up in arms

I've been thinking a lot lately about what gets to us.

What are the things that get our attention?
What are the issues that matter?
What do we get mad about? Rejoice over?
What do we feel so strongly about that we must plaster it all over Facebook?

I have been trying to be more intentional about what I put on display for the world to see via social media. I have a gorgeous 15 month old daughter, who is obsessed with taking pictures and happens to be pretty photogenic (unlike her mommy and daddy!) That translates into a lot of baby-sharing. I don't think that there is anything innately wrong with this, but I think I can do better.

I've made it my mission to try as hard as possible to not be negative in social media as well. Though my flesh really wants to complain, for the WORLD to hear sometimes, about the terrible service I received at such-and-such local restaurant...I refrain. Now, don't hear me saying I don't complain. Oh my husband and my friends get an earful sometimes. I am trying to make an effort in one arena especially, to not come across and the bitter and ungrateful person I can be.

Eric works in SEO, he understands the ins and outs of social media and internet presence in general. He knows how marketing works in the online world. There are subtleties that you and I are completely unaware of in this domain! What does this mean? It means we have a MUCH bigger influence on the world if we are involved in Facebook/instagram/twitter/LinkedIn/tumblr etc. So because my small virtual footprint on the world will very likely never disappear, I am trying to work hard at making it the best witness I can. One day, my great grandchildren may look me up Foogle (future google?) and I want them to see Jesus.

I want the world to see Jesus.

So why are we getting all up in arms about football?
Why are all of our status updates so negative? So complaining?
Why do we promote humane societies and other animal shelters, but never the name of Jesus?
Do we share more about our kid's eating habits than we do about what the Lord has done in our lives lately?

I think we as Christians need to get our priorities straight. If Jesus had a Facebook account, what statuses would he post? If He had instagram, what pictures would make up his feed? Shouldn't we be striving to look more like Him, and less like the world in everything we do?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

I am speaking 100% to myself when I write this all out, though I realize it may not come across that way. There is nothing wrong with me posting my daughter's latest toothy grin, or cheering on my favorite college football team...but when these things take priority over shouting the name of Jesus, that's when we lose focus on what's really important in this life. Let's further the kingdom today!

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." - Mark 16:15

so it's been a while

Well hello, no one!

Yes it's true, I'm actually writing a post. It's crazy, but a few weeks ago I thought maybe I should blog again. And confirmation came through not one but two former blog readers, asking where I have been!

I have so many thoughts running through my head and the only way they become cohesive is for me to write them down. So, whether anyone reads this or not, I think I need to write. I may not write weekly. I may not write consistently. I may not write well! But, I am in a season of needing to get my thoughts out again.

So I guess we should get some housekeeping done :) I'll update you on family life. I am still working part-time teaching/tutoring math at BBLC. Eric is still loving his job. We still have an AMAZING church family, and we are now community group leaders. Ella is 15 and a half months old...woah. She's full of herself personality ;)

I think the biggest news is that we are expecting baby girl number two around Thanksgiving! I will probably talk more about that later, but suffice it to say we are still in shock, and completely overwhelmed by this huge and unexpected blessing!

Aaaand a few pictures just to keep things fun.

two months

Well, two and a half months...sorry!

My girl is growing like a weed! At her two month appointment she weighed 10 pounds 7.5 ounces (22nd percentile) and was 23 1/4" long (77th percentile). Her head was 14 3/4" (21st percentile). Basically we have a long lean baby! Who would have thought that my 5' tall self would produce that? I have NO doubts that she will slow down in the height department soon ;)

She also decided that July 4th was a great day to start sleeping through the night! It also may have something to do with the miracle blanket...but I don't care how it happened just that it did! She has only gotten up around 5 twice since then, once for a storm and once while we were in a hotel (more on that later). My girl LOVES her sleep.

She is still very, very happy. She smiles all the time and has just barely started to laugh. I'm pretty sure it's the cutest sound that has ever been made, but then again I'm a little partial. Breastfeeding is still awesome. Cloth diapers are going great too!

Schedule:
7:30/8 - wake up (SO HAPPY), eat
8:30 - nap
10:30 - wake up, eat
11:30 - nap
1:30 - wake up, eat
2:30 - nap
4:30 - wake up, eat
5:30 - cat nap (like 45 minutes or so either on me, in the swing, in the car, etc.)
7 - bath!
7:30 - eat
8 - bed
10:30 - eat (dreamfeed, she barely wakes up)
11 - bed

She can be off her schedule by an hour and still does great. She is super flexible, which is great for me!

I could talk about her all day long, so I'll stop now ;) Here is her two month photo!

oh how pinteresting (take 2)

Yeah, it's been a while. Let's not dwell on it ;)

Ok, remember my obsession with Pinterest? Yup, still got it. And so do almost all of my friends. It's a repinning bonanza on a daily basis! Taylor had a great idea, then Jenn stole, and I'm following suit. So check theirs out here and here.

Now here are my favorite (to date) Pinterest recipes!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

I'm pretty sure this is the first one I tried...not healthy and super delicious! Also, easy peasy. Gets an A+ in my book!

Stuffed Peppers

Also one of the first recipes I have tried and it was super good. Eric liked them, which is a plus for my normally non-veggie husband. 

Crock Pot Italian Chicken

LOVE this one! Super simple. I love anything in a crock pot. I've made this a bunch since I always have the ingredients on hand. 

Monterey Chicken

I always love new ways to cook chicken breasts, and this is cheap and easy and delish. We will be making this one again soon!

Spinach and Artichoke Baked Pasta

Hands down, my fave. I love spinach and artichoke anything, but combine it with pasta and it's win-win! Make it, eat it, love it.

So what are your Pinterest faves?