Wee Wee

The timing of my end of employment from my day job was perfect for a few opportunities to get together with some of our favorite girls. Kelli and little Waverly came over for a pool party and lunch the first week I was off. We had a lot of fun - the girls especially. Playing in the pool. Getting in and out. Going down the slide into the pool. Pushing each other in the car. Saying "Ow" when walking on the brown, crunchy grass.

Unfortunately, we don't get to see the Snyder ladies as often as we would like. We even used to live next door and didn't get to hang out much. But both of us weren't working during the day so we took advantage. Waverly is several months older that Emersen. She doesn't understand why Emersen calls a car a "go go" - she said "No, that's a car!" Hilarious.

The girls had a lot of fun together - there might have even been some play time in the nude. You can do that when you're 2 years old. This was the first of a few times the girls got to play together over about a week or so. Fortunately, with me not working, we were able to go help the Snyder's prepare for their "Moving to Madagascar" yard sale. And later the same day, throw and surprise Harry Potter party for Kelli/the family. As you may have noticed, they are moving to Madagascar, in Africa. The party was a going away party and a birthday party to celebrate since Kelli won't be in the states for her birthday.

We're super excited for the Snyder's new adventures in Africa. They're currently in Virginia for two months for training. Then they will be moving in October to Madagascar! They will be serving as missionaries for several years at a time until God calls them to something or somewhere else. We admire them so much for their commitment to their calling as well as their realistic perspective on the situation. It's refreshing when people are honest about their feelings when they're being obedient to what God wants for their life. They know that the best place they can be is where God wants them to be - to be in His will. That doesn't make it easy to leave what they know. They've lived in Lexington their whole lives. They have family here. But they're excited too. To live in a new place, new culture. To do it all together as a family. To share God's love and word with people who don't have the opportunity to hear it like we do in America.

Wes and I have been inspired by the Snyder's and their willingness to sacrifice for themselves in order to give others the opportunity to know Jesus. And I even have bouts of jealousy that they're doing something this BIG for God. But they'll admit they're not any bigger, better or more holy in their obedience. I think about how Waverly will grow up in a completely different culture and maybe miss out on the media, the materialism, etc. Not that there won't be other struggles - homeschooling would challenge me to the core. But God is good - He gifted Kelli with the skills for teaching and she has a degree in education. Chandler's biggest challenge will be not getting to wear his snazzy pants any more. 

Anyway, you all have to endure some posts like this as I use the blog to journal a little bit as well. And while Kelli and I would sometimes not see each other for a month, we text regularly. And can be honest with each other, talk about things I don't talk about with other people, and have the rare blessing of being friends as a couple - you know, both husband and wife like the other husband and wife. We have the little girls of similar age, who have become little friends too. I've had my mini go-to-pieces as we celebrated with parties and play dates, and I'm sure there may be more. It's really hard with the girls hugging in pictures like these! But thank the Lord for Skype and technology, we'll be okay.

Girls and Trucks

This is Miss Ava. She is the granddaughter of my parent's neighbors. She just turned a year old, but has been walking for like two months. Her mom lived next door when I lived at home as well. Now we've both got the little ones. Ava even, unfortunately, gets to experience some eczema flare ups like Em as well. When you're little, you bond over weird stuff, yeah? Ava was visiting next door when we were last at my parents. They got to play together and had some fun playing on my dad's truck. It had just come home from receiving it's beautiful, and long awaited, paint job. The girls loved the little step they could sit on together.

Em loves to play in the rock bed out by my parents' garage. She moves the rocks around, takes them out, and then puts them all back. She LOVES rocks. Any kind. Big, rough, pebbles, etc. Kids are easy to please.

Ava's mom guesses that Emersen is assuring Ava that one day she will be taller/bigger. Whatever they were communicating, it was adorable!

Summertime

"Summer, summer, summertime 

Time to sit back and unwind 

Here it is the groove slightly transformed 

Just a bit of a break from the norm 

Just a little somethin' to break the monotony 

Of all that hardcore dance that has gotten to be 

A little bit out of control it's cool to dance 

But what about the groove that soothes that moves romance 

Give me a soft subtle mix 

And if ain't broke then don't try to fix it 

And think of the summers of the past 

Adjust the base and let the alpine blast 

Pop in my cd and let me run a rhyme 

And put your car on cruise and lay back cause this is summertime."

-Will Smith, song Summertime

I mean, I don't even know half of what he's saying. But when I thought "summertime" in my head, I thought of the first two lines. But then the lyrics were funny, so....

Just some pictures of Em enjoying summertime. I am also enjoying the summer days right along with her. However, and especially because of retail stores and Pinterest, I'm starting to get that fall fever. It's just the BEST time of year....and the holidays continue until January. I do love the summer days, but it's been mega hot. Which makes it difficult to take a little one out and about for any great length of time, even in the pool. 

What to say first? Sumo wrestler stance? All American summer with her picnic table. Point out that she has a toy car, lots of rocks....and a purple Dora bucket on her table. She's well rounded, don't you think?

This is still the result of "show me your pretty smile."

Just too cool for school.

Standing like Daddy. Em loves playing monkey see, monkey do - she'll go stand like you, make a face like you, say what you say and even say it like you said it.

Testing her boundaries.

Exploring the sprinkler.

Hmm....what to do next? Bubbles or bubbles?

She starts off the morning in style.

What Should I Do?

¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.  (James 4)

I have missed most of our current message series at church on the book of James. Between being in Louisville training for wedding coordination and then being outside during church for registration/service coordinating, I haven't been in service in awhile. But I've been reading James each week to keep up. Sometimes at the breakfast table, I read out of my Bible to Emersen.
Em: "Mommy Bible."
Me: "Yes, this is mommy's Bible. Do you want me to read it?"
Em: "Dah" (yeah) or her newest answer to questions, "Yes." (Very deliberately spoken.)

Well I can't say no to that. So as I wanted to keep up with James, that's what we read. And yesterday, feeling a little aimless lately and wondering about timing for purchases, for career moves, for family planning, I sat down wanting to seek out some guidance in God's word. I remembered I hadn't read the lastest chapter in James and opened to it. Lo and behold came this passage of scripture. For context, the previous verses (check it out here) are about humility and submitting to God. I mean, that could be another blog post of course. Needless to say, as a Christian, that is something I do. I submit to God. I live for His purposes and pleasure, not my own. At least, I try.

Moving on to the final verses of chapter 4 of James. How freeing, right? I can make plans, the "best laid plans," but God's will is our end goal. I don't know what will happen tomorrow. Scary? Yes. Freeing? Yes. Confusing? I'm trying not to be. But because we are "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" I know that the things valued by a lot of people here on earth aren't really valuable. This changes how things and decisions get prioritized, doesn't it?
What job should I have? What house should we live in? Where should we live? What church should we go to? When should we have another kid? How much money do we need to retire? These are thought provoking questions that shouldn't be answered or decided on without consideration. But my answer won't always be the "right" answer. As in, my answer might not make sense to others, maybe even most others. My answer might not align with the Today Show's financial expert or the community report on Where to Live with the Best Schools. Here is my point: I have to say "If the Lord wills..." I can try to schedule and plan when to try to get pregnant and have another child. But if the Lord wills it, or doesn't, that's when it will happen. Same for where we live or how we live. Plain & simple. I just forget this sometimes. I forget that I'm not in control. I forget that my God is bigger than my plans, my health issues, my financial requirements and I can keep going.if you want.
Anyhow. I loved seeing on Facebook the other day when an acquaintance mentioned that a friend had advised her to open her Bible for some reading when she was feeling down. The acquaintance is someone I don't think reads her Bible regularly. And it was really awesome advice from the friend. And she found peace within the words, and then shared it with others on Facebook. Number 1 : that's why Facebook is amazing when used for good; Number 2: that's why I'm sharing on my blog. These verses, like the rest of the Bible, are words straight from God. They're powerful and never changing. And His words can provide peace in a crazy world.

Kiddos

I think he might use this to get in GQ Magazine...what a stud Sam!

Look closely - yep, dirt all over her face. Means she is having fun!

Emersen LOVES playing outside. She has her collection of rocks she moves around from the ground to her picnic table. Or carries them around in a bucket. She loves to wear her Crocs outside - and to say "Crocs" and "back" for out back.

I had a full day of meeting with event managers/coordinators at a couple venues in Lexington today as I try to get our name/my name out there for wedding coordinating with Weekend Wedding Warriors. It was awesome - discovered the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa. I feel a staycation in our future, it was beautiful! And lunch was delish at JW's. Later, I had a yummy dessert at the Hyatt Regency downtown. And an afternoon coffee. It's a rough life for sure.

I need to schedule myself time to update the blog, I haven't kept up and I'm not even working outside the home! But I did plan our Harry Potter party and worked on it last week, and will probably post some pictures soon!

Good Reads

Well friends, as I adjust to my new schedule, I'm glad to have more time to catch up on book reviews! Because I got a friendly reminder email from the website that gives me free books informing me that I was past due on my review of the above work of fiction.

I had a hard time getting into this book. Given it's slightly historical nature, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it. But that was just the first chapter. Then it takes a supernatural/spiritual turn, a turn upwards. To heaven. The gist is a martyred Christian is writing letters to us now, with a heavenly perspective. Similar to the letters written by the disciples you find in the Bible, the letters are commentary, advice and observations from above with the speculated spiritual wisdom those who have a personal relationship with Christ will receive when we take the up elevator and meet the man upstairs. It kind of blows your mind!

This book rivals the challenging nature of CS Lewis' work Mere Christianity. While a different style and genre, given that it's fiction, the truth and profound nature of the truth is very convicting and inspirational at the same time. Much of the story, the descriptions and imagery is obviously speculation because no person really knows what heaven looks like or will be like exactly. However, the perspective gained from the "other side" offers something truly challenging and thought provoking.

I do find the title of the book a little...misleading. While it's an accurate description, it comes off a little too heavy or bloody. Instead, it's intriguing: to hear from the "other side", to get an eternal perspective, to think about what those in heaven might think about how things are going "down here". 

Again, it's a work of fiction. It's not Scripture. But it's a really amazing premise for a book. Similar to the book 5 People You Meet in Heaven, the author's goal is to get you to think. To be amazed. To give some thought to the idea that there is way more going on in our daily lives that has purpose and is part of a greater plan that we simply won't know in full detail until the time we arrive in heaven, if that is our final destination.

As you know, I received this book from bookcrash.com, for free, in exchange for an honest review. I do highly recommend this book. It's very different than most books I have read or would choose to read. I've already passed on my copy to someone else!

Baa Baa White Sheep

Thank you Aunt Elinor for this treat! This is a rocking sheep. Like a horse, but a sheep. It's really soft and wooly. And the perfect size for Em. Hilarious, right?

Don't worry, Em's coloring is amped up with Instagram here. But look at that happy face!

Can You Hear Me Now?

I love this face. Love it. Want to eat it up. And I'm especially loving how people are starting to tell me that Emersen is looking like me. Not that I don't like that she resembles her father, I do. I think he's pretty good looking. But she's a girl, so it's nice that she looks like her mommy.

And like a girl, she likes to talk on her phone. Or her emergency vehicle walkie-talkie. She mostly talks to Pap-pap. She usually runs through all her words that she knows too. Sometimes, because she's fancy, she uses her phone as a remote control.

I'm playing catch up with pictures as I adjust to my new lifestyle of not working a normal day job. I left things pretty open for myself this week. No expectations. No scheduled activities. Sort of a reset period. Like when Emersen starts waking up really early, or her naps get out of wack, then we have to do something to jostle her back into her routine/schedule. Well this week of nothing-ness is to jostle me into my new routine. A definite cut off from the old to prepare for the new. It's been nice to lounge around, relax, clean as I wanted, do laundry, organize closets, watch Gilmore Girls and of course, catch up on the blog.

Up Next...

As you probably know, I quit my "day job". About 3 months ago, in the midst of reading a challenging book with our group that was meeting weekly, and through much prayer by both of us, we decided that I needed to quit my job. I was in a position that is best described as being a square hole and I discovered I am a round peg. I realized through several events and people that I was not in the spot that best fit my God given strengths, weaknesses, personality, passions and interests. I'm grateful for the job position I have occupied over the past 3 1/2 years. I learned a lot of what to do, what not to do, and especially about myself as an employee and person. The people I got to know are irreplaceable and I know that God put me in that position through the events that got me there. Similarly, I know God's allowing me to pursue this next phase of life, as we've had complete peace about all of our decisions and actions.

Enter the pretty virtual lady above. This is my avatar to use for my new position. I'm going to be serving as the Lexington Wedding & Event Coordinator for Weekend Wedding Warriors, a company based in Louisville. I found out about the company from a friend in Louisville who is one of the coordinators. She had a baby and when we visited, she mentioned that the company was thinking of expanding into Lexington. Wes being the discerning man that he is started asking questions about the job. Wes isn't one to really feel passionate about wedding coordinating, so he obviously was asking on behalf of me. He immediately told me "hey you should do that." This was before I ever quit my job. My response was that I wasn't qualified, etc. That's code for "I don't think I can" and "I don't think I ever just fall into something awesome."

Fast forward to reading a book about taking risks in the name of Jesus! We read a book called In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, which I've mentioned previously on the blog. The premise of the book is to adjust how you view situations that arise in your life - to view them through the filter of scripture and the will of God. To see things that might seem "bad" or "scary" or "inconvenient" as opportunities instead, specifically in how God could use them in your life. And to adjust our view of failure to that which God views it. As in, we know that we can know God's strength more through our own weakness. We can trust that if we're pursuing God through our personal relationship with Him, getting to know Him, talking to Him and obeying His commands, then whatever circumstances may arise we know that good will result. God's good, not our own. Heretofore, failure can equal success if you've become more like Christ, if you shared your faith, if you developed a Christ-like characteristic, and so forth.

SO - soon after I gave my 3 months notice to my employer, the wedding coordinating company posted on Facebook that they had just started looking to partner with a coordinator in the Lexington area. And I made contact with the owner, who I had met briefly at my friend's baby shower. And we started talking. I didn't even submit a resume, telling her I didn't have one that would reflect experience pertaining to this position. We did a Skype interview that lasted like an hour and a half at a friends house while said friend watched Em for me. Then two weeks later I shadowed my first wedding. With sore feet and exhaustion, I was a little overwhelmed. But I wanted to know more. Now it's July and I've shadowed/assisted at 3 weddings and have another this weekend. I now have my super chic avatar for the website and business cards. Advertising is starting for the Lexington area.

And I feel FREE. It's unbelieveable to have the feeling that I didn't settle for what "people
say I should be doing but am instead putting all my eggs in my God basket, complete faith that whatever I do, He's got my back. I may fail. I may be terrible. We may never book a job in Lexington. But nothing will beat the feeling of taking the risk, being a little scared, but embracing the power we have knowing Whose child we are and understanding that the world we live in is temporary. God created me with certain interests, passions, personality traits and skills. And I'm super pumped to pursue something non-traditional that fits me best. Most of all, it's going to allow me to be home with Emersen and any other children we may have on a pretty full time basis. Sacrifices will be made, of course. Cable will be cancelled soon. We're cutting back on some "wants" in terms of groceries or clothes or eating out. Meal planning has already started some. Soon there will be coupon cutting. And closets will get organized. Garden will be tended. Lunches will be made. Playdates will be scheduled. Field trips planned. And lives changed, praise the Lord.

Makeup Queen

Almost every day, I sit on the couch in the morning to watch the Today Show. Emersen sits next to me. I put on my makeup to get ready for work. Emersen obviously wants to touch things and play with brushes and lotion bottles. She used to hold a lotion tube until she could get it open. So I had switched her to holding my mascara for me, it had a weird top on it. My rule was that she had to sit on the couch to hold it to "help Mommy." If she wanted down, she had to give back the makeup.

Last week, I was instead getting ready in our bathroom. Em wanted to help like she usually does. I let her hold the tube of mascara. For a minute, she was in the bathroom with me. Then, as she usually does, she went to wander around the closet and our room. I was fixing my hair by that point. I realized I was allowing her to break a rule, and went to bring her back in the bathroom. Too late. As you can see, Emersen has mastered opening the tube of mascara. And obviously, Em has watched me put it on enough to know were it's supposed to go. Which she aimed pretty well at some point, but managed to do some goth-like black highlights in her hair, as well as some interesting accents on her face.

I immediately said "Oh nooo. No, no." I mean, I took her picture. But that's why she is frowny-faced - I kept saying "No, no" over and over again. And then I had to clean her off...

Oh Emersen. Mommy's fault that you ended up in trouble. But a hilarious start to my day, and another opportunity for me to be amazed at her intelligence!