never once

standing on this mountaintop
looking just how far we've come
knowing that for every step
You were with us

Today, as I stand on this "mountaintop" of our 8th anniversary, it's hard to recognize those tiny people in the distance.  You know the ones- those two kids who were busy falling in love and saying "I do."  We have come so very far from the people that we were.  I can't look back on the 8 years without seeing the faithfulness of our God.

kneeling on this battleground
seeing just how much You've done
knowing every victory
was Your power in us

8 years ago, I had no idea just how much of a battleground a marriage is.  And I don't mean a battleground between us (that's not to say we haven't had our battles... we've had more than our fair share of those!) but a spiritual battle.  We have fought harder for our marriage than I ever knew to expect.  Today, I kneel on this sacred battleground with a gratefulness for the victory He has given to us.  I promise to continue to fight, trusting His power to afford us more victory than defeat.

scars and struggles on the way
but with joy our hearts can say...

I know our story is far from written, the ending is far from sight.  And someday, 10, 20, 50 years from now I will look back on this time in our life from a different mountaintop.  I will smile, my heart full of joy, because one thing will remain true, one thing will be the same- the faithfulness of our God.  Apart from Him, we can do nothing.... apart from Him, our marriage has no hope for survival.  By His grace, we will not be consumed or overcome... His mercies are new every morning... Great is HIS faithfulness.

never once, 
did we ever walk alone
never once,
did You leave us on our own
You are faithful,
God, You are faithful
--never once, matt redman

3 miles

Last spring, before I found out I was pregnant with Lucy, I was training for a full marathon.  I ran 18 miles in the snow.  I did speedwork and tempo runs like they were nothing.  I was in the best shape of my life.

Last night I laid out my gear and set my alarm, my stomach in knots over what I was planning to do.  I was so nervous to run 3 miles when I haven't ran in months... Nervous to commit to training and juggle running with a baby... Nervous to get out of bed voluntarily at that time of day.

And today, at 5:30 in the morning, I ran 3 miles.  Yes, it was20 seconds slower than the last, 12 mile run saved in my Garmin.  Yes, I took a walking break...  I hurt in places I had forgotten existed.  But I was as proud getting in my car today as the day I ran 20 miles. 

This is the thing I love about running.  My trusty brooks running shoes met me exactly where I was, regardless of how long they sat unused in my closet.  My running buddies encouraged and pushed me every step of the way.  I felt like I was in the place I belonged, like part of my heart started to beat again.

long, hot summer

I love summer.  I think it's my favorite season.
Time seems to slow down.
The days are long and the nights are cool.

I love the sights. 
Tiny tan lines.  Green gardens.
Starry skies.
New books.  Old favorites.
Farmers markets, stacked with produce.
Bright blue pools.

I love the smells.
Freshly cut grass.  Rain.
Sunscreen.  Chlorine.
Charcoal grills.
Coconut snow cones.

I love the sounds.
Sprinklers.  Lawn mowers.
Splashing.  Laughing.
Burgers sizzling.

I love the food.
Garden tomatoes.  Grilled corn.
Watermelon.  Strawberries.
Squash and cucumbers.
Burgers and hot dogs.

What's your favorite season?

Lucy Kate- month 8

*once again, I've been a total blog slacker.  I promise I have interesting things to say, other than Lucy's monthly updates... maybe they'll actually get published sometime soon. *

Lucy Lu-

 

WOW!  What a difference a month makes.  I feel like you're a totally different baby than you were last month.  I mean, are you even a baby anymore?  It's like you've hopped on the fast track to being a big girl overnight!

This month you have learned to do so many things physically!  You started the month by scooting all around the living room, then you figured out how to push yourself back to sitting from your tummy.  It wasn't long after that you were up on all fours and about a week ago moved to full time crawling.  It's so cute to watch you zero in on something across the room for it and make a mad dash for it.  Along with crawling, you've started to pull up.  You have only made it to your feet once or twice, but you sit on your knees holding onto all sorts of things.  This means we lowered your crib this month too, after I found you bouncing on your knees one day.

Another thing you are just starting to pick up on is waving and clapping.  You don't have these down by any means, but every now and then we'll say "HI LUCY!" while waving dramatically, and you'll move your hand.  Not much makes you happier than when we say "YAY LUCY!" and clap our hands.  You get such a big smile on your face and sometimes bring your hands together.  It's so much fun to watch you learn these things.

 

You've also started to really be interested in your toys.  Now that you can crawl, you make a beeline for the toy basket and pull everything out.  Your favorites are stacking cups and the plastic rings.  You also really like to chew on linking rings and sling those around to make noise.  I still can't believe you are actually playing with toys.  Again, it's such a big girl thing

You have also moved past pureed baby food and almost exclusively feed yourself at meals.  Almost the only thing you let me feed you is yogurt at breakfast- and even this is filled with you struggling to grab the spoon and feed yourself the whole time!  Your absolute favorite food is watermelon.  I'm pretty sure you would sit in your highchair and feed yourself watermelon all day long if I left you.  You are also a fan of blueberries, strawberries, turkey hot dogs, and peas.  Actually, I can't think of anything I have given to you that you didn't just go to town eating.  You're still nursing 4 or 5 times a day, usually for about 10 minutes total.

Nothing has really changed in the clothing or diaper sizes.  That's probably good because you have lots of cute summer clothes you are getting lots of good out of.  I weighed you last night on my scale and you looked to be at 17 pounds, 5 ounces.  You're doctor appointment is in a week, so I won't have any official measurements until then.

I love you, baby girl!  I can't wait to see what this next month brings.

Forever-

Mommy