A New Normal

My three little monkeys are finding the most adorable joy in climbing up the family step stool to flip onto the couch.  This Saturday morning, Pandora is playing in the background, and rather than my usual frustration with the shouting and sisterly banter, my heart is bursting with joy that I'm here in this place.  What a gift it is to see my one and a half year old play with her big sisters.  We're turning a proverbial corner and I can see it happening right before my eyes.  No more babies (at least for now) are lying in Rock-n-Plays or sitting up in Bumbos. There are no baby gyms or walkers or Jumperoos hiding out in the corners of our living space.  Just a one, three, and five year old playing "family" together in this moment with a card board "Ninja Blender" box I just received from Amazon. I think this is the first time I've taken note of this.  I'm glad I did because it all happens so fast.

In exactly one week, my first born baby girl starts a new chapter in her life.  She starts kindergarten.  It's a new chapter for her, but it's also a new chapter for me--one that is bitter-sweet. 

The Kindness of a Mirror

Have you ever glanced at a mirror after a long day and been shocked by what you saw looking back at you? A couple of weeks ago, we went to McDonalds with some close family friends after an afternoon at the beach. My friend came back from the bathroom shocked that I didn't tell her about the sand that lined her entire neck. I laughed because it really was a lot once she pointed it out, but to be honest, I didn't even see or notice it.  Then when I came back from the bathroom, I asked her how she let me leave the beach with such crazy hair.  I'm talking Medusa level crazy--saltwater, windblown, static electricity all combined.  

Sometimes even the best of friends fail to notice our shortcomings. We may see something in someone else that seems a little off, but oftentimes we're so self-focused that we can't pinpoint what it is.  Usually though, good friends will let us know when they see something seriously wrong.  Maybe not sand or hair issues, but real heart issues--depression, struggle, isolation, distance, judgement or gossipy tendencies.  Proverbs 27:17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Let's be those friends who tell one another when they need to look in the mirror. Let's BE those friends who point one another back to the Gospel that we so often forget or neglect. And let's NOT BE those friends who get defensive when someone does point us to the mirror! Let us welcome the truth that is spoken in love. We humans are flawed, and we'll never quite get it right on this side of heaven, but it's a good reminder to keep your eyes open for ways to encourage and sharpen those around you. Speak the truth in love.

I hope I never forget that it's the kindness of the Lord that leads me to repentance. God's kindness has lead me to the understanding of the grossness of my sin and my need for repentance, but ultimately my need for a Savior.  Though it doesn't always seem kind, it truly is the kindness of God that tells me to look in the mirror. To see my sin and turn from it.  

"Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" Romans 2:4

Lily is FIVE!

This post is about a month late, but I want to remember her fifteen years from now just how she is, even if that's 5 years, 1 month, 1 week and 5 days old... :)

We knew all along that we'd be on our long summer trip for her birthday this year, but it still seemed weird not celebrating our girl in the backyard with a pool party.  From Daniel Tiger (1) to Curious George (2) to Doc McStuffins (3) and finally Sheriff Callie (4), it was strange not to have a themed party this year.  I missed it actually... I love her summer parties.

Instead, we celebrated her 5th birthday with Grandma, Auntie Suzu, Uncle Jeff, Ruby and Winston at The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky!  We woke up at an Airbnb in Louisville, dined at her favorite breakfast spot--Denny's--and headed to the Ark.  We got there a little after noon when it opened and enjoyed their buffet.  Afterward, we toured the exhibits and headed to the newly opened outdoor playground.  Everyone had a great time, and I think it was very memorable birthday!  Later that evening, we headed to Indianapolis to meet some cousins' cousins, blow out some candle and catch some Zzzzzzz's. It was a lovely day :)

To My Dear Five-Year-Old Lily,

You are so inquisitive.  You remember things that seem strange for a five year old to remember, like friends who moved away over two years ago, or Grandpa John Santa throwing a baby doll off the roof of grandma's house and hearing jingle bells in their chimney when you were two.  You really impress me.

I have no doubt in my mind that you'll do great things in your lifetime!  You'll likely be smarter than me by the time you're in high school, though I'm sure you'll think so looooooong before that.  You love to learn:  how things work, processes, routines, and equations--a lover of logic. You are your father's daughter, and I love that about you!

You are very thoughtful.  You are always thinking of others, always making artwork or picking flowers for friends and family members.  You are a planner and a rule follower.  You like to know what to expect next and you want to know the acceptable boundaries that go along with whatever situation you find yourself in.  I think it makes you feel comfortable to know as much information as possible, and it also drives me bonkers! 

You know your alphabet, all of your sounds and can sound out some three letter words when you're in the mood.  You're really good with directions and remember states well. 

You finished AWANA Cubbies this year and are excited to start SPARKS and kindergarten in just a few weeks! You tried your hand at ballet and gymnastics this year and loved both! You're also a great swimmer :)

You're a wonderful helper in the kitchen with mommy and and hard working with daddy in the garage.  You know your kitchen gadgets and the difference between a sledge hammer and rubber mallet.  We love teaching you things and watching you learn every single day!  You are a wonderful big sister and enjoy playing with both of your little sisters.

You have a sweet love for Jesus and His Word.  You want to share his love with those who don't know Him.  We hope and pray that God will use your simple and genuine faith this year at school as you start kindergarten.  Let his light shine through you as you love those around you, sweet one. Happy 5th Birthday! 

Mark 12:30-31  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Random

Everyday Gospel

April/April 6, 2019/ 2 Comments Edit"Everyday Gospel"

I spared everyone the disgusting before shot.

We’ve been hit with a bout of sickness that has me extremely frustrated. It’s been almost a month since the first one of us got sick, and now she’s got it again–only worse.

It’s easy to throw a pity party for myself, and believe me I’ve had my share these last few weeks. The girls and I have missed so many events and activities we’ve wanted (and planned) to attend. Being home ALL day is NOT in my nature. I like being home for part of the day, but I also enjoy being out for part of the day. Not so when you’re sick…

Most days, we’ve been posted up in front of the TV lounging on sheets draped over the couch with “throw-up bowls” close by. In fact, all day Thursday and most of the day before I was curled up in bed with a pillow over my head. I’m thankful for a husband who could come home early from work just so I didn’t have to “mom” for the day.

When I woke up yesterday morning, however, I was feeling much better and ready to get back into our routine. Since I had gotten so much sleep the day before, I awoke without an alarm. Nice and early, at 5am. I decided to shower then head downstairs for some much needed time with God. After a few minutes in prayer thanking Him for my health and the quiet morning, I heard a shout from upstairs: “Mommy, I need your help!”

Not knowing what to expect, I quickly headed up the stairs to find Lily (4) sitting up in her bed, and the smell of vomit permeating the bedroom. My first reaction was “Why!? Why is she sick AGAIN? Aren’t we rid of this stomach flu yet?” My next thought was an attitude of grumbling. Quickly, before I let my circumstances drag me down I lifted up a prayer asking God to give me the strength to get through the morning.

Of course Cary woke up with us talking right next to her crib. She was ready to play! Thankfully, Emma slept a little longer while I took the other girls downstairs, got Lily cleaned up, and put on a show. Once Emma woke up, I got their breakfast ready and mentally prepared myself for what was to come. It was sure to be one of the most epic clean ups in all of MY momming history (thank you McDonald’s french fries the night before).

I got my gloves on, all my cleaning supplies, and headed upstairs for what seemed like hours. I tore the room apart. Every sheet, every mattress, every frame was wiped, sanitized and vacuumed. Down on my hands and knees, as I started in on the vomit, I all could think about was the gospel.

The song, From the Depths of Woe (Psalm 130) by Indelible Grace came on my Spotify playlist as I literally “washed” the stains from the carpet… or at least tried to. It was so futile though. The chunks of potato were stuck in the twists of the carpet. If I scrubbed too hard, they were sure to get jammed down deeper.

Tears began to stream down my face. For many reasons probably. Yes, I was overwhelmed and tired and had a headache, but more than that I was thankful to God for the way he rescued me from my sin.

God used that moment of despair (or depth of woe), to point my eyes toward Him and the truths of scripture.

Any effort on my own to clean or pluck out my sin in order to stand before God as spotless is futile. I can’t make myself clean enough. Christ did that. And now the Holy Spirit lives in me helping me to resist sin and turn to Christ.

That vomit was like the sin in my heart that is so detestable to God and once separated me from Him. Yet He, in His kindness, reached down and didn’t just tidy my heart or tweak a few things, or spray some Resolve to mask the stench. He gave me a complete makeover. He imputed to me the righteousness of His Son–who was fully God and fully Man–who lived the perfect life that I was incapable of living, and satisfied a debt I could never pay.

Not carpet cleaner to mask the stench, but completely NEW CARPET–a new heart. Thank God. Because if my sin is anything like those chunks (and I know it’s much worse), then life would be looking pretty hopeless.

Anyway, I cleaned as best I could… and let OxiClean do the rest. I got on with my day and tended to my children. But I’m so thankful that God uses everyday moments to remind us of His love for us. His kindness leads me to daily repentance–I had to repent of my attitude, of my frustration, of my lack of trust in Him and my feelings of entitlement. Praise the Lord for trials where perseverance has the opportunity to develop. (James 1)

Oh, and I had to add the lyrics to the song that came on. They literally came on as I started scrubbing! So perfect. They were written by Martin Luther in the 1500s and still ring true today.

“To wash away the crimson stain,
Grace, grace alone availeth;
Our works, alas! Are all in vain;
In much the best life faileth;
No man can glory in Thy sight,
All must alike confess Thy might,

And live alone by mercy

Therefore my trust is in the Lord,
And not in mine own merit;
On Him my soul shall rest, His word
Upholds my fainting spirit;
His promised mercy is my fort,
My comfort and my sweet support;

I wait for it with patience”

Lily is still sick, please pray for her. She didn’t eat anything all day yesterday, so I know she’s weak. It hurts my mommy heart to see my babies in pain.

Adventures Family Updates

Our Summer in the Midwest

April/August 21, 2018/ 2 Comments Edit"Our Summer in the Midwest"

Here’s a 5 minute recap of our summer in Indiana with family.  We had such a blast together and made so many wonderful memories!  The Greatest Showman soundtrack was kind of the anthem of our entire trip, both Florida and Indiana.  Enjoy 

Adventures Family

Our Weekend in California

April/August 14, 2018/ Leave a comment Edit"Our Weekend in California"

In June, we set off on a fun summer trip.  First stop, California for the weekend to visit with friends (who have since moved BACK to Hawaii).  Yay for California, and yay for friends!  Hope you enjoy this little highlights video 

Adventures Family

Lily is FOUR

April/June 6, 2018/ Leave a comment Edit"Lily is FOUR"

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating our four year old this year!  She’s at the age where she knows everything is for her and understands the concept of a party.  She was very excited!  A few months ago, I asked her what theme she wanted.  At the time (though it’s probably changed twice since then), she was ALL about Sheriff Callie’s Wild West.  It’s a show on Disney Junior about a cat who’s a sheriff in a town called Nice and Friendly Corners.  There’s lots of silliness–milk bandits, a deputy who’s a bird and talking cacti. I’ll spare you the details.  Just know that she was REALLY into all the characters, and lassos, and sheriff badges, and horses.  Need I say more?

We started early thinking about ideas and cupcake flavors and food to serve.  She really wanted cheese puff balls, hot dogs, watermelon and blueberries.  I thought that was a great idea, so that’s what we had! 

And at four it’s hard to know who to invite.  She’s is blessed to have soooooo many friends!  It’s kind of ridiculous.  Between longtime family friends, neighbors, our church ohana and our wonderful community of families through MOMS Club, there were just too many for our backyard.  And she’s not even in school yet!  I decided to invite our family group from church and her little Sunday School friends this year.  At her second birthday, we actually had two separate parties for her… seriously though, why?  

Anyway, back to her birthday.

Saturday morning we woke up and had cinnamon rolls, which has become sort of tradition.  We ate outside and let her open gifts from mommy and daddy.  She got a Sheriff Callie hat and swim suit and ballet slippers (which is her newest obsession).  It was a nice morning of just family time.  Then we started getting the yard ready for the party!  

Some friends who recently moved away gave us this amazing water slide, and it was the first time we had set it up!  Needless to say it was a hit!  Cary took a snooze in the swing (not always normal) while we set stuff up, and the girls occupied themselves with their ballet attire.  It was amazing!  

I frosted the cupcakes and the girls put the sprinkles on.  There was a small little melt down when daddy ran to the store to grab ice, but other than that the day was fabulous.

People started coming at 10am and the festivities were underway.  Noodle horses, lassos, bandanas, snacks, drinks, slides, playhouse and pool… the birthday girl had the time of her life!  We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful space to host parties, and we love when people can share in that too.  Here are some pics of the day:

Lily,

You are a gift from the Lord.  You are learning and growing each day, and it also seems you’re correcting and challenging me more these days as well.  It’s beautiful and sanctifying–for both of us!  You encourage me with your sweet cards, your drawings and your constant crafts.  You love people, especially the friends you know well.  You are caring and enjoy playing pretend.  Dad and I will continue to pray for God to reveal Himself to you as you grow older.  For now, you are learning all about Jesus’ life here on earth, his ministry, and how he calls us to treat others.  We are looking forward to another fun-filled year.  We love you sweet girl!

-Mom (& Dad)