East Mountain South

Thanks to Erin Kearn (whom I rarely check her blog, because we don't know each other well.... but today my surfing was fruitful).  I LOVE this band.  They sound a lot like Caedmon's Call to me.  

Once upon a time, I vowed not to lose myself becoming a wife and mother, when each of those moments came.  Yet, it has become entirely too easy to neglect the deepest parts of myself for more pressing things on my list.  I resent that I have let myself go in some respects.  It is important to feed my soul.  I think probably for everyone it's different... maybe reading scripture, a cup of coffee with a dear friend, a dig in the garden, a trip to the market, conversation with a friend, a good pedicure.  For me, it's many of these things and more.  I need to be inspired to be a better wife and mother.  Sometimes I believe I can just press on, doing the things that have to be done without doing those things I enjoy and that infuse me with life and energy and joy.  And I neglect my time in the Word, and I pay for it.  Lord, give me a fresh desire for Your Word in my life.  

Some of the songs by East Mountain South have been a rain to my soul with their depth and soul.  Thank you Kat and Peter for writing your hearts.  Though at times dark, my melancholy self is refreshed and pointed again to the Savior.

Ryan made me a little garden this spring (along with Evan's sandbox).  I have several things planted and that is a joy to me.  I hope something will grow and bear "fruit".  Growth has always been a mystery to me.  We plant, we water, we weed.... yet God causes the growth.  It's a daily reminder to me of God's sovereignty.  I understand more each day why my grandmother always enjoyed having something growing.  I now have a big sand box next to Evan's for me to dig in, cultivate, and enjoy.  Thank you, baby!

If anyone reads this, I hope you are encouraged to look to Christ for your hope, find your roots, seek encouragement for the deepest part of yourself, and know that you are not alone.  We journey together, friends.  And I love you.

Crafts

Here are two great ideas for those of you who are craftier than me.  ;o)  I cannot take credit for either the idea or the final product.  

The first three pics are of a table cloth that I made and then had embroidered for Evan's first birthday.  I give the credit for this project to my Grandy who is always coming up with great ideas!  My plan is to trace and then embroider his hand prints on the tablecloth each year on his birthday, making a little keepsake.

These are pictures of this really cute wipes container that our friend Haley made for Evan at a baby shower.  I love it, and get compliments every time we pull it out!  Amanda Isaacs is launching this awesome new website of all the things she is making, and I'm hoping this makes the list!  We all get those plain ugly ones in the boxes of wipes, why not make it cute?!

Also, it was so fun having breakfast with Amanda, Danielle, Jackson, and Julie today!  I love you girls.  And Jackson was so sweet to fall asleep while I was holding him... precious boy!  We were really missing Stacy, Leslie and Mindy though.  

Update

Things have been crazy around our place lately.  I took two trips to Texas in the last week to be with family.  My great aunt Alta Lee passed away Saturday morning.  God showed great mercy in taking her peacefully and quickly.  She had been married over 70 years to Harlon, and they are just the most precious people you could ever meet.  We will all miss her very much.  While on the road, I got to meet up with Becca for breakfast in Austin.  It was a short visit, but always such a treat to see her.  

Evan is talking up a storm and is super curious about everything.  He's so much fun!  This is an outfit from Leslie that is one of my favorites.

Then last night I started having a terrible problem with my right eye.  Turns out I have a nasty corneal abrasion.  Dr. Yadon scraped around on my eye to clean it up and installed a contact bandage.  It's pretty uncomfortable, but should hopefully be cleared up by the end of the weekend.

One year pics

Birthday Party

Saturday, Evan woke up from his morning nap to a houseful of family.  He had a blast!  He played outside with his cousins, opened presents, ate cake, and played with a bunch of new toys and lots of family.  He was so much fun and never fussed.  

This is usually the picture people want to see of a first birthday, so here you go!

Evan got a mower from Papa and Mimi, which he loved!  He likes to turn the key to start it.  He seriously got so many great toys and clothes.  We are so blessed to have such a great family that loves to spend time together!

Aunt Sheri swung Lily and Evan in the hammock!  They laid there this still for five minutes at least!  Too cute.  Sheri painted Evan this little stool with his name on it with farm animals... a lot like the one she made for me when I was a baby (and I still have it!)

Evan Ray, mommy, Papa (Lloyd Ray), Mimi and Grandpa Wilbur (Ray) - 4 generations.

Evan's birthday cake.  My mom and I worked on it several hours on Friday.  Not perfect, but cute, and very tasty.

Happy Birthday Evan!

Ryan and I were just thinking it feels like yesterday when we were heading home from the hospital with Evan for the first time.  So new, so scared to be responsible for this tiny person.  Here we are a year later and loving it!  

Evan, you have been such a blessing to your dad and I.  We say all the time we can't imagine life without you.  We pray you grow to be a man after God's heart, wise, strong, and kind.  

Early Birthday

On Saturday Grandpa and Nonnie delivered Evan's first birthday present.  Grandpa, Ryan and Evan assembled it together.  Evan loved it!  What a great gift.  Thank you Grandpa and Nonnie.  He likes it now, but he will enjoy it even more when he's a little older.  I seriously think he may master saying "tractor" before "mommy".  I will have to deal with it.  ;o)

Wallerin'

I just don't think there is a better word to describe one of Evan's new favorite things to do.  Often it involves being tossed onto the pillows, but he's just as happy throwing himself around on the furniture.  And he gets the biggest kick out of it! 

11 months old

Evan is 11 months old!  I can hardly believe it's almost been a year.  What an incredible journey!   It's pure joy to watch him grow and change and discover the world around him.  I am awed by the tremendous responsibility of being a parent, the one to show him who God is and to help him know Christ.   I pray God will give me the wisdom and grace to be a godly mom.

Busy baby

I haven't posted in awhile for a couple of reasons: 1. Evan is constantly on the move, so it's hard to take pictures, and 2. Evan is constantly on the move and requires my full attention!  :o)  Last week Ryan was out of town all week for work.  I got to enjoy tons of time with Evan and we had a great week.  I even picked up sushi one night for myself since Ryan refuses to eat it!  

Here are some of his 9 month pictures that we just got back and thought I would share them with you!  I thought they turned out pretty cute.