Lessons in Contentment

This has been a crazy time of life.  Donald and I comment frequently on how we don't ever think that we've been this busy.  Through the house (8 days away from move-in!), preparing to move in general, donald's job/school decisions, and learning how to be parents to our sweet gift - life at times seems out of control.  I become so easily frustrated with house issues, which leads to me feeling guilty that I'm not being calm and content enough for our little lady, and that then leads me to needing to be still before the Lord.  It is amazing how all things in life are so interconnected.  To be content and aware always that His grace is present and abouding - and enough for my every need.  And in that to be content with my wonderful life.  For it truly is.  There will always be something.  Some sort of a distraction, something for me to be jealous of, an area where pride will creep in.  I so hope that in those moments I will be able to pause and then reflect on how temporary things are, my constant need to set aside myself, and then to enjoy this life!

I'm sure I'll need to post on this in another month or so :)

Because she's just so darn cute:

House, House, and more House (and a visitor from the North)

To say that Donald and I are anxious to get into our house would be the understatement of the century. I cannot wait. However, that energy has been recently channeled into priming, cleaning, painting, cleaning, making decisions that are both exciting and scary, and cleaning. Preparing a house that hasn't been lived in for ten years to be inhabited again is quite the project. We can't wait for all of you to come to the city of Dallas and stay at our abode - we would be so excited!

What used to be on either side of the wall:

We knocked down the wall and opened up the space - the back area will be where the kitchen is! Kind of an older picture...the doors are now all in, all ceilings are painted, all walls are primed and some are painted with actual color! Move in begins 2 weeks from tomorrow!

My Uncle Bob was in town for business, so we were able to have him as our next to last guest at the apartment (my Dad comes tomorrow). His visit allowed for some good times with my brother and his family, which is always great! Unfor. Uncle Bob had to leave the beautiful 75 degree weather and return to Michigan where it is getting into the 30s at night. In this case, point for Texas.

3 years of love

Donald and I recently celebrated our three year anniversary. It was really different than what we would have imagined 3 years ago! But, it was insanely wonderful. I am so thankful that I am married to a man with whom I celebrate our marriage daily, but I am also grateful that anniversaries are remembered. Having a day to cherish, laugh, cry and be joyful over memories is fantastic. Being married has proven to be the most difficult and amazing gift I have ever been given. (Difficult in a self-refining way, not a bad way!) My husband is a wonderful man who loves the Lord, earnestly loves me, desires to serve people, wants us to love the world better, a phenomenal father, and my bestest friend EVER! I am so thankful for the past three years, am grateful that we are part of the honeymooners-for-life club, and can't wait for the rest of our adventure together.

Why 80 degree weather rocks!

The arboretum has a fall concert series every Thursday for the next 8 weeks. It was only 6 dollars for members and you can bring your own food - what an enjoyable way to spend an evening! We had our dear Hurricane Ike survivors with us as well. The concert was on the lawn right by the lake - fantastic. Awesome music, excellent food, wonderful family. Quite the evening! To make the night even better - we've been enjoying a week of awesome weather and it was around 70 degrees - yahoo!

Our daughter loves Waterdeep

Well, one of our parenting hopes has been fulfilled - our daughter coos along to and then is comforted by the poetic genius of Waterdeep. Awesome. We really discovered this on our way back from Houston when we had quite a bit of car time and we would sing lots of songs to Abi, but the ones that really did the trick were Waterdeep's songs! We know that many of you are rejoicing at this discovery as well!

Donald & I dancing at our wedding to Waterdeep

Full circle: Abi sleeping to Waterdeep

Hunger 101

September is Hunger Awareness month in North Texas.  This link from the North Texas Food Bank's website gives a slight insight into the frustration that so many people in our community face.  It was eye-opening for me.

http://www.ntfb.org/h_hunger_101.cfm

I highly encourage those of us living in North Texas to check out their website and find ways to be involved during this month specifically and beyond.  Donald and I have found at times that it is as easy as being specific about where we go grocery shopping.  After being in the "Mother Club" for about 2 months now, I can only imagine the pain and grief that a mother or a father must have at not being able to provide their babies with adequate nourishment.  Those of us who love God and love others can do more!

Encouraged

So, this is totally stolen from Jenny & Brian's blog, but it has sparked so much conversation between donald and I and our family, that we had to post it too. Following this link and watching this speech is definitely worth it. You will be encouraged and singing "Oak Cliff" when you're done. BUT, we're still glad that our house feeds into Richardson ISD and not Dallas ISD. Note: The Zoo is located in Oak Cliff, so I feel a special bond to the jingle.

http://www.dallasisd.org/keynote.htm