Sunday, April 15, 2012

Happy Birthday Judy!

Tomorrow is my mom's birthday but we celebrated today. I love my mom. I always say that as the boys get older they'll always know that my parents are two of my best friends and two of the greatest people they will ever know.

My mom is special for lots of reasons but I think the thing most people walk away with after meeting her is a sense that they just encountered a very genuine, kind-hearted woman. She's a servant of the rarest kind, the type of person who doesn't think twice about putting others before herself. Always helpful. Always generous. She puts me to shame when it comes to being a mother and she could win awards in the grandmother department. She's one of those people who I feel that no matter how long I live, I will never be able to repay all her kindnesses to me. She's amazing.


Saturday, April 14, 2012

Shop at my Shop!

I'm dipping my big toe in the waters of selling my artwork online. Visit my "shop"! Let me draw something for you! You'll help pay for Jack and Moses' diapers :)



Click on the birdboxink shop link on the tab bar (above). 
Or click here if you're like me and have a hard time finding things.


Friday, April 13, 2012

Resolution Check-In

I wanted to give resolutions another shot this year after 2011's fell totally flat. This year's list was a bit more realistic (you can find it here) and I'm happy to say that I've made quite a bit of progress considering it's only April. I also seemed to pick goals that are happening naturally rather than as a result of major personal butt-kicking. Although I'm pretty sure personal butt-kicking is the point of a resolution. But whatever. Point is - I'M KICKING BUTT ON GETTIN' IT DONE! Here's the diggity deal:

1} I think I've definitely been more intentional in reaching out to different people and trying to be a blessing in their lives. I have serious social anxiety at times, so this is probably one of the more difficult resolutions I made and definitely the one that requires the most concerted effort. Um, did I just say that it takes concerted effort to be nice to people? That's not how I meant it. But seriously - I think I've been intentional in this area. I also started leading a small group with some young women at my church which is a big step for me. We're going to be reading Loving Your Husband by Cynthia Heald.  Based on the cover of the book it looks totally lame city but its a very solid study.

2} I was "cleared for exercise" just over a month ago (after having the baby) and I've been a little slow on the uptake. When I'm pregnant I'm always like "As soon as I'm allowed to exercise, I'm going to be out there sprinting with a 40 lb backpack on!" In actuality, I tend to use my free time for naps or eating - both tof which don't promote getting down to my pre-pregnancy weight. However, in the past several weeks I've been taking hour long walks with the boys (pushing what feels like a 40 lb double stroller) and doing some more intense workouts in the morning. All that said, I'm also trying to approach "getting in shape" with a healthy, no pressure mindset where its not about looking a certain way but being healthful.


3} This one is (sadly) probably the biggest challenge for me. I tend to read Scripture in small snippets (like a chapter here and there or a Psalm or two) rather than sitting down and reading a book of the Bible from beginning to end. I don't know whether its that I have a short attention span or am just lazy, but either way this is an area that needs improvement. Thank goodness God is still faithful to feed me in other ways - not that it gives me excuse to stop being in the Word!

4} I am so on the ball with this one. I've been drawing a lot more, taking pictures, making bunting for the boys room.... the creativity is just flowing these days. 

5} I'm doing well in this area too. I mean, I still have that horrendous closet to sort out (the one where everything is literally balancing on top of eachother from top to bottom with absolutely no order whatsoever) and a few other areas of the house that have unwanted-unused-unsightly items stuffed into their darker corners, but on a large scale I've simplified quite a bit. There's always room for improvement here, obviously.

So that's me. 
Did you make any resolutions for 2012? 
If so, how are you doing in the follow-through department?


Monday, April 9, 2012

Reese Turns 7

My nephew Reese turns 7 tomorrow (or today, depending on when you read this). Five things you should know about Reese:

  1. He loves his stuffed lion Judah. They are best friends.
  2. He's a bundle of energy and ideas.
  3. He's an amazing drummer (for a 7 year old).
  4. He loves food (no, but seriously. like to the point that he reads cook books).
  5. He likes reading the Calvin & Hobbes comic books.
Facts 1 and 5 helped me to create a personalized (free!) birthday gift for him that I'm really hoping he loves! I had about an hour's window to draw it (while the kids napped) which is why its not totally precise, but I'm still pretty happy with it.
click to enlarge

Baby News!

Nope, I'm not pregnant. Did you think I was?

Ha!

Last week our friends James and Danielle came over to take pictures for their baby announcement. So exciting! Tim and I both teared up when they first told us a few months ago and it was an honor to be a part of announcing it to the rest of the world. I love how these shots turned out! They came up with all the conceptual pieces (i.e. the fruit/chalkboard/wording) and I was flattered when they asked me to be the photographer! You can see how I repurposed that chalkboard here.




Sunday, April 8, 2012

When Love Sees You

He has a plan for all of us. What's holding you back from discovering His plan for you?



(the still shot on this video makes it looks as if its really cheesy/comedic. it's not. chills at 3:33)

He is Risen!


Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Barber Shop

Dear Jack,

Yesterday you had your third haircut (fourth really, but we won't count the time I cut it because it was more of a massacre). Nanny wanted to take you to the barber shop to get a trim.

When we got there, we definitely looked out of place because the average age in there was around 60. You sat on a little board across the chair and they put a giant apron over your clothes and you looked very stoic and solemn as the lady began her work. There was an old man getting his hair cut next to you and at times your chairs would face each other but neither of you said anything or even smiled, you just stared at each other. It was strange and cute at the same time. Sorry I didn't have my camera - this whole thing was a spur of the moment idea.

You seemed a little unsure of having to sit still while a razor buzzed in your ear (fair enough) so you kept saying "Done?" and wanting to get down. But we held your patience with the promise of a treat which I knew all along was a Dum Dum sucker and would have to be taken away as soon as we got in the car (choking hazard).  Nanny threw out the promise of a popsicle though and then you were ok.

Afterwards, you liked telling us that you got your hair cut and then you'd clap and yell "yay!" which was weird because no one else cheered about it. But hey, whatever floats your tiny boat. Here's a picture of you eating your popsicle after your hair cut. You were really pumped about it.




And that's the story of the time you went to the Barber Shop. 
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