Surf and Sand

There's a first time for everything, and this month Noelle visited the ocean. After thoroughly covering every orifice of her white body with triple layers of SPF 50, we made our way to the water front. Her eyes widened with each crashing wave and watched with delight as the water rushed up to cover her toes.

Then we headed to the sand! Her roly-poly legs, toes, and fingers loved wiggling around in it.

We soon learned of her perseverance, and taste for, well, sand! As she began to bring the first fistful up to her mouth, Joe suggested just letting her be. "She'll see that it's gross," he assured me. As handfuls three and four made their way into her mouth and as she continued to smile and laugh we realized we have a little adventurer, who just doesn't mind some grit! (Note the permanent place her pacifier held the rest of the time on the beach)

A future in surfing or professional sand castle building perhaps?

Good Friend, Good Times, Good Food

Joe traveled earlier this month, and surprised me with a visit from a best friend! Sara arrived after a LONG travel day from Michigan. Ahhh...it was like a back rub for my heart. There is nothing like a longtime friend! We spent the week sleeping late (well...as late as Noelle would allow me), shopping, visiting LA and Santa Monica, getting pedicures (see picture from previous blog) and enjoying long conversations on the couch. Our grand finale was a brunch at my favorite restaurant. Yummy! Mimosas, crab legs, and elaborately decorated desserts abounded.

Thank you God for this special friend, a husband who takes care of me even while away, a baby girl who loves all things girly, and for the memories you allowed us this week! I am humbled by your generosity Lord.

When in California...

I mean, a mommy and daughter have to bond, right??!

Loving My Aunties!

Thanks Auntie Melissa and Pamela for the trendy duds! I especially love how the leggings show off my curves. Hee! Don't you just want to squeeze me??

Noelle's First Christmas

Well...it's officially been 2009 for 15 days, but I am going to reflect on Noey's first Christmas none the less. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with both sides of the family. Noelle loved the wrapping paper, ribbons, and all the hugs and kisses she received. Joe and I loved all the helping hands, a couple of legitimate dates, and thinking of how miraculous it is that Jesus arrived in the form of a babe.

For Nothing is Impossible

"For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:37-38

Every December, as I read the Christmas story in Luke, I find myself savoring these verses. Mary had just been told that she, a virgin, would 1)conceive a child, and 2)that this child would be the son of GOD! Wow! Talk about impossible! But the truth that lies in this verse is so profound, so deep, so hope-giving....NOTHING is impossible with God.

All throughout my life I've had struggles with my own "impossibles". Would I ever meet a man I'd want to marry...and have him like me? Will my bills always be met? Would hard relationships be reconciled? Could those deep hurts and patterns in my life be healed and forgotten?

Over and over again God has continued to answer: "I can do it, believe me", "I can do it, look to me", "I can do it, follow me!"

Just last year at this time I sat in our quaint one-bedroom apartment, with a baby in my belly, wondering how we'd EVER be able to afford to rent a two-bedroom in West LA. I felt God asking me to trust Him, to believe Him to work something glorious. And here I sit today, in the most beautiful four-bedroom home...which we attained by miraculous measures! Praise God!

And Mary? Well Mary was on the front-end of the most awesome and perfect miracle of all time, with no ability to see into the future. She had only the truth told her by an angel...for nothing is impossible with God. And she believed! She laid down everything and let God do to her and with her whatever He pleased. What humility! What trust! So beautiful.

Lord, I long for a heart like Mary's. You are the God of the impossible. May it be done to me as you please!

As we decorate our beautiful tree, hang lights, shop for presents, loudly sing our favorite Christmas carols, and enjoy delicious treats, I'm so thankful for the most cherished part of all...His birth. God sending his only Son to save us! Each December as I plod through the book of Luke in the Bible, I eagerly anticipate reading and remembering how Jesus came, lived, died and rose again to save us.

I'll be there soon, but for today, I'm observant of Mary's attitude...and prompted to follow her example. Will you help me Lord?

A Tooth!

Ah Ha! Those nights of tears, the endless drooling, and the rubbing of gums have finally paid off. Noelle popped out her first tooth on Friday! She is, however, still very private when it comes to her gums. We tried to snap a pic to show off her pearly white, but ended up with these. Alas, you'll just have to blindly celebrate with us...