P-A-P-A spells Papa!

Carlie is learning to spell. She goes around the house shouting 'm-a-m-a spells Mama!' 'p-a-p-a spells Papa!' and 'C-A-R-L-I-E!' Those are the only words we've tried to get her to spell and, so far, she's caught on really fast. I guess we should teach her other words like dog, cat, etc.

Okay, as I was typing I heard a crash. Never good. I ran to the livingroom and found Carlie pulled down this little pretend fish tank filled with water and fake plastic fish that look like Nemo. She wanted to put her play-doh in with the fish. (I don't know why) The floor was soaked and the play-doh can't be rescued from the confines of the fish tank. I guess we should teach her to spell s-o-r-r-y...

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We've been a bit busy with my birthday, Thanksgiving, church things, and working on the kitchen (of course). But, here are the latest pictures: Bruce has hung the wall cupboards on the stove-side of the kitchen. He's getting ready to hang the cupboards above the sink. We've purchased the new sink and countertop (gorgeous!) and I can't wait for it to be installed. It'll be beautiful! Bruce has put a lot of work into the room already and the progress is amazing.

Kitchen Update 2

Well, Bruce has finished the majority of the wiring and started getting drywall up. Today we may start hanging the cupboards on the wall. It'll be great to have our dishes and food in the kitchen again. It gets tiresome searching the house for what you need - bowls on the dryer, plates by the computer, cereal by the washer... I'm thankful the project is moving along at a steady pace and so very grateful that Bruce has the desire and ability to take on these home improvement projects. (I love you, Bruce!)

Carlie at work

My dad came over last week to shoot some video of Carlie. He works for one of the local tv stations shooting news and is working on a project. He'll use the black and white footage of Carlie depicting her as 'every little girl' and a picture of childhood innocence, evoking strong emotions in the viewers. I'll write more about the story when it's closer to time for it to air. It'll be a great.

But, for now, here are some pictures of Carlie's day at work with Grandpa Gary. (You can see the potato chips in her hands - that was her payment for cooperation.)

AP online

My favorite singer/songwriter, Andrew Peterson, now has two of his albums available online for your listening pleasure. You can read the lyrics and listen to the entire album. Take a few minutes to listen.
AP's more recent (and most amazing) albums are available here:
The Far Country
Behold the Lamb of God

The Behold the Lamb of God-The True Tall Tale of the Coming of Christ cd is amazing (and has the longest title). The first time I listened to this all the way through I cried. It also changed the way I look at Christmas. Christmas is celebrated with pretty, twinkly lights and decorated trees. Sugar cookies and stockings. That may be how we celebrate - but who we celebrate is so much more important. Christmas is to celebrate the day a young girl gave birth to a baby boy in a barn. This baby is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - God come down from heaven to live among us as a man. And later to die on the cross for our sins - to reconcile us with God the Father. Listening to these songs remind me that this was God's plan from the beginning. The album tells Jesus' entire story - starting with God's people in the Old Testament longing for a savior and the Lord promising that their savior will come. So really, it's not a cd of Christmas songs - it's a record that tells the story of Jesus. And that message is worthy to be heard all year through.

Rest for the Weary

Lately we've been plagued with unexpected problems. First the kitchen, now the car. Bruce thought it was the battery, then the alternator. It's neither, but it might be an issue with the wiring. That's not good because it means more time. More time to find the problem, fix the problem.

Bruce's time is already stretched thin. Lots of overtime at work. The kitchen remodel, which was unexpected - (but do to circumstances was immediate need). Responsibilities with the fire department. Church and family obligations. He rarely has time to sleep, let alone have time for another project.

I wish I could shoulder more of the burden. I can't help that his department is understaffed. I can't fix cars, or do drywall, or hang cupboards. I help with teaching at church and, admittedly, I could do more. But I think he looks forward to and enjoys the time working with the teens. I try to keep the house functioning. People and dog fed. Clothes and house clean. I admit I'm not good at any of this. I wish I were.

I'm not the one who can relieve Bruce of his burdens, but I can bring his burdens before the One who can. So I pray. I pray for peace at work and safety on the road. For the things of this life to not be so overwhelming that we forget what's important. For us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and to seek the Lord's will for our lives in things both big and small. (Should we get a newer car or fix this one? Is this the right lesson to teach this week? Do I really need to argue with a 2 year old over veggies?)

When we're stressed and overburdened by the things of this world- we need to step back. Focus on the one who matters. The Lord, our Heavenly Father, and Creator of the Heavens and Earth. Take time to meet with Him, renew our spirit, and rest in Him.

Oh gently lay your head Upon my chest And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest And the tide can change so fast But I will stay The same through past the same in future the same today

I am constant I am near I am peace that shatters all your secret fears I am holy I am wise I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires Your heart’s desires

Oh weary tired and worn Let out your sighs Drop that heavy load you hold cause mine is light And I know you through and through There’s no need to hide I want to show you love that is deep and high and wide

I am constant I am near I am peace that shatters all your secret fears I am holy I am wise I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires Your heart’s desires

I am constant I am near I am peace that shatters all your secret fears I am holy I am wise I’m the only one who knows your heart’s desires Your heart’s desires

Oh gently lay your head upon my chest And I will comfort you like a mother while you rest

(I Am by Jill Phillips)

Happy Election Day!

It's election day, so I'm getting ready to drag our 2 year old off to the polls. That should be entertaining... It's hard to be 2. Waiting in lines, asking Mom what she's doing (a million times), and asking 'what are your name?' to every stranger you meet (and there will be a lot of them) makes for a busy day. We'll bring along Bear (who is now wearing a new purple shirt) and Smarties (one of Carlie's favorite candies) in hopes of making the trip a little easier.

But I will be setting an example for my daughter. Showing her how to take her responsibilities seriously. It's important to make our voices heard and our votes do count. Remember to get out and vote today - I hope you've researched the issues and candidates and most importantly I hope you have prayed about your decision. Keep in mind that the Lord "He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning" (Daniel 2:21).

If the thought of braving the polls today is still stressful, do what we're doing. Go with a friend and bring along some candy.

Halloween Pictures

Bruce and I dressed as the Tortoise and the Hare for the church Costume Party.

Carlie as a Bumble Bee.

Carlie in her Bumble Bee Costume at the church party.

Carlie painting pumpkins on Halloween day.

Patrick, Me, Bruce, and Carlie ready to go out for candy.

Happy November 1st

Well, it's November 1st. The morning so many of us awake groggy and zapped from a long night with costumed little ones who are cranky and hyper with too much sugar. (candy, donuts, cider, chips, cookies...) Hooray for Halloween...

Our own little Bumble Bee enjoyed going to the neighbors' houses. She would buzz and say 'trick or treat'. Then very sweetly smile and say thank you. Much better than last year when she was afraid to look at or talk to anyone. Our wonderful neighbors gave Carlie way too much candy, but we appreciate them all the same.