January-ing

Remember. Receive. Reflect. These are the words shaping the year so far - especially with the lens of love - remembering, receiving, reflecting. Filling each other up, pouring out. Rinse, wash, repeat.

So, to the remembering . . .

Joy to the World
Well, Epiphany is a real deal in our home (Karis anticipates the 3 gifts). This year we lit the Christ candle (Epiphany = light) and shouted out Joy to the World, deciding it's a new tradition for sure. Followed by the disrobing the house of its festive wear. And, we celebrated by getting a new Christmas Tree (artificial, of course).

Retreat
The yearly work gathering was at a new place and with triple the people this year . . . I always miss my family, and it's always a meaningful time and well spent. Brainstorming, praying, wondering, dining, laughing, cozying up in corners for chats.

Bangs
While I was away, my girl grew up by about 5 years by getting bangs. So sweet!

MLK Day
Especially moving this year, watching part of the "Dream speech" with the kids, as well as the "Kid President" video. Meeting with our life group that night, eating pecan pie (thank you M fam!) and hearing a couple's memories of visiting the hotel/museum where he died. Much to ponder.

AZ
We're so thankful for a family adventure to Arizona, wonderful in all ways (thanks for welcoming us to crash your vacation K&N!). Zoo, Aquarium, hiking Superstition Mountain, dining al fresco, hiking the neighborhood, Organ Pizza . . . a day in the airport getting on and off the plane twice (!!!) until the flight was finally canceled (weather shut-down for MSP) and then staying two extra nights to savor the sunshine and tour an olive farm and stay in a hotel with G & G. Savoring the warm memories already.

Sleep. Sleep. Sleep.
We went through a hard sleep season (reminiscent of her 4th year when we moved/Judah was 2 months old). And my fear about the last hard sleep season re-occurring was fierce, and so the thing isn't always the thing -  digging in to some of those feelings, making some mistakes, going forward in new ways. In it all, I've felt God's great attention - I don't know why He cares to pay attention to this journey, I'm learning to receive His  direction/correction/grace. Karis and I have had some highs and lows together in it - the highs have been talks about struggles in life, that God really does work all things together for the good. That we're together. She's never alone. About safety and comfort. Rocking and praying and singing "Silent Night" and praying common prayer night time words and psalms. The lows, when I was tired and frustrated and scared it would be like this for years (again). And then, Darius Rucker came on the radio and brought me to tears: "It won't be like this for long". The struggles ebb and flow and won't be like this for long. Also, Karis won't be here for long (relatively). Sniff! So many Psalms peppered my mornings with redeeming words about no shame, radiant faces. Others about sleep, so many about peaceful sleep. The Ferber sleep book confirmed in a comforting way what my ponderings had concluded: the important things for our fam are that she feels supported and understood, and that we get the best sleep we can. Which means our sleeping arrangements certainly look odd to the world . . . and, there is peace. Trev likes to joke that he is "ferberizing us both". And, this will be a blip on the screen, AND it will be part of our family's story.

NEVER TOO LATE.
Simple, true. That phrase has come up a couple times lately and I LOVE it so much.

Friend that's a Girl Play Date
A first, Judah's little bestie from preschool came over, along with her brother and mom. So dear, and also a treat to learn more about her family and share stories. Grateful for this stage in the game, Judah still here and yet reaching out and all the things.

Basement - BOOM
It happened, carpet laid and now just finishing work. It's like a good dream. The kids run and make shadow shows and hide in their hobbit hole and strew their toys across the open space. Trevor works in his office and uses his bathroom for his haircut ritual. Dream!

Karis-isms:
- "Daddy, what are we going to have for breakfast and lunch and dinner when mommy's gone?" Trev: "Whatever you make me!" K: look of panic
- "Thankfully Grandma and Grandpa are rescuing us"
- "Can you imagine not having a TV? I can't imagine life without my shows!"
- "I wish I could just squeeze you here like a doll" (putting her to bed)
- "Did she have a sea infection?" (she meant c-section!)
- "I just miss Arizona so much!"

Judah Jabbers:
- "Mom did you get a new purse? Wow, that is so cool! I love your new purse"
- "I'm gonna go pack too! I'm gonna make a pile for Arizona and mom can put it in the suitcase!"
- "Praisee the Lord, I found my crocs!"
- "I wish we could have a sleepover"
- "No, these are the rules! You can't do that in my room!"
- "You're breaking my heart!"
- "Oh, you're in your pajamas! I'm happy to see you like that Karisee!"
- "Mom, are you a bibliomaniac?" (yes! From the book Big Words for Little Geniuses)