stay calm and go camping

In the case that you haven't kept up with my wedding planning venture, I've been a wee busy lately.
The past few months have been quite the roller coaster, having a full mental plate while having a hand in planning three different weddings has made for one pretty tired, petite person; with everything going on right now, I can sense that a good, salty cry is in order (along with a hot bath and a glass of wine!), if only I could spare the time... I feel as if my to-do list is continually growing and I'm continually scurrying around trying to get things done; no sooner is one item completed than another unfinished item appears. It goes without saying that I'm tired. and discouraged. Quite a few things are weighing heavy on my mind and I have a long to-do list to boot. As much as I love and appreciate things to be in ship shape and Bristol fashion, I just don't have the energy or strength to do them. Tired and discouraged, I tell you.

The above has pretty much been my current petition before the Lord recently; I suppose that starting off the morning with this mindset can be dangerous. While I have been bringing these things and more before my Faithful Father, I am keenly aware of my finite state; there are so many things that I don't know, but after all, it's His will that shall come to pass and all for His glory. Our God is so kind to bring such comfort and peace with His sovereignty; it is cliche but maintaining the focus on Him and His will truly does do the soul good. While I may be swirling in a sea of confusion and discouragements, I can lean on His everlasting arms, knowing that His purposes will come to pass and for His glory; that whatever events or things that come to pass in my life, I can rest in the fact that the Lord has been preparing me for just that situation, I truly have all that I need in Him (here's a great reminder of this). There's also a merciful peace in looking back at God's past mercies, how He's provided for my every need, how He has brought His will to pass. What can I truly dread or fear (or be stressed out about or lose sleep over or...) when trusting in His sovereignty and goodness?

So, my family and I will be heading out tomorrow to go camping. Not as a result of my looming to-do list, it just so happens that while I'm struggling to get things done, we're going on a family camping trip! Nothing could be more timely, truly. While it's not relaxing to pack and prepare for the trip (more lists!!), I can imagine the rest that will be there once we set up camp, very timely indeed. Yes, ladies and gents, I'll be taking a knitting project (honestly, how can one not knit in chilly weather??) and my journal (I have a certain ideal about writing while on a camping trip, it just seems fitting somehow). After more scurrying around tomorrow, packing up the car, and finalizing a few things at home, we'll be off for the Central Texas hillcountry until Sunday. Quite fitting indeed.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

               (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV)

(it's an old one but here is my favorite rendition of this wonderful hymn, enjoy :)

eternal perspective

Death has interesting way of lifting one's thoughts from the hustle and bustle of life.
Recently the grandmother of a dear friend of ours quietly passed away and one of the things it brought to mind was the sweet and amazing comfort our Great God brings during affliction and trials. In my readings and studying of these difficult times in a Believer's life, this is one of the greatest things that I have learned.

    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
   
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 ESV

Praise God, we serve a Faithful Father, who not only causes us to share in Christ''s sufferings but also supplies us with the sweet comfort, just as abundantly. How merciful a Savior!

    So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
   
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

of Loving the Little Years

Everyone also to whom God has given 

wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, 

and to accept his lot and rejoice 

in his toil—this is the gift of God. 

For he will not much remember 

the days of his life 

because God keeps him occupied with 

joy in his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

It was a bright, sunny day when I was working in the schoolroom of the N family, most everyone was either outside or reading in the sunroom and Sampson was probably chewing on something in the living room, and as I was browsing through the bookshelf I came across the wee volume of Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic. Though I'm not a mother and have no brood of my own, I had heard many wonderful things about this book and thought I'd recruit it to be a part of my "bathroom reading", so I started. Just a few pages here and there throughout the day and very soon I was finished.

I loved it.

In my experience, there are many "encouraging" books and resources on mothering small children  that don't really encourage at all, mostly just expound on the struggles and lack of "me time" that women with small children have, it's very rare that I come across something that cheerfully shows the joys and trials of motherhood. There are many things I loved about this book, but probably what I appreciated the most was Rachel's insight and the wisdom she shared on raising little ones. It also made me reflect on the wonderful examples of this in my life and reminded me how grateful I am to have women who continually show me the good, bad, and true joy that can come with stickies, littles, children. 

It's a short, delightful read and I highly encourage you, whether you have little ones or not, to read it! 

Also, in my quick research of Rachel's writings I came across this post from Desiring God.org ; in it Rachel shares her thoughts on motherhood as a missionfield, these are excellent and thought-provoking.

"Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose in them.

Offered with thankfulness, your work at home is only the beginning. Your laundry pile, selflessly tackled daily, will be used in the hands of God to clothe many. Do not think that your work does not matter. In God’s hands, it will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers."

Remembering the Hoods

You know, reading that title makes me think that they died. Don't worry, they didn't! I was just uploading some videos, and thought that I just had to share them with you!

Okay, if you insist, I'll show you this one too!

Playin' in the street!

April 2011

Good ol' sprinker times!

April 2011

Way over a year ago!

February 2010

When the Hoods came to stay with us while their a/c was out, a year ago!

August 2010

The ladies.

Ready, with their babies, to go to the store.

August 2010

Having a bit of fun, after we raked all the leaves in the yard.

January 2011

Love you Hoods!

Mary Poppins Goes Home

At least for a little while. :)

As I type this, my sisters, Green Bean Niece, and I are squishing on the sofa in a darkened living room; the rest of the home is tucked snugly away in bed and the only sound is the keyboard and our cuckoo clock. Yes, the Webbs and I arrived in Houston earlier today and plan to have a nice, long visit!

It is such a sweet blessing to be home again.

Especially with almost all of my dear family home as well (We miss you, Dad and Chris!!); we've been doing a vast amount of laughing, giggling, joking, talking, and--of course--eating. The exact time of our stay here is yet to be decided but I've relished being home again! It truly feels like ages since I was here and thoughts of Rip Van Winkle have floated through my mind but those were only fleeting, as the essential things of my home haven't changed.

{Lunchtime activities: finger people!}

This week we have some delightful social engagements, one of the benefits of having a new baby in the home--everyone wants to meet, greet, kiss, and cuddle the new Little Green Bean. Naturally, we can't blame them, as it is our personal opinion that Eva is edible.

The girls--and Dom, in his way--have been especially helpful with the extra work around the home; the above shot is of them bringing in the diapers from drying in the sun. Yes, my superwoman sister, Nicole, is just that: Superwoman. Cloth diapers are no easy task, though they help to save money and the environment, they're quite a load of work (no pun intended)! Both my sister and Aunt have made the brave choice of cloth diapering (three children at a time in one case!), each with slight variations but both with a few extra laundry steps. I think it's marvelous that they're so dedicated and I'm so glad I have my share of experience with cloth diapers (let me tell you, rinsing a dirty diaper is a character building experience).

So, for the next week or so, I look forward to bringing you the happenings of our time here and this part of my "Mary Poppins" season. :)

{Eva Christine Webb}

2, August 2011

1:29 pm

19. 75 inches

7.1 lbs

Our Bun in the Oven is now a Wee Little Bean.

We were blessed with this Sweet Girl in record time!

Nicole was induced around 10 am Tuesday morning and it was a quick ride from there,

as she went from 6 centimeters to pushing in about ten minutes;

our Sweet God was very gracious to Nicole,

just when she thought she couldn't do it anymore the

labor was a push away from being over.

Praise our sweet God, from whom all Dear Blessings flow!

{funny hospital story}

So the day Nicole was induced, I stayed home with the Chicklets and the plan was for Chris to call us when it was time to come to the hospital. Well the time came, everyone was in a flurry of excitement to throw every "necessary" article of clothing on, and Mia grabs my face and says,

"Elena! We're going to go see Wall-E today!"

I just looked at her.

"What Mia? Wall-E??"

"Yes, Wall-E! We get to go see her today!!"

"Mia, her name's 'Eva', not 'Wall-E'"

(Laughs hysterically) "Oh!"

I guess we shouldn't have watched that movie so close to actually seeing Eva.

Today is their first full day home from the hospital and they're both recovering swimmingly!

Though I may have to get bungee cords to keep Nicole in bed, she wastes no time in sleeping; she really is a wonderful mother and bears things very nobly.

(Even the power outage on her first evening home! In our 117 degree heat!

But that's a story for another time.)

Eva is precious.

The Stickies have taken to her so well, even Dominic is quickly

learning to keep an ear out for her.

Now you know the reason for the slight break in our "Mary Poppins Writes" series;

be looking for more pictures when we return!

Mary Poppins Writes Day {12} Yep, today it really is!

So, I double counted and I've been off on my numbering! So sorry for the confusion, I think that not posting on Sunday's is throwing me off. : )

Well, yesterday we spent the morning at Cabela's (the outdoor person's haven), which is actually quite a beautiful store; the displays are interesting and well done and they have a mini aquarium with local fish/turtles! The kids were fascinated and thrived on every bit (they also had donuts for breakfast, hence the thriving. ;)
The rest of the day was devoted to lunch, napping, and grocery shopping (all very necessary and fun). I made a batch of Hearty Beef Stew, with the help of America's Test Kitchen, and popped it in the fridge for later.

Chris took us out to a place down under (i.e. Outback) for dinner; it was my first time to eat at this Aussie place and though I was a wee bit disappointed that no one there had an Australian accent, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent out with the Webbs! It was also my first time to have Ahi Tuna, a little bit chewy but the flavor and sauces were nice. What really made me smile were the signs for the bathrooms: Ladies became "Sheilas" and Men were "Blokes", I'm thinking that would be neat to incorporate at home...somehow...
Also, Chris and I came to an interesting observation: Mica should be here instead of Mia and Chris should have been named Dominic. It's true, I'm beginning to make a habit of calling Dom by Chris and Chris by Dom; and Chris keeps calling Mia "Mica". We're both getting old, I just didn't expect this to happen in our twenties (why, yes, I am being liberal with my age, or generous with his--pick one). Poor Dom has also been affected by our loss of brain cells, he's been calling me by "Nani" ever since I arrived ("Nani" is the Chicklets affectionate name for my Mum), not sure what to do about it aside from correcting him each and every time he says it; I personally think it's pretty cute. : ) I think he must be confused by the hair and the fact that "Nani" and "Nena" sound pretty similar.

No, Mum, I don't think he'll confuse us when

we're both in the same room.

You're the "Nani", I'm just the nanny.

At any rate, I think we all need more vitamin D and sleep.

For those of you that are not on Facebook or our "recent calls" list, Nicole and Chris have opted to schedule an induction sometime tomorrow morning; so we'll be posting lots of baby pictures soon! Due to my love and adoration for fresh babies (especially my sister's), I can't promise a post tomorrow night but know that I'll be posting as soon as I'm able!

We're all very excited to be meeting this wee lassie and covering her with kisses; may God be praised for protecting, caring for, and providing for this little one and her mamma thus far!

Mary Poppins Writes {Day 12}

Yesterday's high was 105 degrees...so, we went to the splash pad! Which accounts for the lack of pictures of the day, I thought it a little too dangerous to pull out the camera while dozens of dripping children were running past me. It was a grand time, we met our cousin and her two little girls there as well, it made for a nice time as the girls all played together very well. Dominic was very opposed to all of the water everywhere but in the end he was running around and and filling his hat with water. :)

Also, Nicole washed and folded the rest of the baby items--so cute! I have a few wee surprises in my bag and everything is all set and ready to go. Tomorrow is another appointment for Nicole and while her and Chris are out, the girls and I will be making some "Welcome Home Baby" crafts (I think another banner is in order).
Oh, and for dinner we had grilled chicken with lacto-fermented carrots (we got ours from this fun place); lettuce, slivered almonds, cucumbers, leeks, and lots of fermented carrots were in order as well as some pepper and olive oil!

After supper, in order to help the Yet-to-Be-Seen-Offspring, we went for a long walk through the neighborhood and played for a bit at the park, that is, the Chicklets played at the park while Nicole and I people watched at a picnic table. Despite the heat and Mia's wee legs, it was a wonderful way to end the day; walking is one of the best ways to enjoy this part of Austin, the steep hills give a great view of this area, it just takes a bit of time to walk them. : )
And just for some special random tidbits (mostly for my family in Houston); this is what Dom keeps playing over and over again on Nicole's phone, this is the second most frequent song he plays. Yesterday I listened to them while everyone was taking a nap, mostly because I hadn't listened to them all the way through. :)

Mary Poppins Writes {Day 10}

Saturday was our first full day with Chris; he had driven home in the wee small hours of the morning and was recovering for most of Saturday morning, so I took that time and went to an estate sale with the girls (Head over to my art blog to read about our finds!); I was inspired by my Mom and sisters who told me about their fun finds the day before. We also went to our favorite Austin consignment shop; the girls were so patient and did a wonderful job at both places.
When we came home from our thrift shopping, Chris took us all to Costco for lunch! Their pizza and gelato is actually quite tasty and presents a perfect place to people watch; I say perfect because you can sit, enjoy your lunch, and within fifteen minutes observe at least 150 people.

Nicole and I have just finished watching a few renditions of Sherlock Holmes, so I was in a deducing frame of mind, it was difficult to restrain myself from wanting to ask people for their life's story, a developing habit that I rather enjoy. I think some people just want someone to listen sometimes.
It's very sweet to see how much the Stickies change when their "Daddy-O" is home.

Sophie and Mia always have something to show him and look to him for so much approval and applause; and Dom, well, lets just say that there is an increase in the amount and volume of truck/crashing sound effects. Another thing that I've noticed is that with the high esteem and affection Chris has, comes authority; Nicole and I could chide and discipline Dom for an offensive action (For example, take this mornings throwing-the-fork-across-the-table-at-Mia incident, thankfully it was a plastic fork), but when Chris sternly scolds him, Dominic bursts into tears, Chris may as well have thrown Dom across the table.

Back to Saturday.

After taking a nice rest, we spent the rest of the afternoon/evening with Chris' family. We had a delightful dinner at an Italian restaurant, Nicole, the Chicklets, and I had already eaten so we got the Chicklets sundae's for dessert and Nicole and I shared a cappuccino and truffle sampler (that was the delightful part). As usual, by "sharing" I mean that I stirred in the sugar to taste and dipped my half of the biscotti and Nicole had the rest. ; ) Which is really all that I needed to keep me up the rest of the night! It ended up being a bit of a late night, but contrary to our expectations, the Stickies didn't fall asleep in the car. After wiping down the Chicklets, we dressed them into their clothes and tossed them into bed,
then we all rested.

Mary Poppins Writes {Day 9}

Yesterday was a perfect combination of being busy and still getting things done around the home! For some reason, I didn't end up taking very many pictures but as a supplement, you can see Dom in action in this funny video, a few days ago, we were on our way out to run errands and Sophie was in a very playful mood. :)

Baley spent the day with us again and more games of dress-up were played; all three of the girls get along so well together. Baley's a champ and hangs well with us and our day. :)
For lunch we met Tita and the Apodaca's at one of our favorite burger places! It's always bustling, especially around lunchtime. It's all about the atmosphere and the french fries here, well, for the Chicklet's it's all about the onion rings but I have a distinct opposition to such things so they have those, just a small burger and fries for me!

(To my Dear Family: I savored the flavors just for you--it was just like you remembered it.)

When we came home it was bedtime for Dom and schooltime for the Girlies; Baley colored and muched on apple slices while Sophie and Mia finished their work.

I hopped over to the Apodaca's home to have a wee nanny session while they had a date night. It was just like old hat, the kids and I ate supper and romped around a bit before bedtime. Here's a bit of our dinnertime conversation:

Abby: (Said very quickly) Elena, how old are you??

Me: I'm twenty.

Abby: (gasp) Momma's twenty too!!

Noah: Abby, Momma's __, not twenty.

Abby: (carelessly shrugs her shoulders) Oh!

My Aunt and Uncle came home early and I did some quick shopping at HEB before heading home. Nicole and I began our nightly ritual of quickly getting ready for bed and cozying up on the sofa with our kombucha; well, she rocks out on her pilates ball and I snuggle on the sofa, Nicole doesn't really do the whole snuggle thing but she does know how to relax and unwind!

Last night we finished a mysterious, funny movie and headed to bed.

Mary Poppins Writes {Day 8}

{The Herb Bar}

I love downtown Austin.

It's all a hustle and bustle of people, bikers, and dogs; there's a certain relaxed feel about the place. Never mind the hundred degree weather, much can be done along and in Lady Bird Lake, even biking around town, it's very doable when you have your own bike lane.

A popular slogan, which you'll probably see on a plethora of Austin bumper stickers, "Keep Austin Weird", is certainly true in all areas--especially downtown!

The natives love supporting local farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs of all kinds; a great place for a budding, creative seller who wanted to get her stuff out to her audience. :)

Like New York is for the actress, Austin is for the artisan, people just love buying local there and are willing to stay loyal and supportive.

One of the places we visited today was what we call "The Soap Place"; a great place to go for natural soaps and all around natural healing stuff. The staff is very helpful and friendly too!
Now, it's not called weird for nothing! Austin certainly has it's share of tree huggers, environmentalists, homosexuals, hippies, bikers (yep, they can be weird too), and animal lovers; most big cities have those, it just looks different here. Perhaps it's the different flavor that makes me see their need for Christ in special way; they're all people and many of them are godless and as lost as can be. Truly, they are blind and deaf to their spiritual condition, and it's so sad.

But I also see little ways how God is working in individuals lives, sometimes the softening of a heart begins with a conversation and an example of a different life.

My sister tells me that Austin in one of the largest places for food trucks. All along south Congress, we saw bunches of them here and there. They even have their own web site; and let me tell you, there was a plethora of food choices, everything from taco shacks to crepes to Thai to cupcakes! It's all there, the question lies with where you want to park your car, but I'd get there early, these places don't exactly have covered parking. ;)

{This one's for your benefit, Nicole.}

{And this one's for you, Mum.}

We had a delectable lunch at the Whole Foods plaza! It's right on top of the building and it even has a playscape for the Chicklets. Nicole brilliantly planned rolled lunchmeat, cheese, and peaches (we snagged the salt and vinegar chips from the store), as well as root beer and some bakery items to finish! It was so refreshing and we were able to sit in a breezy, shady spot (which was so nice for my sister).

I'm just glad I haven't started waddling yet! Yes, it's true, I'm a flexible person to the point that I might just pick up other people's mannerisms with just a day of being with them.

A few years ago I spent a week with a friend who had just had her baby; she was still tenderly waddling around the house and after a few days I found myself waddling around too!

It's dreadful I know, but at the same time, it's kind of fun to imitate the little ways that make people unique. :)


The Apodaca's joined us for dinner, promptly afterward--amidst the bustle and clamor of the room--my Aunt and Uncle started arm wrestling. A part of me thinks that it's just an excuse for them to hold hands and look deeply into each others eyes (yep, they're that sort, and I love it!), but who knows. :)

While the above was going on, I got to work on baby booties to match the sweater dress for the Bun in the Oven; I was giving my wrists a break for a few days but now I'm back to work!

I love little projects that travel well; do you know, I have yet to see another person knitting in public? I'm not sure why but I was kind of expecting to see more of that here...

Ah well. :)