Hay-men!

Last night I had a lot of things on my heart.  Old anxieties have slowly worked their way back into my mind, competing with new anxieties for my attention. I've been struggling a bit.  After reading a few books with Grace, I spent some time in prayer, talking to God, snuggling with my girl.  When I finished my prayer this is what I heard:

                      "Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, God.  Hay-men!"

Thank you, Lord, for this sweet, little girl, who reminds me just how blessed I am.

Hay-men.

Standing out in the Crowd

The Raw(e) theme for this week is Red. Here is another photo from our adventures at Dow Gardens, featuring these gorgeous tulips... 

Dow Gardens- springtime

Tonight, after Dave got home from work, we finally made it to Dow Gardens to see all the beautiful spring flowers and trees in blossom (and to take some Gracie pics, of course).  I've had visions of beautiful photos in my head.  My dreams always included a cooperative toddler, which wasn't happening tonight.  Bad timing, I suppose.  Too close to bedtime.

We arrived at a little after 7PM, which is too late for Dow Gardens.  It's really dark in there with all those trees.  I felt overwhelmed, and wasn't sure which route to take to get some good lighting.  And I quickly realized, once again, that I have so much to learn about photography.  I have no trouble-shooting skills at all.  Fortunately, because I took literally hundreds of photos, some turned out pretty cute.

Grace was in heaven, running "unleashed" at full speed.  She preferred the shady, less camera-friendly areas, of course...

Hmm...  pee break?

Running...

and Running...

and Running.

a speck of glorious light...

And she's off!  Again....

Love...

these little feet...

And this little bookworm...

And, speaking of feet, a certain little someone stayed in the bath a little too long...

Little Bitty

Today Grace discovered that my ipod, which she thought was just another phone, actually plays music.  She turned it on all by herself, and, appropriately enough, played the song, Little Bitty by Alan Jackson. When the music started, her eyes got big and an excited smile lit up her face.  Then, she started dancing.  Dancing and dancing and dancing.  Although I didn't have my camera in "dance" mode, I managed to snap some cute shots of our Little Bitty...

Sand in our Pants

We packed up our little family and headed to Stratford Park a few nights ago.  While Grace and Dave collected stones, sifted through the sand and ran around, I spent most of my time behind the lens- attempting to snap a good silhouette shot.  It didn't happen, but I got a few cute photos of the two of them anyway.

I think I might use this one for Raw(e) this week.
Water is the theme.

Haven't quite figured it out, but getting closer...

I am clearly not a less-is-more kinda girl.  I don't know when to stop, and I can't make a decision to save my life.  Sorry.  At least she's cute.  

Counting Blessings

She is an answered prayer.  An undeserved blessing. The joy of our hearts.  Everything we've ever wanted.

Sometimes I wonder why God would give us such a treasure.  I'm sure there were more deserving souls out there with much better parenting skills.  Sometimes I fear that He'll change His mind and take her away.

I've stumbled upon some new blogs lately.  Some have been really hard to read.  It's hard to understand why God has called so many to walk such hard, hard roads. Why anyone should have to lose a child.  But, over and over again I see it - the supernatural strength and courage of believers.  To be honest, it's just too hard for me to even think about. 

It has made me appreciate our gift all the more.  It has moved me to be a better parent.  To have more patience.  To pay more attention.  To not sweat the small stuff.  To make sure our little girl knows just how much she is loved. To better prepare her physically, emotionally and spiritually for this life; for this world that seems so dark at times.

I want Grace to see the light of Christ through me.  Through us.  Lately, I haven't had much of a light to shine.

My faith feels small.  But I know my God is big.

Loons Run

This afternoon Dave and I ran a spur-of-the-moment race:  the Dow Live Earth Run for Water.  The race was 6K, the average distance many women and children walk every day to find water. Hard to imagine.  I can't fathom being a mom and not having clean water to bath my child in, to cook with, or to drink. Yet, in the world, we are the exception. 

Although "racing" was not on my agenda for another 6 weeks or so, because it was for such a great cause, and it sounded like fun to both of us, Dave and I decided to go for it. (Not to mention there were two free Loons Baseball tickets involved.)

Carl Lewis was one of the special guests. He gave us some last-minute advice- "All you 5K runners, this is a 6K - don't go out too fast!" and sent us on our way. I took Carl's words to heart.  Although I was very nervous about the run initially, I felt great and really enjoyed myself.  It was 49 degrees and overcast - my kind of running weather. I cranked up the Van Halen on my ipod, which helped to drown out the panting from passers by, and off I plodded.

The course was great: it started at the Dow Diamond, then went down to the rail-trail, through Emerson Park, up the tridge (Ugh), along the river Downtown, and finally finished at the Dow Diamond, again.  Although I tried not to think too much about my time, I was secretly hoping to get under a 10-minute-mile pace. But it just didn't happen today.  That's okay.  Hopefully next time...

Grace was so good during the race

She gave Papa quite a workout, though!

The best part of any race - The finish line.

Papa Time

When Grace woke up from her nap this afternoon, Dave ran upstairs to  fetch our babe.  After a few minutes, I trudged up there to see what was going on.  I walked in to find Grace and her Papa snuggled-up, reading Curious George, one of her new favorites.  I was hoping for a warm welcome with some hugs and kisses, but  Grace just looked at me, and as if to claim her territory (her Papa), said, "No, No!"  "Okay, Grace, I'll leave you and Papa alone.  Mommy will take a bath," I said.  Then she gave me a get-out-of-here wave and said, "Bye!" in a way reminiscent of how she talks to the pediatrician when she wants him to take a hike. So, I quickly retreated to the tub. 

While I was soaking (which was a wonderful treat, incidentally), I listened to the "conversation" taking place one room over from me.  Most of it was one-sided, unfortunately for Grace.  It went something like this:

"Papa?  Papa!  Papa.....Daaayve!  Dave?  Daaayve!  Papa..... read!  Papa, read!" 

I can totally relate, Grace.  He never listens to me either.  And in the prone position...he's out like a light!

Guess Mom's not so bad after all, huh?

The Closet Raider

I always look forward to Sami announcing the new Raw(e) theme for the week.  This week's theme is Shoes!  From my perspective, this is what comes to mind when I think of shoes:  our little stinker raiding the closet, multiple times per day, and then struttuing her stuff in our shoes.  She does it pretty well...

She Knows Her Colors

 Last night I was sitting on the floor with Grace while she was on her potty.  All of a sudden, she looked up at the television (Dave had just finished watching a hockey game), pointed, and said, "Brown Man!"  I wasn't quite sure I heard her right, so I asked her to repeat what she had said.  "Brown Man.....on face!" she said, excitedly.  I laughed out loud.  She was referring to one of the sportscasters, who happened to be "brown."

Let me just say how glad I am that this epiphany happened at home, and it was not part of an embarrassing social interchange.  You've gotta love the innocence and honesty of children!

More from Gracie's Kitchen

Have I mentioned that Grace loves her new kitchen?  I think she's already a better cook than I am...

Meal preparation

Before sampling, Grace would blow on the spoon and say, "Very, very hot!"

Mmmm.  Needs more salt.

The Naked Chef

We were playing outside in the yard yesterday when it came - The kitchen!  I've been so excited for it's arrival.  I thought, very briefly, about putting it together myself, but quickly came to my senses and waited for my handyman to get home.  Glad I did, as there was a fair amount of assembly required.  It even took Dave a little longer than he anticipated, and as a result, our little girl had a very late night.  It sure was fun, though!

To say that Grace loves her kitchen is an understatement.  She was so "excited!" watching Papa put it all together.  Then, as she was playing, The Naked Chef came to mind, as she busily cooked, stirred, cleaned, and "organized," all with a naked bottom. And no, this is not something she has learned from her watching her mother...    

I don't think this would pass code

Cutting up some veggies

Washing armpits - an important, yet under-appreciated part of cooking

New Wheels

Today Grace got her very first bike: an adorable little pink and purple trike, courtesy of Granny and Grandpa. This was their Easter gift to Grace.  Oh, how her face lit up when she laid her eyes on it.  "Bike!" she squeeled. And before we knew it, she was tooling around the block with Grandpa.  I have a feeling it won't be too long until she takes off on her own.  Better buy a helmet...