Warm Weather Weekend Fun

We have TOTALLY been taking advantage of the warmer weather happening here-and-there throughout the past week.
We have been doing lots of 'stroller-ing' around town. While there usually is TOO much going on to miss a moment of the action :), here is Xander having finally given in to his exhaustion after almost 2 hours of walking. Well..I guess I was the one doing the walking. Why is HE so tired?!?

After working at the hospital on Saturday (i.e. being trapped inside & unable to enjoy the sunshine of the day), Blake entered the house and announced, "We are going to the park. Load up! Let's go!" Here are a couple of shots of us enjoying a neighborhood park for the first time together.

What'ya doing over there? Can I come play?

Hmm...I just came down, how do I get back up? Like this?

Efficiency Levels: High, Medium, Low

I attended the Hearts At Home national conference for the first time last week. It was a refreshing day for me & provided plenty of teachings which I have been tossing about my mind the past few days.

In one of the workshops entitled, 'The Can Do Mom,' the speaker spoke of individuals having naturally different 'efficiency/capacity levels'. You see, in my usual black-and-white/all-or-nothing thinking, it seems that I have successfully convinced myself that God views ONLY individuals with high-efficiency levels as desireable, as acceptable workers for His glory. Therefore, throughout each season/role of life, I have consistently pushed myself to ACCOMPLISH more, LEARN more, DO more, BE more...

But the reality is this, on my very best days, I am (at most) a medium-efficiency person. If I attempt to tackle too much. If I create a ToDo list that is entirely too long. If I expect SUPERmom/wife results. The outcome? Let's just say...it is NOT pretty!

While Colassians 3:23 (NIV) instructs, "...whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men..." I am learning that the effort given & my heart-attitude is what brings glory to God, not ONLY the results (i.e. how much is accomplished).

So, if you are a high-efficiency person...You go, girl! And if you are a medium- or low-efficiency person...Keep on, keeping on! Together we can accomplish great things for His kingdom.

Product Review: K's Kids Doll

Only days after meeting Alexander, we discovered that he LOVES playing with dolls. I thought it would be sweet to get him a 'little friend' to play with. I wanted to find one with the following characteristics -- gender: boy and skin color: dark(er). I found JUST the buddy for my little buddy!

This K's Kids 'Michael' Doll is available from Target stores and available on-line via many sites (estimated cost = $10). The doll is made of hand-washable polyester (really soft & cuddly) and about 12-inches tall which is a great size for newborns to 36-months, the age range for which this product is recommended. The doll has tight curly hair & a sweet face. Other K's Kids dolls available include: Barbara, Julia, Wayne.

Xander loves to give his new friend hugs & kisses!

Time Marches On...

Tomorrow marks the 3-month 'anniversary' of Alexander's homecoming. WoW!

The days have been filled with JOY, with utter exhaustion, with big decisions & minor ones.

With loads of laundry, with frequent gag-inducing smells and seemingly endless clutter.

With applesauce, yogurt & string cheese.

With hours of music & books, books, books.

With giggles & funny faces. Snuggles & kisses.

My vocabulary has been reduced to the following phrases: No! Good boy! Come here. When's daddy coming home?!? Do you want to go to Grandma's? PLEASE listen to Mommy. You make me laugh! I love you!

I have learned SO much in the last 3 months...and have come to realize that I have SO much to learn about being a women who consistently brings glory to God. When I gaze into the eyes of our little boy, I am inspired to continue walking by His grace...one step at a time. May He see Jesus in me.

More 1st Birthday...

This past weekend we AGAIN celebrated Alexander's first birthday with a little grandparent's party. Since 'Mr. Monkey' has quickly become his favorite buddy the past several months, it was easy to choose a theme for the party.

Xander loved being the 'man of the hour' and soaked up all the lovin' from BOTH sets of grandparents.

I am quite certain he went to bed just a wee-bit overstimulated and on QUITE the sugar high :)

Here are a couple pics of the party, specifically the progression of his entry into the world of chocolate.

He began quite cautiously, not certain why all the cameras in the room had suddenly ZOOMED in expectantly...

Not bad, he decided. Not bad at all. If I dig in with both hands, I might be able to get even more of this gooey-ness into my mouth... Oh, yeah! This is DEFINITELY good stuff. I'd like this for every meal - yes, siree! Especially if I get to eat with my shirt off, too. Finger-licking goo-ood!

SIDEBAR: Last weekend as everyone was asking Alexander expectantly, "How old are you?" I panicked as I realized I have made a major 'mom faux pas' -- I had forgotten to teach my son how to hold up his finger indicating this age milestone! So...naturally this past week I drilled him every hour ON the hour (just kidding!), "How old is Xander? One!? NO. Not patty-cake. NO. Not 'So Big!' NO. Not 'Where is Momma's nose!' NO. Not that finger. This one. YEAH! Yes! Xander is one!" See picture to the left as evidence of the extensive training :)

Happy Birthday, Xander!

Our little man turned 1-year old this weekend. Well, kind of, considering his actual birthdate was not on the calendar :) He's brought SUCH joy to our lives in the past almost 3 months we've been together as a family. We are so VERY blessed. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corninthians 9:15)