So Big

August Birthdays

Happy 6th Birthday Kaitlyn!

Happy 33rd Birthday Andy! (This is a rare treat all the Fitzgerald kids together in one place, thanks everyone for coming over and celebrating!)

And last, but certainly not least Happy Birthday Ashleigh and thanks so much for coming to visit us.

Wheat and Weeds

Don't you love when you get something you didn't ask for? I mentioned in another post that I question why evil things are allowed to happen in our world and why God, knowing that these things would happen went ahead with creation. Well, ask (or wonder about something in your blog in a nonspecific way) and you shall receive.



The next Sunday we had a guest speaker at church. I don't know what yall think of guest speakers but generally they illicit groans and eye rolling from me and Andy. They just never seem to be as good as the preacher, they are often nervous and of course we have one everyone time we bring someone new. So, the guest speaker gets up and to our surprise and relief he was a former staff member at our church and he is a great speaker and teacher. He preached on the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds from Matthew 13:24-30. It is an excellent sermon and I highly recommend listening to it if you have any interest in the topic of evil in our world today and why it exists.



The other answer I unexpectedly got came from a book I am reading called The Shack by William P. Young. This book was highly recommended to me by Andy's brother, Scott. I don't want to ruin it for anyone who might be interested but basically it is a father who's world is turned upside down when his daughter is abducted and most likely murdered. He has an incredible meeting with God and has a lot of tough questions to ask Him. This book has really opened my heart and mind about the nature of God and our relationship with Him.



I still struggle with the brokeness of our world and all the pain I see in it. It is truly overwhelming at times but the hope I have come away with is that we are not alone and we do not have to live in fear. This world is far from what is was created to be but thankfully we have a Savior who longs to show us what life can really be like.

Gameface

You're on. As soon as I can walk.

Homemade

When I was a kid homemade was not something I appreciated. I wanted store bought, plastic, and individually wrapped. I liked the macaroni and cheese in the blue box, not the stuff my mom made from scratch. I did not see the point in making your own clothes, growing vegetables in the backyard or cooking at home. Wouldn't you rather eat out and buy for convenience. Thankfully I have gotten over that way of thinking. Through the years I have come to appreciate the things I thought were second rate as a child. It isn't embarassing to wear things you have made. It is actually fun to show off what you have accomplished. It is a great feeling to make something from start to finish. I have discovered that creating is fun.

Often times I wonder why God made earth and people. Knowing how badly things could go it just seems maybe he would have skipped all the trouble. However, when I think about creation I realize what a good time He must have had (and still has) making all things new. Creation is a continual process, everytime a child is born a new creation begins, ready to grow, from start to finish. God must be so proud to show off what he has made. I know I don't always make Him proud but thankfully he looks past the flaws and imperfections.

Above are some of my creations. A diaper bag (this picture is for you Geraldine) and strawberry jam. Although I can't take full credit because the plants are doing the growing I am tending to vegetables that will become food that I will make for my family. Maybe it is motherly instinct but I love that fact that I can make things that will provide and take care of those I love most. Below is the most precious thing I have ever made and the one I am most proud of.

The little things. . .

First time eating cereal (you can't tell but he loves it!)

Rolling over from back to tummy, still working on the reverse

Edward's new ride, he graduated to the jogging stroller.

Granna's Visit

We were blessed to have my mom (or Granna as she is now known) come to Denver and visit us this weekend. Edward and I picked her up at the airport Saturday morning and she was with us until Monday evening. It was great to have her, she barely let Ed out of her arms all weekend. Thanks to her I was able to finish my sewing project - a diaper bag (inspired by LA's friend Darby- thanks!). It is amazing what you can accomplish with a few hours of dedicated time. I think about that alot, I used to clean my whole house in one morning, now it takes two days. I remember the days when I had all the time I wanted to accomplish something, now I just squeeze things in between feedings, diaper changes and all the times Edward demands my attention. It has made me slow down, realize it is not the end of the world if everything isn't perfect and just the way I want it. It has made me appreciate sitting on the swing, taking a walk and just hanging out.

Fresh vegetables from Alabama preceeded Granna's arrival so we enjoyed some real southern cooking (fresh tomatoes, blueberry cobbler, fried okra, green beans, peas and squash). I appreciated all the vegies especially because I have managed to produce only 1 tomato so far. I still have hope for my little garden I am just trying to be patient. Monday Andy and I went to work and Edward spent all day with his grandmother needless to say I came home to two very happy campers.

Thanks for a great visit Granna.