Ezra's bedroom... colorful personality

Ezra is growing up quickly.  Lately, he has been swinging between needing to have control and wanting more attention to showing real signs of maturity.  My husband knows change and lack of routine can be hard for the boys, but he asked the other day if this was the "White determination" coming out in Ezra.  I smile because my paternal family will understand, especially my cousin Teresa, that I like to joke about the determination... not stubbornness ;) ... that runs in our family.  I've been reflecting lately on Ezra's colorful personality and all the wonderful traits I see in him that I also see in others in our family.  So, tonight, I'm going to post pictures of his room and reflect on a few of the characteristics I've seen lately.

Today's "incident" happened at nap time.  We had a lazy Sunday morning, which meant jammies and a really yummy breakfast, but only after cartoons and cuddles.  So, after lunch, Ezra decided he wasn't going to nap.  He may get sassy sometimes, but he's a smarty too.  Here's his explanation: "I didn't have lunch.  I had snack."  (because we had a late breakfast and no morning snack) "I don't care what the clock says, it's not time to nap yet."  So, after his fussing, he did fall asleep and after that there were more cuddles and then playing.  Personally, I love that he still wants to cuddle and how he holds my hand when we lie down, how he asks me to lay with him when I'm done cuddling brother (on daddy's nights with Ezra), how sometimes he's very independent, and how he still wants me to play with him. Ezra is my "snuggle buggle."  He is very excited about Grandma and Grandpa coming to visit, and I have a feeling he may ask Grandma for some nap or night time snuggles.

 

This afternoon, we finished up some small projects around the house.  Getting things hung up on the walls was a big priority for me.  We had unpacked Ezra's room a while ago, but he has been waiting to hang some book racks on his walls.  Ezra loves books and puzzles.  He has two cubes in his toy shelf for books, but he wanted more books.  We threw some pillows on the floor in the nook behind his door, and today we finally put up the book shelves.  (IKEA hack by the way... Their spice racks make great book bins.)  Ezra is thrilled to have a reading corner.  Here he is before bed, so excited to be in his book nook.    


Like his father, Ezra loves books.  We have a new "library" in our basement family room, and he loves it when brother reads to him.  Ezra especially likes brother's books about fantasy (Magic Tree House, Star Wars, Transformers, and anything Super Heroes) and nonfiction topics (trains, outer space, inventors, etc.).  We attended Story Time a week ago at our neighborhood library, and he loved it.  I went to do laundry this last week, not realizing it was Thursday morning, and Ezra asked why we didn't go to story time.  Whoops... gotta get that on the calendar now!







Ezra, of course, wants to be like his big brother.  Ezra tends to be more active and outgoing, but I see him doing more creative and pretend play too.  He had to have a desk, just like brother.

I've notice that he's become a little sentimental.  It's cute to see what he keeps in his desk drawers.  One is just for school stuff and favorite photos.  Ezra also wanted to be sure he got to keep my childhood rocker in his bedroom.  It's in the corner by his tub of stuffed animals. 





I thought Asher was the collector in the family after I saw his box of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, but Ezra is becoming even more of a collector.  I think he will make Grandpa proud.  Ezra has his own bucket that is now filled with his own rock collection.  He also has been collecting shells.  He loves all of his stuffed animals, from all the dogs and bears to his "Sunny" Iguana puppet.  While he loves dress up and dramatic play with brother (you should see some of the outfits and stories they come up with), Ezra spends a lot of time pretending on his carpet with all his toys.  He has a nice collection of trains, Play Mobil toys, community workers and vehicles, Rescue Heroes, Rescue Bots and other Transformers, and Super Heroes.  I didn't realize it was such a serious endeavor until he asked me to get on the computer (after his birthday) and find Boulder, the last Rescue Bot he needs to complete the team.  He was also very excited to finally find Harold the Helicopter (from Thomas the Train) when his birthday money was burning a hole in his pocket.

 

You can kind of see his big bucket of stuffed animals at the end of his bed here.  The only thing he still wants is for me to use the rest of the striped fabric (from his window valance) to make a bulletin board over his bead.  

Living Room... pops of color

Finally, finishing up some rooms!  While my laundry is still all over the bedroom floor (well, nothing new there), I did get the boys' rooms unpacked fairly quickly.  After two weeks, we are finally adding the finishing touches to the living room and the boys' bedrooms. It feels great to no longer have bare walls and to feel a sense of accomplishment having totally decorated a few rooms. 

I've always loved wood floors.  There's something comforting knowing there's wood throughout the main level, but I have to say having carpet in the living room has really grown on me.  The boys have done a great job of leaving their shoes and food in the kitchen and keeping the beige carpet clean.  It was interesting decorating an all vanilla room though without having wood on the floor and a colorful area rug to pull all the colors together.  So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and decorated with bright pops of color and played with asymmetrical design.  I also stepped away from relying on dark brown wood tones to ground everything and added touches of black throughout the room.

So, here is the finished living room:

view from the front door

couch and front window

empty corner was perfect for the desk

heading into the hall and kitchen

The color is a little off in the photos.  The couch is a buttery tan, the side chairs a dark sage green, and the ottoman a chocolate brown.  The pops of color are a dark teal and a brighter green.


A few close ups of the finishing touches:

love photo collages

happy to have a recent family photo

Every little thing is gonna be alright

I woke up this morning singing a song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCSu4VNRV1c&noredirect=1
"Don't worry, about a thing.  Every little thing is gonna be alright."

When I was living in Minneapolis, Al and I had our ups and downs and I was applying to graduate schools.  One day, Al came over and just gave me a hug and played this song.  We dated for 10 years and worked through a lot of issues.  But, I know the reason our marriage has been successful is because God has been at the center.  It's hard to believe, but time really flies... This year we will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary!

I think I woke up today with a heaviness being lifted off my shoulders, because today Al signed the house loan paperwork.  We close at the end of this month, but everything is all in order now.  Wow, that really feels good!

At the races

If you want to feel like you were there, I'm posting a couple videos from last night's Pinewood Derby races...

One of the Tiger Cub bracket races (above) and the last race for the fastest of all the winners (below).

Thanks to Pack 17 for a great night!  It was so special for each of the Scouts to get their own personalized certificates and a participation badge.  What a fun time :)

On Fire Fast

Asher has adjusted well to our move.  He continues the activities he loved in Iowa now that we are in Wisconsin.  His first day of school was a busy one: registration at the administrative building, tour of his new elementary school, starting his first day of school here, first day of soccer practice, supper, and meeting Scouts at the practice race.

Pack 69 (Iowa), Blue and Gold Celebration

Pack 17 (Wisconsin), Pinewood Derby Races

Asher has always love time with Grandma and Grandpa.  This year he was excited to work with Grandpa to build his Pinewood Derby car for Scouts.  Here they are together...



Last night was an amazing time for Asher!  They raced double elimination doing brackets for each Scouts group (Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos Scouts).  At first his car was a little behind the other car, but as they came down the incline Asher's car raced ahead.


Asher said he wanted Aunt Holly to paint fire because he knew his car could be fast.  He was thrilled to have a fast car... the fastest, actually.  Not only did he get a trophy for the fastest car in the Tiger Cub bracket, but he won when he raced the winners of the other groups too.  He said, "I think my car is on fire fast!"

While I'm so happy for him, I think the best part of the night for me was actually the very beginning... When we got out of the car to walk into the school, his locker partner got out of his vehicle and yelled "Asher! Asher!" Then they proceeded to run into the building together smiling in anticipation of the races to come.

Birthday Boy

Ezra is 4 years old!  I know I say this a lot, but I'm constantly surprised at how fast my boys are growing up.  I told Ezra that I couldn't believe that my baby boy was 4 years old, and he reminded me that he's not my baby anymore but a big boy.  I, of course, know this and have been pleasantly surprised at times lately by his maturity.  What he doesn't understand, but all moms do, is that he'll always have a special place in my heart as my baby.

So, today, I'm going to share some favorite pics of my birthday boy.




















Yesterday we officially celebrated.  Our tradition is for the birthday boy to pick his favorite breakfast treat.  We lit four candles on his applesauce muffin, sang "Happy Birthday," and opened presents.


Ezra had a great time seeing family last weekend for his birthday celebration.  Thank you to everyone who could join us in celebrating and for those of you who sent cards.

Ezra wanted white and chocolate cakes... Of course, his favorite part is always the frosting!

Smiles with Great Grandma Gleason. (Ezra 4, Katelyn 7 1/2, Asher 6 1/2, Chase 5 1/2)

Ezra was very blessed to have a great group of Preschool friends.  His last day of school they had an egg hunt and also wanted to celebrate his birthday before we moved.  It was really special for him to get to bring birthday treats to school for the first time.  I know he really enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate early with his friends.

I am enjoying some one-on-one time lately with Ezra, while daddy is at work and brother finishes First Grade.  He is still my tall and active boy.  Ezra continues to love Transformers (& his special Rescue Bots), Superheroes, building with a variety of blocks, Play Doh, puzzles, dress up pretend play, drawing, and reading together.  He continues to be very vocal and determined, and I just love his outgoing personality!

Movin' Movin' Movin'

Just one week after rolling out of Iowa, I have to say I'm both satisfied with being able to unpack most of our boxes and also frustrated by the visual chaos of stuff everywhere.  I was thinking tonight that the whole house looks like a bomb went off and an explosion of stuff fell over every square inch of our home.  Of course, I am so thankful for all that we have, but organizing and putting away everything can take so much time and energy.  So, I've been reminding myself that big tasks (like relocating your whole family and home) take time, need time.  I was reminded of something I wanted to make (someday) and hang in the kitchen...

Dirty Dishes
Thank heaven for dirty dishes.
They have a tale to tell,
While other folks go hungry,
We're eating very well.
With home and health and happiness,
We shouldn't want to fuss,
By this stack of evidence,
God is very good to us.

Balance.  Perspective...  I've been trying to have the right perspective and to balance what I think "needs to be done" around the house with what my family really needs.  Yes, chaos in our environment and schedule can take its toll on everyone in the family.  See, we are starting to settle in and are really liking Wisconsin, but have yet to establish any kind of routine.  While that can be different, and frustrating, it's also good sometimes to have to prioritize and then just roll with it.

Enjoy the little things in life...
for one day you'll look back
and realize they were the big things.

That's another "gem" I've saved on my Pinterest board of quotes ;) I've realized though that sometimes you need a little chaos to shake up your ideas for the big picture and help you to focus more clearly on the little things.

So, we laugh at the fact that our 26 foot "semi" couldn't fit everything, and we needed another trailer for the garage stuff.  So, we acknowledge the help we needed, and we are thankful for all the help our family and friends so lovingly provided.  So, I throw up my hands and say I did what I could for today when after hours of organizing the office the magnetic board of supplies falls off the wall spilling everything all over the floor again.  So, we remember to keep it all in perspective and keep a sense of humor.  So, I remember with a smile that "mommy come play with me" and memories of Superheros and Transformers are more important than trying to be Supermom.

So, I say thank you God for love, a sense of humor, rest, family, and peace in my heart.

Season of Change

We loved that blue house.  Asher doesn’t remember the bungalow in Newton, Iowa.  The blue house is where he had his first birthday.  It’s where we celebrated.  It’s the only home Ezra ever knew.  It’s where I raised my babies, and where we made memories.  The blue house was our family’s home, and it was home to my daycare.  We were happy that God brought us back to our childhood home of Waverly, Iowa, to raise our own children…  But a seed was planted, and the winds of change started blowing last Fall. 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot… (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) 

This Winter we leaned into God.  At first, the change was slow…  I wanted to have more time and energy for my guys.  I needed to take better care of myself.  For a variety of reasons, it was time to let go of the blue house.  We started looking at opportunities for work and options for housing.  God kept working in our hearts and working out the details of everyday life.  As the song “Always” says:

Oh, my God, He will not delay. 

My refuge and strength always. 

I will not fear, His promise is true.

My God will come through always, always.

He didn’t delay.  He showed up daily… The day after we received an offer to buy the blue house, we heard of a short-term rental.  We made plans to transition to our “in-between” house.  At the yellow house, our car was crushed by a tree one windy night.  Within a week, we had found another car.  When I had worries, when some of “life’s little details” where not so little, I remembered:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)           

Then some things were moving quickly and others seemed to move too slowly.  When our rental was sold four weeks after we moved in, we weren’t sure where we would go in the Spring.  We knew two paths lay before us, but it wasn’t clear yet which direction we would take.  So, we explored both options until it was clear.  It was hard not knowing where, when, how.  Yet another reminder of the ongoing lesson I’m learning about the desire to maintain control myself.  I’ve heard it said that “Change is inevitable.  Growth is optional.”  God kept working in our hearts and working out the long-term details.  I remembered a favorite song by Maire Brennan about how God will work things out in His perfect time:

Believe me
I'm not afraid
Teach me
To learn your ways
Carry me
Under your wings
In your perfect time

Now things are moving quickly.  We found a house.  Any problems that came up have been worked out.  Our family has been so wonderfully supportive.  Asher will not finish out school here, but he will have April and May to meet friends at his new school.  He will be there just in time to start soccer and join some fun Scouts activities.  Both the boys are excited about our new adventure.  I have to admit I had some worries about how they would react to the news of a move away from family, but I was happily surprised by their enthusiasm and inspired by some of their perspectives.  Of course, once past the chaos and uncertainly, looking in hind-sight after decisions are clear and final, it seems obvious now how everything was falling into place.  I lean on God’s promises:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I’m going to miss that blue house and our beautiful garden… but a house is just a house.  We are on the cusp of Spring, and we will dig in the Wisconsin dirt and plant a new garden there.  I’m going to miss family stopping by, calling to say “come on over,” or embracing us on Sunday mornings… but we are rooted in God and our family.  Family is a part of who you are, and family is always in your heart.  The road is not long, and we will cross the invisible line that divides states often. 

Our adventure may be taking us farther down the road a bit… but, while our address has changed, our home and our family remains the same.

Having someplace to go is home.  Having someone to love is family.  Having both is a blessing.

Faithful Promises

fam·i·ly  noun /ˈfam(ə)lē/

1  : a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head (household)

2  a : a group of persons of common ancestry (clan)

    b : a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock (race)

3  a : a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation (fellowship)

In our life, family looks like so many things: our marriage and children, my parents, our siblings and their families (nieces and nephews and in-laws’ families), aunts and uncles, cousins and their families, my grandmother, best friends and their families that have adopted us as their own, old family friends, church families, neighbors, coworkers, friends that we see often, friends we wish we had more time to see, friends who you call after months and feel like you spoke just yesterday…

When we started our life as man and wife, we had a marriage mission statement to love our family.  We promised to put God first, to be true to each other, to love and cherish our children, and to focus on our extended family.  It’s all important, but it was the order that was paramount.  Prioritizing when you are in the midst of living life can be a challenge… but, if you are proactive by making God paramount, if He is superior, then His promises are all you really need.

We are on an adventure and, sometimes in the midst of life’s chaos, I need a reminder that there is more… Eternal perspective. 

Often, the Spirit moves me through songs.  I’ve had a lot to think about today:

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord

“Always” by Kristian Stanfill

I will keep my eyes fixed on His perspective.  Peace comes in resting in His promises. 

I won’t keep searching for answers

That aren’t here to find

All I know is I’m not home yet

This is not where I belong

Take this world and give me Jesus

“Where I Belong” by Building 429

At the cross You beckon me
You draw me gently to my knees, and I am
Lost for words, so lost in love,
I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered
What a priceless gift, undeserved life
Have I been given
Through Christ crucified
You’ve called me out of death
You’ve called me into life
And I was under Your wrath
Now through the cross I’m reconciled
In awe of the cross I must confess
How wondrous Your redeeming love and
How great is Your faithfulness
“Sweetly Broken” by Jeremy Riddle

I will remember God’s love.  He gave us Jesus.  He had and has a plan.  I will rest in Him.

Today we said farewell, for now, to our church family.  I’m still processing the message, thinking of where I put my focus and how I walk in faith.  I will continue to cherish the hugs and fellowship.  It made my heart happy to see my husband so caught up in worship, playing his guitar and using his gifts.  And I smiled hearing my two boys singing their favorite song along with our church body…

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The song, “10,000 Reasons,” by Matt Redmond continues:

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

As Easter approaches, I will continue to sing “Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name. Lord, I'll worship Your holy name.”  As we drive to a new state and transition to a new house, I will walk in faith knowing that I will continue to be transformed.  I will fellowship with new friends and hold all my family close in my heart.  I will try to keep an eternal perspective.  I will celebrate Easter remembering God’s definition of family…

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-6)

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16)

I will cherish that promise!