On our way to the car yesterday we (the girls and I) were met with a pretty little finch that just happened to have lived out his last moments right outside our gate. Needless to say Charlotte was very curious.
Charlotte: Look at that yellow and black bird! What’s he doing?
Me: Well, he’s not alive so he’s not doing anything.
Charlotte: Why?
Me: Well, he’s dead.
Charlotte: Why?
Me: Well, when things stop breathing they’re no longer alive…they’re dead.
Charlotte: Why?
Me: Remember how in the God/Jesus movie (Hanna Barbera’s Easter Story, a Charlotte favorite) Jesus died?
Charlotte: Yes
Me: Well, the bird died too. Everything dies but the good thing about being human is that if we know and love Christ, when we die we will be in heaven with God and Jesus.
Charlotte: Can I hold the yellow and black bird?
Me: NO!!! We don’t touch dead birds. Daddy will bury him when he gets home.
Charlotte: OK
I put the girls in the car and prayed for wisdom and clarity on the answers I was giving. Fortunately, during the car ride to Bible study Charlotte asked only a couple of times if I remembered “that yellow and black bird that’s dead” and each time I told her I did. I probably will never forget that little finch that introduced Charlotte to death as more than a mere concept.
By Rashelle ( December 7, 2009 at 10:08 am) · Filed under family, sentiments
Today is rainy and chilly and my kind of day. Husband ordered us some coffee from Sweet Maria’s as an early Christmas treat and I am thoroughly enjoying it as I construct this post.
Yesterday we celebrated our sweet niece’s 9th birthday and the gathering of family was a nice precursor to what Christmas has in store. The highlight for me was baby D saying (more like shouting) Mama for the first time in a room crowded with family. I had been playing with her on the floor and had to get up to throw something away. The minute I left the room she shouted Mama and it was one of the sweetest sounds ever heard…our babe is growing…quickly. Happy rainy Monday to you locals and to everyone I hope that God’s love and mercy is revealed to you in even the smallest of ways!
A Thankgsiving to Almighty God for the Fruits of the Earth and all the other Blessings of his merciful Providence.
Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew; We yield thee unfeigned thanks and praise for the return of the seed-time and harvest, for the increase of the ground and the gathering in of the fruits thereof, and for all the other blessings of they merciful providence bestowed upon this nation and people. And we beseech thee, give us a just sense of these great mercies; such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.
And what a wonderful Easter season it has been so far. Here we are at church for the first time as a family of four and the pic just happens to be our first family photo since Delia’s birth. We didn’t quite make it to church as early as I wanted (surprise, surprise) so Charlotte didn’t get to participate in the egg hunt. But we spent the rest of the day with Linsey and family and the kids got to hunt eggs then so she got a taste of that part of Easter along with a bunch of chocolate. It was a great day and will be very memorable as Delia’s first Easter. Joyous Easter to all, our resurrection hope is fulfilled!
Two years ago today I was in labor with my darling Charlotte. Unbeknownst to me, we were experiencing a serious heat wave. In my warm birthing tub I was oblivious but those attending to me weren’t. Our apartment was probably a balmy 85 and the others were in shorts and t-shirts. A stark contrast to today, two years later, where Charlotte and I are enjoying a quiet day indoors appreciating rain and warm clothes.
As Charlotte and I were walking downstairs today to get breakfast I mentioned her birthday and she immediately began chatting about a party, presents and cake; none of which are taking place today save for a couple of small gifts. It’s just amazing to me that she and I can hold somewhat of a conversation. I thank the Lord for this little person with all her joy and beauty and love…our lives are so much fuller.
Here’s a shot just after breakfast this morning, Happy Birthday my precious Charlotte!
I celebrated my 30th yesterday and I must say it was one of the best birthday’s I’ve ever had. The day started with our family rising early enough to actually grab a coffee before church, but not quite early enough for the doughnut I was craving. Not an issue however because Donna, the provider of coffee and pastries at church, just happened to buy what else but doughnuts! I was really happy. There’s something very nice about attending church on one’s birthday, a great way to start the day. After church we came home, had a light lunch, I baked a cake and took a long nap with Charlotte all the while my love cleaned up the house (who could ask for more). Later that evening Charlotte’s Grandma came over to watch her while Husband and I went to a lovely dinner at The Cat and the Custard Cup. I ate too much but thoroughly enjoyed it. The time alone together was so peaceful and lovely.
I wasn’t really expecting much in the way of gifts cause we don’t usually do much for the adult birthdays around here. But I guess since I jumped a decade Husband thought it appropriate to really spoil me. From Charlotte I got a salad spinner which is a luxury that I’m always saying I want but I never bother buying. Then, while watching an episode of Iron Chef America, Husband got a bee in his bonnet and made me open the next present even though my b-day wasn’t until the next day. I was so excited to find a Cuisinart food processor! Another long wished for item. I really thought there couldn’t be anymore but on my birthday I awoke to a wrapped box and inside I found the Cuisinart Griddler. I’ve been eying this bad boy for months and never imagined that I’d get this and more for my birthday. I guess you can tell my role in the family…pregnant, in the kitchen, shoes optional
So, here’s what 30 looks like in her 8th month of pregnancy after a huge dinner:
We got our Christmas tree this last Saturday, strung lights on it immediately and now we will wait till Christmas Eve to decorate it. This tradition is such a nice homage to Advent because I find myself anxious to get the tree decked out but have to wait and look forward to the day which makes me appreciate the here and now. It also gets me nice and excited about the coming Christmas season. There’s something lovely about the simplicity of a lit tree with no decorations that I’m really enjoying right now. So for now our beautiful, bigger than it needs to be, tree will sit and wait with us for the celebration of the birth of our Christ.
*Here’s a little insight into my brain; one of the first things I thought of when we put it up was how empty the house was going to look when we have to take it down…I’m working on losing my pessimistic nature.
**Blurry image replaced by sharper shot thanks to husband.
By Rashelle ( September 19, 2008 at 3:31 pm) · Filed under community, sentiments
You really need to see this very cool photo montage created by my midwife, Sue, of a recent birth she attended helping these beautiful twin girls into the world. This is so inspiring and truly amazing. Before watching this I had never witnessed a natural birth of multiples let alone at home! What amazing vessels God has made us.
