Reflections on Motherhood

A friend shared this graphic many weeks ago and it really resonated with me. So often, I feel pulled in many directions, and there is always a “to-do” list in my head that seems a mile long, which can result in feelings of being discouraged and overwhelmed if I let it. With 4 little children 4 and under, including a nursing baby, who all have MANY needs, with meals to crank out, dishes to then wash, laundry to keep on top of, spills to clean up, floors to vacuum and sweep, homeschooling lessons to teach, a toddler to keep out of mischief, a Plexus business to maintain, church ministries to prepare for, a husband to help, chickens to care for, flowers to water, and, oh yes - I must get some sleep too! ....it can be hard to take the time to SLOW down, put the tasks on hold, and just BE with my children. To simply delight in their delights. To have fun with them and not just dish out instructions, discipline, and lectures all day long. I am really trying to be intentional about savoring these little years. To let my toddler push the buttons on the washing machine and watch his little face light up with a grin. To push my oldest on the swing so his feet touch the branches of the tree and he feels exhilarated. To let my 3-year-old cook in the kitchen even when it means the job takes longer and will get messier. To slow down long enough to talk to my baby and watch him giggle. I really believe there is great truth in the words of this picture. Now, to live it out every day; that is my heart’s desire! All I can say is, praise God for His beautiful, wonderful grace, which gives strength and hope in the midst of the craziness of life!

June in Pictures

Lately, Isaac has enjoyed making elaborate “buildings" with a whole variety of toys. Here, he is proudly showing me one of his creations.

Each toy has a function as part of the building, and he loves to describe them to me!

Making letters with feathers.

Worm art.

In which we used cooked spaghetti noodles as our “worms” dipped in paint and dragged across paper for an interesting art experience.

After nearly 2 years of living in this house, we finally found artwork for our bare living room walls!  I have been waiting for the *right* pieces to come along (at the right prices, of course!), and now, thanks to the P. Graham Dunn outlet store in Amish Country, our walls are no longer empty!

Praying for this verse to be understood and applied by those living in and visiting our home!

I LOVE it!!!

Ta-Da! The finished living room! 

(At least until we get around to white-washing our fireplace...maybe.)

Summer is here!  That means lots of evenings spent in the hammock with Daddy. :)

Our dapper lil’ dude!

Cherry season has arrived!

We enjoyed picking cherries at a friend’s house and then turning them into this yummy, good-for-you cobbler!

Mmm-mmm!

At first, Isaac wasn’t too impressed with the tart-sweet flavor combo...but he soon decided he liked the cobbler and ate up every last crumb!

So this happened.  I guess when you’re about to turn 32, you decide it’s time for a drastic appearance change.  I was going for cooler, lighter, and out of baby’s reach. :)

Hey! What’s up?

Uh....I’m not in trouble, am I?

Playing doctor with his new doctor kit earned from the library reading program.  Josiah is the sick patient. Isaac even brought his pretend kitchen in so he could make Josiah food!

Look what my sweet husband gave me for my birthday (and every birthday for the next 25 years)!

After four months of no piano in the house, I am thrilled and thankful to have one once again...and this is not just any piano; it’s a 1916 Steinway and Son’s baby grand piano!!!!

Hot days call for water table fun!

Because I’m cute.

Don’t you think?

That’s all for now folks!  June has been a lot of fun!

The Month of May in Pictures

Didn’t you always want to paint a picture using feathers? :)

Little artists hard at work.

Si-Guy says “Hi!"

Well...looks like somebody got into Mommy’s makeup!

Using sunflower seeds to practice counting.

And snacking while we’re at it!

Isaac transformed himself into a marching soldier.

Helmet? Check.  Trumpet? Check.  Gun? Check.

Josiah loves his baby brother!

Sometimes a little too much! ;)

Nathan and I celebrated our 5th anniversary by spending a few relaxing days in Ohio’s Amish Country.  During that time, our children had fun with Grandma and Grandpa!

The giant swing.

Grandpa gives a push!

Swinging together.

Meanwhile, over in Amish country, we did a lot of eating.  :)

Here, Nathan is majorly enjoying a Buckeye Sundae complete with homemade custard from Walnut Creek’s main store. (I’m so glad I traveled with Plexus Block for special treats like these!)

A visit to one of the cheese factories allowed us to sample 70 kinds of cheese and about 8 or 9 kinds of fudge.  Nathan was in food heaven!

A view of Amish Country from one of the restaurant parking lots.

We also did a lot fishing at our private little cottage.

Guess who caught the biggest fish?!

The picture doesn’t do it justice, but Nathan thinks this large mouth bass was at least 19 inches long - definitely the biggest I’ve ever caught in my life!

My muscle man. It’s always so fun to go on anniversary trips with this guy!

Back at home, I was super excited to get my new workout program in the mail! (Happy early birthday to me!)  I am LOVING it!

I was also super excited to get my Plexus Action Pack complete with the NEW, enhanced formula of Plexus Slim (that now includes impressive prebiotics) and fun samples to share with others!

Silas continues to be a happy, content baby!

2 months old! He celebrated by sleeping through the night - hurray!

God’s blessings are unsurpassed!