"I want Jesus to snuggle me"

Snuggle time. Without fail this is the one time of the day where Johnathan is the most peaceful, shows endearing affection and is also very spiritually tuned in. Each night, after book-reading and prayer time with Dada, Johnathan and I snuggle in his bed. This started after he finished nursing (almost 2 years ago now) as a way for us to still connect at the end of our busy (sometimes chaotic) day. Johnathan is a very affectionate boy (one of his love languages) and I love our time together. I sing to him, scratch his back and listen to his sleepy little boy ramblings. We have had some of our most spiritual talks during this nighttime ritual. I remember one time where out of the blue he asked me "how come Jesus died?" I went on to explain why in terms he could understand and you should have seen the amazement on his face when I told him that after Jesus died he came back to life! It was thrilling to see him so excited that "now He not dead, He's ALIVE!" After that conversation anytime we talked about something being alive he would say "like Jesus!"

Tonight was another one of those nights where his concept of Jesus/God blessed me. Usually I will let Johnathan know that I am going to sing him his songs and then we'll have "one snuggle"...which he promptly tries to negotiate into "lots of snuggles", "no" I say, "just one"..."how 'bout two" he says...he is quite the negotiator! Anyways, after our snuggle I told him it was time for bed and he says "but I want Jesus to snuggle me"...I let him know that Jesus is always with him, always there to snuggle..."and God too" he says..."yes" I tell him, "God is always with you too."

Sweet dreams,
*Grace*

A Summer of Reflection

This summer has been wonderful. A time meeting new friends and connecting with old ones, a beginning of new ventures and the continuation of our family routine. And, for me personally, a time of introspection. A time of self-reflection which if I am honest I really do not like to do, haha. However, for whatever reason I found myself frequently looking into my own motives this summer, was made aware of some character traits which aren't that pretty that I want to change and overall I feel like I know myself a little better after this summer.

I think that some of this self-reflection time came because of my big b-day...I am now 30 years old, and by goodness I do feel as if I am more mature and know more of what I want out of life now. I am sure some of this looking-inward time also came because of some "discussions" that Aaron and I had during the course of the summer. Husbands (and children for that matter) have this unique way of making you see that you're not all you're cracked up to be...IF you allow them to show you...IF you allow yourself to see beyond the pretty exterior you put on for people...IF you allow yourself the possibility to want to change. Otherwise husbands (and children) just make you angry because you think you're in the right and think that they have to change. Obviously we all have areas where we can grow and mature, but often you have to squelch your pride in order to see what areas YOU need to change in. At least that is how it is for me.

Another thing that has helped me is the wonderful book by Ann Voskamp...One Thousand Gifts...I have been reading it slowly, on purpose, because there is so much to gain from it. I don't want to miss what I could learn by reading quickly through it. I am only on chapter 3, and the thing that has stood out so far is learning to live a thankful life. Thanks. We say it a lot, but do we really live out thankful lives? I know that I don't. I'm anxious to see what the rest of the book holds. It's pretty intense, at least for me it is because it is so relevant to my life right now.

Anyhoo, it's been a good summer all around and next week our "fall" schedule starts up more or less. Johnathan starts school at a wonderful little program we found for him so we will officially transition from our carefree summer days to a little more structure. And, the week after Aaron starts work. I think it will be good for all of us to get into more of a routine. I am looking forward to it, and looking forward to all this fall will bring for us!

A few images of our summer...























*Grace*

Hmm, where to start???.....

Well, since the last time I "really" posted a lot has happened. We moved across state and have started settling in to our new neighborhood. That in itself has been a huge transition and we are really loving our new place...lots of room for the boys to play and plenty of space to host gatherings which we have already enjoyed doing!

Also, on July 22nd I turned the big 3-0...yikes! My sweet sister Gail and loving husband, along with lots of my other wonderful family helped to pull one over on me...a surprise party that (almost) totally caught me off guard...it's hard to surprise me, but they did an awesome job and the party was beautiful! (To read more about it click the photo source below and you will be taken to Gail's blog where she posted about all her efforts to make my party so special!)

My beautiful sister, Gail!

(Photo source here)



My wonderful, ever loving husband, Aaron! xoxoxoxo

(Photo source here)

Also this summer we made a trip down to Corpus Christi, our old home, and spent some wonderful time with our dear Whitehurst family. We had already started to really miss them, so a trip down there was the perfect way to cure the We Miss the Whitehurst Blues! ;)

Now we are trying to really get settled in our new community...trying to find a good church, a good (convenient and low price) grocery store and we are continuing to meet and get to know our new neighbors. Aaron starts real-life working in a few weeks and so we are also very much enjoying some extra time with him before life gets back to "normal" around here.

Hope y'all are all enjoying the last dog days of summer.

Love,
*Grace*