Flashback Friday

So it's been a little bit since I've posted a Flashback Friday, but I'm doing my best to prep these posts ahead of time, because in the end, they are most definitely worth the time!

Today, we're going back 27+ years ago to look at baby gear - then and now.  Wow...huge difference, as is quite obvious from the photos below.  I know just in the 3 years between Harrison and Brigdon, all things "baby" had changed so much.  Not just in actual baby gear, but it maternity clothing choices as well.  For instance, the Bellaband wasn't around when I was pregnant with Harrison, so until my bump was big enough for maternity pants, I did the old rubber band 'round the button thing to get me those couple of inches until the maternity pants looked right.  Needless to say, I now own the Bellaband in THREE colors.  And though they weren't cheap, I've since found a tutorial at Make It and Love It on how to stitch up your own band.

Anyway, I'll hush and get to the pictures.  While looking through old pictures for Flashback Friday inspiration, I was shocked at how much my Brig looks like me.  I hear some many people say that he looks just like Justin -- and I agree -- which is probably why I wasn't expecting my baby pictures to look like him.  Crazy how kids are such a mix, huh?

So here's Baby Sue circa 1984... 

(please excuse the fact that these pictures are unedited.  I don't know why they uploaded like that.)

If the baby swing weren't primitive enough, check out Dad's lower half.  Shorty shorts, striped tube socks and Chuck Taylor's.  Nice. 

And 22 years later, here's my firstborn...

For the life of me, I couldn't find a picture of him in the baby swing, but this floor gym and the other baby gear necessities below were invaluable!

The Jumperoo

And how could I forget the Exersaucer!

And then 3 years later, here's our "baby"...

The Buzzy Seat (Though Brig's outgrown this, it was a gift for Harrison and is still tucked away in Brig's closet for when baby number 3 arrives...it's that awesome!)

The Boppy

Another floor gym (different and much better than the one Harrison used, above)

That good ole Exersaucer!  Briggy loved it too!

We loved this little travel swing with Brig.  Diclaimer:  This photo is what happens when you don't buckle the child in.  He was not in motion, just sitting there for a minute and happened to fall asleep. 

Thursday Thought

So, it's now April and rather soon will be celebrating Easter, and it's Harrison's very first Spring Break!  I've got a few things up my sleeve to make that week special...and also secretly to keep him entertained during the downtime - Consider this practice for Summer Break! 

One little project we'll be putting together is this Easter Egg Tree from Kelly at Faithful Provisioins.  Looks so easy and the best part is that we have everything on hand to make this!

If any of my local people are reading this and know of any Spring Break Week kid-friendly events happening, please pass them my way!

"Look Ma!"

Check out this Cracker-Jack riding with NO training wheels!??! 

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Truth

"Then, turning to His disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.  For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.  Look at the ravens.  They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

--  Luke 12:22-25 (New Living Translation)

This is short and sweet - I just need a simple reminder to let go of my worries.  They range from small to large and at times easily overtake my day.  True to my "Type A-ness," I love to make lists.  You know why?  Because a "to-do" list -- with appropriately checked off things -- means that I am in control.  I like to be in control.  I *really* like to be in control.  When things go haywire and I'm not in control, my fuse is lit.  How quickly do my nerves glow and how quickly do I forget about my Soverign God who has already written the days in the story of me. 

I subscribe to a Christian blog about children in poverty through Compassion International.  Today, Tuesday April 5th, they are hosting a national campaign to raise awareness of children in poverty..."One Day Without Shoes."  This campaign urges people to think through their day, moment by moment, and think of it spent without shoes.  Something as simple and ordinary as shoes that I so often take for granted.  We have had a wet and rainy "liquid sunshine" Florida kinda day here.  As I dressed my children and myself this morning and stepped out the door into a downpour of rain, I quickly remembered the "One Day Without Shoes" project and my mind shifted at that moment.  What if my children -- and myself -- had no shoes to wear on a day like today...or any day for that matter?  Immediately I am humbled and reminded of God's hand of provision on our lives.  A reminder that regardless of the number in my bank account, I am richly and lavishly blessed.

Spring has Sprung!

"A wife of noble character who can find?  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

--  Proverbs 31:10,16-17

This is our garden "Phase I."  After we seeded it the other day, Justin, Harrison and I sat back feeling very proud, but a tad overwhelmed...well, mainly just me.  I can see this being a mess in a few months when (and if) everything comes in because I'll be the one putting it all up!  We planted corn, okra, cantaloupe, yellow squash, lima beans, green beans, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, pumpkins, sunflowers and a few blueberry bushes too.  As is obvious below, Harrison's excitement and the smile on his face is totally worth it.