Love in all things

Valentine's Day
It's another day that reminds me
of what I am called to do
in all of life's circumstances.
I am here to love.
Love my husband.
Love my children.
Love my family.
Love my neighbors...as myself.
Love those that may seem unloveable
because really... they are me.
I have done the unthinkable.
I have behaved in selfish,
 bitter, impatient, angry, foolish
 and completely unloveable ways.
Yet, I rejoice in Jesus Christ
who gave his life for me,
who knows me,
and loves me still.

That's real love.

Like no other.



 

 

 

 

Thought I would share a few photos
of our V~day and the loves that
I can't get enough of.

xoxo

Christmas girls

Just wanted to put a picture up of my
Christmas babes...three of the best gifts ever.

 

Imprints on my heart

 

These are handprints I don't really want to wipe off.
They remind me that being a mama is about
embracing it all...even the dirty stuff.
Even smearing the dirt around sometimes
just for the heck of it.
They remind me that a spotless home is
not necessary of a family
knitted together by love.
Games, gymnastics in the family room,
hours of reading together, meaningful conversations,
getting outside, playing in the dirt, exploring....
these are the things I want to remember.

I love little reminders like this, don't you?

What a difference a year makes

March 2011

  

March 2012

Was looking back through photos today
remembering what a little bundle
our baby J was...
and what a firecracker she is now.

Reminscing the yesterdays.
Loving the todays.
Pondering the tomorrows.

vessel of love

As much as I adore these beauties,
being a wife and mother
can be a frustrating and challenging
task at times that sometimes
leaves me feeling haggard and worn out.
I have had my days of exhaustion,
anger, worry, fear and tears.
ANNOYED.  Boy, can I get annoyed
by my children (and occasionally my husband too).
But the gift I have received in knowing
these precious people I call family
outweighs the hard times a hundred times over.

I am realizing that usually the rough days
are that way because I allow the pettiness of
circumstance take center stage.
 I do not want to be a mother, wife or friend whose
days are dictated by circumstances.
I want to set my sights on what is higher
 than life's daily ups and downs because those things will
always be present and many times out of my control.
I have a choice to live in joy or to live in the
fleeting moments of a world that is everchanging.
I can choose to be a vessel of anger or love.
A vessel of bitterness or forgiveness.
A vessel of harshness or gentleness.
I choose the latter. I will fail at times~without a doubt.
And on those days I will ask for forgiveness,
readjust my focus once again,
dust myself off and move forward.

The fact that God has entrusted me with
these lives to love, serve, guide, discipline,
forgive and learn from is an enormous gift.
One that I would never exchange or return,
because they were wonderfully made
that I may enjoy and delight in who
they were created to be.

Hope you are enjoying the people you love today.
Everyday.

"If you have only one smile in you
give it to the people you love."
~Maya Angelou~

Our girls

I've been wanting a new camera for ages now and my sweet friend Becky let me borrow her Canon Rebel for a few days to try it out and capture the newness of the little peanut before she turns into a coconut.  I was really happy with the shots I got of all my girls and thought I'd share after a little nudging from mama wicky.  I had so much fun using her camera that I've put it on my Christmas list to Santa with the hope that I haven't been too naughty.

My time has been pretty used up these days with nursing, swaddling, rocking, diapers, storybook reading, and trying to get a few extra winks in from time to time.  Friends & family have been incredibly thoughtful by bringing us meals, helping with the little miss, and sending gifts of love.  We are grateful to be surrounded by our little community of friendship.  You are all a blessing to us. 

The littlest sister

Sweet Josie Love joined our family
 on Sunday, November 21st at 3am
 in the comfort of her daddy's arms.
She was born a healthy 6 pounds and 12 ounces
at home while her youngest sister slept.
Her biggest sister was an incredible help
throughout the labor and birth
and stayed up with us until dawn
welcoming our little peanut.

Josie's birth story:
The "due date" for our baby was said to be November 20th which we were skeptical of as the other two girls were born ten days and two weeks later than the projected date.  Needless to say I was a bit surprised (although excited) by the contractions that started around 4am on Saturday the 20th.  I asked Matt to call in sick as I was sure the baby was coming.  He did.  And within 3 hours the contractions had stopped almost completely I was so disappointed.  We went on a walk around our neighborhood, visited friends at a birthday party, and laid low for the day.  Matt debated going in to work that afternoon since there was no sign of labor, but stayed home at my request.  By 10:30pm the contractions started coming much more
 regularly and with more power than before.  Bri got out of bed when I told her I thought the baby was coming that night and kept me company until around 1am when I decided to wake the Mr up.
It was not a friendly wake-up.  It was a "why the hell are you sleeping while I'm suffering" awakening.
Needless to say he was slightly dazed and confused by my crankiness.  I wanted to know when the heck he was going to call the midwife cause the contractions were coming fast and furious.  The next couple hours were somewhat of a blur.  My daughter, husband and midwife were readying the room while I concentrated on getting through the contractions.  They took turns assisting and comforting me between preparations.  At 3am our little girl made her entrance with my oldest daughter and husband by my side.  Mr. N held her as she came into the world and announced to me that we had another little girl.  I looked up at Bri who had lost the color from her face and looked like she was about to drop on the floor.  She was helped to a chair where she could regain her stomach.  Josie was wrapped in a towel and brought to my chest immediately.  My Mr woke Maya to meet her new sister.  We were left alone as a family to enjoy our beautiful new gift.

I loved having our little Josie at home.
I loved being in my own room, in my own bed.
I loved the sweetness of our time to enjoy
our little beauty and embrace her new life as a family
in the warmth of our nest.
I loved the peacefulness that surrounded us
from the moment I went into labor,
throughout the birth and after she arrived.

I love my little Josie.
She is yet another blessing in my life.
I am thankful beyond words.

Showered & Blessed

This past weekend my sweet cousin through me a party
for the new life growing inside. 
Regardless of the gloomy weather,
some of my favorite mothers joined me in a sweet celebration. 
We dined on a freshly catered french meal
set before us on a table dressed for royalty. 
I felt utterly spoiled and loved.

After our amazing lunch~friends and family
blessed me with words of love, support and kindness
while I just sat and savored the treasure of their friendships. 
It was truly a beautiful experience that I will always remember. 

"Labor" day is fast approaching (a month away)
and I am getting prepared for our new little life outside the womb. 
We've decided to wait on finding out the sex
of our sweet new journey, but will know soon enough. 

Hoping to start posting a bit more before that day comes.

for all the beauty...

and blessings that surround my life every minute of every day. What a gift this life is.

Wishing you a day filled with gratitude and happiness.

xoxo