Happy Birthday to Griffin

Griffin is 2 years old

Griffin is two years old today.  We cannot believe how quickly the time has passed and we are trying to savor each moment with our little guy.  Tears come to my eyes as I type because we are so in love with our sweet boy.  He is a gift, and we are so grateful.  We have so many wonderful memories of life with Griffin over the past two years plus the time he was growing inside me.  I was a little nervous about having a baby boy and Bill was in shock when the ultrasound technician said he was a boy.  I am not kidding we have so many pictures of his boy anatomy because Bill kept asking her is she was sure he was a boy.  So funny.  Having a son has been so fun and new yet he is similar to Sydney at times.  Griffin is always happy- really.  People have commented to me that he is just so happy and smiley.  You can make him giggle to the point of losing his breath so easily.  He has a smile that will brighten any ones day and the sweetest voice.  I made a list of some of the words that come to mind when I describe Griffin.  Can you think of any I forgot?

1. talkative
2. energetic
3. affectionate
4. excited
5. loud
6. smiley
7. giggly
8. generous
9. adorable
10. silly
11. social
12. hungry
13. smart
14. sweet
15. outdoors man
16. snuggler
17. tricky
18. small
19. polite
20. daring
21. musical
22. determined

Here are a few pictures I took-1 week before his birthday.  He was so happy to be outside (although it was cold) and he loves riding the tricycle.

We are having a small family celebration Sunday after church- I will share pictures later.

Weird-Time

The first section in the book Weird: Because normal isn't working is about TIME.  Of course I hear people talk about time all the time- everyone needs more.  When in reality of we were given more time we would just waste in on the same stuff we do now. 

More time is not better we just need to use what we have more wisely.  2 Peter 1:3 says "His devine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" and Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good, pleasing and perfect will."

A few other highlights -we need to say no to some things that are good to leave room for great things.  Many of complain about our relationships- whether they be with our kids, friends or our spouse yet me do not invest the time to make them strong because we are too busy.  We need to re prioritize. 

Craig talks about the power of being present- this is huge.  When your with your spouse talking- do not think about all the things you have to do or make that grocery list in your head- just be with your spouse.  The average American watches 28 hours of tv a week and so by the time they are in their mid seventies they have spent 10 years watching tv- WOW this makes me sick- can't we think of something better to do with our time.  Craig points out that we are so caught up in being busy that we are missing many of God's blessings. 

And lastly we all need a day of rest.  Some of us like to think we are so important that we cannot take a day to rest- but God himself needed a day to rest.  Lots of thoughts but truthfully I grabbed a few nuggets and I am hoping and praying to make healthy and Godly changes.   Craig says it way better than I did so pick up the book and let me know what you think.

WEIRD-Money

I have started reading Weird: Because normal isn't working by Craig Groeschel and it is captivating.  I am taking notes and looking up scripture and rethinking the way we live.  Last week was the first sermon in this series based on the book Weird and it was convicting and eye opening.  Pastor Dean did not preach but a man named John who is in charge of finances at our church.  I have heard many sermons of tithing but this one was different.  It was not just about tithing but about the way we perceive our money (actually God's money).  The main points of the sermon were as follows:

1. Everything Belongs to God (Exodus 19:5 and Job 41:11)  If we think of everything we have as a gift from God then it is easy to see why we should give back to him.  If a friend gave you 10,000 dollars shouldn't you be happy to give him back 1,000. 
2. God gives us money to be Generous
3. Money is related to Worship ( Philippians 4:18, Malachi 3:8-10 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)  I am not sure why I had not thought this way before but why is that I think of worship as singing and praying and not tithing?   In the Old Testament we read all about the temple and sacrifices that were made.  The Bible tells us to give our first fruits ( Proverbs 3:9-10) and so often we give the leftovers or none because there are no leftovers.  God did not want a 2 legged goat and he does not want leftovers -we need to have FAITH that if we give what is in our heart to give God will provide. 
4. The Gospel Motivates us to give radically

The book expands on money and more about what the Bible says about wealth and money.  I was convicted and we plan to make some changes in our household.  Our culture is consumed with money and the things we can buy with it.  I want something more than things- since I cannot take them with me they are of little value.  I will share my thoughts and what I learned on time next. 

By the Light of the Moon

Bill and I were sitting in the sun room enjoying coffee, dessert and conversation after the kids had gone to bed and we noticed the moon.  It was so bright and beautiful against the dark sky I had to run in the house and grab my camera.  Have you looked at the sky at night lately?

Carousel Festival

We love the Burlington City Park Carousel Festival- we have gone the last several years- minus last year.  We usually meet our friends The Parker's there and have a great time. 

Sydney by this boy on stilts

Griffin riding cars

Griffin and Charlie- so adorable

Watching the magic show- very cool

my gang riding the carousel

We had a wonderful time.  Do you have any festivals that you attend each year?

A fall treat for my husband

I made these adorable acorns for a little gathering and I left one for Bill to find when he got home late Thursday night.  I heard him laughing from upstairs when he read his note. 

Hersey kiss-mini vanilla wafer-piece of pretzel stick- use chocolate frosting as the glue- so easy!