My little 6 month old is crawling! I can’t believe it. Wednesday, the day before she turned 6 months, she began to move her hands forward but wasn't quite sure how to keep going. Then Saturday night she just crawled towards me without a second thought! Today she actually got into her Dad’s video games! What a little explorer!
She’s been a busy little girl. A couple of days last week and three days this week, Keenan (the son of one of my friends) has been spending the day with us. He is two years old and loves his little buddy Elyssa. He loves to play with her and even read one of her books to her! They are so cute to watch together!

Happy 1st Mother's Day

I hope all of you had a good mother's day. My first Mom's Day was awesome! Elyssa had my favorite watch fixed and she bought me a beautiful Asian cast iron tea pot. Isn't she fabulous? Well ok, Chris helped her out a little. Anyway, for lunch we all went over to my aunt and uncle's for some of his amazing cooking. I mean YUM! Elyssa even got to see some chickens and she loved watching them run around. She also rode on Grandpa's shoulders and boy was she proud of herself! Did I mention My Aunt and Uncle's unbelievably beautiful garden?

My aunt told us of her encouragement from her own mother in law. She had offered her the greeting "Happy Mothering Day" because, though she has never given birth, she has nurtured many different creatures all the way from animals to humans in her lifetime. I find it fitting as I think of so many dear ones who long to have children of their own. These beautiful women should not be made to feel sad on a day the rest of us celebrate. I've been there, I know the pain of not receiving a carnation at church when so many others are. You're in my prayers!

Hind Sight

During those times that we walk through the "valley of the shadow of death", I really wish we could see the way God uses it for His glory, even if only a glimpse. I imagine that's what faith is, knowing He has good things in store for us, a prosperous future. "Lord please carry us through this valley and use this time to prove your power over the evil lies of this world, amen."

Friends

Thanks for a fun weekend!

Wacky Spring Weather!

Yesterday.......................................Today!

Thanks Dad!

As most of you know our little family has spent the last few months living with my folks. A year ago this might have been cause for potential homicide by either party. The situation now is different, however, due to our little ambassador of peace. My father will tell anyone who asks, that our welcome would have worn out long ago if not for our adorable new addition. Fortunately she has her grandparents wrapped snugly around her little fingers. Having said that, we have all gotten along fairly well considering the cramped quarters and abundance of “stuff” strung throughout the entire house. Chris and I are incredibly thankful for their generosity and hospitality during our transition.

I have to dedicate a post to my sweet Dad who has been the most patient, enduring a house full of baby clutter that is only getting worse the older she gets. He is the chef of the house. If something fancy has been made, chances are he was the one doing the cooking. One of his specialties is rice pudding. He will make it with leftover rice from dinner whenever the mood strikes him. Of course it often takes some coaxing on my part. The other night after a delicious dinner with (you guessed it) rice a la carte, I started my petitioning for the delectable dessert. I’m sure it was the last thing he wanted to do but I kept hinting how yummy it would be to have a snack during the movie. (Occasionally we have the very rare opportunity to watch a movie after Elyssa has gone to bed.) Shortly after the movie started, Elyssa woke up and I went in to sooth her. I had lost all hope of getting dessert, so when I came out of her bedroom to the smell of smoke, I was a bit confused. Well guess what my adorable daddy had done. He listened to my pleas and had fixed up a quick batch of rice pudding on the stove. It just sort of escaped everyone’s thoughts during the movie and ended up all over the stove.

Dad, thank you for being so thoughtful! I want you to know how much I appreciate the effort! And I take full responsibility for the disaster!
Let’s all give that little extra effort for our loved ones, even if we end up getting burned!

Simplest of Toys

Didn't get the memo!

Well on November 15, 2007 in the middle of the afternoon, I gave birth to a little rambunctious girl. Baby? No, she apparently didn't get the memo that she was supposed to be a newborn. Here I was ignorantly expecting a little floppy ball of sleepy baby. She had other plans. Holding her head up from day one, smiling up as if to say “Ha! Ha!”, she wiggled her way up my abdomen and into my heart! What a little miracle!

When she was a month old she only wanted to be pulled up to stand. Here at 2 months, she is looking out at the world in eager expectation!

Now she is 4 months old and is trying to crawl. I’m NOT pushing her in that direction, though, I need her immobile as long as possible! Funny how nothing ever happens how we expect. Life keeps throwing curve balls! Thank the Lord! Because if things never surprised me, how boring life would be!

I have to admit I’m nervous about keeping a blog. I’m not the best at following through. I hope for Elyssa’s sake I can keep this up!