Shrieking Astonishment

My sweet T. His zest for life is inspiring, I wish I could say contagious. If only I could look at a bird, or a truck, or a kid on a bike and shriek in pure astonishment every single time. Life would be so fresh, so unwritten, so exciting.

Unfortunately, I live my life feeling somewhat complacent, almost bored because I know what comes next. Or do I? It feels like I do because our days involve so much routine. But, what if I didn't expect the same thing out of each day of routine? What if I obeyed God and risked a conversation with a stranger at the zoo, or helped an older woman at the weekly grocery trip.

Maybe God would be delighted in my efforts to find joy in the routine, excitement in the same-old-same-old. Maybe I would bring Him glory, and that, would bring me zest for life, contagious joy! Lord, help me to see each day as a gift from an awesome Creator who loves the life He breathed into me. Teach me to serve without restraint, to love without boundary and to forgive without thought. Amen.

Battle Wounds

T took a somersalt tumble head-first onto a cement patio step. It looked frightening as he fell, and appears worse than it feels, apparently. T was back up and playing less than 10 minutes later! Tough Cookie, that's what he is!

Wordless Wednesday

10 Things Tuesday

1. My son is still sleeping at 8:23 a.m. so I can spend time blogging.

2. My "free" day to run errands, catch up on stuff like thank-yous, groceries.

3. My sister-in-law B and her friendship.

4. Seeing my family on Mother's day and the time we shared over lunch in MKE.

5. Zumba class!

6. My husband's business, and although the economy is awful, he has managed it well and hasn't had to let anyone go.

7. My In-laws: they are now home from FL and relieve some stress for my hubby.

8. My friend Jenni and our conversation last night via phone. I miss her!

9. Hot showers & strong coffee.

10. Spring! Flowers are blooming, the grass is green and sun is shining! Plus, it's still not too hot.

One Minute Writer: Belief

When I was a child, I remember believing that when I "grew up" I wanted to be a Babysitter. The were always fun to play with, and I enjoyed the youthful leadership my parents hired to watch me so they could enjoy a night out on the town.
For years in high school and college I laughed about this "dream job" of my childhood. Until now, when I realize, I actually have grown up to be a Babysitter. Granted, motherhood is much more than glorified babysitting;however, I can actually say my childhood dreams have come true!

"Not Me" Monday

Yesterday was a not an extremely busy day -- which is why I am not writing my "Not-Me" Monday entry on Tuesday. Since a friend is 31 weeks preggo, and has a little 19 month old playmate that T adores, I got to watch her all day yesterday so she could do the bed-rest thing without a toddler running around her in circles.
The two of them were so exhausted after playing outside all morning, they napped for 4 hours! I was not a little ecstatic that I had all that time to myself, and so I did not lay on the couch for half of it wishing I had access to my computer. Because T's friend was in a pack 'n' play in our computer room, I did not spend that time on the couch watching the DVD of "Scrubs" my hubby bought me for Mother's Day. Not Me!

Best wishes for a Happy Mother's Day...

Mother's Day...
I have pretty mixed emotions about this particular day of the year. My husband went shopping with T the other night, and today delivered my gift: A DVD Season 2 compliation of one of my all-time favorite sit-com/dramas, "Scrubs." It was thoughtful, because he knows how sad I am that my beloved characters are off the air as of this season, but, I felt myself longing for something a bit more...I don't know, heartfelt.

But, that's my problem with pre-scheduled, "hallmark" holidays. I have these expectations that always get in the way of really, truly appreciating the gifts from those I love and the thought they put into them. Maybe it has something to do with Love Languages (mine is NOT gifts, I'm pretty sure) or maybe the root of it is simply my own self-centerdness and my sinful desire to have everyone in my house love me as much as I do...

Really, all I want for Mother's day is some quality time with my boys, a visit to Anna's grave with them, and some heartfelt loving words and a hug from my little T & husband. I expect that hubby should know this and already have it planned, but in reality (now, sit down girls), Men actually CAN'T read our minds. I know, I know, shocker.

If you're a mom, enjoy your special day of the year when its actually scheduled on the Western calendar to honor you and thank you. If you're not, or are wishing you were (I know this day is miserable for you, especially), then give your mom what she really wants...a great big HUG and a heartfelt word of love.

Twice, half

In my life, I would like twice as many children, and half of the amount of medical problems.



If I had the latter, I would have the former. But, God has given me the grace to move forward with the circumstances that have been entrusted to me, and therefore I will seek His will in all things, hoping to glorify Him with my life.

Wordless Wednesday

Door

If the door to Heaven was opened, and God said, it is time for all my children who know me by the saving grace of Jesus to spend eternity with me, I would definitely, unhesitantly walk through.

Puzzling

The human capacity for emotion.
The ability to feel anger, hurt, empathy, love and fear all at once is puzzling to me.

One Minute Writer: Imitate

Short answer: Jesus.
But, I know that because he was sinless, and I am sinful, that will never happen. The wonderful news of the gospel is that God the Father sees me as righteous as Christ is, because I am covered by the blood Jesus shed on the Cross. Alleluia!

Not-Me Monday

I did not ignore 5 loads of laundry all weekend, and then wait until 10 minutes before bed to start folding the first finished load. I certainly did not let my handsome hubby change 99% of all LT's diapers all weekend long. And, we did not attempt to watch Becoming Jane 4 seperate occasions because the DVD from the local rental place was not scratched beyond repair. Pretty productive weekend, I guess. Yeah, right.

Pray for MckMama

Baby Stellan who was healed by God in-utero is in the hospital and very ill. Pray for God's WILL and His GLORY.