Plain White...Who?

The Machine took a mini-vacation this weekend to St. Louis to visit some dear friends/Jack's godparents from Texas. It was great to visit and see the city (it's a pretty cool city if you've never been), but it was hot as blue blazes there. Oh my! I can't believe I forgot how "wonderful" humidity is. You pretty much sweat instantly, constantly, and horribly as soon as you step out of the AC (I'm not sure why I ever did). But venture out we did. We saw the Arch, the Zoo and something called Grant's Farm. Here are a couple pics from the adventure.

Jack trying to imitate his friend, Logan, by doing *exactly* what he did. So cute!

This one was taken by a sweet woman who took pity on me. I was trying to hold babies and the the cell phone while taking a pic. I wish she had gotten a tiny bit closer, though.

Ben and Papa.

I love this picture for two reasons. First, Jack has the best smile here. He was having a great time running around under the arch. Second, I have the biggest piece of food stuck in my teeth. If there is anything that says, "Amy" it's something like that.

Other than having a great time with friends, this trip confirmed that I am indeed living in a "Mommy Box". While waiting for the valet to bring our car the last day, a guy walked into the waiting room with a guitar. I was thinking, "Oh that's nice. I wonder if he's a musician?" Then, I quickly didn't care because he was ignoring Jack trying to talk to him about his guitar and if he was going to sing. Come to find out, he was the lead singer of Plain White T's. So didn't know who that was until this weekend, much less who was their lead singer. I think I need to get out a little more. Maybe I'll try to do that in the next ten years or so.

God Breezes

I have been chewing, chewing, and chewing some more on this, and it's gotten to the point that I have to share it. I long to have a good conversation about this and since this is my virtual chatterbox....here we go.

First off, let me say I don't have any grand conclusions (have I ever). I'm still wrestling with this "tip of the iceberg" idea, but I like where it's going. It all started with a book called, Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley (this is a great book about home organization...most of you could probably tell I haven't used it...yet...but I recommend it; how's that for an endorsement). In the introduction, Marla asks you to imagine that when you were born you were put into a tiny boat and set on your journey through life. During this life you have a choice to open up your sail and wait for "God Breezes" to move you where the Holy Spirit calls you to go or to lower your sails and stay safely in the harbor. I just love, love, love this imagery. Doesn't this sound like life to you? Sometimes the boat ride is rocky and sometimes it's smooth sailing. Sometimes you're stuck and looking for somewhere to go and sometimes all you want to do is slow down but the winds are too strong. I think we can all relate.

What I love the most is the image of the sail and the anchor. I like to think of the sail as what helps me prepare for the God Breezes. Things like reading/knowing the Word, prayer, fellowship and worship. Pretty much anything that will help me open up and spread my sail as large as I can (I want to be ready to recognize and catch any puff of wind). When I think of the anchor, I always imagine things that keep me immobile, or tie me to earthly things. What do I mean by that? I always think about sin, debt, trying to do things I'm not called to do, gossip, envy, etc. This list could go on forever (I didn't even scratch the surface). All those things limit your freedom in the Lord and lock your feet into solid concrete. Try catching a breeze when you've got one (or more) of these anchors holding you back. One of my favorite pastors, Paul Schroeder, said it best: Shouldn't the followers of Christ be the freest persons on the planet? And you know what, he's right. We should quit anchoring ourselves (we are doing to ourselves!) and be ready to move where we're called to go. That is such a scary idea to me, but I'm trying to get myself ready. Every day, little by little, I'm shedding the anchors and preparing the sail.

I know. The first thing you're thinking is, "this isn't Biblical, and I should be careful." You are absolutely correct! But I'm simple minded and ignorant when it comes to these things and images like this really help to tie it all together. I'm praying it somehow helps you to do the same. God Bless.

Note: Many thanks to Kari for first hashing through this idea with me. Those few moments of chit chat after our pedicure (so miss those) were life changing. Thank you!

Long Time No See

I can't believe it's been a week and a half since I've posted anything here. I know I've been busy, but I can't tell you what I've been doing. It's just taking a lot of time, whatever it is. Since I don't have much to say about the week (sad, but true), here are some pics of what we've been doing.

Today we got to see a cicada molt. VERY cool!

We've been busy waiting for all the tomatoes to ripen. Very few have actually made it into the house...I wonder why???

We headed for the local Arboretum for a walk...we didn't make it past the logs. Boys playing on logs??? How surprising!

Jack got a new helmet for the bike trailer. It's a Lightning McQueen helmet, so he spends as much time as he can in it.

While Mama may be sugar free, how could I tell Jack he couldn't make cake with Grandma?!

Of all the things I forgot to pack, I missed my wrap/Baby Bjorn the most. So, off to get some fabric and make my own. It's worked great and has meant I finally have two hands again (which I needed to hold the camera while Ben was yanking the strap!). Pshew!

Jack, of course, had to see the F-18's again. I think he loved it more the second time.

A rainy day called for desperate measures! Jack wanted a backpack like Papa so we improvised.

Another, "I'm biking like (you guessed it) Papa!" moment.

Jack was getting dressed like Papa for work. I'm loving how much he wants to be like Papa these days. It's so fun to watch him grow.

Ben is crawling!

And standing now (maybe this is why I've been so busy)!

Big hugs to you all! I've missed you. I will try to be better about posting...or at least throw a picture up every now and then! Take care!