Treasures in My Heart

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

~Luke 2:19

I have always loved this verse, even before I had a child of my own.  Since I have become a mother, treasuring up moments has become like breathing...I don't even notice I am doing it, but it is always there, a part of my every day.  These slivers of time cannot be captured on film or put into words.  They are meant to be savored and treasured deep in our hearts.  Gifts from God.  I can imagine that I will revisit these tender moments more often than I look back at her pictures once she's grown.

Reading One Thousand Gifts and applying its principles as I draw closer to the heart of God has opened my eyes to even more treasured moments.  Be still.  Slow down. "Wherever you are, be all there."  I am learning the posture I need in order to recognize these gifts from God.

I wonder what treasures Mary cradled in her heart about her precious son, Jesus.  How I wonder!

As I said earlier, putting these moments into words is quite impossible due to the depth of a mother's love for her child...it truly is indescribable.  However, I began penning my love for my child and awe of our Creator the day we found out Addison was alive and growing inside of me.  I now have two notebooks.  One contains not a blank page and the other is slowly becoming empty of white pages as well.  These pages are full of handwritten thoughts, memories, and an outpouring of love for my little miracle.  Writing, reading, and re-reading these pages is powerful.  God has been so present.  My deepest prayer is that one day when Addison is much older she will read these words, know how deeply adored and cherished she is, and take to heart the truths of God intermingled within the pages.

These are books of treasures, treasures only a mother can fully understand....too numerous to list and too precious to attempt to describe here.

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I am thankful for....

367.  The love of our extended family

369. How Addison immediately holds my hands to pray and says "Bible" when she sits in her highchair.

380. The ability to write

381. A love for my daughter that grows deeper by the moment, regardless of what she does or doesn't do

382. Facing motherhood's daily bravery

383. Looking into the eyes of My Hero, eyes that see me as beautiful

384. Laughter over the small things

385. Missing him when he is at work

386.  Ironing (my least favorite household chore) - another opportunity to serve my family

387. The AC went out in my car - honestly not quite sure what to be thankful for at this point - maybe the fact that we have the money to repair it, even though we weren't planning on that expense

388. Her giggle and twinkly blue eyes

401. A place to call home

409. An early Saturday morning family outing to pick blueberries!

Multitudes on Monday

Today is the Fourth of July and we are celebrating the freedom we have in this country with grateful hearts.  Whether you are spending the day with family, going to a parade, cooking out, or watching fireworks tonight, may your mind me focused on where we find true freedom - in the life, death , and resurrection of Jesus.  Thank you also to all the men and women who have dedicate their lives to gain and then preserve our country's freedom.  There are no words to express our gratitude.

A few pictures of my mom's creativity....

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This past week has been a good, but busy week.  I am savoring moments here and moments there, counting numerous gifts along the way - all to the glory of God!

I just watched this.  It is beautiful.  Words of Ann Voskamp....enjoy (approximately 4 minutes long).

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"Let Thankfulness temper all your thoughts.  A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with me.  I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising My sovereignt.  Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin.  Furthermore, a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which you perceive life.  Gratitude enables you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances.  Cultivate a thankful heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy."  -Written from Jesus' perspective in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

I am thankful for...

229. Enjoying summer through the eyes of my child

334. A few moments of alone time at the craft store and then later at home while I enjoy being creative.

336. How Addison seeks her Daddy's approval on everything she does!

340. Having our small group friends at our home - learning and growing with them on a weekly basis!

352. A generous friend who gave Addison lots of new toys to play with.

354. Our girl is funny.  She knows it.  We know it.  How good laughter is for the entire family!

364. Before bed snuggles and giggles with my little girl.

365. Seeing a dappled fawn outside of our front window.

366. Freshly picked blueberries - a gift from a friend.

Teaching Toddlers: God Made Our World, Week 1 of 2

God Made Our World, Week 1 of 2

18 Months+

(Note: The following activities are intended to be repeated each day for an entire week.)

Subject	Focus	Time	Activity
Bible	The story of Creation (Genesis 1 & 2)	During breakfast	Read the story of creation in a toddler’s Bible.  (One of our favorite children's Bibles.  It also comes in a toddler version which I'm sure is great too!)
Music	Reinforce Bible story through music.	Soon after breakfast	God made the green grass under your feet. (Touch ground) And God made the sky so blue. (Wave arms overhead) God will keep you safe everyday. (Point to the children) The Father himself loves you. (Hug self) Of all the creatures Great and small (reach way up, then make yourself really small) The Lord God made us all (outstretch arms) Curly hair (point to your hair) Or short or tall (squat low, then stand tall) God loves us (hug yourself) One and all! (hold your child’s hands and form a circle)
Letter Awareness	To recognize the capital letter “B”	Morning, before nap	Addison loved this game from last week, so we will be repeating it with the letter B: Write the letter B on several index cards.  Put cards in various places throughout the house.  As child finds the cards exclaim, “Wow!  You found the letter B!”  Point to B and say “B” while asking child   to repeat.  Continue to search for cards while saying, "B, where are you???" While coloring with crayons inside or chalk outside, write the letter B several times and say “B.”  Encourage your child to point to the letter as you say it and repeat the letter name. **Be sure to review A!!!
Math	To begin counting up to 3	During lunch and playtime	Similar to last week, continue to count pieces of food as your child is eating.  This time include 3 in addition to 1 and 2. Play with blocks with your child.  Build towers of 3 blocks.  Say, “one, two three” as you stack each block.  Repeat this a few times.  Then start another tower and say, “one.”  Hopefully your toddler will have caught on and will continue with “two, three” as you stack the next few blocks! Throughout the day, count objects when you are on a walk, at the playground, in the waiting room of the doctor’s office, at the grocery store, etc.
Play time with a  purpose	To learn through play	Afternoon	Day 1: God made light Go into a room without windows.  Sit in the dark room and tell your child that it is dark.  Turn on the light and say it is light!  Repeat several times.  Use a flashlight instead of the overhead light as well! Day 2: God made sky and water Go outside and look at the sky.  Have your child point to the sky.  Talk about what color it is and if there are any clouds.  Emphasize the truth that God made the sky!  Touch water and talk about it….wet, clear, cool, etc.  Remind your child that God made water! Day 3: God made dry land and plants Go outside and stand on the ground.  Talk about how it looks, feels and smells.  Look at various types of plants – flowers, trees, grass, bushes.  Allow your child to touch all of these and marvel at the textures.  Tell your child that God made the land and the plants! (**Collect several small samples of leaves, grass, flowers, etc for an art project!)
Following Directions/ Obeying	To learn to recognize Mommy’s voice and obey what she says	Any time of the day	This game will probably be included each week!!!  Play “Listen to Mommy and Obey” – Say, “Look at Mommy.  Listen to Mommy and obey.  RUN!!”  Then both of you run.  Say, “Listen to Mommy and obey.  STOP!”  Continue this game by having your child do various tasks such as, crawl, walk backwards, get a certain toy, etc.
Art	To express oneself creatively	Afternoon	Day 1 of Creation: God made light Print day one coloring page from http://www.coloring.ws/creation.htm and allow your child to color as you remind him/her how God made light and dark. Cut out ½ sheet of black construction paper and ½ sheet of white construction paper.  Allow your child to help you glue them on one sheet of paper while labeling “light” and “dark.” Day 2 of Creation: God made sky and water Print day two coloring page from http://www.coloring.ws/creation.htm and allow your child to color as you remind him/her how God made the sky and water. Get two 1/2 sheets of blue construction paper (different shades of blue) and 1 piece of white cardstock.  Allow your toddler to tear the blue pages into small pieces.  Teach your toddler how to use a glue stick to glue the light blue pieces on the top of the page to represent the sky and the dark blue pieces on the bottom of the page for the water. **Begin to tape these pictures in order somewhere your child can look at them regularly.  As you review each day, be sure to count each page and remind your toddler about the significance of each. Day 3 of Creation: God made dry land and plants Print day three coloring page from http://www.coloring.ws/creation.htm and allow your child to color as you remind him/her how God made land and plants. Use the collected blades of grass, bark, leaves, flowers, rocks etc to make a picture.  Glue the materials onto construction paper and talk about the name of each object, how it feels, and that God made it. (Note – This project probably won’t last for very long!!)
Story time	To snuggle and read together in preparation for going to sleep	Before bed	Re-read the story of creation (maybe from a different toddler Bible)

Additional resources for the story of Creation:

Creation Clothes Pin Game

Story of Creation Crafts (geared towards older toddlers)

A few more crafts (best for older children)

A few pictures from our week...

Wherever you are, be all there

The two of us were sitting on the carpet, surrounded by her multi-colored wooden blocks and chunky alphabet board books.  We were building tower after tower, an activity that we re-visit multiple times a day.  I saw out of the corner of my eye that she had built a tall tower for her little 17 month old hands.  I heard, "MOMMY!!!!  MOMMY!!  WOW MOMMY WOW!!!!!!  YAY!!!!"  Her squeals of delight are contagious and my usual response is to share her joy by encouraging and celebrating with her as we attempt to make the tower gain height by adding another block.  If we are successful, the same round of celebration happens all over again.  If the blocks tumble to the floor, we say "ohhhhhh nooooooo" in unison and begin our mission of constructing the highest possible tower again.

But this time was a little different.

Instead of my usual celebration, I just sat there, lost in thought...did I take the chicken out of the freezer for dinner tonight?  Did I write a response to that email?  Were the library books due today?  I can't believe I need to dust again.  I need to do the budget.  I have to plan for tutoring.  Yet again, I need to go to the grocery store to buy milk, what else do we need?  All the while, her sweet little voice continued to grow with intensity, excitement, but with a twinge of frustration as well, "MOMMY!!!!  MOMMY!!  WOW MOMMY WOW!!!!!!  YAY!!!!!"

My mind returned to the here and now, saddened that I had been ignoring her in a moment when she needed me, when she wanted my approval and encouragement.  I quickly joined in her celebration, "Great job Sweetie!  Look how tall that is!  WOW!!"  And we continued to build towers, block after block.  She didn't miss a beat and acted like I hadn't disappointed her, but I was disappointed with myself and I decided from then on to be completely present in the present.  Yes, all those other things on my mental "to do" list needed to be done, but not in that moment.

I remembered what I had read in One Thousand Gifts, 


"Wherever you are, be all there."  

Without realizing it, I began to take note of the small things.  I noticed how how careful and steady her 17 month old hands were becoming.  The baby rolls have disappeared and her fingers are slender, graceful, purposeful, and under control.  I studied her face, the little furrow in her brow and cock of her mouth, as she used all of her might to be slow and cautious while gently placing one block on top of another.  I observed her mind at work and realized that she understands it is best to use a smaller, lighter block if the tower is beginning to wobble and sway.  She is smart.  She is careful.  She is a hard-worker.  She is growing up right before my eyes.  I don't want to miss a moment.

Later, I would be reminded of Ann Voskamp's words, "Don't I always have the choice to be fully attentive?  Simplicity is ultimately a matter of focus.  Eucharisteo, eucharisteo.  That keeps the focus simple - sacred."  In her wisdom, Ann reminds her readers that God is the present. His very name is I AM.

She continues, "Giving thanks for one thousand things is ultimately an invitation to slow time down with weight of full attention."  And later,        " 'Wherever you are, be all there' is only possible in the posture of eucharisteo.  I want to slow down and taste life, give thanks, and see God."


In light of all this, I am learning to stay in the present as I concentrate on
I AM and the gifts I would have missed if I was distracted.  There is a time when I need to do the budget and go grocery shopping (and be fully attentive as I do those tasks), but it is not when my daughter needs my encouragement and focused attention. Nor is it when you take your children to the playground.  When she is 18 years old and we are packing up the car to drive her to college, I want to think back on the years she was all ours with the confident assurance that I made the most of each moment we were given.  I got down on the floor and played with her, cheered her on, talked with her, listened to her, read to her, and was there for her at every turn and straightaway.  All the while, I opened gifts that could have been overlooked and our lives have become richer and more aware of God's presence as a result.

One final thought.  I wish I had read One Thousand Gifts  and applied this principle while I was teaching, especially those last couple of months from March until May when Addison was a newborn and I had to be apart from her.  My physical body was at school, but my heart and mind were longing to be home with my sweet firstborn.  Had I focused my energy and thoughts on where I was in that moment (school), my attitude would have been more upbeat and I would have given my all in each and every lesson I taught.  Missing your baby and aching to be with her is normal and expected, but dwelling on it is not healthy, nor is it a good reflection of Jesus.  Maybe you're in a season right now that is far from anything you'd choose to go through.  You are there for a purpose and God is with you.  In the meantime, remember: "wherever  you are, be all there."

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Recent gifts I've found as I constantly remind myself of the life-changing principle "wherever you are, be all there."


185.  Her adorable little pony tail that is just long enough for gravity to pull it downwards

187. Freshly cut grass by my hardworking husband

197. A dark, rainy morning that calls for quiet games to be played indoors

200.  Slowing eating juicy summer fruits - blueberries, strawberries, cherries, and watermelon

205. Pushing myself to walk farther than I wanted to and the satisfaction and energy I felt as a result

206. Seeing a breath-taking sunset out the window.  Stopping to gaze a moment longer at the beauty.  Getting my camera.  Snapping shot after shot while the golds transformed from yellow to pink to purple to darkness.  Waiting to go inside until the last glimpses of light were replaced by twinkling fireflies.  Standing in awe of our Creator.

209.  The way she says "all better" - "aw-bet-tah"

210. How she chews with her mouth closed all the time

212. Picking our first ripe tomato of the year!

213. Watching an afternoon thunderstorm simmer in the sky as I think about how powerful God is

214.  My Hero's safe arrival home after 48 hours away.

228.  Finding fulfillment and a clearer mind as I complete whatever I am doing with excellence as I focus on Who I am serving while being present in the present

New!! Teaching Toddlers

Click on the "Teaching Toddlers" tab above for an exciting new addition to my life as a stay-at-home-mom and the blog!  I hope you find it useful!

Celebrating 1,460 Days as One

Four years ago today, on a hot, sunny June evening, My Hero and I exchanged vows amongst dear family and friends.  It was a day full of unbridled love and uncontainable joy....a wedding of my dreams.  More important than seeing all the wedding plans come together was the fact that he was now mine and I was his.  1,460 days have passed since that once-in-a-lifetime evening, and I am more in love with him now than I was back then.  We often times recognize the truth that we aren't perfect people and don't have a perfect marriage, but we are perfect for each other.  He is the answer to all my prayers and even the ones I didn't know to pray.  Marriage to him is an amazing gift that I get to open day after day.


Remembering....

Photos taken by Steve Barnhart Photography

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As some of you know, we started an anniversary trip tradition right after we got married.  Our goal is to travel to every state until we get to all 50.  So far we've explored the following places...

Maine (honeymoon), South Carolina, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.

This year's destination?  The shores of Alabama.  No matter where we go, we always look forward to several days of uninterrupted one-on-one time eating at good restaurants, experiencing new adventures, and most importantly, just being together.

Unwrapping

“Whether you choose to count your blessings or choose to complain, it’s helpful to understand that you have a choice.” -Tommy Nelson in The 4:8 Principle

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More and more gifts continue to be found each and every day.  I am amazed at the multitude and so thankful...

113.  An unexpected evening downpour to quench a dry earth

119.  Morning fog dancing around the curtain of dark green trees

122.  A light blue, lavender sky with one long, puffy airplane trail dividing it in half

131.  Slowly savoring my once-a-year Chick-fil-A milkshake (Banana pudding!)

133.  A clean house at the start of a new day

138.  Hearing a student I tutor say, "I love writing!!"

149.  Vermont maple syrup drizzled over a warm wheat pancake

150.  The sweet, summery smell of watermelon - if I could create any perfume it would smell just like watermelon!

152.  An opportunity to practice not getting frustrated when my dog barked and woke Addison up from a much needed (for her sake and mine) nap

158.  The fact that Addison leaves on her sunglasses and hat simply for the reason that she wants to look like Daddy

159.  A cool morning that brings back memories of summers in New England - thin, refreshing air, chilly breeze, warm sun, crystal-blue skies

160.  Long talks into the night with my sister, comfortably sitting on her couch

162.  Watching Addison wear my old dress in a quiet field surrounded by mountains, birds, tall grass, and horses

Photos taken by my talented sister!

165.  Enjoying a snack shared with ducks and a quiet pond

169.  A clean baby after a busy day

Photo taken by my talented sister!

175.  Spending an evening with dear friends - feeling like no time has passed at all!

177.  Celebrating my wonderful Dad and my husband on Father's Day - what incredible men!

My dad, sister, and me many years ago

178.  Addison decided to hug and kiss the playground before we left - how sweet!

179.  Her pride and joy when she accomplishes something new followed quickly with a loud "yay!" and clapping!  :)

180.  Matt discovering hundreds of fireflies last night when he let our dog out before bed.  I have never seen so many dancing lights in one place before!  Tonight I am going to set up the tripod and try and capture this incredible sight! Words cannot do it justice!  (Note - Sadly, no luck with the picture!)

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I just finished reading a book entitled Mustard Seeds by Lynn Coulter.  It was exciting to discover that Lynn already views her life through the lens of counting gifts and recognizing God in the small details of life.  Here's an excerpt:

“God called me back to faith in a hundred ordinary little ways: through a friend’s loving words, an encouraging phone call, a timely note or card in the mail.  He opened my eyes to see and appreciate his myriad daily gifts: the freshness in the air after rain blows through; a wren’s nest built in an old motorcycle helmet atop a pile of trash; the sweet, gritty taste of pears; the deep shade in a grove of pecan trees; the cool, damp feel of morning fog; fat blackberries hanging from prickly vines; my son’s laugh; dark nights that helped me sleep; the sound of a rooster’s throaty wake-up call.  God has given me a wake-up call through all these tender mercies and many more.”