Thinking about Jesus...

Today is one of those days that made me pause and think.  This season can be one that causes us to run like crazy.  I had to take a break today because Brynne has one of those bugs floating around.  I caught myself feeling pretty frustrated this morning as I cancelled my plans for the day and started wiping a runny nose, making tea, and spooning out medicine.  I deserve better than this, right?  I should not have to work around my daughter's needs, right?

Thankfully, we are also reminded often at this time of year that Jesus humbled himself to become man.  He left the glories of heaven to walk with us.  He truly did deserve better.  Instead, he did not grasp at His reputation.  He laid aside His glory, and took a human form.  He submitted to death on a cross.  He did it for us.

The brokenness of our bodies, from runny noses to cancer, is a reminder that this life isn't "it".  Thank God!  Sometimes I feel like I cannot handle hearing about one more person who is suffering.  Yet this reminds us that Jesus' death and resurrection brings life.  This life is true life.  One day He will bring us to Himself, and the brokenness will be done.

Thank you for these reminders to my heart today, Jesus.

Ps.  Just in case you have not seen these girlies lately, they are pretty cute (and crazy).

My Little Princess and Sweet Number One

Well, it has happened.  Is it inevitable with little girls?  Brynne is fully obsessed with princess everything.  She wants to look like a princess, watch movies about princesses, hear stories about princesses...you name it.  I am working hard to help her know that she is our sweet girl, no matter what she wears.      

Little Miss Brooke is officially one.  She is a sweetie and has hit a very busy stage.  She has almost mastered walking and is everywhere.  She has also hit a "I really want mommy's attention all the time" stage.  I keep trying to remember how short this time is with her and not become frustrated about the "needyness".  I love seeing her big blue eyes taking in the world.  Everything is an adventure.

I love these girlies and thank God for them all the time.

Painting...an old favorite

I have had a few projects on my list since we moved in.  Our "new to us" table and chairs need some work.  We were so excited to find a large table with a leaf in it on the side of the road...for free!  Now I am hitting up pinterest for fun ideas.  

I need to work on something fun for my Brynne-sized table and chairs as well.  I love the idea of chalkboard paint for that one, but we will see.  

My first completed project is my jewelry case.  This one is special to me because it was a present from my dad when I graduated from high school.  I have always been a jewelry junkie, and I loved that he thought of this idea.  It was oak, and I really wanted to make it match our bedroom a little better.  I just love the end product!

Camping Adventures

We have thoroughly enjoyed our first two camping trips here in Colorado.  Our first was with a few families from our church.  Our second we were able to meet up with Rob's brother and his family.  Besides one rainy night and one windy night, things went quite smoothly.

Get Organized

My mom is an organizing genius.  She arrived at my house when I felt like I could not unpack one more box.  Her energy helped me get going again.  We took many trips to Ikea (one of my favorite things about living here...only 15 minutes away!).  And I listened to lots of advice.

 One of her great ideas for the girl's room was to put the books on shelves in the corner.  We were able to save so much space that way!

She turned my linen closet into the most amazing storage area.  Each tub is labeled and easy to find.  You can see the bottom shelf is bowed a little (one of the fun things about living in a rental!).  

I have never had a very good system for bills, receipts, coupons, and other excess junk that tends to gather as you enter the door.  I love my new filing system that she suggested.  It is easy to toss in and easy to find when needed.

I wish this picture were a little better - but one of that greatest areas she created was a pantry for me.  This is a small coat closet right next to the kitchen.  She stacked cubes to the left and made a ton of space for pantry foods.  She put hooks off to the right for purses, bags, and the broom.  And above, there is more storage.  My little galley kitchen seemed much more doable!

I cannot thank God for a great mom and a well organized house.  Let's try to keep it that way!

First Experiences

It has been almost two months since we arrived in Colorado.  The summer is flying, and we are settling in.  We have had some lovely first days here.  Not the least of which was celebrating my sweet baby's third birthday.  We enjoyed a strawberry shortcake party at a nearby park.  I love that girlie.  She has gone through this transition like a champ, which I see as God's grace to me.

Shortly after we moved into our new apartment, my mom arrived.  She was amazing at getting us settled in.  I will soon post a few pictures of her "organizational magic".  As always, she loved on my sweet girls, and that made me very happy.

It did not take long to discover local events.  We stopped in at the Colorado Irish Festival, and it was a blast.  There is nothing like some great Irish music as you enjoy God's beautiful creation.

 Yesterday we checked out Golden, CO.  It is about a 20 minute drive.  They have such a quaint little town nestled in the mountains.




They also have the most amazing farmers market.

Rob and Brynne enjoyed this stream nearby on a very hot day.

I also loved this sweet house and all their flowers.

Hopefully we will enjoy many more views like this one.

Moving is very hard.  I will not lie.  But I see God's direction, goodness, and grace every day.  We are glad to be here, and are settling in to this adventure.

Brooke at 9

Here is our sweetie # 2.  Little Miss Brooke is growing up.  Today she is officially nine months old.  She is a very busy young lady these days.  Brooke is definitely much more motivated to be up and about than Brynne was at this age.  However, she is much worse at sleeping!  I guess I have to give her a little break on that score since she has lived in four different houses since she was born.  We love her big blue eyes and happy little smile.  She adores her big sister, and I think I am seeing the beginning of the girls playing together.  We love this little bundle and thank God for her.

Too Much Celebration

Today was a lovely day.  We enjoyed celebrating number 30 for me and Father's Day for Rob.  We had a little gift exchange this morning, worshiped with Sola, ate an amazing steak dinner, and finished off the day with cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory.  Red Velvet.  That's all I have to say.  

Poor little Brooke was plumb tuckered out!

I am so thankful for God's goodness to me every day.

Celebrating Seven

We began discovering Old Town Littleton on Friday night.  Our dinner at JaJa Bistro was awesome!  Many thanks to Chad and Melody who have not only let us invade their house, but also watched our girls so we could have a belated anniversary celebration.  These last seven years together have been amazing.  We both thank God for His goodness to us as a couple and look forward to many more adventures together.

Virginia Favorites

Our first seven years as a couple have come and gone.  I can hardly believe it.  Here are a few memories from our "seven" in Virginia.

Outer Banks with our buds

Fixing up our first home

Lots of great races

Great times with my family being close by

Many glorious trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Get-aways to DC

Fun times with the Colonial youth group

Welcoming Brynne to our family

Getting to see my nephews and nieces born

New York (and many pj visits) with Steve and Sarah

Graduation from Seminary

Being so close to Rob's family

Olde Towne Portsmouth

Growing up with the cousins

My brother's wedding

Little sis arriving

Being a part of seeing the Body of Christ grow

Living life with our best friends

And a million wonderful finds at the flea market

I am so thankful for the joys of the last years and look forward to our new adventure in Colorado.