Spring Crafts

Spring is in the air. Why not do a little bit of crafting?

The girls and I got together with our favorite twin sisters to make Sensory Bottles (sometimes called Discovery Bottles) over our Spring Break. This required a little planning for collecting the right items. Much supervision was needed considering the sorting of small objects but this was a really fun project. We attempted to sort by color but that goal got a little lost in toddler translation.

Here's what you need:

• Empty Water Bottles (I used VOSS water because the mouths are a little wider)
• Small objects (Pom-poms, paper clips, beads, tiny toys, etc.)
• Glue (optional but you could glue the lids on for added safety)

Then, under the inspiration of Aunt Anita, we put together some Resurrection Eggs.  Each egg has an item that tells a part of the Easter story.  I searched online for the list of items to find out there were so many variations. I chose the list that I thought I could collect the easiest. I had some sticker numbers in my craft box, therefore this craft cost me zero dollars. (An ironic contract to the cost Jesus paid for my sins.)

Eva loves these special eggs and it really is helping her remember the story Jesus's true sacrifice. As in, "The orange one is EMPTY because Jesus is ALIVE!!" As well as, "The cracker is because Jesus had Supper with his friends!"

We will definitely bring this out for future Easter seasons.

Being a Mom

Being a mom certainly makes me appreciate other moms out there... especially my own mom. Not just because Grandma is a great babysitter but because I now realize how much she sacrificed by being my mom.

Let's talk about how wonderful it is to have your life totally consumed by mini-humans. You do the cooking, the serving, the feeding, the shopping, the cleaning, the laundering, the bathing, the scheduling, the driving, the entertaining, the reading, and the teaching. To name a few of the job duties. These are all wonderful things to do. Wonderful, wonderful things. But they are time-consuming things.

How did my mom, or any mom--past, present, or future, have time to, I don't know, write a thank you note?!?? I barely have time to brush my teeth, so how do I put pen to paper in a thoughtful way to thank those who have been so helpful or giving to us? Well, I'll tell you... 1) It's by the grace of God and 2) It. Takes. Days. Several starts and stops during a period of days.

My tiny army

As a mom to this "tiny army that I created myself" (thank you, Jen Hatmaker, for that painfully accurate description), I have some daily decisions to make. During nap time, should I, a) clean up the whole house because uninterrupted cleaning, hello? b) take a shower because umm... I can't remember if it has been one day or two or three since I last showered? or c) also take a nap? Yup, also take a nap usually wins.

My mom has told me that when I was a little girl I did not take naps. I never thought about how challenging that could have been until now. She said sometimes she would lock us both in the bedroom and let me run around while she "napped" on the bed. A mom will always improvise.  I believe it. I would do it. I may have already done this.

What an absolute contrast to when they are awake

Scripture from Romans puts it all in perspective: "... we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit..." So these wonderful, time-consuming things that we do for the mini-humans in our life is really God's love poured out. Now, isn't that the truth?

The sunny view outside my kitchen door...

...compared to what awaits inside my kitchen.

Baptism and Birthday

What a lovely weekend to celebrate our children! 

We welcomed Audrey into God's family through Holy Baptism on Sunday. It was also Eva's birthday weekend. Plenty of reason for cake! 

Sara and Ross were able to be at the baptism as Audrey's godparents. Chip sent his love from San Francisco. We were happy to have family surround these little ladies. What a fantastic reminder of God's love for us! 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14

The Blessing of Waiting...

... while we wait for our little blessing. 

We are now past the point in pregnancy that we were with Eva. We really don't know what it is like to be 39 weeks, 3 days or beyond.  But we can rest easy because God has the date and time already picked out for Baby Girl Hallas #2. 

When we were waiting to become pregnant with Eva, I often had to remind myself that there IS blessing in waiting. In fact, if God gave us everything we wanted exactly when we wanted, we would miss out on so many blessings that our lives would be dull. 

Waiting allows us to be productive. 

Waiting allows us to be excited in anticipation.

Waiting often provides protection of our emotions. 

Waiting requires self-discipline. 

Waiting helps us mature. 

Waiting allows us to cling to our Sovereign Lord. 

I will use this current gift of waiting to practice patience. I want to see and appreciate all that the Lord has in store for us. If I choose not to be content with this waiting period, I might miss out on the true blessings. 

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

-2 Peter 3:9

First Day of BSF and 17 months

Today was an exciting day. It was the first day back to Bible Study. I switched to the day class so I could take Eva with me. Last Friday, I got a call from her teacher. She called to explain that I could bring her sippy cup, an extra diaper, and wanted to know if there was any comfort item Eva might need for the morning. So sweet. Eva doesn't really have any comfort items but I mentioned if she get fussy that singing songs always help.

I arrived a smidge early so we could find the room. This was to be our "first" real drop off. There was a little name tag for Eva outside the classroom that said "God Loves... EVA". Tears started to swell in my eyes. I couldn't help it. The emotion hit me.

Unfortunately, there was another early-comer child who was already crying. Eva was too sympathetic to let that not affect her. Her lip started to curl. I handed her to her teacher as her teacher said many kind words to reassure me that everything would be fine as Eva learned about the love of God. I assured the teacher that Eva would calm down soon (though I wasn't 100% sure).

As I walked away, Eva looked at me with a look of Are you really leaving me, Mom?

I found my way to the sanctuary for opening. I felt excited to learn about the Book of Revelation. It all starts and ends with God. It is fun to anticipate that so much of Revelation relates to Jesus (but what doesn't?). I learned that from Genesis 12 through Revelation is about God restoring the broken fellowship we have with Him through our sinful nature. What a beautiful thing. More tears.

Then, we prayed a prayer. The leader spoke clearly as I reached for more tissues, "... and we pray for the children to feel the love of Jesus. We pray for the moms and grandmas who may have not been ready to drop off their little ones... ." Bawling.

What an exciting day. Love this little 17 month old girl and all that God has in store for her.

Ready for the first day of BSF !!!!

Hi! I am 17 months old today.

A Call to Motherhood

I was overwhelmed by motherhood today. 

Ironically, it is my own mother's birthday today.  She is a great example of answering God's calling to be a mother. This is the article that helped me remember that today. 

Motherhood is A Calling

Words that I took to heart were that "Motherhood is not a hobby... It is not something you do if can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for. Lay down resentment about the dishes, about the laundry, about how no one knows how hard you work... cling to the cross."

My heart is full. I desire to show my daughter God's love through my marriage, my relationships, my actions, my words, my prayers and my heart. 

God is gracious. God is merciful. God is love. 

Baptism

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father 

and of the Son, 

and of the Holy Spirit." 

Matthew 28:19

What a beautiful Sunday we had to begin this week as Eva was baptized! She is now claimed as a child of God and her sin is forgiven. She begins her relationship with God and we are so excited to watch her grow more in love with Him. 

We had many loving, welcoming family and friends to share in this event. I was so busy enjoying this special day I did not get a good group photo of the loved ones, but we are thankful for each of them. All of Eva's grandparents and living great-grandparents were able to be there as she was welcomed into God's family. A few great-aunts and uncles with second cousins made the drive to Columbus.  Our dear friends, Stacie + kids, as well as Bob, Colleen and Kyle came to the share in the day. 

We love that Aunt Sara, Uncle Chip, and Uncle Ross agreed to be her sponsors by supporting her through prayer and teaching her about the Lord. 

On the way into church... no, that is not drool. It is a ribbon.

Sara, Ross, Daddy, and Mommy with newly baptized Eva.

Happy boy, Rhys, with tears still welled from Eva's apparent sin.
(She pinched him.)

Sleepy Eva with Grandpa Hallas

Blog Browsing

Ah, the interweb. Such a source of endless information and know-how. What would we do without it? After browsing this week/month, I thought I would share with you what has piqued my interest. I hope you enjoy some of the stuff that is out there as much as I did.

God is with us. We are NEVER alone... SheReadsTruth

Birth Stories that make you cry - in a "Praise God" kind of way... Hannah's Joyful Life

In a small house, there is just not a lot of room. Non-toy gift ideas for kids... Nourishing Minimalism

Math as an international symbol of unity. Thank you, Fields Medal... NYTimes

Editing photos online. For free.... PicMonkey

Because our tent will be getting some use this weekend. And I love s'mores... Say Yes

This should be tried: Roasted Tomato Feta Guac... Joy the Baker

Our current household issue: ants. Buying the Borax... WikiHow

In the 2nd month...

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter until the full light of day." 

- Proverbs 4:18

In the 2nd month...

...our love for Eva has deepened even more!

...She sleeps "through" the night pretty well -- usually sleeping from midnight to 6am without a feeding. She also sleeps whenever any of her grandparents are around. Example: Grandpa Dave and sleeping Eva below.

...She slept in her crib in her room for the first time the night of June 8th.

...After 7 weeks, our growing little girl has officially moved from newborn size clothes to 0-3 month size.

...Eva attended her first Central Crossing band concert - the Spring Fling. This was also Bob's last concert. 

...We've read Hippos Go Berserk, The story of Esther, Pout-Pout Fish, The story of Jonah, and Goodnight Moon (again). 

...Eva also sleeps through church which is great as a parent but not so great if she is trying to learn God's Word and worship Him. Example: She slept through Colleen and Matt's wedding mass.

...We've played skee-ball together.

...We've had a second visit with Uncle Chip as well as a second visit with great-Grandma & Grandpa Herman. 

...Eva makes eye contact with us and recognizes our voices. How special! 

...her baby noises are becoming more distinct. This girl wants to talk! 

...bath time is so much fun!

...Eva attended the Grandview Memorial Day parade. 

...and she went on her first "date" with Charlie. 

I'm 2 months old!

I'm 2 months old ... and love life!!

In the 1st month...

Amazing, awesome, miracle, delight, blessing -- these are all common words that have taken on new meaning and depth when we describe Eva. Our first month with her has has been all those things: amazing, awesome, miraculous, delightful and blessed.  AND also very pink!

In the 1st month...

...time has completely changed. Each moment spent with Eva is a major accomplishment and truly savored.

...she has had only 4 baths. Babies don't get too dirty, especially ones that don't spit up. 

...she has grown so much. I feel like you can literally see her grow- starting at 7lbs 4oz and now nearing 10lbs.

...she has enjoyed her first time at Winking Lizard, being a spectator at her first half marathon, her first stroller ride, and her first Clippers baseball game (in this too-cute-floppy hat). 

...baby noises have become commonplace and welcomed-- except for the world's loudest baby toot during prayers at church. 

...she has met Mommy, Daddy, Grandma C, Grandpa C, Grandma H, Grandpa H, Chip, Ross, Christin, Colleen, Laszlo (Colleen's dog), Stacie, Rhys, Pastor Steve, church family, BSF ladies, CSCC colleagues, neighbors, great-Grandma Herman, great-Grandma Herman, great-Aunt Anita, great-Uncle Stu, Gregory, great-Aunt Melanie, great-Uncle Mark, Kara, Leah, Bethany, Buddy the dog, and Fisher (through a window). Phew! Busy little girl. 

...she went from Newborn to Size 1 diapers in Week 3. 

...she has worn almost every newborn outfit once with hardly any repeats. (There are a few sleepers that I just love!) 

...we have read the Nose Book, Goodnight Moon, the story of Noah, the Going to Bed Book, and Jesus is Alive! 

...and Grandpa C read her the Wall Street Journal. 

...my chest went from non-functional to an all-you-can-eat buffet.  

...she took an expressed bottle from Daddy, twice!

...we have said prayers of thanksgiving for friends and family that sent well-wishes and gifts; ones that have oohed and aahed over the beauty of our child; ones that have offered to bring coffee, food, and a helping hand; and ones that have prayed for us. 

...her baby facial expressions are a varietal source of entertainment with over 1000 and counting. 

I'm 1 month old ... and wearing a bow. 

I'm 1 month old!!