Weeds

This morning, Brandon, Owen and I decided to do some yard work while Miles was napping. Brandon and Owen worked on removing a dead tree while I did some weeding. Here is what I learned:

1. The right plant in the wrong place is just another weed.
2. It takes time and skill to pull up a root.
3. Sometimes you have to dig up some of the good to get to the root.
4. Any unfilled space usually fills itself with weeds.
5. Weeds are hard to spot when they're growing among the grass.
6. When you go digging, you will find more problems than you bargained for.
7. Even if you think you've finished, if you look harder you'll probably see more weeds.
8. Sometimes the gloves gotta come off and you need to get a little dirty!

God spoke to me through the weeds today! Each of these points is so true on a spiritual level. The sins or weeds in our lives are varied, inconvenient, difficult to remove and just plain dirty. We need to be on guard against the weeds taking root in our hearts and trust the skillful hands of God, the Master Gardener, to skillfully remove those sins all the way down to their roots.

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Beetlemania

We are under attack! The dreaded Japanese beetles have descended upon our neighborhood in full force. Yesterday, I tried to set up our little swimming pool for the boys. I put the pool under the birtch tree in our backyard. My first clue that there was a problem--bugs dive-bombing me. If any of the neighbors were watching, I looked like a crazy lady jumping around and swatting at the air. Next, I went up on our deck to get some toys for the pool. Our deck box was totally covered in beetle droppings, gross!!! Later that day, I was driving through our neighborhood and noticed the infamous green and yellow "beetle bags." The bags are equipped with a special scent that attracts the beetles and lures them into the bag. You could just see dozens of beetles swarming around the different bags.

Brandon has been on a mission to buy a beetle bag for our backyard. He was unable to find any of the disposable beetle bags because they were completely sold out! This morning, he stopped in at Farm and Fleet and shelled out $20 for a non-disposable beetle container. The good news--you can use it forever and just refill the scent pack once a year. The bad news--you have to empty the container yourself. Brandon is totally in charge of the entire process. He has already emptied the bag twice today. I can not even describe the horror of seeing a plastic bag full of creepy crawly Japanese beetles. He brought it in the house to show Owen. I tried to be a brave mom and put a positive spin on the situation. "Hey, those bugs are having a big party. Let's thank dad for saving our tree!" As soon as Owen turned his back, I mouthed to Brandon, "Get those things out of here, that's so disgusting!" I hope this beetlemania ends soon.

The Wristband

Every morning and afternoon, Owen and I cuddle up on the couch in the basement and read from "The Beginner's Bible." This kid-friendly bible does a great job of introducing young children to various bible stories using simplified language and cartoonish pictures. We have read through the entire book several times. One of the featured stories is about twin boys named Jacob and Esau. Esau was the older brother and a hairy man.

This morning, I was sitting in the living room with the boys. Owen found one of Brandon's wristbands on the floor. He put the fuzzy, red wristband on his arm. "Mom, I'm like Esau!" Children are constantly watching, listening, and learning. What a great privilege and responsibility to work with children. I am so thankful for the nursery workers, Sunday School teachers, Mom's Day Out teachers and the many other men and women who take the time to build into our children.

Garage Sale

Brandon and I are having our very first garage sale this weekend. The sale has not yet begun and I am already exhausted. I spent the majority of the day organizing and pricing items. I actually enjoyed the organizing part, but the pricing was just not my thing. After lunch today, Owen wandered out into the garage. He sweetly commented "It's beautiful!" Let's just hope the greater Rockford area feels the same!

One Year

What a difference a year makes! One year ago today, I was sitting at my computer typing the following blog . . .

July 2, 2007 - Monday

Waiting

Well, I've entered my 10th month of pregnancy. Not a goal I ever hoped to achieve! We see the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully, he'll have some insight into when this baby might be ready to make an appearance.

Brandon and I aren't the only ones eagerly awaiting this baby boy's arrival. The other day we were finishing up a nice dinner at home. Out of the blue, Owen asked if he could pray. Brandon and I were a little puzzled by Owen's request. Whenever we pray before our meals, Owen typically wants mommy or daddy to say the blessing. We all closed our eyes and joined hands.

Here is Owen's special prayer . . .
"Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day. Thank you for this food. Please help my baby brover to come soon. Amen."

It is exactely one year later and I am thrilled to say that God indeed answered that prayer. Miles Lee Early arrived the very next night, July 3, 2007. As we prepare to celebrate Miles' first birthday, I can't help but be amazed at God's great blessings. Miles is a joy to our family. He is my "Smiley Miley," Daddy's "Milo," Owen's "My Baby," and Grammy and Grampy's "Little Guy." He is the spitting image of his earthly father and I pray that one day he will be a reflection of his Heavenly Father. This is my prayer for Miles . . .

"All good gifts come from you Father. Thank you for your gift of our sweet baby Miles. I pray that he will know your love at an early age and that he will grow into a man who loves you with all his heart. Amen."