Monthly thoughts plus pictures

Brandon and I celebrate 3 years of marriage this week!!! It has been an exciting ride filled with many, many  wonderful memories. I have learned more in these three years than I could ever have imagined... much about life interwoven with another, about selflessness, communication, grace, letting things go, keeping a house, the joy of friendship, learning to focus more on what is truly important, along with lessons in spiritually journeying with another. The list goes on and yet, the journey has just begun. But I've also learned that these things need to be learned. I knew marriage would be challenging and would take work, but I had this idea that once you say "I do," the two lives immediately become one. For twenty years I lived as one, and to change that way of life and thinking takes time, effort, and learning. I fail often, but the growth has been challenging and good and I am so thankful for these three years!

And the learning continues now that we have added a child to the mix. The two biggest things I have realized and battled with this month is that, being a parent and a wife not only means I have to be flexible, but I must also be deliberate about growing my marriage and using my time wisely. Since, as a mom, you spend so much time with your kids, and their little smiles are so amazingly cute and innocent, while their cries are so demanding, it is easy to let them be your life and be captivated by them, rather than making your husband and your marriage your priority. Building the marriage relationship takes time and it will always be a battleground.

In fact, I've been reminded that all relationships take time to flourish, including my relationship with God (which is another one of Satan's favorite battlegrounds). Sometimes I don’t know what to read or pray and I question what I would gain that I haven't read over or prayed about before, but it's never wasted. He’s been faithful to use the time invested in so many ways. Realizing there is more growth and work ahead as a wife, a parent, and a disciple of Christ can be discouraging, but as I processed many of these things this month, I am reminded and encouraged that struggle is proof that you have not yet been conquered. Plus I am thankful for a gracious God.

Anyway, back to where I started... our anniversary! To celebrate, our little family headed off on a weekend trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, with a detour to the Brown Palace and Celestial Seasonings tea factory. While at RMNP, Kaylee had her first experience of traveling up to 12,000 feet and over the Continental Divide. It was a good weekend spent time together in conversation and exploring as we drove and hiked through the beautiful area. This summer, we have mostly been enjoying God's hand seen in the creation of Kaylee's little life but it was good for us to get out and experience God's amazing work in His creation of the Colorado high country as well.  The aspen trees were beautiful and the elk so majestic. The waterfalls were captivating and the mountain tops breathtaking. In the little and the big, God truly is a marvelous Creator.


Yet, we also saw a lot of destruction in the park. This little tiny bug, called the pine beetle, has killed so many of the beautiful evergreens, leaving the hillsides covered in grey instead of a brilliant green. They left with them an ugly scar. I realized that this happens in my life too. I let little things suck the life right out of me. Even the littlest of sins not dealt with can leave a big, ugly scar. And it seemed with the trees, what is needed is for something to sweep in and clean it out. What came to mind, is a fire just sweeping through, but after what we saw happen in Colorado Springs, it seems like an extreme and potentially devastating measure to take. Yet, I know in my life, it often takes radical measures. What I need is the Spirit to sweep through like a fire and purify my heart. I'm not always willing to let the fire run its course, but I know God desires to cleanse and rid the scars and habits of sin.

On a lighter note... (I warned you early on that I often see the more depressing side of things)... this past month, we also had fun going to the State Fair, concerts in the park, hanging out with Kaylee's  grandparents, uncles, aunt, great-grandma, great-aunt plus many other friends, along with spending time in the Breckenridge area where we hiked, shopped, swam, and flew kites. (It's easier to get away with our kiddish tendencies now that we actually have a little one... :) haha). We also enjoyed part of the Balloon festival in Colorado Springs, which was fun. For the most part, Kaylee has been a wonderful little trooper through it all. She is a happy little girl, and I just love being her mom. There are times after I put her to bed, I just want to sneak in her room and watch her sleep because I miss her too much to wait until morning. (But then again, on the nights when she is up every other hour, I often think it would be rather nice if I didn't see her until morning).

Others seems to enjoy Kaylee as well, which makes us smile. However, what catches me off guard is when  people say how perfect she is. I often voice my disagreement, knowing Kaylee already has very selfish tendencies and not wanting her to grow up with this flawed view of herself and the sin that will be inevitably apart of her life. However, as someone commented on her perfectness again the other day, I realized that yes, she isn't perfect, but she is perfectly made. And it is important for Kaylee and me to realize that there are no flaws in the way God created her. Yes, she was born a sinner but how she was made is truly perfect.

It's funny though, that already, even though she is a sweet little girl and cute as can be, there are many time when she throws a fit until she gets just what she wants, whether it is food, a different position, or a certain jossle. In fact, I have already begun to wonder when and how I teach her that she doesn't always get her way. She has some pipes on her and she will let you know if she's not getting exactly that. You know... we are a lot like that too but during the terrible twos we begin to learn we have to voice our dissatisfaction in other, more society-appropriate ways. Sure we don't scream our head off, but we manipulate, talk behind others backs, complain, bribe, talk with a certain tone in our voice, or let bitterness rein in our hearts when life doesn't work out how we like. Hum... I guess this is a "start" to becoming like little children but I think Jesus had other intentions with that statement. :)

Kaylee does more than just try to get her way, though. :) She is actually quite fun these days. She is babbling more and more. She loves chewing on her hand, holding her head up, grabbing things, smiling, and giggling. She is always wanting to move and enjoys interacting with others. She is a joy and we are thankful for her!

Below... The aspens, elk, waterfall, and mountain tops :) 

Plus... more pictures from this past month

 State Fair

On a hike northwest of Breckenridge - Cataract Lake

 Sneakin' a peek

 The perfect lounger (at a concert in the park)

Balloon Glow

Along for the ride as Mom and Dad play Frisbee golf

Just about has the core strength and neck muscles to sit up

I just love having a third size of sock to fold. 
It makes laundry a little easier to do when there is such cute miniature little clothes to fold

 Gettin' those yummy fingers

 When she is in her carseat and can't be held, she loves holding onto my finger 

when she is sad or sleepy or unsure... personally I don't mind it either :)

Happy girl

Silly girl

 Beginning to develop a personality for sure

 Giggles

 Uncontainable smiles