Archive for October, 2010

Oh my heart. These photos just make me swoon with motherly love. I’ve been thinking so much lately about the relationship that Bella and Lucy have and how that relationship will continue to blossom and change throughout their lives.

Bella LOVES being the big sister. She loves to teach and help and encourage. She is so loving…sometimes a little TOO loving Lucy has now figured out that if she doesn’t want to be picked up by Bella, she can head butt, pinch, pull hair, bite…whatever it takes to get her to put her down. It’s actually quite humorous to observe. This is hard for Bella because all she wants to do is have a real live baby doll. Matt and I get so exasperated from repeating the phrase “Bella…please put her down” all day long. She can’t walk by Lucy without trying to pick her up!

Lucy wants to be big like Bella. It’s so hard when Bella has friends over to play…because Lucy wants to join in the fun! Unfortunately right now that means she will eat markers and tear papers, and pretty much drive them crazy. She begs to sit in Bella’s bunk…and when we finally put her up there, she sits super still and quiet…drinking in the moment.

Sometimes after Bella has an interaction with Lucy…she will share her thoughts with me. She whispers with a smile…

“I did that just like a mommy…”

And I wonder in my heart what “mommy ways” I have modeled for her that day. Often times, I am reminded of words spoken too harshly, concerns dismissed to quickly, or her repeated requests that went ignored because I was “busy”. I so desire to show her what gentleness, grace, and kindness look like in a real setting. And yet, I fail often.

Watching her act out my inadequacies is a hard wake up call. And something I am actively working on. Because she copies my actions. And Lucy copies her actions. So by controlling my own selfishness and/or impatience, I can affect the entire dynamic of our family. I have God-given power to mold the outcome of every situation by exchanging my knee jerk reactions with thoughtful, Christ-like reactions.

I cannot do this on my own. I do not believe that deep down I am a “GOOD” person and if I just focus on that, good things will come out of my heart. No, I believe that deep down, I am motivated by selfish desires. I’m motivated by my flesh. And acting in the flesh FEELS good at the time, but it’s not good.  I’m a sinner. Every day (sometimes every hour), I have to die to those desires. I want more of Jesus and less of me. I walk with Jesus by my side every day so that I can listen to Him whisper encouragement in my ears:

One of my favorite books ever is a book by Lloyd Khan called “Homework“. If you’re at all interested in alternative housing…you will love it too. It’s completely inspiring and beautiful. So…you can imagine I was thrilled to come across this lovely video about his work. Enjoy!

He has written several books about alternative housing…check them out below.

Yay for free shipping! As you know, I’ve started selling Barefoot Books. These books are so fabulous and high quality…and they make perfect Christmas gifts And now you can get free shipping until 12/24 for orders over $60…which is a lovely thing.

…her sense of accomplishment and her mad climbing skills.

…her free spirit.

…the connection Matt and Lucy share. This girl is in LOVE with her Daddy.

…iced mate, Flickr, hooping, and travel (all in one photo!)

…her sense of self.

…whimsical rock art.

…tiny toes and chubby legs.

I’ve been working on some new projects, which means more time away from the RV..and I miss my little loves! I suppose it would help if I didn’t listen to sappy soundtracks while I work.

Ohh….but they are magical. They are unique. They are inspiring. They are sometimes exhausting. They are mine. I find so much joy in family.

What do you love today? What is bringing you joy?

I love my computer bag…but it’s seriously lacking in color and “flair”.
I was looking at it the other day, and I had a crazy thought.

“What if my amazing blog readers sent me patches and we made it a collaborative project?!”

That way, every time I look at it…I will think of you!
Every time I take it in public, I can tell people about our fun project!

If you want to participate:

• Choose a patch. It could be representative of your state or an organization that you love. Or it could be totally random. You decide!
• Send it to me at our mail collection box: Sara Janssen / 103 Rainbow Dr. #340 / Livingston, TX 77399
• Leave a comment that you’ve sent it so I know how many to expect.
• Please send it by November 15. I will get them sewn on and post a photo of it finished!

Yay! I’m excited.

Today I am featured on one of my favorite blogs…Poor Pitiful Pearl! Shauna is an amazing mama and seamstress…take a moment to go check out the unique pieces at her shop. I love love love it!

There is a giveaway for a photo of your choice from my Etsy shop (8 x 10 or 8x 12) and I am also offering a Buy One, Get One FREE from my Etsy shop through her blog (expires 10/15). Just enter the code PPP in the comments and also the piece you want for free. Yay!

I’m trying to take more time to BE STILL. To pray. To listen.

I’m obsessed with mate lattes.
Mate + honey + vanilla almond milk + cinnamon + my beloved Aerolatte. Pure bliss.

We are loving the West coast. The ocean is dreamy and Portland is by FAR one of my favorite cities in the country. California is beautiful and WARM! Just wish it wasn’t so spendy

I’m obsessed with feather earrings. Courtney is a Seahorse and Owlita are my faves.

I’m still blissed out from Hoopcamp. *sigh* Amazing.

**If you’re interested in getting more consistent updates on my life, as I’m obviously not a daily blogger …feel free to add me as a Facebook friend or follow me on Twitter. I also just uploaded 186 new photos to my Life Inspired set! Lots of “behind the scenes” action

Have a wonderful week!