Holidays

Christmas. This is one the the most wonderful times of the year (and not just because there is a song that says so). This is the time of year when people seem to smile a little bit easier, open their hearts a little bit more and give a little more freely. This is also the time of year we get the celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ together.

But Christmas is not the only holiday that is celebrated this time of year.

There is also Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Gracie has been learning about these holidays in school and has been telling me all about them. I am thrilled she is learning about different backgrounds and cultures. She knows what her family believes and has told us many times that she also believes Jesus is her King and the son of God. But she also seems very sensitive to other traditions and beliefs and I think that is a good thing.

But having said that she has been asking us a lot of questions about holidays. In these series of questions we have had to explain the differences in holidays and how other peoples beliefs are not the same as ours.

That's when she asked the question we were not expecting.

"Who's right mommy?" I had no idea what to say. So, I simply said "Let's ask daddy when he gets home." (I have discussed it with Jeff so he would be aware if the question came up again.)

Who is right? This has had me thinking lately. A part of me really wants to say that we are right as Christians but the other part of me doesn't want to say that because I want her to keep an open mind. I want her to be able to make her own decisions and respect the decisions of others. I want her to have relationships with other people of different cultures. This is how we learn, grow and reach understanding. And with understanding comes peace, which is what I want for my children.

Plus I had this image in my head of her telling a little Jewish girl at school that she was wrong and that we are right. The last thing I want is to start some kind of religious rivalry up at her school.

I think her curiosity is healthy and I am very glad she feels comfortable talking to us and asking us questions. I think curiosity leads to creativity. And I am very proud of my curious, and creative, little girl.

Tolerance

I have had so much on my mind lately. I don't know if its just this time of year or the seasons changing in my life. But I have been real mindful lately.

I feel like God is trying to teach me a lesson in tolerance. I have been noticing things and attitudes from family, friends, acquintances, even strangers that have had me thinking. Frankly I have been getting a little bit annoyed and I feel like I shouldn't be. I feel like these are many things and feelings I should just let go. But for some reason, I am having trouble doing that. I also feel like if I say anything or give any particular examples that I will be rude and I definitely don't want that.

So I think if God is teaching me a little bit about tolerance, I would appreciate more than just opportunities to be tolerant. (I know, careful what you wish for) I would like so methods on how to be tolerant and letting some of these feelings go. Completely turning them over to Him. I know by doing this I will me making more room for Him to fill up my life and be at peace. But sometimes that is a lot easier said than done.

So God please send a way for me to work through these feelings, thoughts and emotions as them come. Please help me to give them to you and not take them back. You have always handled things way better than I ever could. Thanks.

Thanksgiving

Lately I have had so many people ask me about my Thanksgiving menu.

"Do you have any creative ideas for Thanksgiving?"

"Is there a special glaze you use for the turkey?"

"What is a simple side dish I can put together fast?"

"I want to do traditional, yet creative..can you help?"

These are just a few of the questions I have heard over that last week. So I will post my Thanksgiving menu and if there is anything you would like the recipe to please just message me or email me. I am always happy to share.

However, I will tell you that my mom does most of the cooking. With my 2 little ones, it makes it difficult for me to cook the entire Thanksgiving meal myself. But that's one thing Thanksgiving is all about anyway, spending time with family.

So here is what we are having!

Turkey (of course): The turkey will be baked in the oven and basted. My mom usually handles this but if you have any questions just let me know.

Mashed potatoes with leeks served with brown turkey gravy. (The gravy will be made from turkey drippings from the oven)

Sweet potato casserole with puree brown butter and orange zest (This is a dish that was shared with us last year from Sabrina Dickson and it is absolutely delicious!)

Classic green bean casserole

Roasted brussel sprouts with garlic and thyme

Buttered rolls

Cranberry medley

Oyster or Sausage stuffing (This is something my mom makes but I am sure she would be happy to share the recipe)

And of course pies:

Pumpkin, Pecan, Banana Pudding, and Blueberry

There are several dishes we have made in the past that we are not making this year.

Corn casserole

Espresso Creme Brulee

Roasted potatoes and onions with garlic and rosemary

Pumpkin or Butternut Squash soup

We also prepare a few appetizers for people to snack on since we normally don't eat until around 230 or 3. So we have a relish dish out with olives, pickles and peppers. A meat and cheese tray is usually present and probably some deviled eggs. There are 2 different types of deviled eggs I make (and I am not including classic deviled eggs). I make Smoked salmon deviled eggs and I make loaded deviled eggs. Both are a huge success!

I hope some of this helps and I am flattered that people have come to me about their cooking needs.

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and I am looking forward to this holiday season. May God be with you!

Borrowing Faith

I saw a quote today that really inspired me. It was directed to a pastor who had moved from Michigan to Georgia to plant a new church. This pastor had become very discouraged with his new church community. The numbers were not what he was seeking and he had no desire to lead a small congregation.

After 3 years he went back to Michigan to seek guidance (and possibly a job) from his former pastor and original sponsor of the church planting endeavor.

His former pastor said to him "If you have lost faith, borrow mine." The pastor returned to Georgia and continued in his work at the church he had started. The congregation grew and today they have over 3400 members in that church. All because someone believed in him even though he did not believe in himself.

Have you every borrowed faith from someone? How many times? And why did you lose your faith in the first place?

I know for me....I usually lose faith in myself. I start to tell myself that I can't handle things or that I am weak. Then discouragement settles in and makes a nice home in my head. I try to take a stand and snap out of it but it doesn't always work. My self esteem usually hits bottom and I begin searching for a way up.

And that is when I start to see other people and their faith in me.

I hear others words and see their actions toward me. I look and notice how other people have faith and believe in me. So I take their faith and remember that until I gain my own back; which usually doesn't take very long. At least not anymore.

On the other hand, I continue to have faith in many other areas in my life. I have great faith in God and I know He has His hand in everything. He will always provide my needs.

I have great faith in my family and know that they will be there for me even if I can't be there for myself.

I have great faith in others around me. I know that the people I choose to associate with are made for great things. He has a plan and purpose for all of us and it is nothing we can't handle or accomplish without His help. There is no doubt in my mind that I will rise up when He calls my name to come home!

So I pray that my faith in me will continue to grow and become stronger, just as my faith in our God has grown and can not be broken!

And if you ever find yourself lost in faith, borrow mine.

Music

I love music! It is an amazing thing. It has the ability to move me in so many ways. Such a range of emotions I can experience by listening to just one song. Music has the uncanny ability to make me laugh, cry, remember, forget, think, give me strength or make me weak.

Lately I have been mostly listening to Christian contemporary. I love when I get in the car and listen to music I have never really heard before and I feel better about my day. Even after only listening to 2 songs on the radio. Or even better, I

know the song cause we sing it in church and

I can sing along! Now I am not the best singer but in my car I ROCK!

But what truly makes my heart smile is when I am in the car with Gracie and I hear "How Great is Our God" coming from the back seat. She may not know all the words to the song but she gets the most important part of the song out. She may not be able to carry a tune (bless her little heart) but to me she has the voice of an angel!

I just love music! And my little girl!

Life (or lack there of)

I have been hearing a lot of questions lately. Questions people have been asking about life, meaning and purpose. It has really made me think about what I am doing with my life and what I should be doing with my life. What is the purpose of my life? What is the cost of carrying out my purpose? Where do I go from here? What ideas and goals are purely mine and which ones are the ones God has planned for me?

The answer: I don't know. I don't know what my purpose for being here is. I don't know God's great plan for me. I don't know what all I am going to have to do to fulfill my purpose. I don't know what it's going to cost me.

I do know a little bit about who I am today. I am a wife and a mother of 2 beautiful children and I know God has given me that role to fill. He has trusted me with these lives; to care for and to watch over while I am here. I know there is a reason I went through the past that I did and I can only hope my past will allow me to do good with others. I know that God has gifted me with some many talents and abilities; although I don't believe I have discovered all of them yet.

I really feel right now that my life is kind of at a stand still. There are many paths to choose from and some of which I really want to take. Others I feel like I am going to be forced to take even though I don't want to do them. And yet I am not sure which way to go. I have all these dreams and goals I wish to accomplish but I don't know if that is what I am supposed to be doing with my life.

A part of me also feels like my life is not my own. I feel like I am so consumed with others around me and with their needs and schedules that somehow I am getting lost in the mix. And when I do try to take some time for me, I feel as if I am being selfish. And I know that is a horrible way to feel and that I do deserve some "me" time.

I think just overall I just really feel like I don't know where I am going. I know Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and He will show me the way. I know I need to be patient and open to His plan for me. But I have to admit, while I am being patient, I am starting to feel a little bit alone.

This is going to sound very strange but I kind of feel like Woody from Toy Story 2. (Probably because Gracie has been watching it alot). There is a part in the beginning of the movie when Woody's arm is ripped and Andy's mom places Woody up on the shelf. He is placed there so that he can be mended later.

When the other toys try to talk to him, Woody just curls up and shuts them out. Probably thinking that the other toys won't understand what he is feeling and going through.

That's really how I kind of feel. I am broken and torn. God has placed me on a shelf and will tend to me in His time. Even though that's how it should be, I still feel like I am alone and that others won't understand. (Either that or I need to lay off the Disney movies for a while).

So here I am, up on my shelf and waiting for God to use me as He sees fit. I will continue to go through the motions of my day and keep my heart and mind open to Him. And if I am anything like Woody, not only will I be saved but I will get the opportunity to help save others!

Matthew 5:9

"Blessed are the peacemakers." Matthew 5:9

I have been hearing this scripture a lot lately. Mostly because of the new ministry at church called Celebrate Recovery. But it has also been popping up in other places.

Lately I have been reading (when I get a chance) a book called 'Staying Positive in a Negative World: Attitudes that Enhance to Joy of Living' by Roger Campbell. So far, a pretty good book. There are a few things I would not agree with but overall good.

Chapter 6 is titled "Look for the best in others". At the end of the chapter he brings up scripture Matthew 5:9 and he asks the question "What does a peacemaker do?" He follows up with this answer:

"He forgets the gossip that he hears about others.

When the faults of his friend becomes the topic of discussion, he manuevers the conversation to another subject.

When he hears something negative about another, he doesn't feel its his duty to report what was said.

When he is approached by one of two of opposing odds, he refuses to let his ear become a dumping ground for criticism.

When he hears a complimentary comment about someone, he is eager to pass the good word along.

He is will to mediate between those who are in disagreement.

He understands about the weaknesses of all people but doesn't major on them.

He has learned to bridle his tongue (James 1:26)

He is swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19)"

I love this list of characteristics he gives to describe a peacemaker. Do you hold any of the characteristics?

The one that really stood out to me the most was 'When he hears a complimentary comment about someone, he is eager to pass the good word along.' That stuck out to me cause I do that. I love to do that. In fact, the person who taught me to do that is my cousin. (Thanks Jessica!) She mentioned a comment to me one day that she overheard her sisters say about me. She heard them say "Jill is really pretty!" and Jessica decided to tell me that. She said she tries to always make it a point to tell people when she hears a comment about them. And I thought 'What a great idea!' So since then, I have tried to make it a point to tell people when I hear compliments about them.

It never occurred to me, however, that this was a form a peacemaking. But it makes absolute sense. When I pass along those comments to the other person, both of us feel blessed. They feel blessed from the compliment and I feel blessed because I was able to put a smile on their face. It is also a blessing for the original person who gave the compliment because gratitude will more likely be shown upon them when they are seen again by that person. Three people being blessed in one swoop. How amazing and awesome is that?!? Spreading good news causes good feelings! Incredible!

Now if we could get the media to be more on board with spreading more positive then negative, we might start to see some radical changes! :)

Books and Patience

I, for the longest time, was not a reader. I didn't like to read. In fact, most of the time when I read a book it made me feel dumb and slow. My mind would always wonder and the books could not keep my attention.

As an adult I have come to enjoy reading a little bit more. Probably because I get to pick what I want to read now. The problem I have now is the time to read. But I am learning to manage my time for me a little bit better.

I just finished (today in fact) a book my cousin gave to me called 'Redeeming Love' by Francis Rivers. This is an amazing book. It is a christian/inspirational love story about a girl who overcomes her horrid past and how God's love and grace can truly be forgiving. The book is based off of the story of Hosea and Gomer in the bible.

When I first started reading this book I really didn't want to go any further than the prologue. It was very depressing and sad to read about this little girl and all the pain she was going through. I contacted my cousin and asked why on earth she would give me such a horrible book. She told me to just keep reading and I did. And I am so glad I did.

I can relate so much to this woman in the book. Granted my childhood was no where near the tragedy of hers but many things that happened to her has also happened to me. So I completely understand her emotions and anger and her desire to keep them tucked away inside.

The ending of the book, however, is what really hit home with me today.

If you have been reading my blog you know that I have been trying to realize what I am supposed to be doing with my life. Which direction should I take.

At the end of the book this woman is based with the same problem. Not knowing where to go, she finally turns to God. (Which my previous blog explains how I just did the same thing.) And then she was patient and waited for an answer. And God presented the opportunity.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

I don't know why but it just hit me after reading this book. I swear it was like he whispered that in my ear right when I closed the book.

So I made the decision to give into Him and be patient. (Oh my mother would be thrilled!) I realize there are probably many things that have to fall into places in order for God to present me my opportunity. And just like everything else, those things take time.

So thank you to my sweet cousin for passing this book along to me. You knew more than I how much I needed it!

Decisions

I have been having some trouble lately making up my mind on what I really want to do with my life. The problem is there are so many things I would love to do and that I really enjoy doing. Jeff and I have been bouncing ideas off of each other now for about a year. I still have not come to a decision.

Yesterday I took the step in finally asking God what I am supposed to be doing with my life. Which direction am I supposed to go in? I asked him if he could even politely smack me in the face with it so I would know what He wants. Yep, I asked God to smack me in the face!

They one definite thing I know for sure is I want to help people. I have always enjoyed serving and giving to others. I am just not sure how I am supposed to help people.

So, I don't think he has answered me yet. He is still trying to get me to be patient and I have been resistant. So I would imagine He will continue His teachings before He gives me an answer. That's all right with me. Let His will be done!

Jesus Loves Me

I have been thinking lately that I can be very judgmental. Yes, its true! It is a characteristic about me that I really don't like. I am either quick to judge certain people and I am quick to think they are judging me. Or this could be how I justify judging people.

But as I have been working on this and participating in discussions, such as our small group at church, it is becoming more and more clear that Jesus loves me and you the same. Regardless of our flaws, defects, hurts, hang ups, habits and brokenness. He loves us for exactly the way that we are.

Now, having said that, that doesn't mean it is an excuse or reason to be judgmental. This is the part I am focusing on right now. It simply means that Jesus loves us and wants us to seek Him for His help in overcoming our defects. Through Christ, all things are possible. Even overcoming difficult character defects.

I am focusing on judgment right now cause it seems to be the one thing that keeps coming up. I have realized that sometimes I am not even aware I am being judgmental until after the fact. Because sometimes it can come across as teasing or even joking.

Now it's one thing to be picking on yourself a little bit but its a completely different story all together when you are doing it about someone you may not even know and/or without their knowledge. And it's sad that this is the easiest form of judging and the person can't even defend themselves because they may not even be aware it is happening.

I used to be paranoid about people judging me. I seriously thought that when I walked by and I saw people whispering or laughing that they were talking and laughing about me. Selfish thinking, maybe and with time I have overcome that fear. I also know now that I had that fear because that's exactly what I did to other people. So I just naturally assumed they were doing that to me.

So, now I am a little more aware of my thoughts and actions. I do ask for forgiveness when a thought creeps in and I immediately look for something in the person that is positive. Even if it just the color they are wearing looks great on them. And I try to focus on that.

Anyway, so pray for progress. Because that's all we are anyway....a work in progress!

Celebrate Recovery

So next week (Sept 30th) our church will be launching a new ministry called Celebrate Recovery. We will be meeting at the Quest facilities every thursday night starting at 7pm. I will be helping lead the group in this ministry and I am so excited about this. This is a great way to show people how God truly does love us all, even though we are broken. He loves us, even though we sin. He loves us through all of our hurts, hang ups, and habits.

I know there is a reason I went through some of the pains and disappointments. I know there is a reason God kept me on this earth and saved me from death. I do not fully understand the reasoning and I am still learning to know my true purpose for why I am still here.

But I do know that I can use my past events and struggles to help someone with theirs today. I know that I didn't go through what I did so that it could just be brushed aside and never spoken of or thought about again. But they can be used as a tool to show God's awesome love and grace.

Father I thank you so much for the many blessings that I have in my life. There were so many times You could have given up on me and You did not. I am so thankful for that.

I am so grateful for this opportunity in being a leader for this upcoming ministry and for being at a place in my life where I can be a leader.

I pray that people will be open to this new ministry. I hope that when they come in they will be willing to let the walls down. May they open their ears and hearts. May they feel a sense of welcome and community.

I pray that we can be open enough to allow You to work and speak through us. I hope that we can say the words someone needs to hear and be the example that someone needs to see.

Please give us the strength and courage to be honest and open with the people that will be coming into this ministry. Help us to all understand that this will be a time of celebrating each other and the love that You have for us; regardless of our flaws and imperfections.

Scoops 'n' Beans

So Jeff and I have been trying to decide if we want to pursue establishing our own traditional business. We are discussing the possibility of opening our own coffee and ice cream shop. We would probably do this in the neighborhood we are in right now.

Along with serving coffee and ice cream we would also have a small menu of salads, sandwiches, soups, and of course pastries. (It wouldn't be a coffee shop without pastries!)

We are just in the preliminary stages right now. We will be going to talk with the city and the small business administration to get more info. But we would love some feedback.

So please, what are your thoughts?

Faith

I have been reading a lot lately about faith. Many of the bible verses that have been coming into my head are about this subject. I think this is God's way of trying to tell me something.

Now I have a tendency to think I have a great deal of faith but I have noticed (recently) that this is usually when things in my life are getting hectic and stressful. I know during these times God is there by my side, faithfully helping and teaching me every step of the way.

However, when things are calm and collected and everyone is well and happy, I have noticed I don't pay much attention to God then.

Don't get me wrong, I know he is always there. But I think I take the 'good times' for granted; not realizing I still need to have the faith in Him that he will continue to deliver on His promises and see those promises through.

So I think it is time to 'flex my spiritual muscles'. I need to remember to carry my faith with me in everything I do with my life and in every situation that arises. Regardless of the situations in my life, even the good ones, God will always rise to the occasion and will continue to be faithful. So I need to remain faithful as well.

There is a very short poem that I read recently that did help put things into some perspective.
The poem is called "To Walk By Faith" by Wava Campbell.

To walk by faith is such a great adventure;

It thills the spirit every passing day;

To see God's hand, to know whatever happens,

He understands and He will lead the way.

To walk by sight is something very tragic;

It makes the spirit droop, the heart grow cold.

It makes the Christian plan and fume and fumble;

It makes his body feel so tired and old.

Just how to walk life's road is our decision.

God leaves the choice with us and us alone.

But if we choose to walk by sight, we'll see not.

By faith His will is seen and felt and known.

Random Act of Kindness

Today as I was headed to Fresh Market after picking Gracie from school I witnessed a great random act of kindness between strangers.
Washington Rd was backed up with the lunch hour traffic. (Anyone who lives in Augusta knows what Washington Rd can be like.) A man in a early 90s Toyota Corolla was broke down in the center lane. I could tell he was having a very hard time moving his vehicle by himself. On the other side of Washington Rd came a police officer. The man waved his hand to signal the cop and the cop (who are supposed to SERVE and protect) kept driving. I was appalled by this. I was about to pull over when 3 other men pulled over to help the gentleman. One man was in his work vehicle (probably on his lunch break) and the other 2 men were in a Mercedes.
As I slowly made my way passed the broken down car with 4 men pushing it into a parking lot, I saw the look on the man's face. He was so grateful.
I was so happy to see people out there still helping people. I think sometimes we get so caught up in our own little worlds that we forget about others. We become selfish.
So thank you to the 3 men who helped that man with his car. It was a great reminder of how we are supposed to be here for one another!

There are some things I just don't understand.

So lately Gracie has been having some separation anxiety. She didn't have this when she was an infant so I guess she is making up for it now. I do understand that kids get this anxiety and that is something I can deal with. I remember when I was younger I had some abandonment issues. I was convinced my mom was going to leave me at the grocery store. Why? I have no idea. As far as I know I was never left anywhere. But I can understand this fear and how it is natural.

Here's what I don't understand.....

She will be telling me how excited she is about going to go do something. How she loves to go to Miss Nan's class at church and play with Jackson and sing songs. She loves to go to gymnastics and tumble on the mat and hop like a bunny. She love to twirl and dance in the mirror at dance class. These are all her words by the way.

Now when we get to where we are going...she begins to panic. She tells me she doesn't want to go and that she wants to go home! And she will scream this...just in case I didn't hear her! Then she will begin to say..."but I love you mommy!"

I really don't get all the mixed signals.

And apparently it is all for me! When Jeff takes her places she has no problem leaving daddy and going to do her thing.

So if someone could explain this to me or give me tips on how to deal with this.....I would much appreciate it!

Cardboard Testimony

On August 1st I participated (along with many other people) in a sermon called Cardboard Testimonies. It was very powerful. On a piece of cardboard I am placed a few words of what my life used to be like (above) and what my life is like today(below). It is amazing how just a few words can say so much about a person. What is your cardboard testimony?

Dreams, Goals and Attitudes

This is a vehicle I will own one day (and very soon). A Nissan Armada. I love this car! I went and test drove one not that long ago. I love how it is roomy and has tons of space in the back for storage. It was so nice and smooth to drive and I love to drive!

This is just one thing that is on my dream list. Do you have a dream list?

My dream list consist of things or actions that I want and that I am working towards to acheive. I am doing this by keeping my attitude positive and steady. I am also accomplishing goals that I sent in order to allow these dreams to come true. And they will come true.

Another thing on my dream list is having a maid come to my house at least once a month. I don't want to spend my time cleaning toilets, scrubbing floors, washing windows, etc. I want to spend my time doing things that I enjoy.

I also want a spa day once a month. I think every woman at least deserves this much. I want my muscles relaxed, my face clear and my nails polished! This is also something that will be a lot of fun when Gracie gets older and we can go together.

There are things, however, that I want to do that aren't for me. I would love to be able to rent a semi truck and fill it with food for the local food banks. And I want to do this in June when people are not donating. Everyone gives at Christmas time, if they are going to give at all. So I would prefer to give at a time of year when the food banks really need it.

I would also like to fill of truck full of school supplies for children who really need it. I know back to school shopping can be a real drag for some parents because of finances. I would love to be able to help those kids out in August. Every child should have all the schools supplies they need to help them with their education.

I would also like to start a scholarship program for youth to help them with the college funds. Too many youth can not go get further education because their families can not afford it. School loans are just outrageous. Lack of funds is not a good reason to not attend college. I would love to help with that.

Our church sponsors children every year at Christmas time so local kids can have a better Christmas. I would love to be able to go to John (our pastor) and tell him not worry about any child that wants a bike. Just let me know how many bikes you need and Jeff and I will take care of it. This would just make me so happy!

These are just some of the dreams I have. I have even posted pictures on my fridge of these things to help me keep them in the fore front of my mind. These dreams will come true and I very much look forward to that day!

Belize

My church, Quest United Methodist, will be starting some mission trips to Belize. We will be ministering to the communities through helping build schools, homes and churches. We will also be helping communities with medical needs. This is truly exciting time and I am very anxious to see how God is going to use us down in Belize.

I was very fortunate to give a presentation today at the church about the culture of Belize. Belize has been on my list of places I want to go and see before I die. With my passion for cultures you can imagine how excited I was to be able to do research and present my findings. I found so much useful information that I found myself not knowing where to begin. The only thing I was nervous about was giving too much information.

There was so much information about the history of the Maya people and all the immigrations that have taken place over time. With the Mayans, the Spaniards, the British, the Africans and the Caribs all finding a home in Belize it's no wonder the histories were full of richness, drama, and tragedy. After reading many articles, facts and statistics I have moved Belize up in my list of places to go.

I am bummed I will not be able to go in November with the church. Financially we are just not able to do the trip this year. We are hoping to go in April. I am still working out the child care situation. But I will continue to pray and I know when God feels that it is our turn to go, then will be able to go and serve in His name. Until then I will just continue to do any research that is required (or just for fun) and help in any other way that I can from Augusta, GA.

My Bubba is 5 months

I can't believe it was 5 months ago today that I had a baby. Time sure is flying by so fast with Bubba. I know after I had Gracie, that first year seemed to really drag on. I was so tired and exhausted all the time. I can tell with Bubba I am more relaxed. And it helps we are not packing up a house and moving across the country.

Bubba is such a happy baby. He is a good eater, in fact he is the only baby I have been around that doesn't really make a mess when he eats. He makes sure to get every bite in his mouth.

He is rolling around all the over the place and he is getting very good at grabbing objects. Of course everything is going right in the mouth. With the way he is progressing he is probably going to be crawling very soon.

I have so much fun watching Gracie and Bubba together. She is such a great big sister to him and he definitely looks up her already. He just watches her go all the way around the room. He really seems to focus on what she is doing and she loves to make him giggle. She is also a big help when it comes to looking for pacifiers and going to get me a blanket for him. But she does get frustrated when I hold him too much or if he goes to sleep and she still wants to play with him. But the day will come, very soon, where that frustration will change to him getting into her stuff and taking toys away from her. But for now I will just enjoy the precious moments of them laughing at each other and wanting to be there for one another.

"Watch me Mommy"

This is a phrase I hear at least 20 times a day. Gracie, my 3 year old, is always coming up with the littlest things to do to get my attention and usually to make me laugh. She thinks she is very creative by making a funny little face or putting a purse on head and calling it a hat. And yes it makes me laugh every time.

But I will admit that it does get a little frustrating (and annoying) to hear "Mommy watch me!" 20 times in 60 seconds. Of course I try very hard not to show I am frustrated or annoyed with her. For she is just being her sweet little self.

Today, however, it made me realize that she is actually trying to do me a favor. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own things; cleaning, errands, phone calls, cooking etc. that I don't take the time to just stop and appreciate the small things in my life. I can get so focused on one thing that it's difficult to see other things going on around me. Gracie is helping me to remember to stop and enjoy those smiles and giggles, little hugs and kisses, little moments of silliness and playfulness.

I am so very grateful to have this sweet little girl in my life. I have often prayed to God to give me some patience, willingness and understanding. To help me slow down and understand that not everything has to be done in one day. He heard me and sent me an angel named Gracie.