Good Stuff and Mountain Tops

It's funny how the mountains and valleys of life work out. Often it seems like when it's hard, everything is hard and when one thing looks up, everything looks up. That's life in this old world, isn't it? I feel like we've been in a valley of sorts in the past few months. But, we've pressed on and are taking a break out of the shadows. It seems now that we're resting on a small pinnacle taking in the glorious sunlight in many areas of life. Here are a few of the things I'm thankful about:

We're going to Arizona in less than a month! I try to act so tough but I have to admit I am HOMESICK! When I was a little girl I hated to be away from my parents just over night so you can imagine how badly I miss them. It's been nearly a year since I've been home to see my family. I miss the desert too. I am a desert girl, born and bred. I love the scenery, breathtaking sunsets and the warm welcome of the southwestern people. I know I can come as I am. And speaking of mountain tops, there will be plenty of mountains to see! I miss the rugged mountains of the Sonoran Desert.

I just got back from Atlanta where I went to a Deeper Still conference with some amazing women. Seven of us left our sweet families, packed into my Caravan and drove 5 hours to meet with 19,000 other women seeking to know God more. The Philips Arena was packed to the rim and we had front row seats- nothing between us and the stage. Words can't adequately express what an amazing time we had. We spent the first night in Atlanta in a hotel because the conference Friday and Saturday. Then we spent Saturday night at my good friend Marca's family "cottage". Which turned out to be more like a very old southern country mansion. It was HUGE and so cool. I could have spent a whole week there. I will never forget what a great time the 7 of us had talking, laughing, crying and sharing. It was so much more than I anticipated.

Next, I found out my camera is definitely fixable and should be finished in a week or so! It cost me $314 but a whole lot better than having to buy a whole new camera. I'm so ready to have my camera back but so relieved they could help me with it.

Last, but not least, we showed our house earlier this week to a person and their realtor said our house "showed very well and may be a possibility". I'm hopeful. It is possible that we'll never hear from that buyer again but it's still nice to have our hope boosted from time to time.

I was just sitting here on this figurative "mountain top" and wanted to share the view. I need to remember when it's time to throw my hiking boots back on and endure those valleys, that a mountaintop is always nearby.

Bryant the Guitar Hero

Here is Bry's video. We talked about doing one of him on the trampoline or on his skateboard but ended up doing this one because it was convenient. He is just learning to play this and today was his first time on this game. It's so funny watching him try to dance to the beat and hit the right notes. I'm sure he'll be getting high scores in no time. Still it's fun to watch him practice.

You'll hear Elle in the background because she wanted to keep grabbing the camera and so Caleb took her away from it and she wasn't happy about it at all. Also, you'll notice that DJ can't stand to have the camera on someone else.

I hope to have more videos of the kids soon. Enjoy...

Tea with Elle

Here's a little video of Elle playing. It's not very exciting but I thought the people who haven't seen her in a long time would enjoy it.

I'll post a video of Bry soon.
Enjoy!

DJ's Interpretive Dance

DJ woke up (note the serious bed head) and was in a peculiar mood. She sat on our table and danced to various songs silently. So I video taped one of them. This is not exciting but entertaining nonetheless. Napoleon and the Happy Hands Club would be so proud.
(Our close friend Amber Hunter, from Ajo, who is serving as a missionary in Africa would also be so proud. This is her song that she wrote and is singing. Her cd is my new favorite.)

Pondering Sports

Caleb was watching the College World Series tonight and I noticed a grey haired man in the same uniform as the young players. This seemed funny to me. So I pointed out to Caleb that it's humorous how in baseball the coaches dress like the players. We began to consider this concept a little further in other sports.

Can you image Phil Jackson standing courtside, waving his arms around with a tank top jersey and baggy shorts on? Or Mike Babcock geared up and laced up with a hockey stick and skates. How about Tony Dungy yelling at his Defense in a big bulky football uniform complete with shoulder pads?

Just struck me as funny, that's all.

Random Thoughts on This Blog, My Life and Parenting

I love being a mother. I absolutely love it. Many days I feel like I'm not nearly as good at it as I could be, should be and want to be, but I'm so thankful that I get to be. I'm constantly striving to keep my eyes on God so He can continually transform me into the wife, mother, & woman He designed me to be. I have to say though, parenting is hard. I absolutely don't have it all together. Not even close. Sometimes I mess up more times in a day than I do well. I wonder if I do more damage to my kids than good sometimes.

When I became a mom at the naive age of 23, I had no idea what kind of sacrifice I was getting into. Simple things like the ongoing demands and having to remain completely flexible with my own schedule and my money. I didn't know that my children would be born with their own individual personalities. I didn't understand that they would have likes & dislikes of their own regardless of my strong influence on their lives. I didn't realize that they would often disobey, even though I've told them the right thing to do.

I am absolutely not complaining here. Not for a second. And I know I have really great kids. I guess I'm just keeping it real. I often post cute and fun things about our family but I want people to know, I struggle. We struggle as a family. Our kids disobey and we loose our tempers. We have bad days, weeks, and months. Since I choose to be home, our finances take a big hit for a family of 5. Every bit of it is worth it though. We are just people on this journey of life and we're thankful we get to be a family to grow and learn together in love.

I do post a lot of good highlights so the grandparents can see our children and be proud of them. But just so we're clear, we're just people, completely dependant on God's grace. We will do our best so He can be honored but when (not IF but WHEN) we mess up, we rely completely on Him. It is God's grace alone that sustains us. If there is anything we know to be true, it is that.

I don't know why I felt the urge to post this today. I guess I don't want for a minute people who follow our blog to think this is just a big brag fest about how wonderful we are. Trust me, we know how wonderful we're NOT. (just ask our kids, they'll tell you the truth) If there is anything good about this family, it is not of our own doing. Caleb and I were two wandering and broken people when we met and I for one was cloaked in shame. The fact that God merged our two lives and then added precious children to it is nothing less than a miracle directly from His generous Hand. Truly.

**I'll try to make my next post more light-hearted since most of my readers just want to see the kids. Most are probably thinking, "Okay, Jaime, enough of this heart-sharing, philosophical stuff! Just post pictures of the cute ones in the family and save your thoughts for your personal journal." I know, I make everything deep, even when it doesn't need to be. Oh well! Thanks for reading.

9 Years

Today is mine and Caleb's 9th Anniversary! We got married in Laguna Beach, California and honeymooned in Hawaii for 2 weeks. Rough, hu? I only WISH I could have such luxuries nowadays!

These have been the best years of my life. What an adventure we've shared together and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Caleb is my closest friend and my favorite person. I still fall in love with him regularly and I pinch myself because I don't understand why I have been blessed like I have been. I don't understand it but I know it and I'm thankful.

Caleb, I still do.