Dreary Day?

Nothing like a little color to brighten a rainy, dreary day...

"There is nothing dreary or doubtful about life. It is meant to be continually joyful...We are called to a settled happiness in the Lord whose joy is our strength."

Amy Carmichael

Jim and I have been reading through the book of Acts together these past few weeks. Just yesterday, we read chapter 13, and it was verse 52 that struck me hard. "And the disciples were filled with JOY and with the Holy Spirit."

Lately, I haven't been exactly joyful, and that's not ok. I've felt the weight of my choice, and I, in my stubbornness, remain. Why? The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak! (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:38) It is all too easy to choose bitterness over forgiveness, or pride over humility, or selfishness over joy. But, I'm reminded in Galatians to "walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh."

So, if it's true (and it is) that the disciples in Acts 13 were filled with the joy AND the Holy Spirit, then it also stands to reason that when I am NOT joyful, I am NOT allowing the Holy Spirit to fill me...to control me. I'm NOT walking in the spirit, but in the flesh. May God grant strength in HIM to choose His way and...be joyful.

F♥mily

Here's one of our latest family pictures taken on Josefine's Birthday. We are at a local Drug Store enjoying a Strawberry Ice Cream Cone!

TWO!

Today, we had a little Shin-Dig to celebrate Josefine's second (did I say that?!) Birthday!

She will officially turn two on Wednesday... :) It's hard to believe my baby is already 2...I can just imagine my disbelief when she's 20! Yikes!

Here are just a *few* pictures to highlight the day! :)

Josefine's Quiet Book

So, I basically pulled an all-nighter to get this puppy done for Josefine's Birthday. :) I wish I could say something like "procrastination" is what puts me in binds like that, but it's not. It's just that, before I cut into a project like that, I need to be SO SURE I've got EVERYTHING in my head as to how I want it to be. THEN, and only then, can I feel sure that I'm ready to start. And this was 8pm last night. I was done by noon today... :) SUCH a nice feeling. I hated to put it down...I had some serious momentum w/ the babes asleep and the house quiet...yet, another reason to call it the "Quiet Book." :)

Check out more of the photos in my Facebook Album. :)

The Love of Our Heavenly Father

Recently, I heard the song "Can You Hear Me?" by Mark Schultz. There was a lyric that stood out, "let me take his place somehow..." and caused me to think on the sacrifice that God made in offering up His son to die in our stead, so that we may have eternal life. I am thankful for a husband who willingly sacrifices for his girls, in order that they may know God's love. I truly am blessed to see the compassionate love of God paralled in the love that Jim has for our family.

Thinking about that truth also made me think of the contrast which, sadly, happens all too often. A father sacrificing his children for his own selfish ambitions. I realized how truly sacrificial Jim is with his time. He will spend hours playing with and reading to his girls, even though he could choose to do so many other things. To see him invest in them thrills my heart. To see him lovingly discipline and teach them (more Josefine than Cornelia, these days) to honor God with their choices provides security and stability. I'm so thankful for the light that Jim brings to our home by eminating God's love to us.

May we see the joy in sacrificing for truth and for the glory of God and seek to please HIM above ourselves so that our children may grow to love Him as well.

Has it been THAT long??

Wow, looks like I've been off the Bloggy Radar for months. :/ Been busy baking a baby. ;) Cornelia Ruth Hosanna was born on May 2 and I'm about to embark on the journey of making my new baby girl a special just-for-her quilt. I made one for my Josefine and, as a result, fell in love with the art of quilting! ♥

So, I'll get to the point...I'm joining a quilt along! And, I'm not exactly sure how it will go, but I'm going to try. I decided on using the Kaliedoscope block and this Quilt Along happens to be featuring that very thing. So, why not join the fun? :)

And I can't post this without a very darling picture of my newest Li'l Miss. :)

Santa & His Reindeer

So....today we were reined in to (there I go w/ my puns again) going to a second hand mommy/baby store today because there was an actual Reindeer in their parking lot for kids to see.

Naturally, I wanted Josefine to see the Reindeer as she has a love for all kinds of animals. Sadly, I did not have my camera, but alas, this post will not remain without photos. :) Anyway, my friend, Julie's family and our family went to see the Reindeer after Sunday lunch. And you wouldn't believe it...they had MILK and COOKIES to offer. But, not without a "price." We had to see Santa first.

Jim's grandpa Jacque looks just like Santa with his long, white, fluffy beard (he even wears red suspenders), and he "plays" Santa in the mall and at parades, making sure to tell the children that sit on his lap that Jesus loves them (his sweet way of carrying out the love the Jesus when the world gets caught up in commercialism), so because Grandpa Jacque is pretty much the best Santa ever, it wasn't high on my priority list to see a not-so-cool and no-related-to-us Santa. But, they had COOKIES, ya hear. And Josefine LOVES cookies. She can say and sign the word "cookie," so it's pretty much irresistable. So, I figured we could at least walk by Santa. Oh...my...goodness. As soon as I put that child down 5 feet away from Jolly Old Saint Nick she was attaching herself to me like a leech. But, with my history with Santas over the years, I don't blame the poor girl. Do ya think being terrified of fat men in red suits is hereditary?


Age 2: Not so excited about Santa...

Age 4: ABSOLUTELY terrified out of my clothes about Santa...

Age 27: Not so bad...because this is Santa Jacque. :) (P.S. Josefine IS in this picture...in my belly.)

30 Days of Thankfulness .Day 6.

I'm thankful for a thankful (and social) little girl!

Jim took us out for dinner tonight. Mmmm, Spaghetti Works! Josefine was saying "hi" to everyone that passed the table, and making big, goofy smiles at the people sitting near us. This is not terribly uncommon for Josefine to be so social. She's reached out to hold an old man's hand at another restaurant before, she's hugged lots of complete strangers at churches we've been at, and she's been waving at cars, trucks and tractors that go by for as long as she's known how to wave. We've got a communicator on our hands, folks!

Anyway, like I said...not terribly uncommon for her. But, tonight, she basically greeted the entire restaurant as we left the building, waving and saying "HI!" to each person in each booth we passed. And as we passed the long line of people waiting to be seated, she waved and said "BYE!" to as many as she could. Then came my favorite part...she said a very enthusiastic "Thank You" to a lady that held the door open for us without any prompting and without me saying it first! *sigh* What fun to see your children learning manners and actually using them in context!

But, I also suspect that the Strawberry Sundae (SUGAR!) she had for dessert may have had something to do with the pronounced socialabilty. :)

30 Days of Thankfulness .Day 5.

I'm thankful for the cute little guitar Joy Sherman gave me. Jim is re-teaching me the basics (and it's coming back quickly, YAY!) and we're singing "Jesus Loves Me..." Another truth I'm so thankful for.

Every night before bed, we sing "Jesus Loves Me" to Josefine. And she yawns in the middle of the song each time. It's fun to know that seems to be a bedtime cue for her. Although I've often wondered if this will lead to her falling asleep during Sunday School in the future! Haha!

Really, though...lately when we've been singing it to her, I've been putting a bit more thought into it. I'm trying not to just "sing" it or teach Josefine that Jesus loves HER, but I'm trying to ingest that yes...Jesus loves ME, too.

The words "they are weak, but He is strong" have really stood out. I don't think I take that thought with me throughout the day. I come to something difficult and most often, my immediate thought is..."I can't!" Well, it's a good thing I realize that it is I who cannot...in my own power. But, have I really lived out the truth that it is GOD who is made strong in my weaknesses?

"'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. ... For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Excited to announce...

...that we're going to have a BABY!

That's right! I said BABY! B-A-B-Y!

:) It seems that this blog has turned into an update on our latest baby news...hehe...sorry! But, I'll try better to post more of what's going on in other areas of life as well.

Lately, we've been traveling like MAD...hence the lack of posts. And I've been so tired lately and feeling much more nauseated than I did with Josefine, and I've been working on oodles of photos ...and traveling (that one requires being mentioned twice).

We've been blessed, though. I have no complaints! Every twist and turn in life has run right into a blessing! We are so thankful for such a loving God!

Oh, yeah...and I'm due May 4. :) Yeeeeeee!

It's Already March?

I'm so bummed. I didn't even realize it was March 1st yesterday...and we missed celebrating Josefine's 8 mo! Since there was no 29th of February, there was no 8mo-on-the-dot celebration, so I hadn't decided yet if I wanted to celebrate on the 28th or the 1st of March. Welp...guess that decision is made. We'll celebrate today! :) Josefine is 8 mos! I'd call this an extended celebration!

In other Baby News...we're still waiting and praying. I have another appointment on Thursday. I have yet to schedule it, but Doc wanted me to come in on Thursday or next Tuesday, and since we're going to be in MN for a Missions Conf. that week, I won't be able to go on Tuesday. I would have liked to wait a bit longer than a week from the last appt. but, this is what God clearly wants...so, Thursday, it is!

Also...I've been thinking about "Miracle Babies" and it hit me the other day, that we are surrounded by them! With all the millions of things that need to go right (scientifically and medically) for there to be a healthy human being, EVERY single one of us is a real miracle. Some days, I think it's amazing that I've survived these past 28 years, with all that could go wrong. Obviously, God can supercede science and medicine. And knowing that brings so much comfort and peace.

I look at Josefine and I think..."here, we're pleading God for a miracle, and look at the one He has already given us." Not that I'm still NOT pleading for God to protect and give this baby life, but, wow...to sit here and ponder what He HAS given us. I can barely wrap my mind around it, and I'm left overwhelmingly thankful.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

Colossians 3:15

Not in Despair

The ultrasound was today. This was also the orginal appointment for my OB workup. But, because there was no sign of baby in the ultrasound, Doc decided against the regular appt. and said we can either wait, or do a D&C. Again, we're waiting. We were disappointed, of course, but not in despair. God is STILL good. God is ALWAYS good. We're basically in the same position we were this past week. Waiting and praying...hoping and relying. So, strangely, I don't feel a sinking feeling, but that we just have to keep pressing on, trusting God, until one thing or the other happens...it's exhausting, but stregnthening all at once.

One of my friends commented on my Facebook that she's praying for us and that she understands we must be struggling. Yes. This IS a stuggle. A struggle that, I'm sure, will bring glory to God and build our faith. Priceless gifts from God.

Here was my response to her.

"It is hard...but perhaps not as hard as it may be if there is a miscarriage. Right now, I'm just taking things in stride. Keeping life normal. Doing all the regular things. Not letting this be a source of depression...not letting the fear or worries linger, but relying on the strength of the Lord, and trying to remain joyful through all the waiting. No doubt, there have been tears...and deep moments of desperate cries to God. Thank you so much for praying...my heart is encouraged just knowing that. ♥"

I can still only imagine the deep pain and grief that will come with a miscarriage. I'm on the brink of it daily. I've said before, that as soon as you see that "positive" sign on the pregnancy test, you're attached, physically, emotionally, and mentally to this life that is in you. Separation (even at birth...I know...strange, but I did have an "empty" feeling -no pun intended - when Josefine was no longer ACTUALLY a physical part of me) is NEVER, EVER easy, no matter what stage.

I've been thinking about this verse today.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Thank you for your continued prayers and labor of faith with me. I'm so overwhelmingly grateful.

A Big Bite = A Big Scare

Yesterday I was feeding Josefine her pureed split peas...which she likes. Very much. And because she doesn't quite have the timing down on when to swallow, and I gave her a wee bit of a big bite, we kind of ran into a bit of a scare.

She was happily gumming at her pasty peas when she started gagging, like she was going to puke. I wasn't worried at that point, I just held her bib up to catch whatever was coming out. But, she didn't puke. She only kept half-gagging, like whatever was lodged in her throat, wasn't coming out. It was the biggest scare of my life, people. I did exactly what I know I'm NOT supposed to do and started smacking her on the back. Then, I shoved my finger down her throat. I figured, if she wasn't going to get this out of her throat by puking, then I was going to make her puke. Just as I put my finger in her mouth (and I only felt a little bit of mushed up -really mushed up- peas) she started whimpering. THE most beautiful sound on earth. And of course, that happened to be when all of my First Aid training came back to my mind. Of course. I hugged on her so much after we cleaned up, I think she might have been wondering what in the world was up with Mama!

The whole thing lasted about 5 seconds, but it was the longest 5 seconds of my life and I probably had a bajillion thoughts pass through my mind in that 5 seconds. What do I do? How can I help? Is she beyond help? and so on.

Anyway...a BIG scare. I'm sure it was just some thicker pea paste that got to the back of her throat and her body reacted. I took a bite of the meal myself, and noticed that it disintegrates pretty much as soon as it enters the mouth. But, if she had a bigger bite than normal (and she IS still learning how to eat), I could see how it would cause a problem. So...I do think I'll be adding a bit of formula/water to her next meal. Just to thin it out...we don't want another big scare.

By Popular Demand...

One very popular Katie (from the BABY FACTORY...yes, you are famous) posted this on my Facebook wall (she's also hosting a Giveaway...you should check it out!):

"Hey Sarah.....I just wanted to note that....I MISS YOUR BLOGGING :) Come back, please :) It's been a whole month :'("

So, I guess that means, I'm back...by popular demand. At least ONE popular demand. That counts, right???

Anyway - so, all that to say...I'm going to try to ease back into blogging. AND upgrade my Flickr account so I can continue sharing pictures with you all!

Speaking of...here's one of my latest favorites of Josefine!

Stockings!

Oh, wow. I haven't written a post in for-ev-er...and I feel like a loser. Well, only KIND OF like a loser. A little bit...

I mean, seriously - it's been so C-R-A-Z-Y busy. I can't even begin to tell you.

But, I'll try.

First, we went on a road trip to Colorado for some meeting and to see the fam. Fun times, I tell you. FUN times. :)

I have lotsa pictures - none of which I have prepared to share. Because I am...so...busy.

Anyway - THEN, we got stuck in a blizzard on my birthday. So, I call it the Birthday Blizzard of '09. Pretty Snazzy, huh? So, the Hubs, Josefine and I stayed at a hotel on my birthday...with an indoor waterpark, which happened to be closed down because of the fa-reezing water temps. Se, we just hung out in the hotel pool, which was awesome enough, for sure. Josefine had the time of her life...I swear...this girl is a fish!

And, we finally got home last Thursday. And EvErY night (and day) since...has been BUSY. The night we got back, I had a party...Friday, Jim took me out *sigh*, Saturday we had one amazing Sunday School Christmas party with a fabulous (and hilarious) White Elephant Gift Exchage. Sunday - church, of course. Monday - a visit with our Germany-Bound friends. Tuesday was a Sign Language Class and Test, which I don't even think I've mentioned to you that I've recently taken up (and fallen in love with) Sign Language. Holy Cow...I totally don't need to bore you with my EVERY day of the WEEK busy-ness. BUT, it's just a little taste of how busy it's been.

Today, I had a wedding shoot. Beautiful and busy day for sure...I always adore weddings. I never cease to shed at least one tear out of happiness for the lovely couple. And here, I'm supposed to be taking pictures! Anyway - I've got tons of photos to update my photography blog with, too. See what I mean? Is your head spinning with MY schedule yet? I wouldn't be surprised. Mine is. ;)

And here, I've titled my post "Stockings." Oh, rabbit trail.

This is one thing that I've been spending all of my free time on...stockings! :) I have to make mine yet, but I was too excited not to show you Jim's and Josefine's! :)

This is where I got the pattern!

Tooshie Talk

Soooo, it's been like, forever since I've posted. My sincere apologies! We've been on the road and busy, busy...so, I'm guessing, until we get home...my posting habits may not improve much. But, alas...I have a fabulous photo of my Josefine and her new Teddy Bear that I would love, love, LOVE to share. I mean, I like it so much, I've entered it in this weeks I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge - the category is TOOSHIES! :) I also liked it well enough to post it on my facebook as my profile pic (sorry to my FB friends if this is WAY overdone) and to post it as today's Everyday Josefine post.

Rand♥m D♥zen: Heeere Fishy Fishy

♥ What was the last song you listened to?
My Jesus I Love Thee - the closing Hymn tonight at prayer meeting.

♥ Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?
Maybe - but not enough to remember it. I usually enjoy what I buy...even if I feel a leeeetle guitly. ;)

♥ What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)
Being disciplined as a child...I'm SURE I needed it and I'm sure it's done some good.

♥ Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?
I don't watch it every year, but does that mean I can't have a favorite float??? Well, I'm telling you my favorite float anyways. The Big Snoopy!

♥ Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.
"Knees out, tuck in, shoulders back, and 1..." - and it's only day 2 of TTapp Bootcamp. :P

♥ This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention this blog is rated G?
Uh, I dunno...blogging? ;)

♥ What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?
The leftover turkey for turkey sandwiches...although, I'm not sure I'm going to LOVE it this year, since last year I had super bad first trimester (and then some) sickness and puked up an entire turkey sandwich...I'm sure Jim won't be so fond of the memory himself, since he cleaned it up for me. *sigh* My hero...

♥ What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?
"The Tale of Three Trees" always chokes me up. I love reading this one and gifting it to others. My favorite children's book growing up was "There's a Monster at the End of This Book." - by Grover.

♥ Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)
Pictures...I have to admit...I collect pictures. Shocking, I know.

Here's one that I haven't posted yet...I don't know why I didn't. It's so...huge. The tree...me... :) I didn't realize how much I liked this picture until now, actually. I do like the ginormous tree and that The Hubs and I are Matchy. I also need to clarify that I was only a few weeks away from having Josefine...hence, the preggo hugeness. I love it.



♥ Gift bags or wrapping paper?
Oh, I stink at wrapping gifts. Gift bags all the way!

♥ Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?
Walk home (eyeing the neighbor kids house-who I had a huge crush on), have a snack (Little Debbie Star Crunch...Mmmm) and listen to music in my room. Probably pretended I was Whitney Houston or Garth Brooks or something.

♥ True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? Do you feel for the fish??
Definitely FEEL for the fish. I'm all about feelings. Ask my hubby...he's all about the technical...and I can catch a good fish based on feelings, yo.

And for some Feel Good Fishy Pics...

Jim got me a PINK POLE! I think I had to feel less for the fish, since they were so drawn to the HOTT pink of my pole. BTW, I'm not able to stand while fishing here...my feet were s-w-o-l-l-e-n.



Later - we went fishing in the dark...hmmm...sounds like a song??? ;) Why do I have so many preggo fishing pics, you ask? Because we knew as soon as Josefine was born, things like that would be but a blur. And they were...she was born on June 29, and ever since, I have wondered where summer has gone. ;) Not wasted, that's for sure - just dedicated to a tiny little bundle of love, love, love! Ok...bunny trail...here are s'more fishy pics.

*NOTE: I caught them BOTH! Yeeee!

Oooh, CRAZY Red-Eyed Fish Lady!



Fishy #2



Dem waz big fishes...and tasty, too.



We don't need to go fishing anymore anyway. Josefine seems to be our own little fishy!
But, don't worry...we won't eat her.

And more fishy tendancies from Josefine...

Just Because

Just wanted to post a li'l something...just because. :)

And a favorite verse I've been pondering on lately:

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

"O" Magnify the Lord...

The last several days, I've been reminded of some of the key characteristics of God. These reminders - these truths - have been sustaining truths that keep my hope set on something solid.

God is: Omnipotent

He is an all-powerful God...nothing is too difficult for Him.

Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."

God is: Omnipresent

He is everywhere. Niether time nor space can contain Him.

Psalm 139:7-10 "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

God is: Omniscient

He is all-knowing.

Psalm 139:1-6 "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. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before,and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it."

And while we're looking at Psalm 139...

Psalm 139:13-16

"For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them."

Josefine at 20 weeks



You can find more "O's" at ABC Wednesday!

Framed: The Unusual Kind

I'm a lover of photography and photos...and of course, what's a photo without a frame?

My latest acquirement is really unique...and I like it! Got it from Target and it's exhibiting some of my very favorite photos of Josefine.



Have a splendid day - and be inspired...go out and frame some of your favorite photos that deserve to be displayed. It brings such life and joy to our home to have smiling faces all over our walls! When we take loooong trips, I even bring some of my favorite framed photos to make everywhere we go feel a little more like home.