Little Red Bike

Shoes securely tied. 

Helmet fastened tight. 

Eyes fixed on the goal, 

he climbs aboard his little red bike. 

To be fast is what he likes. 

One swift kick of his legs 

and two little wheels rocket forward.  

Up and down, 

back and forth, 

"Vroom" goes his little red bike.

To be fast is what he likes.

Reaching the sidewalk, 

turning the handlebars, 

and, without a moment's hesitation, 

veering in a new direction 

on his little red bike.

To be fast is what he likes.

Feet now lifted off the ground, 

balancing his new found independence 

on two little wheels.  

To be fast is what he likes.

A little dirt, 

a blade of grass, 

a bump in the road - 

they are no match 

for his little red bike.

"I fast, mommy!" 

he proudly declares 

as he soars past.  

In one afternoon, 

on a quiet street in the city, 

a racer is born 

on a little red bike.  

 

Joy Dare: He Knows ME

Photo credit: wili_hybrid

This morning, I read these words of Truth:

 "O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar."  

(Psalm 139:1-2)

I was struck by this reminder that He not only created me and numbered my days, but that He also knows and cares about the little details of my life from my coming to my going, my sitting to my rising.

And, even more so, He knows my thoughts while they are still out of reach for me.  Matthew Henry puts it so beautifully when he explains, "Though my thoughts be ever so foreign and distant from one another, thou understandest the chain of them, and can make out their connexion, when so many of them slip my notice that I myself cannot". 

A few weeks ago, a friend shared this verse with me, "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?" (Psalm 56:8)

Today, as I continue to count His gifts, I am most thankful that I serve a Father who understands me more than anyone else on earth ever could.

***

127. News from the radiologist that my sweet friend, Kim, will not have to deliver her baby early. 


128. This truth: that though circumstances and trials be out of our control, it is always Him who goes before you. So, let your heart take courage and wait for the Lord, who is great and awesome and faithful. (Deuteronomy 31:6)


129. A mom who takes time out of her busy schedule to help me clean and ready our house for selling. 


130. A very, very clean house and a for sale sign as we look to the future.


131. My beautiful pregnant sister and the sweet baby girl growing healthy and strong in her womb.


132. A husband who reminds me that beauty is more than my outward appearance and who daily affirms that I am beautiful. 


133. The privilege and joy of raising the next generation and being more than just a mom to these little ones. 


134. This fallen world is not my home; I await the joyful hope of my citizenship in heaven and the transforming of this dying body into its glorious heavenly form. (Philippians 3:20-21)


135. I am not perfect, but I am enough. 


136. Sweet fellowship with friends who speak truth in love and words that are sweeter than honey...and that we were made for community, to encourage and build each other up.


137. Conversations between my little ones and watching a lifetime of friendship unfold. 


138. A gluten free cookie recipe that my husband, who enjoys a good gluten-filled dessert, calls "pretty good, babe". 


139. The blessing of MOPS and the group of women who have welcomed me with open arms and caring hearts. 


140. Doctors and nurses who care for our daughter's wound, stitches that heal, and a brave little girl who says after all she's endured, "I feel better now, mommy!".  


141. Shifting the focus from "two-piece swimsuits and skinny jeans to healthy heart, healthy body mass and healthy thoughts". 


142. This truth reminder for my tender, aching heart: "I’m loved, I really can do this. I’m chosen for a purpose."


143. Teaching my little ones to take care of our home and hearing them say, "I help you, mommy!" with joy and anticipation.


144. Laughter and sweet fellowship on a much needed mom's night out. 


145. His love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out on me.


146. Cleaning and getting rid of more stuff - so freeing!


147. Knowing that my labor in the Lord is not in vain and that it is more than worth it to persevere and remain steadfast in my walk.  (1 Corinthians 15:58)


148. Celebrating nurses week by remembering the amazing NICU nurses who cared for our little ones so tenderly and compassionately. 


149. This beautiful love story and the reminder that love is a daily choice we make to put the needs of our loved one before our own. 


150. The tot spot at our local grocery store and kids who are excited to play while mommy grocery shops alone.


151. The Word of God that always proves true against all the lies the world throws my way.  (Psalm 18:30-32)


152. A much needed social media break and the time spent soaking up His truths and gaining a clearer perspective. 


153. "That motherhood is both the hardest and most magnificent thing you will ever do." 


154. Sharing the love of babywearing with other expectant mommas and learning more to better equip me for babywearing our littlest one. 


155. These mother's day words of love from my sisters: "Happy mothers day to the best mommy of THREE!" and "Happy mothers day :) you have some pretty lucky kids!".


156. A day "off" from mothering to enjoy a Brewers/Cubs game with my sisters, brothers, and cousins. 


157. Coming home to hand picked wildflowers and handmade cards from my little blessings and love from the three people who make my life more complete. 


158. A hubby who blessed me with the day off and is my biggest cheerleader on the hard mothering days. So thankful to have him by my side to journey this road of parenting together. It's a crazy, challenging life, but it is SO worth it.


159. Missing my sweet grandma on Mother's Day, but remembering the beautiful legacy she left and the family who carries pieces of her into the future.  


160. I am not perfect, but I press on to the perfection He promises in heaven because He has made me His own. (Philippians 3:12)


161. Being held safe and secure in the arms of the One who only allows what will build me up and mold me into the woman He desires me to be, not for my glory, but for His.  


162. Friends who remind me of His truth spoken in love and who join me in faithful prayer.


163. I will not shrink back and be destroyed when trials and struggles overwhelm, because I have a greater hope and nothing can separate me from His love.  


164. Finally feeling well enough to begin exercising again and discovering a new exercise routine that works for this pregnant momma.  


165. Connecting with a group of men and women who understand my gluten intolerance and the wealth of knowledge and resources gleaned from the local support group meeting.  


166. Discovering a $10 bill while cleaning out our bedroom closet.


167. Feeling more frequent and definite kicks from this littlest one in my womb - the coolest feeling ever.  


168. Though trials and tribulation may about in this world, I can take heart because HE has overcome the world (John 16:33)


169. Overhearing my daughter tenderly care for her brother, "Aw, yeddo, you got hurt. Wanna sleep on the couch...and I tuck you in?" Sometimes, as much as mommy wants to run and comfort even the little bumps and bruises, it's so precious to watch these two comfort each other.


170. "There's something so powerful about the friendships you can touch and see and feel." (Holley Gerth) So, so thankful for the friends God has placed in my life to dance with me in the moments of joy and cry with me in the moments of pain. ""When we're with people in the skin...it can really add richness to our lives." (Bonnie Gray)


171. When God reaches me with His word right where I am. I needed this today. Contentment does not come from wealth, success, health, or possessions, but from the feet of Christ, in wholly depending on Him, for when I am weak, He is strong and His grace is always sufficient. (Philippians 4:11-13)


172. Saying goodbye to sweet friends, but knowing that God has great plans in store for them and that they are obediently following Him exactly where He would have them be.


173. Cheering on our favorite mountain biker despite a rainy, muddy race day.


174. This quote from Matthew Henry's commentary about the importance of prayer and calling to God in our distress: "a good man is made up of prayer and gives himself to prayer".


175. That God, ultimately, overrules human sin and the effects of it. Not that He is the author of sin, but that He is in control of the events and directs the chain effects of human sin, not to make sin less punishable, but to further elevate His name to the praise and glory of the One who is over all.


176. Sunshine, bike rides, playgrounds, and picnics enjoyed with two sweet little ones and the steady pitter patter of the littlest one in my womb.


177. A 20 week ultrasound that revealed a healthy and ever growing baby BOY.


178. Waking up to a little monkey in my belly pitter-pattering away and another little monkey crawling all over our bed giggling. I couldn't help but smile - I'll take early mornings just to wake up to this happiness.


179. Date night with my love by his suggestion and parents who are more than happy to spend time with their grandkids.


180. A day at the beach chasing the waves and building sand castles with my loves.


181. Freedom, both in this land of the free and home of the brave (and for the men and women who sacrifice daily to keep it so) and in the redemption of my soul and the hope of eternal life in heaven.


182. Hearing our little ones memorize His words and encouraging their hearts to follow after Him.


183.  Long afternoon naps.


184. Grocery shopping in the early morning before my hubby leaves for work - so quiet and peaceful.


185. Beautiful maternity photos taken by a sweet friend.


186. The many rich and beautiful marriages that have encouraged and blessed my husband and I in our own marriages.


187. Singing hymns with my kids and hearing them say, "again, mommy! sing God song again!". 


188. The privilege to vote and have my voice heard. 


189. Celebrating 20 years since my baby brother joined our family and made it complete.


190. Overheard from my daughter, "And I love mommy too. Cuz I do!" And then my heart melted.


191. Baby shower festivities, the blessing of family, and the anticipation of our precious niece.

 

 

Ore to Shore 2011

For the last two years, Ted and his brother, David, have battled it out on the race course for the Ore to Shore mountain bike race from Negaunee, MI to Marquette, MI.  The rest of the family has joined us to cheer them on.  This year, because the family went down to TX for David's wedding, we enjoyed a quiet mini vacation with our little family of four.

We left on Friday morning, stopped for a picnic lunch on the way, and checked into the hotel for the kids to play and explore while Ted pre-rode part of the course.  We packed a yummy chicken tortilla soup I had made ahead of time and just reheated it in the microwave for dinner (a great frugal way to do a weekend getaway at a hotel).  Our hotel room had two double beds, so Valerie got to sleep in her own "big girl" bed for the night and Almanzo slept in a pack and play.  I was a bit worried how well they would sleep, but, once we finally settled them down, we all enjoyed a full night of sleep. 

On Saturday morning, we enjoyed a hot breakfast served by the owners of our hotel and then sent our favorite mountain biker off with well wishes for a great race.  The kids and I drove to the start and found a little bakery nearby to enjoy a little treat before the race started.  We almost missed the start and barely saw Ted, because they came past so fast at the start.  The kids were excited to see all the bikers and chatted the whole way back to the van about "daddy bike fast".  We then drove to the second feed zone so we could hand off a water bottle and cheer on Ted again.  While we waited, Almanzo played with his toy cars (his new favorite) and Valerie played some preschool games on my ipod.  When the lead group came through, the kids started clapping and cheering them on.  We were really excited to see Ted come through in 14th place. We finally drove to the finish and enjoyed some snacks while we waited for Ted to finish.  We yelled and cheered as he came through in 13th - a great end to an exciting race day!

After Ted cooled down and took a shower, we decided to splurge on dinner at our favorite little restaurant in Marquette, Sweet Water Cafe.  They use fresh, local produce and all natural ingredients in all their menu items.  Plus, they offer gluten free options for people like me.  If you're ever in the area, you should seriously check it out - SO good!  After eating our delicious meal, we took a drive along Lake Superior so the kids could take a nap and then stopped so Ted could take a nap too.  I enjoyed some quiet and had fun taking photos of the beautiful lake.

We were all exhausted and slept really well Saturday night.  The kids even let us sleep in, but we still had enough time to eat breakfast, pack up the van, and attend a church service across the street.  Almanzo wasn't too happy about me leaving him in the nursery, so I sat and rocked him for half of the service..  Thankfully, the nursery had speakers so I could still listen to the sermon and I used my ipod to take notes. I was impressed when Ted said Valerie sat through the whole service with him.

We finally started driving back after church service, but stopped at my parents' for dinner and to switch vans.  (My parents were generous enough to let us borrow their van with air conditioning and a DVD player to keep our little ones occupied on the long drive.)  The kids enjoyed playing with their "Pappi" and "G-mommy" and uncles before getting them in their pajamas and finally going home.  I'm not sure how Ted woke up Monday morning for work, because the kids were so tired they took TWO naps that day.  But, it was well worth the fun of our mini vacation!

Project Life 2011: Week 23

Valerie loves to sing. She makes up songs and dances around singing at the top of her lungs. This is one of her many facial expressions as she sang me one of her made up songs.

I just love this little man and his bright blue eyes.

Miss V put these silly glasses on today and asked me to take a picture of her. Her face here just cracks me up!

I had a PartyLite party tonight and, after running around playing, Almanzo's hair was so sweaty my sister, Kelly, combed his hair into a mohawk. Too funny!

I was trying to take pictures of miss V's cute pigtails, but she was having none of it. This is her, "Seriously, mom? More pictures?" look.

We cheered on our favorite mountain biker today and the kids were so excited to see daddy "bike fast"!

Big girl got her very own library card today when we went their to sign up for the summer reading program.

*The TWO winners of my Courageous giveaway are Holly and Laura.  I will email you to get your addresses right away.  Congratulations!*

WORS 2011: Trek Big Ring Classic

Yesterday, we packed up the van and headed to Wausau, WI for WORS race #3, the first race of the season for the little ones and I.  My cousin, Tristan, finished his second WORS race of the year just before we arrived and came in first in his age group.  My aunt & uncle, Susan & Charlie, brought Grandma to the race to cheer on Tristan and Ted, so we were able to spend some time with family.  We even saw my uncle, Gerry, and cousin, Ethan, leaving as we arrived.  They came to watch Tristan race, but had to leave for another commitment in the afternoon. 

Ted raced well, despite being "out of commission" for a few weeks due to an Achilles tendon injury.  He finished 14th and we were so proud of him.  The kids had so much fun cheering him on.  Almanzo was yelling "yeeeeee!" (his version of "yay!") for every racer that came by and Valerie kept saying, "mommy! he fast!"  On the way home, she said to Ted, "you bike fast?"  And, for the first time in a long time, I actually felt very laid-back and relaxed about race day.  It was a perfectly beautiful day!

On the way home, we stopped for dinner with our friends, Wade & Melissa.  We always enjoy catching up with them during race season and our kids just love them too.  Valerie is usually pretty shy, but she warmed up to Melissa really fast when she offered her a blueberry smoothie!  

By the way, my Courageous giveaway had only 3 entries, so I'm extending it a little - if you comment on this post or that post tonight, you can still be entered in the giveaway.  I will pick TWO winners tomorrow at 8 am (CST) so I can get the prizes mailed out right away.

Project Life 2011: Week 12 & 13

Valerie started playing peek a boo with me today. Her giggles are as contagious as her brother's!




My kids just LOVE Wednesdays when they get to play with "Kai" and "Kia".




Look what I did, Mommy! You mean, besides climbing up on TOP of the kitchen set. ;) Just my little artist showing off her latest masterpiece.




The moment I take out the camera, it's much more exciting to chase after mommy to grab the camera before mommy can get the photo she was hoping to capture. Of course, I think this sweet little face was the PERFECT capture.




The moment I turned my back for even a few seconds...these two trouble makers made quick work of tearing apart a coloring book...and stuffing the pieces in the heating vent. Can we say DOUBLE trouble???




Tonight, we decided to take a little drive through Lakeside Park to see the melting snow and watch the sunset over the water. Valerie was fascinated by it...and Almanzo fell asleep almost instantly. It was so peaceful and beautiful.




Today, we took a little trip to the library. The kids had so much fun building towers with the blocks in the play area of the kid's section and, for once, they were actually playing well TOGETHER.




The kids always enjoy "silly time" after dinner. Tonight, silly time included Almanzo giggling as we took pictures of the two of us. I just LOVE how this picture turned out.




We went swimming at the Y today and I discovered that miss V is a little fish. She went down the kiddie slide no less than a dozen times. A couple times, she even went face first and stood up giggling at the bottom.




Today, we spent the day at my parents' house and then my parents watched our little ones so Ted and I could enjoy a date night. I just love this picture of my Sweet Pea helping her aunt Kelly make a smoothie. She's growing up SO fast!




After dinner for our date night last night, Ted and I stopped at a bike shop to look at bike shoes. I found a pair I loved that fit perfectly, so we decided to get them right away. I wore them to spin class today for the first time. I still have to figure out how to clip into the pedals, but they work really well.




Poor little man was not feeling well today. He was super clingy during church service this morning and, when I picked him up from nap, he had a fever of almost 102. He spent most of the rest of the day sleeping in my arms.




I just LOVE this photo of my two little readers - so precious!