No more baby in the house.

When Tyler turned six I saw it as a transition towards him becoming a big boy. Time to encourage his independence and think through my instincts. As a mom it's my instinct to protect and shelter, and it's time to fight that. It's time to push him towards Daddy and the adventure of boyhood even more. It is something I need to read more about (sorry mom, I know you hate when I read too much parenting advice!) and understand. Especially since he's surrounded by girls all day! Girls. That brings me to the purpose of the post....my girls. We had some friends over last week to enjoy a whole weekend of basketball and fellowship. All of us, big Ohio State fans, I decided to pull out the kids' Ohio State gear. Tyler has a sweatshirt, Grace has a pink jersey shirt that still fits, and Esther has grown into Grace's old cheer leading outfit. So I assembled them (coughing and all) and caught a pic. Just as it does every day, it hit me that Esther is no longer a baby. She's a toddler. She's amazing and in some ways it seems she's always been here. I wonder at how I ever allowed myself so much agony over the decision to have her. They will always be my babies... and I will always love them more than they will ever know, but there certainly, is no longer a baby in the house.

For some reason this Psalm has touched my heart the past 3 weeks. God is so GOOD!

(emphasis mine)

Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

² Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

³ They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.

⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. ⁵ It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. ⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

⁷ The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. ⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. ⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.

¹⁰ They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. ¹¹ By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. ¹² But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. ¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

After a long overdue email to a dear friend I realize I have also neglected this blog. *sigh* Something is always getting neglected isn't it? Lately it's been the blog and emails. I've been listening to some podcasts called "Simplify Your Life" through Midday Connection on Moody Radio. I didn't buy the book, but I do listen to this professional organizer who is on every other Monday. It's inspired me to get organized, stay organized, purge where I can (she'd never approve with what little purging I have done- but it's something), make meal plans and have a better run home. I like that it's kind of done in chunks. Anyways, that, and improving our school time, family time, and working out have been priorities.

We are all doing well and loving life and thanking God for his blessings. We keep our family and friends in our prayers, even though we don't stay in touch well.

Just a final word- our dear friends Michah, Kara and Abigail Mills are leaving April 6 for Uganda where they will be missionaries. Please follow their web page/blog, and consider how you might support them through prayer, and if God leads, financially.