These Two

 I love these two.  And God has recently convicted me of a few things.  

1. My time with the Lord has been lacking significantly.
2. This has affected my outlook on life, parenting, marriage, friendships, the Church, and myself.
3. Tunnel vision has taken over.  What I mean by that is my selfish tendencies have skyrocketed in frequency and intensity.  Being without quality time in the Word and in prayer has taken its toll on our family.
4. Thanks to my loving husband, I've been corrected, guided, Biblically encouraged, and gracefully lead back to my first love, Jesus.  
5. These two darling children are gifts from God and it's my duty to make our house the most comfortable, relaxing, peaceful, loving, soul-soothing place on the earth for them.
6. I need to be in the Word before Jason or the kiddos wake up.  I also need to pray prayers of gratitude and pray specifically for the kids' character as they grow and pray for Jason as he leads our family.  
7. Waking up early is tough but once I get in the habit I know it will be the best part of my day.  Just me, the Lord, His Word, and coffee.  

A few blogs have truly inspired me and I know I didn't blog-hop by accident.  God's sovereignty played a huge part.  I encourage you to check these out and take tips, advice, etc. from fellow mothers who don't have it all figured out but who try their hardest.  Why not gain from another's conviction and wisdom?

Check out: 

www.inspiredtoaction.com, www.passionatehomemaking.com, and www.confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com.  

Wasting my time as a mother is not an option.  Living as though Christ truly dwells in our lives and in our home needs to be evident.  It's not something to fake.  So here's to real life.  Here's to conviction, a loving husband's straightforward correction, and two beautiful children who need to see Christ living in their mommy much more than they've ever seen.

I raise my caffeine-filled mug, head nod, sip, and sigh with the hope of starting fresh, with intention and conviction.

Cheers.

Boston...from forever ago part 2

Pics from my last day in Boston.

Couldn't resist this cutie.  I'm so glad he accompanied me the whole trip.  :)

Boston, MA from the ferry that took us to the U.S.S. Constitution.

The U.S.S. Constitution.  The Navy's oldest, seaworthy vessel.

I know, so attractive.  Maggie and I downed these footlong dogs.  Delicious!

Jonah boy and I standing outside Paul Revere's home.  Right across the street there's an Italian Catholic church and play yard.  We ate canolis for the second day in a row across from Paul's house.  Talk about surreal!

Mike, Jonah, and I as we head to the top of the "Pru" (not pictured).  We decided to take the T rather than walk it.  Glad we did!

The Boston Library.  It was closed but Mike did an awesome job showing off (in humility) his literary expertise.  It's a beautiful site and I can't wait to visit again!

Berenstain Bears

Today is Independence day!  Happy 4th to us.  As I helped Reagan out of bed this morning, I explained that today is a very special day for our country.

Me:  Reagan, did you know today is a very special day?  We get to celebrate!

Reagan:  Yes, today is Easter.  But I'm not celebrating.

Me:  Well, it's not Easter.  It's the 4th of July!  That means we thank God for our country.  Do you know what country we live in?  We live in America!

Reagan:  Yes.  And the Berenstain bears live here, too.  That's why we have to celebrate.

And there you have it.  Happy 4th to all, and the Berenstain bears, of course. 

Boston...from forever ago

May 11-15 I had the pleasure of going to Boston, MA to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and sweet nephew, Jonah. I have to say it's the most wonderful city I've ever visited. All the history, Italian food, and the granite curbs impressed me the most. Since I am an early American history-lover, Boston has become a treasured city and a place I must visit often. Here are some pics from the trip. Mike and Maggie, your hospitality will never be forgotten--I can't thank you enough for all the good times and for sharing your dear son with me. **Maggie Hamilton is an established tour guide so any and all questions can be directed to her.**

The Hamilton Family

Boston, come and get us!

"Make Way for Ducklings" statues were built just for us to take this picture. Sister, brother, and tired nephew.

To be read before entering the cemetery where Revere, Franklin, and Mother Goose (to name a few) have been laid to rest.

In place of a sidewalk slab, this says no buildings or signs may obstruct the view from this place as the Old North Church is clearly seen from here. Two lanterns were hung to tell Paul Revere that the Brits were coming..."One if by land, two if by sea."

And there she is, the Old North Church (in mega zoom) from the above picture.

The site of the Boston Massacre. The very site! A little overwhelming.

An odd picture, but the ivory colored roof is actually the bottom of the balcony the U.S. Constitution was read from for Bostonians to hear for the very first time after it was signed in Philadelphia.

And we got hungry, so little Italy, also called the North End, took great care of us.

Michael and Jonah boy

(not sure why this is in link type)

Maybe he had some gas?

He's so happy with his mama!

My favorite picture. A statue of Paul Revere in front of the Old North Church where two lanterns were hung to warn of the British coming to invade, where resistance met them at Lexington & Concord, MA.

There are still gatherings held here each week, although it's livlihood for Christ is dull.

For all my Arminian friends with terrible theology, here's your boy, Wesley. :)

We sat in Paul Revere's son's Old North Church booth.

There it is! The actual site of the lanterns. I get chills every time I see this.

And maybe we were tired after all the site-seeing. Maggie doubled up.

He's the cutest little Bostonian.

Nothing could have ended our wonderful day like canolis from Mike's Pastries. They overnight ship their goods, maybe an order needs to be in the works...

More pics to come at a later date--this was just day two of four. It was the greatest get a way. Thanks, J and Mom, for making this trip happen.