Jesus - In her belly?

This morning, Mya was extra cuddly when she first woke up.  I love to take advantage of those extra-hug moments, knowing that they will decrease with time.  While rocking her, she noticed her board book called, "The Easter Story."  We had pulled this book off the shelf earlier in the month and started reading it to her, so she'd become more familiar with what Easter's all about.  As she often does, she started listing random facts from the story....

"Jesus rode on a donkey."
"Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to our King." 
"Cross."  

I reminded her that Jesus died on the cross.  And He's now in Heaven, and she can see Him one day when she asks Him to live in her heart.  

Now, having worked at a preschool, I knew that telling her this could elicit some pretty fun responses. It's such a tough concept for adults...let alone little ones...to understand how this man Jesus can "fit inside our heart."  Crazy, huh?  Her response?

"Mommy, Shhh.  He's in here."  [She pointed to her belly.]
"Where is He?"  I asked.
She lifted up her shirt and pointed to her belly.  

I cracked up laughing.  I love the innocence and sweet thoughts of little ones.  Certainly, they can be demanding, cranky, and full of tantrums.  But their sweet and very pure thoughts have a way of touching our hearts and making us smile (or laugh out loud).  I love that their childlike faith can be so profound, too.  It speaks to us.  It challenges us to think about things differently.  

You may or may not have celebrated Easter throughout this week.  Palm Sunday.  Maundy Thursday.  Good Friday.  But we now prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday.  Thinking of Christ's death on the cross for ours sins...my sins.  

And remembering that He did not stay dead.  He rose again.  Ascended into Heaven.  Giving us hope for eternal life...through Him.  

I'm thankful for what this week symbolizes as we celebrate it each year.  And as I grow older, it speaks to me differently each year and touches my heart in new ways.  It challenges me.  And for this, I am thankful.  For Christ's death and resurrection.  For the hope that this gives me.  For the beauty of the season and all of its symbolism.  I am blessed.  I am thankful.  Happy Easter to you and your family.  

A Quote to Ponder

Missed Flight!

About a week or so ago, my parents asked if I'd be willing to drive my Dad to the airport this morning. Harrisburg International Airport.  I was happy to help out and agreed to their request.  So this morning, Mya and I ventured to their home and picked up my Dad.  

He was ready and waiting.  

And we were off to the airport.  We chatted on our 45(ish)-minute drive there.  There was little traffic.  We made great time.  And Dad arrived with an hour to spare (...or so he thought).  We had planned everything out ahead of time.  We made sure we both understand what time we'd leave.  We left on-time.  Everything seemed organized and good-to-go.

But then he tried to check-in at the airport.  

His flight had already left.  

His flight that was scheduled to depart at 11:30 AM...took flight at 10:30 AM...just as we were arriving at the airport.  Ugh.  What a feeling of helplessness.  And what feelings of frustration...towards himself maybe because he should have checked his flight one last time or called ahead of time to confirm, etc.  And towards the airline, too.  

The point of my story is not who was wrong or who was to blame.  My point is that my Dad felt so bummed that he missed the timing of his flight's departure.  He thought he had every single detail lined up, planned out.  

But some things are just out of our control.  

Life's funny that way.  

For a person like me, I like to plan ahead.  Think things through.  Finalize details.  Kinda like my Dad did in this story.  But just like his story, sometimes we just don't have the control we think we have over our lives.  We can do everything that's humanly possible...and still not obtain our goal.  Still not arrive on-time.  Still disappoint, frustrate, and feel helpless.  

And I'm learning more and more that that's okay.  

Life's not meant to be totally calculated and well-thought out...at least not all of the time.  It's just not healthy.  It's just not a realistic possibility.  The more I try to control...the more I can sometimes feel like I'm in less control.  And really...it's not about me.  It's about God in me and through me...using me JUST how He wants to.  That can be a really different...really strange...way of thinking.  Why would I let God control my life?  Why would I want to?  Turn power and control over to this thing, this being that we can't see?  It's a strange concept.  But I can tell you from experience, that the more I turn my life over to God, the richer my life is becoming.  

The more I let Him use me...let Him challenge me...the more I'm able to see things through His eyes.  It starts to make more sense.  And, you'd think that because I like to be in control that I wouldn't like God controlling me.  But it doesn't feel that way.  I still make mistakes.  Still have choices.  Still frustrate myself and others.  And through it all, I can feel and know that He still loves me.  He still accepts me.  And still wants to use me.  For His purpose.  For His glory.  

So, what am I taking away from my Dad's missed flight this morning?  A couple of things.  A couple of good reminders:  

(1) Don't sweat the small stuff.  It's just not worth it.  Not worth the stress and anxiety.  

(2) Try not to get frustrated by these moments of straight-up inconvenience (like missing a flight, arriving at your destination late, and having quite a bit of time to do a lot of nothing while waiting at another airport for a lay-over).  How can I be used in these moments of straight-up inconvenience to reach out to others, relax and rejuvenate myself, or take a risk to help a stranger?  

(3) Be intentional about being thankful in these inconvenient moments.  Because often, they happen for a reason.  Even when we do know or understand why at the time.

I've still got a LOT to learn.  Trust me.  But I love how a situation like this one from this morning can be used to make me think, re-evaluate, and stretch myself to learn or try something new.  

Easter Egg-stravaganza!

With the Easter holiday coming up this weekend, here are some cute ideas for DECORATING EASTER EGGS...to use for either Easter egg hunts or decorations in your home.  


[#1]  Black & White Eggs

http://obviouslysweet.com/blog/2012/04/easter-eggs/


[#2]  Scuba Diving Eggs

http://spoonful.com/crafts/dye-ving-dudes


[#3]  Lace Eggs

http://celebratingeverydaylife.com/lace-easter-egg-tutorial/


[#4]  Super Mario Bros. Eggs

http://www.instructables.com/id/Awesome-Super-Mario-Bros-Eggs/


[#5]  Chalkboard Paint Eggs

http://www.oleanderandpalm.com/2012/03/chalkboard-easter-eggs.html


[#6]  Craft Thread Eggs

http://www.craftberrybush.com/2011/03/many-colours-of-me.html


[#7]  Dot Design Eggs

http://www.marthastewart.com/270739/easter-eggs-with-overlapping-dot-designs


[#8]  Sticker Eggs

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/eggs/pretty-no-dye-easter-eggs/#page=5


[#9]  Glitter Eggs

http://www.marthastewart.com/893174/glittered-easter-eggs


[#10]  Chevron Eggs

http://www.bonbonrosegirls.com/2012/03/diy-chevron-easter-eggs.html


[#11]  Photo Print Eggs

http://asubtlerevelry.com/photo-print-easter-eggs


[#12]  Tye-Dye Eggs

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/eggs/quick-and-easy-easter-egg-decorations/#page=1


[#13]  Mustache Eggs

http://www.number-2-pencil.com/2013/02/18/mustache-easter-eggs/


[#14]  Decoupage Eggs

http://dizzymaiden.tumblr.com/post/19288249566/diy-decoupage-eggs-for-easter-need-hard-boiled


[#15]  Letter & Number Eggs

http://thesoho.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-york-subway-easter-eggs.html

Flowergirl Excitement

This Friday night marks a FIRST for our family:  Mya's first time being a flowergirl in the wedding of some very dear friends of ours.  We are counting down the hours and days until we can celebrate this wonderful moment for our friends.

We're not the only ones that are excited.  Mya is, too!  She gets a huge smile on her face when we ask her what she's gonna be in the wedding.  "A flowergirl!"  Or, she proclaims the bride- and groom-to-be's first names when asked whose wedding she's gonna be in.  

I have no idea if she'll remember this moment.  She's just shy of two and a half years old.  But the joy that she's experiencing (and we are, too, as her parents and as the friends of this happy couple) has been so fun to experience right along with her.  And although she's young, she's filled with joy for our friends.  She can't possibly know what it means to be in a wedding.  In fact, she's never even been to one.  But I love this example that we see in children...they radiate JOY for those around them, even when they don't really understand what's going on. 

Raising a toddler gives me glimpses of that childlike joy...as I experience life with her and, at moments, through her eyes.  Their excitement over the simple things in life...snow falling, a butterfly, the sight of a playground, popping bubbles...is a beautiful thing.  Their excitement is often contagious.  At minimum, their joy brings smiles to the faces of adults all around them.  But often times, their joy also brings laughter...and even tears of love.  

And so, as we anticipate the wedding of our dear friends, I am so happy for this couple and am excited to experience their special day through the eyes and excitement of Mya.  Wishing you all the best, Becka & Derek!  You're a beautiful example of love, laughter, joy, compassion (the list goes on an on)...We love you guys!

I've Got Nothin'

I've got nothing.  Nothing of interest to blog about.  Been sitting here at my computer.  And my mind is blank.  No crazy stories from my day.  No super funny encounters.  Nothing.  Just a normal day.


And that's okay.

I'm realizing that this blogging thing can be quite difficult.  Hard to put myself out there.  Hard to find topics to talk about at times.  Hard to allow the everyday moments of my life to become stories that others read about.

Blogging is risky.

And yet, I like the challenge.  It's like nothing I've ever done before.  It's a way of stretching me...encouraging me...to open up and share life's everyday moments with others.

I have no idea how long I'll blog.  Having just started this venture on the last day of November, I have no timeline.  No expectations.  No agenda.  And I'm realizing that that's okay, too.  When it becomes an expectation that I blog, I have this gut feeling that I'll lose interest in it.  So I'm gonna keep this whole blogging thing spontaneous.  My style for blogging really is that of opening my heart and mind to how the Lord leads me to share.  Sometimes daily.  Sometimes just a few times a week.  And for now, I'm okay with that.

How is the Lord stretching and challenging you right now?  To take a risk?  To face a fear?  The fear of the unknown can be scary...very scary.  For as simple as this blog post is, may you be challenged to try something new...do something out of the ordinary.  Because it's usually only after we've taken a risk that we realize just how much we've truly learned, truly gained, truly experienced life in a new way.  It inspires us.

May you be inspired.  Today.

Toddler Busy Bags

Toddler "Busy Bags" are awesome.  Have you ever heard of them?  Up until maybe a year ago, I had no idea what a busy bag was.  

So basically...

It's a quiet activity that can fit into a one-gallon Ziploc bag and can be taken anywhere to occupy a toddler.  

I recently stumbled upon TWO FREE TEMPLATES for ADORABLE busy bags from the website Money Saving Moms.  And, I just HAD to share them with you.  

{1} Clothesline Busy Bag

http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/clothesline_busy_bag.pdf

{2} Cupcake Busy Bag

http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/cupcake-busy-bag-final.pdf

I created the "clothesline" one.  It honestly only took me maybe thirty minutes to create this.  I purchased a stash of colorful felt, macrame rope (huh?...never heard of that one before today...but I was looking for some kind of rope to resemble a clothesline and this was perfect!), and some cool blue and white plastic clothespins from the AMAZING "Lancaster Creative Reuse."  It only cost me a couple of dollars to make...and voila!...I have a fun, easy-to-take-along busy bag to entertain miss Mya at home or on-the-go.

If you've found other templates or ideas for Toddler Busy Bags, please share them.  

Leprechaun Hat Template

Here's one more St. Patrick's Day idea for you.  A Leprechaun hat!



http://lilkidthings.com/

Lingering Heartache

As I've mentioned before, we have an open adoption with our daughter's birth mom.  It has been a beautiful thing for us to experience.  A journey of learning and understanding.  A blessing that we try not to take for granted.

And just today, we were in contact with Mya's birth mom and birth grandma.  The amount of time that goes between our email messages or personal letters and gifts varies.  We have no set time frame.  No formula for when to contact each other.  It's often spur-of-the-moment...but also at specific times (like birthdays and Mother's Day).   For all of us...for right now...this seems to work.

In staying connected with Mya's biological family, we've seen glimpses of what this journey has been like for them.  The healing.  The hurting.  The grieving.  The making sense of it all.  The similarities.  The differences.  The common bond of wanting what's best for Mya.  For her life.

And in staying connected, we also have learned that this is still hard for them...specifically for her birth mom.  She knows it was right.  But her heart still hurts.  Some days the pain and the hurt are deeper than others.  In recent days, her pain has been more real.

I will never fully understand what this is like for her, but when I learn this from her birth mom, my heart hurts deeply, too.  For her.  And with her.

We're forever connected in our hearts...even though we're still somewhat strangers.  We're also kinda like long-lost family members.  Joined by a common bond.  Forever connected.  Navigating how things will unfold and develop in our relationship...one day, one email, one moment...at a time.

We don't know if we'll always remain connected to her by email, snail mail, or yearly visits.  We try not to have expectations.  That's one thing we've really gained an appreciation for...trying not to have expectations.  Because when our expectations are not met, feelings can be hurt, relationships can be changed.  And our ultimate desire is to follow the Lord's leading for what's best for Mya.  And not follow our own desires.

There's so much to consider.  So much to think about.  Yet our hearts are full...of appreciation, respect, and empathy...for the family that Mya will forever be tied to in a biological way.  And, so I leave you with the words of a poem (recently published in our local newspaper in a "Dear Abby" article) that has touched our hearts as adoptive parents and continues to express the bond that we will forever share with Mya's birth mom:

Legacy of an Adopted Child
Author Unknown
"Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.
One you do not remember,
The other you call mother.
Two different lives
Shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.
The first gave you life
The second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love
The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality,
The other gave you a name.
One gave you a seed of talent,
The other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions,
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.
One gave you up --
It was all that she could do.
The other prayed for a child
And God led her straight to you.
And now you ask me
Through your tears,
The age-old question
Through the years:
Heredity or environment
Which are you the product of?
Neither, my darling -- neither,
Just two different kinds of love."

St. Patrick's Day Fun!

March 17th is right around the corner...This Sunday, to be exact.

Here are 8 fun ideas to help celebrate St. Patrick's Day!


{1}  GREEN Popcorn

http://spoonful.com



{2}  Shiny Rainbow Art

www.icanteachmychild.com



{3}  All GREEN Fruit Skewers

www.tipjunkie.com



{4}  GREEN Pepper Stamping (or whatever color pepper you've got in your fridge)

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com



{5}  Shamrock Resist Art

http://www.icanteachmychild.com



{6}  Rainbow Mosaic

http://www.icanteachmychild.com



{7}  Tissue Paper Shamrocks

http://www.pbs.org



{8}  Shamrock Shakers

http://www.pbs.org


Do you have other ideas to share for St. Patrick's Day?  Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below this post.  

One Down and Three To Go!

Raising a two-year old fills my days with lots of joy and laughter.  Oh, the things a two-year old says continues to amaze me and crack me up.  But with this age also comes her tantrums, desires to be more independent than she realizes she can be, and her ability to run 90 miles per hour AWAY from me when I ask her to come.  I'm telling you, two-years must have these invisible jet packs that are strapped onto their backs, so they can take flight at any moment and go from 0 to 90 mph in a matter of 2 seconds.  I'm still very amazed by this talent they hold.  All of these behaviors have just become a normal part of our days and weeks.  I chalked it up as her new energy level and also started to believe that this may just be the next phase she's going through (specifically with the tantrums).

But then while brushing her teeth last night...A tooth was discovered!  A two-year molar.

Ahhh.  YES.  That explains a lot.  Doesn't it?  

Although most of her behaviors were fairly normal and to-be-expected, the realization that she's teething again has brought a whole new level of grace and understanding to me.  I was beginning to notice signs of possible teething when I caught her attempting to fit her entire fist (or, at times, both fists) into her mouth.  I'd ask if her teeth hurt, but she always said no, so I just assumed it must be her age causing her to act out...and not her teeth.  

I cannot imagine the pain and discomfort little ones face while teething.  No wonder they get cranky, drool everywhere, and try to chew anything from their own fist to shopping cart handles, shoes, and random toys and books.  I feel like behaving that way, too, when my teeth hurt as an adult.  Ha!  And to be honest, I've never experienced a cavity (yet!)...but I do remember the pain of new teeth growing in as a youngster and of getting a lovely head gear and then braces during my early teen years...followed by the removal of wisdom teeth during college.  Tooth pain is no fun at all.  It's bothersome for me.  I feel like it's hard to focus on anything but the pain when it's so intense.  No wonder Mya's been irritable.

As a mom, I wanna to take that pain away and make it better for her.  But when it comes to teething, I can only do so much...and then I just have to allow nature to run its course.  I can't prevent the tooth from coming.  And I don't want to.  I don't want her to be stuck on baby food her entire life.  I want her to experience life...experience new things.  And that can be a hard thing as a mom.  We want to take their pain away...and we can temporarily (what a praise!)...but sometimes life is painful.  Whether its teething...or dealing with nightmares, facing issues with not-so-nice friends, the strong dislike for school, or you fill in the blank...life is not easy.  Even for little ones.  Part of it is just life.  And, as a mom, I'm learning that it's okay to allow Mya to face these hardships in an age-appropriate way.  Life is gonna be hard, and I want to equip her with the abilities to face those challenges.  I wanna walk alongside her but also allow her to learn and grow through the challenging times.  I want her to be able to make decisions on her own and learn from her mistakes.  As I type this, I realize how dependent this makes me on God.  This [parenting and life in general] will keep me on my knees...and in prayer...as I allow her to learn and grow and experience life in new and different ways.

With one tooth down and three to go...this momma's gonna need some more grace and love to surround her little one during this small phase of life and development.  Thank goodness for God's example of love and grace in my life...so I can work to model that for Mya.  

Have a great weekend!

Note: Click here if you're interested in purchasing this as a wall decal.  

Unpredictable

Life is unpredictable.  

Today is a perfect example of this.  Snow was predicted by many...five to eight inches (or more, in some areas).  Schools closed.  Businesses shut down.  Parents quickly changed their day's plans or scrambled to find childcare.  

And, the only precipitation that has happened so far...is RAIN. At least here where we live.

Gusty winds.  And rain.

Predictions continued to change.  Pushing back the start time for snow.  Extending the time frame of the storm.  But, honestly, I think most of us are now predicting NO SNOW for this storm.  

I'm a "summer girl"...but I have to say that I do enjoy the occasional snow storm.  I like when it's just enough snow to slow us down...maybe cancel school for a day...and provide a delayed start to the following day.  I don't mind being snowed in for a day (maybe two).  I get my "Betty Crocker" fix on those days...create a dessert from one of her boxes.  Cook dinner.  And enjoy that life literally slooows down in that time.  I see that slowing down as a blessing.

A way to refocus.  

Intentional family time.  

I enjoy those days.  I enjoy the memories that are made and the traditions that are formed.  I love the spontaneity in those days.  The creativity.  The warmth.  

Some of you are reading this...and are enjoying one of "those days," too.  Others may read this with children running around, screaming and fighting...and are wishing that school was never cancelled.  That life would get back to normal.  Quickly.  And for still others, it's just another normal day...at home, at work, or wherever.  

We all experience these kinds of "snow days" at one point or another.  For us, it's today.  So today, I'm welcoming the extra time with family...We're blessed to have Brandon's parents here with us for the week, and so this "snow day" comes as a blessing (and surprise!) since Brandon received the day off from school and is home with us all today.  

No matter how unpredictable life is, God isn't.  He brings stability.  Comfort.  Rest.  Peace.  Unity.  Forgiveness.  The list goes on and on.  It can be such a foreign concept to think that relying on someone else (God) actually then provides those things within me.  But He can and He does.  Life is really hard...really unpredictable.  With Him in my life, it's still unpredictable and challenging...but I am able to better accept, better understand, and better embrace life.  So in the midst of this unpredictable day, I can rest in knowing that God is not unpredictable.  He's faithful.  Constant.  Always ready to meet my needs.  I just have to be willing to turn my life over to Him.  So He can use me.  To serve Him.

SNOW in the forecast??? Here's a fun idea!

With the possibility of SNOW in our forecast (Ahhh!!), here's a creative idea to enjoy while out in the snow.  

Click on the picture below for easy, step-by-step instructions.

Welcoming Guests

In just a few hours, we'll be welcoming Brandon's parents into our home for the week.  We're excited to host them, and Mya cannot wait for them to arrive, too!!

Although the idea JUST hit me as I sat down at the computer (and thus, I was unable to actually create any of these ideas for Brandon's parents ahead of time), I thought it would be fun to gather some cute ideas for things you can do to welcome out-of-town guests into your home.


[1]  Create a handmade "welcome" sign.  Poster board works great and can easily be attached to your front door or garage door...or to the door of the room they'll be staying in while at your home.

[2]  Create gift bags for out-of-town guests.  We had the pleasure of RECEIVING a gift bag like this when arriving at our hotel room for the weekend wedding of some very dear friends of ours.  (Thank you, Maggie & Hiran!!!)  It touched our hearts and really did give us that welcomed feel.  The idea is to include special gifts that are specific to your location.  So, for us here in Lancaster, we might include in some guest gift bags: a small bag of pretzels, Kitchen Kettle jelly, Wilbur buds or Hershey kisses, a disposable camera, bottled waters, some flyers for local businesses and attractions, a coupon booklet to the Outlets, etc.

[3]  Write a note to your guests and leave it in the rooms they'll stay in.  Welcome them and share any other fun stories or encouraging words with them.

[4]  Cook their favorite meal(s).  Then, prepare and share your favorite meal with them, too.  Write out your meal's recipe for them to take along home.

[5]  Take them on a tour of your town.  Introduce them to a favorite restaurant, ice cream shoppe, or local store for souvenirs.  Don't forget to take pictures, too.


What ways have guests welcomed you into their home?  I'd love to hear your ideas.

Confession from a Two-Year Old

During lunchtime yesterday, I laid our cell phone on the kitchen table.  Within Mya's reach...and forgot about it.  Mya was nearly finished with her lunch, and I decided to venture back the hallway to our desk and computer.  I had just sat down when I heard her feet hit the floor (she has a way of always bouncing around...including when climbing down from her chair at the kitchen table).  Then came the pitter-patter sounds of her feet as she ran back the hallway to find me.  Our eyes met as she entered our office and she proclaimed, "I'm sorry, Mom."  My gut feeling: That's never a good thing for a two-year old to be saying.

A confession.

I asked her if she's okay.  What's wrong.  Told her to show me what happened.  We both made our way back down the hallway and into the kitchen.

Nothing was out of the ordinary.  No messy spill...a praise!  No diaper leaks...a praise!  No food scattered on the kitchen floor...another praise!  Why was she sorry then?  I was a bit puzzled and decided to ask her again why she apologized...to which she moved towards the cell phone and pointed.

I took the words right out of her mouth.

"Did you touch Mommy's phone?"  Her little head nodded in agreement.  I reminded her that this is not okay...that mommy and daddy want to be with her when she touches (aka attempts to "use") our cell phone.  But I also apologized to her.  It was not okay that I left that cell phone out...within her little arm's reach.  It shouldn't have been there to even tempt her.  She apologized, too, and we hugged.

********

In all the times our busy, little two-year old has gotten herself into trouble...all those times were sort of erased from my mind...in that moment that she confessed.  I did not initiate it.  In fact, I didn't even know it happened...and probably never would have either...if she'd never told me.  I was proud of her.

I don't intend for this to sound like she's any different than other children...your child.  But I wanted to take this moment to reflect on how we, as adults, should take the time to confess to others, too.  Sometimes we KNOW we need to confess.  But there are times in our lives...similar to my situation with Mya...that you feel in your gut you should confess, even though the other person may have no idea at all...and they may never know...UNLESS you share with them.  Confession...specifically of sins...lifts a huge weight off of your shoulders.  It frees your mind.  Brings peace and a calmness.

I learned from Mya in this moment of her confessing to me.

I realized that no wrong-doing is ever too small to make right with the other person.  Now, I don't think we need to over-analyze every little detail of our day...of our lives.  But you know in your heart if there's something you need to make right with another person...with God.  Challenge yourself to take the step to make "right" any "wrongs" you've allowed to remain un-confessed in your life.  And remember to extend grace to those around you...and forgiveness, too...when someone comes to you and admits their wrong-doings.  What a blessing and feeling of restoration that takes place in our lives...in our hearts...when we take responsibility for our actions and do what's right heal broken relationships.

We have so much to learn from children.  Don't we?  Share your time(s) when a child taught you an important lesson in the "comments" section below.  We'd love to hear your stories.