Ripples

Sometimes I don't have a lot to say. Sometimes I have a lot to say and am not sure how to put it into words. Sometimes it's all swirling and rippling around in my head waiting to be sorted out. This is one of those days where I really don't have much coherent thought. I'm blaming it on the fact that my children refuse to sleep while away from home.

We'll be heading back home at some point tomorrow. Back home where I hear it's a bit chilly. Not looking forward to that, I've really enjoyed the 80 degree weather. But I am looking forward to getting some sleep again.

Getting our Vitamin D

This week we had the opportunity to head out of the little cold snap happening back home, and traveled down to Florida. It's actually not a "fun" trip for my husband, who is working this week (which is the reason we are here). But I figured he really needed me and the kids to tag along and keep him company.

While he's been working, me and the kids (pictured above with one of their aunties) have also been working hard hunting lizards and perfecting our swimming techniques. (Ya know, the doggie-paddle, and the "help mom, I'm swallowing water".) While it all sounds like fun and games, I can assure you, the pool with two small children is not exactly relaxing, and lizards are really fast and chasing them is quite a work out.

We are enjoying ourselves, though. Just seeing palm trees, and temperatures over 80 degrees, makes me smile. The kids don't really care about those things, but every morning they wake up and check to make sure our pool is still there. I can't really imagine someone would steal an in-ground pool, but I guess you can't ever be too sure.

P.S. To answer a popular question: No cameras or small children were drowned in the taking of these shots. It might not have been the most brilliant idea I've ever had, but ya know I can't resist a good angle on a shot.

Check out more shots at Perceptive Perspectives, Sweet Shot, and You Capture

{The last shot is my pick for this week}

Honored

I've only ever witnessed two births, and those were my kids. I am not a squeamish person, I just never thought I'd feel comfortable in the delivery room with someone else. I didn't even let me own mother in the delivery room with me because I'm such a private person. (She brings that up constantly too...never going to let me forget it)

I'd seen and admired several great birth photography sessions, and loved the life that just pours out of a session like that. Capturing the first moments of a baby's life, the looks on the parents' faces...wow. Makes me all teary even if I don't know them from a hole in the ground. So I asked (pretty much begged) my life-long best pal Jen to let me photograph the birth of her second son. She very graciously agreed to let me do it.

It was an honor to be there with her family as she stayed strong, pushing her sweet son into the world. I'm so proud of her. And so excited to see this baby grow up.

Bearing Gifts

My kiddos may be wild, they may be loud, they may be dare-devils, but they are also very sweet. We spent a lot of time outside this past week, enjoying the flowers, sunshine, and gravel?

My kids always bring my presents while we sit outside. I love this about them. I usually smile and say thanks, and pitch the piece of mulch/gravel/ant/booger over my shoulder when they aren't looking. They don't notice, and are only leaving to go get me another "gift" anyway.

Sometimes they bring me skinned knees or dirty hands to brush off, too. Both of them always need their "boo-boo's" kissed. I love this too. I'm going to cry my eyes out, and need a kiss myself, the day they stop these little habits.

I may have a few rocks, sticks, and scrapes that I didn't necessarily need, but I'd rather have those than diamonds...most days. Kidding. Diamonds are just rocks you can see through, anyway.

Check out more shots at The Paper Mama
(The last shot is my pick for this week)

Subtle

I've spent so much time waiting for Spring to get here. I think I had it in my head that I was going to have to wait a little longer.

But it came before I was expecting it, which was a nice surprise. We may still have cold snaps, but the flowers are all blooming, the trees are getting leaves, and the kids are able to go outside almost every day because the temperatures are so much warmer.

Just like back in the fall, I can't stop taking pictures of the subtle daily changes as Spring takes over. It happened slowly, but at the same time it seemed like it happened over night.

It reminds me of how sometimes my current situation may seem rough, and look like it stretches out in front of me for a long time. But I always have hope that things can change, that God has a plan, and that His mercies are new every morning. I may need to be content a bit longer, but sometimes those subtle changes I'm longing for can happen while I'm busy enjoying where I am.

My Job

For the record, I usually brush their teeth. Because I think they brushed a total of 2 teeth when I let them do it themselves. They gave it a good effort, but I think this is one job that'll stay on my to-do list until they can brush all their teeth instead of just the four in the front.

They actually  like when I brush their teeth. I think it's the toothpaste flavored like bubble gum. I'm sure it's not healthy, but I think they really just let me brush their teeth so they can eat it. I remember when I was a kid, we had the real stuff. I thought that my mouth was on fire every time I brushed my teeth. A bit dramatic maybe, but when you are a kid toothpaste is pretty potent stuff.

I also think I need to get my fill of photographing their "morning routine" as soon as possible. I don't see this going over so well when they are teenagers.

Check out more shots at Perceptive Perspectives, You Capture, and Sweet Shot
(The last shot is my pick for this week)

Folded

Before the recent disaster in Japan, I'd never heard of 1000 cranes. I'd never tried to make an origami anything, let alone a crane. And if I'm honest, I didn't even make this one. Billy made it for me so I could take this picture and add it to this group on flickr. I may be alright with a camera, but get paper involved and I'm all paper cuts.

While my little crane may not technically do anything to help the people in Japan who are suffering, I think having it sitting here, seeing them circulating around the internet, reminds me of how precious life is. Fragile, and it could be gone in a second. It reminds me to pray for Japan, and even for myself. That through the tragedy and blessings we will feel God's hand under us, and know that we were folded, given life by those hands...and that is what gives us hope.

More macro shots at Lisa's Chaos

Going Green

Over here, we don't claim to be Irish. I'm really not sure what our "heritage" is. I maybe should look into that. Or not...but it sounds like something I should know, although I've made it 28 years without knowing. Other than that little bit of Cherokee Indian from my dad's side, I'm pretty clueless.

We did recently "go green" for St. Patty's day. I am always a rebel, and subconsciously refuse to wear green. Ridiculous, I know. Because Valentines Day I actually wore socks with hearts on them. Wow. I think it's just that I'm daring someone to try and pinch me and see what happens. I think I'd be all too glad to reciprocate.

But the kiddos' daddy dressed them in the only green clothing we could find. Obviously last years warm weather wardrobe needs to be replaced. Tirzah has grown out of everything, green or not, and Merrick demolished everything he owned last Spring/Summer, or managed to cover it in grass stains. But I don't think those count for St. Patty's day attire.

We did manage to get through the day with no pinching. But there was hair pulling. Tirzah's latest hobby is grabbing two handfuls of Merrick's hair and pulling until I pry her fingers loose. He is notoriously tender-headed, and screams (which I think is what she loves...making him scream) until I get her out of his hair.

I guess I could always cut his hair, but then there would only be my hair to pull around here, and I already want to pull it out enough as it is when they have "whiny" days like they did that day. So I guess we'll just have to train Tirzah that brother's hair is off limits, St. Patrick's Day or not.

Check out more shots at The Paper Mama

(The last shot is my pick for this week)

Elephants are out of season.

I really don't think elephants have a season, but I know you've heard the term "elephant in the room". I always thought it was pretty silly until I experienced it for myself. I mean, who would have thought that something unseen could literally fill a space like that or actually cause damage?

I know that you've also heard of people being in "seasons" of their lives, too. I don't know exactly which season I might be in, but I know it's a season where I'm learning a-stinking-lot about myself and who I am, and who I can be with God's help. And also the role I play in helping the people around me.

To put those two things together, (elephants and seasons) during this season I'm learning to stand up for myself, in a good way. I'm learning to say no. I'm learning that while it's my job as a Christ Follower to love and be kind, it's not necessarily my job to like and be silent. God has given me a personality and emotions, and He's not asking that I pretend to be someone I'm not. I have the freedom to be honest.

Recently I'm learning that if I feel something is wrong I need to vocalize it, and don't need to be held hostage by people's expectations. I don't have to be sat on by the elephant in the room. Everyone has an opinion of what you should do, and I can easily find someone to tell me I'm doing it wrong. Sometimes close enough to home that it hurts and you just feel that, "really? did they just...?" moment deep down in your soul.

Life is hard, but it's good. Some things are worth sticking up for, and some things you just have to let go. Some people you just need to let go. Sounds odd, maybe, but I think I have to learn to put the brakes on toxic relationships, the ones that create a lot of these elephants, all the while loving them the best I can. By that I mean it's ok to not enable people to be ridiculous, for lack of a better word. In the long run, that's just breeding more elephants and not helping anyone. I'm over elephants, and ready for a new season.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

:: 2 Timothy 4:2 ::

Headfirst

My kids have not inherited my timid nature when it comes to activities. I love to play sports, and am willing to try a lot of new things, and consider myself a pretty tough person. I do, however, like to weigh the risks involved in what I am about to do. My children...well, don't.

I think that a lot of kids are lovers of climbing objects they shouldn't. I knew my case was a bit extreme when I found Merrick climbing out of his window last fall. Or a more recent example, Tirzah without hesitation climbing up to the top of the playground herself, and going down the slide (also by herself) headfirst. I remember being a bit afraid of the slide growing up. I mean, what if I flew off the end? Oh, the horror. Tirzah did fly off the end. But that didn't seem to bother her. She went back for several more rounds before she tried to climb the monkey bars.

I think she is just following Merrick's example. (She even seems to be less scared of things I wouldn't mind her being scared of than he is.) I just wish he and his example would be a bit more cautious.

Check out more shots at Trendy Treehouse, Sweet Shot, and You Capture
(The last shot is my pick for this week)

Bookworm

I think I've got my bookworm. I was wondering if either one of my kids would enjoy reading, since it's something I love. Merrick called "not it". Tirzah has to have a book everywhere she goes: to bed, in the car, sitting on the bed watching TV, riding in the shopping cart. There are books all over my house. And I'm not complaining.

Ok, that's a lie. I am so tired of picking up cardboard books with furry bunny ears, squeaky toys, and musical instruments attached to them. But I refuse to squelch the bookworm, or step on the bookworm, whatever. So I'll clean up the books with a smile, especially because said bookworm is pretty cute sitting under the TV reading. (Not my TV, unfortunately, it's my parents'. My TV actually does have bunny ears.) 

The Peace Sign

I'll take a moment of peace and quiet any time I can get it. This might not look like peace to you, but for some reason the trampoline is practically the peace sign while we are at my mom's house. My kids are always especially ridiculous over there, and we are over there several times a week. But put them on the trampoline and they are surprisingly maneagable.



Not sure it's just that they are scared to go near the edge, or they are just having too much fun to go there...but they even manage to stay in the middle and not break each other's limbs in the meantime. Merrick did twist an ankle recently, and had me carrying him everywhere for two days. (Still not sure I'm trusting that injury, though...because he managed to run when he wanted to. Seems fishy to me.) For once in his life I wasn't complaining that he's in the 10th percentile for his weight.

Check out more shots at The Paper Mama

(The second shot is my pick for this week)

The day we ate 200 pancakes

As I've mentioned before on my blog, my mom's family loves to get together. We celebrate every birthday, anniversary, loss of first tooth, etc.

This past Sunday was no exception. We did do something a little out of the ordinary, though, and instead of pizza, or tacos, or burgers, we had brunch. I think there were literally 200 pancakes consumed. And that was just my kids and husband.

Despite the food hangover, it was a great time together. On top of the syrup, butter and sausage, there was also plenty of dessert. This is also a family staple. There were three different kinds of dessert (we were celebrating 3 birthdays, ok?) and four different kinds of ice cream. No I did not have all seven. Ahem.

I'm always grateful that we live so near family like we do. I know plenty of people live across the country, or world, from any of their family. So we are blessed. Even if they didn't feed us so good every time we got together.

Check out more shots at YouCapture

Morning Sun

The smiles returning to the faces, It seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right 

I feel that ice is slowly melting, It seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right. It's all right.

  

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,
God's Sunrise will break in upon us.

- Luke 1:78

Check out more shots at Sweet Shot, Perceptive Perspectives, and Happiness Project

(The second shot is my pick for this week)

Obsessed

Lately I have a newfound obsession with Adele. Her voice, her lyrics, and the deep emotional-ness of her songs (which I  totally realize is not a word) just get me. I even run to Adele. And I'm pretty picky 'bout my running music.

I did an engagement session last weekend, (yes, that's my brother...he was ridiculously silly the whole time. But I'll spare you those shots, for now. ;) ) and I thought that this song by Adele fits perfectly with an engagement session. It just makes me wanna slow dance or something, but I'll spare you that, too.

You've been on my mind,

I grow fonder every day,

Lose myself in time,

Just thinking of your face,

God only knows why it's taken me so long

to let my doubts go,

You're the only one that I want. / Adele

Breaking My Own Rules

Occasionally I pretend that I don't notice that M is jumping on the bed, and postpone my obligatory "don't just on mommy's bed, please", just so I can sneak a picture of that blurry bundle of energy that is my first born. I want to remember his childhood just like this...full of energy and light and fun. Even if it does mean breaking my own rules just a bit.

Check out more shots at The Paper Mama

Lambs, Lions, and Promises

I've heard a lot of people saying recently that March "comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb". I'm honestly  not really sure what that is supposed to mean. Is the lion a good thing? Or in terms of seasons do we prefer lamb-ish? Feel free to explain this to me if you know.

Whether you're a lion or lamb type of person, I'm liking how March has started out. I'm sitting outside on the back deck writing this post right now while the kids are playing in the mud. Not really liking the mud, but we do live in the house in the swamp, so I think they are amphibians. In other news, I'm house hunting. Not really sure where I'm going, but looking makes me feel better. I decided this after I realized I can vacuum our entire house without unplugging the vacuum even once.

So back to the animals and March's personality issues. So far, so good. I realize we've had big snows in March before (please, God, don't...) but the little snatches of sunlight make the cold snaps more bearable. The little hints of color and warmth slicing through the gray remind me of how I'm always taken care of, and there are always God's promises, even through what seems like an endless winter.

Check out more shots at YouCapture

Trespassers

We have an empty house next to our place. It's been empty for the entire 1.5 years that we've lived in our house. It's really not much bigger than our house, which is shoebox-sized, but still...I hate empty houses.

This lonely house has a car sitting in it's driveway. It showed up about a month ago, and has been sitting there ever since. Not really sure what it's doing. So I know someone owns the place, but they just don't seem to want to live there. Come on, we're not that bad for neighbors. Those guys behind our house, maybe...their dog likes to bark continuously at his invisible friends, but not us.



Today was particularly warm, although very breezy. (It blew our electricity out. Yes, we live in the country. Someone sneezes and the power goes out.) So the kids decided to give some company to lonely house's abandoned swing set. This thing might fall over it it wasn't for that determined rusted out paint covering it. Oh, and the weeds are helping hold it up too, I think.

I am hoping old paint and rust aren't toxic. I didn't notice anyone eating it, so I think we're good. I did notice that Tirzah scaled the ladder on the side lighting fast. I thought Merrick was my only climber. She didn't even blink...I would like a little healthy fear of heights in at least one of my kids. Please?   

Neither one of them seem to have inherited their mother's cautious nature when it comes to doing dangerous things. My stubbornness and temper, however? Definitely. You should have seen them when I tried to pry their little fingers off the swings. They also seem to be deathly afraid of wind. Tirzah tried her best to run from it, and Merrick was yelling at it. Good thing we don't live in Chicago.

Check out more shots at Trendy Treehouse, Sweet Shot, and The Happiness Project

(The last shot is my pick for this week)