Tulip Fields

April 23rd was the most glorious day of this year yet and we just so happened to have
had a tulip field trip planned. Knowing how crazy it can get up in Mount Vernon,
we decided to leave early to avoid the grid-lock traffic that was bound to occur on
this rare sunny day. Since Owen gets up at 6:30 leaving the house by 8:00 really isn't that hard to do.

With our picnic lunch packed, camera in hand, and shorts stowed in the diaper bag in case it actually got warm enough to use them, we embarked on our weekend adventure.
The tulips were literally glowing, flaming with color as the rays of sun licked their delicate petals.
It was hard to know how to soak up such beauty.

After we had our fill of color and beauty we decided to detour back to the freeway through La Conner. I have never been there before so it was the perfect opportunity to wander the quaint streets and eat our lunch near the waterfront.
It even got warm enough to put shorts on! Last summer Owen was too little to get the
full effect of how cute he looks with just a t-shirt and shorts on. I wish I had my camera to capture his chubby little tummy poking out from beneath his t-shirt...one more reason we are excited for our trip to Hawaii in three weeks!

WEEEE!

November was the first time Owen's tiny tush sat in a swing.
We could barely push him since he had no clue how to hang on.

Almost six months and a sunny day later, Owen was re-introduced to
swinging. Once his tiny fingers touch those metal chains
his vice-like grip takes over, his legs start kicking, and his
grin gets oh so wide as the swing begins it's gentle flight.

Songs for another season

When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
When the sky rolls up and the mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you
You make all things new

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

because...

We sing to the One who overcomes
To the One who saves us from our sin
And heals what's broken
Sing to the One who rescues all
We will trust a love so perfectly
complete in Him

We live within a world that fails
With pain we can't control
You sustain us with a love that knows
And we're overwhelmed

So...

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus,
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus

Shadowfeet - Brooke Fraser, The One who Overcomes - Phil Wickham, Give me Jesus - Fernando Ortega

Bed-head

Last weekend Owen had a case of some pretty intense bed-head.

So rather than hoping back in the bath, we changed crazy in to stylish thanks to
some of Daddy's Fiber. Naturally, this prompted a photo shoot from me...I don't know if he can get any cuter.

Owen is now 11 months old. 10 months was the roughest month we've had.
Whining was Owen's primary mode of communication due to his mind being ready to walk
and crawl but his body and coordination not cooperating. 1 week in to 11 months and it looks like the long awaited crawling has come, and hopefully the end of the constant whine.

Despite this past month, Owen continues to be a tender-hearted little boy.
He bursts in to tears when the word "no" is used (apparently I used to do the same thing) so here's to hoping that discipline is as easy as a stern look.

Exploring the Yard

Last weekend brought a few glorious days of sun. Since the weeks prior to this have been a constant deluge of rain most of our house projects have been devoted to the inside of the house. So we decided to take advantage of the golden rays and move the "lovely" lava rock the previous owners covered up my future flower beds with.

Last summer Owen was too tiny to enjoy a yard, not to mention we lived in an apartment so grass wasn't even an option. When we finally moved in with my parents gone were the days of sitting on the grass thanks to the weather. So, in reality, this was Owens first real introduction to the wonders of the front/back yard.

I can already tell it's going to be paradise this summer having so much space for him to run around in. I really can't believe that my days of Owen not moving are truly ending. Tonight, he pushed himself up on all fours and started rocking (a skill we were almost certain he might skip altogether)...crawling here we come. He is already a pro at standing and will let go of things for 10 seconds to stand on his own. Something tells me walking is not too far off in the future either!

Owen and Lamby

Owen recently discovered his squishy stuffed lamb. Last night we invited Uncle Elias and Aunt Theresa
over to have dinner. Since they don't get to see Owen as frequently as we all would like, we kept him up so he could say hi.
His droopy little eyes say it all as to how tired he was, but it was soo sweet to see him snuggle with his Daddy and his little lamb while waiting to give out hugs and kisses.

A Song Revisited

The Desert Song

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
when triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow


Two years ago this song was a life line for me. Two years ago the first two verses were an expression of my soul. Two years ago I could barely sing this song without crying, (well if I'm honest I still have a hard time getting through it.) Two years ago there were questions with out answers but a recognition and peace that regardless of our situation, I still had a reason to sing and to worship. In church on Sunday, the Lord whispered to my heart "Mary Frances you are in the final verse." Two years later my heart and life are overflowing. Thank you Jesus for your strength, faithfulness and promises.