Jesus – Page 3 – The Bless Your Heart Blog

Random Rambles

Today was one of those tough mom days where I didn’t really enjoy my job. Wryder is in a definite boundary testing phase…again. My apologies ahead of time to the wonderful sitter I have lined up for tomorrow. *ahem*

There just seemed to be an overload of disobedience and nasty tones (some of them mine, unfortunately)…unkind gestures and more housework than I could juggle. I just felt defeated come nap time.

We made it through the afternoon – praise the Lord for short sales and daddy’s who come home quick – and the evening ended decently well.

Sawyer is learning to read and doing a fantastic job! Our plan is to home school (for multiple reasons) and there are days when I wonder if that will ever work. Sawyer is an incredible student but we have a few little distractions running around…and I’ve never taught school before…and I don’t remember how to teach someone to read…and I’m not the most patient soul on the planet…and days like today, where it feels like we barely survive the normal daily activities, I wonder how I can add one more thing…and the thought of trying to teach Wryder to read…well…that’s just scary.

Some days I just wonder if I’m gonna be able to finish this mom thing and finish it well…

And then…Sawyer read new words she struggled with just this morning…and I came across a blog that was saying exactly what I was saying…and I learned of families fighting far bigger battles than ours…and my world got a little broader and my self-pity a little smaller.

I have no doubt that HE wants me to finish this mom thing and finish it well and thus He will encourage me and refresh me and renew me and strengthen me and grace me and give me the wisdom I need to do such a thing.

Bring it, Friday…

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The last two nights, Wrex and I have grabbed a blanket, killed the power to the mercury light and laid out on the trampoline to watch the meteor shower. The sky has been cloudless and our prairie view has allowed for an awesome window in which to watch.

I was thinking of how majestic the Lord truly is and how He blessed us through His creativity. I mean what if He chose not to make stars? What if the night sky was just black? What if instead of a blue sky during the day, He chose olive green instead? What if there were no such thing as animals or what if every human looked exactly the same? What if birds didn’t make sounds or what if food had no taste? What if…

His creation speaks of His wonder and goodness and glory…

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The other day, the kids had gone out to play and I had to change Sayble’s diaper before I went out with them. I got that done, grabbed my shoes and headed over towards the tree, right where they were playing when out of the corner of my eye, I saw an orange streak slither quickly in their direction.

It was a long, nasty garter snake and he was headed right towards them. I told them to move and then cornered him while Sawyer got me a shovel. (The only good snake is a dead snake around these parts)…

I chopped him up and threw him in the ditch…and then had the willies the rest of the day… But it was a good reminder of how the enemy is doing just that – heading for my kids. He’s on the prowl, folks. He’s real and he’s looking for someone to devour.

Pray for your kids! Cover them and intercede for them and demand satan to flee in the name of Jesus. You’ve got no authority here, you creep.

The snake. I know it doesn't look that big, but it was. *ahem* — The snake. I know it doesn’t look that big, but it was. *ahem*

Sawyer holding Sayble so I could do my thing... — Sawyer holding Sayble so I could do my thing…

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On a brighter note, I saw this the other day in Sterling…

It made me feel so at home. Only a few more days until the start of football season and I’m sure hoping for a mildly successful one to say the least. Now, to get Wrex agree to cable for the winter…

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I’m headed to a consult with the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. I hurt my foot/ankle/leg back in February and it’s gotten increasingly worse. I’m sure they’ll want to do an MRI and all of that (expensive) jazz. If you would join me in prayer that it could be healed without surgery, I’d much appreciate it.

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Praying your Friday is fun and that the presence of the Lord is thick with you this weekend. Praying that for me, too…

Sick

Today, I’m sick.

Sick of all the world has to offer…

Sick of slanted media…

Sick of immature adults…

Sick of unborn babies being thrown out like yesterday’s trash…

Sick of selfish, entitled people who can’t look past themselves to benefit someone else…

Sick of the heat…

Sick of people who have no respect for others…

Sick of joy being stolen at every turn…

Sick of black versus white…

Sick of people caring more about animals than humans…

Sick of all of satan’s tactics to steal, kill and destroy…

Sick of illness and death…

Just sick…

My soul has been singing this all day long…

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus…

You can have all this world, just give me Jesus…

Give me Jesus…

Thankful to Tears

Today is one of those days. My heart is so full and so empty, all at the same time. We’ve had two of the best days of the summer thanks to some beautiful friends who came to spend a few days with us. They left today and we’re all feeling so full of heart, yet so emotionally raw.

Sawyer broke down at the lunch table a bit ago crying because she missed them already. Through her tears, she said, “I just love them so much.” Well said, sugar. Well said.

The Lord has been so gracious to my family and has blessed us with some pretty fantastic people that we get to do this life with…

Our neighbors are special people. If I have to live in the-middle-of-nowhere Colorado, I am certainly glad they are here with me.

There’s not much that can warm my heart more than when someone dotes on or shows kindness to or gives gifts to my kids. When someone goes out of their way to compliment them or include them or speak life to them or protect them just as they would their own, that’s a special thing…and Gillian does just that.

This woman has shown me what it’s like to love other people’s kids.

Sawyer with Gillian (and friends) on her wedding day

I’ll easily admit, I haven’t been the greatest at that. Sometimes, other people’s kids are a bit hard to love, ya know what I mean? You know you do…. I’m getting better, because of people like her.

Any and every time I’ve needed her to watch the kids (or when they’ve just flat begged to go over) she has never made me feel like a burden, has always begged for them to come right back and always has fun things for them to do while they are there. She’s always got her eye on them and sends me pictures of their day. She hugs them and loves on them just as she does her own son. She is a safe (and fun) place for them and that alone is priceless to me.

She is beautiful – seriously beautiful – and kind and gracious and encouraging. I could talk to her for hours even though we usually only get minutes! She is one of our biggest treasures and one of my favorite friends.

Gillian, we are so thankful for you. Thank you for teaching my through your example how to love other people’s kids and to love them well….

This lady…

What in the world would I do without this lady?

She is a well of wisdom; deep abiding waters drenched in love with a knack for spilling it out at just the right time in just the right way. ***My phone dinged minutes ago with her checking in, asking me to be kind with myself.

She’s a momma to me. She’s stood beside me as I birthed all three of my babies and got to bless them in Jesus name as I recovered. She has listened to my scared and aching heart more times than I care to count. She has stood in the familial gap when there’s been no one on my side to stand with me. She is sensitive to the Holy Spirit and she acts and responds and speaks in His power and authority and I am blessed because of it.

She’s the one I get to send all of my silly baby videos to because I know she see’s the beauty I see. She’s the one I get to bounce ideas off of and get real, honest, loving feedback from. She’s the one that knows my struggles because it takes one to know one; we are cut from some of the same cloth, she and I. What an honor…

She has loved me like her own for 6+ years now…given of herself so selflessly…and healed some wounded areas in my heart by doing so.

Mom-a-la, you are a treasure. Thank the Lord for Wal-Mart and bright blue church t-shirts. My life wouldn’t be the same without you in it. Thank you for all you do for me and for being the best spiritual momma (and real momma) a girl could ever ask for.

And finally, my sweet friend, Roisin. She is breathtakingly beautiful, incredibly organized and efficient, unshakable in any way shape or form and is the most loving, doting, Godly mother I have ever met. She is the wife and mom I aspire to be.

She and the kids came and stayed with us for a couple of days (poor Mike had to work – we missed you!) and we had the best time! Hence my sappy heart today…

She and Mike are the epitome of Godly parents. They love the Lord and are constantly and consistently taking the pieces of their lives back to Him and His word and strive to live in obedience to Him…and the fruit of their labors is evident.

Her kids are so gentle and loving and encouraging, not only to each other, but to our kids as well. For the past two days, they have helped Wryder up and down the stairs…helped me change baby Sayble’s diapers…played all kinds of silliness with both kids…blessed Sawyer for her birthday…were so grateful and polite and easily entertained – these are the kinds of kids that are quite easy to love, by the way. 🙂

They are all of those things because she is all of those things. Her oldest daughter told me I needed a cape because I was super mom. If I need a cape, Roisin needs a cape AND a crown AND a ceptor…

She is a wife who honors her husband; she loves him and loves to spend time with him and takes joy in being his helpmate. She takes care of her home and always has it in such splendid order, despite the wildly creative fun the kids are always engaged in. She prays for her family and over her family and is very intentional about teaching them how to love and honor the Lord and each other. She is a devoted friend – quick to listen, quick to pray and quick to lend hand. She has loved me and my family from day one without any reservations or hesitations; she was just all in!

Someone once told me that she’s the woman who, if it weren’t for her overwhelmingly kind and gracious self, you’d just want to punch in the face for being so darn near perfect. It made me laugh because I agreed. 🙂

Sweet Roisin, you are such an inspiration to me. If I could do life half as graciously as you, I would consider myself wildly successful. Thank you for loving my family so wholly. We feel quite undeserving of your affection and your time but we are oh-so grateful for it. You and your family mean more to us than we could ever, ever fully put into words. Just know you are in our hearts. And? I’d never punch you in the face, just so we’re clear.

So thankful for these wonderful women. Thankful to tears. Sappy momma needs a nap…

Four Little Words

My husband has the privilege to work for a really neat company. (Neat doesn’t really do them justice, but if you could hear the warmth in my voice when I say that, you’d better understand.) They do a lot of things exceptionally well in my book, including the ways they use their time and resources.

They’ve always been big supporters of the local and regional homeless shelters and supply them with meat every week. Two weeks ago, under the organization of their fabrication floor manager, they took their efforts up a notch in order to connect with this community of people in a more personal way.

The employees at the plant teamed up with the regional homeless shelter and safe house and hosted a family fun day. They cooked out and fed everyone, as well as rented out the zoo and mini-golf park for a day of fun. How cool is that?!

The employees served in every capacity and got to just hang out and love on these people for an afternoon. It was one of those events where they came back (perhaps) more impacted than those they went to serve.

Packing plants can be dark places. It’s an industry with no “easy” jobs, a decent amount of turnover and the employee base can be made up of a rougher crowd of folks. This place is different; these people are doing their best to shine the light of Jesus inside the plant and out.

Wrex was telling me about a manager there named Roy. Roy holds Bible studies AT the plant and is really invested in the company, but especially his employees. In the past year, he’s led 10 people into a personal relationship with the Lord. He’s a mover and a shaker and he inspires people to be better and love harder and live more righteously and to change the world around them for His glory.

As Wrex was telling me about the event and about him, my heart was overcome with emotion. Through tears, I said, “I’ve always wanted to be one of THOSE people…” Haven’t you? What joy there is in doing the work of the Lord and making an impact on this generation and generations to come!

Before I could even finish my sentence proclaiming that I wasn’t, Sawyer immediately interjected with, “But you are, momma.”

As a doer myself, I often wonder if I’m doing enough. I have dreams and desires regarding the Kingdom of God and issues that pull at every ounce of my being. I see and hear of needs that I so desperately want to be a part of finding a solution for.

Sometimes it feels like needs are so much more pronounced and visible in bigger cities so it makes it easier to meet them there. That’s not always the case in small town America…though I know some of those same needs exist here, too.

And it’s not just responding to need. A Bible teacher once talked to us about responding to need vs. responding to the Holy Spirit. We could exhaust ourselves financially, emotionally, physically, etc. if we simply set out to meet every need we ever encountered; need knows no end! But when we respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit (give where He says to give, go where He says to go, etc,) we can better impact the world in His name, for His glory.

Sawyer’s sweet little interjection caught me completely off guard and in that moment, the Lord used her to get my attention. He spoke directly to my heart and told me there was always more room for good done in His name in this ole world…but He showed me that the person I was saying I wanted to be…I AM to my husband and kids.

And isn’t that where it has to start? In your heart and then your own home?? If I don’t love my husband or children well, how on earth can I love a friend, much less a stranger? If I don’t have a marriage that emulates what the word says a marriage should look like, how on earth can anyone take any other ministry I have seriously? If I can’t teach my children about the Father heart of God and the righteousness He desires from them, how on earth can I be effective elsewhere?

It was a good reminder that right now, this IS my primary ministry. Yes, there are things we’re called to do regardless of our position in life…care for the orphan, widow and alien…share the Good News…be kind and loving and joyful and gracious and merciful, etc. It’s great to dream big, Kingdom sized dreams…but don’t grow weary of doing good in your own home. You are impacting more people than you realize – for better or for worse – I guarantee it. Make sure it’s for the better.

It was so nice to be “seen” tonight by someone I love and trust and adore.

It was nice to have the lies of the enemy squelched just as they passed my ears, before they fully wreaked havoc on my head and my heart.

It was nice to be able to receive such awesome revelation in a moment when I needed it most.

It was nice to be ministered to from my own ministry.

“But you are, momma…”

Four simple words that have inspired me to keep fighting the good fight. She saw those things in me, because she’s been on the receiving end of what I’ve given away. She’s been inspired. She’s been encouraged to do better. She’s been the recipient of an unconditional love.

I’m thankful for the hubby’s job and company and even more grateful to have my job and ministry be one and the same. The ministry that is Wrex and Sawyer and Wryder and Sayble will, indeed, transform generations to come. Lord, help me to do this and do it well.

A Decade of Love

Several years ago, I did a study on covenant. To say it changed my life and the way I understood the Lord and His word is a COMPLETE understatement. It. was. AMAZING and completely fascinating. (It’s honestly, one of my favorite things to talk about EVER so if you have questions, let’s chat!)

Back in Biblical times, people would “cut a covenant” as a way of making a binding, holy, irrevocable contract. To cut a covenant, they would perform a covenant ceremony which you can read about (in the most succinct version I could find) here.

The closest thing we have in our day is marriage and the wedding ceremony. When we choose to marry our mate, we are choosing to create a blood covenant with them…an irrevocable, holy and binding agreement. We now share such a close relationship with each other that all we have or possess in this life is available to each upon demand.

Everything that is good that I have, you now have. You will benefit from my organization and my efficiency…my cooking and cleaning abilities…my heart for the widow and the orphan…my bold loyalty to those that I love and my fierce protectiveness of my family.

Everything that is good that you have, I now have. I will benefit from your patience and grace…your spirit of servant leadership…your easy exhortations and your adventurous nature.

Everything that is not so good – every weakness and every hardship – that I have, you now have. You and I will have to work through my spirit of abandonment and my ability to withdraw for fear of being hurt…my constant state of worry…my temper that can flare and my inability to understand (or work) anything that requires an engineer’s mind – yes, even the stinkin’ waterhose.

Everything that is not so good – every weakness and every hardship that you have, I now have. You and I will have to work through your inability to keep track of time and the way you can never effectively end a casual conversation so we (or whoever you’re talking to) can move on to something different….your wanton workaholic tendencies…your inability to put things away or keep the garage clean.

Every tool or ability I possess, you now possess. You are now an administrative whiz! You can juggle a plethora of tasks simultaneously and write, give and critique the spoken word with pleasure and authority. You can poof hair and change diapers and decorate on a dime.

Every tool or ability you possess, I now possess. I can now fix anything and everything…no really, anything and everything. I am proficient in plumbing, electricity, carpentry, welding. I can break horses and fit a steer and use the grill. I have incredible marksmanship and am as strong as an ox!

When we walk down the street, people should wonder if they’re seeing you or me. There should be no division in our beliefs or thoughts or ideas or desires or possessions or the way we view the world. We should be a solid unit of ONE because of the Lord’s ability to supernaturally commingle our lives. I’m identified as you and you are identified as me.

I am now a Phipps. I carry your name as a sign that I am in a covenant relationship with you. I no longer operate under my own authority, but yours. I take into account your opinion and your desires and I make every decision as this new unit of one. I am now you, and you are now me. I take on your personality and character and reputation and essence and authority. I care for you just as I care for myself because of our unity.

Ten years ago today we stood in this very spot, under that old pecan tree, and declared our undying love and commitment to each other. You have less hair, I have more body mass and together, we have three outlandishly beautiful children to show for it.

As much as I’d like to say that I did, I didn’t truly understand the weight and the beautiful severity of the vows I took on that day 10 years ago. I’m still learning what it truly means to be a wife and covenant partner. I’m still learning to die to myself and to live for the Lord and for our marriage and for our children – who, by the way, are the most perfect product of our love I could ever imagine.

But I’m getting it…and I’m vowing to make the next 10 years even better than the first…is that even possible?!

I am so thankful that you chose me. Our dating days weren’t perfect and our story could’ve ended in several different ways on several different days…praise HIM that this was the “ending” He had in mind and that we were obedient to that.

In all my days or wildest dreams, I couldn’t have dreamt up a better husband or partner or lover or teammate. You are the best man I know. I still can’t believe I get to wake up next to you every morning…

Loving you has been the easiest, most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Thanks for making my life, Wrex Phipps. Being your wife and the mother of your kids is an honor and a privilege; my soul is satisfied.

Just Waiting – With Some REALLY Excellent People

Today is Sayble’s due date! I suppose I have a few more hours of wishful thinking that she may join us outside of the womb, but I’m thinking today is probably not the day.

Three of us Phipps cousins were all due within two weeks of each other, me being due first (ahem) and they have all had their babies as of today. I can now say I’m FOR SURE next! 🙂

I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such amazing, loving, encouraging, Godly women in my life, but they have just showered me in prayers and messages of encouragement the past few days.

When I thought I was sliding down the slippery slope of “I can’t do this! I don’t want her to come out,” my sweet sister says, “You will be fine! You’re a pro at this!” My sister in the faith said, “I pray that your body begins to relax knowing that you were MADE to have this baby, CREATED to have her. Your body and heart will sync up beautifully!” I’m trying to live THERE.

A sweet friend was praying over my labor and upcoming induction and unprompted she said, “I was thinking earlier today that God has always been faithful especially regarding the birth of your babies and He will do it again! I just feel so confident in His plan for Sayble, too!” Wow. Who does that?!

My two (beautiful and uber-classy) aunts, the moms of both cousins who have now met there sweet little babes, have checked on me oh-so dutifully and both reached out to me today to encourage me and cheer me on! I can assure I’ve done nothing to receive such favor!

I’ve had friends send me scriptures and blog posts. Even my nail lady got in on the action and had researched labor-inducing pressure points for my feet when I went in yesterday to get my pedicure. Our mail lady stopped by today to see me one last time before baby was born and set up a time to bring us a meal and meet miss Sayble.

I tell ya, the Lord has blessed us with some of the most loving and generous people… I have just been in awe of His love for us because of the love of His people.

And so, we wait some more. I’m doing my last big house cleaning today and tomorrow we’re gonna run a few errands and have some fun with the kids. Sunday has already been reserved as a day of NOTHING…and I’m really looking forward to it. Unless…

Unless…she decides to grace us with her presence before induction. I’d be ok with that, too. 🙂

Pray for me if you think about it…for a safe, healthy, complication-free, easy, fast, natural birth! That’s not too much to ask for, is it?! I kinda giggled as I wrote that but I distinctly heard the Lord say, “Not for me…”

Let it be so.

Wryder Roo is Two!

Happy birthday, Wryder Roo! You’re two! TWO! Even though when we ask you these days, you tell us you’re six…ahem.

You are all boy – from the tip of your head to the bottoms of your feet. They stink. Really, they do. You have the stinkiest, sweatiest feet of anyone I know and I think it’s adorable. I must be your mother, huh? It just reminds me of just how all boy you really are.

Anything that makes noise or has wheels or involves mud or rocks or sticks or jumping off of something – you are all about it! You are very dexterous like your daddy and almost always have something in your hand. You love to put rocks in your “pot-tet” or carry around a stick or throw dirt…we’re still working on that one, aren’t we?

You love ANYTHING tractor (especially the green ones). Thankfully, the guys across the road are going to be planting alfalfa soon and have had to do a lot ground work in preparation for that. You’ve stood on the porch and watched them for hours already…you just wait til they start swathing and baling – I might never get you inside!

Watching intently as the neighbors work ground

You LOVE to eat. Even just the mention of the word snack or supper gets you to drop what you’re holding and run to your seat in the kitchen. We haven’t found too many things you won’t eat…in fact, I’m not sure I can think of a single one. You are definitely your “father’s son” (as Sawyer says) and you love meat and potatoes…and any sweet that gets put in front of you.

A birthday treat from our waitress yesterday... — A birthday treat from our waitress yesterday…

You seem to love the ladies, ahem, which we’re ok with. Daddy does a great job (and will continue to, no doubt) show you how to treat a woman according to Christ. Your extroversion serves you well in this department…as does your general charm and the ease at which you throw around your “I wuv yous.” Just do us a favor and be kind to ALL the girls, not just the young, tall, dark haired ones, ok??

Despite all that masculinity you have coursing through your veins, you are so good at showing love…

You love your family fiercely, which I adore. Your sissy is your best friend and daddy ranks a close second. I suppose I’m not really ever gone enough to test your allegiance, but I’m ok with that. 😉

Every time I hear your little voice say, “Momma hug. Momma kiss,” I just melt. I shall give you all the hugs and kisses you shall ever want…and probably quite a few you’d not.

Oh, I love him so... — Oh, I love him so…

Your laugh and zeal are SO contagious! You are easily excited by the things in your world that are so important to you…tractors and baby calves and monkeys and Booey and sissy and Bandit the cat and going to town and cowboy hats and birthdays and semi trucks and cookies…and it makes us excited, too!

You’re an emotional little guy. Change, especially abrupt change, is hard for you. We have to take our time to tell things “bye” or prepare for whatever comes next. I suppose you get that from your ~~type A, anal retentive~~ mother. Ahem.

You’re very persistent when it comes to…just about everything. We’ve discovered that the “just ignore him and he will stop asking/repeating/whining” thing doesn’t really work with you. It works best to nip it in the bud and attempt to move on. I have no doubts that this will serve you well in some (or many) arenas in your adult life one day.

Your whole existence has been a big change for me! You and Sawyer aren’t just a ton alike and that’s taken some getting used to. (See above paragraph regarding change. Ahem.) I feel like I’m finally getting in my boy groove…and it. is. good. You have added an element to our family that I didn’t even know was missing and man-oh-man, it has been so rewarding and fun…for all of us. We are better because of you, it’s true!

Ride a little pony... — Ride a little pony…

On your second birthday, we bless you in the name of Jesus! We bless your hands – that they would do the work of the Lord. We bless your feet – that they would carry you far from mischief. We speak to your future and call it blessed and we pray that the deep persistence that abides in you will be used to stand firm for the Lord as you further His kingdom. We pray that as you hunger and thirst in life, that your greatest ones will be for more of Him and His word and His presence. We bless you with a life that nurtures your boyish heart; one of adventure and excitement as you follow the Lord!

We love you so much, handsome! The Lord redeemed “tax day” when you were born!

Ready

I feel like I’m to the point that I am READY.

I’m ready to meet sweet Sayble.

I’m ready to labor and push and bring her outside of my body.

I’m ready to snuggle her and swaddle her and get to know her outside of the womb.

I was scared to death of the whole labor process with both Sawyer and Wryder and I don’t feel that way this time…and I pray I don’t pass that point of readiness.

I feel like I’m perched on the diving board and I’m READY to take that leap into the deep end…the house is cleaned and organized and bags are packed and the ‘big brother/big sister’ shirts are made and we have diapers and wipes and formula and bottles and the carseat is in the truck…but labor hasn’t commenced so I can’t take that leap just yet.

I don’t want the longer I wait to increase anxiety, because that happens sometimes doesn’t it? When you feel SOOOO ready and you just wanna jump in feet first but you have to wait and then the enemy starts whispering fears into your ears…general anxiety sets in…and you’re a blubbering mess. Don’t ask me how I know.

I would LOVE to go into labor on my own this time. I haven’t had that luxury with either kid prior…apparently my womb is quite comfy. 😉 I keep telling the Lord that He knows the desires of my heart, but I trust that He’s knows best as well. He has been so faithful this pregnancy, friends.

I had so many fears going into this one. My heart so longs to be obedient to Him and I wasn’t certain that He was ok with us having a third one. I was reminded that He views children as blessings…He wants us to fill our quivers! We have the means and the ability to create more warriors for the Kingdom and He would bless this addition. He is the giver of life so even despite our efforts, if Sayble wasn’t meant to be, she wouldn’t have been. But she IS.

Her story has looked different than the other two, but no less full of His goodness and grace. After watching momma’s go through tough pregnancies and walk beside some as they lost babies and after having a bout of pre-eclampsia the day I was induced with Wryder, I have been so scared that I wouldn’t make it with this one. I didn’t want her to be born early and spend time in the NICU in a different city…I didn’t want to be scared to death and have my life threatened with pre-e…I didn’t know how I would carry her to term when I already felt so huge…

But? We’ve made it…and none of that has come to pass. He has showed me that He is trustworthy…again and again and again… Lest we forget…

We go in for another checkup tomorrow…and until He’s ready for her to make her debut, we will wait expectantly for her arrival. I will savor these kicks and stretches and countless bathroom breaks and never-ending house cleanings and day dreams about her sweet face and the last happenings as a family of four.

Pray for our family in this time…that we would wait well and that we would savor these days together…that labor would come in His time and that all would be safe and well and healthy…that we would honor Him with our story of Sayble’s life…all of our lives…He is most worthy.

Maybe So

One of the many things that attracted me to my sweet hubby was his love for family and kids. That’s pretty darn attractive, let me tell ya.

1777_104784770334_974_n — With our sweet friend Jadia

I’m not just a huge kid person myself. I mean, I LOVE mine…and I like other well behaved, disciplined, polite children *ahem*…but he innately loves kiddos!

I distinctly remember a visit we had from some family friends about a month or so before Sawyer was born. We were still in Denver at the time and they were talking to him about working so much. They made a comment that that would probably change soon once this sweet little girl was wrapped around his finger.

He was kinda sheepish about the whole ordeal. I wouldn’t say he was trying to deny the fact that she would be wrapped around his finger…maybe he knew…

But maybe he didn’t quite know just how deep a daddy’s love for his little girl would really run.

Fast forward a month to her birth and he was so in love.

Baby Sawyer, a few days old…and one proud daddy

She slept with him the first night becaus her body temp was a little down and they wanted someone to snuggle her. I was exhausted and could barely take care of myself so he took over. Pretty sure that sealed the deal.

Fast forward nine more months and we were living on faith and our savings account as he searched for another career that allowed him more time with his family. I’ve got one amazing man…

May I just say, the words of our friends have come true, too? She’s definitely wrapped around his finger…in a good way, too.

There is no one she trusts more than her daddy. He is such a pillar of unwavering everything! He’s even tempered, he’s consistent, he’s faithful, he’s gracious, he’s merciful, he’s a man of his word…and he’s just plain fun.

I know how well and fully he loves me and I see how well he loves our children, too. He works so hard to go above and beyond to provide for us. He makes us a priority. He never treats us like we’re a burden. He teaches us and leads us. He gets us into adventurous mischief. He prays for us and over us. He takes time to do and talk about the things that are important to us. Like pink sorting sticks…

There’s a guy at the sale barn that uses a pink sorting paddle and Sawyer has had her eye on it for quite some time. She’s mentioned it to me before and yesterday was no different. Wrex saw her talking and pointing and I told him she wanted a pink sorting paddle like Mr. Kyle. He smiled and kinda giggled and I didn’t think much else about it.

We loaded up and went home and daddy finished buying cows and come home a little after supper. He called me outside to show me something…which usually involves feathers or fur *ahem*…but not this time.

He had gone to the vet clinic to grab some meds for some calves and he picked up a little something else…a pink sorting stick. I will forever have his face tattooed in my mind’s eye; it was another one of those sheepish looks that was oh so sweet. He knew it wasn’t anything she NEEDED. We have a green paddle and a couple of sorting sticks. He knew it wasn’t for a holiday or birthday…he just knew he loved his little girl and that the smile on her face would be well worth the potential “spoilage.”

He was right.

She was ECSTATIC. Wanted to sleep with it, even. She shoved her last two bites of supper in her mouth, threw on her boots and was headed to the barn.

She helped him “work calves” with it last night…

…and a few goats, too.

I don’t know what it was about that silly stick that got me so teary…but it did. Still am.

Maybe because I wasn’t expecting it myself.

Maybe because my parents would’ve done the same thing.

Maybe because it was so unlike his frugal character.

Maybe just because it showed oh so much love.

Maybe so…

Worth 1,000 Words: Our (Early) Easter Weekend

Oh my word, I’m behind. We’ve had a busy week already and it’s only Tuesday!

We did a little Easter celebration with the kiddos this past weekend. We’ll be in Nebraska with the grandparents over Easter and we’ll have LOTS going on there, too, so we wanted to go ahead and celebrate the resurrection as a family before we do it again with the rest of the fam!

Sawyer's Easter basket — Sawyer’s Easter basket

He even put them on his plate... — He even put them on his plate…

We did a little Easter egg hunting... — We did a little Easter egg hunting…

Someone, in their underwear. Girl can't handle the heat... — Someone, in their underwear. Girl can’t handle the heat…

Checkin' out their loot! — Checkin’ out their loot!

We were outside pretty much all weekend. We did some clean up and organization on Saturday and daddy’s been getting the lawn ready for spring. He had a good helper…

In her underwear...again. — In her underwear…again.

Mr. Rick came over on Saturday, too and gave the kids a ride on his new toy! Wryder was quite uncertain at first…

Sister was FIRED UP!

Wryder cried quite a bit but then the rest of the day, he kept saying, “Rick ride! Rick ride!” Silly boy. This girl had a ball! She almost refused to stay home with us, as she wanted to go work with Mr. Rick. We told her we’d set that up one day that was convenient for him. We’re blessed to have such wonderful neighbors!

By Sunday night, we were all pretty pooped…can ya tell?