Vacation station.

We did it! Our first family vacation.

We, and our friends Janet, Andy, Andy J and Connor, drove to the Outer Banks in North Carolina where we rented a house and r-e-l-a-x-e-d. With a hot tub and a pool right on the property, it took us a couple of days to make it across the street to the ocean. We indulged in sea food, we took in the sun, we had time to sleep and to breath.

There are a few highlights of the trip and one was the night Dave and I went out. Alone. Buh-bye kiddies. We hopped a ferry to a Ocracoke Island (population 800) and ate sea food at a restaurant called the Back Porch. The breeze and bikes reminded me of the Bahamas.

There is a bunch more to say, but Not-So-Little Lungs is calling. There are pictures on our family website.

Two Kids.

"I've pretty much lost control of my life." I hear myself telling my friend, "But it's good."

The thing about losing control is the realization that I never had it in the first place. I just had time to maintain a nice dellusion.

Both of my children are asleep, which I hope becomes more regular in the weeks to come. During the day, when it's just me at home, they like to do relay naps. Thanks, guys, no, I don't need a moment to myself.

I remember the realization hit me like a backhand slap when Haven was an infant - motherhood is a sacrifice. It is also a million wonderful things, but let's face it, people, it's a sacrifice of you-name-it. Body, sleep, career, time, money, showers.... When I was in YWAM the theory about challenges was that God was trying to teach something. I can think of as many lessons I need to learn as projects on my endless to-do list. I'll put it this way: I never realized how flawed I am until I became a mother. I don't say this to insult myself, I say it solemnly, with the realization that we are raising little mirrors.

On a lighter note, Maiya smiles all the time now. At all of us. I caught one on camera and it's on the sidebar. Haven loves her and this morning he entertained her while I did my morning hygiene routine (brushed my hair and teeth). The sweetness between the two of them is great.

quick one-handed update

music fest.














lake day.


















zoo day.










more when maiya remembers the joy of long naps again.