...and I just finished knitting a scarf/shawl thing-a-ma-bob.
The pattern (Clapotis) was so fun though. The yarn (Knit Picks Shimmer) was not my favorite to work with but I love how it turned out.
Now I just have to wait until the temps get below 90...or forever, whichever comes first...to wear it!
The following conversation occurred the other day while snuggling with Emily before nap time...
Me: I love you Sissy!
Emily: (rubbing my face) Mama, you have whiskers!
Need a dose of humility? Just spend some time with my 3-year-old, she'll knock you down a notch or two!
So we finally decided to go ahead and sign up both Mara and Emily for baseball this season. It's jut a 6-week program where they learn they learn the rules and have fun without competition.
While trying to make a decision this week, I was talking to Mara....
Me: Hey Mara, do you want to play baseball with Caiden?
Mara: No, I'm busy coloring right now.
Me: No, we're not going to play right now, but we have to sign-up now to play.
Mara: We get to put signs up?
Me: Um, never mind!
So needless to say, we just made a decision and will have to wait until the season starts to see if they like it or not!
...and she's very excited about it!
Pattern is here, and it's done in a lovely shade of Yarn Pirate left over from the anklets I posted about the other day.
What a novel idea!
I have conquered my second-sock-syndrome (for now). Look, it's a PAIR of yarn pirate anklets...
And a PAIR of booby socks for Heidi. 
Here's a better picture of the stitch detail too. The last time I blogged about it, the picture was really bad.
Aim the sprinkler on the trampoline...
...and JUMP!!!
Oh, and then drip dry on the swing.
So what would be on your cardboard?
Mine could be any of these (and a dozen more too!)....
Shackled with unbelief....Freedom in Christ.
Swallowed with grief....Carried through by the God of the universe.
Hypocrite....Real in God's grace.
All talk....Serving in obedience.
Yep, I'm God's Mess too!
Well, I guess technically Becca won!
A couple of months ago Jenni at One Thing had a little giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to Aliyah's Hope Chest. Here's the ADORABLE outfit that Becca Sue got in the mail last week.
I love the little bloomers...so cute!
Thanks Jenni and Laurie...we love it!
...two babies crawl on top of a table and into a toy basket...
...and instead of getting them down, you get the camera and tell them to say 'cheese'!
On the way to church last weekend at my in-laws, the girls were being over-dramatic about it taking FOREVER to get there (it only takes about 5 minutes). The following conversation took place...
Emily: Momma, it's taking a long, long time to get there.
Me: Chill, we're almost there.
Mara: Remember Sissy, when we see the three crosses then we'll know we're there.
Emily: Yeah, just like Jesus died on the cross.
Me: He did! Do you know who Jesus died on the cross for?
Emily: For my sins!
Phillip and I were both absolutely speechless. I was frustrated with them for being so over-dramatic (yes, that "Chill" was said with much impatience.), but my four-year-old turned it around to an amazing conversation about Christ.
Father, thank you for choosing me to be the mother of these three amazing people. Help me to take advantage of each and every moment of our 'normal' day to point them to You.
This is a flower from my yard. If you knew me and my yard, you'd be saying "no way!". I don't really like to work in the yard, but I do what it takes for our yard to not look horrible.
This poor rose bush has been right here beside the porch since we moved in. I know you're suppose to prune rose bushes a certain way and they need something to climb on, but has any of that been done in the three years that we've lived here? Nope.
You could say that this poor rose bush is in the wilderness, but check it out....a bloom! It fought it's way through and produced this gorgeous flower in spite of it all.
I'm a lot like this rose bush right now. I'm in the wilderness and fighting my way through.
Priscilla Shirer at the Deeper Still Event spoke on the wilderness. I always thought that the Isrealites 'wondered' around the wilderness in a sort of lost state, but Exodus 13:17-18 says that God choose the wilderness for them...He lead them there...on purpose! And not only that, He gave them the opportunity to see and hear Him with their own eyes!
He has lead me here as well...on purpose! The question is how will I resond to the wilderness? Will I be bitter from these wounds? Will I turn my back? Or will I see and hear Him with my own eyes?
Hosea 6:1-3 says that He has torn us but will heal us..has wounded us but will bandage...will revive...and will raise up.
I will rest in my wilderness. I'd rather be protected in my wilderness by the God of the universe than away from God in comfort.
This post by Jenni at One Thing is SO me. Yow, it stepped on my toes but thanks for calling me out Jenni!
Thanks Nana and Poppa!
The girls are beside themselves.
Bless her heart...Becca looks like this the entire time...and still has a blast.
And this last picture is for Traci!
Now I just have to figure out how to jump on a trampoline after birthing three babies and NOT pee my pants!
Wow, what a day!
We started the day marching in a parade. The girls loved it but I'm not sure they really knew what to think.
Then we got in some swim time followed up by homemade ice cream...oh yeah!
Then of course finished up with some fireworks and sparklers.
A fun, fun day but man am I exhausted! Happy 4th of July.
