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!

When Daddy's Away....

Corban and I are fending for ourselves this week, so we're keeping him updated with pictures via blog. Needless to say, we miss him already!

I always have trouble sleeping when he's not here, and with the baby on the way, insomnia's a bit worse this time around.

But Corban is still bright-eyed and bushy tailed!

Wow oh Wow

After a month (or more) with a busted computer, I've finally got my link to the world back!

so Let's do a bit of catching up....

Corban's a walkin' bablin' machine! He gets into more mischief than I can list, but we'll go through some of his finest moments:

1) Emptying Mommy's purse... particularly the wallet

2) Learning to eat with a Spoon...

3) Biting toes, just like a puppy!

and of course, unrolling all the toilet paper!

We went to the park and my through and through "boy" tackled the big-kids' playground with no fear!

And what's a day at the park without a turn on the swings?