Thanks for the Kudos!

This morning, Jakob and I were sitting on the couch playing Memory on phone when he looked up at me and asked where Lily was.  I told him I had laid her down for her morning nap.  He politely patted my knee and said, "See mom, you are a good mother!"  Thanks, buddy.  I didn't know I was under question, but I'll take the compliment any day!  Good grief, I love this kid!

Sometimes...

...you just seem to find yourself in an unexplainable situation.  Word.

The Big One?

Yep.  I am turning thirty years old in a mere 30 minutes...1:21 am, to be exact!  Leading up to this day, I have really anticipated being very sad or solemn or whatever.  That, unfortunately, is just how I work.  You see, in my mind, I am still the 20 year old leading worship and playing Kookie Kickball at church camp all summer long in a much smaller jean size and with straighter teeth!  That's just how I see myself.  Now that the 'big one' is actually here, however, I am closer to the proud side of the spectrum and further from the dread side.  I am so blessed in my current state of being...saved by a perfect, sovereign God; loved by an incredible man who just happens to be my best friend; adored by these two beautiful little people who share my nose; handed a legacy of godliness from my parents who have become my true friends; befriended by a group of people who share in my life (the good, bad, and ugly) as we seek the Throne together; gifted with my honest-to-God dream job with the most glorious students and co-workers I could dream of; and challenged to surrender.  Wow.  I can promise you that the 20 year old in my mind thought nothing of these things.  She couldn't have even imagined what was ahead.  If she only knew, she would have hurried along because the ride only gets sweeter!  Although there is much that I wish were different about myself, tonight I am choosing to think about the things that have been molded and shaped over these years.  What a difference a decade makes!  Hopefully one day soon, I'll have time to think on and write about the things that I have learned in each of my three decades, (ouch.  okay that one did hurt a little!) but tonight isn't that time.  Nope.  Tonight is just me saying, "Thanks, Lord. How about a few more?" 

Yes, I know this was a TON of pictures, but I've been alive for THIRTY YEARS!!!  A lot has happened!

Wordless Almost Wednesday!

Y'all don't need captions, do you?!

Happy Easter! 

The 'Real' Meaning of Easter: Jakob Style!

I have been saving this story until this weekend...it melted my heart.  Jakob has become quite the eager learner and is starting to really understand how things work, why things work, and what things work together.  But, let's face it...he is still 3, and things can get a bit confused!  Jakob has learned his five senses and loves to point out whenever he is using one of those senses.  Love it!  A few weeks ago, my mom and dad were here on a quick visit, and my mom was telling Jakob the story of Easter.  In her telling she said, "Jesus came and died to take away our sins."  Jakob looked obviously concerned and quickly asked, "But, Nana, will Jesus give our senses back?!"  You're good to go, buddy.  You will still be able to smell, touch, see, hear, and taste but with a forgiven spirit!  Praise be to our God for His most gracious gift this Easter weekend!