"Mommy, I help."

If I've heard those words once over the last few weeks, I've heard them a hundred times. "I help" with the computer, the dishes, the cleaning, the dog, the laundry, etc. Although it slows the job down considerably and often completely removes all semblance of efficiency, it is my precious opportunity to give Little John the most valuable education. You see, I believe that the best and most lasting learning comes from life. We remember the things we have done and experienced far more than we do empty facts. Therefore it is my responsibility as a mom to teach as we go about our daily lives. My son is learning the little daily chores that make up so much of what we do during a week. Eventually, I want John to learn to read from the Bible during family devotions, to write his name on a birthday card for a loved one, to do math while figuring change at the grocery store, to learn the dates that his great-grandfather fought for our country during World War II. These are the things that will begin to shape and mold his perspective on learning. Does his curiosity drive him to know more about this world God made and how to live in it? Does he desire to cultivate each gift he has been given for eternal purposes? Or will I stifle his God-given drive by waiting for the perfect situation instead of learning as we go. And more importantly, will I get caught up in his learning the little things, the knowledge, instead of being focused on what he is becoming? It's not the chores and facts, it's the diligence and patience, responsibility and honesty that are making him Christlike. If his goal is to become more like the Lord, he will be able to do anything and learn anything God calls him to do or learn.

So, I will refocus on my job as a mom. I am to redeem moments, seek out opportunities, cheer on growth, and mostly point - away from myself and away from the trivial trappings of this world - to the only thing that matters. The Author of Life Himself, the Giver of knowledge, the Redeemer of moments. It sounds like this might be a great opportunity for me to become more like Him as well. Then, by the grace of God, my son will be ready, not for success, but to change his, "Mommy, I help" to "My Lord, I'll help."

My Family

Here we are on a recent vacation to Destin, Florida. We went with three other families and had a blast! There were five kids under three, two pregnant ladies, and, honestly, I couldn't believe how calm it was most of the time. The kids did great and the parents enjoyed having someone else around who was also juggling a toddler!

These are my two favorite people in all the world. My boys, or my men, or my Johns, whichever name I use at the present moment. I can't describe how much joy it brings me to have another, smaller version of my husband around all the time! It makes the hours shorter while the bigger version has to be at work. I think I'm ready for my husband to retire and be at home all the time. : )

And this is a great example of why I think everyone should have a toddler in their house. Just when you are the most exhausted, they make you laugh until your sides hurt doing the silliest or most adorable thing. This is Little John's "funny face" which he will usually do on command. He is very interested in the art of being funny right now. This is why laughing at something you do not want him to repeat is dangerous and should never be done. (Still happens occasionally, though!)

Soon I will also have the first picture of our next little one because our first sonogram will be on July 6th! Happy (almost) Birthday to me! We can't wait to see our first glimpse of what is to come, knowing that every child is a good and perfect gift from our Father in Heaven.

Beginnings

Well, after reading my friends' blogs for a while now, I have finally decided to contribute my random thoughts to cyberspace. I love keeping up with others this way so hopefully there are a few who will enjoy my constant desire to talk about my family. Hey, these words need to get said somewhere! Although pretty much anyone who reads this knows me, here is who I am for those who don't.

The most important thing to know about me is that I am a daughter. A daughter to the Father of every girl's dreams who sustains me through all of life's mountains and valleys with his love that defies all description. He is my Love, my Life, and my Motivation. He is my Lord God and Redeemer and there is nothing in life for which I am more grateful than the opportunity to walk through this world with Him from the first moments of my time here to the last when I am ushered into a new life with Him.

I am also a wife and mother. These two words are things I dreamed of being all my life and now I am living that dream every day with my husband, son, and baby on the way. My husband is the only man I have ever loved. John is my best friend, partner in insanity, faithful provider, and wonderful father. Let me put it this way - he couldn't find ESPN the other day on the TV but has watched Pride and Prejudice with me multiple times. He can do this while still being a powerhouse on the softball field and the manliest man I've ever known. He's pretty much just dreamy (to use an old expression)! He treats me like a queen every day and I can't believe I have had the privilege of being married to him for almost five years. I am so spoiled.

My two-year-old son is unbelievable. He is precious, active, lovable, smart, adorable, exciting, and a sponge of constant learning. He is God's incredible gift to us that comes with a huge sense of responsibility to be an arrow pointing him straight back to God and His path for Little John's life. My prayer is that he will never spend a day outside of God's will and that he will always feel the unconditional love of God and his parents. What a joy!

Well, I've rambled long enough and will add more later. Looking forward to keeping you updated!