Sunday night I just wasn't up for going to church. I simply didn't have time. I was weary of all the tasks before me. Sad, I know.

I had gotten into Multi-Tasking Dragon Lady Who Has A 1st grader With a Week's Worth of Catch Up Work to Do Plus a Baby Who is Teething and Not Sleeping and Sandy Laundry from a Week at the Beach Taking Over My Laundry Area...Mode. (even sadder that after a nice week at the beach, i was complaining about laundry.)

I can't relax when I have those things hanging over my head. While I'm beyond grateful for each of the little stinkers that makes the laundry pile up, I often let it rob me of my joy. So, I waffled back and forth...should I stay and catch up or go? Jamie encouraged me to go so we could all worship together.

The second song we sang was one of my favorites from the Gadsby Hymnal~Will the Lord Indeed Appear. Our church musicians have taken beautiful hymns from the 17 and 1800's and created new arrangements for them that I am convinced rival the angels in heaven in melody. The music is just amazing and always brings me around.

I realized I had basically [again!] failed to acknowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who is ready and waiting to be my Help.

William Gadsby may not have been facing a to do list a mile long or 3 children who need loving well...in fact he may have had much more daunting things to face when he wrote this song. Nonetheless, it spoke to my heart when we sang it and I was glad my husband had encouraged me to leave it and go. Not only was it sweet to sing these songs of praise, I got to fellowship w/ the Body and some people I really love.

What am I, and where am I?
Strange myself and paths appear;
Scarce can lift a thought on high,
Or drop one heart feeling tear.

Yet I feel I'm not at home,
but know not which way to move:
Lest I farther yet should roam
From my blessed love.

Some small glimmering light I have,
Yet too dark to see my way;
Jesus' presence still I crave;
When, O when will it be day?

Is the evening time at hand?
Will it then indeed be light?
Will the sun its beams extend,
To chase away the night?

Will the Lord indeed appear,
Give me light and joy and rest,
Drive away my gloomy fear.
Draw me to his lovely breast?

Then his love is rich and free;
Jesus, let me feel its power,
And my soul will cling to thee,
Love and praise thee and adore.

*and, by the way, if you have never heard the music of Red Mountain Church, do yourself a favor and go download some at itunes. i'll be glad to share my favorites with you :)

i can't resist...

Like my fellow bridesmaid friend, the lovely Ms. Hannah, I cannot resist one of these...


You're feeling: that i should go to bed
To your left: something resembling the aftermath of a cyclone
On my mind: Sumner's clothes for school tomorrow, editing a session, the sermon tonight, an old friend
Last meal included: a Corona and chips and salsa
You sometimes find it hard to: get up in the morning
The weather: is predicted to be pleasant to my senses tomorrow
Something you have a collection of: oh brother...dust bunnies? hmmm...dirty clothes?
A smell that cheers you up: pumpkin spice!
A smell that can ruin your mood: poo
How long since you last shaved: one day
The current state of your hair: corralled by two clips, fresh grays waving atop
Largest item on workspace (not computer): i'm using my laptop on my couch...therefore, it would be my ample derriere.
Your skill with chopsticks: respectable with sushi only
Which section you head for first in a bookstore: fiction
Something you are craving: a full nights sleep
Your general thoughts on the presidential race: no more of the same, please, please!
How many times have you been hospitalized in the past year? One blessed week.
Favorite place to go for a quiet moment? Ha!
You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: dancer. not clubbin', mind you.
Something that freaks you out a little: animal hair everywhere; public restrooms; heights and my 4 year old
Something you've eaten too much of lately: chips and salsa
You have never been: one who wants to be the center of attention
You never want to: move back to my hometown

ok, blogsters, your turn!

i'm out-numbered

testosterone, anyone?

my life in a picture.

i. love. these. boys.

nine.

nine months ago today, you came into our lives.
days are busier.
days are hectic.
since your arrival
the days on the calendar seem to be marked off twice as fast.

but how precious the days are.
we can hardly remember life before you and can't imagine it without you.

you are pulling up, not crawling, but somehow highly mobile.
you are inquisitive, not much for sleeping (consistently),
you are teething, boisterous, ever-smiling, ever-laughing, ever-joyful and above all...

loved.

what happens when you give your child your camera....

nice.

our long suffering waiter

i really think he captured my best side here, don't you?

a moment on the lips = a lifetime on the hips. (sigh.)

who needs crayons when you've got salsa?

i really thought this one was quite cool!

"welcome to our home!"
click.

i think this one is my favorite ;-)


jamie recently purchased a small point and shoot (and waterproof, might i add) camera for hikes and adventures (and it's easier to stick in my purse for just regular everyday shots).
he found the most durable one on the market and it's the boys' new favorite toy!