Photo Card

Strictly Ornamental Christmas

Shutterfly has elegant Christmas party invitations for your holiday party.

View the entire collection of cards.

Picture Update!

A picture update will have to do for now.  The first two are at around 7 months and the others are 8 month pictures.  We are taking his 9 month pictures this weekend and will post them shortly.  Life is good!  We are crawling and growing up entirely too fast!  More later!

Pretty funny, right?

Dangerously cute!!

So happy!

Trying to crawl!

Reading with another hare. :)

6 months!

6 months old!  Can you believe it?  We certainly cannot!  He's such a big boy!  18 lbs 9 oz and 27 inches long and a world of fun!  Here are a few pics from our 6 month "photo shoot" (ie-all the pictures he would tolerate in the span of about 15-minutes!).  I promise I'll post more thoughts and pictures later.  This will have to do for now!

"The grace of God means something like: Here is your life.  You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you.  Here is the world.  Beautiful and terrible things will happen.  Don't be afraid.  I am with you.  Nothing can ever separate us." - Frederick Buechner

5-months!!

{This post is for you, Harriet!  I look forward to the day when I can see you and John while in Rogers to visit Jenny, Matt and Sawyer!}

My little sister pointed out to me that not everyone is (or wants to be) on Facebook.  I know this, but I keep forgetting to post pics and stories on my blog!  Here are his "month" pictures.  Can you believe that he is 5-months old already?  We have a hard time believing it!  He is definitely growing and learning new things everyday.  He still loves the "concerned" look a lot, but he is a happy (see below), easy-going little boy.  He is so active and all over the place now, squirming, moving and (we think) trying to crawl some.  His mommy didn't crawl much, but his dad did (and walked at 9-months...yikes!).  I did not walk until I was 17-months old.  Yep.  And I still turned out alright. :)  I think somewhere between 9-months and 17-months would be nice!

Enjoy the pictures and know that I am going to try to do better about posting here, too.  That way I can tell stories with the photos.  We have plenty of those (stories and photos).  We are having his professional pictures done next week, so...perhaps some previews of those?!

5 Months Old!

This post is for you, Harriet!  I apologize for the delay in posting pictures (or anything!) to my blog lately.  I know that not everyone is (or wants to be) on Facebook and I need to be more faithful about posting here, too.  John Reynolds is growing so fast...too fast!  He continues to be a delightful, healthy, happy and content baby!  We love him so much and feel blessed to be his parents.  He is learning new things everyday and teaching his Mom and Dad a thing or two about what it means to love.  Also, he is a lot of fun!!

Rest.

Life does not always lend itself to naps and trips and time away from the everyday-ness of things.  We are not often able to take time out to just rest - physically or emotionally.  Perhaps we had this luxury in college and maybe even graduate school, but never since.  They are a thing of the past, especially with a newborn (even with an easy-going and great sleeping kid like mine).  Still, I am convicted and convinced that we can find rest amidst the chaos that is life.

Rest is more than sleeping and escaping.  Rest is a state-of-mind.  Kind of like Sabbath.  The idea of a full day of rest is appealing to me.  Appealing, but impossible.  I have a little one who needs me and a job that can be sometimes unpredictable.  I do hope to reach a time in my life where a day of rest is at least closer to reality for me, but that time is not now.  So, I can either bemoan that or make my peace with it and find pockets of rest in the midst of it all.  I choose the latter.  Or at least I am trying.  I hope to process and share more about how I am seeking this rest in my life in posts to come.  In the meantime, enjoy this post from the wonderful blog {in}courage. If your life is anything like the average woman/person, you'll be able to relate to this more than you'd like to admit!

Yay!

Yay for finding this adorable Kalencom bag locally!  I went into a cutesy kids store in town and saw a diaper changing pad in the print I thought I wanted.  It was a little too bright and I knew I would be sick of it after about 5 minutes.  So, I browsed the store and looked at the handful of other bags they had and found this one.  I love, love, love it!  It is so stinkin' cute AND it is functional.  I like that it is lightweight and laminated.  The colors are even better than the picture and it is roomy without being bulky.  Plus, it just makes me happy to look at it. :)  I definitely wish I would have purchased this one from the beginning.  I am thrifty and that usually works in my favor, but this time it really did not.  If I had splurged from the beginning, I would have saved myself time, frustration and {ironically} money.  Take note new and expectant mommies:  DO NOT compromise on your diaper bag!  You'll use it daily, so you should like LOVE it!  And it should be durable.  And cute, definitely cute!

Yum.

LOVE this new soap from Bath and Body Works.  It's the little things, y'all!

Diaper Bag Dilemma

The cutesy diaper bag I wanted has proven to be a less-than-wonderful purchase/choice for a variety of reasons:

1.  It has an unfortunate hole in it already (This happened at least a month and half ago and little bit is not even 4-months old just yet). 

2.  It is entirely too small. 

3.  It just zips closed.  This is not sensible.  If you zip it, the space is diminished by at least half.  So I stuff it full and invariably lose things to the parking lot, car (turning over, etc.) and a variety of other places.  And my wallet is often in there for all the world to see (and steal).

4. It is not nearly as cute as I thought it was initially. (This is cosmetic, I know...but still!).

So, I am on a mission to purchase a new bag.  I need something more functional and fun...and fast!  My favorites right now are Kalencom bags, but I am open to new suggestions (Please provide links and/or photos!).  Here are my favorites so far.  Which one do you like best and/or what would you suggest?

Perfectly Complete

{Below is a re-post of a blog I wrote for my students a couple of years ago.  It is worth repeating, as the thoughts about perfection here have recently resurfaced for me.  I hope it will bless you as you enter into this Lenten Season.}

God is fascinating. Really. I am constantly amazed by His creativity. It is astounding to me how He gives us both free will and miracles. How He manages to be present and active in our daily lives without forcing Himself upon us will ever and always amaze and bless me. There are times when He seems so far away and times (like this week) when He has felt ever-so-near. Both have the capacity to strengthen and bless us because God is just like that. Amazing. Wonderful. Creative. Indescribable.

One of the surest ways for God to speak to me is through conversation with others. I had a series of conversations with a couple of people yesterday that truly blessed me. Actually, it sort of started as eavesdropping. I wasn't trying to overhear, I just happened to be in the workroom while a conversation was happening about perfection. I overheard two people talking about our standard and need for perfection. They were talking about trying to encourage people in their lives to strive for excellence, not perfection.

I couldn't resist chiming in, so I peeked my head around the corner. I mentioned that in the New Testament (Greek) the word for "perfect," actually means "complete." We started talking about what that meant and I soon found myself in the middle of a conversation that I needed to have. I joined the conversation to share a little insight and gained much more for myself. I was reminded of my own perfectionist tendencies (at an all-time high these days...) and sensed God speaking to me through my own words and this conversation with others.

What I said to the two other women was that to be "perfect" is simply to be "complete" in Christ. This is Christian perfection. God requires it of us because He knows what is best for us. Nothing else will satisfy. But we've made perfection into something we attain on our own. This should not be. I was reminded of this yesterday and freed once again from the tyranny of striving for perfection apart from Christ.

I left the conversation already feeling blessed and went back to my office. I pulled out my devotional to read for the day. You can guess the theme for the day: perfection. God is so cool. I'll leave you with these words from Reflections for Ragamuffins by Brennan Manning.

"You know, in spite of the fact that Christianity speaks of the cross, redemption, and sin, we're unwilling to admit failure in our lives. Why? Partially, I guess because it's human nature's defense mechanism against its own inadequacies. But even more so, it's because of the successful image our culture demands of us. There are some real problems with projecting the perfect image. First of all, it's simply not true. We are not always happy, optimistic, in command. Second, projecting the flawless image keeps us from reaching people who feel we just wouldn't understand them. And third, even if we could live a life with no conflict, suffering, or mistakes, it would be a shallow existence. The Christian with depth is the person who has failed and who has learned to live with his failure."

Nifty Giftie

Is it silly that this little note cube makes me so happy?  I love it so much.  My mom gave it to me during her recent visit and it just makes my desk (and me!) so happy.  I think it is the fun combo of kelly green and yellow that makes me so giddy.  And the print is fun, too.  Also, the fact that my fabulous Mom gave it to me helps a little. :)  It is little things like this that have the power to brighten a day, you know.  Thanks, Mom!

Guilt and French Fries

Guilt and french fries.

That is what I am giving up for Lent.  Not guilt about eating french fries. Guilt and french fries.

I am giving up french fries for the obvious reasons.  In the fast pace of my current life, I have made far too many exceptions in the fast food department.  It is "easier" to run through the drive-thru for lunch than to make my own {healthier} lunch in the morning and eat that.  This is the lie I tell myself so I feel better about my bad decision(s).  It is not a french fry kind of day everyday or even every week, but it is all-too-often these days, so I am giving them up.  I am giving up actual french fries, but I am also viewing them as a metaphor for all the bad stuff I justify eating.  I am hoping giving up french fries and the positive results that will bring (losing the baby weight, more energy, healthier living, etc.) will inspire me to give up other things I don't need...food and otherwise.

Guilt.  I am also giving up guilt.  This is the thing I feel like God is really asking me to give up.  Guilt.  I carry around an unhealthy amount of guilt.  Not the good-ish kind of guilt.  You know, the remorseful kind that tells you that you've wronged another and need to do something about it.  That is good "guilt."  The kind of guilt I am giving up is the crippling, worrying kind.  I carry around an inordinate amount of this kind of guilt.  I worry that I am not doing enough at my job, at home, in relationships.  I feel guilty about everything.  Guilty that I am not a better: wife, mother, daughter and friend.  Guilty about wanting some me-time (or just a little bonus-sleep!).  Guilty about having to work.  Guilty about liking to work.  Guilty about having an off-ish kind of day at work, home or in dealing with someone.  Guilty about not being a "better Christian" or skipping my quiet/prayer time.  Guilt. Guilt. Guilt.

The thing is, I know that this guilt is not of God...and that is why it has to go.  I feel sure that God's thoughts toward me are good.  He is enthralled with my beauty (even on my very worst day!).  He delights in me.  He loves me more than I could ever imagine.

Most of all, he does not want me carrying around this burden of guilt.  He wants me to live free of that...and free in general.  I believe it breaks his heart to see me so crippled by guilt and worry.  It breaks mine, too.  After all, the name of this blog and the desire of my life is to really live free.  Living free of guilt would do wonders for that desire.

So, I'm giving up guilt.  Pray for me.  I want to look back on these 40+ days as some of the most freeing and formative days of my life. 

Now...what about you?  What is God asking you to give up (or take up) during this Lenten season?  Share if you feel comfortable doing so.  I don't think sharing our sacrifices in this way is in any way bragging or anything.  I think we are on this journey together and this journey demands authenticity and honesty with each other.  I think it only when we do so that we really learn from each other.  I like to learn. :)

The Best Christmas Gift...Ever.

My husband bought me a Ginkgo Tree for Christmas. That's right...he bought me a tree.  You think this is a strange gift and he totally bombed, right?  Wrong.  Absolutely the most thoughtful gift I have ever received.  Make that the second most thoughtful.  The day before I received my tree (rather, a picture and money to buy one), he gave me a necklace with John Reynolds' birthstone in it for my birthday.  He totally wins in the gift department this year...and every year, really!

So, you might think this a strange gift if you don't know the history behind me and Ginkgo Trees.  Or maybe you've never seen one of these beautiful trees for yourself?  See below for pictures of my favorite one and you will see at least part of the reason I love this tree.

The Ginkgo is one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen. The one I first fell in love with is located on the Asbury Theological Seminary campus. I spent many of my days out on this lawn admiring this tree and its beauty, sometimes playing in the leaves and always enjoying the view. Rumor was that the tree was a gift from some missionaries to the Far East. Wherever it came from, it was and is one of my favorite things about Wilmore. It symbolizes for me what seminary was for me - a time of great growth and joy in my life.  The overwhelming vibrance of the leaves (on or off the tree) paint a picture of what I became while I was there.  I found myself in a lot of ways.  Seminary was for me a place where I discovered myself and made peace with my past troubles and prepared for my future. It was also a place of deep, abiding friendship...with God and with others. I'll save all of that for another blog, as it is worth reflection.  For now, I'm just excited about my tree.  I cannot wait to plant it at our new house (hopefully in the next several months) as a reminder of that wonderful season of my life and a celebration of life to come.

And yes, my husband rocks.  He amazes me with the creative ways he finds to show me love...and understanding...and patience...and joy.  My cup runneth over...

John's 2011 New Year's Resolutions

Yes, yes...I am aware of how terribly CUTE he is. I know I am biased, but he is pretty adorable.  Everyone says.  Even his pediatrician says so and she sees lots of kids.  He just had his one month check-up and everything looks great.  He is almost 11 pounds (10lbs 13 oz.) and has grown a bit lengthwise, too (22 1/8 inches).  He sleeps great already, only getting up for one feeding in the middle of the night.   I am aware that writing all of this stuff down might jinx it all, but I don't care.  I've been talking about what a good baby he is to everyone and he continues to be one so far!  He has fussy times, but it is usually just because of gas pains or because he is naked.  Little man does not like to be naked.  We think this is funny, though.

He is currently taking a mid-morning nap and asked me to blog his New Years Resolutions for 2011.  Enjoy!

1.  Sleep through the night.  I am pretty sure these people are going to feed me plenty and I need some rest.  I think I should be able to meet this goal early in the new year.

2.  Gain weight.  I cannot wait until these parent people start giving me some solid food.  I smell all this good stuff and all I get is formula that is kinda stinky.  Bring on the rice cereal and veggies in the new year!

3.  Sit up.  I heard my parents got me this cool seat called a Bumbo.  All my friends have one and they love it! You get to see so much more! I can't wait to sit in mine and watch those "Baby Einstein" and "Praise Baby" DVDs my mom keeps talking about.

4.  Turn over.  I really like spending time on my tummy, but I want to learn how to get back onto my back when I am done with that.  It seems easy enough.  Hopefully I can figure that out soon.

5.  Learn to crawl/walk.  I am hoping I will do this sooner than my mom.  I hear she waited to walk until 17 months old!  I cannot wait that long to crawl/walk.  There are things I want to do/see!

6.  Obviously, my major goals are: eat, sleep, poop and pee.  I am already doing great at this!  My dad thinks I should be potty-trained already and keeps talking about owing him 9-months back rent or something, but...whatever.  I know they will change my diaper regularly and keep me clean.  Although I don't really like that thing they call a "bath."  Ugh.  All I get is wet and cold. Dislike!  Maybe once they let me play with all those bath toys I see around I will like it?!

7.  Learn to talk. I have a lot to say and all I can do is cry, grunt, and coo (sort of...working on that!).  I have been trying to smile to show them what I like, but haven't got that down just yet.  The crying thing seems to work pretty quickly, so who knows what will happen when I can actually say something!

8.  Keep being the lovable, sweet, easy-going baby I have been so far.  I hear about these fussy babies and I just want to tell them, "C'mon kiddos, you know these people are going to take care of you.  Calm down and just enjoy these lazy days with these people! Cry when you need something, but none of this general weepiness.  No one likes a whiner!" :)

I think that is it for 2011.  If John tells me of any other goals, I will let you know.  These are the big ones for now.  Hope y'all have a happy and blessed start to the new year!