Mother's Day 2012

"The Shepherd leads those with young not to be Hallmark versions of perfection - but rather persevering versions of humility. Grace stands in the gaps."

~ Ann Voskamp

This Mother's Day I'm thankful for the grace that stands in the gaps of my imperfection (as Ann Voskamp wrote above).  My mom taught me what unconditional love is (as close as we can get as sinners).  She taught me about Jesus and modeled a relationship with Him until I decided to accept Him for myself.  I pray I do that for Zeke, if nothing else!



This year I had a wonderful time with my mom and family.  Gregg started the pampering off early by giving Zeke a bath Saturday night as I worked in the kitchen.  We bought fresh chickens from a local farm, so I roasted one and set it in the crock pot to make stock.  Then, Sunday morning, Gregg got Zeke up and fed him breakfast so I could get ready to go to church.  These may seem like small things, but they were huge to me.  I think my love language is acts of service!

We drove to Duluth to attend Perimeter Church with the family, then went to the Atlanta Athletic Club for brunch. My dad's car broke down on the way to lunch, but overall it was a great time together. Then, we headed to my parents' house to let Zeke nap. My mom and I braved the rain and went to Marshalls, Target, and Dollar General for some girl time. Again, seems simple, but it was a blessing just to be with her.

Happy Mother's Day to you all!!!

A letter to Zeke

Dear Zeke,

         As I have been reflecting during my quiet times, I’ve realized there are several things I’d like you to come to understand as you grow.  First, Jesus loves you.  That may sound too basic, but it’s essential to know that we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).  I pray every day that you will choose to accept Jesus as your personal savior.  It is imperative that you understand that Jesus is the only way to God.  He died on the cross to cleanse us of our sins and give us the gift of eternity with Him.  This is not exclusive (as some may tell you) because everyone has the freedom to choose Him!  I chose Him in the sixth grade, but really started walking with him in college.  It has been amazing to see what God has taught me over the years.  When I look back, I wonder how He could possibly teach me that much again, but He can and He will.  He desires to be in a relationship with us, and for us to talk to Him and read His Word. 

I pray that you will be surrounded by godly friends and mentors as you grow up too.  My Christian sisters (Teresa, Dena, Christy, Jill, and many others) have helped to hold me accountable as we’ve walked alongside one another.  I pray that you will strive to please God, not because of Daddy or me, but because you truly love God.  I hope you submit to Him and desire to keep His commandments.  They show your heart for the Lord, and are not something you need to do to prove yourself.  If you truly know Him, you will desire to keep his commands (1 John 2:3). 

As you will come to learn, taking care of our physical bodies is a part of honoring God.  This is important to me, and I pray you will embrace this and live a life of good health.  I desire to see you grow up, figure out what the Lord is calling you to do for work, and have a family of your own (if that's His will for you).  I already pray for your wife!  As things happen in life, though, that don’t go the way you plan, I pray you continue to seek God’s will and trust Him.  Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble, but He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-8 (a life verse is section of scripture that is impactful over the years). 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

(Proverbs 3:5-8)

I trust Him through the good and the bad times.  I feel honored that He has blessed me beyond measure (with Daddy and you, especially).  I thank Him for the privilege of being a wife to Daddy and your Mommy.  I love you, sweet boy!

                                                                      Love,
                                                                      Mommy

Zeke lately...

Moments I cherish:

• Finding items randomly stuffed or hidden in other objects (I know Zeke has been at work!)
• Hearing him say, "I Lub You"
• When he says God or Jesus out of the blue, so we stop and pray together (I assume the Spirit is prompting him!)
• Singing "Thy Word is a Lamp unto my Feet" and "This Little Light of Mine" at bedtime
• Zeke putting his forehead against mine as the three of us pray at bedtime
• When he says, "Mama coming?" which means he wants me to come play
• Dancing and being silly with Zeke when no one else is watching

Father God,
What a privilege it is for Gregg and me to be given the opportunity to raise Zeke. We know he is yours, and we thank you for him. He has blessed our family in so many ways, and we pray that one day he would choose to make You his Savior for eternity. Help us to guide him in your truth and model your love. Give us the wisdom to discipline him so that he understands what it means to submit to You. Give us peace and walk with us during those difficult parenting moments and struggles. We know you walk along side us in all that we do.  Help us to seek you and your strength; to seek Your presence continually (1 Chronicles 16:11).  In Jesus name, Amen.

Well, I think it's about time for an update on all the fun things Zeke is doing and saying these days.  Mostly because I want to remember the little details that are so easily forgotten.

He is about 34 pounds now...a tall, solid little guy!  We are still transitioning off of "mush," and it's not going as well as I'd hoped.  He's pretty particular about what he'll eat.  I won't fix more than one thing, though, so it is a lesson in patience for me.  I'm tempted to get frustrated, but I know that won't help the matter! 

Food:

Breakfast is still usually mush, lunch is usually yogurt, blueberries, bread/muffin, goat cheese, and milk.  For snack he likes organic cheese sticks, spirulina chips (random, I know), or the newest mommy fav...a green smoothie.  For dinner, I serve what I'm fixing Gregg cut up or scrambled eggs and toast (his favorite).

The saving grace for me is that I make our bread products from freshly milled flour, so I know he is getting many more nutrients than even store bought whole wheat bread.  We also drink raw milk from grass fed cows, bought from a local farmer.  He loves both of those items, which gives me peace of mind.  The whole thing has been an exercise in surrendering control, which God continues to allow me to experience.  Hmmm....you'd think I'd have gotten it by now!

Schedule:

 

8am - Zeke wakes up and eats breakfast

10:30am - Room time (he spends quiet time with toys in his crib...he loves it!)

11:45am - Lunch

1:30-4:00pm - nap (snack when he wakes up)

6:30pm - dinner

7:45pm - bedtime

Activities:

Zeke and I enjoy being home together at home during the day.  He likes to "workout" with me, which is fun and makes it a little challenging for me to actually work out! 

He continues to enjoy puzzles, in addition to learning his alphabet and numbers.  I am amazed that he can recognize all his upper and lower case letters.  He still struggles with some of the numbers, confusing them with letters, but he has fun trying!  He loves to lay out his letter and number cards across the floor as he goes over them.  He also enjoys looking through the Bible and pointing out the letters (he started doing this on his own).  Can you imagine starting a personal worship time at two years old (not that He's worshipping yet, but you never know!)?  I pray he doesn't remember a time he wasn't in the Word...what a blessing that would be!

He loves to pray too, which melts our mommy and daddy hearts!  He clasps his hands, closes his eyes, and waits until we say, "Amen," then he says it too!  We started letting him watch "BOZ the Bear" DVDs, which model praying.  He even prays with them as he watches...so cute!

If he could be outside 24 hours/day, I think he would.  He has fun giving Browning the ball and generally exploring outside.  Our next door neighbors have a swing set, so we go over there some.  The weather has made it easy to play outside most afternoons.

We started back to ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) swim lessons again last week.  He cried through them the first part of the week, but had a blast on Friday (thank you to all of you who are praying!).  It is supposed to be really cold here next week, so I'm not sure if lessons will be put on hold.  Here is a picture from last year:

He has developed a love for wildlife (Hmmm, wonder where he got that?).  He and Gregg look through Colorado Outdoors magazines, and name all the creatures.  He has taught me an animal or two (or three!). 

He also continues to enjoy taking flashlights apart and putting them back together.  This reminds me of my mom telling me about my Uncle Ken doing this as a little boy with the telephone.  Except, this was when families only had one telephone!  Maybe he'll want to build airplanes like his Great Uncle Ken someday!  He also adores building towers with Mega Bloks and anything else, for that matter!

Flashlight!

I know this was long, and I'm sure there are still a million things I've forgotten, but hopefully you have a taste of what our little man is like lately!

Blessings to you all!

He is Risen!

"But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”  (Matthew 28:5-7)

We spent Easter 2012 over in Alpharetta with my parents.  Jared, Jami, and the girls were with her family, so it was a small group. 

Gregg and I headed to church (I know it looks like I'm pregnant, but not yet!)

Gregg and I were able to go to Perimeter Church's worship service together while my mom watched Zeke on Saturday evening.  We met up with the Sides family and sat with them, which was an extra special treat. 

I don't know if I'll ever grasp the magnitude of what our Saviour, Jesus Christ, did for us.  It is something I try to thank Him for each day.  We love the opportunity to celebrate His resurrection with other believers!

On Sunday, after my parents went to the service, we all went to the AAC for brunch.  There is always way too much delicious food!  Of course, Zeke wouldn't even try most of it, so he had a "veyee-pow" (Happy Tots veggie pouch), homemade bread I brought, and milk!  Oh well...at least I know he's getting nutrients from the fresh ground bread and milk!

Since Zeke doesn't know candy exists (heehee), we'd like to keep it that way for as long as possible! That meant he got Organic Puffs in his eggs, which was exciting for him!  What he doesn't know won't hurt him as far as I'm concerned!  Gregg got chocolate covered peanuts, since he loves peanut M&Ms, but we're learning the negatives of consuming artificial food coloring.  You may think I'm crazy, but it's what works for our family.  Gregg loved his treat, so we were all happy!

Easter egg hunt at Wynna and Papa's house...

Yummy Puffs!

Chocolate and peanuts = Happy Gregg!

Well, that is all for now.  I hope you all enjoyed celebrating our Risen Savior!

Spring has sprung!

Well, I can't believe I missed posting in March.  Although it is spring, it feels more like summer here in Georgia!  It seems our days are packed full of responsibilities, activities, and fun.  I've also been guest posting at www.yourthrivingfamily.com and contributing at  www.christianmommyblogger.com.  Both have blessed me with opportunities to share a little of my knowledge and experiences with other mommies out there.  I actually have a post at Your Thriving Family about Stewardship that will "go live" tomorrow (April 3rd).

So...I'm going to share a ton of pictures with few words to catch you up on the Zeke happenings from March.  Enjoy!

He is still enjoying his lovey or "Yuh-ee" as he would say!

Creative play, dressing in mommy and daddy's clothes, and just being Zeke...

Enjoying time with Daddy...

Time with friends and family...

"Working out" with Momma...



All dressed up for church...

He loves naming letters whenever he sees them on signs, in books, on the TV, etc.  We're working on R (still thinks it's K), W, and V, but I think he has all the others.  It amazes me how quickly children retain information.  They certainly are little sponges! 

That is all for tonight's post.  I know there are a bunch of other things I wanted to write down and record, but those will have to wait for another post.

I pray you all are blessed as we remember Jesus' sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection this Easter season.  I'll be sure to post again after Easter.  God bless!