a few recent photos

mo hair

The stereo will soon have to be moved. Already, I've been thankful for the magnets holding the doors to the DVD cabinet securely shut (at least until my son grows stronger arm muscles). The childproofing will have to begin within a week or two. Aaron has learned the sweet taste of CD's gotten by one's own effort.

He's definitely into exploration and has gone on several search and destroy missions. I love that he's so happily independent. However, it is also cause for supervised self play! The other day I left the room for a couple quick moments and came back to see a chunk missing from a board book and several chunks of colorful cardboard dotting Aaron's chin.

Oops! These are happy, fun days! Such opportunities to to share in the joy of his growing and learning!

and then

Aaron is teething, or getting sick, or some other malady unknown to me, his mother. Finding himself frustrated that he cannot describe in detail his complaint, he decided he would like some extra cuddles and proceeded to make it known in the only way he knows.

WAHHHHHHHHH!

The familiar strain drifted down the hallway. As I picked him up, he snuggled his little head into my shoulder and sighed mightily. I could almost feel his relief. His little body relaxed and quieted. And then. And then, (I am choking up even as I try to type these words) he stretched his little neck, turned up his little face, pressed his lips to my cheek, and kissed me. He nestled down again, this time under my chin. And then he kissed me again. His big eyes sparkled in the glow and flicker of the night light as he looked at me and smiled, like I was the best thing ever. A few minutes later, with a peacefully sleeping son, I crept back down the hallway, overwhelmed with (what I choose to interperate to be) this first pure expression of love. I am the most blessed mommy in the whole wide world.

Today, as our church choir practiced for our Easter Cantata, I was struck again with my personal responsibility for my sin and for the death of Christ on the cross. I am in awe of the Great Love poured out on us through the atoning gift of Jesus, God's only Son. I am without words to describe how utterly unworthy I am to receive His salvation - offered without condition, without cost to me - when it was obviously of great cost to Him.

To be anything but fully prostrated with gratefulness would be an insult to this kind of Love, this kind of sacrifice. I fall on my face before my Lord, and with gulping, heaving sobs try to find words to say to Him.

I am nothing, less than nothing. And you LOVE me. YOU. So far above me. I cannot understand, for Your thoughts are beyond my comprehension. You created me to know You, to love You, and to revel in You and honor You forever. I PRAISE YOU!!!! I am Your child, and You have blessed me with blessings.

floors

Well, here are some pictures! We are pretty excited (the understatement of the year) about our new floors, new toilet, and new beginning on the fireplace. This is what we decided to do with our fireplace. The light grey is the new part - we poured concrete to add to the hearth. We will be covering it with slate tile - the tile shown is ceramic, but the colors are similar to the slate we've chosen. We will then replace the fire screen (until we can afford custom glass!!!!) we are taking suggestions on paint colors for the brick. Click here to see the house in previous stages.

We are so thankful that God has provided these floors for us! A big thank you to our friend (and pastor) Kris for helping out on Thursday and also to Dad Forbes for helping with the potty installation project!!! If you have Facebook, check out our photo album there for more pictures of the process, including an ugly moment when we took up the old toilet!!!

our big boy

We are daily reminded of the swift passage of time.

Aaron's new favorite thing is standing up in his crib and
holding on to the sides

He does, of course, need help getting there.

This is the smile of a happy, rested boy...who brings many
smiles to the faces of two very blessed parents.

hyper-

You know that feeling you get that's all fluttery and shaky and you can barely breathe you're so excited? I know it well. We've started laying our laminate flooring. Hopefully, this is the week to finish it.

And this morning, I wondered when the last time was that I got this excited about sharing my faith. I need to find some unsaved friends, because the fact that I can't remember the excitement of a first time witnessing opportunity is unacceptable.

What I read yesterday also convicted me...when I do not show love, what am I showing? I don't want to be a glazed worthless vessel, that's for sure.

Prov 26:23-26
Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel are fervent lips with an evil heart. Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

May our excitement be about more than beautiful flooring today. May love rule our actions instead of hatred, and may all of us find some unsaved new friends to share Christ with!!!

So I'm not winning any blue ribbons...

Baby belly cast in plaster? not on your life.
Video of birth? not allowed. hospital policy.
Birth announcements? nope.
Baby book? nada.
2 mo, 4 mo, 6 mo photo shoots? uh-uh.
bronzed baby booties? are you kidding!?
photo album? um, no.


There is an overwhelming lack of milestone memorabilia in our house. We haven't been to a photo studio with our son. We haven't made a baby album. We haven't even contacted the courthouse yet for a copy of Aaron's birth certificate. Heaven help us if we have to prove he's ours. Or if we have to flee to Canada for some unforeseen reason. Oh wait. We can't go there anymore without a passport. Guess we're stuck.

At least the firstborn through the lastborn children of our family will have the same lack of stuff. We will have none of this SuperCollection for the first, BigCollection for the second, Collection for the third, and dwindling off to nothing for the others! In our house, there will be no echoes of, "Mommy loves me more. She made me a baby book! NYAH!" as tongues stick out. No strains of, "So prove it that you're not adopted - where's your birth announcement?"

OK so maybe the real reason I've not done any of these things is that I am a cheapskate. Or a slacker. Or clueless. Maybe even unorganized, unprioritized, and undoubtedly, something far worse. I'm definitely not a Blue Ribbon Creative Memories Mother. And the horrid, stark truth is - I don't really want to be. I can hear your gasps of horror now.

Aaron and siblings, should God send us any, will be documented on the CD's full of digital pictures that are stacking up quickly on our desk - his milestones, in the little squares of the calendar (when I remember) rather than the exquisite scrapbooks that Other People's Blue Ribbon Mothers slave over for hours, cutting their fingers with special edged scissors and agonizing over paper choices. But our kids will be able to fit their childhoods in a duffel, and travel the world. And if by some odd twist of genetics they want to make their own scrapbooks, then they'll have the digital photos to do it.

Also about now, I'm beginning to wonder if there was some sort of manual that I missed out on. It didn't even occur to me to get Aaron a special Easter outfit. And I don't think I will.

Lord willing, I won't stink quite as badly at the other aspects of mothering I have yet to face. Hopefully, we will be able to show our kids God's love for us, and our responsibility and privilege to honor and worship Him with our lives. I pray that we will be able to see Aaron and any future siblings accept Christ an an early age. We certainly expect to have lots of fun in the Muth family. I sure hope we'll be able to enjoy our family and make memories that will be stamped in our brains forever.

And for this mom, that is worth more than Copper #47 on acid free "Autumn Leaves" paper.

what would YOU do

OK, let's hypothetically say that you have a neighbor who has a German Shepherd. The neighbor is located directly behind your house. Your yards are separated by a wooden 5' privacy fence and your homes are about 20' apart. Almost every night the dog barks, waking you and, sometimes, keeps you awake. You know that the dog is barking because the neighbors NEVER take him for walks, and he gets pretty much no attention whatsover. So on one hand, you feel bad for the dog. You've only spoken to the neighbors over the fence two or three times, and so a purposeful confrontation about the barking might have the potential to ruin any chance of a future relationship with the neighbors. So on the other hand, you're concerned about the relationship there and since you plan to live there for a few more years at least, want to keep things civil so you can possibly build a relationship in order to share Christ with them. And if you had a third hand, you'd be really wanting the dog to shut up so you could have some peaceful nights...A fourth hand would be that the city has a noise ordinance, so any barking after 10p is "against the law" but you sure would hate to see the neighbors put an electronic bark collar on the poor dog. But then again, you've never been much of a dog person. Plus you don't know if the call in to the police to report loud barking would mean that the neighbors could find out who made the complaint, and thus we're back to the first concern.

So, what would you do?

Whole Wheat Banana Flax Muffins

I've been experimenting with ways to get heart-healthy flax into our diet. (and for any nursing moms out there, flax is one food that is supposed to boost the quality of your milk - I have noticed a difference!) This is an adaptation of a recipe on the back of the flax box - I increased the whole wheat flour, substituted bananas for apples, and added vanilla and nutmeg. My husband really likes these!

1/4 cup milled flax seed
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
2 T veg. oil
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 tsp vanilla
dash nutmeg

Blend dry ingredients in a bowl. Make a well in the center, and combine egg, vegetable oil, and milk. Stir until just blended. Fold in bananas and nuts. Fill well greased muffin cups or papers. Bake at 400* for 18-20 minutes or until muffin top springs back when touched. Yield: 12 muffins. You might want to double this recipe...

4/2010
Here just for the muffins?? It's my most popular post, and I'm so glad you stopped by to check it out. Nothing happens by accident - stay and take a look around! I'd be glad to have you as a more permanent reader - welcome!!

seven hundred sixty nine and fifty six cents

$406.08 - 800 square feet of laminate flooring
$319.92 - 800 square feet of quiet step underlayment
$ 43.56 - merchandise tax for good ole MI

knowing God cares about the cost of our flooring and has provided for this "we'd-be-fine-without-it-but-it-sure-is-great-to-have-it" home improvement item that despite the low cost met ALL our requirements for flooring - BEYOND PRICELESS!!!

Next, we "fix" our fireplace - so if anyone has ideas, better get them in soon. We've got a plan, but it's always subject to change if there's a great idea out there. Hopefully, laying the laminate will be our happy St Patrick's Day weekend activity. Much more profitable than turning a river green, if you ask me.

thanks, elaine!

I had no idea what a "taggie" was, (see comments on previous post) so I googled it and thought, "How cool! Where can I find something like that...oh, wait. What am I thinking?! I could make one of those!" So I dug through my ribbons and fabric scraps, and 20 minutes later, here's our version. It's not as cool as a plush animal, but it will definitely work. (And of course, the price was right!) It is about 8" square, and Aaron loves it. Yay! And thanks, Elaine!

Oh, PS - check out our little creeper in the video to the left!

biting, um...

Aaron likes to chew things. Especially things with tags, which are commonly located on stuffed animals' posteriors. Looks funny if you ask me, but who am I to question the developmental process of young minds?

Hope Springs New

Nope, I'm not announcing my intention to write cheesy "Christian" romance novels, despite my clever ability to title posts to sound as if I were. It's much MUCH better news than that. My house is gradually getting more "finished."

In the grand scheme of things, my little house doesn't really matter. But God knows that it matters to me, and He has given us another blessing! I think I posted a couple months ago how we had been given a bunch of free carpet. Well, it is this nice (um...) shade of pinkish purple maroon. Not what you would call my first choice, but better than nothing. We have the carpet in our garage, all set to lay in the bedrooms if we should so choose.

WELL. This weekend we got a call from our realtor, who said another family was replacing the carpet in their living room with laminate, and would we like the carpet (only 4 years old) Turns out it's a nice, neutral multi-fleck. And they threw in some nice tan stuff as well. Maybe enough to carpet 2 of our bedrooms.

AND the job Michael's working on right now included an addition/renovation that required the removal of some VERY nice tan carpet. It was in a guest bedroom that was used maybe twice by the look of things.

This is turning out to be a very long story. I will make it shorter. We installed carpet in Aaron's room over the weekend!!!!!! It is nice. Here are some photos of my handy man doing the job.














Later I shall post pictures of the nursery in it's "glory." Poor kid will be out of his crib before I finish sewing the ties on the bumper pad. I'm planning to do a little painting of a motif around the upper part of the wall, so I'll wait to post more pics until that project is done.

And, in a related bit of news, a nearby town celebrated the grand opening of Menards, and after a minor detour for poor map reading skills (mine), we got a raincheck for laminate flooring at 59 cents per square foot. In case you haven't priced laminate flooring recently, this is an excellent price. So excellent, in fact, that we will be putting laminate flooring down VERY soon. In all rooms except the bedrooms, where there will be free carpet. Thanks for your input on that decision, by the way! Complete flooring for our 1200 square foot house will ring up around $800. Can you believe it!?!

And she strolled away, humming...God is so good, He's so good to me...

seven.

It's already been 7 months of changing diapers, midnight feedings, and wonderful happy times that more than make up for the mundane. Funny how a little one can change the way you view time. Before Aaron, this time would have flown with little notice. Praise God for another month with our wonderful son!!!

No sew? No problem!

After reading Alicia's post about her very fabulous curtains and reading the comments that followed, I am inspired to let all you sewing challenged out there know of a wonderful product called Heat N Bond. You can do about anything with this stuff. I once made a bridesmaid's dress top almost exclusively with this great stuff, and I've hemmed pants a couple times. It holds. And, it is available at Walmart, so rejoice! There are varying strengths for different types of cloth, but don't let that scare you!

Here's a picture of the package, along with instructions on how you can make your own curtains sans sewing machine. (you will want to buy 1/2 Heat n Bond) Happy Faking!

behold, an ugly fireplace (HELP!)

Our fireplace has been a trial to me since we saw the house in it's original un-splendor. It's just in a weird place, and is the strangest design I have ever seen. We have the bricks primed, and we know that we want to eventually paint it a different color, and line the hearth and possibly the unpainted inside edges with ceramic tile. However, there is not enough hearth for spark safety, and we're not sure how far to build out the hearth area on either side and the front. We don't want to go too far for toe safety purposes, and we definitely don't want a funny looking fireplace. (well, any more funny looking than it already is, anyway)

This is something we have to do before we can lay the laminate flooring, so we need some un-biased opinions here! Can you help us? Check out the photos below - you can kind of get an idea of how it's set up. Tell us how far you think we should build out the hearth on the sides & front. For more frame of reference to location, etc., click here and look for the fireplace.












We are planning to sell this house in about 5 years, so we want to know what the majority rule is for a couple of items. The fireplace is one. The SECOND item is this - do you prefer hard floors throughout or carpet for the bedrooms and hard floors in the rest of the house?

PLEASE leave your comments, opinions, and ideas!!

interesting, very interesting...

Got this Monday, 2/26 in my weekly Alumni Update email.

Beginning fall, 2007, Northland Baptist Bible College will commence operating a K-12 Christian School. The school will temporarily be housed on the property of Faith Baptist Church until a permanent site can be developed. Please pray with us as Northland expands its ministry into this crucial area. It is our desire to develop a school model based on academic excellence and classroom discipleship. We are currently seeking faculty members who desire both. We would be thrilled if God would choose to fill many of our faculty positions with our own alumni. Anyone interested in a position (elementary, secondary, modern languages) should submit an application to Antone Goyak.

[links and email address removed]

peas

Aaron loves them. Attacks the spoon, as you can see. You may wonder why there is no bib. Well, I was pureeing a big batch of peas, making little peacubes for later. He looked interested, and so gave him a little taste on a whim. Needless to say, he had more than just a taste.

And today's dr. visit indicates that he's holding steady at his "just below the 3rd percentile" growth pattern. At 6 months plus, he's a whopping 13lbs, 11 oz, and 25 3/4 inches long. Maybe peas stunt your growth, but I doubt it.

And, in a matter of unrelated news, I was reading a periodical today in my 3 seconds of extra time, and found out that the Salvation Army will come with their truck to pick up not only large furniture and appliances, but as meager of an offering as 5 bags of clothes. Round up your friends, get out the It's Deductible Book and call up SA to get the goodies. (a five bag minimum. I was shocked!) Embarrasingly enough, I'm pretty sure I could come up with 5 bags on my own...

and, the second tooth has cleared the gums.

a riddle

There are two friends, both girls. They both get married. One girl ends up marrying the brother of the other girl's sister in law's husband. Therefore, the same family is to both girls a sister in law, brother-in law, and a nephew. Are the two friends related to each other?

***(OKAY you guys, it's not really a riddle, riddle. It's a shameless attempt to get you all to say that my friend Ruth and I are related...so feel free to leave your opinions!)***

yay!

Dear Micah,
You're going to love being on the outside. Your momma and daddy are great! (or at least, that's what my momma and daddy tell me!) I can't wait to meet you, and I am SO EXCITED that you are finally born. Send pictures, quick!!

Love,
Aaron

about yesterday

Those who know me well will attest to the fact that I've never been, nor am I now, a huge fan of "days" that Hallmark has created to get people to spend money on their sweeties. Oh, I understand that all, or at least mostly all of you out there roll your eyes when you hear this, or when you hear me go off on Hallmark holidays, or just at me in general. So I must put your rolling eyes to rest, at least on the topic of Valentine's day.

Some myths I would like to dispell:

• I am not against Hallmark. In fact, I like the store. Very much. A little too much, perhaps.
• I am not against having a sweetie. In fact, I have one. He's the sweetest ever.
• I am not against romance. I like it, a lot. I like smooshy gooshy cards, fun date nights, kisses under the mistletoe (which, by the way, we still have up in our house) and other creative measures by which one expresses affection.
• I am not against candy, flowers, pink, red, or even little hearts (although, all in moderation, of course)
• I am not harboring residual bitterness over previous Valentine's Day mishaps, mistakes, or misjudgements. I think that should about cover it.
• I am not against St. Valentine. (although, I do not ascribe to his theology) Apparently, he aided Christians and stood up for the right to marry, and performed secret marriages, under Roman Emporer Claudius II's crazy law that cancelled marriages and engagements so more men would sign up for the army. (This Claudius was pretty crazy)

Here is why I don't particularly care if I get, or do not get, a Valentine card from my sweetie or anyone else - or if we make, or do not make, February 14th a celebratory event. Are you ready for this?? I think a random bouquet, card, or other gesture, means even more on a day that the whole world wasn't reminding him that he loves me.

TA-DAH! that's it. So you see, it all boils down to my wish for surprises. (ok, and maybe my rebellion against commercializing love has a little tiny bit of something to do with it. But I'm not going to mention that here!) And I would never EVER say to my sweetie, "NO WAY we can't stop at Coldstone on the way home from church!!!! People might think we're celebrating Valentine's Day!!"

Which is why, when I close my eyes and think about it, I can still taste the delicious flavor of coffee ice cream mixed with chocolate shavings melting slowly in my mouth.

I hope you all had an excellent day, reveling in the perfect Love of God!

my new favorite breakfast

1 banana
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup fresh pineapple
a splash of chosen liquid for consistancy purposes

blend it up, consume. All the fruit I need for a day and Vitamin C galore. I usually eat a little cheese or a handful of raw almonds with this to offset the sugar in the fruit.

Oh, and I've neglected to mention it, but Aaron has cut his first tooth (like a week ago!)

works of God Monday

Jehovah Jireh! The Lord provides!! (all the time, but I am especially thankful for the washer and dryer that came to us today, free of charge!!) and I am also thankful that we had to go only one week without a dryer! Hallelujah!!!

taste and see

e·piph·a·ny [i-pif-uh-nee] - a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

As my life progresses, I am more amazed. Amazed because with life experience, comes, by God's grace, a more full understanding of my God and His Word. More specifically, I speak of the illustrations that are used throughout Scripture. Intellectually, we are all capable of understanding that we the church are the bride of Christ, waiting His coming. We understand that we are the children of God, and we are sheep needing a shepherd. Experientially, I am only beginning to "taste and see" all He has for me to learn.

Today, as my little one squirmed and screamed in an attempt at freedom, I had another of these moments. I knew Aaron didn't really want what he thought he wanted - specifically, go flying off my lap, off the couch, and onto the concrete floor. As I held him closer and tried to get him to look me in the face, I said, "Aaron, you don't really want to go there. Trust me." As those last two words tumbled out of my mouth, I realized in stunning brilliance another reason I am referred to as a child of God.

My stubborn refusal to trust Him is childlike. I don't see the whole picture. I don't know what lies beyond the lap of His blessing. I think I want something SO badly, and I try with all my might to get there, all the while crying "IIIIEEEE'M SOOOOO MISERABLE!" when really, I am in exactly the right place for me. God loves me infinitely more than I am capable of understanding, and He gives what is best. Where else are all my needs met in such a loving way? Something tells me that I can sit happily and rest in Him, or I can squirm around and make myself miserable.

1 Jn 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love."esv

Well, our little man has had his first taste of the delicious and delightful fruit of the avocado tree. I had been dragging my feet for quite some time on adding "solids" to his diet, since I didn't feel like he was ready OR that I was!!! I finally realized that starting solids didn't have to be an all or nothing venture - that it would be OK to introduce solids here and there instead of making them an immediate and daily occurance. So, to date, Aaron has eaten smashed up avocados twice. He loves it, and reaches for the spoon to "help" mom. The adventure has begun, my son. Taste buds, awake! Rejoice!

as the winter winds blow...

Sitting at my computer, I can feel a draft from:
- the bottom of the wall, where there is no baseboard trim
- the window, also without trim
- the wall itself, with inadequate insulation
- my brain, forgetting that God is always good, all the time.

So I grab a blanket, and check Google weather before settling down to business

Today 10° | -2° Wed 14° | 4° Thu 20° | 2°

and I am so happy to see that the temps will rise again!!

new pics

I know I'm a little biased, but he's almost edible.

search for a good cause

Check out how you can contribute to a good cause by trying out a new search engine.

happy 6 months?!!?!

6 months have passed
since Aaron Carter Muth
joined our family. It doesn't
really seem possible!

Praise God for His Goodness
and His blessings at all times!

farewell, old friend - hello, new feature!

This weekend, we took down our Christmas tree. I know, I can hear some of your gasps of disbelief. Last year, though, our tree made it to Valentine's Day! The video of Aaron over to the side was taken last week and clearly shows our tree behind the little cutie.

The new feature I speak of is our "feature film" over to the side. We have been changing the video every few days...gotta love digital cameras!

Aaron is growing, HURRAY! We went to the doctor last week to make sure the cold he'd had for 2 weeks was JUST a cold (it is) and found out that he's up to 13lbs, 3 oz. This is great news for me, as I've been feeding him more often (I feel like I have a newborn again!) and it was nice to hear that the work has paid off! He's such a little wiggle-buns, I think he just needs more calories.

Speaking of wiggling, yesterday after church we put Aaron on his blanket to play while we changed, and we came back to an empty blanket. We found the little munchkin under a chair... smiling devilishly. I guess he's gotten the hang of hide and seek...

excuse me, do I smell?

My good friend Debbie emailed these verses to me today:

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

These verses make me think of things I like to smell - freshly baked brownies, clean sheets, crispy fall air - all make me take deep, savor-the-moment breaths. But these smells are not the only ones in my house. There are a few places that occasionally cause me to step away with a "ptwhth!" face...Aaron's trash can, our fridge when we have forgotten about leftovers...

What a convicting thought - that I am the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ! What does that smell like? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control, for starters) Do I make those around me take a sniff and wonder, "Hmm, what is that delightful scent?" and cause them to want to know Christ more? Or do I leave a stinky diaper/old refridgerator smell in the noses of "...those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

Thanks, Deb, for directing me to God's Word, and making me think today!

you can say mean things about me, but...

Call me old fashioned, call me closeminded, call me brainwashed, or whatever else you like, but I'm sticking to my guns. I like hymns and songs with theological depth.

Today I stayed home from church with a raw throat and congested child, and as I listened to our church service on the radio, I was once again thankful for the godly leadership at our church and their desire to lead the church in corporate Sunday worship, as well as point out that worship is supposed to take place all week long, not just on Sundays.

The congregation sang (among others) one of my favorites, "My Hope is in the Lord"

My hope is in the Lord Who gave Himself for me,
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary.

Refrain:
For me He died, For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

No merit of my own His anger to suppress.
My only hope is found in Jesus' righteousness.

And now for me He stands Before the Father's throne.
He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

His grace has planned it all, 'Tis mine but to believe,
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

Try as they might to convince me, no one will ever be able to get me to think this song (and there are plenty other good songs out there!) can compare to some of today's shallow favorites. Sorry, kids, but "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" just isn't on the same plane.

I thought I always bought jumbo olives...

Until I opened the can!!! Then I realized that I probably just bought the large ones. These are gigantic olives! Michael is having fun eating them on his fingers for the first time in years!










And speaking of eating things, Aaron's newest chewing preference is his own toes. He likes to do this especially while getting his diaper changed, which calls for a sharp eye and quick reflexes in case the situation gets out of hand.

two hours passed

cuddled up
enjoying
the blue expanse
of still-warm sheets
our little person
sleeps
eyelashes sweep
his pale pink skin
I take this moment in

each minute flies
each breath
each cry
there is a place inside
that screams for time to stop
so I can swallow
these seconds slowly

his little fingers twitch
his sleepy smiles
his heavy sighs
what dreams, what dreams

what dreams have I

opinions?

Tell me what you think of internet dating, or finding your spouse online.

weekend extravaganza!

This weekend, the Newlands came up and we went down to Holland, MI, converging upon the St. Clair hometown. It was great - we hadn't all been together in one place in a couple years!

a strapping lad

Well, Aaron is a shrimp. And we love him. At 4 1/2 months, he weighed in at 11lbs 13 oz and I went home armed with instructions to up the feedings. Today, at 5 months, the kid weighed in at 12lbs, 4oz. Our doctor says a gain of 1 oz per day is "normal" but I think he is crazy. (and I think someone's only been studying formula-fed children.) Our little guy is happy, healthy, and developmentally is doing great, exceeding the "normal" for his age. We have a happy shrimp.

Ephesians 3

Last night at church our youth pastor spoke from the last part of this passage. I came home and read it again - it has been an encouragement to me to meditate on it and I thought it might also encourage you.

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3, ESV

welcome to moose park?!?!

Why do all the little infant sized boy clothes have graphics? What is wrong with a PLAIN little shirt? Why add the screen printed graphic? It might be cute for other people's kids, but I want the plain clothes. That I don't have to pay baby Gap prices for.

I've seached high and low for long sleeve un-printed onesies, and this burning question lingers. It seems to me that it would be cheaper to make plain clothes. So who decided to decorate? Who decided it would be cuter to take this perfectly adorable little shirt and add something to the front? My fruitless searching causes me to ask things like, "I wonder if I could bleach that out?"

I suddenly find it imperative to impose my preference for unprinted t-shirts on my son, aged 5 months, who obviously will follow in his mother's footsteps when it comes to clothing tastes. Obviously.

The search continues.

aaron's christmas commentary