Hope for Phoebe....

Source: twitter.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Grafted In

In our church we have this beautiful liturgy for the children that the congregation prays together each week:

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed 

our congregation with the joy and care of children. 

Give us courage, patience, and wisdom 

as we bring them up in the faith 

that they might never know a day apart from you, 

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I love this prayer on so many levels, first being that everyone participates in joy and care for the children; they are God's children not a particular family's children.  And the reality that we need patience and wisdom to raise them.  Mostly I love the line about them never knowing a day apart from the Lord, there is something so 'whole' about that hope.  

It is with that hope that we brought our little Justus to be baptized a few weeks ago, to be grafted in as a descendant of Abraham.  We do hope that as his parents, god parents, church community and family we can pass on our love for Jesus, that we can be stewards of our faith and share it with both of our children as they grow.

Justus and his godparents, Pat and Ashley

Pesce....what?

The Mister enjoys a food experiment every now and again.  It is his way of dieting without a lot of rules.  Last year we were vegan for about 3 weeks, and we have been keeping up our Meat-less Mondays.  So the other day the mister came home from work and declared, "I am going to be pescetarian!"  Which is basically his way of cutting out beef, chicken, and pork, so to cut out a large amount of 'bad' fats in his diet (mind you chicken isn't bad for you but it is so easy to slather cheese on it....so says the mr.).  This is a decent way to eat, especially in the summer; salmon on the grill, fish tacos, halibut with mango salsa, all great summer fare.  It becomes a fun experiment for me, the chef, and I get to eat whatever I want during the day; big fat burger at the pool, yes please!

This week we enjoyed this tasty meal: Nicoise Salad.  I found the recipe here, and basically followed it, though added some vinegar to the vinaigrette.
 

Maria and Bobby

images by Beyond the Flavor

Bobby and Maria are...well...amazing!  This image sums it up!  Maria was featured on the blog Beyond the Flavor; which is where these images were published.  The article is a colorful snap shot of their life now.

We have been so blessed to know these two lovelies for a few years, and though they live a few hours away, they are dear to our family.  They will be leaving for California soon, and they will be missed by so many. 

4 years and 4 months

The well-child visit for both of the little ones aligned nicely; P's 4 year appointment and J's 4 month appointment.  (how did we get here already??)  We love our pediatrician so it was a nice morning despite the 6 shots that were handed out, both kiddos got 3 and they were both champs.  J went first so while I was nursing him to comfort Phoebe and the two nurses sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to keep her calm during her 3 shots.  She was a real champ!  I couldn't believe what a big girl she was, it was clear she wanted her momma's comfort, but she settled for a hug from the nurse.  After the shots she got LOTS of stickers and we stopped by the fountain outside as a treat.  

Here are their Stats:  

Phoebe- 4 years

40in 39 lb 12 oz

Justus- 4 monts

25.5in 14 lb 9 oz

camping?

Yes, we did!

The mister and I have only been camping once together and it was a hike-in trip in George Washington National Forest.  We both really love camping, though his version of camping is 'pack-in, pack-out' with the guys, and I grew up car camping with a fantastic pop-up camper.  So, when we first talked about camping with P last summer the Mister had a hard time imagining "family camping".  Over the year he was able to grasp the vision of family car camping, especially when he found out Honda makes a tent that attaches to our car!  Somehow, that sold it for him?!

A few weekends ago we made reservations at Cunningham Falls State Park, packed up our car with all our camping necessities (including a queen size blow-up mattress), and hit the road.  We also talked some friends into joining us, they are veteran family car campers, so P had a friend to explore with once we all got there.

We had a full weekend so we could only go for one night, and we all agreed (after the fact) that for the time and energy it takes to set up for a night of camping, two nights are better than one...next time!  I had to keep reminding myself as we set up the tent, or cooked a meal that it is ok to take your time since this is the only thing that needs to be done right now.  Camping is all about camping, being out of the city, out of the every day tasks, and setting up a tent, collecting fire wood, making dinner; there is no reason to rush, these tasks are what we have to do, nothing more.  It was refreshing to be out in nature and just breathe, wash dishes on the picnic table (by hand!), make breakfast as you eat breakfast since the stove is so small, drink in the sunshine that greets you at 6 am.

We will certainly go back, hopefully soon! 

Welcome back!

There is so much loveliness going on around here, it is really hard to know where to start.  So, for now I will just say, "Hello, June; hello, summer, I actually can't believe you came back so quickly!"

I am hoping for lots of "thumbs up" days this summer! 

Phoebe's 4th Birthday

Today is Phoebe's Fourth Birthday.  She is becoming such a fantastic young girl, no longer a baby, no longer a toddler.  She is a lover of adventure, the water, books, people, Home Depot, snacks, her balance bike and her baby brother.  She is a brilliant light in our lives.  Phoebe has tons of energy.  She loves to sing and make up songs.  And she had the most perfect 4 year old doughnut this morning; heart-shaped with pink frosting and sprinkles.  Phoebe greets everyone who comes to our house with a smile, she is always so excited to have dinner guests!

And here are a few of her favorite things.....a snapshot of Phoebe's Phavorites at 4....click here to listen to the recording. (hope the link works!)

And a Snap shot of Birthdays Past...
Birth Day
First Birthday
Second Birthday
Third Birthday

Phirst Proposal

Phoebe got her first marriage proposal recently.  And we got it on video!  A few weekends ago we went on our Church Retreat which has a talent show each year.  One of Phoebe's friends put together this little song to serenade her.  (Well, it was actually his dad who wrote and performed the song, he is a great writer!)  Enjoy this clever song!  There are a few inside jokes and mentions of a number of other friends from church.



Hey Phoebe
I just turned three,
and though your older than me,
I can't stop thinking of thee.

Oh Phoebe,
Would you look over at me?
I have a pink spoon for thee,
It's all good, theologically.

Josiah's back in DC.
And though Watchman says hello.
Those boys, the Damianis,
they are right off to Chicago.

So, please, Phoebe.
I'll hold your hand considerately.
I'm quite over Aubry and Lily
and your the only one for me.

Phoebe, your my one true Capitol Cubbie.
Eventually, hey Phoebe, eventually.....

Will you please marry me?

Coos, Oohs, and Aaahs

Justus has such a sweet 'voice'.  He loves to chat with anyone who comes around, as long as they make eye contact.  He always has a story to tell, a sweet melody to sing, and a hello.  Enjoy this video!



And aren't these little overalls so fantastic??!!

magic

"More and more, I’m convinced that good parenting is learning to coast through the awfulness without losing my grip on the truth. And the truth is this: life is magical, motherhood is an indescribably good gift, and my child (yours too) is more precious and beautiful than even the nighttime sky."

--Christie Purifoy

3 Months

Today Justus is 3 months old.  The days have gone so quickly.  He is a sweet boy.  He still loves eating and sleeping, he is even getting better at sleeping on his own during the days.  He loves his big sister and hands out smiles freely to momma, daddy has to work a bit harder for them but once Justus starts smiling he has a hard time stopping.  Happy 3 month birthday little guy.  (I have no clue what his stats are, but he has grown plenty since his 2 month check up!)

Big Sister

 Click on the image to see a video of Phoebe reading to Justus.

Since having Justus, the first question I am asked is, "How is he?"  That is almost always followed by, "How is Phoebe doing with the new baby?"  My response is, she Loves him!  Phoebe is an excellent big sister.  She is so loving and kind toward her little brother, and I pray that her kind heart will only grow as Justus grows.  I hope that they will have a deep friendship; that they will be partners in life.  This video is so sweet, Phoebe is 'reading' to Justus.  She has the story down so she can 'read' her memorized version of Dora and the Stuck Truck.  

Papa and the girls

Papa and the girls, originally uploaded by 207 Living.

This last week was a whirlwind, traveling to be with family to celebrate the life of my Grandfather. It was amazing to see the family gather around to support my Grandma as we all said good-bye to Grandpa. My Grandparents have gathered family together for years, birthed many children and their children birthed many children, on top of that they opened their arms to all the others who came along with new marriages. They claim 29 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. To be a part of that claim, I am blessed.

And to see my own father with these three girls is heart-warming. These little ones are making memories of their own with their grandfather. It is all so sweet.

Grandpa

My Grandpa lived a long, full life; he will be missed. He passed away this morning around 5:30. I am so glad I got to see him last week, and get this sweet photo of Justus meeting him. It isn't the most beautiful picture of Grandpa but it was a beautiful moment.

Cancer...sucks

2 weeks ago we found out that my 85 year old grandfather has cancer and the Mister's 7 month old niece has Leukemia. We have been riding the waves of information since then. One of the oldest members of my family and almost the youngest member of the Mister's family were on parallel paths. They each had biopsies the same day, and they both started their treatment the same day; Grandpa with radiation and Lydia with chemo. Now their paths are not so parallel.

Grandpa was taken to the hospital early Monday morning and it seems this is his last battle. Soon, his full of adventure life will come to an end. He is a strong man so the fight continues and as he fights he is surrounded by family; children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. Justus and I flew out Tuesday to see him and say good-bye. For Justus is was a quick hello. Grandpa was aware that we were there and he smiled when he saw that little baby, I am so glad they got to see each other on this side of heaven. J and I flew in on Tuesday and out on Wednesday. I suspect we will all be flying there soon to send him off. And for now I pray that he would go in peace.

Lydia on the other hand has received her first round of chemo (10 days of poison in one little body) and she is thriving. The next 3 weeks will be all about recovery and getting ready for the next round but she is smiling, nursing, eating solids, and loving her family just the way a 7 month old baby does; it just happens to be in a hospital. So, we join the hundreds of people who are praying for this little one; fighting for her life, hoping for mercy and grace to shine through.

Cancer is something I shrug my shoulders at, shake my head at, and in the darkness I scream at. Cancer sucks.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come. Bring your Kingdom.

2 months

Justus is 2 months today! I can't believe how fast time is moving with baby #2. We are on the go lots with 2 kids, especially with P being so extroverted we spend a lot of time out of the house.


So far, Justus is a great sleeper and a great eater! He has certainly grown. He is also a very calm baby. He is super smiley these days, during his awake time he prefers to look at Mom, Dad, or big sister and just smile and coo.

Month 2 Stats:
11lbs. 14oz. 23 3/4 inches

Winter? Spring? Summer!

The weather has been incredible here, and everywhere else! The mister is bummed that we skipped winter this year, I see it as a gift from God. Though, it probably has something to do with the warming of the earth and I shouldn't be excited about that....but, I am LOVING it!

Because of this lovely weather I was inspired to plan an adventure outing for me and the kids. (it really is fun to say *kids* plural!) I packed a picnic, beach toys, a tent for J, and blanket and we headed to the beach. Well, it wasn't the real beach, but it was a great substitute for us.

We went to Sandy Point State Park, just an hour east, and spent the morning playing on the beach. It is a great place to go this time of year because the water in the Bay can get a little dirty in the warmer months; this time of year we weren't tempted to swim. There is a picnic area, a play area, bathhouses, and sand. It only costs $3 for a car. There wasn't much shade so I was happy I brought P's princess tent to shade J.

It was a great day and this momma got some of her 'winter' beach fix.

life according to the phone camera

As incredible as our camera is, it is a little difficult to have on hand ALL THE TIME. And sometimes you just have to get a shot of what is going on right now with the little ones.

Here is life according to the phone camera...

Lots of snuggling happening around here...

Walks with the stroller. P isn't sure she is ready to 'give' it to J yet, but we have negotiated use for a few outings.

A smile, J got some good news....more to come on that later.

And more snuggling!

New Park!

We are thrilled to have a new park open up in walking distance to us! This is something our neighborhood has been lacking for....always. Well, there are parks, just not ones that you would really EVER want to take your kids to. Now we have a newly renovated park that is clean and has fantastic play equipment. Who knows how long it will stay clean and how long it will be kid friendly (read: alcoholic men sitting around and high schoolers who are up to no good invading this fantastic space.)

climbing.

Peek!

P swinging- she LOVES the swings, Justus is in the moby wrap under my coat, that is why I still look pregnant! :)

The Park

And one other FANTASTIC perk to the park is that it is right across the street from our neighborhood coffee shop....mmmm!