Encouragement for Mommies

Being a mother is truly a GIFT.

Just as being single is a GIFT.

Just as being a widow is a GIFT. (If you don't believe me, ask Elisabeth Elliot)

In reading through old journals, old school entries with the standard school photo and the question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  More often than not, I answered, "A mommy."

I am beyond grateful for my two healthy, precious children.  We have prayed and prayed for both of our children, we are grateful for their health, their sweet hearts, their fun energy, and the gift of being parents.   But I must say, being a mother is not all I expected it to be.  I've never been more humbled in my life, clinging to the grace, energy, strength, and guidance from our gracious Father.  Combine my extreme humbleness with crazed hormones, a lack of what I deem sufficient sleep, the continual learning of dying to self, and bam!, you have a young mom with uplifted hands, seeking the Lord in how to raise my sweet kiddos.

From "Spirit-Led Parenting": This was me. Raising an imaginary child, pre-children, of course. Thinking "My child will NEVER act like that." Passing judgement on the poor mama with kids creating chaos in the grocery store aisles. Feeling that I've babysat enough to know how I want it done.

never. say. never.

For those of you longing to be mommies, for those of you not wanting to be mommies, for those of you grandparents that have been through the tough, but fun, little years, please

extend grace

Here are some links to some extremely encouraging articles that have given me perspective, encouragement, and the hope to press on in raising these two children the Lord has given, and equipped, me to raise.

Mom vs. Mom 

10 Ways to be a Happier Mom 

Why Being a Mom is Enough

How to be Done with Worry 

 
Labor & Deliver

I love this italicized phrase from the book "Spirit-Led Parenting."

"Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God's hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good." J.I. Packer

"God is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings, and the master of all masters." I Timothy 6:15

Feeling blessed, humbled, and renewed by God's never-ending grace and love,

Emily

p.s. If any of you need book recommendations, or just someone to talk to, contact me.  For those who know me, I am quite the voracious reader, and I can easily recommend any number of parenting books that have encouraged me (with the Holy Bible being the best place to start).

 

Ellie 8 Months

My Ellie baby is 8 months old, and what a delight she is.  She is sitting up well on her own, always giggling and grinning at big brother, sleeping 11-12 hours at night (and in bed at 5:45 pm... she  has done it on her own.  She likes to go to bed early!), and is such a little ham, just like her brother.

For my record, she has eaten this month: peas, spinach, plums, pumpkin, carrots. Apples and plums are her favorite thus far.

At a quick visit to the pediatrician today, she weighed a grand 19 lb, 9.9 ounces (with clothes and diaper, so I'm guessing she is 19 1/2 lbs).  Love my little chunk.  I can see her two bottom teeth coming in, and bless her, she can let me know they're coming in by occasional fussiness.  But still overall SUCH a happy camper, loves giggling at us, and especially at her big brother.

Jackson has gotten very verbal and remembers everything these days.  It's fun to hear him chatting up a storm.  I'll also start singing a kids song, and he'll finish it:

Me: Who built the ark?
Jackson: Noah, Noah
Me: Christ the Lord is risen today
Jackson: some semblance of "Alleluia"
Me: The animals went in two by two
Jackson: Hurrah, Hurrah

I've also been trying to do simple memory verses, with pictures on our fridge, and that coincide with our Steve Green "Hide 'Em in Your Heart" CD that we listen to in the car.

Jackson: Onna, Fada, Mada Deuonomee fine sixtee!!!  "Honor your father and mother." Deuteronomy 5:16
Jackson: Don wohwe, gangku, pway! Phipeen fow six! "Don't worry, be thankful, and pray!" Philippians 4:6

When reading to himself, you'll constantly hear him counting, "Won, Too, Free, Nine, Six!"  Close buddy, so close.  Four seems to escape our counting these days.

Playing in Jackson's big boy bed

My current favorite picture of all time

 We love spontaneous after-work play dates with GoGo

 Playdate with BFF Anna Grace Menendez

 One of the few outfits I've smocked for her

 My view at the grocery store

 Ellie's first time in the big cart at Publix

Highlands 2013

We just spent a glorious week in beautiful Highlands, North Carolina.  70 degree weather, gorgeous mountain views, sure made it hard to come back home.

Some light hiking at Dry Falls

 Bridal Falls

 Superhero hiking Daddy

 Atop Whiteside Mountain

 Rough family pic, but I had to show I was there :)

 Random pit stop on the trail

 Sleeping baby at the end of our hike

 Blueberry picking. This is about all we got. Small but delicious!

 Yummy breakfasts at our house

 Loved waking up to this view every morning

 Andy graciously watched the kids one night so I could join my family and our best family friends, the Spears, for a delicious dinner at Canyon Kitchen.  Delicious food, yummy Blackberry Lavender martinis, fun fellowship.

 I took the kids to many a playground while the guys golfed and the girls shopped.

 Jackson's first ice cream sandwich

 Feeding the ducks and geese who swarmed our car, thus resulting in feeding them from the safety of the interior of our car.

 Ellie's new faces and gestures

We LOVED spending time with Uncle Jason

 Sunset atop Sunset Mountain

I have NO clue why these two photos are showing the progression of photos, but it's almost like a mini-movie. Don't you feel like you were there taking these pictures?  :)