Over the Kitchen Sink

We don't have an automatic dishwasher.  At first I thought this would be wretched.  And, yes, sometimes I've forgotten how easy it was to just load up the dirties and press Start.  But honestly, I really enjoy washing dishes by hand.  

My Oomah (grandmother), has "over-the-sink" prayers as she works in the kitchen.  I love this and desire the habit, too.  

Sunlight streaming through the window, grease and muck flowing away down the drain, as hot soapy suds take their place.  The satisfaction of transforming a pile of defilement into gleaming, fresh, tableware  ...   what, you didn't know washing dishes could be such an experience??

If only it would work on THIS corner of the kitchen...

John Piper's Grandson

Writer and teaching pastor, John Piper, has a grown son named Abraham.  Abraham read Luke 2 every night to his son, Orison, in the days leading up to Christmas.  They didn't think much of it, just read it as they lit the Advent wreath.  At the end of the month, this is what happened!  

Repetition = memorization.  

I just LOVE the animated way he recites it.  You can tell his mama and daddy read the Word of God the way it should be read aloud:  with joy, excitement, and with the weight it requires... an inspiration for me :)

 

It's just like a mini-mall...

My Expectant Heart

Right now I'm in between.

Literally, I'm in between students' sessions. I'm in between breakfast and lunch. The hungriest part of my day. I'm in between mental activities. Meaning, not vegging out watching TV, and not full tilt, mediating an educational therapy session. Blogging is in between. I'm in between on whether or not I like listening to talk radio on the way to work. I'm leaning toward NOT liking it, as it's a pretty whiney way to start my day. I'm in between carrying my son in my womb and carrying him in my arms.

I have about 59 days left before he's due. I still have much to do. I'm thrilled that we have a few baby showers coming up. The crib is put together. It's harder to lift my belly out of bed in the mornings. My waddle is more pronounced. My heart is waiting.

The unanswered questions are quieter now. "What does he look like?" "How will I react?" "Will he be fussy or content?"

I feel quieter, more contemplative. Without being melodramatic or self-righteous (please hear my heart), I am savoring the intimate communion with just my King and me. I know that my thoughts and priorities are about to dramatically change in my everyday life. Without the least bit of bitterness toward this change, or the little boy that is bringing it about, I just have an awareness of the upcoming season. A new chapter, a new life.

I also trust that God's given me a wonderful, compassionate husband who will help me have those quiet moments at the feet of Jesus... I'm banking on that :)

Quick Belly Pic

31 weeks and feelin' plump and powerful!

My Brother, The Journalist

Kind of, right Mikey?!

My brother, who lives with his gaw-geous and brilliant wife in Birmingham, had his first official newspaper article published!

He's been working as the calendar editor for the Birmingham Black and White.  Here's a little about the paper's history:

Published since 1992, Black & White is Birmingham's oldest and largest non-daily publication.  More than 113,000 readers regularly use Black & White to find out what's happening in Birmingham and the surrounding metro area.

Recently, his editor gave him the opportunity to write an article of his own, and he jumped at the chance.  Go HERE, click on "Download current issue" on the left hand side (search for the April 16th issue if you're having trouble).  His piece is on page 8, entitled "Craftsman Comeback" - By Michael Craft, of course!

It's not extremely juicy, controversial, or breaking news but he researched, interviewed, and wrote the thing!  My Chez ... I'm so proud :)    

Baby James Update!

As you can see from our baby ticker, I only have about 10 weeks left... give or take few - I'd rather take some, I think.  

Although, I am pretty torn about how I feel.  I treasure every moment that I have with him so close to me, such a part of me.  I am beginning to notice when he wakes up and when he's very still.  And it's actually starting to resemble a sort of schedule (big movement at 2:38 AM one night, then 2:53 AM the next, for example).  I know that I will miss the security and hospitable design that my womb offers.  While it's beginning to be cramped and I'm noticing a slight "waddle" in my step, these are fleeting days that I cherish.

On the other hand, I can't wait to meet him!  I'm ready to hold him in my arms and stroke his cheeks and feel how soft his earlobes are.  I want to count his fat rolls and see how his entire foot fits perfectly in my hand.  I want to pass him around to his uncles, aunts, and grandparents.  I want to feed him and, believe it or not, change his diaper.  And please don't say, "All that is fun at first... but just you wait!".  This is where I am right now.

Anyway, on to more technical things.  In about 20 minutes, I need to drink my glucose drink before I go to my 10:00 appointment with Dr. Stafford.  Also after this appointment, we move to visits every 2 weeks, and then to every week!  I've had some pretty sharp pain in my tailbone when I stand up, so I'm going to ask him about that today.  I'm sure it's just a normal pain that comes with carrying another human, but sometimes it can be really painful.  

I've started to feel the shortness of breath that can come in the 3rd trimester, but thankfully, my body seems to be coping pretty well with carrying him around.  In general, I feel good and happy and alive.  God is so merciful. 

I'll letcha know how the appointment goes today! 

Some Tidbits from Glory Land...

Jim and I had an amazing, relaxing, and exciting time (sometimes all at once) down in West Palm.  Dad took us out on the sailboat, we ate lotsa food, and slept until we were finished sleeping.  It was refreshing to be with my Mama and Daddy and renewed my gratitude for having such a wonderful family.  My best friend, Anna also got to come with us... she's very much part of that wonderful family :)    

To Florida We Go!

I'll be MIA for the next week or so as Jim and I head back down to the sunshine and breezes of West Palm Beach!

We were there over Christmas, but Spring break couldn't come fast enough so we could go back!

While my mom has been my "capital M" Mother for many wonderful years, God has been so gracious to begin to mold our relationship into a friendship like none other.  She will always be my Mama, but I can see a change as I become a Mother, too.  I find myself calling her just about every day (which I know can get annoying... sorry Mom :) and being a little frustrated when we can't just be in the same room.  We agreed to try to not let more than 6 months pass without seeing each other, and I pray that the craziness of life will not overtake that - especially with a growing James to get to know!

I am SO looking forward to spending time with some of my favorite people in the world for the next week and being able to just breathe the same air!  

And don't worry, I can't wait to see my wonderful Daddy too ... :)

I Promise It's Worth 3.5 Minutes To Read This

A beautiful post shared by my friend, Rita.