That's Pinteresting! - birthday edition

Birthday parties were a big deal for me growing up.  My parents were both so creative and they went to so much trouble to make my birthday parties special.  In fact, I sometimes had to reign them in from going way, WAY overboard.  I don't know how they did it either.  We were living paycheck to paycheck during the BEST of times.

All that is to say that I am absolutely thrilled to begin that tradition with my G-O baby.

In April, she will be celebrating her FIRST birthday.  I'm not gonna lie, I've been pooling ideas together for months.  I sent out save the date cards...in January.

Yeah.  I'm crazy like that.

To get an inkling of where my inspiration has come from, here are some of the pins from my 1st Birthday Ideas board.

I'm not a professional and I did not hire one.  I will be making most things by myself, so please don't expect our party to turn out (quite) as fabulously as the pictures above.  For the most part, they came from party planning companies.  The inspiration is there, though.  I've got a goal.  But, of course, there may now be a crimp in my plan.  I thought I would have all of March to put the decorations together while Baby G-O slept at night (she's not too much of a napper and has recently decided she only wants to take one, short nap a day).  As it turns out, we may be packing and moving...just before the party.  Of.  Course.

So my plan needs to be rearranged.  Still, I'm excited.  I am SO excited.  It should be fun.  I'm open to additional suggestions and recommendations, too--especially given my new time constraints.  Ideas are appreciated!  Gah.  I am so EXCITED!

Mama madness--another rant

It's confession time.  Since becoming a mommy, I have become much more fearful than I thought I could be.  It strikes me in strange moments...and it even surprises me.  Sometimes I feel like I'm a different person looking at myself in those times saying, "Who the heck are you?!?!"

Now, I'm not talking "crawl under a rock and disappear" fear.  I'm not talking about paralyzing fear, either. But I am talking about how I am looking at the world around me with a whole new set of eyes that see a lot more danger.  I'm talking about the fear (and the complete realization) that I have absolutely no control over what the future holds.  I cannot guarantee anything; sickness, poverty, pain, accidents, sharp differences in beliefs, etc. They can all come unexpectedly...like a thief in the night.

I totally know why this has begun to take hold in me, too.  It's because it's no longer just me that I have to think about protecting.  It's my precious little G-O baby.  It's my family.  Over the years, I've learned to be able to deal with my own hurt, betrayal, pain, and so much more.  I know I cannot (and should not) protect my baby from everything, but it's such a maternal drive to want to.

Of course I let her wobble over, take little tumbles, bump her head (today, actually), and learn by trial and error because she needs to.  I'm talking bigger picture here.  I'm talking about our society as a whole.  I'm talking about the direction our government, educational system, and morals as a whole are, and have been, going for quite some time.

I mentioned in a previous post that I'm trying to memorize the book of James (Bible) this year and I keep thinking about James 1:21, "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

My husband brought up a great question today.  He was listening to John MacArthur on the radio and the topic was the role of the Christian in shaping societal morals.  MacArthur's argument was that Christians should not become political activists because it's counter-intuitive to what the Bible prophesies and commands us to do.  Instead, our focus should be solely on how we live our own lives and in showing God's love to all.  Morals start at home, folks.

I agree...to a point.  Jesus is our example.  He did not come to this earth and march to the political courts demanding a change.  His heart was for the people.  All people.  Lost people.  He walked THE walk.  He imparted radical change with His radical love.  Likewise, because of His radical love, He stormed the Temple and overturned the tables because they were defiling the house of God.  This is where my personal belief differs a bit from MacArthur.  I don't believe that Jesus models a wholly removed interaction with the morals of society, specifically regarding their impact on the church.  When the church walks away from it's first true love (Jesus--the Living Word) and society persecutes the church (either implicitly or explicitly) I believe we are called as the body of Christ to rise up and boldly proclaim the truth (see 1 John 4:17-19 at end of this post).  In those situations, we fight back--with love.

God is Love (1 John 4:8).

So, back to my fear.  We live in a crazy, anti-Christian world that encourages self-gratification over all else.  It's motto is: if it feels good to you--do it now and don't think about the consequences  My fear is that my sweet G-O baby will be so disenchanted, disillusioned, and disheartened by this "instant gratification" deception.  More people are unsatisfied because they don't wait, work, and earn anything anymore.  More and more studies are showing that instant gratification only intensifies the bitter discontent that people feel, which leads to greater unhappiness and lack of fulfillment.

Sigh.

Now...what do I do with this fear?

Pray.

P-R-A-Y!!!

While I cannot control the world or what the future holds for my G-O baby, I CAN PRAY.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

I want to close with this additional scripture from 1 John.  It kind of ties this whole rant together.  Radical change can only come from radical love.

1 John 4:17-19 (emphasis mine): 

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  We love Him because He first loved us.

Amen and amen!

Friday Fun - What's on YOUR Bucket List?

Have you seen the movie "The Bucket List"?  I like that movie.  I also like that it makes you think about the goals you have for your life.

A friend's board on Pinterest inspired me to start my own list.  I thought it would be a lot easier to put together.  It's interesting to try to list and in some way quantify the things you would like to highlight your life.  Putting some things on the list now makes me kind of laugh at them.

What I have begun to realize as I collect inspiration images and ideas for my own list, is that what I want--I mean what I REALLY, DEEP DOWN WANT IN MY CORE--is completely rooted in my faith and my family.  I want what God wants for me.

Sure, I think it would be fun to learn Latin ballroom dancing.
Yeah, I would like to write and publish a book.
Of course I would love to be a globe-trotter and learn a foreign language.

Ultimately, though, I simply want what God wants for my life and my family.

Those things may not be mutually exclusive.  God made me.  He has a purpose for me.  He rooted certain desires and abilities in me.  So perhaps someday I will live in a foreign country--as a humble missionary.  Maybe someday I will write a book--to share the gospel and God's work in my life.  It could be that I will learn ballroom dancing (or another form of dance)--to worship God in another way or to minister to others in such an environment.  Only God knows.

As such, I don't feel guilty about putting together a list of things that I think would be fun to do or experience at some point in this earthly life.  However, I am taking a closer look at the motives behind those things and am also holding them out with totally open hands and will let God control what gets accomplished and why.

And some of the things on that list are not big.  They're not all life-altering experiences.  Some are things like embroidering something and learning to knit.  I plan to continue to add to my list--things both big and small.  I want to be intentional in my life, as much as I can.

What are some things you'd like to put on your own bucket list?  I'd love to hear some of your goals.  They may inspire more things to put on mine! ;)

That's Pinteresting! - Kids

I'm keeping this one short & sweet.  Here are some pins that inspire me to be a better, more purposeful and practical mommy.

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children

Seven Keys to Help Children Develop Self-Discipline

Pillow Talk: 20 Questions to Ask Your Child at Bedtime

15 Easy Signs to Teach  Baby

Do you have any more useful sites to add?  Please do!

Baby Sign Language?

Baby G-O is pretty expressive and is certainly very animated, so I haven't had too much trouble communicating with her.

Still, I wonder if it would be worth it to try baby sign language with her until she has more control and increased skill with her speech.

What are your thoughts?  Have you tried it?  Would you endorse it?  IF YOU DO/DID, what resources or websites did you use to get started?

Please share!  I'd love to get your feedback and references.

Photo Friday - Spring Fever

I'm a California girl, born and raised (except for a brief time out of state).  If you know anything about the weather in the southern half of this beautiful state, you know that we are spoiled with pretty mild weather year-round.  Truly, it doesn't feel like winter.  As I look at the weekly forecast, every day is in the upper 60s to mid 70s and at least mostly sunny.

Granted, we do still have some bouts of colder weather that remind us not to pack away our cooler weather clothing just yet.

No, I'm NOT complaining.

Yes, I know that what we here in La-La-Land call winter is more like an awesome spring day in most parts of the world.  On those days we're here bundled in parkas, beanies, boots, and scarves and out-of-state visitors are welcoming the weather with tank tops and flip-flops.

Still...

I marvel at how God timed the seasons to last just the right amount of time.  At the start and close of each season I am perfectly ready for the change.  And at this time of year, I'm beginning to feel the itch for spring to have sprung.

It also makes me think of SPRING TRAINING.

Yes, you read that right:  I'm talking BASEBALL!

So my photos for this edition of Photo Friday are in honor of my hometown team: the San Francisco Giants.

Scottsdale Stadium--exclusive home of the San Francisco Giants during spring training.

I had to include the schedule.  Come on, people!

Let's get this party started!

I know this image is small, but I'm just thrilled that Posey should be back in the lineup this year.  Oh, how we've missed you, Buster!

That's Pinteresting! - Home Inspiration

I don't know about you, but I'm on a budget.  Now, just because I'm on a budget doesn't mean I can't spice things up around our home.  I like to decorate and redecorate with the seasons.  I'm no Sandra Lee (does she seriously have the storage space for a Kitchen Aid stand mixer in EVERY color and all the matching accessories to boot???), but I do like to reorganize, refresh, and repurpose.

Here are some of my home inspiration pictures.  I'm thinking paint and inexpensive accessories...or maybe using thrift store finds and my new sewing machine.  Possibilities, possibilities...

Painting blocks of color in Baby G-O's room:

Maybe some DIY stencil pillows:

What about neutral stripes in the Master?

Oh! How about MORE STORAGE for all of Baby G-O's stuff???

And while we're at it, let's stick to these five steps:

What are some of your best home decorating tips?  Any suggestions?  I'm all ears!

Monday Miscellany - Courageous

The Mr. and I rented the movie "Courageous" the other night and we were really moved by it.  Being new parents and all, it really struck home.  While it's not a popular idea in our society, the core message of the movie rings true: Every child needs a dad.  Each man who fathers a child has an obligation to raise, protect, and provide for that child and the child's mother.

Secular research has shown that children raised without a father (or a loving father) are incredibly more likely to become engaged in criminal activity.  It's not surprising to think that children who have been abused or abandoned would lash out in their adolescent and adult lives to cope with the pain and betrayal they were taught to accept as normal.  My heart breaks--absolutely BREAKS--for every child who has ever been a victim of abuse in any form.

Men, it is your duty to love, raise, lead, protect, and provide for your children.  The first step in doing that is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  Seek Him and His ways and you will have all the resources you need to fulfill your duty as a father.

My hubby takes his role as a husband and as a father with the utmost seriousness.  I can't tell you how blessed we are by that.  He seeks the Lord in everything and he has such a heart for me and for our little girl.  I know that I am beyond fortunate to have such a loving man.  Believe me, I thank God for him every single day and I am humbled by God's grace and mercy to have blessed me with such a wonderful husband and friend!

Ok, ok...that's enough out of me.  I encourage you to rent / buy / watch "Courageous".  It's available at most Redbox locations.  If you do, tell me what you thought of it.

Photo Friday -- 10 Months Old!

Baby G-O has turned 10 months old.  Goodbye single-digits, hello double-digits...at least in months.

This little lady is an explorer, a giggler, a crawler, a cruiser, a climber, a splasher, an amazing eater, a pet chaser, and all-around sweetheart.  She'll most likely be walking soon, so we've been baby-proofing our home more and more, day by day.

Parenthood sure is an adventure--and we LOVE it!

We love you, Princess!

That's Pinteresting! - Craft edition

I have not tried these...yet.

This category is what really got me hooked on Pinterest.  I love looking at all the brilliant DIY and craft projects (and accompanying tutorials).

So, here are a couple that I look forward to trying out.  If you try them before I get a chance, let me know how they work out for you.

Make Non-Toxic Glitter:


DIY Mod Podge:


Watermark T-Shirt:


May you get inspired to try new things, too!