"da-da"

We had a WONDERFUL weekend enjoying Darryl being home! He slept lots, played lots with the babies, and helped me lots. We are so blessed! On Friday I worked with Caleb ALL day to say "da-da", of course we have been working on it for months...but I kept showing him pictures of Darryl and asking "who's that?" So when Darryl got home...SURPRISEEEEEE "da-da" came out of Caleb's mouth along with a big grin from both boys! Happy Day!

So to celebrate here are 5 fun facts about our "man-child/man-cub"

1. He likes to sleep with TWO, not one, but TWO pacis.
2. Caleb loves to love on his little brother
3. He loves to wave at everyTHING/one
4. He has never met a stranger, and has quite a personality...a happy one
5. He is sooo loud and busy...you have no idea!

Finances

So as many people know...we are living on a small budget. Last month we started doing cash only, (because we admire my sister and brother-in-law for doing it so well)! So I just have to brag that we completed the month successfully! We only used our debit card or checks to pay set bills...phones, mortgage etc. Our budget was set on a conservative figure of what Darryl will be making as a 1st year resident/what we have now. Granted last month we were blessed immensely with friends and family buying groceries, making meals, giving us diapers etc...so we will see how this month goes! Here's to saving money!

On another note...this is what I've been waking up to each morning...LOVE

Good Enough

I am daily reminded how inadequate I am as mother...I lose my patience with Jonah at night feedings when he refuses to fall back asleep instead of embracing that time with just him, no Caleb interruptions, I lose my patience with Caleb when he refuses to listen to or me or when he is showing his new found skill--temper tantrums, I let Caleb watch tv -- simply because I am so tired...the list goes on...
BUT - THANK GOD - God does not require or expect perfection...just "good enough." So what do I feel is what God requires of me to be "good enough"?

"Simple"...2 things...

1. Seek Wisdom
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." -Prov 14:1
What does this mean to me? Constantly, throughout the day, I must turn to God for wisdom and guidance - and HE will provide me with the grace necessary to mother well.

2. Love my kiddos
Jesus replied "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. -Matt 22:37-40
"his love expressed through me will cover many parenting mistakes."

So while "good enough" sounds like settling at first...it really isn't. I must acknowledge, and let my kids know that I am not God, and will never be -- all-sufficient, all-knowing, ever-present -- to them.
God has not called me to be perfect. So if I do what is "good enough" for him, its "good enough" for me.

Blessings,
M

Photos from Jonah's baptism by Matthew:
sorry for the small photos...couldnt get photobucket to work...

LOVING having our cousin back!

Caleb compassionately being Liam's paci