D.I.Y: hospitality.

 Well now that I said I was going to write this 'hospitality how-to's' post, it seems... silly.

Because really, what can I tell you that you don't already know?
Since basically this topic is just about inviting people IN to your world, and maybe even putting a warm meal in their belly.  That's not rocket science.

(So maybe, just maybe this post is for the young mothers out there who struggle with some of those issues that I mentioned previously).

Here's some helpful hints (from my own experience) about opening the chaos of your home, and sharing it with others:

*  Plan ahead.  Invite people over a week ahead of time.  Find out what food issues/allergies/intolerances they may have.  Choose the meal.  Make your grocery list.

*  Cook ahead.  (No, don't cook a head... gross).  But, if possible, get that meal started before the guests arrive.  I prefer to be able to visit with people when they show up.. vs. having to run around the kitchen (though sometimes it's required).  The best meals for this type of approach would be crock pot recipes, currys, soups, or casseroles.  These can be cooking or simmering as long as you want, without your constant attention.

* Involve the kids.  Yes, we want our family to enjoy having company!  If your kids just associate guests with 'Mom is on a cleaning-fuming-cooking-demanding rampage' it's probably not going to be their idea of a good time (or yours).  Just remember that your kids are more valuable than a perfectly clean house.  Anytime I get more concerned about my agenda than about involving the kids... I get angry.  I try to involve the kids by getting the oldest (4.5yrs) to help set the table/make the meal with me/craft some decorations even/or help feed the baby (6mos).  The little guy (2.5yrs) is his own mess maker, so I often have him up on a chair *pretending* to wash dishes.. (a.k.a...splash water everywhere).  Because inevitably, every.one.wants.to.be.in.the.kitchen despite it being the size of a broom closet!  ;o)

Even the baby.  She like to fuss and holler right at prime cooking time. (Don't all babies?).

So I usually have her in the portable rocker chair... so I can feed her, rock her with my foot and still do meal prep.  Go team!

Ok, that's just some basic reminders I'm sure.

The key for us mamas is that we remember it's not the success of the meal, the perfection of the home or the proper behaviour of our children that makes for 'good hospitality'.

Hospitality shines brightest from a home that reflects love.

Love that is authentic.  Love that opens it's door, it's table, it's heart to others.

Warmly,

Mel ;o) 

P.S... if you have any other hints or insights from your own experiences, I'd love to hear too!

 

confessions. hospitality 101.

 Confession:  I used to think that hospitality was on par with shoving burning splints under one's finger nails.  It's not that I didn't enjoy having people over... I did.  I just would get overwhelmed by the seemingly crushing ideals of what a hostess was supposed to be.

 ---

I used to think I had to be an amazing cook (or at least not break out in a cold sweat upon entering the kitchen).

It turns out there's this amazing device called the 'interwebs' whereby you can look up a recipe, find the most popular reviews, and cook without fear.

--- 

I used to think the house had to be spotless.  You know, since most of us want the world to think we live in a magazine cut-out of the perfect home.

It turns out that the real mess is where authenticity and humility are best served.

---

I used to think I'm too busy to serve others... with the three toddlers underfoot.

It's true, it is busy, but it's worth teaching them the value of opening our home to others.

---

I used to think I had to be super social and not introverted as a hostess.

Hospitality is the perfect solution... bring people IN to the comfort of your own cave.

Being a good listener can far outweigh filling the space with your own banter.

---

I used to think it cost too much to entertain.  Thinking that our grocery budget could not bear the added strain of extra food/drink.

It turns out that you can serve simply when you need to.

A cup of water, instead of a fancy martini, still tastes sweet amongst friends.

---

Every week our home is filled with different wonderful souls.

There's tea times, play dates with kids, dinners, evening coffees, occasional campfires, etc.

 For this, we are blessed.

---

It's only been during this past year that my head and heart have really embraced the beauty of hospitality.  Having shed the dusty notion from my mind that being 'stay-at-home' somehow meant 'cut off from everyone'.  Suddenly I've begun to see our home as the very ground of mission, the very spot from which I can serve and love others.  I still sometimes struggle with the above fears.  I still worry the meal will be a burnt offering.  The kids still go bat-crazy at 4:30.  I still wonder why on earth any one would want to step foot into our chaos some days...

...but they do.

And so, we learn the way of hospitality day by day.

Meal by meal.

It's not what we keep, but what we give, that fills our hearts.

Not what we hoard, but what we share, that fills our bellies.

You may recall the last post about hospitality,

quoting that 'love is an open door',

now I would add: love is an open table, too.

Serve up the feast!

Mel ;o)

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P.S - I plan to add a small sequel post to this called "hospitality how-to's"... stay tuned, friends.

 

 

D.I.Y ~ encouragement.

This post has been on my heart for a long time now.

It's been brimming like a flood of words within me, and I fear if I just turn the tap, I'll drown us all in it's deluge.  But for what it's worth, here's my heart.

There are days when I look around me and see so much beauty I feel I could burst with joy.

Those days are lovely.

But, there are also days when I see so much brokenness in this world, I feel I could bust.

I see the discouragement that has worn deep lines into the faces of people I love.

I see broken marriages, people struggling with finances (and poverty), and losses that tear people at their core.

It's like a house fire of the heart.

The discouragement that's slowly smouldering inside, and only those who really know you can smell the smoke.

And I feel the weight of it.

A burden within me to rush in and rescue.

The desire to help, but the inability to save.

I only hold a tear dropper to the blaze before me.

  

When I look at this broken, hurting world and I just want to love it all back together again... I am overwhelmed.  Where do I start?

Then I look here.

The pages of healing.

The Word made flesh.

The Christ Who wrapped Himself in our brokenness, our suffering, our sin... so that we may be wrapped in His righteousness, His beauty, His perfection.

I read:
"Encourage/exhort one another every day... that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin"

Hebrews 3:13

It strikes me that we who live through Jesus carry a heavy responsibility here.

We are called to encourage every day... being used by God to help keep others hearts soft.

Do we do that?

Maybe our first problem is that we're so stuck in our own heads to notice other people are hurting around us.  Maybe we don't even know how to encourage...?

Encouragement is not just tossing someone a compliment.

Saying: "I like your hairstyle" is not going to strengthen someone.

"How can I pray for you?" may be a better place to start.

The only true HOPE, the bedrock that a drowning friend in the faith needs... is to be pointed to Christ.  You can't save them.

You need to get out of the way.  

But you can love them.

Encourage them.

Pray for them.

Write a letter.

Drop off a coffee.

Share a meal.

Shut up and just listen.

Hug without words.

Do It Yourself: Encouragement.

A free gift you can lavish on every one around you.

Thanks for hearing me gush,

Mel ;o)

 

 

 

Confessions (of a Mel) part 18.

Ever feel like your sense of self-perception is a bit.. off?

I remember years ago asking my husband to 'describe me in one word' (while I was imagining that he would likely say "mellow" or "easy-going")... he replied: "animated".

WHAT?!!  I said with arms waving.... "animated??!".

 -----

Sometimes we need someone else to give us the objective perspective.

But the real question is, would we even let them?

 Because it seems we are living in a culture that fosters being thin-skinned.  We are easily offended.  Easily defensive.  Easily wounded.

What makes us so insecure?  So hostile to any one saying that we may have a 'flaw'?  While we freely admit that we aren't perfect (since we are human after all)... we quickly resent anyone for having the audacity to point that out to us.

What if we saw the critiques and constructive criticisms as a doctor's scalpel?

Sure, it cuts deep, it hurts.

But maybe.. just maybe, it's helping to cut out a tumour.

Maybe it's there to help us see the sickness.

Would we pull the scalpel away and say "hey, mind your own business, that tumour is just part of who I am... leave me alone".

I hope not.

Whether it comes from the criticisms of someone cruel, or as the gentle rebuke from a close friend - can we perceive what slivers of truth may be there - and grow from it?

 It's so easy to be defensive.  It's so natural to self-justify.

 

Personally I have found immense freedom in knowing that my identity is hidden in Who Jesus is.  I have been accepted by His grace.  I see my imperfections, sure.  But they no longer condemn me, or taunt me, or accuse me.  They simply echo 'grace' afresh... that I have been saved by grace, despite my pitiful performance.

So, I hope my friends feel safe to confront me when I need it.

To know that I will respect, and love them all the deeper for it (even if I throw a small hissy fit at first... I'm still in process here).  Because my ability to see my own 'issues' is fairly hazy.

Most days I think I'm pretty awesome.

Maybe I have a pride issue...

But I'll tell you what, I am hungry for a few good friends.  A few true, real friends who aren't afraid to 'offend' me with a loving smack up the head.

I may even attempt to return the favour... if you'll let me.

---------------------------

Pride comes from not knowing yourself and the world. The older you grow, and the more you see, the less reason you will find for being proud. Ignorance and inexperience are the pedestal of pride; once the pedestal is removed – pride will soon come down.

J.C. Ryle

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humbly yours,

Mel ;o)

stop. chop. and roll.

Hey there friends,

It's been a while since I've done a quick *foodie* post - and today it's all about my favourite type of cuisine: THAI!

Back when my guy and I were young(er)... and had this crazy thing called 'disposable income' we used to eat out... like, a lot. But, the debate would always be about where to eat - because I constantly craved all things Thai, while Ben wanted a good pub meal of fish + chips.  Thankfully there's some awesome local restuarants that met both our palettes.

Anywho, now that we're old(er) and cheap(er)... we have to make the fine dining from home.

 --------------------------------------

So recently I decided to whip up some spring rolls for some friends and our family.

This is a bit *labour intensive* simply because it's a lot of fiddly work.

I like to have all the ingredients chopped and ready on one side, with my large fry pan filled with (sugar) water on the other.

1) Soak a piece of RICE paper in the water until it softens to the touch (like the consistency of a deflated slobbery balloon that your toddler lets off in your face...).

2) Slip a new sheet into the water to start softening while you make the current spring roll.

3) Place a small portion of your ingredients on the lower third of the rice paper - like so: 

(Ingredients seen here: basil leaf + red pepper + mango + cooked chicken).

4) Roll up bottom piece over the ingredients, then flip both of the side panels over the middle and roll them up nice and tight.

Serve fresh with a sweet chili sauce.

You can also pan fry (deep fry) them for an extra greasy treat.

What's your favourite cuisine?

Mel ;o)

 

Finished projects!

**bunting makes this girl real happy!**

 So she sews still.

Surprise!

She, being me, that is.

The projects are few and far between at this stage of life... as you can imagine.

So when I do sew - it's mainly small manageable projects for home (or for gifts). 

Now I'm a firm believer that *bunting* makes any room better.

(Some call them flags, banners, pinnies... it's 'bunting' to me).

And I'm now one more room closer to the goal of: 'bunting.in.every.room.of.our.nest'.

A happy combination of my favourite things: turquoise, lime, paisley, damask... for our big front window.

Our oldest daughter has inherited my aesthetic side, and squealed when she saw it hanging:

"Ohhhhh thank you for sewing those decorations mama,

it makes me soooo nice!"

Win, win.

------------------------

Annnnnnd, in other sewing news: I recently made this tweet lil' hoot for a friend and her newest addition in their nest!

 

Features: turquoise vinyls, leather beak, wooden button eyes and fabric/felt body and wings.

What about you crafty friends?

Any projects you've managed to make lately?

Creatively yours,

Mel ;o)

...the real dirt:

I wonder, do you know that moment?

That moment when some one unexpectedly shows up at your door... and you look like a deer caught in the headlights?

You're wondering if you've even brushed your teeth yet today, while your eyes frantically comb the room for any signs of disorder that may appall your guest?  You've just lost your temper with the kids and everyone - including yourself - is about ready to wail again.

You're not feeling very hospitable.

You're feeling horrible.

 ----

I wonder, do you know that moment?

That moment when you've got the dishes and laundry put away.  You're actually dressed, and the kids are too.  The dinner is sweetly simmering, and you're all happily reading a book together on the couch...

... and you think: 'gosh, I hope some one drops by right now, and sees how wonderful our family is'!

----

 So, I'm not sure about you, but I'm pretty sure most of us mamas struggle with balancing a home and being hospitable.

I've been thinking about it a lot lately.

Hospitality has become a big scary concept to many of us.

We assume it means: put on a good show.

As in, make Martha Stewart proud.  As in, have your home be the rival of any picture on Pinterest.  As in, be the smiling mom with serene children.

 We feel apologetic when people come over and see us caught in our mess.

"Sorry, it's not usually like this" and "I was just about to do those dishes" followed by "I haven't even washed my hair today".

Are we trying to convince everyone that we usually have it all together?

Are we trying to pretend that our kids are actually maids, and keep the house spotless?

Why do we all get so caught up in these ridiculous pressures to maintain the facade?

One word: pride.

Because pride is the real dirt.

Pride wants others to believe we have it all together.

If my house has to be spotless for you to visit - I'm showing the real dirt of pride - by trying to impress you with how clean I am.

How in control I am.

How 'not-a-mess' I am.

But humility is the best cleaning agent.

Humility says 'welcome, friend!'

I am what I am.

Our home is caught in the 'act' of life.

Life is messy and beauty-full.

Learn from our mistakes, learn from our dirty stains, I'm not here to lord over you.

Or, in the words of that movie we've all memorised:

"Love is an OPEN door".

Has love for others unlocked your doors?

Remember, most of us feel more at home in the chaos... because... it's real.

Mel ;o)

P.S: Dear local friends.. consider this your public invite/challenge to 'just show up' at my door for tea.  I really want to practice this humiliation humility posture.  Honestly, do it.

Yes?  Thanks!

A.musing.mama! 3.2

 Seriously,

every.conversation with my mama friends is like an Alzheimer's convention.

 Any train of thought is derailed within five minutes (which is usually about the time it takes for one of our children to have an epic meltdown about another friend "not sharing" one of the gazillion toys they've scattered across the floors).

I used to enjoy meaningful, uninterrupted conversations with my friends...

over coffee, that wasn't cold by the time I got to it.

 So dear friends,

those of you who are in the trenches as mamas and 'get' where I'm at, thank you.

Those of you who wonder why I'm in a continual fog with eyes drifting to look for kids in danger... I'm sorry you're feeling a bit unheard.

I'm listening, really.

Well, kind of.

Sorry... what were you saying?

A.musing.mama,

Mel ;o)

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You can catch up on the previous parenting comics HERE.

confessions (of a mama) part.18.

I still remember the fear I had after finding out we were pregnant with our second child.

The fear that I'd somehow lose our special times with our first born - Azi.

Fears that my heart may not be able to 'share' any more love - as if it was supposed to divide itself - for both kids.

Of course, such fears have been completely erased in the faces of these children that miraculously birth new depths of love with each arrival.

The phenomenon of it all reminded me of C.S.Lewis' theory in his book The Four Loves.

He talks about friendship love - and how we actually see more sides of our friend to love when we have other friends around.  You know when you hang out one-on-one with a friend, but then when another friend joins in you see new facets of your first friend's personality come out.

It's as if the second friend has helped show you more layers to your first friend... and thus, you love more about them.  As Lewis says it: "In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out.  By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity; I want other lights than my own to show all his facets".   Make sense?

In the same way... having a new baby in the nest has helped me see new sides to all the other members of our family.  Our older daughter - suddenly the ever-attentive, sensitive, nurturing 'mama in training' to her little baby sister.  Our middle son - now seems big as a teenager of course, and full of zany and hilarious antics... and sweet ones too - as he gently pats the baby on the head like a kitten.  My husband - who once again shines in this department of 'tending the needs of the house' while allowing me to catch up on rest.  Seeing him hold our new daughter is all kinds of crazy sweetness.

Even our community around us has amazed and humbled me with their support and celebration.  I always assume that after you have more than one child, no one really notices or cares anymore.  But I'm always wrong.
We've been buoyed up with blessings here: gifts, meals, cards, visits.
You guys keep teaching me how wonderful friendship is!

So today I celebrate friendship,
family,
and all the facets in between.

Mel ;o)

a thank.FULL. list.

 Hello friends, we are still here!

This long winter is in full force again today: a white out of sideways drifting fat flakes across the windows.  While last night our home was hit with a black out... which made for a quiet evening of candle light and early bedtimes (granted, not much sleep was being had - our lil' guy was croupy).

All that to say - it's these times that are a good reminder to be thank.FULL.

Especially when the power goes out, and you start to see afresh how most of our existence hangs by a delicate thread called 'electricity'.

You start to remind yourself of what really matters.

(Then Facebook goes and makes a 10 year celebration video of your life.. and you're reminded of every thing that is most dear).

Faith.
Family.

Friends.

+ I'm so thank FULL for a God Who loves and pursues me with His grace even on my worst days.

+ I'm delighted to house this 'almost ready' daughter in my womb.

+ Blessed to be called 'mama', wife, friend, daughter, sister, niece.

+ I'm thank FULL for this daughter who is packed with four years of spunk.

+ Touched by her sweetness to draw/write love notes to all her family with big letters spelling "VELO" (that's love).

+ In wonder (and shock) of her endless energy and talkative spirit.

+ I'm thank FULL for this son who is almost two years of curiosity.

+ Despite sporting a new goose egg every.day. he dives in to his play with total abandon.

+ I delight in the way he rushes over for a quick hug or kiss to 'recharge' throughout the day.

+ I'm thank FULL for a husband that just keeps getting better every year (and I thought I scored a good deal to begin with!).

+ I'm honoured to journey with him and see God refining and reviving his heart each day.

+ Blessed by his care for our family... and the way he works all day (when it's available) and still finds the energy to make the kids run squealing with laughter and tickles in the evening.

----

Gratitude has a way of snowballing in to more thankfulness.

There's just.so.much in any given day to hold with wonder if we have the eyes to see it.

That friend you can call any time because they 'get' you.

The note in the mail from someone who wants to bless you.

The sweetness of a shared cup of coffee with your man... or a 'pretend tea party' with kids.

 The warmth of a home in the blizzard of today.

SO much.

I'm not going to lie though, often it's easier to see the cup half empty.

To begrudge the things that are seemingly 'missing' or going wrong in one's day.
Life has the bitter and the sweet, almost every moment, really.

But choosing to focus on the daily blessings has a powerful way of sweetening even the bitter moments... and that's a heart muscle I want to get better at flexing.

Thank.FULL.hearted,
Mel ;o)

Confessions (of a mama) part.16.

(8 mos. pregnant.. and our almost two year old dude)

I don't know about you, but I like a good book to treat me like a good friend - by giving me the one, two punch of 'love' and 'truth'.  The kind of truth that smacks you up the head and says "you need to hear this"... the kind of love that says "because I love you too much to leave you where you are".

Well, a good friend got me this good book: "Christ in the Chaos: How the Gospel Changes Motherhood", and I ate it up pretty fast.  The author was putting a finger right on that pressure point in my own life... and speaking truth, and love, to it.

Because, as you may recall from that last 'mama confession' about the self-pity vortex, I am really seeking to weed out this rotting reaction to any trials in parenting.

This book has helped remind me to take the times of chaos, and those moments of indulgent pity parties and self-loathing... and use them as a spring board to recognise: 'yes, I am weak' but 'God's grace is strong'.

"Motherhood has taught me how very weak I really am, and that is a hard, hard truth to accept.  But by living in my weakness, I see more powerful God really is.  I come to understand that his power is shown to be perfect through my weakness and failures".Kimm.p.56.

Another weakness I think many of us women face is that 'no-win' game of comparison.  Is it easy to think of five other moms you compare your parenting to?  Or, do you seek to define yourself by the version of mom you want to be - the all-natural, granola mama; the sporty mom; the artsy mom; the homeschooling mama... etc?  We can beat ourselves up trying to 'keep up'.

We can be super defensive of any one who may question how we parent.  We can stay up at night wondering 'am I going to screw up my kids?'... imagine living in the freedom of not having to perform, or maintain such fragile identities:

"God's grace is a one-way love - love and acceptance that flows down on us so we may in turn show it to others.  A love we have done nothing to earn, grace as a gift.  When we truly believe that this permanent, unchanging approval God has bestowed upon us because Christ is enough, then we can receive compliments or complaints, approval or rejection, with a minimum of temptation to respond pridefully or defensively.  Why?  Because ultimately it's not about us." Kimm.

So whether I put the kids to bed in a flustered and frustrated rage.. and then lament my pathetic parenting, or tuck them in tenderly.. and congratulate myself on being 'wonder-mom' - both are 'me' centered perspectives.  It all boils down to a personal performance identity.  I feel validated for a good day or vexed by an exhausting one.  As the author is this books states, though, I need to trade in my 'performance obsession' for a 'Christ obsession'.

And you know what?  I already see a difference - a subtle shift in my heart - during those moments where grace instead of selfishness takes the spotlight.  Prime example: each morning when the kids wake (much) earlier than I would appreciate.. my heart can start grumbling before my feet hit the ground.  I can soon be nursing a full out pity party and contempt for my 'rough start to the day'... and blame those early risers for it - instead of recognising it's my own heart festering.  But, lately when I feel that temptation to start brewing a bad attitude - I remind myself of God's grace, always present, always free, always enduring for me.
I feel lighter.
I feel freer.

His love has opened the cage, why bother putting myself back in it?

I can't explain the difference grace makes if you don't know Jesus personally.. but I can pray you find that freedom in His love that erases all our sin and self-preoccupation.

Thanks for hearing this mama's heart,
feel free to share any great reads you've been into lately too!

Mel ;o)

warming winter GIVEAWAY!

Hey there friends and new visitors!

Today, two other blogger buddies and myself are combining our creative efforts to treat one of you winners to some winter warmth!

A pair of my wrist warmer's here are up for grabs:

You'll also score a sweet toque from Nicole over at Gypsy in Jasper, and a yummy tea sampler set from Stacy at Linen + Leaves!

To enter.. just hop over to Nicole's hosted giveaway and play along!

Warm hugs and fuzzy thoughts your way,

Mel ;o)

confessions (of a Mel) part 16. re:love.

 

Have you ever met an unlovable person?

You know, the ones that irk you, rub you the wrong way... or get right up in your face hostile with you. It seems that life is more difficult with them in it.

-------------

Throughout my life I felt 'stuck' with these people in my world.

In elementary school it would be that guy assigned to me as a group work partner.. "oh great, I get to watch him enjoy the contents of his nostril next to me" I would moan inwardly.

As a young kid who still didn't understand the delicate balance of truth-telling.. I thought I should be upfront and say I hated him when asked by the teacher.

In highschool it was that awkward girl assigned to share a locker with me.

"I hope no one sees me and her together here" I'd worry whilst fidgeting with our lock.

Looking back, I just remember her body odour was frightful, and she managed to have even more acne than I... which deemed her 'unloveable' in my books then.
Maybe I should have gotten to know her story better.. 
Now, at that stage of life I had learned to bite my tongue and not say "hate" about another person... but I held them at a cool distance, treating them with the warmth of a human iceberg.
---------------- 

I obviously share these stories to my shame... knowing that they reveal more about the state of my heart than those seemingly unlovable individuals.

And yet.. the struggle to live authentic love continues.

I remember being struck by the perspective that we use love like currency.
In that, if we value some one.. we see them as worth investing our time/affection/energy in to them.  Sounds like money talk.  And, to take it one step further... when we find someone rather unsavoury in our life we withdraw our love.  We may possibly even dangle a 'deposit' of love their way like a shiny carrot... IF they change themselves to meet our expectations.

It gets me thinking... am I Scrooge-like with my love?
Do I only invest it in those I deem befitting my affection... and withdraw it from those that I feel at odds with?  How do I treat the rude person in line at the store?
How do I react to the slow driver in front of us?
How do I engage the loner in the crowd?
How do I respond to the obnoxious co-worker obsessed with their own success*? (Not speaking from my current employment.. ha!)

And more so,
How do I love my family when they test me?
When the kids are pushing every one of my buttons?
I can already feel the ice forming in my facial expressions when I'm getting exasperated.
------------------------------------

I've been feeling convicted on this issue once again lately.
Because when I look in the Bible, I don't see my heart reflecting the heart of God.
Throughout Scripture we see the God who pursues... who sets His love upon those still deep in their messes (dead in their sins even).
Despite what you may have heard... we can't clean ourselves up first to be deserving of His love.  That's the beauty of grace.  In our weakness, that love is strong.  I was the one spiritually 'smelling rank of body odours', covered in acne, a filthy mess of repeated screw ups... and He lavished His love on me.
(Ephesians 2).

How can I hold back such love from others?

Learning to love,
Mel ;o)
 

snap.happy!

 Hello lovelies!

Today I get to pretend I'm one of those 'fancy' bloggers with all the beautiful photographs of their beautiful family... and we laugh into the sunset with nary a hair out of place.

Well, at least it could seem like that thanks to the wonderful photos taken by my friend Kiki - who happens to be a talented photographer as well!

So here's a brief slideshow of photos from our Mom's recent birthday family get together:

 Ack!!  Can you believe how big and handsome our lil' pudgy baby got?!  Hudson seems to have grown up in these photos right before our eyes.  And, yes, I was just as blonde as a child.. but it soon darkened to mousey brown.  Maybe our next child will score some of daddy Ben's darker features...

 Our sweet little tempest, Azriel was not quite delighted to 'pose' or act particularly happy about having her picture taken that day.  Lucky for her she's still cute. ;o)

 My mom & dad... a terribly sweet duo that seem to keep getting better with age, with God's grace to praise for it!  Happy 60th mama!

 The original five.  My older sis & bro tucked in here too.. now you can see you scored the 'stumpy' gene, forever their 'little' sister.

 Annnnnd here we are.. now you can see my growing gut too!  Too bad we didn't get Hudson in this frame... I admit I had already caved and attempted to 'bribe' Azriel with a sucker to just play nice for a few more pictures...

Yeah... there's a real big smile for you.  Who's the sucker now, mama?

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A brief photo shoot, but lots of beautiful memories thanks to Kiki.  If you're a local, you should call her up for your next function - she's loverly!

(Oh, and if you missed it.. she also made this hilarious animated GIF that perfectly captures the deep well of affection I have for my man... seen here!)

So thankful for family,

Mel ;o)

...lately.

Oh hiiii there again!

Don't you just love how I disappear for a good while and then pop back up again like a pesky rash?  Well, hopefully not quite so bothersome.. but here I be.

Now with the summer wrapping up it seems - since everything is focused on 'back to school' it feels like Fall is around the corner - I'm feeling a bit reflective about how this season has passed.

Here's what's been on my mind, or things we've experienced of late:

+ I managed to get to the end of the summer and still have fluorescent white legs... yesssss.

+ Despite the fact that our daughter turns FOUR in October.. we're not throwing her to the jaws of the school system quite yet.  I guess that means that at this stage.. for this year to start.. we're going to 'homeschool' since I figure I can keep up with finger painting and eating glue.  Heaven help her if I have to teach her math though!

+ Yep, that baby is still brewing.  I'm in my third month now, or something like that.  You know, the awkward stage where everyone is afraid to ask if you're expecting.. or did you just let you gut hang out like that on purpose.  I tend to hold my stomach 'lovingly' more often or hold a jar of ice cream and a pickle to get the message across. (Although secretly I can't wait for when I'm reallllly showing, and people say "are you pregnant?!" and I can blurt "NO!".. baha, I'm awful).

 + Thanks to super, sweet friends.. we got to escape to a cottage for some fun recently.

Oh, they also happened to find a 'family van' for our growing crew.. since we can't all fit in our clown car (honda civic) for much longer!  Wow... times are a-changing.

 + The kids are growing like.. things that grow really fast.  I don't think Azriel stops talking, singing, whining, monologue'ing her every waking moment each day.  She talks to the baby through my 'belly button speaker'... and told me that other day that if we have a boy then "we'll all cry" so I guess we know what she wants.

Hudson walks like a drunken zombie most days.. but he's getting the hang of heaving that body around on two stubby feet.  Granted, he has a new goose egg on his cranium every five minutes.  Boys.

+ We just got back from a week of family camp.  The Carey Conference for those in the know.  Translated: that means we joined a huge crowd of other families to attend various sermons about the beauty of Christ, and the church... and connect with people from all different walks of life who love the same Lord.  Maybe to half of you readers that sounds like a week of crazy cookyness... but for those of you who know God in a real, living way - this adds up to a week of refreshment/encouragement/conviction to live joy.full/purpose.full/holy lives.

+ Speaking of which, I thank God for the growth and zeal that my man Ben has shown in these past few months.  We're all inspired to live more deeply, more sincerely, more graciously with his example.  Love that guy.  mushy mush mush.

+ Ok, if you made it this far, thanks you guys.  What a sweet bunch you are to check in and hear about our little lives here.  Hope your world, your crew, your heart are doing well there?

Hugs and chocolate to you all,

Mel ;o)