Quote of the Week: Sacrifice

Sacrifice is the ecstasy of giving the best I have to the ones I love most. - Allysa Welch

Meditations: How deep the Father's love for us . . .

. . . how vast beyond all measure!

I'm starting to get a new perspective, a tiny glimpse of God's love these past few months. As new parents, we are so delighted with our little girl. She doesn't even have to do anything, we love her just because she is ours! We enjoy caring for her, providing for her, and putting her in an environment that will stimulate her growth. Sometimes we have to do things that she's not very happy about, but it is always in her best interests and never to cause her harm.

Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called children of God! 1John 3:1a

All the same things are true of the Father's love for us. We cannot do anything to earn His love, nor do we need to. He delights to care and provide for us, and he puts us in an environment tailor-made to stimulate our growth. Sometimes He allows things that we're not very happy about, but it is always in our best interests and never to cause us harm.

As for me, I think about Alaina literally all the time. Doesn't matter if I'm reading, working, watching a movie or in the middle of an interesting conversation, I'm always aware of where she is, what she's doing and what she needs.

Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. Is 49:15

What a staggering thought that the God who spoke the world into existence and knows each star by name is always, constantly mindful of me! What a comfort to know that His heart is soft and tender towards his children.

Not to say that you're a child of God simply because you're alive. Every person who reads this is a unique creation of God, but to become His child you have receive Him as your Father, and believe in Him as such.

As many as received him [Christ], to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. - John 1:12

But for those who have received His wonderful gift of Fathership, what a blessing and privilege to be under His amazing care!

No surprising revelations here, just a new perspective on old truth. ;-)

A Few Dear Ones

Grandpa Bud and Gramma Glenna.

My Grandparents have invested so much in my life! I have always been very close to them, so it is a delight to get to introduce my little girl to them. What a blessing they are to us!

Grandpa and Grandma Sisson.

One more special friend I was very excited to bring Alaina to see:

Miss Jaimie!

I miss all you guys, so it's great to have seen you!

Three Months

I have to get these posted before they become outdated. Out little girl is getting so big!

At 15 lbs, 1 oz, Alaina has more than doubled her birth weight. She is 24 1/2 inches tall, so I'm putting away the 0-3 month clothes in favor of the 3-6 month outfits.

We're having so much fun now that she is smiling and "talking"! Alaina grins at almost anyone who takes the time to talk with her, and has an ever broadening range of coos and sounds that are just delightful to listen to.

Now, for a very recent picture. She seems to be going through a growth spurt . . .

 

 

. . . or at least her hair is.

We'll have to do better at keeping her out of her Daddy's miracle grow . ;-)

Visiting Castles and Such

Time for my long promised account of our other travels!

Our other recent weekend excursion was an overnight stay at the Stronghold, a Castle-summer home built in the 1930s.  I was delighted at the opportunity to dress up (I always have loved to!) and to get to see so many friends!

Nate and I got to call an English Country Dance, which I really enjoyed. I haven't had a chance to call since before getting married. (If you've seen any of the Jane Austen movies - Pride and Prejudice, etc.- you've seen English Country Dancing.) It was great fun!

We were not the only ones to dress in period attire:

Not everyone came in costume though. I still have hopes of making Kyle some old fashioned attire some day, although I think it will have to be some historical period that does not require men to wear tights. ;-)

 

The H. family did a LOT of work hosting the weekend, and it really showed in all the creative fun and thoughtful details! Below, Lady Faith, Lady Chrystal and Lady Melody.

Alaina joined the others for her first game of Live Backgammon. Come to think of it, it was probably everyone's first live game!

 

I wish I had gotten more pictures of the castle itself. The Rumplestilskin Room and Library were so beautifully painted, and what fun to have an actual secret passage!

My thanks to Faith and the rest of the H. family! It was lovely to be together, not to mention the fun games, delicious food and interesting (and in some cases, creative) castle tours!

Oh, yes! Also some lovely singing! :-)