The neighborhood

Children attract children. And in our neighborhood, that is especially true.

I purchased our home when I was still single, almost 8 years ago. Marrying Joel did this house a world of good! If you haven't been here since he took over, you would be amazed. 

And with the addition of children came the addition of children's toys. As Annabelle got older and Nora came, we realized we needed some outdoor things for Annabelle to enjoy. So this spring, Joel built a swing set. Two kids swings and a toddler swing. Nothing fancy but still beautifully built. 

(right after the swing set was built)

And they started to come. Maybe it's that we were spending more time outside, but within days of Joel putting the swing set up, we had a backyard full of kids. One day, it was me, the girls, 2 3rd graders, a 2nd grader, a kindergartner, and another 2 year old.  

Now, keep in mind, our backyard is what some would refer to as a "postage stamp". And that is being generous. 

But God is teaching me a lot through this. First of all, it has really been great getting to know my neighbors. We have a family behind us that is really sweet and has a 2 year old that plays very well with Annabelle. Two days ago, after dinner, Parker and Annabelle ended up in the baby pool before Wendy (Parker's mom) and I could stop them. They were fully clothed.

(Parker and Annabelle - appropriately dressed in their bathing suits)

But the hard lessons are coming with a few children who live across the street. In the 8 years I've been here, I have had little to no interaction with their parents. And even though 2 of their children spend a significant time in our yard, they still have spoken little more than a few sentences to us. They are very nice kids, but with very little guidance. 

No boundaries and no supervision means that we have had to draw some boundaries over here. The kids know they have to ask before they can play in our yard (though it's really a formality). But more than once, KS (who is 8) and KR (who is 9) have asked to have dinner at our house. And one afternoon, KS rang our doorbell twice in 2 hours to see if Annabelle could play. She is 2. 

Every day my heart breaks a little bit more. And I am reminded of how much God loves these children. And, the harder part, their moms. 

God's Word says to "Love your neighbor as yourself". For some of our neighbors, that is easy. And for others, it is the true test of our faith. Are we really willing to love those who are so different than us in such a significant way?

Lots of birthday fun

We had over 2 weeks of fun for a big 2 year old! She was definitely celebrated and enjoyed every moment. We are so grateful to all who made Annabelle feel so special.

1st celebration - Playdate at City Park with Claire! Many friends joined in on the fun!

Daddy left a note on her high chair in the morning.

Beautiful sister!

Spent the morning at the Children's Museum with Kallyn and Claire. Then lunch at McG's before a nice long nap!

Running through the sprinkler in the afternoon.

After noodles for dinner, present opening, and a walk with Daddy...we ended the night at Dairy Queen.

The following weekend...we had all the family over for a party!

She got MANY wonderful gifts...

And the most beautiful cake!

These girls

Just a quick update for posterity...

Nora is rolling! It's been about a week and she is on the move. She's quick about it and now an old pro.

Because of her rolling, she can now sleep on her belly. Because she slept on her belly last night, she has been asleep since 8 and it's now 5:45. She slept through the night unswaddled for the first time since she was born, prayers for more of this!

Annabelle can now sing nursery rhymes most of the way through and is talking more and more every day.

I will try to update soon on Annabelle's birthday celebrations.

To my daughter, on your second birthday.

My sweet Annabelle,

Tomorrow you turn 2. When I ask you how old you'll be, you hold up the pointer finger on each hand and say "two". I smile and laugh every time you do it, which only makes you do it more. You are so incredibly charming.

These two years have been an absolute gift to me. And I am glad to say i have cherished every one of them. But now that you can talk, I get to see the real you,

And I am so proud. You are beautiful, inside and out. You love your friends and your family so much...and their love for you is overflowing. You have boundless energy with times of sweet rest. You love books! And you read your books all the time.

This year we gave you a sister. Nora. And you have learned to love her. You kiss her and hug her. You are learning to share your mommy and daddy with her, and of course, your toys. And again, I am proud.

You remind me every day of God's grace and love. And you remind me to pray.

My prayer for you, little one, is that you may know Jesus. That His life and words would guide you in your life. That you would follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. I will pray this for you as often as humanly possible.

Tomorrow will be so sweet as we celebrate your life. But mommy may cry too. Because you won't be my little girl forever. But for now, for today and tomorrow, you are. And these 2 years, Annabella-boo, have been incredible. Thank you.

With all the love one heart can hold...Mom.

20 minutes alone with Philippians 3

This morning is a treat. Annabelle is outside with daddy and Nora is still sleeping. I took the time to make a cup of coffee and sit down with some scripture. I'm so grateful God continues to remind me of His word at times when I'd really like to check my Twitter feed. It is always fruitful.

Philippians always is encouraging and challenging. Today, I am musing over this Scripture: "but I press on to make it (Christ's suffering and resurrection) my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." Philippians 3:12b. The concept that I belong to the creator of the universe is so foreign and yet so joyful to me. I love to bask in His love and receive it, not because I deserve it but because I am His.

I have been watching "Army Wives" on Netflix. Addicting and emotional...it gets me through dinner prep and dishes while the girls are napping. Warning: you will cry in virtually every episode. Something these women always talk about is that their husbands are first devoted to their country and to the Army before their are devoted to their wives and children. Marrying these men, they understand and accept it (though, they do show the side of disappointment and frustration, too). I realize it is tv but I know this concept to be true. Military families have to accept their calling and position before their life circumstances. Babies are born while daddies are away. Mommies have to go to enemy countries while their kids graduate preschool without them. And I couldn't be more grateful for their devotion and service.

But as a follow of Christ, a believer in His Kingdom, and a woman who desires to serve Him, do I live like this? Do I live in a way that says "I may be called away to serve, and that is more important than my daily goings on?" No.

I am not saying that I should ever neglect my family (and unless God has some plan I am unaware of), I never, ever intend to miss a moment of my husband or my girls' lives. But the truth remains, do I serve Him first? Is He my daily compass? Do I turn in His direction or my own?

God has been impressing on my heart lately that nowhere in Scripture does it call us to a life of comfort for me or my family. It does not say "live in the safest neighborhood with the best schools and most fun family activities". Currently, that is where we are, so I have to be diligent to not bow down in worship to my family or my daughters or this community.

But may my heart always be tuned into Him. Because I am His. That is my greatest calling.

The prayers of a 2 year old

Tonight, at bedtime, I said prayers as usual, but then thought I would ask Annabelle if she wanted to talk to Jesus. And she did.

And then, I think my heart nearly exploded.

She prayed for her teddy bear and her toes. And then she prayed, without any prompting, for Uncle Dan and Uncle Matt. And then for our friend Paula, who is in chemo right now. With her hands folded and eyes open, she would say "blah, blah, blah, Uncle Dan. Blah, blah, blah, Uncle Matt. Blah, blah, blah, Jesus." she went on and on.

If I can do anything right as a parent, I pray that I can show my girls what it looks like to love Jesus. And when they're ready, they will choose to love Him, too. And if I'm wise, I will learn from my girls what real faith looks like.

"Let the little children come to me" said Jesus.

 

Pip-pops

So Annabelle woke up this morning determined to wear her "pip-pops".

No problem, we weren't going anywhere anyway. After a little while she
complained that they hurt, so we took them off...no big deal.

After her nap, she wanted them back on. So I obliged and put them back
on. She started complaining a little bit but was determined to keep
them on, even when I bribed her with outside to try to change them.
Before long she is sobbing huge alligator tears because they hurt so
bad, but refuses to let me take them off...crying even harder. All the
while, I am laughing so hard tears are rolling down my face (which I
hope she believed were tears of empathy). this went on for a good 20
minutes.

She eventually wised up, took off the one that was bothering her and
is now walking around the house with one "pip-pop" on! She cracks me
up!