Wordless Wednesday: Guess Who's THREE?!?!

For more photos of our birthday boy, check out Katherine Bernau Photography. 

Also, it's become tradition for me to write a birthday letter to my little ones and you can read it over at our family blog.

 

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.

 

 

Joy Dare, Week 3

Photo credit: Shanissinha

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, 

for His steadfast love endures forever.

~Psalm 136:1

As I opened up to my memory verse for the week, I smiled as I came across this beautiful repetitive phrase: His steadfast love endures forever.  It is repeated 26 times in this Psalm alone.

Other versions of this verse use the phrase "faithful love" and "lovingkindness", which both refer to the grace or favor of God that is constant and abiding.  I love those words - constant and abiding.  Not only is His love for me constant, it is abiding, living and active and present in me.

We praise Him and thank Him not only because He does good things for us, but because He is good.  In all things and at all times, He is good.  This is what the joy dare is about - giving thanks in all things, even when it's hard.

In every recording of His gifts, from one to 1000, we should take notice of His love that is constant and abiding and glory in Him alone.

***

Continuing to count His gifts...

46. a stroller pushing walk on a sunny winter morning

47. cuddling with my little man and knowing this is where I belong

48. ordering two copies of Grace for the Good Girl (for the price of one!) to read with my sister this summer

49. shopping at Target all by myself

50. a happy birthday to my dad, one of my biggest cheerleaders who taught me by example what to look for in a husband and gives me a glimpse of the love my heavenly father has for me

51. watching the snow fall while nestled safely in my warm home

52. an inhaler and nebulizer to help me overcome a cold that aggravates my asthma

53. running inspiration found in the pages of Runner's World Complete Book of Running for Women

54. my sister's pregnancy announcement and the blessing that came through raindrops

55. the simple joys of life through the eyes of my children

56. listening to my daughter's imagination as she "talks" to her Pappi on her "phone"

57. a clean bathroom and junk free desk drawers

58. a MOPS Friday and a friend who watched my little ones all morning

59. missing my grandparents but remembering all the precious moments through the years

60. the sweetest handwritten birthday wish from Ted's grandpa

61. celebrating my birthday by shopping by myself, enjoying a quiet afternoon, and eating a delicious dinner cooked by my hubby as my little ones sang "happy to you, mommy!"

62. a 2 mile walk with one 30 second run - one step closer to healing and beginning my half marathon training

63. watching The Help after the little ones were asleep while curled up in my hubby's arms

64. eighty-three birthday wishes and love on facebook

65. a pastor who preaches the truth in such a way that pierces through my stubborn heart

66. a surprise visit with my cousin and her little ones

Almanzo Turns Two!

Two years of ..

~ smiles ~

~ laughter ~

~ mischief ~

~ adventures ~

...irreplaceable YOU!

I read these words on a blog the other day and, as much as I needed to hear them, I want you, my sweet son, to know that you are you, incredible, unique, and wonderful you.  There is only one irreplaceable you!

Happy Birthday Little Pumpkin!  We love YOU!

Our July in Photos

As I've mentioned before, the entire month of July was a whirlwind for us.  I finally sorted through the millions of photos (which is not much of an exaggeration if you know me) and thought I'd share a little peek at what we've been up to, instead of trying to catch up on posting about every single event.  One of these days I will get caught up on my Project Life too, but for now, I'm just enjoying getting back into a routine and watching my two sweet little ones grow.

Visiting our nephew:

Hilbert 4th of July parade:

Aunt Mackenzie's visit:

Kelly & Maxx's Wedding:
(for more photos, check out their photographer's FB page)

Eau Claire Weekend:

Jason & Jenny's Wedding:

Angela's Baby Shower:

Valerie's 3rd Birthday:

Project Life 2011: Week 3

We visited with my sister, Kelly, today, on one of her last days home for Christmas break. We went flower girl dress shopping for Maxx & Kelly's wedding and Valerie had so much fun twirling around in pretty dresses. She loves her Aunt Kelly so much; when we got out of the van at the store, she refused to hold my hand and ran up to Aunt Kelly begging to be held.

My friend, Mellie, and I decided to switch off grocery shopping and babysitting, so we can do our shopping alone. Today, I watched her three little ones, Zoe, Malachi, and Michaiah. It's so cute to see their little friendships blossoming already. Malachi and Valerie were having "dinner dates" at the 50s diner and giggling hysterically over tickle wars.

One of my goals this year is to lose 50 pounds to lose the baby weight and be at a healthy weight again. It's been rough with all my sinus issues, but I'm already feeling and seeing the difference as I've lost 11 pounds total so far. I haven't quite gone down a pants size yet, but my pants are loose and I fit into a size smaller dress for my sister's wedding!

Almanzo loves books; he is constantly pulling the chapter books off the shelf in their bedroom and paging through them pretending to read. Today, he sat on the rocking chair reading a first words book, pointing to the pictures and "reading" them to me in his own baby babble.

Today was my 27th birthday. We celebrated with a delicious and healthy lasagna dinner with my parents and brothers. My mom bought this delicious cookie cake so they could sing happy birthday to me. It was so cute watching my kids dance and clap while they sang. I am truly blessed!

Today my sinus pressure was giving me one of the worst headaches, so I stayed home from church in the morning. Ted took Almanzo with him and Valerie stayed home to cuddle with me. She is really the best medicine there is.

I started reading Ann Voskamp's book today for the (in)courage Bloom Book Club. Her words seemed to just leap off the page and grab my heart in a way no other book, besides the Bible, has ever done. I am so excited about this book and even more excited to write my own 1000 gifts list. In my own struggles lately, I have been learning just how much I need my Lord...so reminding myself daily of the blessings or gifts He has given me in the little things that fill my day is exactly what I need.

New Years Day

Instead of having a big get together for Christmas, since it ends up being hectic enough with other family get togethers, my dad's family has a tradition of getting together on New Years Day.  This year, we resurrected the gift exchange.  Of course, I forgot our gifts at home (and I still blame it on 'baby brain', because it never really goes away, does it?), but it was still fun to see all the gifts everyone received.  Ted got some great wool biking socks from Maxx and I got a soft, comfy blanket and chocolate from my cousin, Angela.  After gift opening, we had a little birthday celebration for Nina, the daughter of my cousin, Stacy, and her husband, Nabil.  It was so much fun watching her enjoy her cake and listening to the beautiful harmony of my family singing the birthday song.