What a wonderful Thanksgiving day we've had! David, Micah and I spent the day with David's side of the family, relaxing and eating a delicious turkey dinner. Now we're home, relaxing some more. David and Micah are both taking naps while I watch The Office.
This Psalm was a favorite of mine throughout college, a psalm of thankfulness:
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Some of the things I'm thankful for:
Our wonderful baby boy
My loving and kind husband
A warm house
Snow!
A long weekend
Family
Salvation!
That Micah's taking a nap right now... my arms sure are getting strong from bouncing him when he's tired and cranky. :)
And tomorrow, a little bit of shopping and a lotta bit of Christmas decorations!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Visitors! and Micah is Three Months Old!
My sister, Stephanie, and our friend, Peter are here with us this weekend. We're not doing much, mostly just playing games and visiting, but we're having a lot of fun together. :)
And Micah turned three months old last week! He's getting so big, and he's so alert, looking at and taking in everything that is going on around him. He definitely recognizes David's voice, and mine also, and looks at us when we say his name. The last time I weighed myself with and without him to see how much he weighs, it was about 17 lbs! What a little chunk! He's smiling all the time, and laughing too, which is the cutest thing I've ever seen. This morning when Steph and I got him dressed, I picked him up and he looked at her and was laughing and laughing! We love this little guy so much, and while it's been really fun to see how he changes so quickly, I wish he'd stay this little for longer. He's just so sweet!
Also, he's wearing size 6-months now! He's growing like a little weed.
Here are some pictures from last week, and tonight!
And Micah turned three months old last week! He's getting so big, and he's so alert, looking at and taking in everything that is going on around him. He definitely recognizes David's voice, and mine also, and looks at us when we say his name. The last time I weighed myself with and without him to see how much he weighs, it was about 17 lbs! What a little chunk! He's smiling all the time, and laughing too, which is the cutest thing I've ever seen. This morning when Steph and I got him dressed, I picked him up and he looked at her and was laughing and laughing! We love this little guy so much, and while it's been really fun to see how he changes so quickly, I wish he'd stay this little for longer. He's just so sweet!
Also, he's wearing size 6-months now! He's growing like a little weed.
Here are some pictures from last week, and tonight!
This little boy is a Corban fan already!
Things, Things, Wonderful Things?
Yesterday afternoon I was able to have a nice afternoon at home with David and Micah. David was doing the dishes while I watched Oprah (and tried to calm a crying Micah, then swept and vaccuumed). All of her guests were told they were watching a show about meditation, and then were surprised to find out that this episode was actually an "Oprah's Favorite Things" episode. In case you're unfamiliar with The Oprah Show, "Favorite Things" episodes are ones where all of the audience members are given gifts that Oprah loves.
Now Oprah is known for giving back, so these weren't just ordinary people. These audience members were those who helped others: people who had moved to Africa to help locals there, who were nurses that saved babies and children on a daily basis, and others who were considered selfless.
The reaction of the guests is what you would expect: craziness! Men were jumping up and down screaming in the aisles. Women were bawling instanly. One man was kneeling down (crying and rocking back and forth) in the space in front of his seat with his hands clasped, shouting what looked like, "Thank you, Lord!"
So, she starts the giveaway. Each audience member is getting a $3000 diamond watch, a $400 cashmere sweater and blanket set, a brand new DSLR camera (which, I have to say I've been wanting lately...), a tote bag with matching shoes, kitchenware, candles, hair products. It went on and on. And I enjoyed watching it.
David came in half way through and gave me a good reminder as I sat there thinking, "I wish I had that. I wish I had tickets to the Oprah Show. I wonder if I can get tickets to Monday's show." (Yes, I know it's already taped...) And he said, "Oh boy, things."
Things. Why do I need things and want them so badly. From the reactions of those in the audience, and me as well, you would think that the gifts they were given were going to make their lives incredibly better... and maybe for a week, maybe a few months, they will. But things break. They fade. Clothes go out of style and get worn out. You go on a cruise and it's over. They're fleeting.
I thought about this as I watched the second half of the show, including a concert by the Black-Eyed Peas (more about that in a minute), and I felt sad. The Bible gives us warnings about things of this world:
The second is by King Solomon, the richest man who ever lived. (Check out 1 Kings 4.) He had everything he could ever want on the Earth, and yet he said it was all meaningless. The book of Ecclesiastes is focused on the vanity and meaninglessness of the things we find on this Earth.
So why do I (and others all around us) keep looking for these fleeting pleasures instead of seeking out Christ.
Okay, now about the Black Eyed Peas... they sang "Time of My Life," which (though I'm not really a fan of theirs) I enjoyed. Then they sang parts of "The Little Drummer Boy:"
Now Oprah is known for giving back, so these weren't just ordinary people. These audience members were those who helped others: people who had moved to Africa to help locals there, who were nurses that saved babies and children on a daily basis, and others who were considered selfless.
The reaction of the guests is what you would expect: craziness! Men were jumping up and down screaming in the aisles. Women were bawling instanly. One man was kneeling down (crying and rocking back and forth) in the space in front of his seat with his hands clasped, shouting what looked like, "Thank you, Lord!"
So, she starts the giveaway. Each audience member is getting a $3000 diamond watch, a $400 cashmere sweater and blanket set, a brand new DSLR camera (which, I have to say I've been wanting lately...), a tote bag with matching shoes, kitchenware, candles, hair products. It went on and on. And I enjoyed watching it.
David came in half way through and gave me a good reminder as I sat there thinking, "I wish I had that. I wish I had tickets to the Oprah Show. I wonder if I can get tickets to Monday's show." (Yes, I know it's already taped...) And he said, "Oh boy, things."
Things. Why do I need things and want them so badly. From the reactions of those in the audience, and me as well, you would think that the gifts they were given were going to make their lives incredibly better... and maybe for a week, maybe a few months, they will. But things break. They fade. Clothes go out of style and get worn out. You go on a cruise and it's over. They're fleeting.
I thought about this as I watched the second half of the show, including a concert by the Black-Eyed Peas (more about that in a minute), and I felt sad. The Bible gives us warnings about things of this world:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)
"The words of the Teacher,a son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.'” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 NIV)The first quote is spoken by Jesus, in the sermon on the mount. Our treasure is in Heaven, and yet we search so vigilantly here on earth for treasures to satisfy our hearts. To make us happy and to make us feel fulfilled.
The second is by King Solomon, the richest man who ever lived. (Check out 1 Kings 4.) He had everything he could ever want on the Earth, and yet he said it was all meaningless. The book of Ecclesiastes is focused on the vanity and meaninglessness of the things we find on this Earth.
So why do I (and others all around us) keep looking for these fleeting pleasures instead of seeking out Christ.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)There is so much that is better, but it's found in Christ.
Okay, now about the Black Eyed Peas... they sang "Time of My Life," which (though I'm not really a fan of theirs) I enjoyed. Then they sang parts of "The Little Drummer Boy:"
"Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum, Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum, To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come."All I want to say about this is that they sang it well, but this song is about bringing gifts to Christ! It's not about the things that we get from Oprah, or even the gifts we give to others. Christmas is about Christ!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Shutterfly!
I am a big fan of online photo processing, particularly done by Shutterfly. In the two years that David and I have been married, I've ordered Christmas cards, prints, and two photo books through this site. (One, of course, was a photo book detailing the beginning of Maverick's life in our family!)
I'm excited to order our Christmas cards from Shutterfly again this year, complete with pictures of Micah! I love how many different styles they have, and how beautiful each one is! There's a different style for every family, and we're sure to have some beautiful cards. :)
I'm having a hard time choosing just one design! There are three designs that I have in mind (they all would have Micah, David and I on them rather than their models, of course):
I'm excited to order our Christmas cards from Shutterfly again this year, complete with pictures of Micah! I love how many different styles they have, and how beautiful each one is! There's a different style for every family, and we're sure to have some beautiful cards. :)
I'm having a hard time choosing just one design! There are three designs that I have in mind (they all would have Micah, David and I on them rather than their models, of course):
The first is called Retro Kaleidoscope. I love the pretty kaleidoscope flowers!
The second is called Initially Yours, and I think it would look great with Micah's pictures in the four boxes.
Last, but not least, is called Confetti Flowers. I love the different red and green flower stars, and I think this one might just be my favorite.
Which one do you think I should use?
If you're interested in making your own Christmas photo cards, you can do so here. You simply choose your design, upload your photo, and customize with your name and greeting!
You can also make a calendar for 2011, with your photos in it. :)
Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… learn more: http://bit.ly/sfly2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
A Trip to Visit Grandma
Micah and I spent a few days away from Daddy this last week, visiting my mom who just had surgery. We were there to help her out and keep her company, but I'm not really sure how helpful we were...
We stayed from Tuesday night until Friday morning, and both of us really enjoyed the chance to spend some good time with my mom. She wasn't able to hold him, but got to play with him while he was in the bouncy chair. The drive there was alright, not including the part where Micah cried and cried while I searched for an exit to get off the freeway... it always seems that when you need to make a stop, there is nowhere to be found! The return trip was much better, with only two stops. He started crying as we were getting close to home, but thankfully we were really close!
I am loving being a mom. It's so rewarding to see him learn something new, and then build on that and learn something else. (Like how this morning Micah figured out that if he kicks his legs up in the air and then drops them both to one side he turns onto his side. Then this evening, he was doing this, and almost rolled over! Yikes!) I love when he smiles and has the CUTEST dimples in his cheeks. I love the cute soft pajamas that he wears, and how when he's in them, he's so sweet and cuddly! I just love this little guy! It's so much better to go on a trip with Micah than by myself.
The difficult part of this trip to see my family, though, was actually while we were there. Micah had a growth spurt. In Everson. Away from home. Away from familiarity. Away from his dad and his dog. He was such a grumpy little guy! All day Wednesday and Thursday, whenever I'd set him down, he'd cry. My legs and arms were aching from walking around carrying him and rocking and bouncing. He wouldn't take a nap, and was so tired! Poor little Micah, I think it was a very difficult visit for him. I hate growth spurts!
Thankfully, during our return drive and when we got home on Friday he was only a little fussy, but pretty tired from his lack of sleep the two previous days. Saturday, he was back to our happy, smiling little sweetheart! See you in a few months, growth spurt, and I hope you come when we're at home next time so our poor little boy can relax a little!
(He did have a little bit of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's, playing with Geoffrey the Giraffe, which my mom keeps at her house for him!)
We stayed from Tuesday night until Friday morning, and both of us really enjoyed the chance to spend some good time with my mom. She wasn't able to hold him, but got to play with him while he was in the bouncy chair. The drive there was alright, not including the part where Micah cried and cried while I searched for an exit to get off the freeway... it always seems that when you need to make a stop, there is nowhere to be found! The return trip was much better, with only two stops. He started crying as we were getting close to home, but thankfully we were really close!
I am loving being a mom. It's so rewarding to see him learn something new, and then build on that and learn something else. (Like how this morning Micah figured out that if he kicks his legs up in the air and then drops them both to one side he turns onto his side. Then this evening, he was doing this, and almost rolled over! Yikes!) I love when he smiles and has the CUTEST dimples in his cheeks. I love the cute soft pajamas that he wears, and how when he's in them, he's so sweet and cuddly! I just love this little guy! It's so much better to go on a trip with Micah than by myself.
The difficult part of this trip to see my family, though, was actually while we were there. Micah had a growth spurt. In Everson. Away from home. Away from familiarity. Away from his dad and his dog. He was such a grumpy little guy! All day Wednesday and Thursday, whenever I'd set him down, he'd cry. My legs and arms were aching from walking around carrying him and rocking and bouncing. He wouldn't take a nap, and was so tired! Poor little Micah, I think it was a very difficult visit for him. I hate growth spurts!
Thankfully, during our return drive and when we got home on Friday he was only a little fussy, but pretty tired from his lack of sleep the two previous days. Saturday, he was back to our happy, smiling little sweetheart! See you in a few months, growth spurt, and I hope you come when we're at home next time so our poor little boy can relax a little!
(He did have a little bit of fun at Grandma and Grandpa's, playing with Geoffrey the Giraffe, which my mom keeps at her house for him!)
This is what he looked like whenever I put him down... I thought this would be cute to remember how he could sit up when he was propped with pillows, but apparently he didn't agree...
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Countdown Begins!
It's coming, and I'm starting to count down to it right now... Only 1 month, 19 days left until Christmas!
When I was younger, say, high school aged, I didn't care too much about Christmas. I enjoyed the holiday season, loved celebrating Jesus' birthday, decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, and giving them away, but I wouldn't have said it was my favorite holiday. (It was probably the 4th of July, got to love the fireworks!) I'm not sure what has changed, but it's most definitely changed!
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I can't wait to go buy a tree and set it up in the house. I know we'll get it too early and forget to water it, so it's dried out already a week before Christmas, just like we always do... I love putting the lights on the tree, getting out my two tubs of decorations and filling our house with the holiday spirit. I just can't wait!
So here are some Christmas pictures to get you all in the same festive mood I'm in!
And along with Christmas, I'm looking forward to some snow!
When I was younger, say, high school aged, I didn't care too much about Christmas. I enjoyed the holiday season, loved celebrating Jesus' birthday, decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, and giving them away, but I wouldn't have said it was my favorite holiday. (It was probably the 4th of July, got to love the fireworks!) I'm not sure what has changed, but it's most definitely changed!
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I can't wait to go buy a tree and set it up in the house. I know we'll get it too early and forget to water it, so it's dried out already a week before Christmas, just like we always do... I love putting the lights on the tree, getting out my two tubs of decorations and filling our house with the holiday spirit. I just can't wait!
So here are some Christmas pictures to get you all in the same festive mood I'm in!
HGTV
(Also, I love that this picture has the silhouettes of three children and the dog! This will be David and I after two more kids... we love our Maverick! Poor poor Taryn is always forgotten though...)
(Also, I love that this picture has the silhouettes of three children and the dog! This will be David and I after two more kids... we love our Maverick! Poor poor Taryn is always forgotten though...)
HGTV
And along with Christmas, I'm looking forward to some snow!
HGTV
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Beautiful Day in November
Yesterday was a very beautiful fall day! It was warm enough to take Micah on a walk in the stroller, and I could wear short sleeves and capris! We took a nice long walk, and enjoyed the sun. Here are some pictures from our yard of the beautiful weather.
Yesterday Micah got to 11 weeks old! Time is going by so quickly, I can't believe that it's been 2.5 months since we were sitting in the hospital, and really nervous. We're getting into a routine with school and being home for the afternoons. Now, if only I could get him to drink out of a bottle....
Here are some videos of Micah. The first is from this afternoon. I was clicking my tongue at him, which always makes him smile, and look at his response:
This video is from last week, when we got his swing out from the shed. He loves his swing!
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