Emerging

I realized recently that I have been waiting to write a new post. Waiting for some profound essay of wisdom to spring up from within me, complete with main points and some awe-inspiring conclusion. But I realize that by simply journaling, I am opening myself up for the Lord's use, both in me and through me, whether or not profound wisdom comes from it or not. Furthermore, I just NEED to write! It is part of my fabric, it helps me process my own thoughts. Writing is capturing the story of my life and my heart, even in its simplicity. So here's me saying I'm going to try to write more on this blog. No commitments about how often or profound my writing posts will be, in the spirit of blogging without obligation, but I will be brave and come out of hiding.
Recently, I've been experiencing a sense of restlessness. And no, it's not literal rest-less-ness, although I could stand to be getting more sleep, as any mother of an infant will say. But the restlessness I'm experiencing is more of an itch for something new, be it a new place or some new growth, perhaps both. I'm hoping it's not a nasty case of discontentment, but it could very well be. I know where to go for answers, I long for Him right now! And yet my legs feel too heavy to walk to His thrown. So I sit, in my heaviness, and cry out for Him to come find me. Lift my arms to reach for your Word, move my fingers across the pages. Open my eyes and my heart to see the truth, flood me with your promises and your presence, penetrate my soul and make me light again!
Amen.

Smiles and Rolling Over!

For the first time last night, Sawyer rolled over from back to front! Way to go little man!
Ah... These smiles make any day a good day!

Nothing like chin kisses from his sister to get the giggles going!

Who's that handsome man in the mirror? Whoever he is, he sure makes me smile every time he moves! I hope you all are doing well. I check in with each of your blogs whenever I can, even though I don't always have time to comment.

Some New Year's Inspiration!

Because my deep thoughts are in short supply lately, call it mommy brain, call it the weariness of mothering three little ones, call it a season of simplicity, I am going to send you over to my dear friend Beka's blog for some new years inspiration. She is a queen of words and wisdom and if you are like me, you will be blessed by her.

Click here

Four Months Old

Our little Sawyer "Monk" is four months old! It really seems like he's always been with us, and at the same time like it's been no time at all, is that possible?Our dashing little man has a personality all his own. He's more discerning than his sisters were about who he'll smile at and when, but when he decides to grace you, watch out, you will be his! And the giggles, oh my goodness the giggles! He finds it extremely funny when we pull on his little sleeves to take his shirts off and is very ticklish on his tummy and chest, especially when Daddy's whiskers are involved!

Mommy's little man weighs in at 16 pounds, 2 ounces, which puts him in the 75th percentile for weight. He's in the 80th for height, which is no surprise, and the 55th for head circumference. "Growing beautifully" as the doctor put it. No rolling over yet, but he's sure doing a lot of rocking. He likes to rock from side to side to reach for toys when he's on his back and is working away on those mini push-ups when he's on his tummy. His favorite position is sitting up. Heaven forbid we put him in a reclined position in a baby seat, the crunches begin immediately!

Chillin with daddy is one of Sawyer's favorite things to do. There is something special between this father and his son. He's been sleeping really well, at least 7-8 hours at a stretch during the night and better naps during the day. We're now working on getting him to bed earlier, he's a bit of a night owl like his daddy. I've said it already, but I'll say it again, I really want this first year of his to slow down!

The Poll Results

You've all voted on whether or not you let your kids believe in Santa and the results are in.

The majority of you, 67%, let your kids believe in Santa, but try to keep Jesus as the focus at Christmas. Coming in next, 17% of you feel very strongly that letting your children believe is flat out lying to them. Next in the line up, 9% of you can't imagine someone NOT letting their kids believe. And lastly, 6% of you feel that letting your kids believe in Santa takes away from the real meaning of Christmas. And just when you thought I was going to reveal how I voted...sorry, no such luck. Why? Because I posed this question only out of curiousity and to get us all thinking about why we do what we do, not to create legalistic division. I hope you all had a very merry Christmas! Here's to a bright new year!

Laugh Til You Cry!

Be sure to pause the music above first
Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Winter Merriment!

This one's especially for my friend Carla in Hawaii! Just close your eyes and pretend you're right in between the girls swimming in the fluffy white stuff!

Yes, we made sure bladders were empty before the bundling process!

Emma did such a good job making this gingerbread house at our lifegroup gathering.

A door adorned with all your beautiful Christmas cards and pictures. Don't tell anyone, but I can be seen frolicking to the mailbox each day in December, anxious to open new Christmas card treasures!

One of my favorite little spots in the house right now. My nursing recliner is just over the ledge with a great view of the Christmas tree.

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...Well okay, it's not a real fireplace, just my faux mantel, but it sure makes a picture perfect Christmas! Notice a fifth stocking has joined the line up. Daddy is the snowman, Emma the angel, Chloe the star, Sawyer the baby Jesus and I'm the Christmas tree. My plan is to have the names stitched on before next Christmas.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...

The girls had so much fun hanging ornamets this year. And like a good mommy (and with my hands hand-cuffed behind my back) I did not rehang a single ornament!

Little Roo did surprisingly well hanging ornaments, although it's all she can do now to keep her hands off the sparkly balls.
All the presents are bought and have been wraped. The only item on the agenda for this week is some cookie baking as time allows. Ahh... I'm just loving this time of year! We've got snow on the ground, freezing temps, it's just great! I probably won't post again til after Christmas, so have yourselves a merry little Christmas!
"For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord!" Luke 2:11