The Princess who caused others to smile…

If you are a frequent visitor to our home (or neighborhood for that matter!) this is quite possibly the outfit of choice for our Abigail.  She has a 3-4 “favorite” dress rotation – and I don’t usually see her clothes during the day.  There are smiles.  Lots of them.

 

But, the other day as we were walking out of the store, and yet another kind and gentle hearted person had commented on how lovely they thought Abi was in her dress, I started to think.  Abi had asked me in the parking lot WHY everyone liked her dress so much.  And my explanation encouraged me to think about a deeper meaning to her little princess dress.  I told her that us ladies of the world, well we love a good princess story.  We long to be loved, to be cherished, to be considered beautiful.  I told my daughter that there is something in every woman who can identify with the ideas of a princess – and that those feelings resurface when they see Abi in a princess dress and crown.  I told her that people love to smile.  That seeing Abi being completely present in BEING a princess, well that brings a bit of joy into someone’s life!  I’m not sure she knew what to think about such things, but she knew that she had made others happy – and that seemed to work for her.  What a sweetness to spread some joy and hope through pointing to a greater love story.

Claiming Freedoms

I laughed at a quote that I read in a magazine dedicated to spring cleaning recently: The only advantage in not being too good a housekeeper is that your guests are so pleased to feel how very much better they are.”  Eleanor Roosevelt

There is certainly some truth to this statement.  But upon further consideration, my chuckle wasn’t so much out of amusement, but more of longing for something to be different.  While I want my home to be an encouragement to others, I certainly don’t want it to be so because I am encouraging confidence in anything other than Christ. 

And I don’t want to find myself constantly worrying about the state of my home.  Granted, I do find I am more at peace when my home is tidy.  I also find that Doons & I are more relaxed (which we all know leads to more enjoyable kiddos and days in general!) when our home is organized and clean.  BUT, these are not the things that matter to the heart of God.  He is not concerned with how my countertops sparkle; but is focused on the quality of the heart in the little girl I am raising.  He is not concerned with the dishes left by the side of the counter, but He is concerned with the clutter of thoughts that flood my mind when I sit with my wee one.

So, I am claiming freedoms.  Freedoms to focus on the hearts of two little beauties.  Freedoms to rest in grace.  Freedoms for the guests in my home.  Freedom from the things that so easily entangle.

Praying for Japan

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I’m always so discouraged how quickly world events vanish from my mind.  I firmly believe that we’re called to be about WORLD care and WORLD focus as believers – that because the heart of our Lord is infinitely invested throughout the world – that my heart should be invested as well.  But, in my humanity I quickly grieve for the loss of life / loss of creation / loss of needs when tragedy strikes – and as horrible as this sounds – I mentally move on.  I don’t deliberately do it – it’s my human-ness.  OH, but I want that to change.  I want to be concerned long after my news flashes have stopped.  Long after the news stops making it their top story.  Long after it’s buzz conversation.

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It at times feels like there are limited things that we can do sitting state-side.  But, I am reminded of the enormous power in our prayers.  Prayers for the lives that have been lost / the lives that have been forever changed / the lives that are in a very real pain with very real needs.  I am called and am privileged to pray for the people of Japan.

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And if you are so led – there are amazing organizations that are on the ground and working to help and love those whose lives I can not even imagine.

World Vision

Samaritans Purse

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Oh, Ireland!  You have a special place in our hearts this year!  While traveling that amazing country, we learned so much about the real St. Patrick – what he was and what he was not.  He loved that country in a way to show them Jesus – what an encouragement on a day that is known for green beer.  Oh my.

A souvenir for our baby that we bought on the trip…we didn’t know that baby boy would be 11 pounds at 2 weeks and therefore would already have outgrown it!  LOVE!

Of this I am certain…

That there is no way I could even attempt to be the momma that I would hope to be without my Doons.

He makes this life so rich and wonderful.

I am so thankful to walk through life with him.  Such love.

Reflections of the Eternal

I think about this little “series” I started doing last year quite frequently – I love it because often pictures capture what we were feeling/thinking much better than my words could!  So, as a lesson for myself – it’s making a comeback!

Cherishing the glimpses that we see of glory…

2 weeks with Nate

Yesterday marked 2 weeks.  14 not so sleep-filled nights; lots of dirty diapers; a few “rain showers”; lots of feedings (joy); much snuggling; feeling oh so loved by our dear friends and family.

Yes, they were a wonderful 2 weeks.  He already seems so much bigger to me.  I am here and now trying to remember and heed the advice from the amazing mothers in my bible study who encourage us younger mommas to cling to these times and be slow to wish small inconveniences such as a lack of sleep or answering the same question a million times over or feeling like your house is a MESS – well, not to wish them away.  They are fleeting.  Yet, they are FULL of life and joy!

Oh this boy!  We are in love!  He is a snuggler (eek, yay!) – as donald would say – a momma’s boy already.  Quite pleased with that, actually!!  He will sleep and sleep if someone is holding him!  He is a good little eater – and quick too!  Our doula, Kirsten, brought over a baby scale so we could weigh him – and this boy will down about 4-5 oz. in just 10 minutes!  Oh my!  I am thankful, as this will be much easier with our dear abi running around like a banshee!  He is strong!  I suppose we could have seen this coming with a 10’ 3 baby – but he is already getting that little head up.  Quite a curious one, we think!  Our 2 week doctor appointment is tomorrow, and I am anxious to see how our little man is doing all around!

 

Little Nate has proven to be a blessing to our family already in the two weeks he has journeyed through life with us.  Already a teacher of lessons; I am thankful!

*my amazing friend Lauren came over to take pictures of our little Nate – she let me play around with her camera(s) – the edited ones/ones that she took to be posted soon!

The Abi Diet: Dessert Edition – Apple Crisp

In pursuing more healthy, whole foods; a larger amount of veggies present – we would be so silly to say that the abi-inspired diet didn’t have some good ol’ yummies present!

Bring on Apple Crisp!  This type of dessert is one of my absolute favorites – but not so for my dear hubby, so I am needing to be inspired to make this whole dish for myself and abi!  But, doonald does help too!

Apple Crisp (Adapted from this recipe)

Ingredients:

• 1/4  cup almond meal (I just pulsed that amount of almonds in the food processor and added a bit of sugar)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour (I used regular flour)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup oats
• 1 tbl. maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small dice-sized pieces
• 3 lbs. apples (didn’t measure, I used about 7-8 apples)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup light honey (I used a bit less than this)
• 4 tsp. arrowroot (didn’t have any, corn starch is a fine substitute)
• 1 tbl. brandy

Preheat oven to 350°F and adjust rack to middle position. Place almond meal, flour, sugar, 1/2 cup oats, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until combined.

(my almond meal – easy!)

*insert funny story – my delightful hubby on a whim purchased a rather large amount (multiple cans) of steel cut oats off of amazon.  BUT, I’d been hearing about steel cut oats for a while now, and am happy to now have them take residence on our pantry shelf! 

 

Add butter and pulse until dough begins to come together and is moistened. If the dough looks dry, add a tablespoon of water.  Pour dough into a small bowl and stir in remaining 1/4 cup oats.

Place apples, sugar, and honey in a large saute pan over medium-low heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Stir in arrowroot and cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.  Take off heat and stir in brandy.

 

Pour cooked apples into a 11 x 7-inch baking dish and top evenly with oat mixture.  Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbling. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Can you think of a sweeter sous-chef? 

Oh, what a gift! Our baby Nathanael

Dearest friends!  It is such a joy to be able to love on and hold our little blessing.  We are ever grateful that he is here, our world enriched for sure!

Bringing this sweet baby into the world was both exactly what we had hoped for and so far from what we had expected!  NEVER did I think that he would choose to wait until Day 13 past his due date to make his delightful arrival!  But, in a beautiful tapestry of the Lord’s timing, our releasing our silly attempts for control, and gracious perfection – baby Nate entered the world right when he was supposed to!  Laboring to bring him into the world was pretty incredible; I am moved and grown by the experience to be sure.  The goodness of our Lord was so evident in the entire labor and post-labor as well.  We have felt loved and encouraged by our amazing community of friends and family.  The Lord has given to our Wallace family most abundantly.

It is hard to believe that it’s been over a week since his arrival!  Transitioning to “more awake time” at night, having swings and bouncy seats return to our house, seeing old memories regain new life as we watch them through new lenses as second-time parents!  My most wonderful husband has loved me so well.  I am beyond words for the goodness that I have been given in him.

We are joyous!!