Papoose

We were at our friend's house a few weeks back and they introduced us to the joys of the "papoose".  When I first heard this word, I wondered, "What is 'papoose', and why have I not heard of this before?"  So, I am here to explain it to you.  There will be no pictures, my apologies, due to the fact that my camera is playing hide-and-seek.  (It is currently winning.)  So, I will do my best to explain in detail.  

A papoose is simply a piece of cloth tied around one in such a way that an object can be carried inside.  Our object on this day was a rabbit.  Please imagine my daughter Adalie, papoose tied neatly around her neck, bunny burrowed inside, and the sweetest and most ginormous smile stretched across her face.  She was in heaven.  

Now, of course, this was not going to be a one time event.  Later in the week, all three girls were sporting their very own papooses, made from the most special of blankies.  Baby dolls tucked carefully inside and the roll of mother being practiced with grace and beauty.  

Later in the week however, the papooses, possibly being too difficult to tie, were exchanged for bungy cord, one baby, switched out for three premies, and the grace that once was, ....  well you get the picture.  

(Smiles remained ginormous, and were shared with all.)

Always

What a terrible word!  I found myself speaking this word today in a sentence that wasn't positive.  I was instantly convicted and just wanted to spit.  Things have not always been this way or that.  We've had highs and lows.  We've been full of joy and full of sorrow.  We've known good days and bad days, days full of progress, hope, excitement, dreams, and other days that we've desired would just end so we could bury ourselves deep within the cavern of sleep.  "Always", what a terrible word to be used in such a blessed world.

In writing I realize in only one instance does this word speak accuracy, and that is when speaking of our God.  Because it is only with Him that we have "always".   HE is ALWAYS faithful.  HE is ALWAYS loving.  HE is ALWAYS with us.  HE is ALWAYS our provider.  HE ALWAYS cares.  HE is ALWAYS God.  It is only here that "always" becomes beautiful.

Our Church

I love my church!  We meet at Regal Theaters in Lacey, we have breakfast every morning at 9:25, and our kiddos get to learn about Jesus and play at Charlie's Safari for Sunday school.  All of these things are awesome, but what is truly amazing are the people.  We have a church filled with people who love the Lord and love others.  Our church has become an extension of our family, and we are so grateful to be a part of this body.  We are blessed.

(I just wanted to share.)

Food Fight

I made pancakes for breakfast a few mornings back and grossly overestimated the amount needed for our group.  After everyone had their fill, there was quite a stack left on the plate.  I didn't get them in the freezer quite fast enough, unfortunately, because a little while later I heard laughter and then saw pancakes flying through the air. 

This food fight, began by daddy, was one of the cleanest food fights ever. These pancakes flew through the air quickly and hit their target with precision.  There was little mess and I only heard a few "ow's".   For the most part there were giggles, a lot of running, jumping and dodging, and it wasn't until the pancakes began falling apart that the fun was ended. 

Later that night, when the girls were sound asleep, Seth looked in the crack of the couch and discovered ...

a pancake!

Let's hope all the others have been discovered. :)

Zoie Turns Five!

Well folks, it's official, my baby girl is FIVE, and excited doesn't begin to express how Zoie feels about it.  "Mommy, I can buckle myself now, because I'm five.  Mommy, I ate all the food on my plate, because I'm a big girl now.  Mommy, no one had to carry me on our hike, and I only had to hold your hand a few times, because I'm five now!!"  While standing at the sink and being able to reach the water to wash her hands, "I'M SO GLAD I'M FIVE!!" 

My baby is five!   Happy Birthday, Zoie Faith.

Invitation

I love my Adalie.  She blesses me continually, and this time brought such joy to my heart.  I was headed to the grocery store and decided to take only one child with me, and she was the lucky winner.  As we were heading out, she told me she wanted to invite someone to church, and so brought an invite card.  In the car she said that she had been practicing what she was going to say all day.  She shared her plan and I asked her if she wanted to pray.  She said yes, and so before we arrived at the store we prayed for the Lord to show us who to invite and give us the courage to do it. 

Almost immediately upon arrival, we spotted a mom and her daughter in the check-out.  Both Adalie and I noticed them and began heading in their direction.  Then Adalie tugged on my shirt and said, "Mommy, it's not them."  So, we turned around.  "This is really hard, mom," Adalie stated with a big sigh.  "I know, but the more we practice, the easier it will get," I said, "Remember, we prayed for Jesus to give us courage."

I then got in my "go" mode and hurried through the store to get the shopping done.  By the time we were heading to the check-out I had almost completely forgotten about our intended purpose.  All of a sudden Adalie grabbed my arm and said, "Mommy, I saw them."  We turned around, headed back two rows and she said, "They're down there."  As we walked down the aisle she said, "I want to do the talking, okay mom."  At the very end of the row was a mom with her daughter and Adalie walked right up to them and began talking.  "Our church meets at Regal, and we have breakfast every morning, and the kids get to play at Charlie Safari."  I pointed to the card Adalie had in her hand and she handed it to the mama.  I told the lady we would love for them to join us. 

As we walked away I asked Adalie how she felt it went, and with a big smile on her face she said, "That felt really good."  I was so proud of my little girl in that moment. 

Adalie's boldness is going to make an impact for the Kingdom of God, and I am thrilled that I get to be a part of it.