Many Useful but Unrelated Tidbits

I have a bunch of random things to share with you today...and if you make it to the end, there's a prize. {Well, sort of...it's a discount code...surprise!} I guess now you don't have to read the whole post.

Let's start with this picture of Maren...I have no idea what she is doing, but I included it since it's, well, random.

I love to read. My goal for 2013 is to read 33 books. I'll let you guess why 33, because a woman never tells her age.

My aunt gave me this little prayer book for Christmas several years ago, and I've just recently started using it again. There are a month's worth of simple prayers for morning and evening. My prayer life has been richly flavored by Baillie's words over the past couple of weeks.

I also just finished The Thirteenth Tale, based on a recommendation from a trusted fellow-reader-friend. {Side note...if someone who loves food is a foodie, and a picture you take of yourself is a selfie, what would you call someone who loves books? Just doesn't quite work. Also, if you live in Colorado, you are not eligible to participate in Amazon's affiliate program. Sad. Not that I was planning on getting rich from it or anything, but I love to buy books, so thought I'd give it a go. No go, Colorado address.}

I liked The Thirteenth Tale. It's dark and eerie and has a pretty great, unexpected twist at the end.

Maren learned to change diapers. Almost. It's backwards, but it worked! And...one less diaper for me. Literally, one less. This was her first and last attempt.

I've decided to do some things a little differently in my shop. I've read several books this year, and I've just been generally convicted lately about simple living. I'm pretty terrible at it, but as a family, we're working on getting better. It's so hard not to chase after the next new, better, smarter, more fun or special thing. I like to shop. I like to decorate. I like to cook. I like to read. I like clothes. I like stuff. There, I said it. But, I'm trying not to let all those things consume me or my family's resources. 

The thing is, I also LOVE to give things away. I like giving gifts to my friends and family, I like filling boxes at Christmas for children who might not have much, I like supporting various missionary friends, and I really find great joy in giving and supporting people doing special things. 

All this considered, I started praying a couple months ago about how I might use my Etsy shop to serve, love and help others. I received some great feedback and support from a couple of special friends. {Thanks Hannah and Heather! You should visit their blogs and shops...two very special ladies!} And, what I've decided is that I want to use much of my income from Oh Write to offer support to friends and family who are walking through the adoption process. My goal has never been to get rich from my Etsy shop, but I do really LOVE the idea of using it to help others! 

Effective immediately, 50% {hopefully even more...just need to see how the numbers all pan out!} of my sales will go directly towards helping families who are adopting. I have 2 special friends who will likely be my first recipients. I'm in the process of working out those details...but hopefully I'll get to share about them with you soon. I've always had a hard time promoting my shop for my own benefit, but now I'm thrilled for the opportunity to use my creativity and time to bless others...so go buy something! Ha. But, seriously, it's for a good cause. {wink}

Finally, I've come across a few great posts recently, and maybe you'll be blessed, encouraged, or informed by them, too.

Tsh reminded me to take time for Friends of All Ages. I'm constantly blessed by my friendships with older and younger ladies...how about you?

Is your family broken? Elisa shares the truth that we ALL come from broken families. Such a freeing reminder!

Do you read Edie's blog? I can hardly wait to try some of her October recipe suggestions...and please tell me that we're not the only family NOT eating like this every day?!

These Quinoa, Black Bean and Corn Tacos were delicious. Every single one of us loved them and raved about them...and they're a great meatless option, if that sort of thing matters to you!

And, that about wraps up this post.

Oh, yeah...a prize!!! Use code RANDOMLOVE for 20% at the shop.

How about you? Any random goodness in your life lately?

a model child

Depending on how long you've know me, or how long you've read my blog, you may or may not be aware of how Truett's life started out. Most days I completely forget about those early weeks...facing the news of his heart problem, the days in the hospital with my sweet 6-week-old baby, weeks following the surgery filled with prayer and hope that he would be 'okay'. 

Well, let me tell you, Truett's heart is working just fine these days. My sweet, fragile, helpless boy is fragile and helpless no more. {He is still occasionally sweet, thank goodness!} Parenting him is a mystery. Prior to having a second baby, I was aware that children have unique personalities with different needs. But now I know the magnitude of this truth. Oh boy...literally...oh boy!

To be honest, prior to having Truett, I thought I had the mom thing pretty well figured out...even that I was exceptional at it. Maren responded well to discipline, she was smart, funny, mostly-agreeable, a good eater, good sleeper...and then came Truett. Ha!

I love him fiercely...he has taught me so many lessons in his short {okay, sometimes it feels long!} two years. He is affectionate and snuggly, he loves to read books, he is an introvert {like his mama...really, most of the time when we have lots of friends over, I'll find him looking at books in another room, or playing quietly in his bed!}, he has a great sense of humor, and brings much joy to our family. I honestly love him so much.

But, he also makes me crazy! He's so hard for me to parent. We are learning and growing together, but there are days that end in tears...for both of us. He is stubborn. He throws fits. He is messy {I know, he's a boy!}, he's aggressive, and often I just don't know what to do with all these different things. 

God is so gracious...and reminds me often of my own sin as I'm working at training and disciplining Truett in love. This business of being refined through my kids is hard, though! I'm thankful for the glimpses of God's great love for us...no matter how massive our mistakes and wanderings, he loves us enough to patiently guide us back. Admittedly, I'm not always as patient as I wish...and way too often I focus on my immediate desire for behavior modification rather than the lasting implications of heart-change for my kids. I mess up...I yell sometimes, I get lazy sometimes, I try too hard to do things on my own, without the help of the Lord. But He faithfully reminds me that he has not left me to my own devices in this calling to be a mother! He's given me a wise, loving husband...He's given His relevant, encouraging, challenging truth in the Word...He's given me gifts of prayer and rest. Thank goodness...because really, I'm not sure I'd make it any other way.

So, here's a story...last week, our family was all under the weather. Truett had a cough that was lasting a long time, and he has a history of ear infections, which had me concerned that his ears were bothering him. We were having a really rough morning at home...he'd been particularly whiny. I decided to go ahead and take him to the doctor just to be sure he didn't have something more serious than a bad cold...but also sort of dreading a trip to the doctor's office with my feisty little guy. 

Truett remained disagreeable right up until the doctor walked in, and then something unbelievable happened. The doctor asked him to sit on the table, and his reply? "Sure." She asked him to take some big breaths for the stethoscope..."okay." Can you open your mouth really wide? "Okay." He proceeded to let the doctor poke and prod, check his eyes, nose, mouth, ears...he coughed, breathed, and moved on command. I sat there in awe, and considered asking the doctor to come home with me. She turned to me, and I kid you not, the lady said,

"He is a model child. I wish every 2-year-old was as cooperative as he is! He would be a perfect child for a student to observe because he is so compliant. Most parents would pay to have their 2 year old behave this well!" {Yeah, sign me up to pay for my kid to behave this well!!!}

I wanted to laugh hysterically and bawl all at the same time. Also, I wished I had a tape recorder (ummm...that dates me just a little bit, right?) so I could remember those words. I have a feeling there will be times in my future when I'll want to replay them over and over to myself, to teachers, church nursery workers, grandparents...a model child. It still makes me snicker to type that out. And I'm realizing now that even if I DID have a tape recorder, no one would ever be able to hear those words again, because nobody owns cassette players anymore! 

So, these are the lessons I'm learning, and the little gifts the Lord is giving me to help make it through. Do you like that picture above? Truett loves Maren's purse and pink Bible. He opens it up and recites {several times a day} "Then Jesus went to work. The end."

I can't help but think, Yup. Jesus certainly does go to work...every single day. He works on my heart, and Truett's...and I'm so very glad He does.

Spending my moments...

I'm in a rut. Life has been more disjointed and haphazard recently. I think I've been feeling behind and more disorganized than usual...and the combined effect is a paralysis of sorts.

What I'm learning ever so slowly, is that my responsibility lies is many small moments of obedience...obedience to the small things the Lord calls me to each day. When my focus is plagued by worry, fear, and anxiety about the future, I too-quickly succumb and find myself trapped in moments of disobedience. My joy dissipates until it's unrecognizable and I begin to wander somewhat aimlessly through a fog of doubt, unclarity and weariness.

I found myself in such a place this morning as I faced a looming 'to do' list, kids that had awoken too early, and a generally grumpy disposition. And then the Lord gently led me into a different place when I opened his Word to 2 Corinthians and read these words...

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

So we do not lose heart. 

Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 esv

And now I'm doing my best to serve and love and take captive each moment...paying less and less attention to the temporal, transient things and relying on that grace extended in a way that increases thanksgiving. As it turns out, when I pursue this way of living, all the stuff that so quickly brought me to my knees in a fit of worry doesn't seem so important after all. And I find I have more time to spend on my knees in thanksgiving to the glory of God.

Mother's Day

Just stopping in to say hello! I do remember when I used to post several times a week...those were the days. But, THESE are the good days...days too full with other things for me to spend time on the blog. It's not a priority for me recently, which is fine. I've been spending more of my free time on things I'm liking more lately...reading, thinking, talking with friends, sewing, writing real-life letters, naps. Naps! In my opinion, naps are an introverts best friend. I am a different person if I can rest for as little as 15 minutes in the afternoon. So, I've been doing that instead of writing here.

I took these pictures of Truett the other day and just had to post.

He is going to be 2 soon...in less than a month. How did that happen?! We went recently for his annual cardiology appointment, and everything checked out great, praise Jesus. Oh my goodness, this boy has stolen my heart. He is the best snuggler...also he talks now! So much...he's learning more and more new words. My favorite is when he asks about his sister...almost always first thing in the morning he asks for a waffle and May-wen. I am so thankful that my kids love each other, and like each other quite a lot. 

Mother's Day was Sunday...as you know. This day is always a little bittersweet for me...it makes me reflective and emotional. I remember so well those feelings of sorrow each year it came around during our infertility struggles. I have the best relationship with my own mom, so I joyfully celebrated her. But it is so hard to celebrate a day in honor of something you long for and don't have. I hurt for those women longing to be moms. One of my best friends lost her mom way too young to a heart attack, and I think of her on that day. Another dear friend honored the memory of her daughter's second birth and death day on Mother's Day this year. They have 4 precious living children, but still mourn the daughter they never knew. I'm thankful for the sensitivity the Lord has given me in this area...and truthfully, I wouldn't trade those years of struggle and hurt while we longed for a family for anything. They have made me a better mother, and hopefully a better friend, too. 

So...this is the only picture I got with both kids on Mother's Day. Ha! Truett decided he was not interested in having his picture taken. And, apparently, Brett momentarily forgot how to take a picture with heads in the frame. After I had surrendered my desire for a cute picture with both kids smiling, I actually decided this was a perfect picture. Motherhood is messy, rough, challenging, and stretching. Also, it's so, so good. These two small people have provided me with the best job I could have imagined. They sharpen me and make me softer at the same time. They keep me humble. They love me unconditionally. They make me want to be better. I love them so very much. Which is lucky for them, because around 10 pm on Mother's Day night I found myself washing sheets and cleaning up vomit. After a lovely day filled with things like breakfast in bed, flowers, grilled steak, a nap, frozen yogurt...both kids got sick. And I quickly returned to the reality of being a mom after a nice 'day off'. 

Maren agreed to take another picture with me before we left for frozen yogurt. She made me the sweetest card, and insisted on eating her breakfast with me in my bed. She's great company these days...I love having a child I can talk with about real things. She is thoughtful, creative, and so smart. All year we've been praying together in the car on the way to preschool. Recently, she's been asking to pray after I do and she has the sweetest prayers. They often make me tear up, and I can imagine the delight she brings to the Lord. The prayers of children are so simple, and somehow also incredibly astute. 

Well, there you have it! A little update from me. I wish I had more time to share about what I'm learning and reading. I'm being challenged quite a bit right now, and I am loving it. God is gracious to continue his work in my life. It has not been easy lately, but the stretching and growing is worth the pain of refinement. So worth it. Maybe soon I'll share more about that. Happy Tuesday to you!

A gift of calm

Truett was under the weather yesterday. He napped most of the day and went to bed for the night around 6. Poor guy did not feel good at all. Illness tends to befall us at the most inopportune of times. However, the further into this journey of motherhood I get, the more I am attempting to embrace what each day brings. Clearly, I would never wish sickness upon either of my children. Still, I am seeing God's grace and goodness in each moment. Unlike Maren, Truett turns into a cuddly, snuggly little boy when he feels sick. He spent his few awake hours yesterday in my lap resting his sweet head on my shoulder. Sure, I had lists of things to be done, but God had other intentions for how I would spend my day.

There are things to be learned in the calm, quiet moments of daily-bustle-interruption. I was able to think about and pray for some friends I know are hurting. I was able to enjoy some loving from my typically-busy-beyond-belief boy. I read some books...with pictures and without. Most of all, I was reminded of the sweetness that comes when we slow down a bit. 

Friends, don't wait for a sick day to bring pause to your daily happenings. Take a break today and make time for some stillness. Enjoy just sitting with your children. Read and listen to music. Watch and listen for the Lord to teach you something new. Often times, we simply need to quiet down a bit to hear His voice.

On loss, grace, and being a mom

Last week was an emotional week for me. If you know me in real life, you might be surprised to hear it. I guess I am able to hide emotions when I feel like it. Also, as an introvert, sometimes I find it best just to mourn quietly. It was what I needed to do last week.

I had tea with a dear lady from my church on Monday, and I cried through a good portion of our time together. My intent was to talk with her about potentially leading a Bible Study for some women in our church. We ended up sharing about loss...which brought on the waterworks. She listened and hugged me and made me feel safe and loved. Turns out God new exactly what I needed in the moment.

Last week was the week that our third baby would have been due. I was just nine weeks pregnant when we found out that our baby no longer had a heartbeat, but of my 3 miscarriages, this was the hardest. We had seen our baby through an early ultrasound, and had even seen the heartbeat just a few days prior. I'm amazed at how much bonding can happen in just a few short weeks. We went from being shocked and surprised to planning what our life would be like with a third child. For five weeks I threw up every day, dreamed about having a fuller, nosier home, prayed for strength to somehow know how to parent 3 children with 2 being just 19 months apart in age. I made the difficult decision to stop nursing Truett because of some medication I was on to help with the health of the pregnancy. So, losing a baby at 9 weeks left me deeply hurting for all that might have been.

Thankfully, my God is one who restores. As Brett and I have learned countless times before, God's grace is sufficient to carry us through the most difficult of seasons. A long-time favorite verse of mine is:

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Last week we experienced record highs here in Colorado. The kids and I spent lots of time outdoors, and it was refreshing for all of us. I like to think that it was a little gift from the Lord during a week when He knew I would be hurting.

I was also reminded this week of the miraculous gift that both of my children are to our family. The Lord alone is the author of life...and it is a privilege to have been called to serve as their mom. 

Truthfully, it seems like many days right now tend towards the longer, harder end of the spectrum. I'm learning to parent and discipline Truett. At 19 months, he's full of energy and brings plenty of challenging and puzzling parenting moments into my day. Don't get me wrong, he is an absolute delight. But, if you've been around a 19-month-old boy for any length of time, it's likely you can relate to the bursting-at-the-seems-energy-and-curiosity-and-general-craziness that fills my days. At the same time, Maren is starting to care more about her stuff and her space, which proves to be a difficult combination along with a curious and exploratory little boy. We're learning and growing together. And God is so gracious to grant me the patience and wisdom to face each new day. But, wow, do I ever need His guidance right now!

Happy Monday, friends. Thank you for sharing in this journey with me!

Oh, and Brittany...you won the giveaway! I'll be in touch shortly with the details!

Lately...

I don't know why it's been so difficult for me to get into the habit of writing in this new year. I suppose life has just been a flurry of activity...and I have so many things rattling around in my head these days. It's hard to know where to begin.

I've been reading this book:

I don't recommend picking it up unless you are prepared to be profoundly challenged...and changed. Honestly, I can't say much about it quite yet. But it is pushing me towards growth in a magnificent way. Also, it's taking me a long time to read. I am typically able to make it through just a few pages before I need to set the book down in order to engage in some serious thinking and praying. But it's good...so very good.

Brett and I also embarked on a reading-the-Bible-in-a-year plan. I've never done this before. Should I be embarrassed to say that as a 32-year-old? Truthfully, I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the whole practice. To me, it seems to take a fair amount of time, without allowing for much in-depth study or contemplation. (At least during this season of life...as a mom of 2 small children, I just don't have hours on end to spend daily in the Word.) The time I do spend with the Lord is so precious...but often brief and/or interrupted. I welcome the interruptions, as I know this is the season of life which God has called me to at this time.  So, all things considered, I'm reading the Bible through in it's entirety this year. The discipline has been good for me, and I am learning and growing. I'm especially looking forward to when the time comes to read through books I'm less likely to visit on a regular basis. Have you done this before?

I've spent a significant amount of time thinking about my Etsy shop. I'm hoping to make some changes in the coming month or so. I have some new products to list...and I'm researching some ways to get more traffic. The changes aren't really for me, though. I've been feeling a tug to give more away...we've been blessed so incredibly. The Lord has given me a passion for creativity...and time at home with my children. I'm praying about ways I can better use the resources He's given me to honor Him. I'll share more about this as it unfolds.

Well...if you're still reading, thank you!

How about a little giveaway? I've been doing more letter-writing this year, and I'd love to send one of you a fun little package. So, leave me a comment about something you're reading or learning about right now, and you just might get some fun mail from me next week. I'll announce a winner on Sunday!

The long-awaited Preschool Christmas Program

Maren has been preparing for her preschool Christmas program for quite some time. She has secretly practiced the songs in the safety of her own room. She worked hard and almost kept the handmade ornament she would be presenting to us a secret. She has been planning her outfit and telling us to remember 'program Thursday'.

Well, program Thursday did not disappoint. Maren looked sweet in her new Christmas dress.

She could hardly contain her excitement. And, I couldn't either, if I'm being honest. This was one of those things I used to dream about when we were struggling with infertility. I love Christmas. I love Christmas music. I tear up every time I hear a children's choir sing. I longed to have my own child up there on the stage. And this year I finally got to experience that joy. Friends, it was a special morning.

Hi Maren!

Maren glowed throughout the entire program...it did a momma's heart good. I've mentioned before that her name (Maren Eleanor) means 'longed for light'. She certainly lived up to that today.

Here she was walking out. Thank goodness for those layers of fluff.

The not-so-secret ornament was darling. It's her handprint and the fingers are painted like little snowmen. Obviously, Maren didn't paint the snowmen. Still, it's sweet to have a momento of her tiny handprint from this season.

Maren and her good buddy, Morgan. Can you believe how cute those purple glasses are?

Maren loves her teacher, Mrs. C.

...and Mrs. B.

We missed Papa, but were so glad that Gigi was able to come to the show.

We don't have pictures of Truett because he was a little under the weather. (A lot under the weather...I've got the laundry to prove it!) 

I'm so thankful God chose me to be Maren's mom. I love her so very much. Today was indeed a gift.

And guess what?! I won a giveaway over at Hannah's blog today. Icing on the cake.

Advent

On Saturday our family will begin our Advent preparations. Maren and I have had a few talks on the way to preschool about Advent...and preparing our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth. We'll be using Truth in the Tinsel this year, and we'll decorate the printable ornaments (found here). I'm planning to use the same book next year, and we'll do the more time-intensive ornaments when Maren and Truett are able to work on them together next year. Remember my desire to simplify this year? Well, using the simple printable ornaments fits into our plan. *wink*

Last year Maren and I made an Advent Tree out of toilet paper rolls. You can find the original tutorial here.

Hello, 3-year-old Maren!

Do you have any special Advent plans? I'm looking forward to pausing each day to reflect on the wonder of the season...and to be sure our focus in on Christ, the true miracle of Christmas.

Slowly...

Brett and I have almost been married for 10 years. I am infinitely grateful for the lessons we've learned together throughout these years. Some hard lessons, some funny lessons, some lessons it seems as though we continue to 'learn' over and over again.

Here we are way back in 2000. This was almost our first date...Brett's Senior year football banquet at Wheaton. He brought me roses...and won the Most Respected Player award. I barely knew him...but quickly became smitten.

I am hoping to spend some time in the coming weeks reflecting on the lessons we've learned...in preparation for Christmas, and in anticipation of our 10th anniversary coming up on the 22nd of December.

I am thankful for God's patience with us both as we navigate this life together. And, I'm thankful for the amazing leader God's graciously given me and our family in Brett. As this Christmas season approaches, we've chosen to take things a bit more slowly than is typical for us. It's funny, considering how introverted I am, that we often fill our November and December to the brim with comings and goings. Not this year. Brett and I have been learning the value in slowing down a bit...and in choosing intentionally how our days are spent. We decided to forgo the Christmas Choir at our church, something we both genuinely love, in favor of spending Thursday evenings quietly...as a family. We've chosen not to host our usual Christmas party...another tradition we always love, but that often leaves us a bit weary. It's hard, sometimes, to let go of 'good' things in life. But, we're trying to hold tight to the best things right now. Two of those best things happen to be named Truett and Maren...

Seriously...he's got the most amazing lashes...

This kid just loves life.

And one silly 4-year-old...

...my beautiful, creative girl...

Thank you, Lord, for teaching us this lesson right now...before we've missed these best things.

The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue,

to know the word that sustains the weary.

He wakens me morning by morning,

wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

Isaiah 50:4

Good morning 4-year-old!

One last post about Maren's birthday...

I think part of what was so wonderful about this year was that Maren really knew what was going on. There were weeks of anticipation. She talked constantly about her rainbow party. She waited with great excitement to announce to people that she was 4. Every stranger we encountered for weeks before her birthday heard about what was happening in the life of Maren on August 17. World...Maren Eleanor is officially 4!

Since Brett worked during the day, and her birthday wasn't until the evening, we wanted to make the morning feel somewhat special. I saved all the cards from out-of-town family and we gave her our gifts right when she woke up. As requested by Maren, we enjoyed a special breakfast of pull-apart coffee cake and eggs.

We found this vintage desk on craigslist and my parents gave her the 2 little stools. She's loved having her own place to draw and play school. The stools are perfect to carry around and use as beds for her pets, places for 'students' to sit during school, and for any number of things that come out of Maren's creative little imagination.

A very happy 4-year-old.

Maren loves her brother so much. They've become quite the little buddies. I love it when they close themselves in Maren's room and I can hear them both giggling through the door. I know Truett doesn't quite engage in Maren's play world yet, but she genuinely loves having him around. I'm so thankful for her patience and willingness to spend so much time with him. We tell them everyday that they are best friends...my prayer is that they will grow up to be each other's biggest champions.

I love this one...it just captures their little personalities so appropriately.

Maren and her new {pretend} teacher glasses.

I've been hearing great things about The Jesus Storybook Bible for a long time. We've not be disappointed! The illustrations are wonderful, and the content is theologically great, which isn't always the case in Bibles made for kids.

Maren with all of her cards. She thought it was so fun to receive cash and checks from out-of-town family. We're actually going on a little mother-daughter school shopping date on Saturday. She's got her own purse all ready to go!

Playing school...

With a banker as a dad, Maren is learning the in's and out's of the financial world from a young age. {wink} She thought it was so wonderful to endorse her own checks. I love how she writes her 'e's'...you never know how many lines each one will have!

Maren,

Happy 4th birthday, sweet girl!

Four years ago you joined our family and forever changed my life. Your daddy and I prayed for you for years, and we have been so blessed by you, one of our greatest gifts.

You are everything I could've hoped for in a little girl. You're feminine and love to play dress-up and babies. You choose to wear a dress or skirt almost every day. But you're also curious and persistant in your exploration of the world around you. Inevitably, at the end of the day your cute, pink dress goes straight into the laundry covered in dirt, paint, or whatever other evidence of a busy, creative day might have been left behind.

You are a wonderful friend. You LOVE to have other children around, and you tend to be the leader when it comes to creating imaginary worlds. I enjoy listening to your far-fetched ideas of what you could play...whether it be zoo, pet-hospital, some form of mommies and babies, wolves {?!}, school...or any number of other scenarios. On a daily basis I hear you exclaim, "I know!!! Let's play..."

I'm also thankful for your sensitivity towards things of a spiritual nature. You've become quite inquisitive about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I'm so thankful for the opportunities to talk with you about our God, and to have you genuinely listen and work at understanding. You love to learn your Bible verses for Cubbies, and we frequently refer to them throughout the day. Your daddy puts you to bed most nights, and you two have a long list of hymns you sing. I love hearing those sweet  songs come out of your mouth.

I don't want you to think that you're without fault...this has also been the most challenging time in my {short} parenting journey. You are a bit of a slob, and we're working hard at learning how to keep your items contained and how to pick up after yourself. You've also started to test out some of your independence, which results in a fair amount of 'time-outs' and subsequent discipline. I'm thankful for your teachable spirit, even when you make me want to pull my hair out sometimes!

Someday you will read this {I hope!} and know how fiercely you are loved and cherished. Maren Eleanor, you are a dream and I'm so glad God chose me to be your mommy!