jumpstart

Today I join a group of people in a ten-day diet consisting basically of fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains. No meat, no dairy, no sugar, no yeast. It's also supposed to be no caffeine, but I am caving and keeping my coffee... Giving up sugar, bread, and dairy is going to be traumatic enough. Today wasn't too bad. Here's to hoping that tomorrow follows likewise!

sitting , waiting, watching, wishing...

Do you ever feel like you're being tested? As if your inner person and strength of character is being stretched and pulled and prodded to see how you will withstand the stress? That's how I've felt recently. It's nothing huge, really... Just several small things that add up over time. I'm working on finding creative outlets to balance myself... such as projects I've long procrastinated about doing or trying new crafty things. It's kind of cool how redirecting your focus helps your mind settle. And, seeing the progress I make on little things provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment, and I momentarily forget about my frustrations and just relax.

The baby is teething... a few days of happiness, followed by a few days of clinginess and a child that is almost impossible to please. Those are rough days. Today I settled my mind of comfort for her and instead of being frustrated that she needed to be in my arms or on my lap 80% of her awake time, I chose to cherish it. We snuggled on the couch and watched Sesame Street, and my mommy heart started to overflow. Her giggles at Elmo and the other Muppets and the feel of her chubby warm cheeks on my chest are priceless. My daughter is precious beyond words. And baby? Why do I say my baby? She will be ONE YEAR OLD next week! What the..... How on earth did this first year fly by so incredibly quickly?

Our search for a house continues. We've looked at too many to count, offered on one, almost offered on another, and are planning to offer on yet another this week. Eventually we will find (and actually get!) the right one, I know, but I'm a little frustrated. I don't think we are terribly picky. There just seems to be a strange lack of houses in our price range at the moment. I wish I knew the end of this part of our journey... it would make this limbo stage so much easier.

These things, among others, have been testing my patience and strength. But God, in His infinite knowledge, knows that I continually need to trust Him more. Even though I know He is faithful and has proven that to me countless times, my trust-bank-account needs to grow more.

...Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
...How I've proved Him o'er and o'er....
...Oh for grace to trust Him more....

Oh for the grace to trust Him more. And more. And more.

surprise handmade giveaway... any takers?

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Here's a little giveaway that I am continuing from Facebook. All you have to do is leave me a comment, and I will send you something handmade. (I had thought this would be a hot idea! Oddly enough I only had three comments, so I'm looking for two more. I mean, I could send you freshly baked chocolate chip cookies...) On facebook, the twist is that you then have to post the little blurb in your status and continue the sharing of handmade love, but I'll skip that requirement here. (unless you want to, then please do!) That's it. Easy peasy.

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snow day

I woke up to a dusting of snow covering the outside world. Flurries are supposed to continue all day. Not exactly the huge snowstorm I was hoping for, but it's enough to help me feel like it's really winter. Can't take the Michigan out of the girl... I have no plans to go anywhere today, so I'll stay in my cozy little home and watch the snow fall as I clean the bathroom (ugh), plan the rest of my week, and start a photo project that's long overdue. I'll add some hot beverages... tea or cocoa or coffee (trying to cut back on the coffee!!) and the day should be quite lovely.

We've discovered the wonderful world of Skype, thanks to a webcam Christmas gift from my sister. It's been a blast to have visual conversations with family and friends.

My mom told me the other day that I should start an advice column of sorts or be a lifecoach via skype. The idea kind of made me laugh. Then it made me think... how do you even get started in something like that if you're not professionally trained? Not that I'm terribly interested, but it does intrigue me a little. I guess I've become the default advice-giver for my family. Someone have a problem? Ask Sis, she'll know. It's funny... All I really do is listen.

And the best part of today? It's our two-year anniversary. Incredible, isn't it.... the speed at which life travels? Two years ago, I married the man of my dreams, who also happens to be my very best friend. It's been pretty much blissful. *grin* He took two days off last week, and we spent a lovely FOUR DAY WEEKEND together. We didn't go anywhere spectacular, but instead took a staycation.... SO nice! It was relaxful and fun and I spent the better part of my days grinning and acting like a teenager in love. I would like to order another month of staycation, please! Two years and a baby later, and I fall more in love each day. Here's to a hundred more anniversaries!