at least he calls chef max Sir.

Evan may be the most obnoxious eater I've ever watched at El Restaurante de Maxwell.

redeemer.

It has been one heck of a WEEK!

Evan has been testing me in new ways, Liam is walking...no, running and is SO fast so I have to watch him like a hawk, Justin was out of town until last night,Justin's brother has been in and out of the hospital and needs to have a feeding tube put back in, and some close friends are going through a really trying time right now.

It's a lot!

Amidst it all though this hymn has been constantly entering my mind:

"I will glory in my Redeemer
His faithfulness my standing place
Though foes are mighty and rush upon me
My feet are firm, held by His grace ..."

MY Redeemer, JESUS...who atoned for MY sins.
Jesus, the one I can always trust, depend on, lean on and find comfort and joy in.

AMAZING.

birdie wall clock.

A few months ago I got a frantic call about this bird wall clock from my friend Beth.
She found this clock while out shopping with her family, and quickly called to see if I wanted it.
Of course I did.

If it's got cutie birds, I'm in.
Took me awhile to decide on a spot, but I think the wall between the living room and kitchen was perfect.

thanks Beth!

faker.

cry baby Liam 1.10.2010, originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

but goodness...I love this child.
Lord, have mercy.

a 3 minute goodie.

L-man.

wanted.

I WANT to encourage you to go read this post my friend Megan posted today on her blog. It is something I too am VERY passionate about and I think is very important to spread the word about.

2010.

WOW.
Is it just me or did December fly by?
I can't believe we are nearly halfway through January already.

I'm currently in the midst of my 2-week {which is quickly developing into a 3-week} cleaning and organizing fest at our casa. I am a week in, and I am about 80% finished. Today I tackle the kitchen.

Also, it is 2010 people!
2010!
Doesn't that seem so futuristic?! Maybe it's just me, but I still think 1999 was last year.

I've got BIG plans this year. Well, not really, but it sounds good right? More butt wiping, mess cleaning, disciplining, and so one...if it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm not. It's just reality. Honestly it is tiring some days, and I think to myslef, "Why did we have kids so soon? We should have spent more time doing our own thing. When we could do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted."
It's true, I think that sometimes.
On the other hand, I'm glad we had kids young. Justin and I have all sorts of travels planned for when our kids are older. :)
Seriously though, having kids builds character.
It does.
MOST OF ALL though, it has taught me {and Justin} to be LESS selfish.
Partly it just happens, you don't really have a choice. You can't just pick up your keys and leave the house when you want. Heck, doing ANYTHING is more involved with little ones.
I have learned to be more patient, more understanding, and to RELAX and find JOY in what really matters.
To not worry about vain things that so often consume me.
To find joy Jesus Christ and his word.
I pray I can daily seek his truths each morning and find joy in the journey that I am on.
Additionally, I really appreciated Kim's post a few days ago. It was so good to read. So honest and refreshing.

Cheers to 2010!

saturday morning at our casa. 1.9.2010

breakfast., originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

no school.

max blue double doors., originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

They canceled school today.
We've gotten a nice amount of snow.
We went up to see the lonely school.
Max relaxed at the blue double doors outside the gym.