moments captured on the prairie path

Living only feet away from a tree-covered, naturally-lit, bustling prairie path is lovely.  It's one of the many blessings about living where we do.  It's especially nice now that the warm weather is contemplating a full return, so the kids and I have been outside on numerous occasions.

Here are some photos - I'm no photographer by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm fully confident that you'll get the general idea of what's going on.

When did the little 5 pound baby grow up to be such a big boy?

"Post!"

*Sigh* Maybe he'll actually look at the camera on his wedding or ordination day.  One can only hope.

Well, hey there, pretty lady!

Thomas was quite pleased that this stick looked like a "T." I, for one, didn't have the heart to tell him that I thought it looked more like the symbol for pi.

Sticks, leaves, dirt, bugs, AND rocks?  Bliss!

Here's to many more warm-(ish) days to come!

As a side note, I'll be soon posting some reflections on my recent media fast.  I was just anxious to get up a few quick photos of these beautiful Steed children.  I can't help it - I'm in awe of them.

ok, friends

I'm taking a long break from blogging.  And rather than just delete my blog all together, I'll explain myself.

I've decided that I need to get a lot of things in my life together, and, for me, that means I need to do some "tearing down" and work my way back up.  I need to be very intentional about the ways I spend my time, ensuring that it is spent in service to my vocation.  While I recognize that things like blogging, reading other blogs, being connected through social networks like Facebook, etc can, in a sense, be a way that moms in particular can more fully live out their vocation, I also know that these things have recently been having adverse effects on me personally.

When I choose to log in to my Facebook account, I'm bombarded by a world of status updates, relationship changes, newly uploaded photos, and I'm instantly sucked in.  Even though I haven't done much to foster true relationships with "friends," I am suddenly "in the know" (to some small extent) about their lives.  Once in a while I'll take time to comment or message or (much less frequently) pray for the person about whom I'm reading.  But let's face it, most of the time it turns me into a busy body and leaves me with a false sense of closeness with others. 

When I choose to read other blogs I can't help but feel inadequate about my own blogging (or lack thereof).  Right now, it doesn't even matter what the topic might be on someone's particular blog.  The fact that they were able to find time to blog in the first place makes me feel like I don't have my act together enough to dedicate time to writing, posting photos of the kids, reading and reflecting on various topics. 

I recognize that I'm putting a great deal of pressure on myself to be perfect in most (if not every) aspect of my life.  I could write a book (probably a whole series) about my struggles with perfectionism, so instead I'll simply ask you to pray for me in this specific regard.

I simply need to disconnect for a while - I need to spend more time in prayer, in self reflection, in taking time to truly listen to the Lord.  I'll still check my email at least once a day, and I'll have my phone around, too.  But I'm taking a much-needed media fast of sorts for an undetermined amount of time, and I'm praying that it might bear fruit in my own life and consequently in the life of my family and those around me.  I'll pray for you and for your intentions, friends!

aw man, i was trying to be better about this...

I must admit, I don't know how you mommas do it who are able to find time to do a blog post several times a week if not every day.  I'm not there yet.  But I hope to get there one day.  Evenings are much smoother around the stable (my nickname for our home - stable for Steeds...ah well, I thought it was clever) regarding bedtime for a certain little baby.  And that has had tremendous trickle down effect for the rest of the family, particularly for me.  Not only am I just plain getting more sleep at night, but I can also set aside time for things that I need/want to get done in the evenings.  It's pretty lovely, though I tend to grossly overestimate the amount of energy that I'll have by the time 8:00 or 9:00 rolls around.

And so, this scatterbrained post is simply to say that I hope to be posting more frequently (in the evenings) and (gasp!) will be posting photos.

Stay tuned! 

you know what? i'm tired.

Maria's been up every two hours (on the dot) the past four nights.  What happened to that span of two or three weeks of one nighttime wake-up?  I'm longing for those days.  Getting hour-and-a-half increments of sleep consistently is taking a bit of a toll.  I know this is normal for infants and all that, but I must say that I'm sick of hearing about babies who are sleeping through the night at this age.  Right now Maria is sleeping in our bedroom, but both Drake and I are ready for her to be elsewhere -- buuuut, where will she go?  I know the obvious answer is that she would go in Thomas' room, but that brings on a whole new situation to adjust to.  Is it better to have just me on little sleep or start dealing with a potentially sleep deprived toddler as well?  That's somewhat rhetorical, though I'd welcome any experiences/insight/advice any of you have with adjusting your kids to room sharing, particularly adjusting a nursing infant to a toddler's room.  Maria is about 4 months old, and Thomas will be two this week -- thoughts?

I think all moms are sleep deprived to some extent.  And it really affects my mood - one or even two nights of shoddy sleep I can seem to manage just fine, but three or more nights really is tough.  The kids don't always nap at the same time, and, when they do, Maria will sometimes only nap in the Moby.  And then when I wake up to loads of laundry waiting to be folded and put away, dirty dishes in the sink, toys strewn about the floor, well, it takes a great act of the will not to sink into instant discouragement that sets the tone for my day.

So this is what I'm going to do with my tiredness today.  I'm going to offer it for a few specific intentions that friends have expressed -- several newly pregnant families, K who is getting married this week, D as she takes her nursing boards, and L as she awaits ankle surgery next month.  I'll keep each of you and your intentions close to me today.  I'm one tired momma, so I'm fully confident that you'll all get many prayers on your behalf!

And in the meantime...room sharing insights?

perspective

I read such an encouraging article today as I sat down to eat some lunch.  With a toddler napping and the little lady curled up in the Moby, I was searching for some encouragement in the midst of a busy, busy morning.

This morning went a little something like this: I started things off by sleeping right through my alarm.  That's seldom a good thing.  And, as fate would have it, everyone (myself included) woke up at the exact same time.  My dear husband hurried to jump in the shower and get out the door for the sometimes-dreaded Monday routine (out the door before 7am and not back home until 9pm).  Sweet Thomas awoke demanding milk, a diaper change ("change your diaper!"), and trucks (whodathunkit?).  Little Maria needed mommy milk and a diaper change as well, not to mention the cuddles she so freely gives and receives.  And all this, mind you, was happening in a two minute span.  I took about half a second to take a breath and then began to meet these needs.  When I walked into the kitchen, my glance was met by an overflow of dishes, pots, and pans that I was simply too tired and busy to do last night.  I then saw the mountain of shoes by the door, the crusted cheese on the table, and the toys scattered around the floor.  I realized I needed to wait to do my workout because I was behind on laundry (unless I wanted to work out in a skirt and wool sweater).  I felt so "behind," and I had been awake for a whopping five minutes.

And, as I sit here typing, the floor still has toys all over it.  The kitchen is still messy.  The laundry is nowhere near complete, and the shoes are still overtaking the doorway.  But, I know for myself that I've been working hard all morning.  I've nourished a baby several times over. I've changed at least five diapers.  I've got dinner in the crockpot.  I've made a number of necessary phone calls.  I've read books, played trucks, and completed puzzles with my almost-two year-old.  I've sung songs, kissed cheeks and bruises, done goofy dances, and even squeezed in a workout (and shower!).  Not too shabby for a morning, even if I don't have much to "show" for it.

It's so easy (for me at least) to only be judge my work in terms of product.  What an American I am - basing my worth on my utility!  Somehow it's all too often not enough that I know for myself how hard I was working.  Gosh darn it, I want other people to know it, too!  Silly, pervasive, relentless pride.  And then, that pride coupled with vanity, makes for a discouraged mother who overlooks her blessings completely and puts more stock in the way things look.

But what am I "looking" for exactly?  Do I really want a perfectly clean-everything in its place-spotless-tidied place to live?  Well, sometimes, yes.  But that is simply not a reality right now, and I would venture to guess that it's not a reality in any home housing children.

Check out some inspiration here.  The article says everything I wanted to say...only better.  And now I'm off to cuddle an infant.  Enjoy! 

help! my children are growing too quickly!

Several things happened tonight that made both of my children seem exponentially older.

Thomas ran up to me and said, "Wind up the chick please, Mommy!"  Just like that.  A full sentence (this is most definitely not his first sentence, but we've been working on asking for things politely and using more description than just the simple "please, Mommy") complete with nouns, a verb, and the bonus "please!"

Maria rolled over several times by herself from back to belly -- and seeing her sit in the Bumbo seat just makes her seem so much bigger and more mature :). 

My children are so beautiful -- and I am so blessed!

support this ministry. please!

Yesterday I had the greatest experience at a used furniture store that I've ever had.  And yes, I say that definitively.  Hands down, this shopping trip and the events that happened afterward were a total God-send.

To give you a little back story, I was desperately desiring a large rug for our kitchen.  You see, the entrance to our home is on the side of the house off the driveway rather than the front.  And I've found my stress levels increasing whenever we would enter our home because we would track water, dirt, salt, tiny sticks, gravel, and anything else that had worked its way into the crevices of the bottoms of our shoes.  Without a rug, this all pooled on the floor, causing wet socks, a falling toddler, a longer to-do list, and a frustrated mommy.  See how desperately we needed a rug?

I was on a mission yesterday.  I was going to find the perfect cheap rug.  And boy did I!

Some friends of ours had purchased a really nice used piece of furniture for their home at this store.  So I called them up, hoping to give this place our business as well.

With my adorable daughter and bestie Steph Thomas in tow, we walked into the low-lit, bustling world of used furniture.  I cut to the chase and asked where I could find rugs.  Steph and I found a handful of possibilities, but all of them had drawbacks (too small, awkward size, too many flowers...).  We almost left, heading toward the exit doors, but then decided to do another quick lap around. 

Lo and behold, we found the rug.  We both knew it without needing to say a word.  The problem?  No tag.  And we had just been told seconds earlier that any rug without a tag was not for sale.  But this was THE rug.  I had to ask -- at worst, they would say no; at best, we would walk out with a sure-to-be-stress-reducing rug!

"Excuse me, mam, there's a rug over there that doesn't have a tag.  But it is the perfect rug for my home.  Is there any chance you're willing to sell it?"  The kind saleswoman came over to take a look.  "You know, I don't see why not.  Let me go check."  She came back after a bit of consulting with her coworkers.  "We're willing to part with it for 115 dollars."  The look on my face must have been very telling of my concern as she quickly added, "I'm just kidding.  We'll give it to you for $15."  My face lit up - sold!

We headed to the check-out table where sweet Maria was pouring on the charm.  Between the constant smiles of my newborn and my excitement about this rug, I unknowingly left my wallet at the store.  Stephanie and I ran two more errands, all the while traveling without my license, debit card, credit card, insurance cards, and gift cards.

A few hours after we had arrived home, we were sitting at the dinner table with Drake sharing in light conversation.  A knock at the door came as a surprise as we weren't expecting anyone.  Drake turned on the outside light and opened the door.  "Excuse me, is this 233?" asked an unassuming woman.  "Yes...," Drake answered hesitantly.  "Can I ask you to verify the last name?" she asked.  Seconds after he did, she handed him a red wallet. "Oh good, I think your wife left this at our store today," she said as she peered into our kitchen.  I recognized her right away, though I couldn't seem to find the words in that unexpected moment to express my gratitude.  Drake thanked her verbally and with a heartfelt smile, and she headed back to her car.

I have written all this to beg you to support Jubliee Furniture.  The people at this store went above and beyond in seemingly every way possible.  Not only did they sell me a rug that they hadn't intended on parting with, but they then HAND DELIVERED my wallet (and consequently a number of my most important personal belongings) right to my door.  I am still in some shock over the whole ordeal and intend to recommend this business to everyone I know.  If you live in the Chicago suburbs or know people who do or happen to be visiting up this way, I am pleading with you to check out this store and spread the word.  The people are obviously incredible people of God, and they have some high-quality furniture that just might fit your fancy (and your budget!). 

Thank you again, Jubilee.  I will undoubtedly be back.  May the Lord bless you and your ministry!