a rich rich heritage...

My grandmother was altogether one of the most talented women I have ever known. I remember her laughing a lot and joking (she was really quite funny and where my dad clearly gets it from!) and when sitting (she was always moving), always with some sort of needle work in her hands. My fondest memories are of her in this state of mind. 

This little dress was mine, made by her, and I've only been searching for its 'misplace' for over a year. The smocking is simply endearing. The detail so fine, the fabric so thin and delicate. 

How delighted Sophia and I were to discover its whereabouts yesterday! And even more happily surprised it will still fit for a season.

Freshly hand washed and pressed. What love is written all over this little masterpiece of fabric and threads. My grandmother loved Jesus. I know she must have whispered prayers for me while making this. Prayers for my children too. I know she knew how to look beyond her current circumstances. She could laugh at the days to come. 

God hears prayers and He is the God of the righteous. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much. 

Thank you Grandma for your prayers and investment in the kingdom of God. The seeds you sowed are reaping a harvest indeed!

April 10, 2014

The weather is warmer. Bikes come out. Muck boots replace snow ones. The layers slowly make their way inside to a big heap by the door the longer the hours go by. Before I know it, this brown and dull and muddy will be bright and blue and everything luscious and life breathing green. I love how spring appears to take me by surprise. I know one day soon I will look out the window to check my adventurers on the their 'nature walk' in the woods only to be shielded by buds and leaves too thick to see past. And I'll wonder, when did that happen!? 

For now we're finishing up loose ends in school, always thankful this time of year we made the push all winter long to close shop just as soon as things begin to melt and change.

A part of me likes to hold onto winter. I really love the cold and I don't mind the snow. Part of me longs for sun, something new, flower gardens, dirt and dirty kids, and deliciously fresh vegetables! I long for a tomato to taste like... a tomato! 

But I know tomorrow may never come. I know this is the day that The Lord has made, so I want to rejoice and be glad in it.

What spring (so far) has looked like around here:

Liam drew me when I was a little baby. Look how happy, chubby, and cute I was!

Burning the midnight oil. Easter bow-ties for my boys= a labor of love.

Today: Emperor Palpatine and I have NO idea who? I'm still everything pupil when it comes to Star Wars!

The kids and I are making an herb garden to transfer to...the deck,  just beyond that glass! For now, I can handle that kind of gardening! Lemuel-proofing them has completely slipped my mind, though we've only had 2 accidents. That babe is ready to eat some dirt!

life with our lemuel...

In less than a week my baby turns ten months. Ten whole months with this dimpled (legs, chin, elbows, and knuckles) gem of a love.

Really. He has been simply that, our Lemuel-love. And I find myself calling him Love or Love-Love. 

This baby loves his bed. Takes wonderfully long naps during the day and nurses on and off all night. Wants nothing to do with food of any kind, though I've really only tried a few things. I can't even get them in his mouth. He loves the guitar. His siblings. And easily will slip off with a complete stranger (to him). After Boaz, I'm not taking this for granted!

That dimple in his chin gets me EVERY single time. What a mark of man in that chin. What a mark of his daddy. These babies of mine have such a good daddy. I mean, wow. This daddy even lets these babies of his sleep in bed with us, giving up his place next to me for one that I must say is particularly snugly, warm, and everything delicious! I'm not complaining. He could, but never does. At times I think he humors me. Other times I know he likes it just as much. It's altogether too fleeting. We enjoy this season.

How I ask, could you not?! Just look...

Clap-Clap!

A favorite spot. When the Internet isn't working, I know the culprit, every time.

White onesied shirts and squishy bellies. Some welcome spring. I welcome SKIN! 

I LOVE it!

Long arms. Big hands. Dimple alert.

That face! What a babe!

WHAT a babe.