Wednesday, April 30, 2008

SOOOO Dreamy!!

Much to her father's dismay, Jade is a big fan of this guy!

We had "Idol" on in the background last night.. as I was cleaning up the dinner mess, Matt was showering, and Jade was just kind of romping around before bath time. She was playing with her toys until Mr. Archie came on. Then she got into this little trance and stared at the TV the entire time he was singing!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Springtime is WONDERFUL!



These are from a few weeks ago... one of the first REALLY warm days here. It was just beautiful outside, and we had lots of fun taking pictures of Jade! (Well.. and her Aunt Krista for her "Senior Pics".)

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Where's Jade?

The other night, I was taking care of dishes; unloading the dishwasher, rinsing dirty dishes, and reloading. Jade was in her walker, really scooting around. She patted and slapped at the chairs and barstools. I looked up and over the bar and what did I see?


Monday, April 21, 2008

Children

I'm not quite sure where this might lead, but I have had some things burning on my heart lately..and just need an outlet! So, I'm going to pause on the "Mommy Ramblings"-about Jade at least- for a moment or two, and just pour my heart out.



Now, where to begin?



Can I just tell you how much it hurts when I read of all the child abuse that seems to be running rampant in our country/world? Not that my heart doesn't hurt for any other injustice or other evil acts, but my heart especially aches for the children. I get so angry. I cry. I want to scream, and I want to literally beat some sense into those who do those things to these kids. At the same time, I'm overwhelmed with compassion and just want to bear hug them. "For they know not what they do..." Not exactly the same thing, but something tells me these people just don't have a clue. For all the babies that aren't hugged or kissed enough. (I'm sure Jade wishes I would just stop kissing her sometimes and give her some breathing room from all the hugs.) For the small children who aren't praised for every little accomplishment... even if all they do is put on a t-shirt! For the older ones who aren't told I love you and you are special. My heart aches.

Children have always held a special place in my heart. Since having Jade, my heart is even more burdened for these kiddos.

One huge thing that is going on right now... the FLDS sect that has been raided, and the children shipped off. My heart is somewhat joyful that these sweet children/adolescents are out of the immenint danger of sexual abuse. And I say somewhat only because can you imagine what the mothers must be feeling? They are teaching their children their lifestyle and beliefs, and what they believe to be right... "train up a child in the way they should go"... and yet their children are snatched from their homes. May they come to know the sweet love and grace of my Perfect Savior.

Another "thing" that is going on, something I was completely oblivious to and probably not aware of: child trafficking. Sunday, I had the privilege of hearing a passionate Believer talk on the abolition of child slavery.. specifically on sex slavery. Can I even put into words the hurt my heart holds for these precious children who are subject to such vile acts? I would encourage you to go to www.love146.org and educate yourself on the subject. Oh how greatful I am that I was raised in a loving, nurturing and God-fearing home. I praise God that I led a somewhat "sheltered" life, and my eyes were shielded from things such as this.

I also encourage you to do what you can. For me, the first step is prayer.. taking it to the Almighty Healer... the Most Holy Sovreign One. Maybe one day.. maybe we could give our time to volunteer at an orginization. Maybe one day.. we will open our home to a child who just needs a loving embrace, and a pat on the back... who needs a family and a personal relationship with Jesus. Maybe..just maybe.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

I'm still here...

I think if my little blog had a soundtrack, the sound of distant, quiet crickets would fill the air right now.

Sorry its been forever since I've shared about the cutest baby girl in the whole entire world! Life has- and I mean my real life, not my geeky somewhat obsessive blog reading life- been a bit busy lately! (Jade got an ear infection, I got a funky eye infection, and Nana went on vacation...leaving me working from home full time while keeping up with "toots." We had so much fun, but of course missed the Nan'.)

Anyways.. all this to say, please stay tuned.. Adorable pictures and more ramblings to come very soon!

Thanks!