Garden Update and Lunch with the Girls {120}

Dear Miss Dinah,

Well, baby, our garden is growing like...a garden! (And you are too, by the way) It's amazing what a little water and sunlight can do :)

One of our pumpkins.

Broccoli (foreground), Brussels Sprouts (background)

Hybrid Collards

 We went to eat lunch today with Dana. Her friend Sunny was in town. Sunny is from Korea originally, and is about to leave for Mongolia to teach English for two years. She told us the whole story about how she has come to do this, and it was very inspiring! The highlight of your lunch was getting to try some of the yummy chicken Dana cooked...and playing with your buddy General under the table.

He is so easy-going!

Let's be best friends!

Almost there...

Ok, ready! Let's go!

In other news, you are cutting a new tooth on the bottom, so you will be even again -- 4 top, 4 bottom =D


I love you.

Mamma <3

My Soul, Wait Thou {119}

Dear Miss Dinah,

Daddy and Mamma were talking the other day about the importance of what we choose to put before our eyes and ears each day. Daddy was saying that everything we hear and see, even just in our "leisure" time has an effect on our day. I couldn't agree more! It can affect what we do and how we think about the world and the people in it.

So what should we think about, look at, meditate on?

A few good ideas:

Things that are true.
Things that are honest.
Things that are just.
Things that are pure.
Things that are lovely.
Things that are of good report...

We started memorizing a scripture this morning. The first part of Psalm 62:5-8.

My soul, wait thou only upon God...

The psalmist talking to his own emotions, commanding them to be at peace, for the Lord is in control.

A Fly, a Dog, and a Pig {118}

Dear Miss Dinah,

During church meeting this morning, you and Mamma proceeded out to the foyer again, so that Mamma could listen, and you could run around simultaneously :)

For a while you kept busy chasing around a fly on the glass.

Nope, that's not a speck on the computer screen...look closely and you can see him just beneath the left tire of that car.

Other highlights of the day: Old MacDonald finger puppet book.

For some reason, the dog barking sort of puzzled you, and the pig oinking just cracked you up!

You have been doing a head-stand / tri-pod maneuver lately where you bend over and touch your head to the ground. 

This time you rolled out of it, ending here.

This afternoon we walked to the park to swing. While we were swinging we enjoyed the beautiful day, and I told you a little story. I told you the story about how God created everything that we were enjoying: all the trees, the plants, the birds, the butterflies...and very last...the first boy and girl in His very own image...

I love you,

Mamma <3

Sweet Saturday {117}

Dear Miss Dinah,

This morning we were at Granny's, helping with letters for a bake-sale fundraiser. Granny's selling pies, cookies, and cakes to help send cousin Caleb on a missions trip to Germany this summer. Since all her recipes were out, we browsed...

I came across this one that looked like Daddy's handwriting -- and cute misspellings :)

And of course, it looked like his tastes...

The number on the card indicates that he entered it in the fair at one point in time. And sure enough when I told him I'd found this recipe he said we need to make these winners as soon as possible!

You snacked on plums and danced while Granny sang to you. You were curious about Uncle Dan's ice-pack. He hurt his toe and was taking care of it. We stayed over all morning until it was time for us to come home and fix lunch.

 

This evening you were so very tired that you entered into the giddy giggles, which is always very fun. When I finally put you in bed, you were so tired in fact, that as I sang quietly to you, you kept standing up to be close to me, but falling back down...I walked out and you fell quickly into sleep. 

Just doing a little reading before bed.

I love you,

Mamma <3

Baby It's Windy Outside {116}

Dear Miss Dinah,

You are my windy baby!
You love that wind...

Your hair and facial expression can attest.

Running your race...

Run to win!

Don't quit! Haha.

Playing with our buddies at the park...

When they ran around, squealing, and hopping through the sprinklers...you did the sign for "more."

:)

I love you,

Mamma <3

A Rockin' Day {115}

Dear Miss Dinah,

There are so many many many reasons I love your Daddy. I will just mention a few today:

His sense of humor. He is an extremely quick wit. Last night I walked in the door from Zumba and he was finishing cooking dinner. He had you in his arms, and I asked, "So how's that working cooking with a baby on your hip?" He replied, "Easy!" trying to convince me it was easier with a baby than without. :)

His attitude. He chooses to laugh in any and every situation he can, instead of becoming worried, angry, or upset. He loves to be happy.

His creativity. I have never seen anyone make the kinds of things he has: wooden bathtubs and sinks, motorized bikes, a lamp from a baking pan and Christmas lights...

His humility. He will never know or believe how amazing I think that he is.

His heart. He is the most giving of his time to serve others than anyone I have EVER met (besides perhaps his mother).

His brain. Seriously, I don't know how he fits all that stuff in there. He said when he was young, he prayed for wisdom...he sure received that and knowledge.

His values. He loves God deeply and has a commitment to the truth. He can easily spot lies, and very clearly and simply communicates God's truth about any situation. 

Front yard, "rock garden" :)

Let the festivities begin: 

Daddy's birthday present. An air hockey table bought for $50 and fixed up!

Singing Happy Birthday, even Uncle Dan on the phone :)

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you!

and you too, baby ;)

Mamma <3

Biggest Fan {114}

Dear Miss Dinah,

Today we went out of town to watch the band perform one last time before they head off to Colorado late tonight.

We have had such a wonderful few days hosting them in the area, and getting to spend time with everyone in between gigs. It does not take long for hearts to become knit, hopefully we will get to visit soon.

Between Greg, Paul, Rob, Skylar and Jason, they have 17 children! So, they are used to being around little ones all the time. I imagine they miss their children a great deal when they are away. But they loved spending time with you as a stand in ;)  Jeff, Kelly and Brittany are not married yet, but they too are of course used to being around all the kiddos at the school.

UnNamed Servant's biggest fan :)

You also made a new friend...

A little boy of about the same age was at the bookstore today. You two gabbed back and forth. He offered you his chain link toy and you offered him Granny's bracelet. How sweet :)

It turned out that there was a pastor there of a small Spanish-speaking church in attendance who asked the guys if they might stay tonight and play at the park across the street. It is a great venue with a large stage and lots of seating. They agreed, so you, Mamma, and Granny went to run some errands and pick up some pizza so they could eat dinner before the show. You napped during this time, but woke up as we arrived back with the pizza. I nursed you and then you and I started home with Granny's car. Gampa was on his way up to meet Granny and attend the concert.

We said our goodbyes and headed out as they set up lights, subwoofers, and broke out the electric guitars :) I'm sure it was quite a concert!

I love you,

Mamma <3