{ Blog Guilt + Giddiness + Birthday Girls }

I get into this silly little cycle of guilt when I haven't blogged for a while. I feel bad about all the things that I have not recorded...and in the back of my mind there is this little tug, over all the sweet times my kids won't be able to read back on, because I did not write them down. And I always plan + hope to "catch up " on them eventually while the weeks fly by and in the meantime I've failed to jot down today's joys, because I still haven't " made up " for two weeks ago. Like I said, so silly. Great if ( and highly unlikely ) I ever get back to filling in the blanks of the last month, but for now I am going to pick up where I left of and even skip over some unwritten posts in my head and start fresh list of joys for today:

I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying and inspired by these two amazing friends who are blogging daily in the month of November. It's called 30 days of Gratefulness. Or how excited I am to tell you about another beautiful friend of mine...meet Nikki ( who rather prefers being called Mrs. Mike ) one of my dearest, since we were little girls with long braids and dramatic pen names, our heads in the clouds and the like friends. She's started a lovely little blog. Pop in and tell her hello. . you'll come away with your heart warmed, I promise. That and a good giggle.

Jack's had is half birthday Nov. 1st. And Annabelle and I celebrated by making a big batch of cinnamon rolls ( most of which David took to work to share with the guys on his crew, as a final, farewell from us treat ) complete with cream cheese frosting which we let Jack have generous licks of. Me oh my, do we ever adore the boy. He really has the best grin. We gush over it. And these stout legs, complete with chunky thighs. Which we tickle. And the kissiest cheeks. Which we squish up and smooch away on, all day long. And his funny baby antics ( growls, squawks, chuckles, chortles and coos ) are hilarious . I can already tell he loves making people laugh. Just last night he had me cracking up so hard. He would start laughing when I would stop, just get me going again. We are all also a little in awe of him...He's weighs, and I am not kidding...18 1/2 lbs...and I have to squeeze him into size 12 mo clothes. Just ask his Dad, and he'll tell you, " the kid already eats like a horse." And to think that Annabelle only weighed 18 lbs when she turned one. He's crawling all over the place and is making many attempts to pull him self up on things. Oh and he snuggles right into you, when you hold him. That melts me. Annabelle was never like that. She has always been too on the go, for that sort of thing.

The back and forth of giggles coming from the couch tonight where Daddy + daughter are cuddled up watching old cartoons together.

Reading out loud + loving all of E.B White's books. First Charlotte's Web, then Stuart Little, and now we are half way through Trumpet of the Swan. And I am reading + loving A Tree Grows in Brooklyn , for the very first time.

Playing together outside. And Annabelle's pleading, " oh Mommy, can we go outside and throw leaves at each other, again...please? "

All of the things we are doing for the last time this week. After which, I may or may not sit in the car and cry a little. As Granniebelle told me last night..."honey, moving is a very emotional experience. "

Saturday we move. In just two days. And I am giddy. It feels so surreal. As we take off on what is certain to be a grand adventure, I anticipate and welcome all that the future holds for us, especially knowing Who holds both it + us, in His perfect love. Excited to enter this new season, as I pray it's one that brings great growth to my life and soul and a deeper knowing of Love. One that will make my heart more like His. So I can love better as a wife, mommy, sister, daughter, neighbor + friend.

Celebrating this dear friend ( and wishing so badly it could have been in-person ) today as she joins ranks with the rest of us who as David so bluntly put it on my birthday, are only two years shy of no longer being in our twenties. Many, many good things could be said about this birthday girl, for she is truly + in every way amazing. She is a giver not a taker. She is as strong ( or what you'll hear her refer to as feisty )as she is sweet. And she is sunshine for every square inch. She is a lovely, lovely, wife + mama + friend + example. Leslie, I want to be just like you when I grow up. Oh wait, I am older than you. Darn.

Wishing that your birthday + the year to follow, will be your best yet. Or in the words of C.S. Lewis:

" There are better things ahead, than any we leave behind."

{ a pocketful of grace }

My first-day-of-October collection of thankfuls.


My $ 2.00 bargain bouquet of the most gorgeous dahlias from a nearby roadside stand.

Morning and evening's necessity to " run and put on a sweater."

Annabelle's delight in learning. You should have seen her excitement over learning the the word polliwog today. We are reading Charlotte's Web out loud. A real chapter book. She sits perfectly still and stares at my face, spellbound. But then she also argues with me like a practiced 15 year old. Right now she's equal parts heart-melting + hard.

Dreaming of baking up something spicy and comforting. And then sharing with loved ones and neighbors, over a big steamy mugs of good earth tea. Now if I only I could decide either apple or pumpkin?

Giddy, so giddy at the thought of moving at the end of the month...knowing that friends are waiting with open arms, ready to love us. Also giddy for our friends who have over the summer become man and wife or welcomed sweet new babies, for friends who are moving + settling into their new homes. As the answered prayers unfold around us and your heart aches with gratitude. Still we continue to pray and pray for friends that are still waiting for it to be their turn.

Annabelle rosy-cheeked and twirling as flame-tipped leaves swirl around the yard in the wind.

Our little evening visit with Granny Annie. And how wonderful it is to really truly see her back to herself again.

Snacks of perfectly crisp apple slices + juice-down-your-chin pears.

Recent cravings for the company of a good book. And have been staying up into the wee hours of the morning curled up on the couch reading to the the soft beat + rhythm of the rain against the window as background music.

Stretching out the early morning under the cover giggles, cozy + snuggled up together...

Loving the schemes and plans and brainstorming sessions with David, over ideas for the house. And our future.

Jack's delicious roly-poly-ness. His unbelievable squishy kissy cuddle-bug cuteness. Oh and did I mention, he's sporting not just one but two (hard earned) wee pearly whites. That and he's had his first taste of real food? Pumpkin pie. Straight off Daddy's fork. First he loved it...and then he puckered up and made terrible faces and we laughed so hard, and then after he got used to the texture, he loved it again and clamored for more. He is dying to crawl and gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth. Once he figures out how to move his arms he will be everywhere.

Longing to grow. Keenly aware of my insecurities, of how ugly the selfishness in me is.

" Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. " Rom. 5: 20

The fear is like a blister. Doubts tug at me.

Until I remember Jesus. Then I am overwhelmed by His goodness. Overtaken by love.

Perfect Love.

" For perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4: 18

And then my smile returns. And it is huge.

boy oh ( sweet ) boy

Do you even know the sunshine you have brought into our

lives since you came to us, only four short months ago?

With your highly contagious grins.

{ Jack in his most darling wee sweater, knit by this sweet friend }

And that look you have the one that says, “Mommy, I am in love with you.”

And the tender way you peer in to my eyes, that makes my heart melt into a syrupy little puddle. Every single time.

And your pout Jack-Jack, you have the best pouty lip. Your bottom lip turns under in slow motion and starts to quiver when something upsets you . It is hilarious + adorable.

I am crazy about the dimples in your elbows. Crazy I tell you.
And the way you curl your toes.

Jack you are a fusser. Auntie Deb, who you adore, dubbed you " Jack-the-finicky" but she says you make up for it by being so cute. And I concur. Some days are just sad and Mommy has to hold you nonstop and jolly you along. You popped your first tooth a couple of days ago. Teething has been miserable for you. And we all feel so bad for you as you drool like a leaky faucet and try so hard all day long to get both your hands in your mouth so you can chomp down. Mommy’s even started to call you chomper. That and, chubby-wubby-fuzzy-wicks. Because of all the little fuzz that has suddenly sprouted on top of your head.

My wiggle/giggle bit of boy you are such a love. Your laughter comes quick and easily. And you have the most remarkably sweet grin. And you are so quick to smile, even at strangers. I love how your face lights up in response to others. You are in awe of your big sister and think her very funny. And she loves that. And is she ever, ever in love with you. You two started playing your first game in the last couple weeks and it is the sweetest thing in the world to hear your babies giggling together. I am going to post a video of it soon.

Daddy is very proud of how strong and big you are. You can get up on all fours and hold your head way, way up. And you love to stand with help. And always try to pull yourself up. And you are long enough to fill out the striped size 9 months jammies you are wearing today. Daddy also takes great delight in how much you love being outside. You are content for hours to stare wide-eyed from your pouch as the the world goes by. Like this:

{ walking on the beach }

{ Book List }

We have been reading up a storm around here. Toting home stacks of of books at a time. One of the highlights of the summer in particular for Annabelle was getting to go to Pajama Story-time and also participating in the summer reading program, which we completed last week and turned in our reading list and returned home grinning, with her prize of a 68 piece art set, in hand and the promise of a free pretzels and pizza. And I am happily making plans to start home school pre-school after Labor Day Weekend. I will be (loosely) using this curriculum. I am going to put very little pressure/expectations on either Annabelle or myself. We are just going to have fun and learn together, as we have only now with a tad bit more intentionality. And I think she could use the added activities in her day and I am going to appreciate a little more structured schedule. Really more than anything in the coming school year my heart and focus for Annabelle is to keep praying for her that Jesus will make her heart tender towards Himself and others and to continue telling her about Him and how amazing His love is, and most of all to better visibly model that love day to day, as her Mommy.

{ picture source }

So I thought I'd share with you our list of favorite books from the summer.

They are the following:

-The Jesus Storybook Bible

A definite family favorite around here. Our bedtime routine includes reading out of the The Jesus Storybook Bible. We are on our second time through with Annabelle and plan to continue rereading it to her and Jack for years to come. I love the wording and way in which Sally Lloyd Jones portrays the Bible, as the greatest Love story of all time. As the title states, " Every story whispers his name." Breathtaking in it's beauty and simplicity. Here's an excerpt from the introduction:

The Story and the Song

Introduction from Psalm 19 and Hebrews 1

The Heavens are singing

about how great God is;

and the skies are shouting it out,

" See what God has made!"

Day after day...night after night...

They are speaking to us.

Psalm 19:1-2 ( paraphrase )

God wrote, " I love you " - he wrote it in the sky and on the earth, and under the sea. He wrote his message everywhere! Because God created everything in his world to reflect Him like a mirror - to show us what he is like, to help us know him, to make our hearts sing.

The way a kitten chases her tail. The way red poppies grow wild. The way dolphins swim. And God put it into words, too, and wrote it in a book called " the Bible."

I have been on the look-out for the perfect age appropriate Bible for Annabelle. My search has ended here. Could not recommend this more highly and might also add that I love reading it for myself.

- Our Nest

- The Apple Pie that Papa Baked

- The Gardener ( As Annabelle would tell you, " my Mommy loves this book ")

- Tweedle Dee Dee

- Whopper Cake (our favorite part about this silly book is the dedication. Karma Wilson, the truly wonderful author is also friends with David's family. " To Hildi ( who is the precious mother of my husband and beloved Mor Mor to Annabelle and Jack ), who has been known to deviate from a recipe or two, but always cooks with love"

- Mortimer's First Garden, ( whis is lovingly dedicated to David's Dad who was, an amazing gardener )

- Mr. Murry and Thumbkin

- Tumble Me Tumbily

- All In a Day

- Hello Twins

-Once Upon a Time, the End...Asleep in 60 seconds

( David's most favorite children's book. He laughed so hard the first time he read it I thought he might fall off the couch. It's hysterical. He was still reading it to Annabelle and chuckling over it two, three, four weeks later.)

- On Our Way Home

- The Little Green Island

Now we are so curious to know what you are reading?

{ For Nana Especially }

We.

Miss.

You.

Too.

By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea...

Off we go, for our annual much anticipated weekend away with our family on the coast. To this lovely little spot.

As Anniebelle Lucy would say: " Yip-pee Skip-pee ! "

And there is sunshine in the forecast.

Double yip-ee skip-ee!

Ready or not, sand and surf, ruby-golden sunsets, pitter-patter of bare feet, kite tales in the sky,long walks on the beach, heart to heart + hand in hand talks,as we remember, cuddles galore, and bike rides, sticky marshmallow fingers, stories told, peels of laughter...

Here. We. Come.

Oh and smooching...lots and lots of smooching...

{ the bouquet }

How did he know, it was just the cheering up I needed, after a long fussy/grumpy little day. The kind that leaves the edges of your soul feeling more than a little unraveled, as he me at the door after, his long hard day at work, with a smile and a kiss as he produced with a flourish, from behind his back these glowing roses...

How kind it is that the God of the whole universe, is concerned and about me and how my day plays out and the condition of my heart enough to send along a little pick me up?

And how blessed am I to have a husband who is in tune to the voice of God, down to the smallest details of life. For I am just sure it was God Himself who whispered that taking home roses might be a good idea, in his ear. After all, He is the source of all good things, great or small. And He is the only One who really knew how worn down and discouraged I was feeling at the end of that particular day.

And I wonder, how many times a day do I let His quiet, tender gestures of love slip by unnoticed? Oh Lord forgive me for all the times I have missed the joy you've set before me. And give me eyes that see things through Your heart, so I can thank you for each of these minute to minute, day to day, life-graces you so kindly gift to me.

I have been deeply moved by the writings of this woman, found via this truly beautiful woman...that have fueled my desire to " Take Joy" as I Count Up Blessings. ( from a few years back, where I first blogged.)

Ready to continue and expand the list.

Anyone care to join me?

“ Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God’s version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion.”

— taken from the book ‘Captivating’ by John & Stasi Eldredge

{ housey house, house }

I wanted to post a little update on the status of our big beautiful work in progress, 100 year old house. We will continue living here in the little summer cottage until October and then into another rental house, preferably within walking distance of our home. The hope + goal is to be able to move in by March.

David, bless his heart has been making the five hour drive on any and all open weekends. I tell him all the time, " it's a good thing your shoulders are nice and big " because he is carrying around quite the work load this summer. Working really long days. So far this week he has averaged 13 hour days. I am blown away by the sacrifices he makes to take such wonderful care of us. Of course he doesn't see it as a sacrifice, it's nothing more than a means by which to love. But this summer especially, in my book, this man is more super hero than he is human.

Anyway he, with the help and expertise of his best friend, who interestingly enough, possesses some super hero powers of his own, have done wonders in saving our garage, which the neighbors told David they were sure was going to collapse during the propping up process. But they did it, don't ask me how but the two of them salvaged the garage and pulled it back into plum and from all reports, the transformation is magical. I wish I had a picture to post, to show before and the afters. Next time I am there, I will try and remember to get pictures so I can see for your self all the progress that is being made.

Meanwhile I am at home, taking care of littles, missing my man and daydreaming about what color this or that room is going to be painted, while making up pictures of future kitchens in my head. Which leads me to this: You see, I have a serious crush on this dress. And as ridiculous as this may sound I want my kitchen to look like this Dress. I think this dress would look amazing as a kitchen. And I love the bright/bold/happy/cheerful accents of color, on pure white. And while we are at it, can I just say that I love this one and this and this. And don't you think this skirt would be oh so cute on her? Or this one on her. And this one on her. And wouldn't this look so very lovely, on her?
Okay, so I got a little sidetracked and now you know what I would do with the money, were I ever to win the lottery. Unfortunately my odds are rather slim, considering that I do not buy lottery tickets.


But I cannot wait to get my hands (scrub + paint brush) on you, great big old neglected house of mine. Superman and I have big plans for you. We are going to make you shine.