Grasigma

Fish

2012-01-28T21:20:00.001-06:00

(Sarah dear, this one is for you)

I once said in college (while I was taking an ichthyology class, still one of my all time favorite classes) “You know, you can learn a lot about God through fish.” I still don’t know why so many people thought that was a strange statement. Oh….yeah I do.

(I’m not advocating to eat sea jellies – ps that’s right, NOT jellyfish, the correct term is sea jellies – but I don’t have many pictures of fish!)

So with that…this is a total random post. But, it’s been in my head as I haven’t closed a few web-pages as I’ve been reading quite a bit about where our fish comes from. Nothing new – we’ve all heard to be extra careful about where our fish is sourced from / how it is grown. Just consider this an encouragement as we all journey through loving food and loving our planet! How very green and hippie of me.

(Our dinner from the other night…yummy tilapia in foil packets…easy clean-up, uses up veggies…win-win.)

SO, here is a great website that is maintained through Monterey Bay Aquarium (need I say more?) – an easy place to check what you’re buying.

Happy Fishing!

This summer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium…goodness, you can really tell I was excited!

Celebrating MLK Day

2012-01-16T17:24:00.001-06:00

It is a privilege of parenting to be reminded to review often. Through teaching Abi, I am constantly working through my ideas at times reevaluating them. There’s nothing like the questions of a three year old to make sure you really know what you believe!

When talking to Abi about MLK Jr. today – I was thankful. Thankful for the different country that I live in than my parents grew up in. Thankful that Abi’s eyes and mind couldn’t comprehend that we would ever treat someone poorly because they looked different than we did.

Yet, reminded of the great distance that we still have left as modern day abolitionists. That there is still a whole-lotta ugly out in the world today.

"So, I conclude by saying again today that we have a task and let us go out with a "divine dissatisfaction." Let us be dissatisfied until America will no longer have a high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds.

Let us be dissatisfied until the tragic walls that separate the outer city of wealth and comfort and the inner city of poverty and despair shall be crushed by the battering rams of the forces of justice. [,et us be dissatisfied until those that live on the outskirts of hope are brought into the metropolis of daily security.

-- Martin Luther King Jr., Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Georgia 1967.

An excerpt from Heather’s post. Please go read the entire post here. Good stuff.

Working at a zoo…

2012-01-12T10:54:00.001-06:00

There are OH so many reasons why I really love my once-a-week / occasionally-on-weekends gig. It is a reminder and an outlet to a previous and current passion – it is amazing to have lunch out with friends once a week sans kiddos – I am thankful to keep in touch with former colleagues – and when you forget to wear make-up, it’s no big deal.

Yep – went to work yesterday in a bit of a tizzy because I knew I was running late for a meeting…and I didn’t wear make-up. And no one cared. And that was pretty nice.

Oh, and I love it for these reasons too…

*Cathy Burkey

On this, the twelfth day of Christmas

2012-01-05T14:58:00.001-06:00

What a beautiful holiday season it has been. We have rejoiced much, laughed hard, celebrated exceedingly, and been thankful continually. We are sad to see the season of anticipation and joy leaving; but as a friend was saying the other day – it is also refreshing to begin a new year.

So, here are twelve cherished memories of this most special season. In no particular order…

(When you do recaps – you realize that although you think you take a lot of pictures – in actuality, you miss so many special moments! New Years Eve & day / the complete Christmas Eve / moments in between – oh goodness.)

Christmas Lights!

Once done in tandem with an early evening park stop / Chocolate Shake / a darn good book…

Once done with some yummy Starbucks and the delightful Park Cities…

Science School Christmas Party!

I took shockingly few pictures…but Abi rocked the Cake Walk. Probably her favorite part…

Christmas Eve

Note to self…take the picture before church next time.

Christmas Morning

Happy Birthday, Jesus! What a special few hours. Our hearts were full.

Crafting Time!

Cookies, Crafts…oh yummy.

Oh right, and our elf, Elfiee…didn't know where else to stick him!

Such Special Family Time – Wallace Edition

Small Group Christmas Party

We are beyond thankful for this special group of people. We love walking through life with them. Jennings, you were missed!

More Special Family Time – Zamzow Edition

Baking!

The Heard Museum!

Not exactly “Christmas-ey” but it was a treat to go and we’ll definitely be back! Before those dinosaurs go extinct for the year…

Park Time!

Oh my goodness, with the amazing Dallas weather, there were so many beautiful park days to be had. Needless to say, we took advantage.

So many sweet times with cherished friends, new & old; it is such a privilege to live life and celebrate in beautiful community. We are thankful for 2011 and greet 2012 with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts!

Putting up Christmas…outside edition

2011-12-20T21:05:00.001-06:00

Oh, she just makes me laugh. She didn’t want to smile…this is what came out instead.

And it was appropriately cool that day too! How very considerate of the weather…

Brother likes goldfish…check out that piece he saved for later.

See, the goldfish is still there…Nate totally digs leaves. But not as much as he digs moving all-the-time.

The introduction of stick sword-fighting. I think Nate tried to eat it. Sounds about right.

We hope that your days have been merry!!!

Putting up Christmas…inside edition

2011-12-09T10:43:00.001-06:00

Let’s start at the very beginning…a delicious yummy to start the day.

Then add in some super cute (and always moving – but I hate the flash – so my son is always blurry!) kiddos…

Introduce the tree. Oh our tree. $29.88 purchase at Target when we were first married. It’s not the prettiest tree by any stretch of the imagination. But, the memories and smiles that it evokes each time we bring it out – they’re beautiful and priceless. I’ll never be able to get rid of that tree. Except when it “stops working” – which may be coming sooner than later…the middle section is currently not lit, and I’m too lazy to find which silly little bulb didn’t get the memo.

I love putting up Christmas. I love taking treasured items out of boxes once a year and remembering. Their individual stories, the memories that accompany them. There is goodness there.

The living water in our own hearts is the fountain from which we shower Christ on those close to us. Our time with God and his preparation of us is a necessary foundation. Without it our Christmas activities will degenerate into hoopla.

But however much we want a significant Christmas celebration, that is not the primary reason for our contemplation and self-examination. Our deeper motivation is the strengthening of our ultimate hope in Jesus, “so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

May this time be a reflection of what our lives are—gratitude for the promises that were fulfilled when God gave us the gift of his son and anticipation of and preparation for Christ’s coming again.

-Noel Piper, Desiring God Blog

Haste Makes Waste – living like an amateur

2011-12-06T11:21:00.001-06:00

There are some things about trends that are just silly and make me want to turn and RUN. Fast.

Yet, there are some “trends” that are rooted in truth, rooted in goodness, and rooted in beauty. The trend of so many lovely women reading “One Thousand Gifts” and cultivating a spirit of thankfulness in their lives and homes is one of these “trends.” Truly. There is something so delightful and amazing about having an intentional community (both near and far!) who are asking God daily to remind and show them of his love, his goodness.

The busyness of your life leaving little room for the source of your life.

On every level of life, from housework to heights of prayer, in all judgment and effort to get things done, hurry and impatience are sure marks of the amateur.

The fine folks who graced our breakfast table this morning, on Abi’s insistence.

The hurry makes us hurt. Hurry always empties a soul.

Life is not an emergency. Life is eucharisteo.

As the world tells me and demands that my life should be getting busier right now – as I inwardly struggle to accomplish everything, without treasuring anything – I am asking and craving to throw off the life of an amateur. To fill my soul. To rejoice and give thanks.

*All wise and italicized quotes from here.

Sanctification through Motherhood - ‘Sparkle’

2011-12-02T10:10:00.001-06:00

I have gained some of my absolute dearest friends in life through mothering. Our paths may never have crossed before, we might not have found as much in common pre-baby, but now our journeys are similar – thus bringing a beautiful sisterhood with some extraordinary women.

Plus, I can laugh with and be sweetly amazed by some of their littles.

Case in point: Annie.

We just love Annie and her family. A huge blessing of “family-hood.” The other night I was dropping off something at their house, and Annie (dressed in full princess garb of course, one of her & abi’s love languages!) ran to the door and said “Wait! I have something for Abi.” She came back with ‘Sparkle.’ “Abi can keep it too, if she wants – I’d like her to have it.”

You should have seen Abi’s face. A mixture of sweet joy and excitement. The beauty of receiving a special kindness from someone. Annie was selfless and it totally made Abi’s night. What a beautiful encouragement to me from a 4 year old. To give generously. To take joy in someone else’s happiness. To just share some sparkle!

God loves a cheerful giver.
-- 2 Corinthians 9:7

Out of the mouth of our babe…

2011-11-21T22:39:00.001-06:00

Normally, I’d post this on the kiddo blog…but it deserved posting here as well.

General Disclaimer: I was (and am!) a safe driver.

Driving along today…I had just made a right turn, and another car switched lanes and was therefore quite close to the driver’s side of the car – which Abi sits on.

I thought nothing of it. And then, from the mouth of my eldest…

“Mom, be careful to not crash the car.” Awesome. I just had to laugh – I mean, that is funny! I assured her that I was being very careful to not crash the car.

Our rental car, in Yosemite at El Capitan, we didn’t crash that car either. Just a scratch.

Six Sweet Years of Good

2011-11-14T20:18:00.001-06:00

Last month, on the actual day…my dear hubby took me to listen to Mendelssohn being performed (he’s my favorite, you don’t take piano lessons for 11 years and not have a favorite!) and then we had dinner. It was a divine evening.

Because it’s fun to post wedding pictures…

I don’t mean the title to be deceiving. I guess anyone who has been married for six years (well, even six months really) will know that marriage isn’t always the stuff of Hallmark cards and chic flicks. I’m certainly not proud of words that have come out of my mouth or deeds that I have committed– they are evident of the desperate place that I’d be without Jesus. But because of Jesus’ presence – they’ve been years of good. Years where we’ve been drawn together, where we’ve fought for the other one when the other was tired, where we’ve labored together on our knees (thank you, D for encouraging us in this), where we’ve laughed…real hard.

It’s good to be nostalgic on the day. I like that. PS – the day was also doused in a TON of reality. I acted like a punk and was just grumpy and insisted on silly rights…oh thankful for forgiveness and grace– the babies were needy and sick– and we were plain tired. I’m so glad hubby kept pushing us to still go on our anniversary date. Because at the end of the day, our perspective was made clear through grace and love.

Also, insanely thankful for grandparents who will watch sick babies. Abi wanted to dress like me (melt a momma’s heart) – so we found a dress that had flowers on the bottom too – and each wore our pearls that D brought back for us from Asia.

Flash forward one month: another set of grandparents are in town and D and I get to head out of town for a quick few days to just be together. We try and get away (even if it is just a weekend!) each year around our anniversary. This is always our “advice” that we write to our friends who get married. It is just so amazingly life-giving.

Inks Lake State Park

What is the most comical about this stop in our trip is that we realized on day two of our time here that we’d been here before. We both have the exact same memory, just can’t place it. Oh goodness, we are getting old. We know it’s from college. Friends de Aggie, anything??

There is just something good about waking up outdoors. To the sound of rain. Enough said.

These signs just made us laugh – beware of the wildlife.

On our morning hike…umm, yes please. Morning hikes are life-giving too.

The fall color (for Texas!) was great and was uplifting to this native-to-fall-color girl’s soul. We went kayaking (boo for no pictures), hiking some more, and general relishing in nature’s goodness.

You know we document our trips through our food. It’s one of my most favorite parts of traveling. These pictures tell a good amount of our story!

Can you pick out the camping contribution? Hah.

Austin

Post camping, in my opinion, it is always good to head to somewhere nice (home will do, of course!) and take a really delightful shower. Fun hotels are even better though. So, after removing camping grime – we walked and walked (because we could! no naps to be home for!) and then walked some more. We tried Sandra Bullock’s restaurant Bess Bistro – and it was divine. Would highly recommend their brunch. It made our tummies quite happy.

Oh yes, there’s more…

So, Doons looks a bit creepy…but I’m making him pose with an Odwalla bottle. He had to be a bit weird in the photo…

Because I am my father’s daughter…I really do enjoy history. So, like the good Texans that we are, we visited the capitol. Quite an awesome building, really!

More walking / trail running / eating / enjoying. Thank you, Austin.

Thank you six years for celebrated goodness.

Fall Catch-up: State Fair

2011-11-11T21:34:00.001-06:00

I love-love-love the State Fair. Can’t really put my finger on why. It’s not really the food (although, don’t let me fool you, I always eat plenty while we’re there). And it’s certainly not the games (never play, biggest rip off!) – but there is just something. We love going to the fair.

PS – I enjoyed this way too much…we giggled the entire “flight”

Oh wait! I remembered why I love the fair…the Bird Show! It is a must-stop each and every time we visit the fair. And baby girl loves it too. Wahoo!

Talk about awesome…we were standing in line to ride on the Ferris wheel (this is the one thing that Abi really wanted to do at the fair this year) – and our dear friends walked up behind us. You can’t plan that, folks. The rest of our fair experience was enriched for sure.

While everyone else was in the petting farm (I can’t do it – call me the crazy zoo lady, but that place just makes me sad) – I walked around some of the animal barns, and found the largest piggy I have EVER seen. The picture doesn’t do him justice.

And night descends on the fair…

And dancing…

Sweet little beauties…

I asked Donald if the fried oreos that I coerced him into buying were any good (you can’t leave the fair with tickets still in hand, I believe that’s a rule!)…take a good guess at his answer.

Until 2012, State Fair!

China Bible at Northwest Bible

2011-11-01T21:19:00.001-05:00

Our church is hosting this really great exhibit. I would totally recommend going to check it out. Nate couldn’t wait to go see it. He’s ~~wondering why in the world his mother decided this was 8 month appropriate~~ so cultured.

Nate, in Ergo, taking it all in and wondering when we’re leaving…

Really though, Nate did great. I actually got to read the graphics and was so encouraged at what the Lord was doing in and through Chinese believers. I didn’t grab a picture of it (I didn’t know if I was supposed to be taking pictures! – off of their website below) but there was an entire section devoted to the history of the distribution of the bible in China. It so moved my heart to see multiple hand copies of the Word, the time invested because of the life that those words offer.

‘The goal of the Bible distribution ministry is to meet the needs of all brothers and sisters in China who love His Word.” -The Bible Ministry Exhibition

Donald & I (and abi-in-belly) at the Great Wall visiting some dear friends in 2008

Happy Halloween to You!!

2011-10-31T11:19:00.001-05:00

A good healthy start to the day…but come on – what is the point today, anyway?!?! We’re just embracing it ‘round here!

Our ghoulish girl in the aftermath…

Thought that these words summed up thoughts for the day:

I know Halloween can be controversial. We've always felt freedom in Christ to redeem this day. We fill it up with friends, creativity, light, laughter, fun, food, and fellowship. We pray those things are honoring to God and bless Him on this day that thankfully still belongs to Him.

I pray you have a sweet weekend celebrating (or not celebrating), but still rejoicing that Christ purchased freedom for each of us to live out our convictions, to go to the Bible, and with wisdom and discernment make God-honoring decisions for our families. Ah. Freedom. It's one of my favorite things about following Christ.

Trick or Treat – Corporate Style

2011-10-30T20:55:00.001-05:00

Donald’s firm has a whole family shindig for Halloween – and we were excited to partake. As stated earlier, we love to steal daddy away during the day…so an excuse to spend time with him without the guilt…perfection! Sidenote: our “stealing away” occurs during socially acceptable times, aka lunch hour!

Abi loved the ridiculous amounts of candy she got. Darn cute kid + lots of super nice single guys with no kids who brought LOTS of goodies to share = Candy overload!!

I loved the Flavia machine. I know, silly. But, remember that where I used to work we only had coffee if we all choose to make it! Hmmm…that’s still true for daily life. I guess that’s why I loved the Flavia. It’s “free” / it’s rainforest and fair trade / it’s ready in less than a minute.

Nate loved the smiles. He was held the entire time by daddy and was in Nate-heaven.

{A letter}

2011-10-26T15:06:00.001-05:00

While there are parts of me that rebel against a schedule, the dreaded routine…as I grow I see that many of the reasons that I personally run from these things are immaturity on my part. Schedule can bring comfort for a child, intentionality for me, and I hope (in this case) encouragement and something that lasts for someone else.

Enter…weekly letter writing.

I have a friend, she and I used to be pen pals. Then I got lazy. Then she blessed me the other day…and revived our tradition. Oh, it brought my heart such happiness. I LOVE getting snail mail. There is something so wonderful in a paper letter. Shared with generations past, something to hold. Words from a friend who knows my heart and wants it to grow. Simply wonderful.

Being a recipient of that beautiful act of intentionality led me to evaluate my “letter writing practices” with Abi. We were kind of lacking. Yes, we work on her letters. Yes, she writes her name and other words. But, it is good for me to be reminded of the reason why I teach her these things. So that her little mind is expanded and that she can learn the art of thankfulness and ways to encourage others.

So, we’re taking a pledge. Just between the two of us. To write letters weekly. To write letters and draw pretty pictures. To be thankful. To share our life. To encourage friends and family.

*Lucky Doons…look what came in the mail for him today!

PS – A fruit of loving getting mail? Getting to know your mailman. Ours is such a nice man who is genuinely happy to see Nate & Abi, always has a smile for them, and is so considerate of me and wraps all of our mail in a rubber band (in his words, “so it’s easier to grab with the baby”). Every. Single. Day. What a great example of a kind heart.

Taken hostage by some steers…

2011-10-25T15:29:00.001-05:00

We stole Donald away for about a 1/2 hour yesterday from work.

It’s a bad habit (well, not really!) – but we can’t seem to be downtown and not go visit, or make him come to us!

Thankfully, lunch can be eaten in a short period of time!

Taking daddy hostage is just the best!

It’s a good thought

2011-10-12T14:50:00.001-05:00

(the mommy, abi & nate pumpkins picked out by Abi…we were caught up in the moment and apparently only bought for those present…sorry, donald!)

I rarely think that anything that came out of C.S. Lewis’s mouth wasn’t a good thought…but I am always continually thankful and humbled (oh yes, and convicted) by some. One that caught me today…

"All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy." -C.S. Lewis

(thanks to Heather for the reminder)

First Day of Fall (just a wee bit late)

2011-10-08T15:06:00.001-05:00

When fall comes and graces us with its presence – Abi and I always have one response: Pumpkin Pie. I have made one with her each year of her sweet life, and this year was the first year that she was really helpful and not a liability!

We deviated from the norm just a bit and tried Pioneer Woman’s recipe for Pumpkin Cream Pie and while it was delicious (is anything of hers not scrumptious?!) I think we will stick to our traditional roots for pumpkin pie making.

Matching aprons – check.

Some goofy – check.

Love – check.

Abi tossing in the graham crackers for our crust

A watched crust never sets…

The cream – oh yummy. One thing I really do love about PW’s cooking is that there is always a healthy presence of heavy cream.

Enjoyed while watching the Aggies beat Oklahoma State. Oh wait. Our poor Aggies are choking when the time comes! It must have been the pie…

The Cookbook Journey: Stir-fry & Pork Chops

2011-10-02T21:52:00.001-05:00

Stir-Fried Chicken with Broccoli or Cauliflower

Score: B

Lesson learned: By parboiling vegetables first, you end up saving time b/c cooking the broccoli on the wok raw takes a MUCH longer time. Time saver: poaching veggies!

Sauteed Pork Chops

Score: B+

I’d never made pork chops before! I think I was both intimidated and turned off because I have eaten many a dry pork chop. But, oh my lands, these were good! Not good enough to get beyond a B+ (there could have been some user error – I didn’t follow the recipe exactly at the end – silly me) – but the recipe was for sure good enough to make me want to maintain a relationship with this cut of pork!

Lesson learned: When making pork chops – you must purchase the ‘center-cut loin chops’ – they have a distinct eye of meat and little meat elsewhere (thank you, cookbook!). And, buy nice thick pork chops. The cookbook encouraged the 1 inch chop – but I had 4 that were about 3/4 inch thick and they cooked just great. I did feel a bit unsure about the color of mine – but everyone else’s were a great color when cut into!

While enjoying dinner with great friends, I forgot to take a picture! Blast! I do not have a picture of a pig anywhere– I will work on that at the State Fair this year. But, I do have this darling picture of an Irish cow. And I just love this picture.

The Luxury of Grace

2011-09-29T10:50:00.001-05:00

A few weekends ago we went to an AMAZING wedding. Everything about it was phenomenal.

Ceremony = there was a boy choir singing, talk about fairy-tale-esque

Flowers = oh my goodness, I could go on and on about these, don’t get me started

Food = divine

Reception = unreal, simply put

But, what Doons & I were struck by and encouraged with was that with all of this amazing luxury that we were able to participate in and benefit from – it is just a sampling of the luxury that we are able to inherit because of our claim to being children of God. The grace that we have received now and will continue to receive is a far greater luxury than anything that this world can offer.

And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

John 1:16

My wonderful friend, Sarah (her brother was the groom) Thank you, Houston, for my poofy hair

VOTE!

2011-09-25T22:47:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness, first…watch this video. Amazing. I am moved and thankful for those who have acted on the call of the Lord on their lives and have moved to Haiti to love. Simply love.

WOW - right?! My heart is so moved and is so broken over the grace that I’ve been given and the beauty in the eyes of these women.

SO, check out this post and then go vote here!

To quote from Heather’s blog:

With a little bit of help, we could win a 50 thousand dollar private grant that would allow our program to expand. All we need is your vote and your assistance spreading the word. Will you help some fellow Aggies BTHO of the orphan crisis in Haiti? Please take two seconds (that's really all it takes), go to Giving of Life's website, and vote for Heartline. It takes one click to vote. Then will you spread the word and ask other Aggies to vote as well?

Aren’t Aggies just the best??!! What a silly question…

So, go vote…and repost…and then spread the word some more!

My LITTLE journey with a cookbook

2011-09-19T15:07:00.001-05:00

I think I’m channeling the movie Julie & Julia here. I’m inspired. I love to cook (by no means great, but I like to learn!) and I like goals. So, working through a cookbook sounds like a good idea to me! Or at least interesting. I’m not going to copy the idea presented in the book/movie exactly (my life really doesn’t allow for that / I don’t think it’d be good for my family!) – but I do want to try and cook through a cookbook. I’m guessing that I’ll be done in a few years. That sounds kind of depressing, but somewhat hopeful too! I guess there is a reason why goals are supposed to be a shorter period of time…feel free to ask me if I’m still doing this in a year!

Here’s my co-conspirator:

First stop: Apple Tart with an almond crust.

PS – I didn’t make my own pie crust; please don’t tell my Grandma! I actually really do love making pie crusts – it reminds me of happy memories with my delightful Grandma, but it just takes a long time! Time is not something in abundance these days!

*I don’t think that I’m going to type out every recipe. Honestly, that just seems like so much work…and I’m wondering if that’s technically illegal since I’d be typing out an entire book? Not really sure on that…so I’ll go with the lazy excuse!

*If you want any of the recipe(s)…please come over and I’ll make it again. Or, I’ll just email it to you :)

The Apple Tart was pretty straight forward, especially with the whole-bunch-of-cheating that I did and used a store brought crust. The finely chopped and blended almonds on the bottom was delicious and I would definitely incorporate that aspect again.

Cutting that many apples is just a plain pain-in-the-hiney. But baked apples? Oh, well worth it.

The glaze that was applied after was just amazing. And when do I have an excuse to buy preserves? Not near enough. Called for a liqueur, but I didn’t have it – and neither did Albertson’s. And I just didn’t feel like driving.

Alrighty, one down. Just a few hundred (or so) left…

Talk about a contrast…

2011-09-09T19:18:00.001-05:00

My most favorite fruit…

I could go through all this in about 2 days. No really…I could.

I think I have some nostalgia issues with watermelon. It brings back good memories and therefore I love it. Running around in the summer (you see, in Michigan, you actually can run around in the summer) with my friends with red, watermelon juice dripping off our arms (sounds kinda country…donald would say that’s my “small town” talking) playing kick the can / having seed spitting contests on the 4th of July (hmmm, I really am sounding country now) – well, you get the picture. Good times. I love watermelon. They embody summer.

So strange that on the same day that all of this watermelon enjoying is happening…there’s also some enjoying of this:

That’s some pumpkin latte action. Amen. (Well, not Abi…she digs chocolate milk in a paper cup with straw…and yes, our favorite Aggie barista knows her drink and how she likes it when he sees her…maybe we grab coffee too much?)

Happy Fall-ish weather / Fall drinks / Summer yummy!!

First Day

2011-09-06T15:20:00.001-05:00

Peaceful morning, the house is quiet. I’m making baby-girl’s lunch thinking “How in the world am I making her lunch for her to take to school?” That seems crazy to me. She is getting so big, so fast.

And the rest of the morning? I wish it was as calm and as smooth as this morning at 6 am. Alas, not the case. But, the Lord is good to me – my heart was thankful and my soul was calm. Red lights seemed to steer clear of me as we drove downtown, allowing us to arrive almost on time. This was a mercy as I didn’t allow enough wiggle room for baby brother’s overly active bowels since solids were introduced. (Sorry ‘bout that, just keeping it real). And then I showed up 30 minutes late for bible study. Oh well, we’ll try again next week. And sweet lady is tired (and a bit grumpy) as we prepare her for nap. This is OK, there is grace and momma’s arms for the tired.

Oh yes, and here’s our house. It’s a product of the crazy.

Clothes dumped out of above bag to make room…why do I have a dress-up dress with me? It’s just a part of mothering a three year old girl.

And the crazy sink…about to go fix that right now…sweet hubby cleaned them all last night for me (bless that man) – and I never put them away. I just grabbed the dishes as I needed them! But, such is life, right?

The English by the sea

2011-09-02T15:03:00.001-05:00

Our relatives from England were in town and we went aquarium-ing!

Note: It is good to ‘go aquarium-ing’ when…

1) School is back in session and you essentially have the place to yourselves

2) When it’s still so, so hot outside that air-conditioning seems like your best friend

3) When you have kind friends who work there and treat your family extra special!

My kind friend, Tom, showing us all the bonnet head sharks that were just born early that morning!

We had so much fun! We hope to pay them a visit for the 2012 Olympics in London!

It was a good, weird day

2011-08-30T22:29:00.001-05:00

I liked today. I am tired after today. I have cried today. I have felt sadness with friends today. I have laughed and smiled a whole bunch today.

I liked today.

It was a day where I feel like the Lord gave me glimpses of His goodness, designed to draw me into more. To crave time in his words to me, to think (I mean REALLY think) about how to love others better, to show me how to find delight in the seemingly mundane.

I started the day by getting to meet with some women who each week pour into me and share their lives with me. I am so grateful. I love Tuesday mornings. What I don’t love: it was a 3 iron day. I always feel so silly ironing baby clothes. Oh well, he did look darn cute.

On to buy sweet thing her school backpack…which I found out that they don’t allow backpacks. What?! That seems bizarre and silly. They didn’t ask me though. We then waited for 45 minutes for the store to figure out my gift card blues. And it still didn’t get sorted out. And I’m the schmuck who waited for 45 minutes in Pottery Barn with two kiddos. After that…we needed Starbucks. (Abi asked, I was more than happy to oblige)

Abi is not napping anymore. Well, that’s a bit dramatic. She apparently caught the “no-sleep” bug from her friends! She naps 4 out of 7 days now. I’m still adjusting to this normal. Not sure if I like it. I had asked her to really try and go to sleep (she was yawning her head off) and this is how she appeared 15 minutes later…

(don’t mind all the phone pics…that’s just how we roll sometimes)

Oh goodness.

Sweet little man – we’re learning avocados. Can he get any cuter?

A certain child loves to take pictures and videos. I crack up at what she captures and how she interprets what images she “snaps.” It really is interesting. Today…not so interesting…I have about 15 of these on my phone right now:

We went to Abi’s preschool parent's night. Did you catch that? Her preschool. Sweet wee one is ready for preschool. I can’t really believe it. More to come, I know, but I am so excited for her. I think she will just love it. Meet the teacher is on Thursday. But no backpack. I don’t like that. As Donald said, I think it’s harder for me to get over the fact that she doesn’t get to bring a backpack!

And then a date with aforementioned hubby. So wonderful. Dinner and then a brief stroll at the lake. Complete with loads of bikes, loads of dragonflies, and loads of more bearable weather at 9 o’clock at night!

Ahhh, grocery shopping alone. Enough said, am I right?

Oh, the ramblings. It was a good day.

RAIN

2011-08-28T21:44:00.001-05:00

There’s not been much of it in Texas, as of late. In fact, today in church we heard that there’s been 2-3 days of light rain (i.e. moments of rain) in the past 81 days. That is dry. We need rain.

(a few weeks ago, on one of those 2-3 days of rain…we ran outside in the early morning and soaked it up…literally)

oh, wet and messy feet!

I was reminded today of how much my faith in my supply of water is only as deep as our water pipes run. My confidence and faith are not in the one who commands the storms.

(an old favorite)

I was reminded that while I hope for rain to reduce my water bill – to keep the plants that are still alive (amazingly a few are!) hanging on – that there are millions in Africa who are desperately hoping for water to survive. To live. My heart sees its own ugly. Gracefully reminded to pray for those who need emotional water; Who need physical water.

Good Article to just get informed on the crisis

The journey of the taj 3…

2011-08-24T15:48:00.001-05:00

According to REI’s website…

“Offering luxurious living quarters, the REI Taj 3 is a three-season, three-person backpacking tent that won't weigh you down.”

So true. Not luxury defined by all standards. But, certainly ours. Especially my hubby. Can’t get much better. Check out where this little tent has set the standard in luxury:

Backpacked across Europe with D, Kristian & Steven (I searched the archives that we have…but couldn’t find the tent featured…so here’s one of my favorites instead!)

The coast of California

And most recently, the Pacific Northwest (with some SMU buddies who had a more delayed start that Doons!)

Luxury at its finest, my friends.

Sanctification through motherhood – blueberries & tatoos

2011-08-23T16:36:00.001-05:00

Let’s be honest – we all love the stories when kiddos say something embarrassing. Hearing the parents reactions and their desperate attempts to cover something up. Or, when they just give into it and laugh at the awkward. It’s just funny. Especially when it’s not your sweet child. But the other day…it was my sweet child. I’m the awkward parent in the story.

And if you know me…when things get awkward…I talk more. Talking more makes things more awkward. Awesome.

(taken of miss thing after getting back in the car)

Just a normal day of grocery shopping. Sidenote: Abi, when you read this blog one day, I love grocery shopping with you. Always have and always will. One of our favorite activities together. Anyways…onward. We had made it through the store and were standing in line waiting to check out. I noticed that the check-out chic had lots of tattoos…and that’s where my thoughts ended. Not Abi’s…the tattoos sent her mind a-spinnin’.

Normal conversation – we talked about the dude in front of me who spent $45 dollars on avocados (no joke!) – how my handwriting on the little tie for bulk purchases was so bad (I blamed Nate) – etc. I was getting my wallet out when Abi (who can be quite shy around strangers) decided to say quite loudly…”Mommy, what does that lady have all over her body.” Oh no. “Well, Abi, those are tattoos.” Keep it simple, right? “Well, we don’t like them.” Oh my goodness, what do I say now? So, I smiled. And then I kept talking…and talking…and talking. About why some people have tattoos and how it’s cool when you have something that means so much to you and you want to remember it all the time – and then making random small talk with the lady (and she was so great, telling Abi about some of them), all the while I was making things more awkward. I know she was so ready to see me go. She even had to remind me to sign the credit card machine-thing because I was talking so fast and so awkwardly. Oh my.

We had a conversation in the parking lot about what types of thoughts we keep to ourselves – why it’s always great to have an opinion, but we need to practice wisdom when sharing our opinion. How did what she said make that lady feel? What’s a better way to have worded your opinion if you wanted to ask her about her tattoos? Then, sitting in the car…it’s always good to play my thoughts back in my head. I often realize that what I try to teach Abi, I frequently practice myself. I mean we’re all opinionated (some more forth-coming than others!) – but the truth to act in wisdom and in love when sharing those opinions with others is always relevant. It’s always being worked out.

(and then at home unloadin’ and talking tattoos)

I asked Abi what she would have as a tattoo (reminding her that you get a tattoo if something means SO much to you that you always want its picture with you). Her response: a blueberry. Look out 18 year old Abi.

A week of thankful and extraordinary women…

2011-08-19T15:50:00.001-05:00

This is a birthday week in my life. And the birthdays belong to no one in my “family.” No one who lives with me celebrates their life this week…oh, but it is a birthday week for me!

God has been generous to me. He has placed wise and beautiful women in my life who encourage me, make me laugh, convict me, inspire me, share life with me, and mostly point me back to our Lord who is the giver of every good gift.

I really love this week.

All of these women were brought into the world in different years, but I think that God has done an extra special work in the world during the week of ‘August teens.’

*How fun is it to visit archives and find old pictures that bring back great memories?!

August 16th: Dear Caroline

This woman will always be referred to as my faithful friend. While we have not “done life” together in almost 18 years (gasp!), Caroline will always be close to my heart. Caroline is faithful and is true. She is passionate, yet grounded. She is intensely talented and creative. I just love her.

August 18th: Wonderful Jess.

*sidenote – I barely have any pics of Jess & I – but that is life. Time spent with her is also time spent with our delightful kiddos…and they don’t take pictures very well. When we are with our hubbies – I never remember my camera.

God gave me a special gift in Jess during this stage of my life. Our eldest kiddos are months apart (I met Jess because our daughters were in the same playgroup as baby-babies), and therefore our lives look so similar right now. Jess loves Jesus – my most favorite thing about her. She is generous with her time and models hospitality in such wonderful ways. I love to talk practical with her. I love to talk spiritual with her. I love to laugh with her.

August 19th: Amazing Katy.

Katy is a blessing of marriage. She has known my husband for a decade longer than I have, and her husband is Donald’s best friend. I received a friend for life in her when I married my wonderful hubby. I loved getting to know Katy as teenagers in college…and here we are 4 kiddos later. Katy is amazing. Her life is such a beautiful encouragement and yet it gently convicts as well. She loves her husband and family with a lovely and fierce grace. Our hearts are often moved by similar things, and bouncing ideas off of her is always a treat. Katy is wise and humbly offers beautiful perspectives on things. I always anticipate with great joy spending time with her. If I could have a weekly date of drinking coffee and eating a brownie with her…oh, goodness.

The August teens – what a week of wonderful women. I am so grateful to celebrate their lives.

One morning in our summer…

2011-08-17T15:44:00.001-05:00

I can’t remember…have I ever mentioned how we love the lake?

Well, just to reiterate…we really really love the lake. After our friends and our house, it is the thing we are most thankful for regarding where we live.

However, our lake time is severely limited. I mean it barely makes it into the 80’s at night! So, we load up the car when the daddy-o leaves and head down the road for some morning lake time. And hop back in the car so we’re home by 9. Seriously. But, we gotta get outside! We Wallaces weren’t made for Texas summers!

First stop: Dog Park. We talk about our future puppy. How Abi will politely ask him/her if she can ride on them (yep, that is what she is most excited about with our hopeful new puppy semi-soon) – what color they should be – what their name should be – etc. Here she is mid-statement “daddy, please can we get a puppy NOW?!” Well, that may be what I’d be saying…

Then we have our breakfast and chit-chat. I love just hearing what she thinks about. ‘Tis great.

And brother here is along for the ride. We hope it’s a good one!

Charity:Water – Abi:Party

2011-08-14T15:31:00.001-05:00

First things first…check this out:

Oh wow, right? Like break your heart, make your mind spin wow. I know that we’re all pretty aware of the water crisis that is happening in the world – but at times it can feel frustrating not knowing how to help. I think this is where Americans are recipients of a strange grace: money helps! Donating money helps build wells, and that helps communities get the clean water that they need to live. Not thrive, not have successful lives…simply live.

So, where does Miss Abi fit in? God gave a special gift in her. She has a compassionate heart at such a young age and a wise little heart. We started talking about how Abi has been given much in life and while God loves all sweet children and so do their mommy’s and daddy’s (we shield her from the reality that not every parent is loving for right now) – not every child has access to the many things that she does. Even water. And her little mind remembered that. And she wanted to help others get clean water. And she thought the idea that her birthday could help with that was VERY cool. Which we thought was VERY cool.

So, we hoped on Charity:Water and set up Abi’s Birthday Page. We asked for our friends and family to give differently…and gracious and beautiful families helped! And we’re on our way to raising money for other three year olds and their families to have clean water and enjoy the goodness that we have so lovingly and graciously been given. Here’s her party…

Friends and Family: THANK YOU. Our hearts are encouraged.

13 people have been given clean water in honor of Abi’s birth. We are so grateful and excited!

In her sweet words:

What to do?

2011-08-10T16:02:00.001-05:00

When you’re stuck in the consecutive 35+ days of over 100 degrees?

You grab the hose…

and chase your daddy…

and remember to be thankful and smile…

for that joy that even ridiculous heat can’t take away.

Bevo

2011-08-08T17:48:00.001-05:00

That word alone sends chills down a good Ag’s spine.

But…here he is…on our street

He really is a cool looking animal…but according to Abi “he smells” Gig ‘em Abi, Gig ‘em

Hsssssss…(we aggies really are delightfully strange)

We weren’t sad to see him go :) Oh goodness, just kidding, my love for animals may trump…it was pretty cool to have a HUGE longhorn on our street!

The Roadtrip {Week 3}

2011-08-04T14:19:00.001-05:00

Well, this mini novella is coming to end – week 3, the conclusion of our journey!

We savored and treasured this week a bit more. We recognized that this time was coming to an end and we clung to each precious moment. We were talking with some friends the other night (who also recently graduated SMU’s program and had the time to head to Africa and then Greece!) about the feelings of ending something that you know was just so unique. Closing something that probably won’t ever be repeated in life. It’s kind of anti my personality. I naturally want to seek/recreate something out again and again if I really enjoy it/find it fulfilling (perhaps we all do?) – but in this experience, my option was to relax, savor, and soak up. And move on to the next chapter of life with peace and hopefulness.

Week 3 Itinerary: Drive Highway 1 – End in San Francisco

Highway 1

Driving Highway 1 was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I had thought about doing this drive for such a long time (not knowing how it would really ever work in our stage of life!) and so I feel like being able to do this was an extra special gift. We took about 5 days to drive from San Diego to San Francisco – camping and hotel’in it – along the way. The CA weather was amazing – but it really was chilly in the evening. And because of this, camping wasn’t totally the experience that we had hoped for. Donald & I slept extremely poor (rained hard during one night…thankfully the rain fly worked great except for one area…right above my head. Think Chinese water torture.) Nate got the best sleep out of all of us – I think that was a gracious recipient of the “best sleeper award.” But, our first night to camp – we could hear the ocean roaring. So fantastic. A beautiful way to sleep and an equally delightful way to wake up.

We then climbed these awesome dunes right on the coast – probably one of my favorite ‘3 hour’ segments of the trip. Those moments will be engrained in my mind for a good long time.

Monterey

What a great little resort town. Famous for its beautiful bay and fantastic aquarium – we knew that we’d be making a stop here. Would love to come back and spend more time in Monterey.

Big Sur

I think this is Highway 1 at its finest. Beautiful stretches of coast, cars pulling off EVERYWHERE to grab pics, but you still feel alone in the beauty of it. Very cool camping site – some great hiking – no threats of bears. All good things!

Random Awesome

Along the drive – just snippets of what made this part of the trip so fantastic:

San Francisco

We love this city. Definitely a place we would move to in a heartbeat. Donald & I spent our first anniversary here, so it was pretty much an identical trip for us. HAH! We did absolutely NOTHING the same way, except visit Ghirardelli way too many times and stop by the sea lions more than once…because really, don’t forget who you’re traveling with!

All those years ago…

This was a great place for us to end our trip. We were familiar with the city, and just enjoyed our final four days hanging out in parks – eating some delicious food – grabbing ice cream ~~at least 5 times~~ once or twice – and walking everywhere. Love that. Our stroller got some serious mileage here.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Summer {Delight of a Weekend}

2011-08-01T15:08:00.001-05:00

It was just a good one. Do you know what I mean? When you lay in bed on Sunday night, reflecting over the past few days, and a smile just easily finds your face. I found my face smiling last night.

Friday night was spent at Doons’ parents house prepping for Abi’s little party – having family close by is such a blessing. It is evenings like these that I am especially reminded to be thankful!

(picture from earlier in the summer)

Saturday: the joy of watching Abi with her buddies, amazing feeling of community, and just enjoying spending time with dear people in our life. May I have a second serving, please?!

(more to come on kiddo’s blog soon)

Saturday night: coolest baby shower. Some awesome friends getting ready to welcome some little ones into their home. Visit their blog and be encouraged.

Sunday: I just love back-to-school. Our church organized a backpack stuffing shindig (with some help from World Vision) to distribute backpacks to some local communities that our church loves on. Helping Abi stuff her bag (she picked the green pack - that’s my girl!) was such a treat, and writing her note of encouragement (I just loved this, after the bag was stuffed, we asked that the family stuffing write a note to encourage the kiddo who would be receiving it!) made me smile. Children have such a capacity to love – honestly and with no strings attached – it’s a good, good thing.

Boxes…and boxes…and boxes stuffed with loaded backpacks…yes!

Sunday night: Enjoying and saying goodbye to some dear friends as they head on out to the wild wild west of Colorado…(boo, forgot my camera…the kids earlier in the weekend)

It was a good one…we are grateful.

Sanctification through Motherhood

2011-07-27T14:37:00.001-05:00

The past few days, today included, have been doozies. I don’t think that’s a real world, but I imagine that is OK. We’ve been taken hostage by some sort of summer cold-flu-yuck and it is really throwing me off. I feel pulled in every direction – I am tired – I am tired of taking care of sick bodies when I’m trying to recover - I miss my quality afternoon alone time when I just get to have a moment in silence (often accompanied by some yummy iced-coffee!). I miss having my arms free when trying to change a load of sick-laundry. Are you seeing a trend in these thoughts?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I FULL well understand the tendency and temptation to take blogging and turn it into this “look how perfect and well rounded my life and thoughts are” situation – so I by no means want to do that. There is some honest emotion in those thoughts – it is legitimate to be tired. It is not wrong to be thankful for and savor alone time. BUT…

When I dwell on those things – when I dwell on myself – I lose my thankful spirit. I do not cultivate things which last. I do not create peace and joy in my home. I lose sight of that which is truly life. You see I have MUCH to be thankful for. I generally have a healthy household. I am so thankful to be at home with my young ones and therefore even GET to have an hour of peace in the afternoon. When I am just downright angry that baby boy has once again had a blow out and therefore needs a bath (when there is dairy in the car – and sister is just having one of those days and poor hubby is back in bed feeling miserable); well I am blessed with a home where cleaning my children with clean water, buying good food, and having multiple beds is a staple, something I just expect. When my arms are tired? Oh foolish me, what a blessing to have a sweet bundle who feels better when his momma holds him. When I allow my joy and patience to be stolen from me so easily, I am choosing not to meditate on that which is joy-giving and life-sustaining.

So, with God’s grace I will try again. Notice there is grace even now, because I’ve had 45 minutes of alone time to even meditate on these thoughts and sip a little bit o’ joe. Oh my. With grace I will not pretend not to have emotions, but choose that which is of Him and for Him.

(the pictures? they’re random, but they make me smile – and I kind of needed to just smile!)

Sick

2011-07-25T11:10:00.001-05:00

A sick house is no fun. And we’re a bit bummed about it. This summer, the sickness has won. Boo to you, Mr. Sick. Boo to you.

The Roadtrip {Week 2}

2011-07-21T21:22:00.001-05:00

Alrighty – so here we are for week 2. By now we had really settled into “road trip land.” We had our organization system down / we knew the best places to stop (Starbucks, of course, for more than one reason!) to use the restroom / Abi knew what to expect / but Nate wasn’t digging it. Sweet Nate. He had his few roughest days this week. Thankfully we never had more than 6 hours in the car the entire trip, but Nate had a few days where he just plain DID NOT appreciate being in his car seat. We’re sorry, Nate. Thankfully, he’s forgotten! Thankfully, week 2 was also marked by being extremely relaxing. We didn’t have as many places to be, or really much on our agenda. We were settling – it felt glorious. Vacation at its best!

Week 2 Itinerary: Drive to Joshua Tree National Park – Drive to San Diego

{Joshua Tree National Park}

We loved Joshua Tree! I had visited the area in high school and somewhat remembered what to expect of the California desert – but this place just rocked! We might classify this as Abi’s favorite place on the trip – she had so much energy climbing boulders, racing around, spotting wildlife. Such a beautiful place for a kiddo. The desert and the contrast of the amazing sky, the insane boulders, and the vegetation was crazy. We just loved how a place could seem so desolate, yet life was literally all around us! A very humbling and incredible place to spend some time.

{San Diego}

Ahh, San Diego. The land of perfect climate. What a place. Donald & I had each been there separately; so it was such a joy to experience such a great city both together and with our kiddos! San Diego was the first place that we just unpacked and existed for 4 days. That felt heavenly. We visited the grocery store, began and ended our days by overlooking the ocean, just had some simplicity that was so refreshing and became such a wonderful hallmark of our trip!

You know that I’d have an entire collage for the zoo :) I couldn’t wait to go back to the zoo, and to visit it with Abi. BUT, might I add that I was so pleased to see some features that I really preferred the good ol’ Dallas Zoo! Nevertheless, the San Diego Zoo deserves every bragging right that it is given; it is a phenomenal place. Donald & Abi were exhausted by the end of the day (but as Donald said, what was he thinking – if he is visiting a zoo with me, he will for sure see the entire thing, without missing an exhibit!). Wouldn’t you know that I forgot my name badge from Dallas Zoo – and therefore “cost” my family $40!

Relaxin’ all cool…

The Abi Diet – Spiced Lentil Tacos

2011-07-15T15:58:00.001-05:00

Me & my dandy little sous chef – isn’t he just the cutest?!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
1 package (2.25 ounce) taco seasoning
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth *I would reduce this amount to only 2 cups, my mixture was too wet.
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, finely chopped (use half for less heat) *I omitted buying a whole can seemed silly to me– remember, I’m a northern girl, my mouth does not miss chipotle chile!
2 teaspoons adobo sauce *could never find this as just a sauce, so I just left out8 taco shells
1 1/4 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat (2 percent) cheddar

Preparation

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onion, garlic and salt until onion begins to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add lentils and taco seasoning. Cook until spices are fragrant and lentils are dry, about 1 minute.

Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Mix sour cream, chile and adobo sauce in a bowl. Uncover lentils and cook until mixture thickens, 6 to 8 minutes. Mash with a rubber spatula. Spoon 1/4 cup lentil mixture into each taco shell. Top with 2 heaping teaspoons sour cream mixture, lettuce, tomato and cheese.

*Little tip – please buy organic or daisy sour cream – there are so many nasty ingredients in other sour creams…it’ll make your skin crawl and your tummy want to cry.

Wouldn’t you know that I forgot to get a picture of the finished product?! OH well, silly me.

Nate decided that he was hungry too, and tired of being a patient little helper in the kitchen.

Oh, da fourth…

2011-07-14T15:16:00.001-05:00

I just love the 4th of July! I definitely like it better in Michigan than in Texas – but I like it regardless. It’s just too dang hot here. The 4th of July in Michigan – there are boats on the lake, a lovely breeze, maybe you need to grab a jacket to watch the fireworks because it is getting a bit chilly….I digress. But, I do love the 4th.

Oh, Lake Highlands. You put on a parade. We were sweating and enjoying it…but I was still daydreaming about being on a lake…

My momma & I aka the candy grabb - abi & ry’s cups were overflowing…

I mean seriously, too cute.

Because you can’t call yourself a carnival these days without some really fun bounce houses!

Oh, yummy…

Watching fireworks with friends whom we’ll miss at night. Overall, Abi was a huge fan – minus the “big noise.”

Sweet Nate was such a trooper…we woke him up, he stayed awake (and really focused on the fireworks!), and then he fell asleep on the way home. Thanks, buddy.

Thankful for family, thankful for friends, thankful for freedoms.

Labor of Love of Limes

2011-07-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

Ahhh, key lime pie. Ahhh, how my hand aches…

The Roadtrip {Week 1}

2011-07-09T14:08:00.001-05:00

So, I’m throwing chronological etiquette to the wind – here is where blogging is about being a personal scrapbook too, I suppose.

About 6 weeks ago we departed on what will always be such a unique and special time for our family. We had some time between Donald’s graduation and his start date for work. We prayed and discussed what this time would look like – and then ~~on the fly~~ with great thought decided to book this insane-o adventure of trekkin’ California (with some Nevada and Arizona thrown in for good measure) for three weeks with our two darling kiddos. At the risk of sounding too dramatic and being overly “gooey” – these three weeks were amazing. We were just able to exist and live with one another. Literally, no agenda or place to be, except for what suited our fancy. We were just able to pray that we’d be obedient to what the Lord had for us that day. Unreal and so fantastic. We are so totally and completely grateful.

Week 1 Itinerary: Fly to San Francisco – Drive to Yosemite National Park – Drive to Las Vegas – Drive to the Grand Canyon

{Yosemite}

This place was amazing beyond words. Creation at its finest. Beauty galore. Donald’s favorite part of the trip (despite him getting a nasty GI bug and being sick for a good 3 days – and I mean really sick – like me crying in the hotel room sick). Please go if you can, it was so wonderful!

{Vegas, baby}

Go ahead, say it. Who in the world brings their kids to Vegas? And that is a wise statement! But, we would add that when your oldest is 2 and neither you or hubby have ever been…this is an acceptable time to take a family vacation, which happens to include a stop in Las Vegas. Without a doubt the most unique city that I’ve ever been in (don’t mean that in a good or bad way, just a fact in my book – I’ve never been to a city like it). Abi loved the lights (did NOT like the volcano outside of the Mirage, though!) – and we loved great hotel rooms at exceptional prices! We’re glad we stopped through…they did have a great aquarium at Mandalay Bay!

We threw the Hoover Dam in for good measure…

{Grand Canyon}

This place is incredible. We kind of felt as though we’d completed some sort of pilgrimage upon arriving here – visiting the Grand Canyon is like an American rite of passage. Looks like we’ve finally made it! Took us 28 years – our kiddos both made it here before they turned three. We were both so excited to finally see the canyon – I just couldn’t stop smiling. It is unbelievable. Endless. You feel so small. We were very humbled. Pictures do not do this place justice – it is captured in our memories.

Week 2 coming soon…

The Good Life {Watching Wimbledon}

2011-07-03T21:06:00.001-05:00

Yes ma’am, we Wallaces do love to watch Wimbledon. Quite honestly, we waste quite a bit of time over the two weeks of the major championships in the morning/early afternoon watching tennis. But, waste seems like such a harsh word…

(we’re not too fancy, sangria in an Aggie cup tastes just as delicious)

Quite a delight. The beauty of this time, all hanging out in the main room with tennis on in the background was not lost on us. We are so thankful for family time. Undeserved goodness poured out.

A father to the fatherless

2011-06-20T16:03:00.001-05:00

My Dad returned home yesterday, on Father’s Day, from Bolivia where he was aiding and loving on families who do not have easy access to medical attention. He was a part of team that was caring for the very basic of needs, and in doing so helping to illustrate that there is a father who loves them, a father who is concerned with their wellbeing.

I am so grateful for my Dad. To have a man who cheered for me, who wanted what was best for me, who read to me, who drove me all around the country (literally) so that I could pursue dreams, who loved me.

Dad. A supporter. A warrior. A confidant. A cheer-leader. A protector. What a role.

Graduation

2011-06-15T20:18:00.001-05:00

And, it is finished. Honestly, the past two years of life have been some of the most significant in my life. There has been more trusting, more seeing the Lord’s provision, more delighting in my family, more friendships formed, more appreciation of simplicity – the list could go on and on.

It is rare when a chapter of life is ended so abruptly. Usually, in my experience, life’s movements are more gradual. But, graduation came – Donald walked – and our period of SMU life ended (minus returning to the awesome playground right off campus, that is a dallas gem!). Oh my, I am so proud of him! We are excited for the next phase of life for our family – yet thankful for the past two years (especially given in the last year!) to slow life down and enjoy the contentment of today. I am thankful to have been taught these lessons and have them take root, I know they will bless our family in the future.

Here we are, all waiting for the fun to begin (we sat in the upper level – not too close to anyone – just perfect for toddlers and two itty-bitty’s)

Abi & Josh signing “I love you” too Doons – they were SO good during the ceremony!

The good lookin’ grad making his way up there…

Post ceremony – the freedom of the outdoors!

And so it is done…Go Ponies!

Home & Processing

2011-06-12T15:33:00.001-05:00

So, we’re at home. For a week now. Still processing the goodness of the past month. More pictures to come soon, but here’s how we feel:

And here’s what awaited us:

Ahhhh, welcome summer

2011-06-08T21:44:00.001-05:00

Oh yes, there is Memorial Day, but the way that summer is officially welcomed in the Wallace household (at least in my book) is a delicious BLT (with some extras to make it interesting – I need to, I average eating this delightful little sandwich at least 3 times a week in the summer) and a rejuvenating Arnold Palmer. Oh yummy.

Welcome, Summer – glad you’re here.

Thankful

2011-06-05T21:47:00.001-05:00

Thankful.

For three beautiful weeks spent with my precious family traveling.

For our home.

For the awesomeness and beauty of creation that we were able to witness and create amazing memories in.

For our family and community who love us; we are grateful to have dear people to return to.

Thankful.

Mothers

2011-05-08T14:28:00.001-05:00

So thankful to be a part of this beautiful sisterhood. To feel abundantly blessed because I have been given the honor of bandaging scrapped knees, wiping away sweet tears, giving endless hugs, and being amazed at being a part of this wondrous cycle.

I am overwhelmed today reflecting on the many woman who have mothered me. Some recently, some in times long gone, some who are sisters yet still teach me and love me. Grateful.

For my momma & Grandma – their love over me is powerful and wonderful. I learn more and more of what a gracious presence they were in my life as I mother my own two beauties. Thankful.

Royal Weddings

2011-05-02T14:17:00.001-05:00

I think I’ve been excited to watch this wedding since I was about 11 and saw a picture of Prince William and thought “oh, he’s cute.” I was ready, at 3 AM, to let the show begin!

My sweet hubby moved our nifty little Ikea couch out to the main room so that I didn’t have to move far in order to watch the wedding! I know – I’m silly.

3:30 – heated up my beloved kettle, and enjoyed tea and scones (made by my fantastic, British, mother-in-love)! I’m not going to lie – watching the Royal wedding while eating scones made by a former British citizen was excellent in my book!

And then my little beauties awoke at 7. But, in enough time to see the kiss! Abi LOVED that she was watching a prince and princess. I just love her.

Still…the most beautiful little princess that I’ve ever seen. Please note the nightgown that she chose after I told her what we’d be watching the following morning.

What a fun morning. I was so sad when it was over! The imagery and the hope that it stirred were beautiful, and I love that we all still love a good wedding. There is something so beautiful in that. Our hearts love a wonderful, beautiful fairytale. I am amazed at how the Lord reminds us of his love for us in these things. That we are a part of the ultimate love story – a truly beautiful and magnificent truth.

My oh My – Last class at SMU

2011-04-29T09:42:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe – hubby had his last class at SMU last night. Everything else is projects and take home exams. I am so proud and thankful for this man of mine. He has finished this chapter so well. Not sure where wifely-bragging and obnoxious overlap – so I’ll just say he excelled academically. (That’s OK, right?!) But more than that, he has loved our family and me so well through this process. Even with his crazy first year schedule of full-time school AND full-time work –—we remained his number one priority. Grateful. I am SO SO proud to be his gal.

His first night of class, way back when…

Leaving last night…

PS – we will miss this chapter of our life ending. Having donald home more has been such a good and amazing gift from our God. I will always reflect upon the past 9 months with great delight.

SMU & H2O

2011-04-27T21:43:00.001-05:00

There is something great about being on a college campus.

I always feel a bit more inspired when I’m on one. That might be totally ridiculous, but it’s the truth. I shoot for the stars a bit more. Hah. We have loved “our” time at SMU. I’ve loved taking advantages of others being more “with it” on current events than I am – what a good wave to ride!

The Engineering School sponsored an “Engineering & Humanity” week. How cool is that?! We learned a TON! Mostly I was encouraged by how many people there are who truly do care for humanity. Beautiful.

Abi loved to check out the various living quarters. All designed to maximize energy usage. Many of these types of homes are used in refugee camps. I was moved considering how something so basic could be so dignifying to another person – a home, four walls, when they’ve had everything taken away from them.

World Vision had a large booth. Raising awareness among 18-22 year olds regarding the water crisis in much of the world. Urging and challenging all of us to create a difference! To love…

Students were challenged to pick up a water-carrying device and transport water around campus – creating compassion for our neighbors…

A reminder to be about the things that move the heart of God…

The joy continues…

2011-04-25T22:14:00.001-05:00

At times the “day after” the holiday can seem somewhat of a let down. Or at least, that is sometimes true for me. The anticipation has passed, the preparations have been fulfilled, the family has gone. You’re left with clean-up.

Thankfully, this morning was so beautiful! I was thankful that my rejoicing and celebratory spirit not only get to continue from Easter Sunday to today, but that is the point of it all! That we are alive! The truths that were true two thousand years ago ring true today – Jesus has conquered the grave on Easter Sunday and that victory can be claimed every day since that first Easter.

Joy continues…

Earth Day {Dallas}

2011-04-23T22:34:00.001-05:00

You know that we love some Earth Day around here :)

Good ol’ Dallas offered the free 2-day festival in the Arts District – and we eagerly took advantage of it!

There was some checking out of the Trammel Crow Collection of Asian Art…

(compared to the real deal)

Chit-chatted with old friends (both Aubrey & Billy the ball python)

Made some groovy art with recycled products at the DMA’s booth…

And enjoyed a reading of ‘The Lorax’ as well as free admission at the DMA!

And ended the day with a ride down memory lane, Abi exploring the trolley and then enjoying some delicious food at an old favorite…

“The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.” Richard Louv

You know you’re a momma when…

2011-04-22T14:53:00.001-05:00

You spend quite a deal of time trying to figure out why sweet child brought this home from “school” today and what it is– when you ask darling child why…she responds with “It’s a red circle on a plate!” Oh! Delight in the simplicity of it all.

When you realize that much of your day is dictated by a three hour rotation (thankfully, not during the night!)

When you go to drive, grab sunglasses and can’t see clearly because they’re smeared with chocolate milk from darling girl.

When the following doesn’t make you blink an eye…in fact for a moment you question if you forgot to unbuckle your bouncy baby boy!

Be all here: and be holy.

Be all here: and be happy.

Because the Presence of I AM always fills the present moment. ( be encouraged here)

Ode to our Oslo

2011-04-20T22:01:00.001-05:00

Monday was such a sad day for our family. After almost 5 years of delightful crazy, we lost our most beloved cat. My heart is so heavy, as I really miss our little buddy and wish he had more time with our family. But, he was such a sick little kitty cat.

For those of you who knew Oslo well, he was really unlike any other cat. He was our cat-dog. He loved to be with people, and had such a personality. Granted, he was the first cat that I’ve ever owned, but I feel pretty confident to say that he was the best cat EVER.

We have enjoyed recalling delightful memories of our Os. From chasing the laser like a crazy-man, to having a love affair with my flip-flops, to loving taking showers and obsessing over running water, to letting Abi dress him up in baby clothes. He was so loved and we felt loved by him.

I will miss his amazing cuddles, his funny antics, the way he greeted us when we came in the door. Our home feels more empty now.

Thanks to everyone who has shared a funny story of Oslo, or just let us know that they are sorry for our loss. We feel loved by our friends and family – thank you!

Thankful…

2011-04-18T14:38:00.001-05:00

Thankful for friendships that grow us…

For those friends who rejoice in life’s pleasures…

For friends who care for us in each stage of life that we walk through together…

For friends to anticipate great JOY with!

For friendships that through them we learn to love our Lord more and see His goodness reflected.

Sarah dear, I am just so excited for dearest Addison to be here. We love her already!

Kites

2011-04-10T15:22:00.001-05:00

“The optimist pleasantly wonders how high his kite will fly…” William Arthur Ward

We’ve Gone National

2011-04-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

Not really a huge sports writer – or follower for that matter. I keep up to date on the happenings of tennis. And Aggie football. And now, Aggie Basketball! Gig ‘Em Aggies! Way to go on a National Championship!

The Princess who caused others to smile…

2011-03-31T15:04:00.001-05:00

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

2011-03-25T21:39:00.001-05:00

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

2011-03-19T15:14:00.001-05:00

Photo

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.

Photo

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.

Photo

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!

2011-03-17T16:34:00.001-05:00

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…

2011-03-15T16:44:00.001-05:00

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

2011-03-12T16:00:00.001-06:00

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

2011-03-10T14:48:00.001-06:00

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

2011-03-09T14:55:00.001-06:00

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

2011-03-03T15:29:00.001-06:00

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!!

Baby Wallace: 40+ weeks

2011-02-16T16:43:00.001-06:00

Sweet baby still has not chosen to reveal their sweet face to this world!

I have a whole mosaic of emotions currently and I imagine that is where I will stay until little one appears! It has been a truly phenomenal process, this pregnancy being rich with spiritual lessons and blessings!

We are in a waiting period, praying for the Lord to wash us continually with his peace and love as we strive to trust in him only! Taking comfort in His love for our little one – and realizing that I am not in control!

Picture below…my trusty walking shoes! Have walked the neighborhood 3x today and the arboretum with the dess family! Getting this child out is a community effort! Trying to savor all of these memories – pregnancy is precious, no matter how anxious I am to hold this little babe!

At the lake on Sunday…big ol’ baby & big ol’ me!

L.O.V.E

2011-02-14T08:08:00.001-06:00

To you, dear friends, may you feel true love today and experience joy in its blessing!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Peace

2011-02-10T20:43:00.001-06:00

Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the LORD will give what is good.

Psalm 85:11-12

And then came the snow…

2011-02-08T20:58:00.001-06:00

Apparently snow coming multiple times a year to dallas is going to be a yearly tradition. We’ll take it! Few days of winter heaven – and then it’s gone. Yes, please. What a far cry from the never ending gray that is my homeland o’ Michigan.

Basically Dallas shut down for 4 days (irony here is that it was Superbowl Week here in the Big D– those poor, crazy fans!). All schools closed – roads largely deserted. But, let me tell you what was pure bliss – SMU was closed for those 4 days as well. AHHHHHH!! A whole week of uninterrupted Donald time. What a gift. It was treasured. It was seen as a gracious and extravagant blessing from God. When does that happen?! Right before this sweet little bundle comes, we were able to soak up the goodness that these past 2 1/2 years have afforded our little family of three. I just smile when I think about how that happened.

Getting ready to gear up!

What awaited us outside our door – what a fun, fun day!

It is truly impossible to forget those whose days are not marked with laughter, relief, and joy when winter conditions and days off are announced. For those single, working mommas who have to find someplace for their babies to go; for the kind woman in Target who had to walk to work because her car wasn’t working; for the 3 school-aged boys we saw at the intersection who maybe had no one at home waiting for them to come inside and love on them with hot chocolate and hugs. We are undeserving of the goodness that we’ve been showered with.

(please excuse the leftover cookie bits remaining on little beauty’s face!)

Want some contrast?! Check out our day just 6 days earlier. I kind of love that about Texas.

Baby Wallace: 39+ weeks

2011-02-06T16:47:00.001-06:00

OK, I’m ready to have this little bundle in my arms, please!

(abi touching her belly too! I actually asked donald before he took this picture – can you see my belly from where you are? He just smiled.)

Add a little bit more girth to me, this was taken about a week ago. Oh my.

So, I am tired. Plain and simple. My legs ache, my back aches – I ache! I sound a bit like a broken record here, don’t I? And then I got the bug that was being passed around – so on top of not being able to sleep due to heartburn and a small bladder – add a fever and sore throat to the mix too.

OK – I’m done. What a blessing to be able to grow this little baby. How amazing to watch my body change as it prepares to give birth. I feel enormously blessed by a husband who is good to me beyond words. I am thankful. But maybe one more good night of sleep?? Oops, I said I was done.

On to the really good stuff about this little bun!

Baby W at 39 weeks:

Is the size of a mini watermelon, but if you look at me, I’m pretty sure I’m packing away the watermelon of the traditional variety! Baby should be over 20 inches and weighing over 7 lbs – which I laugh at. I know this little beauty will be a good pound heavier (or so I think, that’s silly for me to use crazy words like know when referring to pregnancy!). Baby is just adding more fat to their sweet little self!

I have my last (hopefully!) appointment tomorrow – only “excitement” was calling up to see what my course of action needed to be with having a fever. Thankfully, fever never reached 102. We are just waiting! Waking up every day wondering if this could be it! Going to bed every night hoping that labor won’t start until at least 5 am – hehe. We’ve had a huge (for dallas) ice and snow storm this whole past week – pretty much leaving us and everyone else at home for 4 days straight! It has been such a gift from God – since SMU was closed all week (besides Monday) we just enjoyed amazing family time. We’re so so thankful! Treasuring times while it is just the three of us and anxiously awaiting our 4th member!

Sweet Abi is getting so giddy – still is such a sweet little girl towards baby. She now is really thinking baby could be a girl (maybe wishing for that too! – we don’t know!) and is understanding (thanks to some great books and LOTS of conversation!) that we’ll be at the hospital for a day or so and that she’ll be staying either with Nanny & Grandpa or Mimi & Grandpa Zo for just a little bit! Lots of exciting changes! She’s in her NEW big girl bed with the baby’s crib across the room from her – and she is quite excited about talking to the baby as they go to sleep (wouldn’t that be a precious reality right from the beginning?!?!). We’re trying to harness some of those expectations!

And to leave you with one great loves of mine this pregnancy! Couldn’t let it escape the updates the whole time!

Flashback 2011: The Cotton Bowl

2011-02-01T20:23:00.001-06:00

Well, the “flashback” series was created thinking it’d give me a not-so-silly way to update this blog on events that happened in the previous year (oh goodness). BUT, it gives me a way to justify events that happened earlier in the month too!

Given that our dear Aggies were playing in the Cotton Bowl this year (don’t get me started on how Jerry Jones stole the Cotton Bowl from THE Cotton Bowl in Fair Park, ugh) – and the Aggie Band was practicing at Lake Highlands High School! Wahoo!!! You know we had to be there! It was the closest that I’d ever been to the Aggie Band – and we had so much fun! Abi really dug the tubas – because “they’re so big.”

And then on to that watching of some good ol’ Aggie Football! Unfortunately LSU bested us that evening – oh boo.

Yummy, fondue.

Baby Wallace: 37 weeks

2011-01-24T16:17:00.001-06:00

Just about 2 weeks to go! Oh me, oh my!!

My friends are so precious to me. In new, creative, and wonderful ways the Lord continues to show His love to me via friends. What a blessing! My sweet friend, Lauren (go check out her and her hubby’s business!) was kind to me and took some pictures of me and growing baby W. We couldn’t be happier. We are so thankful to have such a fun and precious time documented with such love – thank you, Lauren!!

I mean really – isn’t she amazing. THANK YOU LAUREN!!!

The past few weeks – oh goodness. Getting into crazy mode. Changing rooms / painting / making purchases / FREAKING out / Prepping Rooms for a little body / lots of sitting on bouncy ball / Hospital Tour / a bit more freaking out / turning over fear to the Lord / getting pretty gosh darn excited.

My appointment today…still 2 cm dilated – everyone thinking baby will be a good ol’ size again (dr. encouraged the baby speeding processes to commence in the next week or so!). The ultrasound thankfully yielded a healthy little baby with a sweet BIG tummy – good fluid amounts – and once again…a good grower :) No Group B Strep this time around though – hooray! One less thing…

Baby W (according to Babycenter) should be about 19 inches and weighs about 6 1/3 lbs. BUT, our Baby W measured today (granted, past 37 weeks) at 8 lbs…but really, who knows what those sonograms show anyway! I have begun to have much more pressure on my pelvis – and thus the mega return of my bouncy ball friend. I really wanted to take it to church yesterday. I can no longer sleep through the night (surprised that it had taken this long!) due to my shrinking bladder space! And ohhhh, the acid reflux. I am SO stoked for that aspect of pregnancy to be left behind!

Our darling big sister is getting quite excited for her new room buddy (haha, don’t worry, they won’t be room buddies for a while!) and is so excited that she’ll “have someone to talk to” in the back seat! She continues to show such maturity and tenderness – we are amazed and humbled. Please continue in prayers over our little lady, we want this broadening of our family to be seen in such an exciting, beautiful light for her!

The Blizzard of 2011

2011-01-18T16:03:00.001-06:00

Haha, yes yes, let’s groan out loud together! I love when it snows in dallas. Not only do I love the snow, but I love to see how worked up everyone gets! From the news, to the people in the elevator at the hospital (for a normal check-up!) – oh my goodness. It is comical for this Michigan girl. Not to sound that I am laughing at people – that seems ugly. I mean, I am laughing at dallas in general. Hmmm, that’s not much better, is it?

But, like a crazy lady – I start documenting – I mean, this may be it for the year?!

Then it got a bit more serious…eek!

Because who doesn’t go outside with their glitzy best on?

The next morning, we were so excited that the snow was still there! Even Oslo tried to have a go at it!

Flashback 2010: Thanksgiving

2011-01-13T21:23:00.001-06:00

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

-John Milton-

I have loved the last six months of life. They certainly haven’t been the easiest. There have been some challenges presented that if someone would have told me were approaching, I think I would have started running. The challenges weren’t pretty. They weren’t solved over a long dinner and a cup of coffee either. They required wrestling…and eventually relinquishing. Oh, but have these past 6 months changed my life. I have learned to value simple. I have learned to be more creative. I have learned a new love of my husband. I have learned to look at the world differently. I have grown to treasure and to claim the provision of a powerful and loving God.

Thanksgiving was so sweet. Lots of family, lots of love. Lots of reflection over beautiful meals and quiet evenings. Lots of laughter in the not so quiet evenings. We hope that our 2011 is a year whose banner is thankfulness. We are trying to be intentional in waving that banner daily.

Reflection and Anticipation

2011-01-09T22:21:00.001-06:00

So long, 2010. You were enjoyed. Memories were wonderful. A brief look back on our last year of this beautiful life.

*May I add what a pleasure this post was to create! It really did aid in my “reflection process” of the Lord’s goodness and provision to our family!

On finding out that our little family would be growing to four!

“Ain’t going to be living tomorrows and missing today. Ain’t going to be making treasures out of things that fade away. No, I’d rather be living every moment, living every second of every single day.” -Warren Barfield

May your 2011 be filled with joyous amounts of peace and thankfulness!

Baby Wallace: 35 weeks

2011-01-04T21:50:00.001-06:00

Oh baby, we’re getting close!

During the past 2 weeks of growth, baby Wallace:

Is dealing with a mother who is in mega nesting mode, but doesn’t have much of an outlet for it! House projects keep running into little hiccups, and I am getting frustrated at times! I’m going to be perfectly honest here – I struggle with having things “ready.” What does this “ready” mean? Honestly, I know in my head that it is silly – that our sweet baby has all that they will need. A warm, clean place to sleep. Food to eat. Clean clothes. Clean diapers. What an amazingly blessed baby when considering what so many of his/her brothers and sisters are born into. Please pray for me that I keep that in my mind when I get “stressed” over insignificant, trivial things!

Baby Wallace is 5 1/4 lbs. and measures at 18 inches (the size of a honeydew melon)! And let me tell you, I believe it! I feel like my posture is improving constantly because of my having to stand straighter b/c I feel like my ribs have no room to exist! Sleeping is getting more tricky and I am tired often. My pillow and I are quite good friends! I love the baby movements at the end of pregnancy. It is crazy watching your belly move in slow, rippled movements as sweet baby runs out of room. I am trying my best to treasure all of these movements and feelings as this next month will come quickly, and I know I will miss these moments that “are all mine.”

Sweet Abi is just a treasure. She is so loving with our little bundle – and most questions/situations involve asking how our baby will fit into life. We are thankful – we’ll see how this holds up once baby W arrives!

Flashback 2010: Hubby’s Birthday!

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Doons turned 28 about 6 weeks ago!

Having a birthday the day after Thanksgiving may be a bummer to some (truthfully, it might be for me, selfish gal that I sometimes am) – but my darling hubby takes it all in stride and thinks of the week’s festivities as a wonderful family occasion where there is an amazing meal cooked in his honor! We all would agree with him.

My dearest is loved by many for multiple reasons, the lists could go on and on. But as I reflect back on this year of life with him, I am most thankful for his sincere and deep love for our family, his unwavering belief in a God who is good and provides all good things, and for his humble nature which both encourages others and puts them at ease. He is a goody. I am so thankful for him.

A Sprinkle for Baby W

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I am just so thankful for my friends. They are so wonderful and thoughtful. Dearest Jess & Chelle loved on this baby (and our family!) in such a kind and generous way by throwing baby Wallace a little sprinkle! It was such fun to have special friends there to celebrate our fourth little family member and to share in our joy!

Everyone cast your votes! Each person made their guess on whether we’d be decorating with blue or pink in just 6 weeks!

The Boys:

The Girls:

Thank you dear friends!! We feel very loved by you!

Baby Wallace: 28-33 weeks

2010-12-23T08:07:00.001-06:00

Oh, sweet baby – I am sorry! 5 weeks and no update on darling, little YOU!

Oh, baby…you’re growing!!

During the past month of growth, baby Wallace:

Your gender is still sealed away inside that little envelope! I’ve definitely thought the most about opening it in the past month, but my resolve is still pretty strong! Abi (and on most days donald too!) are now being more convinced that you are now a little girl, but I am still strongly convinced of the presence of that ‘Y’ chromosome. We shall see! I am SOOO anxious to see if that moment when you arrive into the world and it is announced “It’s a …” will be “worth” the months of waiting…because right now I am missing some of the experiences that we had with Abi knowing that she was a girl. Again…we shall see! Either way, it’s been fun having two VERY different experiences and being able to compare them!

Baby is now the size of a pineapple, measures about 17 inches, and weighs almost 4 pounds. Quite a bit of growing since the last post!

We have had a busy month, with lots of family in town, celebrating Doons’ birthday, Thanksgiving, and preparation during the advent season. It has been such a beautiful month! We’ve really enjoyed this last month of life as a family as we prepare for your arrival as well as the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

I am starting to have back pain quite frequently at the end of the day, so I am upping my hours of sitting on that birthing ball and expanding my very narrow repertoire of “pregnant pilates” exercises. Some relief has been granted :) I can not as easily pass behind people, what I mean by that is that baby has had many more “up and close” encounters because this ever-growing belly of mine is expanding and demands to be seen and felt at times!

This past month I was oh-so blessed with a sprinkle thrown by some of my dearest friends, more to come on that later. We feel so thankful to have people who love our little bundle so much already. Thank you, such gratitude!

The nursery/playroom transition is still in the process, but the final plans are making their appearances (at least in our minds!) so we’re encouraged by that. I just keep telling myself that this baby needs love, some food, and thankfully b/c of our home in the western world, they’ll get some delightful diapers too! This room is just a perk! Abi is just so so excited! We are just so in love with her and are so touched by her loving-kindness towards this little one. At the same time, I am experiencing somewhat of a mourning period as the time with just our abi is coming to an end. Similar to what I felt as Abi’s birth approached. I am thankful for the beautiful phase that has reigned in our family, and I am overwhelmed by the ‘wonderfulness’ that I am told is approaching, and I faithfully take the word of those who are wiser and have lived more life than I!

Hopefully there will be another update on this sweet babe before their birth! Oh goodness.

Hmm, something seems to be amiss…

2010-12-20T14:17:00.001-06:00

The calendar says it’s the 20th of December…

My house looks like it’s close to the Christmas celebration…

Lord knows I’ve eaten enough sweets and the like to be VERY sure it’s the holiday season…

Yet, my windows are open because it’s 70 degrees outside. Ahhh, Texas.

The Abi Diet – Butternut Squash Soup

2010-12-09T21:03:00.001-06:00

Few things yell “IT’S FALL” to me like butternut squash. There’s something that’s magnetic about it. I’m pulled to it. I don’t even know that many ways to cook it, but it still has some sort of power over me.

For this installment in the ever-growing ‘Abi Diet’ series – it’s Butternut Squash Soup. Souls: prepare to be warmed.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons chopped onion
4 tablespoons margarine
6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
3 cups water
4 cubes chicken bouillon
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese - but I only used one.

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, saute onions in margarine until tender. Add squash, water, bouillon, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil; cook 20 minutes, or until squash is tender.

2. Puree squash and cream cheese in a blender or food processor in batches until smooth. Return to saucepan, and heat through. Do not allow to boil.

*Here’s what happens when one does not correctly lock a food processor in place…oops.

*Does a person really need an excuse to buy croissants? Don’t think so. These little babies make me happy for many days post soup.

Happy Cooking!

The Thankful Tree

2010-12-08T14:57:00.001-06:00

Yes, yes…more thankful posts in December. However, even typing that sentence sounds so funny! What a reason we have in December to be thankful! Pressing on towards thankfulness being a daily choice and modeled behavior…

However, as November is notorious (and I’m thankful for that!) to spur something inside of you to be thankful, we created a ‘Thankful Tree’ for us and abi. To encourage a daily discussion of what we were thankful for, to display it publicly, and to engage in some good, artsy fun!

In its humble beginnings…

Starting to get real good and fancy!

The Application…

Final…

Oh, we had so much fun! Some of the notables from Abi were:

Horseshoe Crabs
Baby Jesus
Spinning
Our baby
Really high swinging

It was often a beautiful time to recap our day and to laugh (one time Abi was in a mood and said that she wasn’t thankful for anything) – I’m planning on saving the leaves to reflect on next year, giving thanks for the bounty of 2010 and recalling precious memories. Thankful for you, friends!