in it... so congrats... can't wait to meet Baby Nichols!

Variety

2008-08-18T16:49:00.000-04:00

How could I not post this picture of Traci's son Eli swimming at my house. He is the one of the most adorable butter balls I have ever seen.

This is Cooper AKA "Powder Man" according to Julian who says his brother made this mess all by himself. This is the day that I decided how truly underpaid I really am.

Here are the little cousins on Taylor's second birthday... so typical that the girl is the only one paying attention!!

Real Love

2008-08-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

"Jesus defined real love for us when he died for us and we are to do the same for our brothers. For most of us it will not be one grand act rather, it will consist of a thousand small turnings of our will from its natural self-absorption to the self-giving ways of God. Without a vital living relationship to Jesus, none of us can sustain a life of artful caring for long. The human heart is riddled with selfishness. As the Holy Spirit brings us to new depths of wanting to give ourselves away for Jesus' sake, the battle of our sin nature rages inside us telling us to hold back, stay safe, and keep a tight grip of self-interests. We repeatedly come face to face with our utter dependence on God to transform us. We are drawn again to abide in Jesus, to learn from him, and to ask for creativity and strength to lay down our life for others, one person at at time."
-Andi Ashworth

Glorious books

2008-08-05T21:58:00.000-04:00

I have completely turned into a book worm as of late. I have always loved reading but since Julian and Cooper have entered the picture I find that I read the same paragraph about twenty times and because I am so distracted I just give up... but now for some reason I am willing to go the extra mile... I stay up with my darling book light until 2 am and relish every second. I have read books about an old woman that owns a beach house and has to rent out rooms to make ends meet, one about a mute boy who uses signs and raises and trains dogs, one about a family with a magical apple tree in their backyard and a lady who feels moved to constantly give people stuff that they will need in the near future though she has no idea at the time what it's for... I swear it's like these people are my friends. There is a great blog that I discovered about a very talented lady who has written her story called "Black heels to tractor wheels" it's great! So, if you have some time check it out at thepioneerwoman.com and let me know what you think and if you have read any good books that I can get my hands on.