After spending a beautiful week in California I am...
just now home (even though the girls and I arrived on Friday)
thankful for our friend who accepted my request of letting us stay the weekend at her place :)
and picked us up from the airport
and made soup
and let me sleep in while Evee chatted away to her all morning
oh so glad to be back with Clint who left CA on Thursday morning and reunited with us this afternoon
happy to be putting my children in their own beds tonight
anticipating our routines for the week (some already begun)
baking bread
meal planning
looking at the calendar for the week
ballet class
a date night (even if it's simply at home)
looking forward to catching up with friends
sad to be in cold weather
much more sad to be apart from sweet family and friends
wearing the shoes and jeans from my sister
thinking back to the week
a birthday
conversations
time with people we love
seeing what life is like for them
walking around in sandals
parks
coffee
and even the travels
It was a gift of a week. We were tired, but had so much fun...exactly what I expected and wanted.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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Two flights with one more to go.
San Diego. So easy being with my sister. Coffee. Bookstore. Early morning. Running. Church. Sadness to not live by each other.
Pasadena. A gift to see family and friends. Warm sunshine. Outside play. Many kids. Bittersweet that they are all here.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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Two flights with one more to go.
San Diego. So easy being with my sister. Coffee. Bookstore. Early morning. Running. Church. Sadness to not live by each other.
Pasadena. A gift to see family and friends. Warm sunshine. Outside play. Many kids. Bittersweet that they are all here.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
support
Clint ran a marathon.
We started the day at 4am. After going to bed late 2 nights before and traveling across the country. Too early. I can't say that I was thrilled, though I wanted to be there. The finish of what we'd started months ago. In a small sense, it was a family commitment.
Over the months the girls and I had driven around to drop off drinks or gu along the road on the longer runs. We've spent Saturday mornings cheering Clint on as he ran for hours.
The plan was to leave Evee back with my sister. She woke up at 4:30 and wanted to be with the family. I figured it was meant to be. The girls transferred to the car, pajamas and all.
We traveled to the starting point a half hour away. We arrived and Clint got ready to run. He talked about being nervous but ready (he hoped).
Evee, Iris and I walked him to the start and then headed back to the car to drive to our cheering area. Evee asked questions about why people we wearing trash bags (I'm still not sure) and about all the runners.
As we got in the car I heard the "star spangled banner" being sang and felt kind of bad that Clint had to start his run with that in his head. :)
We arrived at the spot where we could cheer Clint on at 3 different miles - 5, 13 and 15. I could have cried (and kind of did) as I watched the first runners come through...and then again every time I cheered, made eye contact with a runner or saw a group making the trek together.
I loved being there with the girls. I loved being in it together as a family (as Evee pointed out). I loved grabbing coffee between miles 16 and 26. I loved all the cheering on and that people worked at something and accomplished it.
It was worth getting up early for.
Clint ran. He ran well. 3 hours and 33 min to run those 26+ miles. He is amazing.
We started the day at 4am. After going to bed late 2 nights before and traveling across the country. Too early. I can't say that I was thrilled, though I wanted to be there. The finish of what we'd started months ago. In a small sense, it was a family commitment.
Over the months the girls and I had driven around to drop off drinks or gu along the road on the longer runs. We've spent Saturday mornings cheering Clint on as he ran for hours.
The plan was to leave Evee back with my sister. She woke up at 4:30 and wanted to be with the family. I figured it was meant to be. The girls transferred to the car, pajamas and all.
We traveled to the starting point a half hour away. We arrived and Clint got ready to run. He talked about being nervous but ready (he hoped).
Evee, Iris and I walked him to the start and then headed back to the car to drive to our cheering area. Evee asked questions about why people we wearing trash bags (I'm still not sure) and about all the runners.
As we got in the car I heard the "star spangled banner" being sang and felt kind of bad that Clint had to start his run with that in his head. :)
We arrived at the spot where we could cheer Clint on at 3 different miles - 5, 13 and 15. I could have cried (and kind of did) as I watched the first runners come through...and then again every time I cheered, made eye contact with a runner or saw a group making the trek together.
I loved being there with the girls. I loved being in it together as a family (as Evee pointed out). I loved grabbing coffee between miles 16 and 26. I loved all the cheering on and that people worked at something and accomplished it.
It was worth getting up early for.
Clint ran. He ran well. 3 hours and 33 min to run those 26+ miles. He is amazing.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
heaviness
A bit ago Clint was gone overnight. I was out with the girls much passed their bedtime.
Evee was asleep before I even put the car in reverse to come home.
As I drove home I tried to decide who I would bring in first from the car (since both needed to be carried) and how I'd get them both in the house and to bed.
I have a friend. She also has 2 girls. She moved from many states away about 3 years ago. 3 weeks after they arrived she lost her husband suddenly. Today it's been 3 years since that day.
On nights like tonight I think of her more than usual. What it must be like to think through it all (life), all the time.
And she is such a strong woman, very brave. She has the most beautiful spirit and is lovely. But, I know she hurts and I hurt with her. I wish that her burden could be a bit lighter. Praying that I can see the pain around me and be in it with others. Praying for wisdom to know what "being in it" even means.
Evee was asleep before I even put the car in reverse to come home.
As I drove home I tried to decide who I would bring in first from the car (since both needed to be carried) and how I'd get them both in the house and to bed.
I have a friend. She also has 2 girls. She moved from many states away about 3 years ago. 3 weeks after they arrived she lost her husband suddenly. Today it's been 3 years since that day.
On nights like tonight I think of her more than usual. What it must be like to think through it all (life), all the time.
And she is such a strong woman, very brave. She has the most beautiful spirit and is lovely. But, I know she hurts and I hurt with her. I wish that her burden could be a bit lighter. Praying that I can see the pain around me and be in it with others. Praying for wisdom to know what "being in it" even means.
Friday, January 21, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Finding ourselves a little busier than we'd like this week, but managing. Learned CPR. Enjoyed seeing my parents one last time before they headed back home. Packing, finishing an exam (Clint) and very much so excited to see family and friends on the west coast. Anticipating great times.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Finding ourselves a little busier than we'd like this week, but managing. Learned CPR. Enjoyed seeing my parents one last time before they headed back home. Packing, finishing an exam (Clint) and very much so excited to see family and friends on the west coast. Anticipating great times.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
rest
Tired?
Weary?
Burned out?
Come.
Get away.
Recover your life.
Walk,
work,
watch,
and learn.
Grace has an unforced rhythm.
It is not too heavy.
It is a perfect fit for you.
It makes sense.
He is grace.
Be with Him.
It is easy.
It means freedom.
Matthew 11:28-30
I love these sweet words...
Weary?
Burned out?
Come.
Get away.
Recover your life.
Walk,
work,
watch,
and learn.
Grace has an unforced rhythm.
It is not too heavy.
It is a perfect fit for you.
It makes sense.
He is grace.
Be with Him.
It is easy.
It means freedom.
Matthew 11:28-30
I love these sweet words...
Monday, January 17, 2011
a name
Thinking back I'm realizing that we've thought a lot about names over the last 8 months or so.
Most importantly, what to name our second child. I remember sitting at dinner a couple nights before little Iris arrived thinking through what to call the baby within me. We finally dwindled the lists (one for a boy and another for a girl) down to a "top name" for each. And in the end it was sweet Iris Mae.
Soon after that we felt certain we were to "birth" or "plant" a church in New Zealand. We have gone back and forth so many times in these months and are still waiting to land on a name...one that resonates with how we dream the church to be.
And, on a much smaller scale (but still important to me) what to name my little corner of the online world. Babygetgreen fit for a time and fit the original intention, but it doesn't so much any more. Do I just stick with it, figuring it really doesn't matter in the end? Do I think of something new that is a more appropriate fit? I don't know.
I guess I just figured I'd acknowledge the new look here and the bit of awkwardness I feel with the title.
Thanks for listening friends. If you happen to have a suggestion feel free to share :).
Most importantly, what to name our second child. I remember sitting at dinner a couple nights before little Iris arrived thinking through what to call the baby within me. We finally dwindled the lists (one for a boy and another for a girl) down to a "top name" for each. And in the end it was sweet Iris Mae.
Soon after that we felt certain we were to "birth" or "plant" a church in New Zealand. We have gone back and forth so many times in these months and are still waiting to land on a name...one that resonates with how we dream the church to be.
And, on a much smaller scale (but still important to me) what to name my little corner of the online world. Babygetgreen fit for a time and fit the original intention, but it doesn't so much any more. Do I just stick with it, figuring it really doesn't matter in the end? Do I think of something new that is a more appropriate fit? I don't know.
I guess I just figured I'd acknowledge the new look here and the bit of awkwardness I feel with the title.
Thanks for listening friends. If you happen to have a suggestion feel free to share :).
Sunday, January 16, 2011
thoughts
Thinking through these things from church this morning...
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." -- Ambrose Redmoon
Missions is the performance of the ministry of redemption.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The normal rhythm of life along with extras. Preparing to have my parents in town and having them here. A delight. Preparing to send Clint a bit south and doing so. Wondering at what will come out of the meetings he's in. Reminding myself to relax in grace.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The normal rhythm of life along with extras. Preparing to have my parents in town and having them here. A delight. Preparing to send Clint a bit south and doing so. Wondering at what will come out of the meetings he's in. Reminding myself to relax in grace.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
a string
We had a dilemma.
Clint and I both work from home. (This isn't the dilemma.)
My work is defined...I get it done in the evenings when little ones are in bed or work on weekend crafts while Evee sits beside also working on crafts.
Clint's work, on the other hand, is more constant...all times throughout the day. His working space is open and right next to the kitchen. We love having him right there, but Evee tends to chat to him all the time... Me to, I won't lie.
He often has headphones on and Evee will still chat away not noticing the lack of reciprocation, other times waiting for an answer. And I constantly hear "daddy, daddy, dad" while he can't hear her. In the end either Evee isn't heard or Clint isn't getting work done. Therein lies the dilemma.
I had an idea. It's simple.
We put up a string. It is red and just a string, but it's helpful.
When Clint is at his desk and working he puts up this red piece of yarn. It creates a barrier...as small as it may be.
I told Evee that when dad puts up the string we pretend he is invisible. And honestly, I think it's as much for Clint since he often turns around to engage with whatever we are up to.
We keep a notepad nearby to write notes on. They are to remind Evee of the things she wants to tell him when the string comes down. Very important tidbits. Like..."I ate applesauce" or "Iris is awake".
At first it seems harsh...to put up a boundary. But for us it's a thing of beauty. Talking and listening when one can actually be heard, getting work done while still being "around", enjoying each other and feeling appreciated.
In the end, we all love it. We function better in our little space. It's kind of fun even.
And I'm reminded (on a deeper level) that boundaries matter. And can even be good, not to mention healthy.
Clint and I both work from home. (This isn't the dilemma.)
My work is defined...I get it done in the evenings when little ones are in bed or work on weekend crafts while Evee sits beside also working on crafts.
Clint's work, on the other hand, is more constant...all times throughout the day. His working space is open and right next to the kitchen. We love having him right there, but Evee tends to chat to him all the time... Me to, I won't lie.
He often has headphones on and Evee will still chat away not noticing the lack of reciprocation, other times waiting for an answer. And I constantly hear "daddy, daddy, dad" while he can't hear her. In the end either Evee isn't heard or Clint isn't getting work done. Therein lies the dilemma.
I had an idea. It's simple.
We put up a string. It is red and just a string, but it's helpful.
When Clint is at his desk and working he puts up this red piece of yarn. It creates a barrier...as small as it may be.
I told Evee that when dad puts up the string we pretend he is invisible. And honestly, I think it's as much for Clint since he often turns around to engage with whatever we are up to.
We keep a notepad nearby to write notes on. They are to remind Evee of the things she wants to tell him when the string comes down. Very important tidbits. Like..."I ate applesauce" or "Iris is awake".
At first it seems harsh...to put up a boundary. But for us it's a thing of beauty. Talking and listening when one can actually be heard, getting work done while still being "around", enjoying each other and feeling appreciated.
In the end, we all love it. We function better in our little space. It's kind of fun even.
And I'm reminded (on a deeper level) that boundaries matter. And can even be good, not to mention healthy.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
justice
I would describe myself as a fair person. I realize that this trait can be used for beauty...especially in areas that need an advocate to promote justice. I'm sure it is partially what got me into social work and psychology in the first place; to promote justice. May it always be used for good.
Fairness can be detrimental. Often fairness breeds a lack of grace.
If I ever start a sentence (out loud or in my head) with, "I'm just such a high justice person..." I need to STOP. Most likely the next words to come out of my mouth are headed to no place good...one without grace and more judgment than I care to admit.
I have said these words before.
I have been on the other side of these words and have felt so misunderstood.
Fairness and justice are good; grace, though, is best.
Oh Jamie, relax in grace.
Fairness can be detrimental. Often fairness breeds a lack of grace.
If I ever start a sentence (out loud or in my head) with, "I'm just such a high justice person..." I need to STOP. Most likely the next words to come out of my mouth are headed to no place good...one without grace and more judgment than I care to admit.
I have said these words before.
I have been on the other side of these words and have felt so misunderstood.
Fairness and justice are good; grace, though, is best.
Oh Jamie, relax in grace.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
stop
Take a moment
Catch your breath
Stop complaining
Take a rest
No need to defend
No reason to explain
Be quick with the ears
Slower with the mouth
Stop seeing the splinter
There's a log in place
Think the best
Give more grace
Be still
Be quiet
And love
Yes, always love
Catch your breath
Stop complaining
Take a rest
No need to defend
No reason to explain
Be quick with the ears
Slower with the mouth
Stop seeing the splinter
There's a log in place
Think the best
Give more grace
Be still
Be quiet
And love
Yes, always love
Saturday, January 8, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The beginning...of a year, ballet, going back to our regular schedule and who knows what else. Starting up classes. Slowly taking down decorations and tidying up throughout the days.
Baking and cooking to celebrate new life. Enjoying evenings with friends.
Thinking about what the year ahead holds.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
The beginning...of a year, ballet, going back to our regular schedule and who knows what else. Starting up classes. Slowly taking down decorations and tidying up throughout the days.
Baking and cooking to celebrate new life. Enjoying evenings with friends.
Thinking about what the year ahead holds.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
January
I've been going through closets, throwing stuff out, and tidying up.
At first I thought it was because I'm moving along within the infant stage (6 months old this month!).
Or the simple fact that I've left my house unmaintained for months now.
Or the knowledge that we will be leaving the country in a year's time (and moving from this specific spot in no more than 6 months).
But, looking back and looking at others doing the same, this must be the time of year these things are done.
I went through the many, many clothes we'd collected for the girls (the ONLY downside of hand-me-downs and free stuff...I don't end up going through it to see if it will truly be worn). Clint and I had also gathered a vast number of clothes (in the same donated fashion) that we weren't wearing. They were taking up space in our closet and overwhelming the good pieces that (come to find out) were present!
Today is beautiful outside. A bit of snow, lots of sunshine, and a decent temperature for January. However, in the end, we don't always get a whole lot of time to go out in between naps. I find that we either spend entire days out or entire days in. It all works out in the end, I guess. Time to get house stuff done.
January must be meant for going through, dwindling down, giving away, and simplifying. I wonder if I will feel the same in the January warmth that's present in the southern hemisphere...hmm.
At first I thought it was because I'm moving along within the infant stage (6 months old this month!).
Or the simple fact that I've left my house unmaintained for months now.
Or the knowledge that we will be leaving the country in a year's time (and moving from this specific spot in no more than 6 months).
But, looking back and looking at others doing the same, this must be the time of year these things are done.
I went through the many, many clothes we'd collected for the girls (the ONLY downside of hand-me-downs and free stuff...I don't end up going through it to see if it will truly be worn). Clint and I had also gathered a vast number of clothes (in the same donated fashion) that we weren't wearing. They were taking up space in our closet and overwhelming the good pieces that (come to find out) were present!
Today is beautiful outside. A bit of snow, lots of sunshine, and a decent temperature for January. However, in the end, we don't always get a whole lot of time to go out in between naps. I find that we either spend entire days out or entire days in. It all works out in the end, I guess. Time to get house stuff done.
January must be meant for going through, dwindling down, giving away, and simplifying. I wonder if I will feel the same in the January warmth that's present in the southern hemisphere...hmm.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
just fine
As we moved through our day I saw the rhythm of our day to day lives.
Some days are made to stay in. Some days we head out. And most days can bring some sense of accomplishment and joy.
Today we finally made our way out to the sunshine at 3:30. 3:30pm! Yikes.
Evee and I were humming the tune of "I'm so glad that we're together..." (do you know the one?) as I changed Iris' diaper before leaving the house. I looked behind me and Evee was sitting on the floor striving to put her tights on as she hummed along.
We headed out while Clint got ready to go for a run. Both girls were piled in a stroller. One, because Evee wanted to ride instead of walk and second, because we've not invested in a double stroller.
Evee was actually holding Iris on her lap for the ride. As I wondered how they were doing Evee says, "We are just cuddling with each other."
And I think, we are doing just fine. Making adjustments with having two girls. However the days happen in the end we are, indeed, just fine.
Some days are made to stay in. Some days we head out. And most days can bring some sense of accomplishment and joy.
Today we finally made our way out to the sunshine at 3:30. 3:30pm! Yikes.
Evee and I were humming the tune of "I'm so glad that we're together..." (do you know the one?) as I changed Iris' diaper before leaving the house. I looked behind me and Evee was sitting on the floor striving to put her tights on as she hummed along.
We headed out while Clint got ready to go for a run. Both girls were piled in a stroller. One, because Evee wanted to ride instead of walk and second, because we've not invested in a double stroller.
Evee was actually holding Iris on her lap for the ride. As I wondered how they were doing Evee says, "We are just cuddling with each other."
And I think, we are doing just fine. Making adjustments with having two girls. However the days happen in the end we are, indeed, just fine.
Monday, January 3, 2011
night walks
Years ago my sister and I ran in Chicago. My sister ran cross country in high school. She genuinely loves running. For the entirety of our run she talked about how amazing running is (while I tried to catch a breath). We ran around the city seeing beautiful things.
This was the only time I've ever run with my sister. I decided that if I didn't love running, while running with my sister who loves running and talked about her love of it in a city that was fun to see...I'll probably never really love to run.
I do like to walk. (My dad taught me to walk fast early on.) Truly, I like it. I don't get bored. I can think or talk while doing it. It can happen anytime, anywhere.
For a few months now I've gotten back into walking regularly. I walk at night.
Here are all the reasons I think I love it.
This was the only time I've ever run with my sister. I decided that if I didn't love running, while running with my sister who loves running and talked about her love of it in a city that was fun to see...I'll probably never really love to run.
I do like to walk. (My dad taught me to walk fast early on.) Truly, I like it. I don't get bored. I can think or talk while doing it. It can happen anytime, anywhere.
For a few months now I've gotten back into walking regularly. I walk at night.
Here are all the reasons I think I love it.
- Even if it's cold outside, it is not a shock to my system. By night I've already been out for the day.
- It's dark. I walk in a safe place. I like that no one really sees me.
- I can easily give it a half hour or more after the girls are in bed. There is no time crunch and I'm not wishing that I could stay in bed (like I would if walking in the morning).
- I can process through my day.
- If walking alone I often think or write in my head.
- There is a crispness to the air and I notice the stars and moon.
- It is peaceful. The busyness of the day is over.
- Sometimes a friend comes with. I love this.
- It gives my night perspective. I think I use my nights better.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Diverse moments.
Moments of quiet and rest in the midst of snowy days. Lots of reading. Slow starts to our days.
Guests over. Thought provoking conversations. Believing. Choosing faith, even in seeing pain.
Reconnecting with friends (who had been gone for Christmas) with lots of talking and laughter.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Diverse moments.
Moments of quiet and rest in the midst of snowy days. Lots of reading. Slow starts to our days.
Guests over. Thought provoking conversations. Believing. Choosing faith, even in seeing pain.
Reconnecting with friends (who had been gone for Christmas) with lots of talking and laughter.
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