a little on parenting & community

I think I've either said or heard the words, "phase of life", about 1000 times over the last few months. And generally it is in some connection with the ups & downs of parenting & the ups and downs of living life in community with others. I actually write this thinking I am thankful for that phrase, how often it is used, and what it implies. Because this is my phase of life: I'm a wife, a mama, a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a chef, a book keeper, a driver, a washer, a wanna be reader, and I love it. And I am walking through this "phase of life" with a group of folks who are walking the same way-and I don't mean that we are doing all the same things & constantly talking, sharing meals, spending time together, or anything like that. But we are walking together headed towards more of what Jesus has called us to, planned for us, and prepared in advance for us to do during this exact time in our lives. So I'm thankful. Thankful for my wonderfully chaotic life. Thankful for my community that pushes me to authenticity, vulnerability, truth, grace, love. And thankful to Jesus, my Sustainer in a sometimes confusingly beautiful "phase of life."

good feelings

Two nights ago I felt the baby move for the first time. I had just gotten in bed and Andrew was still brushing his teeth. Quickly I called for him to come and we sat for a good while with hands on my belly waiting and smiling and willing the baby to move some more. As we were sitting there I couldn't help but get overwhelmed and giddy. To feel life within your body is an unbelievable and indescribable feeling. Several Scriptures came to mind but especially Psalm 139. Every day when I put Madeline & Simeon to bed I tell them they are fearfully and wonderfully made and now I have the blessing and privilege of being a part of another life being fearfully and wonderfully made. With Simeon home and being pregnant at the same time I find myself thinking often of his birth mother. What feelings was she having when she was 18 weeks pregnant? What emotions go through her life now as she will most likely never see her biological baby again? The baby she felt God fearfully and wonderfully make within her. These are difficult and emotional things I wrestle to understand. There are days I get tired, frustrated, overwhelmed with parenting but I rejoice in the blessing and honor it is to be a mama to all three of my kiddos.

unblogworthy

So I kind of made a mental goal to blog weekly-I know I am failing but my new struggle is what to blog about. I'm not a creative writerly person. And pretty much every day we do the same kind of things. Wake, eat, play, eat, sleep, wake, eat, play, eat, bath, read, bed. And so on. So here is my feeble attempt at a new post. Things I'm currently enjoying that you might as like as well.
1. Sandwich thins-introduced to me by my sister Becca. They are great for panini's or burgers. Yum.
2. Big girl beds-Madeline is now in the bed I grew up in which is high off the ground. We added child safety rails & solved the getting out of bed 1,000 times a day & night problem. Yea.
3. Exercise class-I am taking an exercise class at a local church that is 3 days a week, includes child care, and is only $15 a semester. Love it.
4. Friends who cook-we have had meals brought to our door, warm & yummy, three days a week since getting home. Wow. Thanks.
5. I also love friends who don't cook by the way. :)
6. Simeon's funny faces. Pics to come as soon as we can get the computer liking us again.
7. Warm fires. As Madeline says, they are nice & cozy.