{ Three Little Pumpkins }

 ~ First there was one ~

 ~ Then there were two ~

 ~ Then he counted 1, 2, 3 ~

 ~ And she counted 1, 2, 3 ~

 ~ The secret was out ~

 ~ How excited we are! ~

Baby Number Three

April 2013

{ Compliments }

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Last night, at the women's Bible study I have been attending on Thursday nights, we started out with a question about compliments.  We were asked, "What is the biggest compliment someone has ever paid you, or the one that has stuck with the most"?  Someone said it was being told she was a reliable worker by a boss that didn't often compliment, another said it was hearing her husband say that life was better with her in it, and another had been told she was wholesome and winsome.  I said someone had once asked me if I had royal blood?  (Not that I know of!) 

When we had finished, the facilitator commented that as we answering she realized just how much each of the compliments were a direct aspect of God's character and therefore, something we can turn back in praise to Him.  It was interesting to look at compliments in this light and to realize that a true compliments is always a reflection of God in our lives.  It is a sort of evidence that we are representing God in the world.  Just as it brings joy to my heart to hear my children praised, or to hear that they look like me or their dad, it must bring so much joy to God's heart to see His children representing Him well to the world.

Why then it is sometimes difficult to receive compliments?  Often I think it is because we don't feel like we deserve it, because we don't see ourselves in the correct light.  When someone compliments, it highlights character, kindness, helpfulness, joy, beauty, organization, whatever it may be and those things are of God.  I was convicted not to shrug them off so quickly, but instead to turn them back to praise to God and be encouraged that the fruit of the Spirit is evident in that area of my life.  

It made me more aware of the need to compliment those around me, as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing". I went away encouraged and thankful last night.  What about you?  How would you have answered?

{ Family Time }

On one hand we can count the weekends we've had off to do nothing but what we feel like doing since May, when the project of replacing our furnace began.  But then it was always still hanging over our heads, that feeling that rather than relaxing we really should be accomplishing something.  Well, last week, all glory to God, we had the final hook up!  We cannot describe the feeling of relief and humble thanksgiving that has come over us with having this done and seeing how God has carried us every step of the way.  Last weekend, we pushed the button on that thermostat, packed a picnic lunch, bundled up in warm clothes and walked away from it all and just spent two days as a family, doing nothing but what we felt like.  Amazing!

First stop, coffee.  What is a morning without it, especially a lazy Saturday?  We got them to go and then walked down to the farmer's market.  I had been told by a friend that I had to try this particular coffee shop's Pumpkin Spice Latte, which I was more than happy to do.  Every bit amazing, and can I just say, good both hot and cold?  I only ordered an 8 oz., but between pushing the stroller, calming a fussy toddler, and helping Oliver play on the playground, it didn't stay hot all that time!  Pumpkin lattes, I've decided, are basically a fall festival in the mouth.

{ Katy Grace was charming everyone while we waited for our drinks }

Because we got a rather late start that morning, we ended up eating our picnic at the Market.  It was also homecoming weekend for the university, so there were WAY more people and activity than we were expecting.  It was fun and festive, though, just not so easy to park and get around.  We had planned to go hiking after these stops, but naps became much more of a priority, so we came home.  It was just the right amount of busy for one day.

 Sunday afternoon we headed out to Red Barn Farms for their annual fall festival.  My mom met us there, which was lots of fun.  It was a lot more low-key than what it was last year, but still fun.  The kids enjoyed playing in a Pea-instead-of-sand box, taking a hay ride and playing with pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.

 { Baby Girl Kisses }

 Oliver took the job of sorting and loading all of those pumpkins very seriously.  Definitely good exercise anyway!

 { Gotta love the little straw bottom }

 Then Tim and I ventured into the Corn Maze, with the company of our little adventuress.  She was beyond thrilled to be above all those corn stalks and pulling on my hair, which is why I look like I'm in pain!  Soooo thankful for my husband who effectively read the map and got us out of there.  It was lots of fun, but not something I'd want to get lost in. 

 { The bridge that was our way out }
 

{ October :: A Little of This and That }

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How can it already be October and next month November?

We're only a little over a week into Autumn, but I feel like I've left summer completely behind.

I do love this time of year.  It holds a special magic for me because Tim and I met and married and had both of our kids in this season.  We've started up our wood stove again and whenever I smell the wood smoke it carries me back to my first few months of marriage, new to this town, new to this life and I just love those memories.

~

According to custom in our household, this time of year also marks the end of VERY major home projects.  When we got married we were installing a wood stove.

Year One:  We insulated our house

Year Two:  No major projects, but serious uncertainty on the job front

Year Three:  We are installing a new furnace (specifics here)

Seeing these projects in list form like this doesn't look so bad, but they have stretched us and challenged us to our limits, especially this present one.  We've been at it since May, and I don't exaggerate when I say that it has eaten up nearly every weekend since then.  In the past month, month-and-a-half, it has eaten up nearly every evening with Tim also coming home at lunch to work on it.  This is easily the most challenging thing we've experienced as a couple and as homeowners.  We are so thankful that it has brought us closer together and been so very good in a lot of ways.  We've both grown up a lot, but man is it painful!  We now see the end in sight.  Tomorrow is the projected hook-up day.  We can't wait to push that button and hear the furnace turn on and have our evenings back!

~

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After a difficult few years of trying to adjust to a new town and a new area, I am so thankful for the church and church family that God has blessed us with.  It feels so good to have women around me that I can talk to and hang out with and to see relationships building in my kids lives as well.  It is a serious answer to prayer.  Included in this is participating in a weekly Beth Moore Bible study.  I have done several in the past and am just loving getting back into one.  I so need the motivation and accountability that these studies provide.

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Being a mom remains one of my favorite things about life.  Lately though, and I'm sure many of you can relate, I haven't felt particularly good at it.  I am being challenged in all new ways as my sweet little ones develop and move onto new stages.  Pretty much I feel like I'm in survival mode a lot of the time.  I just have to remember that they are God's best for me and I am His best for them and He makes up the difference.  I am so, so thankful for that when I've yelled and cried and ended up in a heap of exasperation.  In my weakness He is strong!

~

We're looking forward to many things this month:

~A trip to the pumpkin patch, hay ride and corn maze.  Hoping this means caramel apples, too!

~A special, long weekend away to the coast and time with my parents, sister, aunt and uncle, just sorry Tim won't be with us

~Oliver's second birthday party.  It's all about trains this year! 

~

Now to let you in on a little secret... a sweet little miracle is going to join our family and make us five come April!  Pink or blue?  No clue.  Just have to wait and see!

 ~

I'm enjoying wearing jackets again

Snuggling up in blankets

Sharing pie and a cup of tea with Tim after the kids go to bed.  French Pear Pie to be specific.  Dangerously good!

The new season of "Once Upon a Time"

Play dates

Bible study homework and good conversations with my husband

Orchard-fresh produce

Playing outside

~

It's a Happy October