smiles

We had a great memorial day weekend...we spent time with a special family (and company), got to attend the grad party of a wonderful girl, and stayed the night with Todd's aunt and uncle. It still amazes me that of all the places in the USA we could have lived, the Lord put us HERE. Here where we have family and even a few friends nearby.

This is Elijah learning to balance himself...he can sometimes sit for 30 seconds or even a minute on a good day. I'm trying to learn the art of not over-protecting my child with special needs. In other words, I let him tip over when he loses his balance (on a soft surface). How else can he learn how his body works? I have to remind myself that all babies have to learn this in the same way. Although Elijah happens to be nearly two, the process is the same.

Here is a little series of pictures to show you what a blessed Mom I am: Elijah had these beautiful smiles and expressions when we got up today. I didn't catch the first and biggest smile on camera, but these are just about as cute! I am so excited that Elijah's face is showing more emotion. It's still so very subtle most of the time, but occasionally he breaks out with a heart-melter smile.

My heart was drip, drip, dripping this morning.

prone to wander, we all are...

From a distance, I saw her walking out to his truck. She was carrying her clothes on hangars and a laundry basket full of stuff. Even though she's in her twenties, I felt like I was watching a little girl being taken off to slavery. Sorrow struck my heart, and I wanted to rescue her.

Looking for love, this girl is returning to an abusive relationship.

Her previous boyfriend had been abusive...she locked her door and kept the curtains closed so he would stay away. More than once he had come in the middle of the night, drunkenly pounding on her closed door.

Now she is going back.

Our world, friends, is so full of hurting people. We are not immune from the same hurts, nor do we have all the answers; we are just comforted and made whole by Jesus! Please pray with us for people like this girl who need to hear from you and from me about the Lover whose love is real.

hiking with hope

A Letourneau mini-reunion was held at our house this weekend. Brad works with Todd, and Ken rode his motorcycle here from the Seattle area to visit. We had a great time with these guys!
Here we are, enjoying our first real hike since Elijah was born. We didn't go far, but I felt grateful for many things...that Elijah wasn't crying or fussing (!), that Todd's invention for carrying Elijah seemed to be comfortable for him; beautiful spring fairly exploding in a lovely place, and the sense of normalcy this little hike brought.

Before Elijah was born, Todd and I talked and dreamed of the family we would have. We would be, we said, one of those families who take their kids on adventures, camping and hiking. We wouldn't let having kids keep us from being 'outdoorsy'. I have to say that memories of those conversations carry a mild bit of sting, now. We probably won't be able to carry Elijah on hikes when he gets much bigger.

Just another reminder that a good life is not one that fulfills all my ideals; it's about walking the path God has ahead for us. And that's gonna be one awesome life. Yeah, my dreams might have to crumble a little or a lot. But whatever God has in store will be good. I am convinced of that. Even if we can't go on family hikes the rest of our lives. Even if I sometimes feel limited and held down by responsibilities and needs. God knows, and ultimately, this isn't the place to expect a fairy-tale life. But I can dream about the one coming up ahead...in God's grand fairy tale, heaven.

"Thank you, God, for the little gifts you lavish on us, like being all together on a good hike and the restful beauty of creation. Thank you for bringing us this far, and for giving us courage and hope and joy!"

new, squiggly playthings

It has finally been warm enough for us to get the beginnings of a (container) garden started in our yard. Elijah came out to 'help', of course. I went into the house for something, and this is what I found when I came back!

Without even thinking, the momma in me swooped in to remove those little critters from Elijah's tray. Todd said, "Julie, please don't take them away! Little boys play with worms. You're just not used to your baby getting dirty." (Obviously, Todd is the fun guy in our family!) I had to admit that he was right. Why shouldn't Elijah have the chance to play with worms? I'm so thankful for my little boy's daddy, who makes sure that Elijah gets to experience life to the fullest, even playing with worms.

Thank you, Lord, for all the creatures You've made, great and small. Thank you for our sweet pea of a boy who helps us rediscover the world, and for a husband who lets him.

little guy pictures

Sweetness personified...
Todd came up with this way to carry Elijah, sort of stuffed in his backpack. We need to make a few adjustments to the method, but it's a great idea! Elijah, on the other hand, may have a few reservations, as you can tell by his face.
Here's some of the scenery we get to enjoy here. This is a view from the edge of the lake, on the trail we were walking along above. And yes, that white stuff is snow.
Elijah has therapy time in a heated pool now! Last week was his first session, and he had FUN - he was really kicking a lot. Elijah's therapist came to help us get started, but since she doesn't have time in her schedule, we will be the ones actually doing the water therapy. Todd came over on his lunch break, and I was so thankful for his help!

lumps

A small mound of grayish clay sits on the wheel in front of me. I'm supposed to make something from the lump.

As the wheel spins, my wet hands glide along the clay. The instructor says, "Remember, this clay doesn't want to be here. It would rather be back in the pond or wherever it came from. You are the one to apply pressure to make it take shape."

Hmmm. That reminds me of someone I know. Often, I would so much rather be 'back in the pond' or wherever life would be a little easier. I could just be my own lump -- none of this transformation business for me, please.

Thank you, Lord, that You apply pressure where I need it. I'm glad Your hands are skilled, and that You don't wait for me to ask for help out of my "lumpishness". You know too well the nature of the clay.

PS As you can tell, I'm taking a pottery class! I'm enjoying a little creative time, and since it's just a block away from our house, Todd and Elijah can walk down to watch me! Fun.