Space for Joy.

As hinted to yesterday, my little space on the internet has undergone some changes.  I just want to give a little explanation of what's happening around here.

Loving the Little Things is now Space for Joy.

I made this change because I'm approaching this blog with new intention - to make it something more than just a place I post pictures of my kids every few weeks.  This is a place for me to practice my gift of writing, to work out my faith through words, and to build a community of like-minded Mamas and women.

So, why Space for Joy?

I resonate with space in this season.  Needing it.  Creating it.  Owning it.  Making room for it in my life.  Approaching life with gratitude.  Using this space to share my life.  The ins the outs, the ups the downs, the sorrows and the joy.

So, along with a change in domain and blog name, I also created a facebook page!  It is my hope that through this Facebook page, my readers can have a bit more interaction with me and other readers.  More community.  That's always a good thing.

I really love all my readers.  You all value honesty and realness just as much as I do, and I am so encouraged by every comment and follower that I gain.  It's not about me.  It's about sharing our stories, encouraging one another, and ultimately pointing toward Him.

So, there you have it!  I have big hopes and goals for my blog this next year, but this is the first step.  I promise to keep you updated as changes occur.  For now, like my facebook page, and say hello!

Un-planned Sunday

First of all, I know things look different around here.  Don't be surprised if you notice some changes on the blog (like umm... new domain name or blog title?).  It might be a little weird for a week or so, but I plan to highlight my vision and what changes are happening later this week.  So, stay tuned and thanks for all of your support and encouragement!!

***

I was finally prepared for once.

Getting out of the house with two kids at the break of dawn is no easy task you know. But I was ready.  I had gotten up at 6am so that I could shower and be fully ready for church before the boys woke up at 7am.

Boys were dressed, fed, changed, happy, and ready to go when grabbed for my keys heading out the door.

My keys.

I remembered going on our family outing to the grocery store the night before (isn't that how you spend your Saturday nights?).  I remembered leaving the diaper bag, with my keys, in the car to make my arms free for other things.  And then I remembered my husband, as always, locking the car.

I never lock the car.

Shame on me.

I ran outside to look out the window and sure enough, my diaper bag, keys and all, were locked inside the car.

On another Sunday this wouldn't have been a big deal, except my hubby was playing guitar in church, so he was already there.  There would be no church for us.

I was instantly crabby.  And instantly wanted to blame someone.  Grr.  Jordan if only you hadn't locked the car like I never do!  It's all your fault for being so responsible!

Right?

I realized how ridiculous that sounded.  But I was frustrated.  We were all dressed cute, and now I had another long morning by myself with the boys.  I love my boys, don't get me wrong, but I value my me-time as well.  After a long night, I was also running low on energy.

But that's no excuse for my horrible attitude.

I had to make a mental shift as I remembered what I so often preach.  Lord, guide my steps today.  Let us spend our time as you would see fit.  Today, it wasn't going to be church.

I saw the sun streaming through the windows.  A beautiful 60-some degree day.  And my sweet boys, looking adorable in their church-ready outfits.

Isaac went down for his morning nap that he would have otherwise missed, and I got down on the floor with my big boy.  Dishes would wait.  They would have anyway.  But the new trucks we got him yesterday needed some breaking in, obviously.  And lego towers needed to be built.

And then once the littlest one woke, we took advantage of the sunshine.  My double stroller was also locked in the car, so I strapped Isaac to me and threw Jude in our single stroller.  I needed some exercise anyway.

It's easy to surrender your day to the Lord when things go as planned.  I'm embarrassed how quickly my attitude went south this morning as I realized my plans weren't going to pan out.

But I think that our time spent was still pleasing to Him.

Smiles.

First things first... I've decided my blog needed a bit of a face-lift.  In all honesty, designing this thing is a fun creative outlet for me, so that is why it changes so much.  I also decided to give it a name: "Loving the little things."  Just because that is where I am at in life right now.  Jude is teaching me to take life more slowly and stop and enjoy all of these little fleeting moments.  So - I thought it was appropriate. 

In all seriousness, there is nothing like a baby to show you how fast time flies by.  This sweet boy has started showing us his love through his smiles.  SO so fun.  Today he was fussing a bit in his crib during nap-time and I went to give him his paci and in turn he gave me a HUGE grin.  Of course I had to get him up from his nap and snuggle him after that.  He is such a joy.  It is so much fun to watch him get to know the world for the first time.  I am truly cherishing all of these little moments and firsts with him. {excuse the quality of these pics and video... they were taken on my phone}

{A video of my happy boy... as you can see, I have the baby-talk down}