Baby, Baby the stars are shining for you!

So my girl. She lights up my life.

I'm not sure how it happened.
Maybe it was me just being ready.

'Cause lemme tell ya:
I love this girl

I know why we "Thank Heaven for Little Girls"
these bundles of emotion and sensitivity just captivate you
in a way boys don't.
and I AH-totally-DORE my boy.
like, seriously, you don't even know


Today, I dedicated "baby, baby" to Moriah. You know, that old Amy Grant song.
(which was, in fact, inspired by her 6-week old)

Baby, Baby, I'm taken with the notion
To Love you with the sweetest of devtion

Baby, Baby, the stars are shining for you
and just like me, I'm sure they adore you

And ever since the day you put my heart in motion
Baby I realize there's just no getting over you


So, my sweet munch, I'll never get over you.
You've completely surprised me
i'm utterly, totally taken with you
i'm so happy God gave you to me
He knew what He was doing

My Cents' (and sense) Worth

Ok so I usually try to stay out of "hot" topics... and don't get involved in many people's opinions. But I read something this weekend that really bugged me and I would like to comment.

I read a blog from a mom who equated saving for college with buying plastic surgery for your kids. Now this mom is a believer and stated that her job isn't to make her kids happy, but to teach them contentment. Bravo. Totally on board, totally trackin'. And then she says that she is purposefully NOT saving for her kids. Because her job is not to make them happy......ummm

WOW. SO basically, because I choose to save what little we have to prepare my children for life, I might as well take my daughter to the Beverly Hills "med-spa" for graduation.

This is what I'd like to say: we don't put our faith and hope in money or college. Our hope and future is solely found in Jesus Christ. At the same time, our King commanded that we steward our money wisely. He commended the shrewd manager for the way he handled his money- making it grow. Just because funds are tight doesn't mean I'm not called to be wise. I save not because I don't trust, but because I DO. I trust God enough to actually obey Him and handle my money wisely. I trust Him enough to not spend that extra $20 and put it into a savings account.

Guess what? We live on earth. We inhabit this world, though it is not our home. And guess what else? Part of being ready for this world may be attending college. I understand not everyone has to go, but I gonna assume that in about 18 years, at least one of my kids will want some kind of higher education or training. Let's face it: most jobs, even in ministry, go better if you've got preparation. And preparation is rarely free.

At the very least, I don't want money to be the thing that hinders them from following God's calling. Something like "You need a plane ticket to Africa? No problem." Or how about "You'd like to intern at the Coastlands? I think we could help with that." Our saving will be a means of facilitating God's work through their lives.

So no, my job isn't to make my children happy. It is my job to equip my children. It is my job to model wise stewardship. It is my job to teach them to trust our mighty God and follow His principles with all their hearts. I want them to learn that by managing our resources wisely, they will be free to follow God's calling. They won't be stuck at home, working at Starbucks, trying to pay off student loans. Nope. By God's grace, they will be passionately running the race and running it well.

And that, my friends, is why I save.....even if someone thinks it's like buying boobs.

This One's for the Boy

Ok ladies. Bear with me. I've been watching too much Jane Austen recently. And it got me thinking. *da da dunnnnnn*
We've all grown up wanting Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightley. The tall, confident gentleman who truly cares for us. And many of us find out that he doesn't exist. But can I just say? He does. His name is Mr. Lawrie! Forgive me if I gush, but just give me a minute (or a paragraph) to brag a bit.

Mr. Lawrie is a real man. A man who is not afraid of my feminine outbursts (and ladies, it's crucial for our men to stand up to us!!!!). A man who loves me enough to tell me "No" (gasp!) I've known for a while now, and the feeling keeps growing- I hit the jackpot! I'm truly amazed when I look back and see what God brought to me in Mr. Lawrie. He challenges me to grow, teaches me about the Lord and how to serve Him. Mr. Lawrie is "proud" perhaps....but he's got the biggest heart of anyone I know. He strives to serve us first and foremost and gives us healthy boundaries that protect our family. As I think about all I have learned and continue to gather from his wisdom, I'm floored that by waiting God's best, I actually got it! :)

So maybe it's a bit syrup-y.
But he deserves it.
So maybe it's cliche.
But he's anything but cliche.

From the words of Austen herself: I think him everything that is worthy and amiable.

So Little time....

well, let's just say that having two kids under two is a serious obstacle to blogging. Ok, so maybe it's not just the kids.... but combine the kids, job and church.....whew!

But I love it. It's lovely chaos.

And the second time around? SO much easier (and yet harder). Listening for breathing? nah, she'll be fine. Sterilizing everything before she touches it? Are you kidding? And waking her up to make sure she eats at 3 hour intervals? You've got to be kidding. haha

It's amazing how so many things that created great anxiety with Corban are not even issues with Moriah.

But Moriah brings out a whole different side of me. I mean, she's a GIRL! She loves talking and cuddling.... and could care less about the toys. There's something about such a little, delicate thing that brings out a more sensitive side of mothering. She has melted my heart in a way that Corban hasn't. Not that I don't adore him, 'cause I do. A ton.

Now what gets me is the incredible difference between each kid- I mean nothin' ruffles Corban's feathers. He's the most easy-going, flexible person I know. But Moriah? Ah, no. She NEEDS to be held. She HATES the car. She will certainly let you know when she's less than pleased with you. Sometimes her cries have such perfect inflection, I feel like she's a teenager in a baby's body. And it cracks me up! She has the best expressions and smiles like no one's business. I thought Corban was expressive until I met Miss Moriah. This girl is going to be a lawyer or somethin' because she knows how to get what she wants! :)

Fall is Here!

ok, so admittedly, this post has nothing to do with Corban's little adventures. But I couldn't help myself- Fall is here! Even if we relapse into an indian summer, we've had a day or two of beautiful clear sunshine with cool breezes. Nights are getting chillier (in comparison to 105, anything is chillier!) There's something about this season that makes me smile and want to curl up with tea on the couch all day.

I was reflecting this morning on God's provision and how ABDUNDANTLY He's provided for our needs. Perhaps it's the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas that makes it special, but this season reminds me so much of God's grace and mercy. I woke up thanking Him that though times are lean and paychecks aren't what we're used to, He's shown Himself faithful. Despite my temptation to get caught up in the things I would like or really really want, my Abba has begun that refreshing of my spirit, a 'change in the wind' just like this wonderful season. I have asked to have a heart like His and He has been slowly, in the heat of summer, changing my heart to see the abundance and 'haves', rather than the 'have-nots.'

"Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:23-26

San Diego

Hello Daddy-

I was such a good boy in San Diego this week! I had a blast with my cousin Tembie and my Aunt Angie :)

We went to the beach AGAIN- only this time the waves weren't so wild. Mommy felt better about me playing in the water, but I got bored.

So I started playing in the sand and ended up with a sand unibrow!

Beach Day!!!

There are no words. NO words. My son is a maniac for water. It's just that simple. We visited gorgeous Zuma beach today and he was unbelievable. He RAN past the other screaming toddlers, took a face plant right into the sand, then continued to crawl into the breakers. Did I remind you that this kid is only a year old????? a YEAR, people!!!! He went STRAIGHT into the BREAKING WAVES!!!! :D I couldn't be more proud....... or more scared! haha..... I see surfing lessons in our future....

Although I missed getting to take pictures of my soaking-wet-from-head-to-toe son actually playing in the water (I was occupied trying to keep him alive- seriously), but I did get a couple of shots after he spent an hour jumping and yelling and splashing.

So as if the water wasn't enough, Corban decided that eating the sand was a delightful activity!! I don't think I've ever laughed so much in one outing with him. :)

He actually dipped a banana in the sand, chewed and swallowed it with batting an eye!!

All in all, a great way to spend our day!