baby steps

I have been feeling rather convicted that I'm not reducing my carbon footprint. But this busy working mother of two toddlers has been a little pre-occupied with her select-a-size bounty and her array of plastic shopping bags! I know that we should each do our part to conserve and recylce, I just couldn't figure out how everyone (else) came up with the time! Usually it's amazing if I get the diaper boxes broken down and into the bin for trash night! I was challenged by a friend to take some baby steps. That was four months ago and I'm just now working it into my "rythm." My first baby step was to switch to reusable shopping bags from Wegman's. I started with six and I love them!! They have actually helped me to become much more neat and organized, making sure I get them back into the trunk where they "belong." I'm reminded that nothing happens overnight. As with any change you set out to make in your life, it happens in baby steps. Mine just happend to be SUPER cute and colorful!

I know the plans I have for her!

This morning I had a surprise for Sophia! She didn't know it, but I put together one of her birthday presents in hope that we could take it outside after lunch and enjoy this great spring weather! Little did she know what I was up to at 7:30am! As I wrangled the pieces and smiled with joy, I could hear her stirring in her crib...which eventually led to crying. She was impatient, restless, wanted out (of her crib) and had no idea it would be worth it!

I couldn't help but think of Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I was reminded that when I'm impatient, resltless or "want out" of my circumstances, that I truly have NO IDEA what God is up to or what's on the other side! God sees the big picture, knows the plans and is (always) working for my good.

Spring is here!

Spring is here! One way we celebrated is making these cute desserts for company! Yes, I said DESSERTS! Haven't you ever eaten dirt? I found these adorable plastic flower pots at the Dollar Tree, 4 for $1. Silas LOVED putting the gummy worms in! They're just the right size and so adorbale!

Happy Birthday, Sophia!

Where has the time gone? Sophia just turned one! She is learning to do new things every day. She has about four words and LOVES stairs. She hasn't taken any steps yet, but enjoys standing up and walking along furniture. She gets a kick out of Silas and loves to give kisses!

We love you sweet, girl! So glad you're ours!

are you who you want to be?

Do you ever have one of those days where you just lose it? You wish you could collect your words and rewind those moments. I should know that a 2 yr old isn't capable of certain things, but today was just one of those days where I was irritated (because of a rash I've had on my foot for 8 days) and was in a hurry, so I was short and irritated with Silas. Then, I had to apologize to him when we got in the car. I felt so bad because all I could hear was my tone on "replay" and it sounded horrible. I've been meditating on 33 Miles' song that says, "This is your life, are you who you want to be?" I knew in those moments, that was NOT who I wanted to be. I want my voice to be gentle, my words to give life. It was a wake up call for me and I hope I can remember this day so that I remember who I DON'T want to be. May God's Holy Spirit continue to invade my heart so my actions reflect Him.

gifts from God

We feel so blessed to have two precious gifts from God: our children. I can't believe that he loves me THIS much! These are amazing gifts! Last Sunday we had the privilege of dedicating Sophia back to the Lord, honoring and thanking Him and committing to raising Her to know and love Him. It was a moving ceremony.

strength

With two kids, the house sure is a lot busier! Someone always needs something and usually one is crying...and then, when you get SICK on top of it, you do think that tomorrow will never come. It's during these times that I must rely on the Lord's strength to get us through! I love being a mom, but I couldn't be one without Him!