Thursday, September 29, 2011

#472. seeing her potential and progress @ swim lessons
#473. cakepop stop...she ordered and "payed" all by herself
#474. storytime and some socialization...gotta find more of that for her
#475. grilling chicken...did it all by myself
#476. another day where quiet time was found and His Word spoken to my heart
#477. time with sweet friends
#478. she actually played WITH a friend cooperatively and shared
#479. 2 sweet babies growing healthy and strong and dear friend who is a rock star
#480. connecting with hockey friends again and meeting new ones
#481. a great game of tag around the arena
#482. her sweet voice asking, "mommy, hold you?"
#483. her imagination hard at work in the other room

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

#459. I went...and will continue to go...even if it wasn't what I hoped
#460. she still loves all things having to do with "my new church"
#461. her sweet "i love you Mom"
#462. 2 mornings in a row of not waking before "the cow"
#463. disciplined/diligent hubby who works so hard for us
#464. mornings spent watching shows and playing at home
#465. snugglin at naptime
#466. trips being planned
#467. Violet TV...her favorite thing to watch these days
#468. quiet time to spend in the Word
#469. hearing what God is imprinting on my heart
#470. her love of "projects"
#471. letters in the mail with her name on them

Psalm 1:1-3

"Blessed is the man (or woman) who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his (or her) delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he (or she) meditates day and night. He (or she) is like a tree (FIRMLY) planted by streams of water (living water), which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he (or she) does prospers. " -Psalm 1:1-3

Yesterday I went to a Mom's group at our new church. It was definitely not what I had expected or hoped for, but God showed up and spoke truth to my heart. The speaker shared about "The Gift of God's Word" and she shared the verses I started this post with. They are verses that I have grown up reading and knowing and have even memorized, but yesterday they sunk in at a new level and I had a bit of an epiphany... As I was journaling last night about the verses I was struck with the idea of the tree being rooted, which would result in it flourishing and growing big and strong, providing a huge canopy of leaves and shelter, secure and anchored from the storms.

I am in no way an artist, but I had this picture/image in my head of a tree with deep roots and then the huge canopy of leaves as shelter. As I began to draw it out the words just flew onto the page and it was like a light-bulb went off. If I am firmly rooted in God's Word and my roots grow deep, my canopy of leaves will flourish and I will be able to provide shelter/security for my family. If I am grounded in God's Word, I am able to be anchored and then extend my arms to cover those I love with prayer and truth from His Word. It is such a simple picture/thought, but it is profound when I really think about it. If I am not rooted in His Word, if my roots don't go deep, I will be blown over and uprooted when the wind and rains come.

I want to stand firm, to be securely planted and strong in foundation so I can offer shelter/security to the people I love. In order to do so, I must be in His Word. The verses above say that they meditate on it "day and night". Having grown up in the church and being raised in the Word, I sometimes get so stuck in the formulas or feeling the need to do things the "right" way. When it comes to spending time in the Word, I often struggle as I don't know where to start or what to read or how I should do it...how many verses will I read? What chapter or book will I focus on? To be honest, I don't think it really matters. God can speak through His Word, through any verse, in any chapter, in any book, at any time. Truthfully, if I would just make the attempt and effort to show up and read even a few verses of His Word each day, I believe He'd speak to me and whisper to my heart. So...here I am...convicted and knowing that I need/want to be grounded in His Word so I can be like a tree that is strong and big and provides shelter.

This tree isn't finished yet...it needs a full canopy of leaves and the strengthening of it's roots, but it is a work in progress and I am excited to see what God has in store.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

She is her Daddy's daughter

In the past 2 weeks Hope has become quite obsessed with Star Wars. Hope and Daddy have now watched Star Wars Episodes 4, 5, & 6....if you ask Hope, her favorite is "the one in the snow". Last Saturday when we went to Disneyland Jaye bought Hope a set of toddler Star Wars guys. She immediately pulled out the Storm Trooper, R2D2 and C3PO. Over the past week she has put the trooper back but has taken R2 and 3PO everywhere...hockey, Grandma's, the mall, bed, her house, etc. Jaye has a 2 foot-tall R2 that dances and interacts with you and Hope requests to "play R2 with Daddy" several times a day. Her Daddy couldn't be happier!
Today when we went to Disneyland we stumbled across an R2D2 Mickey hat...when I showed it to Hope she got super excited! When I asked her if she liked it she asked to wear it. We've been wanting to get her new ears for awhile, but couldn't figure out which ones to get....we found them today! Hope said she wanted her name on R2 in pink, so pink it was.
She proudly wore her R2 ears all day and looked mighty cute too!
This last picture is from earlier in the week, but it is so fitting for this post and these pictures. This was Hope at naptime on Friday...she asked for her guys and her blankie and snuggled right in and fell asleep. Too cute!
#452. lazy Saturday as a family
#453. church with the cousins
#454. another GREAT Disney day with my favorites
#455. her curly hair stickin out from under her R2D2 Mickey ears...she was so proud
#456. dinner and time spent with Grandma and Grandpa Daisy
#457. two sweet little cousins laughing and playing together
#458. courage for the morning's outing...I am going

Friday, September 23, 2011

#446. her daily request for "projects"
#447. ball painting
#448. attempting to teach her Candy Land...almost got it
#449. snuggles @ naptime
#450. the sight of my girl, snuggled under the covers, pink blankie in1 hand, R2 and 3PO in the other...sound asleep
#451. hubby coming home early so I can go to work

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Right Where HE Wants Us

Jaye and I have talked numerous times the past month or so about how we feel like we are right where God wants us when it comes to church. Originally we had a list of 4 churches to visit out here, but we started at one and haven't left as we LOVE it. I am not one that remembers what is preached about on a Sunday...but I can tell you each aspect/part of the tabernacle from the past 5 or 6 weeks as that is what we've been studying. There's something about the style of preaching/teaching that is sticking with me and it's so great! I love being able to put all the pieces together as I actually remember what has been said/taught!

Aside from the great teaching, this new place as been one that has come to be a weekly place of reuniting with family. Jaye grew up next door to his cousins growing up and they are his best friends. 3 weeks ago Jaye was texting with his cousin when church came up. She joined us at church that Sunday and God was definitely at work on her heart and she asked Jaye if he'd go forward with her the following week. Her 2nd Sunday there she chose to commit her life to Christ. She and Jaye walked hand-in-hand down the steps and to the front of the church where she talked with people and learned more about what it meant to become a Christian. Jaye couldn't have been prouder and happier and I am so grateful to have been witness to that moment for both of them!

After her 1st Sunday with us, she called her brother and his wife and invited them to join us at church too. That 2nd Sunday there were 5 of us all sitting in a row while the 2 munchkins were at their class. When Jaye's cousin and his wife picked up their daughter from her class she told them "I love my new school!" We all had lunch afterwards and ended up having everyone over for a marathon cousin day! We had many conversations about faith, the Bible, baptism, etc...conversations that had never been had before. When it was bedtime, I was reading books to Hope and her cousin and had told Hope "1 more book and then it's time to pray and go to sleep". Her cousin asked me, "What's pray?". I got to show her what "pray" was and she asked to try it too. What a precious moment with these sweet girls!

Last Sunday everyone came again, everyone with Bibles in tow and ready for another Sunday. There are still decisions to be made by some, but they are coming! I feel so priviledged to see the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of our family and this church. Each week people come to know the Savior and each week I get all emotional as I get to witness decisions being made. God is so good and I am so grateful that He brought us to that place.

Jaye and I have started attending a couples/marriage ministry on Weds. nights and we are excited to grow and learn together. Hope loves going to her class so it's almost like a little date-night/get-away for Jaye and I as we get to sit together and learn. We're also hoping to meet some other couples with kids as we are lacking in the friend department. On Monday I am going to be VERY brave and attend a Biblestudy for Moms. I don't know a single soul, but feel as though I should go...I am nervous and scared, but trust that if I take this step out that I will see what God has in store for me.

Needless to say, I so believe this church is exactly where God wants us. I am learning and growing, Jaye is being challenged, cousins are being saved, and God is at work in all of us. I am so grateful for this new place and love feeling as though I am exactly where HE wants me to be. Maybe this is the place God will use to reach my in-laws...I am committed to praying.
#440. relating with a friend
#441. art projects with my girl
#442. getting to go back to work today for the 1st time in a week
#443. hockey game with my favorites
#444. sleeping in til after the cow woke up
#445. whole weekend off

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Food Truck Festival

Back at the beginning of September we went to a Food Truck Festival with Jaye's parents. We all enjoyed lots of yummy food! Hope's favorite was the cupcake truck...she thoroughly enjoyed every bite!
Next stop for Hope was the Kona Ice truck. It was a hot day so some "bubblegum ice" was perfect!
Jaye was excited about all things BACON! He got an amazing bacon filled grilled cheese from this truck and it was DELICIOUS! Best item of the day, if you ask me!
My 2 stops were for strawberry waffles and a "tornado potato". The waffle was really good and the potato was alright. It looked really cool though!
We had a great day with Jaye's folks and are looking forward to another Food Truck Festival, maybe next-time we'll go kid-free though!



And another season begins!

Hockey season has begun once again! Last night was the 1st preseason game and were excited to get our jerseys on and watch the game! A friend of mine's son, Jake (#58), got to play in his 1st NHL game last night! Watching hockey is always exciting, but it was even more exciting to root and cheer for someone you know! So cool that he played hard and made it to the big leagues!
This year we had to buy a seat for Hope. We decided to bring her seat from home in hopes of keeping her corralled. It seemed to work pretty good and she was happy with her snacks and toys! She was full of constant questions: "what that Daddy? What those guys doin? Where's the goalie Mommy?" She's such a good little hockey fan!
Before the game various players were spread throughout the Honda Center, doing random jobs and signing autographs. We met up with Cam Fowler and George Parros!
Much to Daddy's delight, Hope's favorite toys right now are her "guys" (R2D2 and C3PO)...they came to the game with us and she fell asleep with them in her hands on our drive home!
#426. being dismissed from jury duty
#427. my wonderful Dad who helped me replace my car battery
#428. an extra evening at home with my hubby
#429. listening to Daddy explain Star Wars to the munchkin
#430. her constant questions about everything
#431. catching up with an old friend
#432. sweet smiles from a too cute baby
#433. 1st game of the season
#434. our great little hockey fan and her constant questions about the game
#435. seeing our friend's son play his first NHL game, so cool!
#436. progress at swimming lessons
#437. cakepop stops
#438. sharing music with her that I loved as a kid
#439. another day with no plans spent with my girl

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Crayon Art - Take 1

Over a month ago I came across some really fun art projects involving melted crayon. I have been dying to try it and have been saving my crayons and canvas until I had the time to do it. Today my friend Julie came over and together we embarked on melted crayon art. We didn't have time to finish them together and I am anxious to see how hers turns out. Above is the BEFORE picture and below is the AFTER picture...

As I was melting my crayons I was thinking about the endless possibilities with various colors, crayon positions, degree of melting, etc. I think I may need to invest in more crayons and more canvas VERY soon!




Taggie Blankets

A good friend of ours is having twins and I thought her baby shower was the perfect motivation for me to finally try my hand at making taggie blankets. She is having a boy and a girl so I got to make 2. I think they turned out pretty good...not perfect, but also not too bad for a 1st try!
I really like the boy one best...I love the ribbons and fabric combo. The reverse side is baby-blue silk. The reverse side of the girl one is purple.
The ribbons aren't exactly straight, but a baby isn't going to care if his/her "taggies" are crooked.


An Interview with Hope @ 2 1/2

What Food do you like?: cereal (really?) mmmhmmm
What's your favorite Show: Max and Rubies, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
What's your favorite Color: Pink
Who are your Friends: Violet, Ryan
Where is your favorite Place to go: I like to go to Disneyland, I Like to go to California Benture
What do you like to play: at my new church, with my toys
What is your favorite Favorite toy: play with the train (almost never, but ok)
Favorite princess: snow white
What do you eat for Breakfast: wapples (waffles)
What do you eat for Lunch & Dinner: cereal (never)
What do you like to drink: milk, chocolate milk
How do you help Mommy: help up there
Do you go to any special classes:not swimming lessons
What do you like to do with Daddy: go outside
What do you like to do with Mommy:go outside with Mommy,
What's your favorite animal? giraffe
Favorite book: Icky Sticky Frog
Where do you sleep: in my bedroom
What makes you happy:Mommy

Monday, September 19, 2011

Jury Duty

I've been sitting in this juror room for not even 2 hours and I feel as though I have been here ALL Day already! Ugh! It's definitely 55 and over day and I am one of the few that does not fall in that category. Call time was 12:30 and anyone close to my age decided that it was fashionable and cool to show up late...me? I got here at 12:15. They put together 5 groups of jurors, 1 dismissed at 1:30, another group not needed at 1:45 and now another group checks out at 2:08. I was in the last group to be assigned and I am still sitting here...waiting for the "break" to be over. Is it really necessary to give so many dumb breaks? Let's get on with this already.

It's definitely good people watching here...several mullets, 1 is quite 80s with the big-bangs going on and the other with a spiff braid going to her butt. YUCK! LOTS of little old ladies, lots of little old men, looking full of war stories to tell. There's the lady behind me, feet propped up and stretched across 3 chairs and sound asleep. Then there's me...guess I'm not much better as I am stretched out as well, typing away in hopes of passing time. Very few conversations exist in this room as the majority of people are reading a book or staring into space. I feel a bit nerdy with my laptop out, but at least it's passing time. 3 more minutes til our reporting back time...hoping we get sent home but doubting I'll get so lucky.

Well, there goes another group...why can't it be me they are dismissing?!? Guess I should've worn my shorts and "muscle shirt" as they are automatic grounds for dismissal. Think I could pass for not having an adequate understanding of the English language?! Nope, probably not. So here I sit...still waiting...group 63-2...please send us home!!! At least I didn't have to be here at 8am...could be worse.

There goes another group...but this time called to a court room. My group is the last left...there's gotta be 30 of us just waiting around for our fate to be determined...Has it really not even been 2 hours?!?! UGH!

Well, I finally got called to a court room and because I was one of the last to enter I got to sit front and center in the jury box! That room was way smaller than I had pictured/imagined. Turns out I was in a room where they were wanting a jury for a 3 week murder case..yuck! I was told to report downstairs again and ask for a shorter trial as I couldnt' do 3 weeks and not get paid...there were no shorter cases so I was DISMISSED by 3:30! Woo hoo!

Hopefully they pass me up in 12 months!

Sunday, September 18, 2011

#413. snuggles with my girl @ 5:45am
#414. her love of "Troopers", just like her Daddy
#415. they came with their shiny, never been used Bible
#416. she loved her Bible...hungry to read it
#417. this hard heart being softened
#418. naptime for all
#419. catching up with my dear friend
#420. her laundry finally put away (2 weeks later)
#421. bedtime stories
#422. her list of people to pray for
#423. handy hubby saved the day
#424. errands to run late at night = knowledge of dead battery before go-time
#425. Sunday. I love this day!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

#402. raffle won
#403. watching our "guys" skate
#404. the sound of skates on the ice
#405. shared activity/hobby/sport as a family
#406. Disney day
#407. she loves "troopers" like her Daddy
#408. happy-go-lucky kid ALL day
#409. family day
#410. watching her fall asleep mid-bite after a long day with no nap
#411. sleeping soundly despite the mariachi party behind us
#412. movie night with the hubby

Friday, September 16, 2011

#397. celebrating 2 babies on the way
#398. good mornings with my girl
#399. off early at work = time with hubby
#400. connecting with coworkers at work
#401. live chats with our friends...2 silly girls

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

#389. baby gifts made
#390. shoes found for my favorites
#391. calm and drama-free outing with the girl
#392. ability to sew...even if not super well
#393. impromptu visit with Mom
#394. good evening even though none of it was as planned
#395. hockey tickets on the front porch...life is about to get busy
#396. adopted "Grandma" who loves my little one so much
#385. lost kid is found
#386. great new hires
#387. family close by
#388. happy girl to wake up to

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Holy?

Heard this song on the radio a few weeks ago and I love it! It is called "What Do I Know of Holy?" and it is by Addison Road, one of my recent finds and favorites...

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

Monday, September 12, 2011

Whose kid is this?!?!

Lately I find myself asking that question when my once even-tempered, calm-natured, and kind kid decides to flaunt her naughty side. I don't love her any less, but man have there been times this week where I have not liked her actions AT ALL! Yes, I know, she is 2 1/2...but somehow that doesn't seem like a good enough reason/excuse for her these past few weeks. Around here meltdowns happen frequently, listening is non-existent, and kindness/sharing is a favorite past-time.

I find myself so frustrated and discouraged when she displays these wonderful signs of the "terrible twos"...this is not who I've been raising her to become. We've taught her to "be kind", to "share", to "use your words", to "ask nicely", "make good choices", etc. and all of that has gone out the window as of late! Again, I know she is only 2 but man....

I realized on Friday while she was displaying her new tricks that I was just plain embarrassed and ashamed of the way my kid was acting. She was being the kind of kid that I wouldn't want my child to be around or play with. I feel as though other parents are looking at me and thinking, "whose kid is that?! She must let her kid get away with murder at home." We are doing everything we know to do to train her up and teach her, but ultimately she is going to choose her way and we will then issue consequences when those choices are unacceptable. Geeze, I sound like I'm talking about a teenager...

It's been a rough few weeks and this is one drained and frustrated Mama. I'm not sure what more to do and find myself praying that this phase ends soon as I would really enjoy having my sweet, kind kid back!! No, this isn't an all the time thing and yes, we do have great moments together...but man are these naughty/trying moments getting the best of me.

Each week at church, prior to taking communion, I find myself confessing the same things...lack of patience with my kid, raising my voice or getting mad at her, lack of anything left to give to my sweet husband at the end of the day, not caring for the home we've been blessed with, etc... Each week it's the same shortcomings that I come back to and each week I am so grateful that He chose to die for me, to forgive me of these things over and over again, and yet still love me unconditionally.
#380. getting to go to work
#381. sweet friend who embraced my impromptu meltdown
#382. finally saying out loud what I'd been feeling...freeing
#383. health and safety for my family
#384. Grandpa who takes her swimming and shares popsicles with her

Sunday, September 11, 2011

#366. cousin accepting HIM
#367. another life-giving teaching
#368. sitting side-by-side with family at church
#369. cousin time for my girl
#370. marathon day filled with hubby's nearest and dearest
#371. teaching Hope's cousin what "pray" meant
#372. time to talk with hubby
#373. a home to host get-togethers
#374. reading stories, a sweet girl under either arm
#375. hope for things to come
#376. admitting to self that she really is a "best friend", even though the term feels trivial
#377. realizing how much that best friend means and is missed
#378. quick bedtime for the little one
#379. understanding/empathizing with my girl and her exhaustion after being surrounded by people all day

Thursday, September 8, 2011

#359. progress and a great sub at swimming lessons
#360. quick trip to a new playground
#361. naptime with minimal struggle
#362. cakepop trip
#363. great day with my girl
#364. great teaching @ Fuse
#365. hubby who provides for us and cares for us

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

#354. quick day at work
#355. early nap
#356. knowing I am not alone in this battle
#357. His hand on her today
#358. mercies that are new every morning

Monday, September 5, 2011

#348. connecting with families at work
#349. lunch with coworkers
#350. finding the missing rain boots
#351. listening to J explain Star Wars to the munchkin
#352. her constant "what's that" and "what they doing Daddy?"
#353. BBQ chicken salad

Sunday, September 4, 2011

#342. another great message preached
#343. a little girl who can hardly wait to go to her "new church"
#344. church with cousin
#345. sorting through baby clothes and remembering how sweet she was
#346. phone call with friend...so nice to know I am not alone
#347. a few moments free of screaming and crying...peace is wonderful

Terrible 2.5s

I've decided there's a reason why most people have their 2nd child before their 1st reaches 2 1/2...It is so hard for me to remember the peace and calm that comes with a baby as my whole world is constant chaos with a 2 and 1/2 year old. I'd love to have a sweet baby again, but I'm not so sure about this 2 1/2 thing again someday.

It has been a VERY long week in the Howard household this past week. I have been frustrated beyond words and exhausted mentally and emotionally past the point of reasoning this week. I am ready to trade my child in for a kinder model, one that listens, doesn't climb, and doesn't shout and scream. It's such a frustrating feeling to try and try and feel like I am getting nowhere with her. Don't get me wrong, I love her with all that I am, but it has not been a fun week as a parent.

I have yelled, shouted, cried, sighed, and anything else associated with frustration and defeat this past week. I have not been a kind Mommy, I have not been a patient Mommy. I have been an ugly and impatient and have been so ready to give up. Thankfully, several friends of mine have kids at the same age/stage and I have found that I'm not alone. Not that it makes either of our behaviors okay, but it is comforting to know that we are "normal".

It is weeks like this where I wish my friends were closer and where I wish we could just spend all day every day together and at least have company in the midst of this not-so-fun stage. I am praying this goes away really soon and in the mean time I have to come up with ways to stay busy and sane or else I may be putting my child up for sale to the highest bidder very son.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

#337. yummy food from trucks
#338. naptime for the whole family
#339. chats with neighbors
#340. time as a family in the yard
#341. impromptu dinner with family

Friday, September 2, 2011

New Church

For the past year we've been driving 45 minutes to get to church. The drive was worth it as it meant we got to see our dear friends each week and Hope got to play with one of her favorite friends. Since our friends recently moved out of state, we figured we should start looking for a new church that is closer to home. Our hopes were to find a church that had a good program for Hope that offered a story/lesson each week for her. We made our list of 4 churches in the area and decided to start at the 1 that had responded to my e-mail the quickest.

Week 1: Followed our neighbors to their church...really big church! We figured out the check-in system and got Hope registered. Hope walked into her close with no hesitations and quickly engaged in play. We found our way to the main sanctuary and found a seat with our neighbors, up high and off to the side. I didn't have high expectations as the sermon series was on the tabernacle...didn't figure it'd be very exciting. I was wrong. Pastor talked about the altar and the various sacrifices that were made upon the altar. He pointed out the emotional attachment that the people had to the animal they sacrificed and how sacrifice takes emotion and is costly. He also mentioned how each family was asked to give what they could...for some it was a bull, others a sheep, and for poorer families, a turtledove. In the Old Testament it mentions how Jesus' parents offered a turtledove. They were poor yet offered all they had.

Week2: This week was all about the laver, the place where the people would stop to wash and cleanse themselves after giving their offering/sacrifice. He talked about how the people would purify themselves and present their best before the Lord before entering into His presence. He talked about how we ought to offer our best to and for the people we love. How often do I offer my best to my family? At the end he invited people to come and be baptized, right then and there. They had 4 baptismal pools around the church and hundreds came forward, fully clothed, and gave their all. So amazing to witness God move like that.

Week3: This week we talked about the show bread. After the people offered and washed, they'd eat of the bread. He talked about Psalm 16:11..."You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. At your right hand are pleasures forever more." God wants to offer us good things. He desires that we enjoy life abundantly and fully. Are we truly living FULL of joy, living abundantly in His presence?

Hope loves her "new church" and asks to go often. We are so grateful for this new place/season in our lives and are praying for new friends/community for all of us. We've joined a couples Biblestudy on Wednesday nights and I am going to go to their Moms group twice a month. I am scared to death, but know that if I want to meet others and grow, then I need to leave my comfort zone and take a step of faith. I'm scared to death, but trust that this is where God wants me.
#348. new mercies each morning
#329. job I love
#330. best friend's baby girl that's growing
#331. staying in her room til the cow woke up
#332. playdate plans with friends
#333. cup of coffee
#334. weekend with fun plans
#335. new comforter for the bed, yay for new colors
#336. sprinkle donuts