Easter 2014

Easter usually happens for us in 2 parts, so we get to celebrate all weekend. It's a mix of rejoicing with our church and our families in different settings. 

The past few years on Saturday we've had a egg hunt for the boys and then brunch at Ben's parents' house with his siblings and my parents + siblings as well. Everyone gets a chance to see the little guys do their thing and then we all eat and fellowship. It's a great time and something I really enjoy every year. 

Egg hunt in Grandpa + Grandma's backyard

Opening their eggs and Easter "baskets" (book bags!) 

Usually we try to have the boys decorate eggs during the week before but we just didn't get to it this year, so we brought a kit with us and did it after brunch. It worked out okay but it was rather rushed and Kai didn't really seem to be in the mood. 

Sunday morning the boys woke up early and I was planning on sleeping in a bit until I realized their Easter baskets were set out for them to find. I popped up quick to snap a few pictures, but they were so fast I didn't get anything good. Shortly after we headed to an earlier service at church. This was our first Easter at our current church and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Afterwards we headed out to Florence where later that afternoon we would celebrate with my extended family at my Grandpa + Grandma's house. Prior to that though we met up with some friends at one of our favorite coffee shops since we don't see them nearly enough and any day now they are moving too far away. It was a nice visit, albeit quick. 

Later that afternoon we gathered at my grandparents' place to eat and watch even more kids hunt for eggs. The beach is only a couple blocks away from their house so we all walked down and had the egg hunt right on the beach. We added beanies and water shoes to the boys' Easter outfits, which I found hilariously adorable. 

For the most party I followed after Desmond and Ben kept an eye out for Malakai while they ran all over the place. Malakai took off with the bigger kids up the hill. I love that he's getting old enough for adventures like this. While Desmond was easier to follow, he had a harder time keeping his eggs in the basket. His method cracked me up, he would pick up an egg, open it and put the candy in his basket and put the egg back in the sand. Pretty smart, but I had to follow after grabbing all the empty eggs so his unsuspecting cousins didn't run along to grab the empties. 

They had a blast running around after all the eggs and playing in the sand at the same time. We got quite a bit of sand in our baskets, but thankfully most of their candy was wrapped. They also took about half the beach home with them in their shoes. I'm not the biggest fan of sand, but it was all worth it. 

Desmond enjoyed finding driftwood and "digging for treasure" with Malakai. I'm told in the picture below where my sister and Ben are laughing that Malakai handed Des an egg that was filled with sand. Brothers. 

 

We had neglected to get a family photo the day before so I'm thankful that my mom snapped this one on the beach, even though we are disheveled and mis-matched, it's a great memory. 

{April 20th, 2014}

We headed back up the house to "de-sand" and the boys got another set of Easter baskets from G'Pa + Mima as well as more treats from Great Grandpa Rob + Great Gram Rhea. We stayed to visit for a bit and then headed back home, tired and content. 

On Breaking New Ground- again.

We've recently undergone quite a few big life changes this year. 2013 has been anything but boring. Even just keeping up with our littles is enough to make for a busy life.

Since December of last year I started to feel God calling me away from my job. I wasn't sure how that would work, or if I was hearing him right. Perhaps I was just overwhelmed with my current workload and the stress of the holiday season.

In January some changes at work caused quite a stir which led Ben and I to really examine my role as an employee and our membership at the church. We had a LOT of deep and quite emotional conversations and we prayed incessantly. For a long time we waited to see what God wanted us to do. It was painful to be in that place, not knowing what God desired of us or had in store for our future on quite a few levels (personally, professionally, and overall spiritually). We continued to wait and pray.

I started to think that it would be nice to have Kai's last year before going to Kindergarten to focus on him and Desmond solely. It felt like a daydream, but I thought about it a lot. I loved my job and frankly, we needed the income to even get by.  We have done a lot to slash our budget. We don't eat out, go to movies, buy toys or even clothing really. We've switched to cloth diapering and use baking soda and vinegar to clean just about everything, just to name a few things. So it didn't seem doable for me to stop working and still be able to survive (buy groceries, pay for gas, and you know...our mortgage). Still, the desire lingered in my heart.

Things at work got even more difficult, but nothing worth leaving over. I found a way to simplify my work tasks which REALLY helped for a while. Then we tried out having me do lesson planning and volunteer scheduling late at night after the boys had gone to bed. Long gone were the days when both boys napped and I could get 2-3 hours in each afternoon. Still, I found it wasn't enough time and I didn't much like missing out on one on one time with my husband to be working in the other room at 8pm. When I tried to preoccupy Kai so I could get things done while Desmond napped, I felt like I was neglecting him. Working from home has been one of the biggest challenges I've ever faced. I've work outside the home and for a short time I was solely a stay-at-home mom, but balancing both roles at the same time has been the hardest by far. Even with a well-timed schedule the kids pull rank, as they should.

Ben and I talked and prayed. My dream of leaving in the fall turned to the summer. Next thing I knew, the desire to be home full-time weighed so heavily on my heart that I knew without a doubt that God was calling me to leave my job, not in the fall, not in the summer, but right then. It was hard to swallow, but I knew I had to be obedient and trust in Him to provide for our family. That Ben and I both had to lay our pride down and recognize that we weren't the ones providing for our family in the first place, not alone anyway.

I drafted a letter. Prayed about the timing, and submitted my resignation mid April. It was both painful and freeing. I had to clarify often to staff, friends, and volunteers that we weren't leaving the church and that my leaving my job was strictly in response to God's call on my life and had no bearing on any leadership or co-workers.

May 2nd was my last day and on that day we were gifted $500. It was our first tangible affirmation that we had made the right decision and that God would provide for us in unexpected ways. While the last month has been met with some uncertainty, I'm constantly reminded that God will take care of us and I believe it, deeply. I've even had job offers and suggestions for earning additional income. I know that is not God's plan for me, to leave one job for another.

I will miss my jobs directing the Nursery + Toddlers and Preschool age ministries, but there is no doubt that this was the right move at the right time for our whole family. God is orchestrating the perfect people to take over and I'm exciting to watch these ministries flourish under their leadership as a church member and a parent of children in both age groups.

I'm so enjoying being at home with no outside deadlines pulling me away. No emails, texts, or phone calls. It's glorious. I can tell my kids are enjoying it as well. I've found a joy in fulfilling a dream that God put in my heart just 5 months ago and I look forward to seeing how He'll continue to grow and bless us through this new journey.

current challenges

Over the last 3 weeks Ben has been gone each weeknight after dinner for play rehearsal. He has a lead in this year's drama at our church. We know that this is something he is called to do and that God will use it for much good, but it has been one of our biggest challenges to date.

The 1st couple nights were a breeze. The boys went to sleep and I worked on Christmas projects. As the nights progressed it got harder to get Desmond to sleep. He went a week and a half refusing to go to bed for me. Eventually I'd give up and let him stay up til Ben got home. 10 minutes of time with daddy and he passed out. On Sunday night Des fell asleep on the changing table for Ben after fighting me for hours. Needless to say, I've felt pretty useless.

Over the weekend Kai showed the effects of missing daddy or the first time. He broke down crying when he has to say goodbye after church (2 rehearsals that day). Ben and I were both heartbroken.

Monday night I broke my toe (I'll save the details), which obviously added a new level of difficulty to my nighttime parenting struggles. I insisted Ben still go to practice and I'd call on my family if need be. I took it slow, skipped bath and let the boys watch TV before bed. Totally not our normal routine and they both went to sleep by 8pm. God surely answered my prayers (and some of yours) and it was one of the easiest nights I've had in weeks ...except for the broken toe thing.

Last night was extremely rough. Desmond refused to sleep. Long story short, he was up til Ben got home at 10:30pm. I was so discouraged and totally exhausted. We finally realized that we are under attack because of our choices to increase our ministry. It's obvious that the enemy does not approve of Ben's service to this play and it's potential to encourage Christ followers and reach lost souls.

I'm not sharing this to seem like some sort of martyr, but to keep it real. I share struggles here to chronicle the ups and downs of our lives and to avoid anyone thinking we have it all together, a misconception that seems to happen a lot on social media. I also share to encourage and recruit prayers for us as I believe that God will answer them and use this struggle for His glory and our good.

Kai's first prayer

For a long time now Ben + I have been saying prayers with Malakai just before bed. Lately it has consisted of myself or Ben saying a simple prayer and if Kai was in the mood he'd repeat it line by line. Sometimes he'd just say amen at the end, other times he's just not in the mood to say anything at all.

Tonight I went to say a quick prayer with him as Desmond was crying for me in the next room (Ben was trying to soothe him but he wanted me). I started with "Dear God" and when I paused to see if Kai was going to repeat it he whispered,  "Thank you for my Jesus". My voice caught in my throat, I was obviously flooded with emotion. I affirmed what he said and asked "what else?" and he said "and God made everything." I told him "that's right!" and we said amen and I scooted out of the room to Desmond.

What a sweet little surprise to hear Kai say his first independent prayer.

"Thank you for my Jesus. 

God made everything.

Amen."

By the way, "God made everything" is the bottom line in the Sunday school curriculum we're teaching age 2-5's. I'm just thrilled that Kai is really picking up on what he's being taught and that what we teach him at home is sticking too.

hanging clouds

This morning at work I spent my time cutting out hearts, sticking checkered bunting to a table, and hanging clouds from the ceiling. These are the fun things I get to do during the week as part of my job directing part of the children's ministries at my church.

 I am so blessed to have a job that a look forward to going to each week, even though it means working on the weekends and being utterly exhausted every Sunday afternoon. It is so worth it!

The very best part is imparting the love of Jesus to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. I obviously have a personal investment with Malakai being in two's class. It's also a good partnership in that I'm able to serve from the prospective of a parent, anticipating their needs and concerns.

If you're in the Eugene area and looking for a church, contact me. I'd love to share mine with you!

Thankful on a Thursday

Wow, Thursday just keeps sneaking up on me. Since working twice as many hours the weeks have just been flying by! I was afraid when I first took on the additional role at work/church that I'd feel guilty about leaving my boys for about 10 hours a week. While I do miss them, I'm so much more productive when they're with grandma or mima that when we're together again I don't have as many other things on my mind. I can more easily focus all my attention on them and that is such a good feeling!

This week I'm thankful for...

971. God's work in my life. It's mysterious, and sometimes seems crazy, but it's always blessed.

972. my healthy growing boys. I'm a little scared to say it, but we've been free of sickness in our house for a long while now and it feels great!

973. synchronized naps. I will never stop being excited about this because it's such a rare and happy occasion (and it's occurring right now!)

974. quiet time with Ben. Another rarity is an early enough bedtime for both kiddos that Ben and I actually get some time for just us. I cherish it every time.

975. Grandma Debbie + Mima Tami = Ben's mom + my mom. They are instrumental to our survival each week.

976. With my increased hours will come increased income. I'm really excited to put that extra money into savings (thrilling, right?).

977. girl time. Yesterday when I was in the office, Liz + I were getting so talkative. She mentioned that it was some of her only "girl time" because she's often in the office by herself. I realized that it's some of my only "girl time" every week because I'm often at home with my boys!

978. the sun shining through my window. We haven't had much of a "winter", but I'm already looking forward to spring.

979. small group. We're hosting a church small group, it starts next week and I'm so excited!

980. new friends. I feel like through work and church I'm meeting a lot of new people and creating closer relationships with people I've only barely known. This is so good for me, as most stay at home/work at home moms probably know!

What are you thankful for this week?

another year, another...job.

Last year, around this same time, I took on my current position at our church as the Nursery Director. I coordinate volunteers and make sure everything runs smoothly on Sunday mornings in the nursery and two's classrooms. This job was perfect for several reasons, but number one was because it allowed me to work from home most of the time.

This year I've been asked to add on the preschool age group. At first I said no, it was literally my first Sunday morning back to work since having Desmond in October and I wasn't sure how I'd even handle my current role let alone adding a new one. But then I had some time to myself in my office to think, and pray. I called Ben and talked it over with him and it began to look like this additional role could be an answer to prayer for us.

In order to make it doable I'd have to take some time away from my boys. At first I felt guilty that I'd be leaving Desmond while he's still so young(if he'll ever take a bottle, but that's a different story), but Ben assured me that by following God's leadings and bringing in more income at a time when we really need it, that I'm still taking care of my family. The best part is that when I do leave them to spend some focused time working at the church I have their grandmas to watch them...for free. In addition to the hours I put in from home every chance I get, the plan is to go in for 2 half days a week while the boys play with Grandma or Mima. We'll assess my workload along the way and I'll continue to ask God to show me if it's the right choice and we'll see where it goes!

Easter Saturday {and Sunday too}

We did our family celebration of Easter on Saturday this year for a number of reasons. Ben's mom and my dad both work graveyard so Sunday after church they needed to sleep. Speaking of church, since I work there and Ben was on the worship team and in the drama, we were all there til 1pm. Then afterwards Kai needs his nap.

I am SO thankful we chose to have brunch and do Kai's 1st egg hunt on Saturday because the weather was sunny, warm, and absolutely perfect. Sunday, it was cloudy, cold + raining almost all day. We also did his Easter basket on Saturday morning so he could use it for his egg hunt later.







We got him his first Bible, a little bunny, sidewalk chalk shaped as eggs, and empty plastic eggs. I thought about it later and we could have put something like fish crackers or cheerios in them since I didn't want to do candy, but he was happy with the empty eggs. They were his favorite gift.

Once he was done taking them apart and putting them back together we all got ready to go to my in-laws house for Easter brunch with them and my side of the family as well. I decided it had been far too long since we got both sides together and it would be fun for both sets of grandparents to be there for Kai's 1st Easter egg hunt.

We had a great potluck brunch of rolls with turkey + ham, assorted fruits + veggies, deviled eggs, strawberry lemonade, and muffins. Of course there was also plenty of Easter candy. Afterwards Ben and my siblings "hid" the eggs in the backyard.

Malakai was confused at first and just ran around the grass. Finally Ben pointed out an egg and told him to put it in the basket. When he did everyone clapped and cheered and he was hooked. He found the rest of the eggs all by himself and had a blast being the center of attention.

Thanks to my mom and her artistic eye for all of the Easter egg hunt photos!

{daddy was the basket holder}

{the cheering section, and mama takes a turn}

{stopping to smell the tulips...really he was looking for eggs}

{afterwards he had to show off his collection to my brother's friend Haley.}

{Easter Seesters}

{the best attempt at a family photo. someone just wanted to run}

The next day, Easter Sunday, Ben left with a friend for worship practice at 6:30 am. Malakai and I left at 7:45 am to set up the classrooms and goodies for my volunteers. I was so blessed to have extra volunteers since there would be a lot of visitors to the church for the holiday. I thanked them by delivering coffee + muffins. Unfortunately I made the mistake of wearing wedges and with all the walking between the cafe, the sanctuary, my office (upstairs), and the two classrooms my feet were killing me!

It was so fun to see all the kiddos in their Easter best. Malakai wore a pinstriped vest + matching pants complete with a clip-on tie. Unfortunately I didn't get any photos, but I think someone else did. When I get a copy I'll be sure to post it. He looked like such a little man!

Worship, the drama, and the message were fantastic. We just love our church so much. I am so thankful that I am learn something and am challenged in my faith each and every week. 

How did you celebrate Easter?

"He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, 

just as he said would happen."

(Mat.28:6, NLT)

P.S. Don't forget to enter my current giveaway, ends tomorrow night!

"no plans" weekends are the best weekends

We've had quite a few weekends recently where we've had no plans or obligations. It has been nice, but of course we always fill up our time and the days fly by just as fast as all of the weekends + days off work before.

Friday night we had The Pleich family over and I am ashamed to say that I didn't get one picture of their sweet little bundle, Justice. I don't know what I was thinking!

Saturday we had a sweet friend drop by some hand-me-down jammies for Kai {thanks again Robyn!} then we lounged around until the sunshine beckoned the boys out back.

They ran through the grass, explored all the hidden corners of the yard, picked pebbles out of mud and kicked the ball around. Kai also mimicked the far of train noises. In the bottom left photo above he is saying "hooooo". 

After cleaning up we were off to run some errands. Picking up a .60 cent lightswitch at the hardware store turned into a $15 bill when we decided to get replacement chalkboard pain for the kitchen + high heat paint for the BBQ. whoopsie.

Picking up some blank DVD's from Grandpa Ron turned into some playtime + a free lunch, hooray! Then off to nap for both Malakai and myself. After that we headed out again to G'Pa + Mima's house so Ben could help my brother with his Mr. Falcon skit and we could everyone (that may or may not be my brother in the blonde wig...sigh).

Malakai got some play time with my parents...

Aunt Nanner + her boyfriend...

{he was laughing HYSTERICALLY at a game they made up with the cups}

and Uncle Cody...

{total center of attention as he danced to Cody's guitar playing}

My sister came home with us to stay the night so she could come to church and help out in the nursery. Oddly enough there was not one single baby (4 months-2 years) for first service that morning! So she got to run around the church with me while I did my usual thing for the rest of the service before Ben + Kai met us there for 2nd service.

The rest of Sunday was SUPER lazy and really nice. I may have taken another nap.

How was your weekend?

Thankful on a Thursday: Community

I truly believe that we are made to exist in community. I'm not theologist or pastor, so I'm not going to give you a sermon with a slew of Biblical examples. I believe this, because the Bible does illustrate it, but also because I feel it. When I'm in fellowship with others, my spirit is lifted and even when some things aren't going well, life feels more "right". If I'm away from others for an extended period, it has the opposite effect. Something feels off and I of course miss my family, friends, + church community.

I know this could also be due to the fact that I'm mostly an extrovert, but even so I'm also very much a home-body. I would often rather hang out at home than go out to dinner or a party. I also know many an introvert that know + feel exactly what I'm talking about when it comes to the need for community + authentic fellowship.

Recently our church went through some major changes. Much of it has been very difficult, and we've lost some valuable members. However, I feel an overwhelming sense of community among the remaining congregation. Especially among a new group of volunteers + leaders who have stepped up to make sure ministries still function to serve the congregation, our city, and the world. It amazes me how God uses hardships for change and gives beauty for ashes.

I'm so thankful for...

471. a community of believers with which to worship, serve, create, lift up, minister, love + so much more.

472. well fitting clothes + a husband who sometimes spoils me.

473. the way Malakai says "mama!" + smiles at me randomly throughout the day. It's like he's seeing me for the first time in ages, even though I've been right by his side the whole time.

474. lists. I just can't get enough of making lists. They help me stay organized get the jumbled thoughts out of my head to make room for more.

475. amazing deals.

{adorable slippers, $1.50 clearance yo!}

476. infant's ibuprofen + sesame street on our tivo. Without which, last night's sleep strike may have lasted forever.

477. being busy in a good way. When I feel depended upon to get something done, it motivates me and makes me feel useful. When I have a ton of things to do, none of which are enjoyable and all are thankless, that's when it gets a little rough.

478. God's way of guiding us by flinging doors open, gently closing them, or even slamming some shut.

479. the sun peeking through the clouds twice in one otherwise grey wintery week.

480. some quiet time to myself to type out this list of things + people I'm oh so grateful for.

What are you thankful for this week?

Thankful on a Thursday: Breaking New Ground, again

Life is hitting a busy season for us again. I'm trying to remember if it actually ever slowed down. Either way, we've definitely got a lot more going on right now that we usually do. Only half of which is related to the holiday hustle + bustle.

The biggest change, that I've been alluding to all week, is that I took on a new job! It happened quite suddenly and unexpectedly over the last couple of weeks. Starting this past Sunday I am now the Nursery Director at our church. It's part time + I have the ability to do most of the job from home so I can still stay home with Malakai + provide daycare with the kiddos I'm currently watching. There are a lot of changes taking place, and I'm so excited for what God has planned.

Despite the "go, go, go" we've still taken time to do what matters to us most, spend time with each other, especially our ever changing son.

This week I'm thankful for

421. Malakai's developing love for books.

422. God's provision in the most unexpected ways.

423. Malakai finally recovering from a lingering sickness.

424. nakey-time

{Kai climbed into Daddy's lap before bathtime, LOVE this photo}

425. getting our Christmas cards in the mail! They turned out so good (I'll share them here once they've been mailed out).

426. making progress in our independent eating adventures

427. making progress on our Christmas shopping. ALMOST done!

428. Elmo/Cuddle time in the mornings.

429. a husband who cares so much about what I want to do for my birthday that he struggles to pull off a surprise. Better luck next year love!

430. a break in the rain + a morning at the park.

What are you thankful for this week?

what makes you hurry?

Last Sunday our pastor shared a simple quote (from an author I can't remember, sorry) about how to live your life for Christ to the best of your ability.

Get rid of everything in your life that makes you hurry. 

I immediately thought that with a child and doing daycare part time that this was an impossible concept. However, the more he spoke, the less it was about actually eliminating things from your life (although I know most of us are probably overcommitted) but really about switching our focus. 

Pastor also said something that I've heard him say a few other times. 

Our list of priorities should be God 1st and... nothing else. There is no list. 

I think it's safe to say that most Christ followers list their priorities as 1. God 2. Family 3. Career and so on. But if God really is your ONLY priority, your only focus,  wouldn't all the other things come together? I'd dare to say yes. In fact, I put my hope in yes. 

Do you make being a follower of Christ more complicated than it is? I know I do. I get so distracted by my daily priorities that I don't focus on what should be my only priority. 

How do you make God your only priority?

who are you "going after"?

This past Sunday one of the founders of our church came down from where he pastors to speak as he does about once a year. He is a great story-teller and he begun by telling us of a couple people that influenced him in his journey to know God and to attend church. One lady drove 30 minutes to bring him to church when he wasn't going and was so determined that she offered to wait outside his house and pray for him if he didn't go.

Then he talked about instances in which he was able to share his faith directly with complete strangers. One was a girl that was obviously hurting. He didn't just offer to pray for her, but prayed with her right then and connected her with a girl from his church.

He challenged the congregation to answers Jesus' call to disciple others. At the end of his message he asked "Who are you going after?" He told us to think of the person or people that helped us on our journey to coming to Jesus and to attending church. Then he asked us if we could think of anyone who we've prompted  in this way.  

I know I've influenced a couple people but I couldn't think of anyone that I've approached that I didn't already know pretty well. I've always thought it made the most sense to establish a relationship with someone before having such a personal conversation. Moreover I think I've been too scared to offend someone. I've never considered offering to pray for a stranger face-to-face.

Yesterday I was out getting some groceries when I passed by a lady on her cell phone who looked like she was receiving some bad or shocking news. About 10 minutes later I ended up behind her in the check out line. She was off the phone but still frowning. I thought about asking her if she was alright or simply offering to pray for her, but played it "safe" and kept to myself. I resolved to still pray for her, but felt bad that I didn't say anything. I keep wondering if I could have at least made her feel better by showing that I cared.

I don't see myself making a habit out of approaching strangers, especially because I always have my son in tow, but I'm praying that God will open my heart if similar opportunities arise. I am also praying that He shows me if there's anyone in my life that I should "go after".

Who are you going after?

Thankful on a Thursday: First Fruits

I know I usually post this first thing in the mornings, but better late than never right? 

{PS I have no idea what's going on with the funky spacing below. Please forgive me.}

Proverbs 3:9-10 (New International Version)

 ⁹ Honor the LORD with your wealth,

       with the firstfruits of all your crops;

 ¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

       and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Our church practices "First Fruits Giving" on an annual basis. It's simply giving above your tithe in a way that stretches you to be forced to rely on God to provide for you. Ben and I have done it every year we've been married. The way our church does it is you turn in a card with what you'd like to see happen in your life and the leaders pray over these things all year. It's a way of trusting that God will bless you.

Our first year one of the things we needed was for Ben to get a new job. Although this didn't look exactly how we pictured it, and he's no longer at that job, this prayer was answered.

Last year we wrote down that we'd like to buy a house. I had doubts that it would happen, not that God couldn't work it out for us, but that it was going to be the right time for us. I was obviously wrong as we've been living in our newly purchased home for over 2 months now.

This year we need continued financial covering, and could use a little more (aka Ben getting a raise). However, we're struggling a bit about how much to give. The last two years after praying individually we came up with the exact same numbers. Neither one of us is sure and I'm learning that it's not about the number, but about the commitment and trusting God. I don't think that God is asking us to give a huge sum of money this year. He knows that we trust Him in this. Our finances are no longer a worry. We don't fight about money, in fact, I rarely think of it because I know in my heart that God will always provide.

We haven't yet decided what to give, but are still in prayer about what God wants from us. I'm sure it'll come to us soon. I'm just enjoying the feeling that comes from an understanding and a peace that only God can provide.

This week I'm especially thankful for:

141. My college bestie coming to stay with us.

142. Getting invited to a bridal shower lunch for my former co-worker even though I haven't worked there for almost a year & getting out to spend some time with ladies while my little boy stayed at home with his Grandma.

143. Malakai finally "getting it" with the no-spill sippy!

144. Hawaiian plate lunch at "HodgePodge"

145. Setting a date for Malakai's 1st Birthday!

146. discovering a chocolate latte at Marche Cafe...there is chocolate ganache in it people! new fave!

147. hearing Ben read stories to Malakai, especially when he makes them up. He's SO good at it.

148. bath time fun.

149. having my parents + in-laws nearby.

150. reliving the greatness that was Alias on DVD

seeds

I've been thinking a lot about change. The name of this blog is reflective of the constant change that I've experienced in my life. I'm positive that there's not one person out there that hasn't experienced change in their life, it effects us all. Funny how it's also something that a lot of people have trouble adjusting to. I'm choosing to embrace change and the journey it takes us on. I'm learning to let go of control by allowing God to take charge and lead the way.

Yesterday at church our pastor started a new series on change. Perhaps it's the drastic metamorphosis that spring brings (especially in the Willamette Valley) that has us all thinking about change. I'd like to think it's God nudging us towards something.

The message yesterday was about seeds and the series relates to discovering God's plan to change our world. Pastor's intro stated:

"If there's anything you need to be prepared for 

when becoming a follower of Jesus it's change."

Seeds represent change, not only in the literal sense but God used seeds to illustrate change in the Bible several times over. He likened His word to seeds, in reference to Abraham we are the seed, and in more than one of Jesus' parables he spoke about seeds. 

Then we were given these

I'm a really visual person so I love it when people can use tangible things to illustrate what they're talking about. When my husband tries to explain how something works I often tell him not to bother unless he can somehow show me. I'm the target demographic for that show "How it's Made". 

Anyway, Pastor went on to say that our life experience is simply the fruit of seeds we have planted (or allowed others to plant) in our heart. 

This got me thinking that we rarely know what type of fruit we will bear based on the seed planted. I looked out my back window this morning and saw these little trees. 

Each one looks completely different from the other, but just a few short weeks ago they were all identical in their thin brown bare branches. Now one has purple buds, one has pink flowers, the 3rd is still bare, and the 4th in the corner is green and leafy. 

I have no idea what any of these trees are. When we purchased our house it was part of a trust and the legal owners didn't disclose any information. I have to be patient and let God show me what will come of the seeds once planted there.

 I have to trust God to take care of the seeds planted in my heart instead of being in control myself. I'm no gardener, but He is. I just have to let Him teach me.

Easter weekend wrap up

We've officially owned our new home for a week now and have been living in it and cleaning around boxes for that long as well. It's taking a surprisingly long time, but that's mostly because Ben hasn't been here much. He was in the Easter drama at church and they had 3 hour practices every night this past week. So Ben would get home from work, play with Malakai, eat dinner, go to practice, come home, go to bed. It was a whirlwind of a week and proved to be quite the challenge for me.

I had a bit of a breakdown at the end of the week. I got overwhelmed by the needs of this house and my son simultaneously and doing it by myself. I'm so excited for Ben to be home every night this week! I did have one little victory on Friday night though. I put Malakai down in his crib and instead of getting upset he played quietly and fell asleep on his own. It was the sweetest little miracle.

Malakai's first Easter was a blast. I took him to first service with me where my parents and siblings joined us to watch Ben in the play and listen to the message. Malakai fell asleep at the end of the play and napped in my lap for the rest of service (40 minutes!). I was so glad because I had to work in the nursery for 2nd service and then we were off to brunch.

Yesterday was my first day as lead volunteer in the nursery. I wouldn't have been nervous since I've been working in the nursery for 6 years, but it was Easter! It was a bit stressful with 11 babies and only two adults at first. We got two additional volunteers but one of them got sick and had to leave. It all turned out fine by the end of service, but it was surely exhausting!

We had brunch with my extended family and everyone had to get their photo taken with the Easter baby :)