Satan, aka Joy Stealer

After being at home for SEVERAL days now with a very sick baby. I woke up super discouraged this morning to find Zane and Bryce were now dealing with the never ending germs around here. I have cleaned. I have Lysoled. Mostly, I just needed out of the house! So, after I made lunch for everyone, my gracious husband said he could handle things and off I escaped for some window shopping therapy.

I spent time walking and praying and became shocked how quickly I lose my contentment. Yesterday especially, I was feeling useless. Like I wasn't accomplishing anything and frustrated that I couldn't get out and do what I wanted. During my little refresher away from home today, God again reminded me how blessed I am to be able to stay at home with our children. They won't be here long and they definitely won't be this young for long. What a privilege to be able to hold and comfort my daughter for several days without worrying about how to fit it into my schedule. I want to remember these days when I'm older. Remember holding Zane and Gemma's precious hands in mine and looking into those bright blue eyes. Remember feeding and bathing and comforting. And smile with such joy that I was there for those moments.

So, I started confessing to the Lord my loss of joy and discontentment with my situation the last few days. I also found other areas where Satan had robbed me of joy recently. Why does it happen so easily? Something as simple as Bryce and I going out to eat a couple of weeks ago. We had saved up some money. We went to a nice restaurant, known for a quality meal and didn't receive one. My attitude after we left reflected my feelings about the meal. I robbed myself of some precious alone time with my husband. So silly. Oh and I'm not finished yet... Then there was the discouraging comment to my husband from a church goer. We are so blessed to be at a church that is so supportive. We honestly receive such wonderful feedback from people regularly. And yet I have been dwelling on an insignificant amount of negativity.

Father, please forgive me for my attitude. For losing my contentment and joy in the midst of my everyday. I am so thankful for your love and your provision in and through my family. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

Poor Baby

My baby is sick and teething. Of course it's the weekend. I hate that. But, fortunately, we have an appointment for her 9 mth check up on Monday morning. I think this picture is about as precious as it gets. I'm going to try to sleep like this tonight!

Fun with Dad

Hanging out with Dad on our "Saturday" morning.

Trying Dad's shoes on for size.

Chatting with Dad.

Don't even think about it!

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Romantic

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I thought I would share some of the sweetest Valentine's I remember with Bryce. For those who know me well, I do not possess the normal female romantic qualities. I am grateful to have a romantic husband though. I sure don't deserve him!


THE CASTLE
He went to a furniture store and collected refrigerator boxes that were being disposed of. This is when we were living in the men's dormitory. He stored them all in an empty dorm room. There he constructed a castle, complete with painted stones and windows. On the big day he then placed it in our apartment. It took up the whole living area. He put our bed inside and the TV. We watched movies and ate dinner inside of our castle that night.


THE MIRROR
In our first apartment in Dallas we had a large mirror in the dining area that covered the length of the wall. When I woke up for work the morning of Valentine's Day, I came out to the mirror covered in different colored hearts, each with a reason he loved me written on it.


THE DINNER
One year he got on the food network website and came up with a fancy dinner including appetizers and dessert. He went shopping for all the ingredients and came home and made the whole dinner himself. It was wonderful and so much more fun than going to a crowded restaurant!


THE JAR
He gave me a glass jar full of 365 strips of paper he had placed inside. I was to pull one out everyday for the next year. Each one of them had a scripture, something he loved about me or a coupon for a foot massage written on it.


So creative and so thoughtful! I will always remember these precious gifts from Bryce to show me how much he loves me. I am so blessed!

Snip Snip

My barber shop had a couple of appointments with two cute boys today.
The first was a touch up on an original 'do...
(The posing in this one got a little out of hand)

The next, was a new shorter 'do. I hung onto the pretty long hair as long as I could. We decided it was time for a good manly 'do, due to the "pretty" factor I spoke of above.

Isn't he cute?!