You gotta choose: spontaneity or busyness?

Sometimes I'm full of brilliant things to say and I'm amazed at how wise I sound (note the sarcasm here) but sometimes I eat those very words.

Back in the spring I had a conversation with some college gals about spontaneity. I encouraged them to look for opportunities to get away from their schedules and simply participate in something that brings them joy. They all laughed at me and said "Ok let me just pull out my planner and schedule a time for that." To be honest I put the thought aside since summer was coming and the pace of life slows down significantly for campus ministry. But now that we're back to the busy season I'm wondering what I did with my own advice?

I hate saying I'm too busy because the truth is, life is always busy and everyone is busy. I think, let me restate that, I know, that I use that excuse way too often. Sometimes I think I even pride myself on the fact that I'm busy. It's like there's some kind of unspoken social hierarchy based on how busy you are. If you're not doing anything, something has to be wrong with you, at least that's how I treat it.

But when we're so busy scheduling life we don't have time to simply enjoy it. Before long we're worn down, overwhelmed, and fed up with it all (aka how I'm starting to feel). Don't get me wrong I know life requires a schedule, nothing would ever get done if we did whatever we wanted all day long but I'm also realizing that there may be some things I just have to let go. If the laundry sits in the washing machine for a few days it's ok, it's nothing that another little spin around the washer won't take care of. Instead of fretting about "what I should be doing" or "need to do" I'm going to try and find some time to enjoy life, whether it's 5 minutes or 5 hours. If it's blogging, sitting outside with a cup of coffee, going for a run, or zumba-ing, I've got to do something. After all my sanity and the sanity of those around me depends on it. What do you do to find joy in the middle of this busy life?

Happy Eight Months!

Dear Sadie,

Today you are eight months old! Dad keeps reminding me that's two thirds of a year - man where does the time go? People keep saying you look older now too, more like a toddler than a baby, but to me you're still a sweet little baby!

You've learned how to do so much this month. It's like everyday you learn a new skill. I think we're ready to say you are officially crawling. The "official" came when we realized how much baby proofing we have to do around this place. You are so aware of everything these days. There's no such thing as sneaking away anymore, if mom & dad come in a room it's guaranteed you'll see them & you expect to be acknowledged by them too.

You babble all the time now too. Sometimes I think the only time you're quiet is when you eat and sleep. You're certainly learning the consonant sounds and we *think* you might be starting to say "mama." You're very social and like to smile at most people, although you have been known to give a few mean stares occasionally :). Lately you've been pretty attached to your baby doll. This is the only toy I've seen you cry over if it's within sight but out of your reach.

You still haven't tried any meats yet. Mom & Dad can't bring themselves to open the can or simply blend up some chicken. There's just something about the idea of pureed meats, ick, it just seems wrong, oh well that'll come one day I suppose. You added another tooth to your collection this month too, one on top, which brings the total up to three.

We love you lots little girl!

A little love to spread around

It's been a busy few weeks around these parts. Unfortunately it's not been the best of days for all of us. This little beauty got fleas.


Despite a monthly application of Frontline, the little blood suckers (gross I know) somehow made their way onto poor Mabel. According to our vet, "There have been some reported cases of fleas in the area that are resistant to Frontline." Luckily it's not a terrible outbreak. We've given her a couple of flea baths and vacuumed our house more in the past couple of weeks than we have all year (ok maybe I exaggerate a little bit, but not much). I couldn't help but feel a little guilty when we found out though. I told Mabel I hoped she didn't feel like the only way to get our attention these days is to have a parasite. Poor pup!

In other totally unrelated news we got a letter from our Compassion child last week and it brought tears to my eyes. This has got to be one of the sweetest things ever. Gersam wrote (from the translator's perspective), "He is so thankful for your letter. He doesn't have any sisters or brothers but your daughter (Sadie) is his sister. He is happy to learn that you have a daughter. Congratulations!!" Is that not the most precious thing ever? I'm always amazed at how God reveals himself to me in the most unexpected ways!

Happy Seven Months!

Dear Sweet Sadie-

Another month has come and gone. You're closer now to being a one year old than you are a little bitty baby and sometimes that makes me sad! You are at such a fun age right now that I sometimes wish I could freeze time. As you can tell from your picture your hair is laying totally flat these days (bye bye mohawk) and if you don't have a bow in your hair (which is rare) it looks like you need a haircut. Your bald spot is finally starting to grow back in because....

You are rarely laying on your back these days. You're sitting up on your own, rolling all over the place, and even starting to scoot around. You are so close to being able to crawl, especially if Mabel is around! When we put you down on the floor to go get something, we return only to find you in the exact opposite corner we left you. You got your two bottom teeth this month (they're still coming in) basically at the same time. Other than a pretty rough morning at church one week (shout out to all those patient & loving childcare workers) you've tolerated it pretty well. Just a few doses of Tylenol every now and then.

I'm hoping you turn out to be a great musician like your dad because lately you've taken a serious interest in all things musical. Whenever your dad pulls out the guitar you stare in amazement and like to play a few chords (rather pull on the strings till they're out of tune). You're enamored by the music at church every week too. We've been taking you to a Water Babies class this month and you have loved it! Lately you are squealing with delight by the end of the class. You've even been under water a few times. You especially enjoy watching all the other kids in you class.

We're looking forward to many more adventures with you this month. The next one, meat! Until next time- we love you lots!

A Guest Post & some randomness

Last week I blogged over at [nlcf] downtown women (in case you find yourself with a little bit of free time on your hands). The battle with insecurity by all means isn't over but I'm chugging along.

And now for the randomness:

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1) I got so excited at Kroger today when I saw the expiration date on my gallon of milk was August 1. Hooooray!! August will be here oh so soon and that means students come back! Oh how I miss me some students. I worked the VTIC (VT Interfaith Council) booth at orientation this morning and marveled at how young all the freshmen look and how old that makes me feel.

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2) I also found Phineas & Ferb fruit snacks at Kroger today (notice a theme in my life) and almost bought them except for the fact that they were $3.50 for a pack of 10(let me emphasize that again, THREE FIFTY!!!). I admit it, I may have a new found love for this cartoon. I will also admit that at times when I need to get something done I put my baby in front of the TV and go about my business, don't judge me. However when your baby goes down for a nap and you find yourself still watching Phineas & Ferb two hours later you may have a problem.

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3) Speaking of insecurity, I picked up Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity from my bookshelf and decided to finish it this time. It is rocking my world in good but tough ways. I highly recommend it to any woman of any age.

First World Problems

Last night I said something really dumb. I knew it was dumb the moment it left my lips but I said it anyway. We were driving to small group, with my water bottle in hand, and I looked at Nic and said "I hate the taste of water. If it only tasted better, then I'd drink more of it." Now before you start calling me overly dramatic and move on to the next blog, watch the video below.



When I came across this the other night I laughed hysterically, showed it to Nic, and laughed some more. It's ok to laugh at it, it's meant to be funny, but I think there's a whole lot of truth to what this kid is saying too. And that brings us back to the water conversation.

I've been trying to drink more water lately. Well, I've been trying to drink more water most of my life. I'd much rather have lemonade, Diet Pepsi, sweet tea, coffee, Diet Dr. Pepper, or really anything OTHER than water. And last night is not the first time I've complained about it either but as soon as I said it this time I thought about this video.

I thought about how I take for granted that my water is safe to drink with no threat of bacteria, disease, or even death because of it. I thought about how I can walk to the faucet as many times a day as I'd like and get as much water as I'd like to without ever walking multiple miles out of my way to get enough clean water for my family's daily needs. And then it happened I realized just how insignificant my complaint was in the grand scheme of things. I realized how I should be praising God for this bottle in front of me instead of grumbling about it's contents. To "be joyful always" applies to every aspect of my life even drinking water.

So pass the next glass of water my way and if you hear me start to complain feel free to give me a swift kick in the pants. Cheers!

Happy Six Months!

Dear Sadie Elizabeth,

I'm a little late on this one. We were on vacation last week & though we did find time to take your picture on a beach towel in honor of it all I didn't find time to write. Your dad & I were looking at a bunch of old pictures of you the other day and man have you changed. You're quite the little person now too :).

You continue to be right at average for your weight on the growth charts and you top them off in height. The doctor said it seems like you're going to be tall and skinny. You've gotten the whole eating solid foods down pretty well now. You seem to be a fan of most vegetables and fruits, although if you had it your way we'd get rid of green peas altogether.

You went to two weddings this month and looked super cute in your little dresses while you were at it. I must say you behaved pretty well at both too, especially considering it was way out of your routine. You continue to be a really good natured baby and seem to adapt to new situations fairly well. You love to smile at people and observe everything around you. Your favorite "being" to watch is Mabel. I don't think anyone can captivate your attention quite as well as her.

You've started sitting up without assistance, although we like to keep the pillows around just in case. You babble all the time now too. The name of your pink giraffe has become quite the debate between your dad and me lately, he votes "Bubba", I say "Jo." I think you ended the debate today though when you started to make noises like "buuuubbbaaa." Way to be a daddy's girl :).

Like I mentioned earlier, you went to the beach for the first time this month. You were pretty apprehensive of the ocean at first but by the end of the week you were squealing in delight as the waves crashed around you. You loved having the attention of all your grandparents too. You're quite the little ham and enjoy a good round of applause in your honor!

Even with your diva-like traits your mom & dad love you very very much. It's hard to believe you've been around a half a year but some times I can't remember what life was like before you. We can't wait to see what the next half of the year holds!