Philippians 4:13

Being a stay-at-home-mom has its rewards and its challenges. This week I feel as if there have been more challenges then rewards. The kids have had too many long days and late nights in a row. They are tired, cranky and in need of a solid nights rest. 

...or maybe I am in need of a solid nights rest...and Jesus...or both.  

When I am tired, I get emotional.  And a tired emotional Mama + tired cranky kids = meltdowns all around! 

Hurray for early bedtime!! And Jesus. 

Last night during dinner, offspring #1 had a huge meltdown. Apparently his royal highness did not care for the cuisine chosen for the evening. His meltdown effected offspring #2 causing distress all around. Instead of handling things like a rational loving person, I found myself becoming rather ragey. It wasn't my best moment as a parent. But in my defense offspring #1 had been having meltdowns all afternoon and offspring #2 was feeling particularly clingy. In addition, my husband had called earlier letting me know that he was stuck in traffic and would be late. 

Later that evening I couldn't stop thinking about how I should have handled the dinner meltdown differently. I replayed the events in my head, analyzing what I should and shouldn't have done. I started to compare myself to other Mamas. I allowed my insecurities to take over. 

It is in the moments like the "Great Dinner Meltdown of 16'" when I just need to stop, take a deep breath and repeat Philippians 4:13 out loud over and over again. 

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" 

It is easy to become overwhelmed as a Mama of two little ones. I'm sure one day I'll look back and laugh and even miss the crazy dinnertime chaos.

Until then...

I'll keep pressing.

I'll keep praying. 

And I'll repeat Philippians 4:13 as many times as needed. 

Good Night. 

wedding weekend wrap-up

This weekend my beautiful cousin-in-law got married! The wedding festivities kicked off Thursday night with a traditional Haldi Mehendi party. Thanks to Dadi, my kiddos looked adorable in their traditional outfits. Lucas was the Bible boy and he took his duties seriously! We hung out before the wedding processional taking pictures and talking about proper Bible boy etiquette. My favorite moment was when he gravely informed one of the flower girls that she shouldn't run down the aisle. After the ceremony, we all went to the wedding reception for a night of good food, good company and lots of fun! 

poppy print shorts

I apologize for the grainy picture. It's been a crazy week and I didn't have time to set up my camera. After my last project, I had some leftover fabric. I decided to sew a pair of boxer style shorts. I wanted something to combat the intense summer heat and to use up my leftover fabric. 

Mission accomplished. 

good bye spring, hello summer

This week was a busy one for our family. The kiddos had VBS every evening from 6-8 pm. By the end of the week we were all exhausted! This year our church did a deep sea discovery theme for VBS. The sanctuary and lesson rooms were decorated with lots of sea life, a submarine and a coral reef. In addition, the Bible lessons, crafts and game activities were tied into the theme as well. It was well done. I loved seeing the amount of energy and creativity that was put into the program by all of the volunteers and pastoral staff. 

The kids did better than I thought they would with the late nights and high stimulation. This was our first summer of going every night. Previous summers I would take Lucas every other night, or maybe two or three nights before he was done! However, this summer we went every night and stayed until the end.

I loved watching Lucas engage with his counselors, participate in the games and crafts and sing his little heart out during worship. The difference between this summer and last summer is amazing! He is actually old enough to get something out of participating. By the second night, he asked to sit all by himself with his favorite counselor. Not sure how I felt about that. I'm not ready for him to be off on his own!! 

*sigh* 

Wish me luck when I explain that VBS is over until next year!

happy father's day

Happy Father's Day to my amazing husband! 

poppy print skirt

After weeks of putting off this project, I finally finished my poppy print skirt. Although I'm not one for glamour shots, it helps to have an adorable sidekick dressed as Jedi Darth Vader to pose with. I bought this fabric several months ago during a sale. I knew that I wanted to make a skirt, but just didn't have the time. Now that summer is here I'm happy to have a beautiful new lightweight skirt for church and other events. 

happy 1st birthday Alara

My beautiful baby girl turns one today.  It feels like just yesterday that we were bringing our tiny newborn home from the hospital. Where has the time gone? I know that sounds so cliche, but it is the honest truth! Last night as I rocked Alara to sleep for the last time before her birthday I thought to myself - I don't have an infant anymore. 

Oh..the feels. Cue the tears. 

On Sabbath we had our family and friends come for a birthday lunch. I tried to have Alara nap before her party, however there was to much excitement in the air.  She slept for maybe 45 minutes. The night before Dadi and I decorated. However, I have to give Dadi most of the credit. She worked hard on the decorations and I love how everything turned out. 

The pictures were Dadi's idea. All I did was put them together and hang them up. The tutu surrounding Alara's chair was made from recycled tule from my wedding and my sister's bridal shower. Gotta love repurposing.  

The party was a huge success! A special thank-you goes to Dadi and Dada for opening their home for Alara's party. Thank you to everyone who baked, helped set up, clean up and came as guests. Having each and everyone of you there to celebrate made Alara's day even more special.