The Painted Veil

Shelby's recent post inspired this (:

It's not a movie I would necessarily recommend to anyone as it is not "Christian" and there is some "questionable" content. I loved it, though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oevR8c35Qk

It was this movie that God used to show Lyle and I that He has something more, much more, for us to do with our lives. It hit us both like a load of bricks and we just sat there, stunned. It's odd to feel so compelled to do something, but still not understand quite what it might be. I've never been more sure of anything, though. We can feel God preparing us, even though we don't know exactly what we're to do. All the beautiful material things I've always wanted for my family suddenly don't matter, at all. Oddly enough, this new baby is the first step. In my heart they're strangely connected. Which is weird as it seems like just another thing to tie us down. I'm not even sure "missionary" is the right word. There is just an overwhelming burden to love people. People who desperately need to be loved and taken care of. And I get the sense that we dare not ignore it...

Charming

He was gifted with Mama's passion.
Every emotion we encounter we experience for everything it's worth.
Often it's not pretty.
Unlike Mama,
he has an incredible ability to influence the mood of those around him.
Beware.
I have yet to see one resist his charms.
And he knows it.
For sure and certain.

What would I do without that sweet face to gaze at every day?
Mama is smitten,
to say the least.

Just Because...

Look what I found waiting for me to come home last night.

Just because.

I also got my back rubbed until I drifted to sleep...

the best sleep I've had in weeks.

Which left me feeling better than I have in weeks this morning.

Guys,

Note to self: (:

Spooky...

Last night, 1:15am-ish, glass shattered somewhere in the house waking both Lyle and I up.
My first thought was that I didn't get the candle blown all the way out before going to bed, even though I distinctly remembered doing so. We checked the whole downstairs, finding nothing.
At which point our sluggish brains started at the thought that maybe it was a window... Just as this thought was beginning to form Jude started screaming from his room. Not a feeling I ever want to experience again. Lyle ran up to check on him without his gun, confirming my suspicians that when sluggish brains are in a panic guns are not going to do us any good. (If we actually have time to get to them when an intruder is present, we probably won't realize we need to do so...I rest my case.) I ran into the living room, where Tessa was sleeping, to check those windows and ask if she had heard anything. She hadn't. Jude was fine. Probably just scared after hearing us going through the entire house. Lyle checked all the windows upstairs, still finding nothing. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep after that. I've checked and re-checked everything I can think of and have still found nothing. It's not like it didn't happen. We both heard it. So what was it?

Ready for more?
A couple of weeks ago as I was loading some laundry into the washer, someone called my name. I jumped about a mile and spun around, not really afraid, because I thought it was Heidi, but freaked out that she had somehow gotten into the house without me knowing...Only she wasn't there. No one was. I checked the whole house. I was so shaken up that I called her to make sure she was okay. Then I called Mom. Then Tess, as all their voices are similar. If I'm going insane, then I'm really going insane because I heard someone say my name, and that wasn't the only time. I'm starting to think maybe my time has come or something. Lyle said next time I should just answer it, like in the Bible. Do you know how crazy that would make me feel? (:

Anyway, just wanted to document.
If nothing else it's a good read.(:

Dashing

He can look at me
And I can look at him,
And without saying a word
We know what the other is thinking.
It’s always been like that.
I love it.
And I love him!

This boy is special.
I love him no more than my other babies...
But there is something about him that is so beautiful.
I can feel it radiating from him.
I think everyone can.
My theory is that his spirit is the reason being pregnant with him was so magical.
I felt so physically empty after he was born that I could hardly stand it.

He is my little gentleman;
always opening the door for Mama and taking such good care of me.

Dashing. He is.
How could anyone resist?






















All chimneys are "smokestacks"
He notices them everywhere we go, with the chilly weather, and it's, "Look at all the smoke swirling out of that smokestack, Mama!" every time we pass one by.

Have I mentioned before how much I love him?

The Name Game...

Those of you who know me well know that I have a thing for names. I will probably be discovering names I love for the rest of my life. So, it's no surprise that I had a list a mile long before we even found out about our June-Bug. Thought I'd share as it will be fun to look at years down the road while laughing and asking June-Bug, "Can you imagine? You were almost a _____!"

Some of these I adore,
some; not so much.
In no particular order,

Boys:

Adriel: of God's flock
Ezra: helper
Ellis: my God is Jehovah
Audin: old friend
Ainsley: place name

Girls:

Adah: lovely addition
Adair: ornament
Ethne: little fire
Elodie: white blossom
Eleanor: shining light

Looks like it'll either be "A" or "E" (Daddy, of coarse, has a say too.) In all honesty, this baby will probably not be named until we see it. I have a couple favorites but nothing that really pulls me...maybe I'm having more than 1? (:
Let me know what you like, and what you hate! I know what I love and I'm not easily swayed, but I love to hear everyone's thoughts...

Totally Pooped...

Well, I spent most of my weekend at Sandy Beach,
either having pics taken of me or taking photos of others.
You guys totally wore me out. I am toast today!
But it was worth it!

I ended up with Holly for our last Christmas drawing with Grandma-Great, almost 2 years ago now, and gave her some picture frames and a "gift certificate" for family photos...Well, now their house is finally finished and she decided to take me up on my offer.

This photoshoot was easy-peasy.
I can't wait till my babies get a little older and a little more cooperative...
Holly has great taste and everyone looked wonderful and the weather was gorgeous!

All in all I think we were there for 20 minutes and we captured just what she wanted (whew!)
Maybe I shouldn't, but I just can't help myself and had to share!

I love this little family so much! God knew what he was doing when he knit them together.
To see them so happy makes my heart sing!

Please excuse the yucky quality of this one.

I had to share 'cause I love it, anyway.