The time of B's...

Say it isn't so - has it really been almost a month since I have blogged. It has been the most insane start to this year that the blog world has taken a hit. I wish I had a lot of wise and poignant things to offer from my absence, but alas there is nothing. Well, that's not completely true, I have some thoughts rumbling around, but they haven't completely made themselves

I call this the time of B's because that's what it seems to be:

*3 new Babies (two whose names start with B)

*Baby showers

*Baseball
*Birthdays

*Bible Study

*Believe weekend

*finishing projects and starting new Big ones

*the Beginning of tax season (and continuation of)

*co-chairing a committee for the annual Huntsman's Ball

*Beautiful days spent at the river park, in the yard, and in the garden

*more trips to Babies R Us than I've made in almost 5 years

*Blustery days with snow, ice and/or rain

*painting a bathroom

*finishing a series of Books that I was so happy to be done with and starting a new one that I absolutely love

Well, anyway, you get the picture. The blog lost priority amongst all the other B's in my life. Here is a very small example of what's been going on in and around the babies you've seen:

believe weekend girls before our outdoor game saturday night

the river park

hiking at the Ligon ranch (cameron and daniel)

a windmill at the ranch - I use to swim in the tank attached to this windmill as a kid

Caleb and I almost to the top of the mesa

Sweet Granny - 90 yrs young

Valerie's post-baby baby shower

More soon - hope everyone is well!!

Bradley Luke Schuetz

born February 12 @ 11:59pm

5 lbs 13 ozs

19 in.

Soooo happy to make your acquaintance little man. And, Valerie, I am soooo proud of you. After several stressful moments over the last few weeks, not to mention yesterday, Mr. Bradley made his appearance and everyone is doing PERFECT! God is so good!

Babies...continued

Proud Mama Brooke

Sweet Brynley
A little excited!
My friend Julie with sweet Brynley

Proud Big Brother

My words below can not even begin to do justice to the miracle that I witnessed a couple of weeks ago, but I am hugely honored and humbled to have been a part...

Baby #2 for the month arrived with very little notice, although her plans had been made by Him long before time. Our very good friends, the Karrs have been on a waiting list for quite some time for their second child. This child has been prayed for, planned for, and long awaited. On Monday, January 25th, in the middle of our Bible study, Brooke got the call from the adoption agency that their daughter had arrived - a little more than twenty-four hours later, Brynley Katherine was in her forever home. She joins the proud big brother Aidan.

I saw God that week - plans made for us but not by us. Gifts given from Heaven ordained by the Master. What a huge blessing to all of our lives. Love you Karrs!

http://smilebox.com/play/4d5451324e7a49354d44453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link

more babies on the horizon...

Babies, Babies, Everywhere

A few weeks ago I had the absolute honor and privilege of going to stay with my cousin, Megan, her husband Ray and their two precious children. Ruby is 20 months old and a bundle of beauty and energy and when she says my name it sounds like "Jesus" so we are on great terms! Myer (pronounced mymers by his big sister) was only days old when I got there and so handsome and adorable. I LOVED being able to go. I love this sweet family and they all mean the world to me!! I appreciate my husband, mother-in-law and dad and Myra for all they did while I was away to keep my kids going. Thank you!!

...to be continued with the latest baby blessing...

don't knock it 'til you try it

For Christmas, I received a gift that I would have NEVER bought for myself. However, I have to admit it has been one of the most used gifts since. I'm sure you've all seen the commercials, laughed at the people, and mocked those who have them, but...

I L.O.V.E. my snuggie :-)

However, as a sidenote, I will make fun of you if you buy one for your pet. That is just wrong.

I bring you the...

The pride buttons have been busting!!

Bearing Fruit

**update** I really wanted to update this yesterday, but never got the chance. Yesterday morning I was in Bible study and talking to one of the "seasoned" moms about the service. And, I think I may have it wrong. It's not about me resolving to bear more fruit. I don't get that choice. And, while I may choose differently, all I can do is be a vessel - a vine or a tree. I only have to make myself available - it's His choice to use me. So, sometimes it may be one grape off one vine and sometimes it may be a vineyard. So, my resolve has changed. It's to build a relationship, to choose His water, His soil, and His timing.

Caring for others is what we are supposed to do.......... John 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

We started a new series at church this morning entitled Bear Fruit. The sermon was amazing, and the display of hundreds of pieces of fruit on the stage (all being donated to a local Kids Club) was beautiful, and we were even encouraged to go at the end and get an apple to take and remind us. But, even as good as it all was, it's only so good unless we make it applicable. We must resolve ourselves to be pruned and tweaked, to stand against harsh elements, and come out on the other side with beautiful blooms that become amazing fruits. Then we must share. We must take our fruits and use it for the glory of God, seeking Him, and caring for those around us.

I'm encouraged tonight by the new year, the new decade. I'm encouraged by the hope of future fruits. I'm encouraged to know that even when some branches die and not all the fruit is good, that I am redeemed by His saving Grace and He never abandons me.

I resolve to argue less, smile more, have more patience, spend more time in the big picture and worry less about the details. I resolve to pray more, love more, encourage more. I resolve to be more fruitful.