"(Love) does not rejoice at wrongdoings 

but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, 

believes all things, 

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Love never ends."

I've heard it said that a couple learns a lot about each other when they become pregnant, and while I'm confident that this is true whether you're expecting or not, I've been discovering the truths of that reality lately. While courting/being engaged was certainly my most spiritually stretching season of life (to date), being pregnant has certainly brought a new flavor to the brew.
In a very real sense, I look in the mirror and I don't really recognize the person looking back; things ache and are stretching in ways they haven't before, and at times I have the most sensational mood swings, the Esposo is such a trooper and so very patient with me!
While I'm quite confident that this freshly married, preggo woman has much still to learn, here are a few musings on what God has been showing me recently.


[ Believing the best about him ]

Do you have those conversations? The ones in your head that begin when you and your spouse begin to talk? Even while he's talking, you're analyzing and dissecting his every word, and for whatever reason, you take it to mean that he intends his words to hurt, that he doesn't understand you, and that he doesn't really care about what you think.
I find that more often than not, this is the pattern of my thoughts when we communicate about important, weighty issues. The gavel has struck and The Man is guilty in my mind before he even opens his mouth. And all this for The Man that I vowed to honor and cherish?? He's got his work cut out for him. Crazy how it happens that when a woman prays to see how she can better love her husband, it is unveiled how much she is lacking. God is so kind to show me at a pace that I can handle! It takes time to create new habits but by God's grace I'm cultivating a truly loving mindset during our more weighty conversations; David is not the bad guy and we really are on the same team. Mood swings shoot up and plummet down, days go badly, and temperments run thin, but Love rejoices with and seeks the truth in each situation and conversation.


[ Patiently waiting for God to work in his life ]

The Man that I live and breath with is not the Man that I married and not the Man that I will hopefully grow old beside; in turn, I am thankfully not the woman he married, nor am I the woman he will shuffle beside in the future.
I am so grateful for the godly wisdom that David and I received before we were married. Through different circumstances and sanctifying conversations, we were keenly aware of each others flaws and weaknesses before we tied the knot, and one of the main ways that I was encouraged by this is the fact that when two sinners come together, they are always changed. One of the main reasons that I love and respect The Esposo is because of the beautiful work that God has done in his life, is doing, and the confidence that I have of all the amazing work He will do in his life. I love pondering on and seeing the ways that God is faithful to move in David's life; He is changing him in ways that I couldn't have anticipated before getting married and ways that I only see because I am married to him. Praise God, we aren't what we were and we will not be what we are today, but by His grace we are being renewed and changed in His perfect timing. That is why I'm able to persevere and cultivate patience when he stumbles, when he fails, and when he's wrong; likewise, David has a sure foundation for when I stumble, fail, and am wrong; these are the growing pains of Life and part of the beauty of sanctification is that it spans over a lifetime. Not a time set out by man or what our expectation is but however long we live and have breath.
For someone who is prone to wander, these are beautiful truths.



[ photo credit to the Amazing Christina Hastings Photography ]

oh, baby [ week 26 ]

Dear Little Man, 

We're nearly there! Today marks a striking realization for me that we're closer to the finish line that we are to the starting point. I heartily echo what so many mothers have said before me, 

"It's gone by so quickly!"

They say this about so many seasons, it's been concluded that LIFE goes by quickly, just like blinking. C.S. Lewis was right when he commented on how funny it was that day by day nothing changes but when we look back, everything is different. 

So, my repeated prayer is that I'll have the grace to just soak.

Soak in each little (and great) ache and pain,

Soak in each 3:36am trip to the loo,

Soak in the times you have the hiccups,

Soak in the times that Daddy can feel and see you move,

Soak in each emotional mood swing that seems so very real at the moment,

Soak in the times when my preggo belly looks like a pillowcase with a cat inside,

(you move SO. MUCH. It's crazy.)

Soak in the stretching pains of a little body carrying another little body,

Soak in the plethora of snacks that I have to consume each day,

Soak in the interruptions that those snack and water breaks bring.

These are graces and evidences of His mercy and I don't want to miss one.

I've started reading The Cat in the Hat to you before bed each night. (And by reading, I really mean reciting; I've read it aloud so often that it's nearly memorized!) It was and still is one of my favorite children's books; just to give you a heads up, you'll probably have a bookcase of Dr. Seuss books read to you during the course of your childhood, you must bear it nobly. 

I've also been singing Come Thou Fount intentionally. It's a very dear hymn to Daddy and me, I think because the lyrics encompass so many aspects of life. 

We're so excited to meet you and kiss your sweet face (baby snuggles are precious), but at this point we're happy for you to continue baking. We'll be ready when you get here!

Our Mysterious Maker

As you do not know the path of the wind, 

or how a body is formed in a mother's womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God,

the Maker of  a l l  things.

ecclesiastes 11:5

I came across this verse lately and while it is probably something I've read before (don't things usually happen that way?), have Little Man wiggle and move deep inside caused me to read this passage with new eyes. 

Isn't it amazing? Truly amazing how at the time of my reading this passage, we are able to see how a body forms in the womb. Through modern technology, we're able to take a peak at the New Life budding and taking shape inside; we're able to take weights and measurements and even check for cleft palates and genetic disorders! If I so chose, I could "see" Little Man stretch and grow every single week until he is born. 

In one very real sense, we can know how life grows in the womb.

And God's work is still amazing.

In another very real sense, we know nothing at all. 

Ultra sound technicians make mistakes and sometimes things aren't always what they seem. Things that may appear as problems, turn out to be molehills, and people are surprised. Expectant parents are surprised. Doctors and midwives are surprised. We can never progress so far in our Modern Thinking to go beyond God's mysterious ways. He is work is much more complex and we are much less knowledgeable than we think. 

It's so special for me to think that while I'm feeling and seeing, God is shaping and forming this New Life. While it may be hard work for this body but He never tires to work His wonders. 

oh, baby [ week 22 ]

Sweet Little Man, 

Since I (Mum) last posted we have discovered

// you are a BOY (!!!)

// you love to move and groove around (just like Daddy)

// caffeine or high amounts of sugar in any way or form make you do an Irish jig

(just like Daddy)

// despite you two being so much alike, you're rather shy when it comes to Daddy (or anyone else for that matter) trying to feel you move around

// mumsie is a bit anemic so we're slurping the wonderful floradix and taking in even more leafy greens

Everyone is asking about your name options and whether or not we are keeping it to ourselves, and the answer is that Daddy and I are the sort of couple that needs to see you in order to give you a proper name, a name that suits your newborn self.  

In the meantime, we can say that we want to give you a Spanish and and an English name and also that we know the names that are definitely O F F the list (you will probably never be a Harper, Whitsun, or Clive- but Mumsie is okay with that now).

Recently we took a family trip to Southern California and I'm pretty sure that the sun and sea inspired your growth spurt; I'm learning to adjust to the Protruding Bump, though we're not quite in maternity clothing yet (all in good time).

All in all, this pregnancy has been going swimmingly so far and we are so thankful! Again, the Lord is doing great things for us and we are so glad. 

oh, baby [ week 14 ]

Dear Little Bean,
We've made it to our second trimester! Mum's current favorite snacks are cheese, cucumbers, anything with lemon, and Lucky Charms (preferably in the mid morning). It's still hard work to stay awake and start hydrated most days but we work through them one day at a time.

We can't wait to find out whether you're a lad or lassie, but I'm knitting a few things ahead of time anyways. It's a mercy that the Lord gave us nine months to sort through a name, we're having a hard time of it!

So many people love you already and we are so blessed by these past fourteen weeks!

[ oh, baby ] week seven

Dear Little Bean,
You're seven weeks old today! I'm so excited that you're about the size of a blueberry because that is one of my favorite fruits; hopefully we'll be able to pick some next weekend (with a snow cone afterwards!). Even though you're still quite small, Mumsie is (still) quite nauseous and tired; it's much like crossing the Cape of Good Hope. All the time. I'm actually grateful though, because it reminds me to rest and reflect on all I have to be thankful for during this season. This is the only pregnancy when it'll just be you and me to care for during the day! Daddy and I are continuing to cultivate a list of our favorite laddie and lassie names, adding new ones as the days go by.
We love you, Little Bean and are so grateful to have you in our lives.

[ oh, baby ] week six

Dear Wee Muffin,

Here we are at the six week mark! Daddy and Mum are so grateful for you and the joy we already experience because the Lord brought you into our lives. Growing a baby is very hard work so I'm quite tired most of the day, except between the hours of nine and half past eleven in the morning-- that's in the eye of the hurricane when I try to be the most productive! This past weekend, Daddy and I napped together which I thought was a sign of his very supportive nature; he's doing his very best to make sure we're taken care of, it sure does bless my slippers off.
I'm generally seasick all day but it's the worst in the morning and evening; complaining isn't at all productive but I've found that citrus drinks and essential oils are very helpful; also staying well-fed and hydrated. Oftentimes sleeping off a nauseous spell is just the ticket (we sleep quite a lot these days!). Right now we're devouring the book Beautiful Babies, we love it and are encouraged by the fact that we're already doing most of what Kristen suggests!
We are so excited and blessed to be on this journey, Muffin, and are savoring each day.

[ oh, baby ] week 4

Dear Bun in the Oven,

You're really here! Before Daddy and I were married, I was told that it might be difficult to conceive and sustain a pregnancy, but here you are. Tests were taken (and retested and retested), needles were poking, blood was finally drawn, and after the results came in, Mummy found out the rumor was true; you were placed safely inside by your Creator. Daddy and I have always wanted to be parents, ever since we were ourselves children; I in particular have been looking forward to growing a new, wee life. So, I'm so grateful for the extreme fatigue and times when my eyes cross, I'm so tired; growing a baby is hard work, but so worth it!
Mummy and Daddy love you so much already, we are committing you to your Faithful Creator, who has already planned out your life from the beginning; we're so excited for each beautiful thing He had in store.

on the road, again [ thankful edition ]

So, as you've read in our about page, you know that the Hubster currently works as a contractor doing mostly warranty repair work on clients homes all over Texas/Louisiana, which keeps him out of town most of the week.

Actually.

The Hubster drives across Texas/Louisiana during the week for a living and sometimes does warranty repair work on clients homes. At least, that is how it seems most weeks, and boy is it sanctifying work for him!

Since this takes him away from home during the week, I usually travel with him; people sometimes ask me how it is to be a new wife and away from them home that I'm supposed to be keeping, and let me share that there is quite a but of creative work to be done in our casita! I have an entire mental list of things that I'd like to be working on and creating; things like curtains to sew and install, cabinets to organize, and the ever-present chalkboard paint projects. Being a crafty person, I'm so excited about filling my home with things that I've made and there is no shortage of arranging/re-arranging.

However, I do miss my husband. Shockingly.

We had somewhat of a tumultuous courtship/engagement, which, now that we're actually married, makes us feel like we crossed the finish line on some wildly long race! This is a large part of why we're filled with the "We're just happy to be here" mentality and absolutely love spending as much time as we can together, just resting in being "we". Being a crafty/asthmatic girl, I'm not very much help on the job with him so I usually fill my time reading and making the work truck look good while he's doing the actual work.
A typical day will start around 4:30/5a, at which time I'll stumble from our cozy down comforter bed and make a hot breakfast for David and I; then we'll be on the road, hot burrito and coffee in hand, and the day will begin. Depending on the job, we'll quietly drive a few hours to the clients home; neither of us are chatty, morning people so we'll usually just listen to the radio or, if we're lucky to have enough signal, Pandora. Once we get to the job, The Hubster will get to work checking off the to-do list (fixing ceiling cracks, stretching carpets, repairing the out of sorts, and generally being amazing) while I finish reading an English novel, make phone calls, work on a knitting project, or just organize the truck. Lately I've been knocking out our wedding thank-you notes, which has been quite the job for me! Once he's done doing the real work, we'll head to the hotel for the evening and, depending on when we get there, we'll swim/work out or grab something for dinner. He's usually pretty beat after a day of driving in the sun and fixing other peoples homes, so we have pretty laid back evenings. (that's code for HBO or NCIS) Rinse and repeat all week with some variations; some days jobs are cancelled and some days he'll have more than one job on the list. Sometimes I'm able to help him with the piddly things and sometimes I just sit in the truck all day but every day, we talk, laugh, and just enjoy each other. It's something that I won't always be able to do with him; we have pretty hot summers here in Texas and if I ever get pregnant, I probably won't be carting around with him; this really could be a very short time that we're both able to get up and go together, so we're trying to make the very most of it.

So, yes, I do miss being able to sew curtains and organize my pantry, and just be home

But really

During this time that the weather is still fine and we don't have diaper bags yet, I'd much rather spend time just being "we" and help to make those long drives just a bit more pleasant for The Hubster.

Besides, Pandora comedy is awesomesauce and time spend together is such a gift.

[ listening to ] John Newman

[ love me again ]

David and I found it while lying in a jet-lagged state during our Spanish honeymoon, and despite the delirium, we really liked this one! Enjoy and let us know what are some of your own recent favorites. 

We love expanding our musical tastes.

musings on [ gratitude ]

I will bless the Lord at all times,

His praise shall continually be on my mouth.

[ psalm 34:1 ]

Struggles that cause me to look heavenward.

We all have them, perhaps yours look like a house full of littles that cling and clamor for your every attention at every moment of the day; or maybe your struggles look like looming to-do lists and demands on you that seem to weigh you down. Whatever your hard days and wrestling look like, I hope they point you heavenward; that your faith, not your fear, is the thing that presses you onward. Let's be continually grateful for the things that keep us in prayer and constant dependence on Him.

PICTURES.

Hubster and I were so blessed to have an abundance of photographers at our wedding, and as time goes by, the pictures are beginning to flood our screens-- we love it! I quite feel as if we've just gotten married again, it's so great! Be looking for more photos to come!

Time. Time. Time.

These past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to go with Hubster on the road; we mostly frequent East Texas and Northern Louisiana, not glamorous places but nothing can replace spending time together. There are definitely cons (limited time to get things done at home etc) but they are far outweighed by the pros!

Allergy Induced Asthma

Indeed, this pesky take your breath away symptom has been the recent cause for me to spend some spontaneous time with my family. Breathing normally is easy to trade with estate sale shopping, talking, and simple time spent in The Everyday with my mama and sisters! 

Limited Internet Connection

Yes! This is something that I've been surprisingly grateful for! Let me explain, in our Gypsy Casita we don't have the luxury of an unlimited wi-fi connection and I personally have a limited data plan on my phone, both of which make those pinterest bunny trails and youtube marathons impossible, BUT it also means that I've been able to totally repaint our RV, organize, organize, organize, and continue making it into our home. I had no idea how much time was slipping away before but now I'm continually surprised by how much I can do sans distractions! I'm actually doing my pinterest projects. Go figure.

Isn't it neat to see how gratefulness truly turns everything into enough? What are YOU grateful for?

workout and de-stress

Dear Brides-to-Be,

You're getting married! The Big Day that you've been waiting for your entire life (or at least as long as you've known your Handsome Man) is approaching and there is so much to do before you say "I do". The Great Flurry has begun and your teux deux list is longer than the cathedral length veil that your grandmother wore. There aren't enough hours in the day to spend with your friends and family, order all of those table cloths, and spend special time with your Handsome Man; I was totally there and I get it.

Maybe you worked out before all of these teux deux lists crashed exploded fell into your lap or perhaps now is the time you want to hop onto the Workout Train. Whether you've found the dress of your dreams or are still on the hunt, now would be a great time to exercise, not only for the "Gee, I feel so good today" benefits but also for that pretty Bridal Brain of yours.

Make the time for it.

Doing cardio workouts (be it interval or traditional training) paired with alternating muscle toning can be one of the best de-stressed things you can do before you walk the aisle. The endorphin high after doing some simple, high cardio moves for even thirty good minutes, can be just what you need to carpe the bridal diem; trust me, the effects are much better than chocolate alone. (serious)

Looking for a good place to start? Try out this Nine Minute Cardio Core Workout, paired with this Tank Top Arms Workout. I follow these two routines pretty well, save for a few modifications but overall I love the simplicity and, most of all, the time saved doing these two; add it to your weekly workout routine and see how you like it.

What are your go to workouts? Do share!

musings on [ gratitude ]

I will bless the Lord at all times,

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

[ psalm 34:1 ]

Lately I've been so thankful for the times that David and I can spend together as a couple. Surprise parties and the joys of celebrating life at many stages. 

For hard weeks and the soul wrestling that the lessons that they bring. We're learning that communication can be hard (go figure!) and the fifty-seven years of life between David and I come with their own baggage and pre-suppositions; that being said, harmony in a relationship is so worth the toil and mud that comes in the learning. Rather like Christian Joy, harmony is something that you have to fight for; it's not easy. Like ships in the night, you'll pass each other in conversation and not really hear the other person. 

Also like Christian Joy, we gather our strength from Our Living Hope and Faithful Father. By His amazing grace, we can carpe diem and walk together in Life. 

For His perfect plan and that He makes all things beautiful in His time. 

For morning bagels at coffee shops with Handsome Man and time spent working on OUR new home.

For the Body and how they feel just like family, how they truly are family.

For quiet evenings at home with The Seesters (sans Nicole!). Most of the time I wish I could plug up the sands of time that seem to be slipping even faster than before, but I'm continually learning to relish each moment; if not at that time then later as a memory.

What are you grateful for today?

what not to say: "don't stress out"

Dear Friend of the Bride-To-Be,

You're friend is getting married! Maybe you've known each other since your days in pigtails or perhaps she's a recent kindred spirit that you love to pieces, either way, this is such a special time and you want to make the most of it. After all, people -usually- only become engaged once!

Speaking from experience on both sides of the relationship (being the friend and being the bride), here's a few insider tips that I wanted to share with you, feel free to take them all with a grain of salt. You know your friend better than I do, so apply -or don't apply- these thoughts as only you know best.

[ Celebrate with her and him ]

The weeks following the proposal are literally going to fly by (especially if it's a short engagement); everyone is excited and anxious to start the planning so they can finally get married! It's so easy to immerse into The Great Flurry of wedding planning without really relishing in the fact that they're engaged. Gently offer to throw them a party, just a small one with intimate friends and family, a time of encouragement/prayer, and mimosas (you'll never regret them, like this peach thyme one, just saying). Whether they have another larger party or if this is the only one, they'll appreciate the memories and time spent just celebrating.

[ She has a lot on her plate, mind, and heart ]

Your dear friend is on the brink of a life that is about to radically change and that realization can be a slow process! The man who has won her heart, has bent the knee and asked to have and to hold for as long as they both shall live; it's something she's hoped and prayed for and that time is now upon her. Depending on how things will change for her, a plethora of thoughts will be going though her mind on a regular basis, pray for her and let her know that you're praying for her. She'll probably feel life she's drinking life from a firehose, will be horribly overwhelmed, and/or be unreasonably emotional from time to time (it's totally normal, she has just had her world rocked and is a girl), understand that this is all a part of God's Great Work in her and sometimes she'll have to wrestle alone. Don't fear "just" listening and praying.

[ Offer your help in intentional ways ]

It's one thing to say, "I want to help with your wedding!" and it's something entirely different to sit her down and ask her, "What are some of the biggest stresses you have right now? I'd love to help and these are the ways that I can be available." She loves you and really wants you to be involved in such a special time of her life, but she'll also not want to ask too much or be a burden (like I stated earlier, she has A LOT on her mind and might not be thinking clearly when it comes to asking for help). Phrases like, "Don't stress out" or "Just relax", may not be phrases that she can hear and comprehend right now (even though she probably does just need to take a break!); instead, constructively help her to schedule out her time and break down what it is that needs to be done. Oftentimes, she'll come to see what everyone else has been telling her,

  the point of the wedding is to glorify God and get married; 

if, at the end of the day, those two things are done, 

the wedding is a beautiful success. 

It really is.

[ Encourage her, love her ]

You two have been through thick and thin together, you know what would speak to her frazzled, busy soul. Here's another opportunity to send her encouraging notes for the hard days, for the long days, and for the days when nothing seems to go right; as happy as this time truly is, it can be an emotional rollercoaster for some, and either way, there will be growing pains-- she'll absolutely appreciate your support. Whether it's an "I'm praying for you" note or a kidnapped coffee date, you'll bless her veil off by intentionally showing that you care.
Perhaps you already know this, but she'll probably be late in responding to messages, emails, or texts; lovingly remind her! Naturally she wants to stay on top of things and respond speedily, but between talking with the caterer and wedding photographer, it'll probably slip her mind to get back with you; don't be afraid to remind her. This really will help her to know that someone understands her busy life and cares enough to help her.

[ Just go over ]

Have an open afternoon? Swing by her casa! As a bride planning your own wedding, it's hard to schedule time for the not-so-popular tasks that really do need to get done (like labeling and packing wedding decor, or thinking through the wedding week schedule) and a spontaneous "Are you home? Can I stop by?" text could be just what the wedding planner ordered! Maybe there won't be anything you can do or perhaps you'll open a can of wedding teux-deux worms, either way, her soul will be fed by that simple act of love.