On My Mind...

So I've kind of hit a wall this past week. The absence of quality sleep, constant discipline/management of a certain 3-year-old, lack of personal time in the Word, and just keeping up with life in general have kind of been getting to me since the birth of Graeden. This afternoon, I jumped at the chance to drive Josh's family to the airport, simply for an hour of peace and quiet on the drive home (we had an awesome visit, and of course, their company on the way there was great too!) But once I dropped them off and hit the road, I had kind of a panic moment. I desperately wanted the Lord to meet me in that car this afternoon, and yet I felt unprepared. I didn't have any great sermons along to listen to, or any powerful music to lead me to worship. What would I do? How would I make sure that my time was well-spent, getting "filled up"? And then I heard the gentle voice of my Savior, "Trust Me, daughter, to fill you up. You don't need to be "prepared." I know what you need, and I'm right here to provide it for you." And He did. He met me there. It was no coincidence that the first song to come on the radio shortly after I began my drive was Everlasting God, reminding me that though I may be weary, He will supply my strength. These familiar verses have never meant so much to me!

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth;
No one can measure the depths of His understanding;
He never grows weak or weary!

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless;
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men (and moms) will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

I'm pretty sure I got some looks from the drivers around me. Oh, don't mind me, people. I'm just the sleep deprived, emotional post-partum, crazy lady desperate for an hour to myself with tears streaming down my face and my hands in the air... errr... ummm...I mean on the wheel.

Pictures!

My amazingly-talented friend, Mandie, took these pictures of our family recently with our newest little addition. And though one of our childrens' behavior was...ammm...less-than-stellar, and the baggage under my eyes was rather glaring, she put up with us anyway and managed to get some great shots! What a gift she has given us.

Happy Turkey Day!

Some Snowy Day Cuteness

Eat Your Heart Out

Our Little Man

(a.k.a.)

Graeden

Grae

Grae Grae

G

Baby G

Lil' G

G Dog

Homey G

G Money

Observations

Recovering from a c-section... painful

Multiple nights with little sleep... tiring

The enlargement and filling of... umm... certain upper regional body parts... uncomfortable

Being at the beck and call of a needy little person (or 3)... exhausting

The feel and smell of a new baby in your arms... delightful

The doting of big sisters on a baby brother... heartwarming

Loving and appreciating the father of your children all over again... gratifying

Letting your house be a wreck and not caring (well, I'm trying)... freeing

Not wearing make-up, not doing your hair, and living in your jammies for days on end... priceless

Hello from the Hospital!

We're having a grand old time relaxing and caring for our baby boy! Well, I'm also recovering from major surgery, and there are a few things that simply cannot be described as grand... but am feeling good for the most part and am thankful to be recovering well so far. Graeden is a sweetie and we are cherishing this time of getting to know him. We're missing our girls, but are thankful for this rare opportunity for so much time with just him... it almost feels like our first baby again! (For those who didn't know, visitors under 18 are not allowed at the hospital due to the flu stuff going around this year.) We are planning to wheel me outside tomorrow morning to see the girls for a few minutes, then we'll be home as a family on Sunday. Thanks for all of your well wishes and prayers!