raising a mommy

raising a mommy

Friday, July 18, 2014

fmf: bloom{ability}

Here are the rules:
1. Write for five minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.
2. Link back to Lisa Jo Baker's blog with the rest of the Five Minute Friday-ers.
3. Comment on the person who linked up before you.

Please join us!

Today's prompt: bloom

GO

Those of you who knew me growing up know that to say I was a bookworm would be a bit of an understatement. One of my favorite authors when I was in middle school was Sharon Creech. I was introduced to her by my English and Lit teachers during our "literature circles" time, and I was hooked after the first book. I read everything I could find by her as quickly as I could. (Which, at that point in my life, was pretty quickly. I had the 16 digit number on my library card memorized in sixth grade.)

One of the first books of hers that I read was called "Bloomability." It's the story of a young girl who is given the opportunity to study for a year at an international school, staying with relatives. You learn about her adventures being away from her family, meeting people from all cultures, and learning how to break down language barriers.

One of her friends frequently forgot or mixed up some common English words, so he made up his own. One such word was "possibility." Rather than using the word, he came up with an arguably more appropriate word, "bloomability."

Planting some bloomabilities

I won't get into any analysis about why this is a great word mash up or what other words would have been more appropriate. I will simply let it sit with you.


What are the bloomabilities that God is showing you in your life today? New friends? New challenges to conquer? New seed to sow, literally or figuratively?

Another thing I love about Sharon Creech is how is has different stories about all different characters, but, if you pay attention, she ties them all together. My friends, I do not believe that six degrees of separation can possibly be correct anymore. Our lives are all so intertwined in a complicated and beautiful web that, even if I don't know you, I probably know you. (Not creepy - beautiful!)

We moved into our new home at the end of summer last year having no idea what any of the multitude of plants surrounding our house would become. There were plenty of weeds, sure, but there were also some beautiful surprises, including rhubarb, mulberries, blackberries, raspberries, and a wide array of beautiful blooms.

Expand your web today. Say hi to your barista or grocery store cashier or mail carrier or an old friend with whom you've lost touch over the years. Ask their favorite color or the best thing that's happened to them this week or what they're most looking forward to this weekend. Words are powerful, and you may never know the lasting impact of yours.

STOP

More than five minutes, but when you get on a roll, why fight it?

This round is closed, but if you're looking for the bloomability of expanding your network of supportive, Godly women, consider joining up with the next round of #fmfparysnailmail. These ladies make my day several times a day.

Five Minute Friday

Sunday, July 13, 2014

our little girl: 29 months

I'm a few days late, but better late than never, right?

I can't believe another month is gone already. And next month, my baby will be two and a half. And the month after that, she may not be the baby anymore. But I'm getting ahead of myself...

One of the highlights of the past month included a visit to see her great grandparents. If it's possible, I think P enjoyed their company almost as much as they enjoyed having her! We got to see some other aunts and cousins, too, and we even managed not to drive off the road in the downpour on the way home. Success!

P has turned into a bit of a picky eater. We have trouble breaking her out of the pb&j/grilled cheese/macaroni rut. Luckily, her favorite "sides" (which she sometimes turns into meals) include broccoli, peas, and just about any kind of fruit. This evening, there was a tootsie roll and an apple in front of her. She asked me to slice the apple and get her some peanut butter. How can a mom say no to that?

She loves telling people how old she is. Lately she's even expanded to: "I'm two, and on my next birthday, I'll be three!" Then you ask her when her birthday is, and she usually remembers. Awesome!

She is so excited to be a big sister. She calls her baby brother "Nugget," which is what Mom and Dad call him right now, too.

Enjoying the sunshine with Great-Grandma

She was so intrigued by the owl...it didn't do much to keep birds away, but P sure liked it!

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to get a toddler and a baby to pose for a picture? P and cousin E

Apparently it's difficult to get a good one of the toddler and a kid, too! Hanging out with another cousin E

I went to run some errands, leaving P with Great-Grandpa. This is what I found when I got back.

Throwing toys all over the floor must be exhausting!

P loves working out with mommy

And stealing mommy's feather duster. I hope her fascination with cleaning supplies continues as she gets older...

I think McDonald's should pay me to use this picture as an ad. Does it get any cuter?

Fun with Grandpa and Uncle A!

We went strawberry picking. She was a bit tentative at first, but once she figured out that she could eat the strawberries, she settled right in.

 Big smiles and a red stained face!