Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Peek-a-boo.


Kisses from LB.

Andrew gets jealous sometimes because Lima Bean gives her mama so many kisses.  He got creative and now gets kisses any time he wants. ;)


 Here's a play-by-play...





Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Treinta y cinco.

Lima Bean was officially eight months old yesterday.  Wowza!

She has developed quite the personality... she thinks she is hilarious. When we're riding in the car, she'll be making noises while looking in the baby mirror above her and then crack up laughing. Maybe she's telling jokes? I think it's adorable and I'm glad she has a sense of humor. :)




Sunday, May 27, 2012

Abiding in the Word on the not-so-green side of the fence.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5:22-23

On the way to church today, we passed one (of many) farms and there was a cow with her head stuck through the fence chomping down on grass from the other side. Andrew said, "I guess the grass really is always greener on the other side."

His comment struck a chord with me. How often do I think of my life with the grass looking greener on the other side? Am I grateful for where I am in life right now or am I always looking to something in the future?

You know, sometimes life just gives you lemons... like when you have this "water" coming out of your sink and the water company comes to your house every other day for a week trying to figure it out.


But in reality, it was just one week of my life. This time next year I probably won't even remember how frustrating it was to deal with the overly iron-y water coming out of our faucets. 

I think it's important to remind myself of all the wonderful things I have on my side of the fence - my wonderful family, good health, a comfortable home, Andrew's job, a welcoming church, faithful friends, etc. Yeah there might be times when the grass on the other side of the fence looks greener, but I should be rejoicing in the fact that I even have grass around me. Does that make sense?

Like James says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let the steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

So the next time I think life looks a little greener on the other side of the fence, I'll remember how silly that cow looked today stretching her neck through the fence and thank the Lord for all of my blessings. Like this sweet girl...


And the next time life gives me lemons, I'll just take those lemons, make some delicious Chick-fil-A lemonade, and set up a little picnic for myself on that seemingly not-so-green grass.

Here's to a lush summer. :)

Friday, May 25, 2012

Total Tourists.

Andrew's car was in the shop on Tuesday, so we decided to take the day for ourselves. Lunch at Rudy's BBQ, a visit to the Olympic Training Center, and a successful trip to Costco. What a day!

Our visit to the Olympic Training Center was quite informative and fascinating. We had a nice, hot day - a record high of 90 degrees - for our mostly outdoor tour. It's been a while since we've experienced such a warm day... and we loved it!

We were able to walk all around the complex with our tour guide, Mike. He is pictured here with LB and me. He is a paralympic swimmer. In Beijing, he won a gold medal for the 100 meter freestyle and a bronze (but I can't remember for which event). He was very nice... and I'm pretty sure Lime Bean had a little something for him. :)



We met this guy too (the one on the right)... Rulon Gardner, a former wrestler.




Walking down the main corridor of the complex during the tour.

Here is one of the practice gyms. In this gym, the athletes can do anything from gymnastics and judo to basketball and volleyball. It is nicely air conditioned, has over 40 foot high ceilings (for volleyball), and has cameras all around so the athletes can film themselves practicing. The gym can hold 3,000 people. It was huge! 



On the tour...



Blurry tourists... 

Sunglasses and babies don't mix... they're either getting pulled off or knocked over. :)



Anyone want to come tour the Olympic Training Center? I recommend it. If so, I'm pretty sure I know of a place where you can stay!


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Abiding in the Word.

"All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name."

Psalm 86:9

These are a couple of videos from a while back... not sure if they happened to be on the same day or not because it looks like she has on the same outfit. Regardless, we can't pass up recording a happy baby!



Sunday, May 13, 2012

Abiding in the Word on Mother's Day.

"If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

1 Peter 4:14

Today was such a wonderful day as a new mother. The hubs (and Lima Bean, of course) went above and beyond today to make me feel special. From a delicious home cooked breakfast of chocolate waffles, quiche, and an incredible Prosecco/basil/strawberry cocktail to an adirondack chair (with new running clothes on it) and a table for our outdoor patio, oh man did I get spoiled. I have to admit we didn't go to church and Andrew let me sleep in... it was GLORIOUS! I was showered with love and I'm so grateful.















To my mom: I love you and I'm so thankful for you. Thank you for teaching me what it means to be a mother by your amazing example. I cherish you.

To my mother-in-law: thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family and loving me like a daughter. I love being a Jones.

To my hot mama sisters: thank you for friendship, laughter, and lots of advice. What a fun adventure we get to share together... motherhood. :)

Happy Mother's Day to all!