As some of you know, I've been volunteering some of my time to work with this little angel weekly. She is the bravest person I know, and yes, she's a whopping 12 months old!! It's such a blessing to see how many lives she has touched in such a short time, and to see how she's drawing people (even strangers) closer to the One who cares most. I want to share with you how she has changed ME in just 6 months!
When I came alongside the Hunt family in this journey, I NEVER expected to be encouraged by them, to be changed by the perspective, and the way they live abundantly every day. It truly is amazing to see a family come together and fight this disease with unconditional love! Yes, medically speaking they have a terminally ill child, but when you go into their home that is the last thing on your mind.. Ella is such a happy baby, and she is so overwhelmed with love that she simply has no time to focus on the negatives of this illness. You walk into a home filled with the Holy Spirit, more so than I've felt in any other house! They focus on TODAY, not yesterday, but today. They capture and cherish every moment, even the not-so-fun ones, and give thanks even in the darkest of times.
I really started the healing process from my PPD/Anxiety when I saw how they were able to live in the midst of such chaos with hearts full of thankfulness and love. Before them, I didn't know how to do that on my own, I was simply stuck. I can never thank Ella, Erica, Dan, Noah & Carter enough for letting me be a part of this journey, and for encouraging me daily by the way they choose to not live in fear!! God is using them in such Mighty ways, and I am so humbled by their faith.
Life is so precious, enjoy every moment while you can.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
eucharisteo
I just finished rocking my son to 'sleep' (to the point where he said he was ready to lay down). I SO treasure these last moments of babyhood with him!!
I was singing some of my favorite worship songs over him during this special time, and was just completely consumed by the Holy Spirit.. especially when I started singing "In Christ alone". I could feel Ayden's body relaxing more and more into mine, and I could feel my soul relaxing more and more into my Father's arms. It was Heavenly.
At the completion of the song he tried to keep his eyes open long enough to find my face, say "goooodnigh" and give me such a sweet kiss! You are so very loved, Ayden James.. please don't ever forget that!
Momma
I was singing some of my favorite worship songs over him during this special time, and was just completely consumed by the Holy Spirit.. especially when I started singing "In Christ alone". I could feel Ayden's body relaxing more and more into mine, and I could feel my soul relaxing more and more into my Father's arms. It was Heavenly.
At the completion of the song he tried to keep his eyes open long enough to find my face, say "goooodnigh" and give me such a sweet kiss! You are so very loved, Ayden James.. please don't ever forget that!
Momma
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Bye bye baby
Ayden James turns 2 next month, and of course, I'm experiencing all sorts of bittersweet emotions!
I want to spend some time going over the things that are still very 'baby' about him, as he transitions into little boy.. these things are dear to my heart.
*His SOFT skin. I just love stroking his arm, running my fingers over his cheeks, and playing with his chunky baby thighs!
*His CHUNKY baby thighs. Yes, they have started to thin out, but there's still plenty of chunk left to love on. :) I love watching them jiggle as he runs!
*Butt dimples. Oh yes, my favorite.
*That he still LOVES being rocked to sleep for the night. There's nothing like seeing this 'ALL boy' boy just relax into my arms, suck his thumb, and wind down.
*Thumb sucking. He still does that, and I, for one, think it's adorable. Especially when he tries to smile and keep sucking!!
*How he loves to snuggle up while we watch shows, and play with my bellybutton (goofball)!
More than anything, I'm just overwhelmed with thankfulness!! Thankfulness for 2 years of LIFE, thankfulness for how our relationship with him has blossomed so much in such a short time, thankfulness for that smile, and thankfulness for the good and bad! ALL OF IT!
What an honor, and immeasurable blessing it is to be his mother.
I want to spend some time going over the things that are still very 'baby' about him, as he transitions into little boy.. these things are dear to my heart.
*His SOFT skin. I just love stroking his arm, running my fingers over his cheeks, and playing with his chunky baby thighs!
*His CHUNKY baby thighs. Yes, they have started to thin out, but there's still plenty of chunk left to love on. :) I love watching them jiggle as he runs!
*Butt dimples. Oh yes, my favorite.
*That he still LOVES being rocked to sleep for the night. There's nothing like seeing this 'ALL boy' boy just relax into my arms, suck his thumb, and wind down.
*Thumb sucking. He still does that, and I, for one, think it's adorable. Especially when he tries to smile and keep sucking!!
*How he loves to snuggle up while we watch shows, and play with my bellybutton (goofball)!
More than anything, I'm just overwhelmed with thankfulness!! Thankfulness for 2 years of LIFE, thankfulness for how our relationship with him has blossomed so much in such a short time, thankfulness for that smile, and thankfulness for the good and bad! ALL OF IT!
What an honor, and immeasurable blessing it is to be his mother.
Monday, July 2, 2012
His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
That's the truth! And the truth will set me free!
Verses I'm focusing on this week & why:
Philippians 4:8- Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
Colossians 3:2- Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.
2 Corinthians 12:9- "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
* As a mother, I struggle often times with feelings of pure inadequacy. And this week, I'm feeling them more than ever with the absence of my husband. Satan works very hard at showing me all of the things I'm not 'great' at, and making me lose sight of all my strengths. I know with all of my heart that I am a mother because the Lord has called me to the privelage of raising one of His children. He didn't make a mistake when he chose me for this job. He knew I would struggle with anxiety, and depression throughout early motherhood.. HOWEVER, He.still.chose.me. I am still the best match for my son. Days when I feel weak, which is most, I don't have to rely on my own strength (THANK GOD)! I have every reason to be weak on my own, but because I'm a child of the Lord, I can lean on Him through the moments when the enemy presses hard. And in Him, I am anything but inadequate.
Verses I'm focusing on this week & why:
Philippians 4:8- Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.
Colossians 3:2- Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.
2 Corinthians 12:9- "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
* As a mother, I struggle often times with feelings of pure inadequacy. And this week, I'm feeling them more than ever with the absence of my husband. Satan works very hard at showing me all of the things I'm not 'great' at, and making me lose sight of all my strengths. I know with all of my heart that I am a mother because the Lord has called me to the privelage of raising one of His children. He didn't make a mistake when he chose me for this job. He knew I would struggle with anxiety, and depression throughout early motherhood.. HOWEVER, He.still.chose.me. I am still the best match for my son. Days when I feel weak, which is most, I don't have to rely on my own strength (THANK GOD)! I have every reason to be weak on my own, but because I'm a child of the Lord, I can lean on Him through the moments when the enemy presses hard. And in Him, I am anything but inadequate.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Today's precious lasts
As much work as it is keeping up with an ALMOST 2 year old boy, there's so much joy my son brings me! I want to go through a list of my favorite things he's been up to lately so I never forget these moments!!
*Watching him walk around the house on the phone (which is sometimes a real phone, sometimes a toy phone, and sometimes his hand) talking up a STORM! He mostly rambles even though he knows plenty of words, I think he just wants to sound like he's carrying on a conversation.. so he just says whatev! So stinkin funny to watch! :)
*That I can still rock him to sleep if I want to, but he doesn't HAVE to be rocked! My favorite moments with Ayden are when we're snuggled up close, so rocking him to sleep is so very special to me- and he falls asleep super fast if I sing to him! Watching his little eyes close, and seeing him just totally relax in my arms, it's surreal. I'm so spoiled. :)
*How when we pray peace over him, he repeats it back to us with a huge smile- "PEE!" :)
*The way he interacts with others- I can already tell this kiddo is going to be a softy. He hates to see his friends upset, and becomes very concerned when they cry! He picks up on emotions very easily, which is a good and bad thing!
*When you ask him where Jesus lives he says, "HEH!" (Heavens) and points to the sky, and then when you say, "Where else can he live?" He says, "HAR!" and points to his heart!!!
*And of course, his obsession with bellybuttons, cars, trucks, bikes, tractors, and anything with wheels. :)
So blessed with this boy!
*Watching him walk around the house on the phone (which is sometimes a real phone, sometimes a toy phone, and sometimes his hand) talking up a STORM! He mostly rambles even though he knows plenty of words, I think he just wants to sound like he's carrying on a conversation.. so he just says whatev! So stinkin funny to watch! :)
*That I can still rock him to sleep if I want to, but he doesn't HAVE to be rocked! My favorite moments with Ayden are when we're snuggled up close, so rocking him to sleep is so very special to me- and he falls asleep super fast if I sing to him! Watching his little eyes close, and seeing him just totally relax in my arms, it's surreal. I'm so spoiled. :)
*How when we pray peace over him, he repeats it back to us with a huge smile- "PEE!" :)
*The way he interacts with others- I can already tell this kiddo is going to be a softy. He hates to see his friends upset, and becomes very concerned when they cry! He picks up on emotions very easily, which is a good and bad thing!
*When you ask him where Jesus lives he says, "HEH!" (Heavens) and points to the sky, and then when you say, "Where else can he live?" He says, "HAR!" and points to his heart!!!
*And of course, his obsession with bellybuttons, cars, trucks, bikes, tractors, and anything with wheels. :)
So blessed with this boy!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
House projects!! :)
Moving into a new home is so exciting! And even though we've been here for almost 4 months now (wow!) there are still soooooo many things we want to do with this place! So here's a list for those interested in seeing what we're up to! :)
*Landscaping- a never ending project! Good thing we love fresh air! :) This includes planting more grass, taking down trees we don't like, tearing down an old shed, trying our hand at gardening, and trying to keep up with the dang weeds!
*Landscaping- a never ending project! Good thing we love fresh air! :) This includes planting more grass, taking down trees we don't like, tearing down an old shed, trying our hand at gardening, and trying to keep up with the dang weeds!
*Painting the living room, bathrooms, and bedrooms. We've painted our kitchen & dining room a beautiful teal & white combination- walls are teal, cabinets are white! We've chosen a deep red as our accent color, and it's super pretty! I smile every time I walk in there!
*Carpeting the hallway and bedrooms.
*Hanging pictures/decorating more in general.
I'm just still so thankful that we can call this place our HOME. Thankful that we don't have to worry about re-locating every few years to re-station, thankful that we have the most genuine neighbors, and that God's hand (as usual) was in the very center of us purchasing this beautiful house!!
PS- if you haven't seen it yet, you need to come over! :)
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Pippy Ta Ta!!
I have had SUCH an amazing day with my handsome little boy! I've been working really hard at being a very intentional parent, by that I mean making sure I'm taking every opportunity I have to teach him right from wrong, actually taking the time to explain the difference instead of using bribes or redirection, and then giving him the chance to make the right decision himself. A.lot.of.work (most days) but I know the pay-off is going to be more than worth it, actually, it already is!
This morning Ayden starting saying, "Pippy ta ta!" I have NO idea what it means, I'm pretty sure he's just saying it because it sounds funny.. but who knows!! It's ridiculously cute! :)
He has been SUPER smiley all day. I have been on the receiving end of many slobbery kisses, and he has told me that he loves me twice!!! :)
He listened to me very well during our grocery shopping adventure, and managed to get through all of his mini tantrums without causing too big a scene.. ;)
He "CHEESE"'d for a picture, and it turned out super cute!!
I purchased him a new toy today: a bubble blowing lawn mower- he took that thing around our house no less than 10x in the first hour we had it. He absolutely LOVES it! He pushes it and says, "Mo GRA!" (Mow grass).
He snuggled up with me for nap today, and decided to be super silly before falling asleep. He rolled over to me, plugged his nose and said, "Pee yew!" Which is what he hears me say all of the time! haha! We did that back and forth for a few minutes, along with some tickle pickles, and he fell asleep perfectly content in about 20 seconds when I said, "time for nap!" :)
ALSO, my new favorite: When we ask him where Jesus lives, he points to the sky and says, "In the Heavens!" More like, "Heh!" (his form of Heaven!) And when you ask him where else, he rubs his shirt and say's, "In my heart!" More like, "Har!" :)
This post is for me, I know it's not exciting to most, but it's important that I remember these special moments with my gift from Above! :)
I LOVE YOU, AYDEN JAMES HEARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This morning Ayden starting saying, "Pippy ta ta!" I have NO idea what it means, I'm pretty sure he's just saying it because it sounds funny.. but who knows!! It's ridiculously cute! :)
He has been SUPER smiley all day. I have been on the receiving end of many slobbery kisses, and he has told me that he loves me twice!!! :)
He listened to me very well during our grocery shopping adventure, and managed to get through all of his mini tantrums without causing too big a scene.. ;)
He "CHEESE"'d for a picture, and it turned out super cute!!
I purchased him a new toy today: a bubble blowing lawn mower- he took that thing around our house no less than 10x in the first hour we had it. He absolutely LOVES it! He pushes it and says, "Mo GRA!" (Mow grass).
He snuggled up with me for nap today, and decided to be super silly before falling asleep. He rolled over to me, plugged his nose and said, "Pee yew!" Which is what he hears me say all of the time! haha! We did that back and forth for a few minutes, along with some tickle pickles, and he fell asleep perfectly content in about 20 seconds when I said, "time for nap!" :)
ALSO, my new favorite: When we ask him where Jesus lives, he points to the sky and says, "In the Heavens!" More like, "Heh!" (his form of Heaven!) And when you ask him where else, he rubs his shirt and say's, "In my heart!" More like, "Har!" :)
This post is for me, I know it's not exciting to most, but it's important that I remember these special moments with my gift from Above! :)
I LOVE YOU, AYDEN JAMES HEARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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