Captivating

It is strange to return to this blog after such a long absence...I'm not sure if anyone will even read this; however, I feel a strong urge to capture these powerful truths.  If anyone happens to read this and gets blessed or inspired or encouraged---wonderful!

I am currently reading "Captivating" by the Eldreges and it really resonates with me.  It really is speaking to my heart at so many levels on the beauty of God and how it relates to my design as a woman.  If there is one element I have always identified with the most, it is Beauty.  I long to be surrounded by it...whether in a lush garden or in the sanctuary of my home.  I long to picture it--just as Eve was the crown of creation.  The only creature created in the garden. There is something deep in the heart of a woman that desires to picture Beauty---in our hearts and spirits and the overflow in which we love those around us--to the way we present ourselves physically.

Beauty is essential to God.  No---that's not putting it strongly enough.  Beauty is the essence of God. 

Nature is not primarily functional.  It is primarily beautiful.

The crowing touch of creation.  Beauty is the essence of a woman. 

I am reflecting today on how the relationship with my precious son, Ethan, reflects God's beauty.  The best word I can use to describe how he feels for me is, at times, desperation.  He is in total anguish when pried from my arms.  This is a picture of how God wants us to feel about Him.  Desperate---to really understand and know our need for Him deep within our souls.

  And then there are those precious times of nourishing and comforting his little body.  It think it is one of the most powerful pictures of resting in God's presence and receiving His love and peace.  God has created woman to offer comfort, nourishment, peace to those near her...just as God wants us to come to Him for this.

In closing:

Whatever else it means to be feminine, it is depth and mystery and complexity, with beauty as its very essence.  Every woman has a beauty to unveil.  Because she bears the image of God....beauty is an essence that is given to every woman at her creation.

Fun with Sunflowers...

...okay maybe too much fun!

just be thankful Paul is fully dressed in this pic

Josiah and Kiersten planted these in the spring and now look at them!  Soooo satisfying!  We are exctied to see the Fibonacci pattern emerging in the center.  What an awesome testimony of the Lord's creative hand in all of nature! http://www.popmath.org.uk/rpamaths/rpampages/sunflower.html

Red Sweet Babies

My Dad is the Master Tomato Gardener! Today we spent some time in his garden with a pair of garden clippers harvesting  these beauties. I must have picked at least 20 pounds of the biggest, reddest, juiciest tomatoes.  I can't wait to start a simmering pot of homemade sauce for use in all kinds of creations.  Not to mention fresh cut salsa!

Smitten with this one

Kiersten had fun "playing" with the tomatoes.  She instantly gave them names and voices and entered into her world of imaginary play.  That is her concentrated play face!

Basement Fun

So we finally have our camera back in service after not having it for 3 1/2 months!  Be prepared for an onslaught of pictures...

Here is a little bit from today:

Arise and shine!  Josiah loves his jelly toast (the evidence is on his mouth) and Kiersten with her wild bed head!

Our basement swing (gotta love IKEA).  The kids keep so busy down there!

Kiersten showing off!

On the rings...I didn't know she could hang upside down until today. She calls herself a "hoo hoo, haa haa"...her name for monkey!

My two "hoo hoo, haa haas"

First Day on the Slopes!

Suiting up in the van...J was pumped!  It was the last day of the season and perfect conditions...mild and sunny with a fresh layer of powder!

Here's K running to the bunny slope to meet P and J.  We had fun watching them ski after they had a couple hours to practice.

There was the most simple "tow system" on the bunny slope---no awkward tow rope to deal with.  J took to it so quickly.  His skis were a bit on the long side and he tended to not pizza (snow plow), but prefer french fries (parallel)!

Coming down the hill.  Taking a little break.

Paul decided ahead of time that the day was about J and not getting to tear up the slopes himself...however, he had to show off a litte and get a bit of testosterone out!  He is such an amazing skiier!

Paul took K for a little ride.  J being onery with my Mom (he loves to tease her) and not co-operating for the picture!

K and Mimi. The sun was intense and nearly impossible to see without sun glasses.  J took off his goggles and his poor eyes got burned in the couple hours they were out there! :(

The most amazing pizza joint in the world...hands down!  It was fun to celebrate after the morning with a late and delicious lunch!

J enjoyed a thermos of hot chocolate on the ride home.  E loved sitting in back!  He fussed a bit when he got tired but having me sing him to sleep---twice!  It was precious.

On a side note: tonight Paul took K out on a "date" tonight.  They went for ice cream and then to look at "baby dolls".  She was so excited to dress up a bit and spend that special time with her Papa.  I told her she was a princess before they left.  She was amazed that I called her that...the word seemed to have new meaning to her.