Just had one of those milestone kind of birthdays.  My mom, grandma, aunt, sister, and cousins and I all went out for lunch to celebrate.  I felt very loved!  I took pictures of my food because Cory wasn't there to tell me not to :-)

"God came to us because he wanted to join us on the road, to listen to our story, and to help us realize that we are not walking in circles but moving toward the house of peace and joy.  This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on this journey.  The God of love who gave us life sent us His only Son to be with us at all times and in all places, so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but can trust that He walks with us...

I have been feeling the pressure from my faithful blog readers to get something new posted here!  I do have some good excuses for my lack of posts, such as my broken camera.  Actually, I had a broken foot on my flash.  I learned the new lingo from the camera repair shop.  Also, I am finding that I am lugging my big camera to special events with every intention of taking pictures and posting them, but the evening goes by and I'm so busy chasing Caleb that I never even get the camera out of the bag!  I know... wah, wah.   Here's a picture of my new favorite hobby... hiking! After living in Arizona for 29+ years, I have finally learned to appreciate the "unique" beauty of the desert. I even asked for hiking boots for Christmas. We are planning a trip to Yosemite this summer. Can you say Half Dome?I told Noah I needed a picture of him for the blog and he wanted me to take a picture of his new Ford Thunderbird. And Caleb wants to tell you all that he really likes pizza!In addition to the beautiful chaos that surrounds this season, my heart has been longing to make preparations for the true reason we celebrate. My mom gave us this book at the beginning of advent, and I have found that God has faithfully provided small quiet moments in my day to sit, read, and contemplate. I pray the same is true for you!

Noah is becoming one of those little boys who doesn't really feel sleepy in the afternoon, but if he misses a nap, he is a wreck by dinnertime. So when I  put him down for his nap, he usually tells me he is just not sleepy! Wouldn't it be great if I could say, "Oh okay Noah, how about you stay awake and clean up the house, and I'll take a nap!" Then we'd both be happy.

Just reflecting on the things in my life that I am loving right now, for example...

This morning Noah and I were eating strawberries for breakfast, and one of his strawberries slipped off his fork and (splat) hit the ground.  He looked down and muttered, "oh gosh".  Not the worst thing he could say, but it sounded so bratty 13 year old, and not so innocent little 3 year old cutie pie.  Obviously, he's going to repeat whatever he hears us say.  So what do I say?  You have to say something when those sudden moments of unexpected frustration drop in your lap, right?  Oh jeepers.  Good gravy.  Oh my stars.  Good gracious.  Tarter sauce.  Oh dear.  

Today I am thankful for the following:

Hope you all had a good Mother's Day. I love being a mom. I love that I get to be a mom to two sweet boys. Even though I think I could make a pretty darn cute hair bow, I think God really gave me a special gift when he gave me my boys. (((Sigh contentedly)))   

Just the stuff I want to remember about Noah at 2 years 10 months...

As I reflect on the state of our economy, I can't help but feel convicted in the way I use the provisions God has given us.  Seems like everyday we hear about another big company closing down, or laying workers off to make budget cuts.  So while I have no way of knowing what the future holds for this country as a whole or for my own family personally, I can either choose to worry about it (trusting in myself) or allow God to show me His faithfulness once again (trusting in Him).  Daily I choose the latter.

Tonight I took the boys to my cousin's church in Queen Creek to hear the Watoto Children's Choir.  They are from Uganda, East Africa, and are touring all over the United States.  The kids are adorable and so talented, and they are filled to the brim with energy and joy.  Their stories speak of God's protection and love, and of hope for a nation ruined by disease, war, and corruption.  Check out their website to find out where they are singing next, and go see them if you get the chance!

Cory and I went on a much needed dinner and a movie date tonight.  As we headed out by ourselves, we realized that this was our first time alone together out of the house since Caleb was born almost four months ago!  Cory's mom watched the boys for us, and encouraged us to see the movie, Fireproof.  Even though we were the youngest couple in the theater (by far), we were really glad we chose this movie.  If you can get past a few really cheesy parts and amateur acting, it's actually a worthwhile flick...  You might even find it strikes up a healthy discussion with your special someone.  

When I was still pregnant with Caleb, I went to see my hair stylist/friend/therapist for that final pre-baby cut and color.  She asked me if I was ready for what was to come, and I expressed the typical concern of finding the time to meet the needs of an additional little life.  She encouraged me that I would be just fine, but that I might not find I have the same amount of time to "just stare at the baby" like I did with Noah.  Oh boy, was she right!  But every now and then, I like to force myself to let the little chores wait, and take the time to just stare at my sweet baby's face.  I'm loving the way his eyelashes rest so finely on his soft cheeks.  These moments are little gifts from God to cherish, even in the midst of all the busyness of motherhood.  Thank you Lord!