points of interest

We are back from our 10 day road trip adventure. I have uploaded our pictures to Facebook, but if you do not have access to that, you can still see pictures of our trip! Click here and here. To see pictures from Aaron & Julia's beautiful wedding, click here.

Before leaving on this adventure, we made a quick stop at the library so I could pick up a few books I'd been trying to find time to read. Of course, the books I was looking for were both checked out, so I quickly scanned the parenting section for a title of interest. I found the book pictured here, which turned out to be a fascinating find. I was thinking I had awhile before potty training is to begin, but this book had some interesting, low pressure ideas about introducing the potty as part of the routine early on in life. It is a very interesting point of view to be sure. I'll let you know how it all, er...pans out (heh heh heh)

PRAISE GOD for a wonderful vacation. The day before the wedding was, for me, one of Alexandric proportions, but God is always good and we managed to muddle through forgotten food, diapers, wipes and a flat tire on the way to rehearsal dinner. God's hand was gracious and His working evident. The wedding was a huge blessing and success, Aaron traveled like a trooper most of the time, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the break from the routine. Thanks for all the prayers! After about 2300 miles, We are definitely glad to be back home.

and we're off...

Woo hoo! Vacation time has finally come! We thank Julia and Aaron for thinking of getting married so that we can go!! This weekend we will be staying with Tim & Sarah Valiante and get to meet little Micah for the first time. Aaron can hardly contain his excitement, as you can see. Don't you love his two top teeth? The child resembles a hillbilly, for sure. After a brief stopover in DC, we're on to the wedding on the 23rd and the fun that will bring!

Spell check, I praise thee!

In an age where most of our correspondence is electronic, why is it so common for spelling mistakes to multiply and flourish like little moldy spores of unintelligent communication? It's only ONE extra step, just a little button to push or a command to execute. In hopes that all will utilize the brilliant invention, I tell you this:

There is something wonderfully satisfying about seeing the message "No Misspellings Found" flash across the top of your electronic communique.

"It's so easy!"

"It was meant to be. It was meant to be."

Blessed be the LORD, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. (Ps 69:11)

aaron updates and a happy birthday wish

Here's Aaron hanging out in the office while his mother works. Make that "while his mother tries to work." He's quite the kid. It will be mere days until walking (er, running) becomes the norm and we will be chasing him all around. He is unlike his mother in that he enjoys taking risks that often result in physically uncomfortable consequences. Bumps and bruises are becoming quite normal. He is also becoming quite a ham. Last night he did something that made us laugh, and he looked up at us laughing and did the same thing again and again, producing even more laughing. He definitely is understanding much more than we ever thought possible at this age. He's doing great with eating up vast quantities of big people food like cheese, chicken, toast, watermelon and pretty much anything else we give him. And yet he holds steady in the third percentile for his age. I don't think we're going to have to wait until he's a teen for him to eat us out of house and home. It is hard to believe that ten months have passed already.

We'd also like to take this opportunity (Aaron and I) to wish Michael a very VERY happy 27th birthday! We think that he is, quite simply, the best.

be gone, you unwanted ad photos!

We've been using Firefox as our browser of choice, and I just found out that they have an ad blocker update that filters out the photos on the ads! Anyone who has been "surprised" by unwanted photos of the results of a weight loss product or items that SHOULD be whomever's secret will be delighted with the results of Firefox's new tool!

the next big movie

Pretty sure this would make a hilarious next big "trick the people and make off with the treasure" flick.

I think I finally get it. (but probably not)

God has provided a free dishwasher for us. If I was a smart person, I would just GET IT that when God says He provides, He provides. But I'm not so smart. I don't get it; I'm often surprised by His gracious outpouring.

Now technically, a dishwasher is NOT a need! It's very possible to wash dishes by hand, very effective. It does not fall straighforwardly into the category of food, shelter, or clothing. And even more technically, it's not a need at ALL for us, as we have a "roll up to the sink" dishwasher that has been working just fine since we got it several years ago. (for $60 second hand)

But we are in the process of remodeling our home, and eventually we would have "needed" to buy a dishwasher to install for the future home buyers. It's been in the plan to install a permanent one all along, and we'd decided that we were going to go with black appliances (since stainless wouldn't give us a good enough return in the sale of the home, and white just looks yucky faster). So this was a way-in-the-future-after-siding-trim-and-everything-else gets done "need" that is still in quotation marks, because we could probably still sell the house without a dishwasher.

Guess what color this free dishwasher "just happens" to be?

Concertina le Aaron

Aaron loves life. These are just a few of the activities and faces that make up his little concertina.

freeze tag

To satisfy the tagger, I am posting eight random things. But I shall remain a frozen statue in this game of cyber tag. I know, I know...seven years of bad luck and all that jazz. I will take my chances.

1. I turned down a chance to teach music in an international school in Vienna. No regrets - I started dating Michael that year.
2. I've always wanted to learn to play cello.
3. Italy would be my vacation destination of choice.
4. I once was chastized for coloring outside the lines by a fellow 5 year old, who shall remain nameless.
5. I almost studied studio art at BJ instead of going to Northland.
6. I'd love to learn how to throw a pot or two (on a wheel, not at anyone in particular)
7. When I traveled for Northland, I was never without a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a scrubby for scary showers/tubs. I left a plethora of sparkly clean showers. CLEAN YOUR SHOWER when you have people over, for crying out loud!
8. I can't cook burgers inside. They smell funny, they taste funny, and I just don't like it.

weighing cheerios in the balance

Are you into reading labels?

I've been thinking about some random things lately, things like,

If something is in a clear container, and visible for all the world to see, does it really need a label? And if so, why?

What is the reason we label things - is it for organization, or for another reason entirely? Foodstuffs need labels so we can avoid HFCS and allergic reaction triggers, and plan the caloric content wisely. My bins in the garage need labels so that I can know easily which of the indentical containers holds the extra towels (needed) and which holds the maternity clothes (not needed). Things that are packaged in clear containers need labels sometimes - sweet pickles and dill often look similar, as do sweetened and unsweetened applesauce. Other times, not so much. I put Aaron's diapers in clear ziploc bags so they don't get lost in the diaper bag. I don't feel the need to label those "diapers" because it is obvious that the bag contains diapers.

However, it is true that labels can be very helpful. Which makes me think - do I label people, churches, and bins of stuff all in the same way?

When we choose a label for something, it is important to choose terms that are clearly defined. If I made up a word for the contents, that would be no good. No one would understand, and the label would be useless.

Similarly, if I labeled a container with a word that had several meanings, that would not be helpful either. People would be opening the container with different expectations, and would experience different levels of disappointment depending on those expectations.

More importantly, if someone were to label me, what would my label say? Would it have a toxicity warning? Would it say, "CAUTION - CONTENTS EXPLOSIVE" or something else that would present danger? Here's what I'd want it to say -

Human, Jennifer Muth, created by God for His Glory. Because of His Grace, and through the power of His Spirit, contains: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Self Control. This creation is valued for a gentle spirit, healing words, and kindness to all. Clearly reflects the qualities of the Creator.

calling all opinions!

Help! I am in desperate need of a new look!!! I am vvvvvvvvery tired of my old "hairstyle" and would love any ideas for something new. I was just going to do the same old thing but found out that my hairstylist is retiring, so...perfect time to get a new 'do. I need some help! Anyone out there have any ideas? I'm open for just about anything new. Aside from primary colors or partial head shaving, that is.

Right now my hair has chunky layers in the bottom 3 inches. And it often ends up pulled back in a clip or ponytail. Boooor-ing.

busy busy and more opportunities!!!

With the balmy breezes of spring, the pace of life has picked up - we are now almost in frantic mode. It seems like early spring has that tendency. Here are some of our recent highlights!

Aaron has turned 9 months old - and has mastered pulling himself up and then getting back down without head trauma, has cut another tooth (the one to the left of the front 2 that haven't grown in yet) which makes a total of 3 and a weird looking grin. The other 3 top teeth have been trying to make their debut. He's also saying "mom" and "dad" but we still think that it is more experimental than actual understanding of who we are.

We have been working feverishly in our yard to get things to a decent condition. Everyone around us has beautiful, lush yards. Ours looks like a nightmare, and although it certainly would be nice to have a lawn service just come and "fix" it for us, I can't imagine what it would cost. It is scary right now.

We've demolished 2 hills in the front, and, consequently, the funky shrub/bush/plants that were growing therein. We now have 2 large bare dirt spots in which we've planted grass seeds, but are yet waiting to see the sprouts from that venture. We have also trimmed some dead branches off the trees. I'm waiting with great excitement for the time later this summer when I can move the odd planting of lilies and tulips from yet another spot in the front yard. The lilies have an adoptive home waiting and the tulips will be transplanted to another part of our yard.

We also completely emptied the office and have re organized it to make a spot for the bookshelves that were relocated from our living area to make room for the piano. We are not quite finished with that project, although it is much more pleasant to work in the office now, and makes future organization a real possibility.

Garage sale season has begun! So far, we've been able to cross a few items off our "wish list" - a bread maker, a fan, another filing cabinet and a small table, some clothes for Aaron, and a few other miscellaneous items. Michael is particularly excited about a snowblower and a book of Far Side comics. I am pretty happy about the Baby Einstein videos and DVD's we found.

DAD graduated Saturday from Central Michigan University with his master's degree!! We all went to the commencement, including Aaron, who sat for over an hour on my lap, most happily! I was relieved at how well he did, and am so happy for dad. He's worked on this degree for awhile.

This week is the school play at Calvary Baptist Academy, for which Jenny will be helping the students do stage makeup. They're performing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, which should be very interesting! We are looking forward to it!

Sunday, we caught up to one of our junior high students and his family after the morning service. They have only been coming for a couple weeks and Michael wanted to make sure they knew they were welcome! The mom mentioned to Michael that she was bringing her boys to church because they had told her that they wanted to be baptized and she wanted to make sure that they understood before they made this step. By her words we think perhaps she doesn't have the right idea about baptism - or possibly salvation - and it looks like we may have the opportunity to bring the boys to church on Wednesday nights to be a part of the youth group as well as meet with the whole family for discipleship! Please PRAY for this single mom, J and her two boys, M and D. We would LOVE to see God use us to help them progress in their spiritual growth. They have all been in an abusive situation and are just beginning to get back on their feet.

our piano

Here it is! The free piano! Now we just have to figure out how to place the rest of our furniture in our house...

that, and call a tuner...

Praise God for this wonderful gift!

I looked up this piano online and it was made in 1908. It's definitely in GREAT condition for being 99 years old!!!

and I'm surprised?

There are so many things that God has done for me, that by now I should not be surprised when something wonderful and unexpected and exciting happens. However. I am human, and so, when I found out today that a piano will be delivered to my door next Tuesday, I just about lost control of my hallelujah-ing self.

Here's the story - a few weeks ago, I got an email notification from Freecycle that someone wanted to give away a piano. I thought "WOO HOO! A free piano would be great!" and promptly emailed to let the party know of my interest. After a day or so I figured I wasn't the only one who thought a free piano was a good deal. Well, a few weeks passed and I'd honestly forgotten all about the advertised piano. Then. Today, in my email, was a note from the piano owner (who "just happens" to be a member of our church) saying that he has arranged for Two Men and a Truck to drop off the piano at my house on Tuesday, and put it wherever I want it.

How often does one receive gifts like this? OK. I am the FIRST to admit that my piano playing "skills" are so remedial that the word must be written in quotation marks. But I do enjoy sitting down in front of some new music and plunking out the notes on occasion. We have an el cheapo garage sale keyboard that I've been using for that purpose. Just the other day was thinking how great it would be for Aaron to grow up around a piano. I thought to myself, "I should start praying about a piano." But I never got around to it!!! Once again, God has blown me away with His overabundant provision. (And, yes, I have a renewed resolve to learn how to play that thing better!)

Join in, everyone! I can hear Mr. Hairgrove's voice, "Exceeding abundantly, above all we ask or think, that's what our God can do..." I know a free piano pales in comparison to salvation, and all the other Workings that God does in our lives and hearts. But I am vvvvvvvvvery excited about this newest "it-sure-is-nice-to-have-even-though-I-don't-need-it" provision from God!!!

the incredible amazing pagan wonder boy!

"Come over here, Mr. Q and Mrs. Z! I want to eat you!"




As you can see by the feature film, Aaron is already more athletically gifted than his mother! I think we are also beginning to see aspects of Personality, but that will remain to be seen. At least for now, he's driven and tenacious (to get those foam letters ALL out of that bucket if he gets his head stuck trying!!!!) You may also notice his creativity - It's rare to see a child this age get in his own exersaucer (right, AND in an amazingly unconventional way!) Along with these displays of genius have also come lessons on "no" and what that means. We are still working on it, but when a child takes a bite of concrete fireplace, you know it's time to start sharing that there are certain things that are off limits. Even if only 40% is understood.

And if you want more great laughs, click here for a video a friend found...I about fell off my chair!

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.