My full, somewhat entertaining, life as a homeschooling mommy, raising a child with HLHS (Hypolastic Left Heart Syndrome), following Jesus, and being much too camera happy
These flower’s subtle blend of colors were pretty to see set against the leaves, but the photo did not bring out the colors as nicely as I anticipated. So I changed the filter and was surprised by how much better it looked. The light and dark contrast highlights the flower petal’s textures.
Different species of trees are all special in their design: deep roots, spectacular trunks, sprawling branches, and assortment of leaves. Trees soften the space they inhabit, probably with the shade it provides and its different shades of green leaves.
I found this unique tree in San Diego Zoo and I didn’t get a chance to note the name, too busy chasing kids wandering around the different animal enclosures.
I searched the zoo’s website and couldn’t find this one. But if you are interested, check out their spectacular information guide about its botanical collections: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/attractions/botanical-tours . Their collection is enormous: the Zoo plant trees and flowers native to the animal’s original habitats. In case you haven’t noticed in some of my posts about this zoo, I really really like this place! It’s a great place to learn about animals and it reminds me of going to the zoo on the weekends with Chris when we were newlyweds living in San Diego. Fond memories.
These tree trunks have sturdy leaves growing in from the sharp spikes. This must be a protective mechanism to thwart animals.
Here is my entry for the color Asparagus. Thank you Timeless Lady for hosting this challenge. http://Photo Challenge – Color Your World: Asparagus
Bright to medium shades of green feels so fresh and calm to m e. These shades remind me of nature, wholeness, and health. In 12th grade, my political science teacher always used a green pen to mark up student’s papers. Her rationale: red discourages but “green is for growth.” Also, my late grandmother relished green that had to specifically “cabbage green.”
Mommy life is full of growing pains along with your kids and it is NOT glamorous. It entails sorting piles of dirty laundry, cooking, cleaning after crumbs, getting annoyed by the sound of your own voice as you constantly tell the kids to brush their teeth, put on their shoes, stop jumping, etc.
One time my friend picked off dried rice pieces from my shirt at a bible study meeting. Last week I got annoyed with Ellis for losing the new nail polish I got from Target. I assumed she misplaced it after tinkering around with it on the drive home. Well, I didn’t expect to find it there but it was chilling out nicely in the fridge next to the carton of milk. As my kids would say in these situations: “doy- yoy- yoy-yoing.”
I thought it’s be fun to list some things I hear most often. Maybe you can relate and we moms can give ourselves a big hug: you’re not alone.
In the ellipses you fill in whatever your kids say most often. Each family dynamic is different and has a lot to do with kid’s and mom’s temperaments.
My list:
I pray that today we moms will have enough patience and grace to pick the right battles with our little peeps. I so need to be encouraged that each day makes a difference in our lives and that it’s not wasted time. It is a beautiful thing that kids love us back with those trusting eyes and will forgive so easily even when we are feeling the effects of hanger and exhaustion.
Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Do Everything” lyrics speak to me on those days when I’m still in my pj’s and cooking the 5th meal of the day.
“Do Everything“
Your picking up toys on the living room floor for the fifteenth time today
Matching up socks
Sweeping up lost cheerios that got away
You put a baby on your hip
Color on your lips and head out the door
While I may not know you
I bet I know you
Wonder sometimes, does it matter at all?
Well let me remind you, it all matters just as long
As you do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
Cause he made you
To do
Every little thing that you do
To bring a smile to His face
Tell the story of grace
With every move that you make
And every little thing you do
Another day and praying us moms glorify God in raising our kids and loving them for who they are.
Here are 5 songs you may enjoy and play on repeat!
One of my favorite songs is “Prize Worth Fighting For” by Jamie Kimmett. His inspiration for this song (as heard on K-Love) is about a friend who recently became disabled from an accident and now uses a wheelchair: even basic tasks, that able-bodied people take for granted, is a daily struggle to do.
This song reminds me that it’s not just physical limitations but other life challenges that are insurmountable by ourselves (and boy, are there many!). We need God leading us through those insecure times when we make difficult decisions, confront our fears, and walk in faith.
Part of the lyrics for Jamie Kimmett’s song:
When every day is just another struggle
And every choice is an act of war
Gotta pray, gotta press on
To the prize worth fighting for
When it feels like I’ll never make it
When my heart’s crying out for more
Gotta pray, gotta press on
To the prize worth fighting for
Your love is my reward
The prize worth fighting for
Jesus, You’re worth my all
Another favorite song is “Who you say I am” by Hillsong Worship. This song became more special after Hannah, the kid’s babysitter, sang and played the song beautifully on the piano for us. Ellis sang like this song was her own.
It was refreshing to see her sing out loud and with confidence. Her new voice (raspy and low) that is from vocal chord nerve damage from her heart surgery has been an ongoing issue for her. But that afternoon you wouldn’t have sensed any doubt as she sang along with one of her favorite people. Below is the song’s chorus:
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
Hope you get a chance to check these songs out! Have a great day as we head into a very warm summer.
