Millie turns 3!

I was in a state of shock for the first year of Annie's life, with Millie I caved early, melted into a puddle, and decided not to fight it.

It's been such a joy to watch our little Millie come out of her shell this year. She speaks so well that sometimes I forgot she was only 2! She speaks with a little lisp, and sings night and day about the fact that "SHE IS THE PRINCESS". In other words, we best not forget it.

Amelia loves her "fings".  That is, her lovies, her blankies, her dolls. She wants them all, right next to her. She is a sweet balance of baby and independence. She wants to be in charge, but she still wants you to get her out of the bed. I am ok with that.

She's not potty trained, and that is entirely my fault. I have a million excuses, none that are good. We'll get there.

I kept Millie home this year, so we've spent many a day tromping throughout Tulsa. She's been my little side kick, and it's been good for us.

With that said, HELLLOOO Mom's day out. Yes, We'll be seeing you next Fall.

I've really enjoyed seeing Millie and Annie form a friendship. Millie always asks about Annie throughout the day, and I feel so thankful they have each other.

Sisters are the best.

It is strange to feel so connected to these little beings, and yet they still remain kind of a mystery.

Millie seems to be athletically inclined, but she loves to dance. Where will this life take her and her talents?

These are the kind of things that weigh on my heart. Will I be in tune enough to her gifts to encourage them and help her (and Annie) pursue them? So much of life seems to be about finding our way-  I just want to be the best advocate for my girls that I can be.

So there you go. She's three.

a little link...

One day, when my thoughts are little more processed, I will write a nice long blog entry about my journey to the Catholic church.

BUT, until then, This lovely soul has written something so close to my own experience, I thought I would share.

I am not trying to convert NOBODY. Let's just be clear about that, but I find myself often just wanting to explain, but it always feels like too much or not enough.

So, until then, I shall ride on the more articulate wings of women I have stumbled upon.

Link here:

"I did not move toward Catholicism from a place of certainty. I moved from a place of desire. And I did not walk steadily toward it. I took a flailing, reckless leap." 

Remember your words

It took 5 years,  but I had my first "girls" weekend with some local friends. Ironically, all but one have moved to Texas, but it was such a gift to spend time with these women. Friendships are like a long, winding road, sometimes filled with hours of conversation, and sometimes filled with silence. This past weekend we talked for hours, drank lots of coffee, shopped, ate some more, laughed and cried. These kind of friendships have sustained me my entire life, and I would be lost without this beautiful gift. Thank you JESUS, in every way, for this gift. Seriously.

People talk about their favorite things. Friendship is probably my most favorite. I would take one of the these weekends every year over the most exotic vacation. It is that life giving.

When I moved to Tulsa, one of the things I told myself was that every place I have lived, I have met someone I could not imagine not knowing.

I had my doubts about Tulsa, but those words have proven true.

Annie's heart

Millie fell asleep today, and Annie would not leave her side. She said, "I will watch over her until she wakes up." I adore moments when I capture someone, anyone, in their glory. Annie is that kind of person, she will TAKE CARE OF YOU. She's a sinner, too. I deal with that every day, just like every other human. That is the thing we always fight against. That is thing that exhausts me, makes me sad. But then, you have this moment and all the rest of the hard moments fly away, and you see, really see someone the way God made them. So beautiful and so thankful God gives us these windows- ones that are so often dim, become so clear. God makes beautiful things.