Brin Girl

Evan’s been doing very well eating his veggies lately.  Of course, they are mostly covered in ranch dressing but, hey, I’m not complaining.  However they have to go down is fine with me.  Tonight he was eating his steamed broccoli and he was so proud of himself for eating it all…as were mommy and daddy.  Later in the car Evan was talking about his broccoli and said, “Oh, mommy!  I forgot to tell Jesus about my broccoli.”  I said, “Go ahead and tell Jesus then.”  Evan, “Jesus, I ate ALL of my broccoli!”  I have a feeling Jesus was smiling after that one.  :)

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the writer talks about the futility of chasing after even the good things in this life including wisdom, work, pleasure and wealth.  Such things may be satisfying for a time but death is certain to end this satisfaction.  All is vanity.  What does a man gain by all the toil?  The sun rises, the wind blows, the streams run to the sea.  The eye is not satisfied, the ear is not filled with hearing.  What has been will be.  There is nothing new under the sun.  It has been already in the ages before us.  All is vanity and a striving after wind.

Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them (power to enjoy them!  Even that comes from Him), and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil-this is the gift of God.  For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

The Word is such a delicious feast!  I want more.

The air is cold, senses dulled.  Eyes glazed and wishing for sunshine.  Barren tree pleading for new life, waiting for the freeze to pass.  Storm clouds looming slowly releasing their soggy mixture.  Trying to find shelter but never feeling satisfied.  Yearning for brighter days where the warmth seeps into the skin and makes things feel good again.  Will it ever happen?

Then slowly, steadily it happens.  The clouds part, the rays sweetly break through.  Promised newness has sprang from it’s dark and hazy sleepiness.  Sipping from the eternal fountain as the water cascades to every part of that barren land.  The air becomes warmer, more inviting, easier to breathe in.  The sweetness is even sweeter than before.  A renewed sense of self is manifested in the reflection.  The secret place of holy communion is dusted off and living, speaking, dwelling.  Purpose has gripped the heart as my eyes turn upward remembering the storm, the blessed storm.

Four years ago.  Huge tummy…lots of kicks.  April 25, 2005.  6:34 p.m.  Baby on board.  Holding, burping, rocking, smiling.   Those first few years flew by.  Learning something new, making a new face, saying a new word, laughing.  Army crawl, walking, running.  First ice cream cone.  Hugs, kisses, “bites.”  Taking mental snapshots while you play or help daddy work around the house in your bike helmet.  You say you have strong muscles.  You do.  You really can fly around the house in your lighting bolt cape.  You always come home with a car full of the groceries you just bought off of your “list.”  The “tippy toe” dance one more time.  Sing that…again.  Making a cake in the bathtub is a snap.  Black rimmed glasses as you work.  Your attention to detail is stunning.  The thought process, the correlations.  I’m speechless and amazed.  Guitar playing with daddy.  A quiet peek before bed.  Blonde haired boy in the dim glow of the nightlight.  I remember…my treasure.  I kiss your warm forehead giving thanks to God for such an unbelievable gift.  Creativity and unquestionable gifts and talents. Blue eyes filled to the brim with innocence.  Quiet moments…talking…reading.  You “reading” to me.  I swallow hard to soften the lump in my throat.  “Mommy, I love you.”  Small arms, long legs wrapped around me in a bear hug.  Huge smiles watching you climb that tree for the first time and hearing you shout, “Mom!  Look at me!”

Four years have gone by since I saw your little face for the very first time.  I’ve watched that precious face mature and change.  But your eyes…your smile…those haven’t changed.  Your eyes smile.  Right cheeked dimple makes an appearance.  A loving big brother.  An entertainer.  A helper.  Full of life.  I’m honored.  Thankful.  Blessed.

I love you more than these words I’m typing could ever convey.  You are my beloved treasure…forever.

Happy 4th Birthday, Evan.  May all your dreams come true!

This weekend I went to a ladies tea and we were asked what our tea cup meant to us…

As I sit and look at the physical tea cup I drink my favorite loose leaf black tea from, I am reflecting on my own heart.  It’s had a few chips and scratches and even some of the gold etching worn off over time.  And what I’m realizing is that a lot of times those “used” treasure pieces are the ones that are the most beautiful.  They’ve lived.  They have stories to tell.  The aging process makes the treasure all that more valuable.

I’m okay with my fine china pieces receiving their fair share of wear and tear.  Yet, I am careful whose hands I put that priceless tea cup into.  I hope that as I reflect on my own “tea cup” as the years pass, I see that the chips and scrapes that have come from this life are ones mostly made from the wear and tear of loving, soft hands.  Hands that have delicately surrounded it with a caring caress.  And I hope that I may leave gentle fingerprints on those “tea cups” around me that will only make their treasure more beautiful.

Another blog I read (www.whitakerwoman.com) had this link posted on her site.  I had a few minutes so I checked it out.  It was fun to see what style of home I was drawn to.  And I have to say, it’s very accurate!  I’m 75% Mountain Lodge Style and 25% Nantucket.  I like warm colors and also fresh colors at the same time.  My living room is warm tones yet I have two bathrooms that are white, tan and light blues along with a light colored bedroom.  So thanks, Sproost.  You’re right on the button!

Try it…

A few lady friends and I started a quilting circle.  Our teacher, a good friend, has years of quilting experience and she’s been kind enough to share her skills.  (Thanks, Sis!)  We looked at graphs, how to plan out our own quilt patterns on paper, talked about how to measure correctly and putting the correct color hues together and then began to sew.  There is something very rewarding about putting something like quilt pieces together, sewing them, and then seeing the result…and we’ve just begun.  Picking out various fabrics is so fun and interesting.  Being your own “artist” and creating your own quilt comes with a lot of freedom to express yourself in the quilts you create.

We learned how to make a nine patch sampler.  Here’s mine.  I also learned how to create triangles to add a different flare to the quilt squares.  Quilting is not for the faint of heart I can tell you that.  It takes a lot of time and a lot of patience.  But when you’ve got girlfriends like I’ve got and all of us quilting together, it’s a wonderful-good time.  My first quilt “creation” is underway!

I discovered the cutest winter treat.  Snowman…on a (kabob) stick.  You make this with bananas, mini chocolate chips, a sliver of carrot, an apple slice and a grape to top it off.  As you can see, Evan loved his!  He had his gone in minutes…and asked for another.  Give them a try with your kids.  They are healthy and sure to be a tasty hit!

Being a mom of a 3 1/2 year old and a 6 1/2 month old is without a doubt the best thing I’ve ever done.  As challenging as it can be, these days with my two children are simply…the best days of my life.  Evan and Tanner bring me such joy and happiness.  I have the privledge of being called “mommy” by them.

Time is like a vapor the Bible says.  I know these “golden years” with my boys will fly by and one day I’ll be looking back at our memories only in a photo album.  I’m treasuring each and every day I’ve been given with them.  Their bright eyes and warm smiles are things I will treasure and forever etch into my mind.

Every “I love you, mommy” and heartfelt hug, every stinky diaper changed whilst I’m looking at my boy’s gummy smile, seeing them both learn something new for the first time, the gurgling sound as he tries to “talk,” that feeling over and over again that my heart just might burst with love over the two priceless gifts I’ve been given.

I don’t strive to climb a corporate ladder, wear the highest fashions, make the most money or even be what everyone else thinks I should be.  I’m me, forever striving to be a Christian mom to my children in every sense of the word.

These days, the days raising my children, I am sure are the absolute best days of my life.

I was reading a bit this morning on the Charlotte Method of home schooling.  I came across a quote that sums up this method beautifully.  Here it is…

Charlotte Mason Method-

A method of education in which children are taught as whole persons through a wide range of interesting living books, firsthand experiences, and good habits.