Eleven Months

Today my baby is 11 months old.


I set aside time this morning before church to take some pictures.  We went outside and she did this.


She’s got three new teeth in her mouth this morning, and by 9 a.m. it had already been a long day.


The only time she was cheerful was when her big sister joined her and their backs were to me.


Some things I want to remember about her at this age:

She loves to squat on her feet, then stand up in the middle of the room (instead of climbing up on something and then letting go) She’s taken 4 steps on her own.
She likes to steal her sister’s passa.
Yesterday morning she woke up saying “ma ma da da” in her crib.  So cute!
She’s amazing on her knees.  She can rotate from knees to feet and turn in a complete circle with her hands in the air.  I’ve never seen anything like it.
She loves to kneel, sitting on her heels and then bounce.  She can get her body completely off the floor by bouncing too hard.
She hasn’t met a food she doesn’t like.
She still likes to lay her head on my shoulder.  Now she puts one arm up around my neck and gives me a big squeeze at the same time.
She can sit in a “v” when she’s in the grass, with arms and legs up to avoid being pricked.
She loves being in the bath, and especially likes to stick her head under the faucet.


She’s a cutie, even when she’s hurting.

Hopeful Homemaker

There she goes!

My little one conquered the stairs in one great climb.
(Note:  the pictures aren’t great, but all that matters to me is that I witnessed it and was able to get pictures at all!)












Then she was on her way down the hall to the toy room and all the big kids (her fan club).

Watching children grow is bittersweet.  I was at once filled with happiness for her independence, satisfaction with her growth, and sadness that in 2 minutes I watched a part of my precious baby disappear – forever.  That familiar heart-clenching ache and tears stinging my eyes were a silent salute to all that growth entails, the beginnings and the endings, and as much as I’d like it all to just pause , I know that the best course is to gather yet another moment into my heart and adjust.  It’s what mothers do.

Hopeful Homemaker

Cherry Harvest



It’s no secret that I love my cherry trees.  I love watching them change with the seasons and wait anxiously for the beautiful red cherries to appear.


This year our harvest is much smaller than last year.  Where last year there were large groups of cherries, this year we have only a few here and there.  Still, my heart fills grateful for the cherries we have.  Our livelihood doesn’t depend on our trees; they are icing on the cake, something that makes life rich and full.  Our needs are being met, and God still blesses us with cherries!  Instead of canning and making jam, this year we’ll choose one special dish to prepare.


The most interesting thing of all has been our second tree.  The one that’s not as pretty, the one I don’t expect too much from.  Most of our cherries are on this “less productive” tree.   The “better” tree is almost entirely barren of fruit.  Just when I thought I had them figured out, God reminds me that everything can bring forth fruit in its own time.

I love the spiritual tutoring that comes with everyday life.  I learned a lot today.

Jennifer

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