In His Hands

finding my voice

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:58:00 +0000

Once upon a time, I used to write here in this little space nearly every day.

It was like breathing. Or washing my hair. Or something.

Wake up. Brush teeth. Smooch husband. Eat. Take care of child. Blog. Eat. Sleep.

I've taken breaks before, but it's been months and months since I last typed out a post or even thought about writing one. I couldn't pinpoint exactly why. Changes and busyness and needing a breather from the internets are a few reasons. As I folded a mountain of my sweaters today, I thought more about why I've tucked my pen away. The answer hit me square between the eyes.

I had lost my voice.

Or I hushed it for a while.

I go through seasons when I need to listen more. A time when it's important and wonderful for things to soak in and simmer without my own voice getting in the way. It's necessary to create space and slow down enough for me to hear the sound of my breath and the beating of my heart. Sometimes that trumps writing and sharing and hitting the publish button on a blog. Those are times when it's good to just be.

This afternoon as I piled those sweaters onto the shelves of my closet, I felt the tug to write and to share again. So here I am, imperfect and fumbling over the keyboard and not at all in my blogging groove and....smiling. Because even though breathers are good, I missed this.

I won't make any sweet promises or grand writing plans because I can't be trusted and would probably fail before tomorrow's end. So I'll just say that I'll listen to those tugs when they come along and write because I still believe every word of this paragraph I wrote last October:

"I don't scrapbook or journal so this is my space to share and record all the things I want to remember and keep alive. This is where I get my chat on. This spot is where family and friends can come to get glimpses into our days and hear my rambling thoughts. I want for Josiah to be able to come here when he's older to read and laugh and know me and my heart more. To see himself, his childhood, his journey through the eyes of his mama."

And that's all she wrote.
For tonight.

taking care // move

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 21:48:00 +0000

Since ringing in the new year two months ago, I can count on one little hand how many days I have not worked out. The old me (cliche anyone?) would've hollered that it's a miracle of miracles, but the new me isn't all that surprised. The combo of 1) making the decision and commitment to move everyday and 2) knowing myself and what works best for me, has led me to a happy, sweaty place of truly enjoying and craving exercise.

What, what?!! I know.

My routine is very simple. I wake up early. This is key because I know how I tick. If I wait until the day and it's activities are well underway, I lose the motivation and may not fit it in. So while Josh and Si are still snoozin' away in warm beds, I rub sleep from my eyes and hop on the treadmill for a few miles while I catch up on all my favorite Netflix shows. Another key! I've discovered that running + entertaining television = I keep moving. It's a win win in my book! Once the warm weather comes, I plan on taking my runs outside in the fresh air. The treadmill is a huge lifesaver for me in this bitter cold, but there's nothing like pounding down our open country roads, the sun on my face and good tunes in my ears.

When I'm done on the treadmill, I do basic strength training using my own body weight or light hand weights 4-5 days each week for about 20 minutes. I use the Max Capacity Training App on my phone for this and LOVE it! Because left to my own devises, I can be a clueless mess. I need to be told exactly what to do (push ups, lunges, squats, yada yada) and exactly how long to do them (thank you, timer!). Every once in a while, I will pop in a workout video or follow a routine I found on Pinterest to mix things up, but the majority of the time I stick with my normal routine because it works for me.

If you're struggling, but it has been on your heart to make the commitment to move more often, I would suggest that you pray to God to help you and guide you! That is not a strange prayer at all. He is there for you in every single aspect of your life and maintaining a healthy body is a big part of it! He will give you the strength you need.

I'd also recommend discovering what works for you :: at the gym or at home. group classes or on your own. all at once or broken up throughout the day. jogging or yoga. organized sports or walks around the block. outside or inside. morning or evening. I'm 100% convinced that in order to stick with a commitment to move, you must know yourself when it comes to exercise. What works well for others will not necessarily be the best for you! I know that I enjoy working out solo at home in the mornings. Knowing that about myself, it would be a silly move to get a gym membership and sign up for all sorts of evening group classes because I will dread going or not go at all.

So that's that! So simple, but so effective. In the last few months, I've seen great benefits from moving every day. I don't smile through every workout and I'm not perfect or hardcore or super fit. But I feel strong! I feel more energized! I've lost weight! It's almost like our bodies were made to move. :) Taking care of this one body, this temple God has made is becoming more and more important to me. This is a wonderful way I can bring Him glory! And thank Him for His goodness. And not only do I feel good and confident, my positive mood is a benefit to my family and all those around me. All that from less than an hour of moving each morning? I think I'll keep it up. :)

for more chatter on taking care ::

taking care, a series

taking care // fill me up, pour me out

vintage february

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:57:00 +0000

February is a winner. It never disappoints.

It may have it's downfalls (hello! it's winter!), but it holds so. much. happy. And happy wins.

Here's the proof.

My birthday.

I turned 31 last week and I'm convinced they are right. The 30s are the bomb. More on that later.

Valentine's Day.

We really don't do gifts and such, but the hubs and I lived it up at a February 14th wedding and there are swoony vintage valentines clipped up on our kitchen chalkboard. I could stare at those beauties allll day. They're staying 4-ever.

Memories of days of yore.

Josh first wooed me with his dimples 12 years ago this month. For that V-Day he got me a BIG CARD (see photos below) that I've kept and shall keep for my entire lifetime. He had his college buddy cross out all of the "Loves" and change them to "Likes", of course. In calligraphy. It was that big card that first got me to smooch him outside my freshman dormitory. I knew then that he was a keeper.

Happy, happy love month to you, loves.

I pray you are loved well. And that you love well. Every month of the year.

Does February hold any special memories for you? I'd love to hear. Anyone else with a BIG Card? I must know.

xoxo

taking care // fill me up, pour me out

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:41:00 +0000

The last time I wrote in this little space of mine, I invited you to come alongside me as I chat about anything and everything taking care. It's been well over a week and I've left you hanging, so let's start this thing already, friends! Pour yourself a cup of something and pull up a chair.

When I think of taking care, my mind drifts from dreamy sleep to eating well, exercise routines and skincare products. Those are all important and you can bet your cookie I'm going to bring 'em up. Eventually. For today, though, it's only fitting that I start with the most beautiful, wonderful, important, crucial, special thing I can do to care for myself. And that is to nurture my relationship with God.

It's in Jesus that I find true-blue and lasting comfort and forgiveness, rest and peace, joy and love, contentment and energy. All of the good stuff. His love inspires and motivates. Jesus is the balm to my hurts. The joy to my day. The calm for my fears. The friend who is always there.

He is my greatest gift, my most precious treasure.

If knowing God more isn't taking care, then I don't know what is.

To list every way I can grow closer to Him would have me here all the live long day, so I'll share a few simple but powerful avenues the Lord has provided for me (for all of us!) to know Him more.

*His Word My Bible reading has never been perfect. Far from it! I have wondered at times where to start, which chapters to focus on, how much to read each day. All this seemed silly to me after printing out a read-the-Bible-in-one-year plan. The plan tells me exactly what to read, how much to read, when to read it. Starting with Genesis and going straight through to Revelation seemed the best choice for me, while other plans mix things up a bit. Now, this doesn't mean that I always and forever only stick to the plan, but it's a wonderful guide and has given me direction, which I most certainly need. Plus, I love running my handy yellow highlighter over the day's reading. It's the simple things in life that thrill me!

*Prayer I'm going to confess something now. I am officially the worst bedtime prayer person of.all.time. I do say them with Josiah when he is being tucked in for the night, but since I am out like a light the very second my head hits the pillow, prayers at that time are usually not happening. Instead, I find myself having my chats with God during the mundane, still moments of my day - when I'm blow drying my hair, putting away dishes, stirring the pot, vacuuming crumbs, pulling wet clothes from the washing machine. The more I pray during these times, the more it happens and pours out and becomes a wonderful habit.

*Devotions Jesus Calling is one of my favorites that I open up nearly every morning. It's short and sweet and somehow, someway, the words are always fitting, like they were written oh so perfectly just for that moment, just for me. :)

*Memorizing scripture Knowing verses by heart is such a beautiful, comforting gift I can give to myself! I've chosen to focus on one passage each week to give me time to understand the meaning and allow the words to soak in. Have you heard of French Press Mornings? It is a lovely site that offers the prettiest, most encouraging scripture cards. I print out one of the free printables, stick it on the fridge, and use it as a tool to help me memorize a passage every week.

*Books I have a list that's nearly fourteen miles long of amazing, though-provoking, life-changing, heart-poking Godly books I must.read.today. The Preacher Man just brought home a 400 pager today for me to add to my stack. I'm continually inspired by others who are inspired by Him. And so I read. And read. And read.

*Community Taking care of my relationship with God includes surrounding myself with those who encourage me in my faith. Whether I'm asking Josh questions as we relax in the evening, sitting in the pew on Sunday morning with my church family, or chatting in an online space or across the table from friends, there are opportunities for conversations that build me up, challenge me, and draw me closer to them and to Him.

I fill myself up with my Jesus and pray that He spills out into every part of my life.
He is where taking care begins. Nothing else matters without Him.

taking care, a series

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 02:04:00 +0000

Take care!

I pen it at the bottom of a handwritten note. I type it in a text to a friend. I smile and say it when I'm parting ways with an acquaintance at the grocery store or hanging up the phone with a loved one. When I write or speak those words, I mean them. My heart wants the people on the receiving end to truly take care of themselves, the best they can.

But when I examine my daily life pressed up against those words, what do I see? Am I taking care? Treating myself well? Living healthfully? Drawing closer to God? Doing what brings me joy? Being the best me I can be?

Honestly, since moving to Michigan over 3 years ago, I have done a less than stellar job of taking care of myself well. I wasn't exercising as much, eating as healthfully, sleeping enough, being as good about carving out time for things important to me or always making time with God a priority.

I had my reasons.

We had moved a new place. I was overwhelmed and sad and lonely. I was a new mom.
This was a season when I needed to give myself some lack and heaps of grace.
But then it took a turn :: I was tired. I was busy. I put others before myself. I was lazy. I was waiting for the perfect time to do this or start that or try this.

Read : excuses.

The stars never aligned. And I rode the excuse train for far too long.

Haven't we all fallen into that trap sometime or another? And haven't we become more discouraged and held onto our excuses more when we look at that gal. The one who ran 4 miles, washed, dried, and folded 2 loads of laundry, read a novel, cooked a healthy breakfast, did a craft project, taught half the alphabet to her fully clothed, smiling children - before 9 in the AM. All while wearing a fabulous outfit, her hair perfectly styled.

I don't know about you, but I can't measure up to that. I see her and I quit on me.

But I'm not her. (Does she even exist?? If she does, rock on, sister) I am me. The only me there is and ever will be. And I truly, honestly want to be the very best me. All of me. Inside and out. Sometime after this new year began, a switch flipped and I'm more determined than ever to make this happen.

I'm not striving for perfection here. Perfection is not realistic or attainable. Me and my Type B self are reaching for grace. For calm, for health, for growth. There's a stirring inside me and I just have to talk about it. With you. And you and you.

Over the next few weeks, I'm going to share my heart and thoughts, questions and opinions on taking care. I have a rough draft of an outline and can promise it's going to be a mixed bag of goodness. You can look forward to me chatting your pretty little ears off about everything from sleep and skin, to the spiritual and simple, to soup and sweat.

All the S's will be covered.

I promise other letters will be used, too.

I'm no expert, dears. I'm simply a girl who wants to be the best version of the mind/body/spirit God made, on this side of heaven. The One who took the time and the care to knit me together, to create me as His own dear child, is calling me to live a full life. Taking care is one of the million ways I can serve my Creator and bring Him glory.

I'm learning that I am an all-around-better wife, mother, friend, Christian, etc. when I pour care into myself. I want to be filled up to the brim with Him so that I can pour more and more into my people. And everyone else in my world and beyond.

So dear ones, will you come with me on this journey? I sure do hope you will. Because we are each unique, special creations, me taking care of me isn't going to fully line up and be exactly the same as you taking care of you. But no matter where you are at in life (mama, college girl, grandmother, etc. etc.), I know we can all learn from each other and grow together.

So join me? Pretty please! With sprinkles on top. This will be WAY more fun if you jump on in.

I'l be back soon. xo

*photo credit*

dear january

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 02:11:00 +0000

Dear January,

You started out a bit of a stinker, with your bitter winds and snowy drifts keeping us housebound for dayssssss beyond the breaking point. But I will give you this - you redeemed yourself by providing oodles of free time spent cuddled up indoors devouring stacks and stacks of reads, playing dress up, catching up on long forgotten projects, and crafting our little hearts out. Oh, and binging (bingeing?) on Netflix shows. There was definitely that. When we did brave your cold, we were in awe of your simple beauty - the magical way the (rare) sunshine shimmied through the icicles on the trees and the snowy trails of deer tracks through the backyard. Even on your hard-ish days, you were filled to the brim with the good stuff - smiles shared, the giggles during bath time, warm handmade hats from dear friends, and dinnertime sillies just to name a few. So thanks a bunch, January, for the memories we now get to tuck away for keeps. And for keeping us on our toes by kicking off 2014 with some unexpected, but happy twists.

Until next year! xo

*A handful of blogging gals I read always write letters at the end of each month. I think it's the perfect way to remember, reflect, and wrap things up with words and photos! So this is the start of me tying up each month with a bow in 2014.*

tie your scarf on tight

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 04:03:00 +0000

I have one word for you.

Scandal.

Ohmyword. Why didn't y'all tell me about this show? The minute I clicked play on the first episode, I was hooked. Actually obsessed might be the better word. I've blown through more episodes in the last week than I am willing to admit. I gasp and ooohhh my way through each 42 minute installment on Netflix and when it ends, I cannot help myself from starting the next. It's embarrassing and pathetic. And awesome. This show gets me through my treadmill runs and makes folding piles of laundry fun. Yes, fun. I know! It's some kind of miracle.

Dear Olivia Pope. I want your wardrobe. And your gumption. Throw in your smarts, too, and your apartment and your cheekbones. I'll take it all.

In other news, the polar vortex snow monster rages on leaving roads unsafe and school cancelled and my sanity in question. Have mercy! I refused to stay locked inside all the live long day, so Si and I bundled up and headed out into the elements. It was definitely chilly, but cold schmold! Breathing in the fresh air was good for the lungs and the head and the heart. We shuffled and skipped our way through the snow and around our circle playing follow the leader, pointing out bird nests and making snow angels.

Today's winter walk gets a gold star. I think we'll take another tomorrow, scarves not optional.

And now it's prime time for slippers and a show. I bet you can't guess which one.

Stay warm, dears. xo

library stacks

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:26:00 +0000

One of my favorite places in all the land is the library. Maybe that sounds nerdy, but it's true. I'm owning it.

Nerdy is the new black. Or something.

Back in the day, I used to work in the children's department of a local library and it was a match made in paperback heaven. I got to read and chat it up about books like it was my job. And it was. Also, I never had to pay late fees, which is a dream come true for a girl who can't seem to return anything on time.

Oh, I miss that job! So to fill the card-catalog-sized hole in my heart, I browse the stacks of our library once a weekish. I always pull up my ever growing Amazon "good reads" wishlist on my phone and hunt down the titles that catch my eye. Si tags along most of the time and marches behind me with his arms full of Mo Willems and Star Wars and Jan Brett. Then we do story-time or music class and hang out in the kiddo area flipping pages and playing trains. He loves it, of course. I'm raising my boy right.

Since I dig talking books, I thought I'd share this week's library stack. I can't give a thumbs up or down just yet for all of these as I'm slowly working through them.

Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food // This book changed my life, dears. No joke. Life changer. Here's a quote. >> I had to get honest enough to admit it: I relied on food more than I relied on God. I craved food more than I craved God. Food was my comfort. Food was my reward. Food was my joy. Food was what I turned to in times of stress, sadness, and even in times of happiness. << Hellllooooo conviction. This book opened my eyes to the way I have used food, instead of God, to fill gaps and holes, and in those situations I'm always left wanting. My cravings should always be for Him, more of Him, not more chocolate. He is the only one who can truly satisfy. UPDATE! My girl, Sarah, is giving away a free copy over on her blog. Check it out!

Where'd You Go, Bernadette // A few friends have recommended this novel to me and I'm itching to start it. I heard it's a unique, delightful, and witty read.

The Giver // I'm scratching my head as to why I never was assigned to read this in elementary school?? Word on the street is that it's going to be made into a film. I have a firm rule that books must be read before I head into the theater (or Redbox) and I'm sticking to it.

The Husband's Secret // This is the read of the month for my fab sister-in-law's book club. She was telling me all about their group over Christmas and now I'm green with jealousy. I want a fun book club! I appointed myself an honorary member. I mean, I am reading the same book.

Gone Girl // I'm about a third of the way through this thriller and can't flip the pages fast enough. I did have to quit reading it at night before bed, though, because it was giving me weirdo dreams. Be warned, it is not a lighthearted book and it doesn't use the cleanest language (swear word alert!), but the story is intriguing and twisted and I'm on the edge of my seat. Oh, and Ben Affleck is set to play the main role in the upcoming movie. I sorta like him.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking // I started this in the fall but had to return it to the library before finishing it. I'm fascinated with personality and behavioral traits, self quizzes and the like, so this book is right up my alley. I've always thought of myself as the introverted extrovert, an equalish balance of both since I am a child of one of each. This book is giving me a lot to ponder.

That's it for this stack! What are you reading, friends? Do share!

saturday saved

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 21:20:00 +0000

We stumble into our Saturday morning with tears and stubbornness and consequences, all before ten in the am. It's not a pretty sight and, in those moments, the rest of the day's hours seem to stretch out in a long bleak line. But we hug and chat and pray, the frustrations melt away and grace nudges us forward. It's rally time and attitudes u-turn in the direction of happy and smiling. Mumford and Lennon and Maisy serenade us into the afternoon while hands keep busy doing crafty things and bellies fill up with hot soup. We fold paper into triangles and snip snip snip, then gasp with wonder as we unfold each new creation. Paper snowflakes now dance in the window, twisting and turning as we shuffle past on a treasure hunt.

This is our Saturday. Saved.

Happy weekend, friends.

holidaze

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 02:34:00 +0000

Hello, hello!

I feel a bit like I tucked myself into bed on Christmas and just now awoke from a long winter's nap. The last few weeks have been a blur of cold and snow, heavy blankets and home. It's been happy, but hard-ish. I'm a homebody all the way to my slippered toes, but by the 8th day of being housebound (for a slew of reasons), I was slowly and steadily burning up with a bad case of cabin fever. When I did finally break out, I wondered for a moment if I even remembered how to drive my mini van. I did! So I celebrated by dropping off The SiGuy at preschool before heading out into the world. Which, if you're wondering, included the library and various tiny town stores and shops. Fresh air and people and freedom shall never be taken for granted again!

Just a few days ago, I carefully packed away most of our holiday pretties. I left a few special things out, including the darling hand print ornament my Josiah made at preschool and gave to us for Christmas. Ever since Josh and I were married 8 years ago, I dreamed of such a gift from my little one. Dreams do come true, dears. They sure do.

So 2014 marches on to the steady hum of the heat register. I hope and pray that your hearts and hands are warm and toasty as you step into each new day of this new year. We have so much to be thankful for. Snow up to your neck and freezing temps included.

I'll tie this up with a glittery string of photos from our Christmas season. Enjoy!

Si and Santa :: take four

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 04:42:00 +0000

It's happened.

My kiddo has fallen in love with Santa.

He's always liked Mr. Claus, but this year the affection has been bumped up 58 notches.

And we don't even "do" Santa around here. Except for the annual visit to hang with him for 30 seconds at the mall, Santa doesn't get a lot of accolades or attention in our home. We don't leave sprinkle cookies. There are no elves on our shelves. Santa doesn't bring gifts or coal.

But. We still think SC's a cool cat. So we watch Rudolph and sing the songs on the radio and high five him when we see him in the town parade. Santa is to December what Luke Skywalker is to November what Mickey is to January. A happy, cool character with a fun story.

Si wrote Santa a letter letting him know everything he hopes Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa will give him for Christmas. He tucked that letter in an envelope, slapped on a cluster of stickers for a stamp, and marched it out to the mailbox. Much to all of our surprise, the guy in red wrote back....thanks so a little help from our tiny town USPS!

The short video below is proof that Santa doesn't have to leave presents under our tree to be magical in the eyes of our little one. :) It's also proof that my boy is all kinds of cute. And funny. And enthusiastic. And a pro at shuffling along on ice and snow.

Enjoy! And then scroll through the sweet Si + Santa photos before clicking away. You can see more pics of the pair together here and here.

Happy Weekend before Christmas, dears! xo

simple Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:56:00 +0000

I've collected bins and bins full of holiday decorations since Josh and I were married 8 years ago. As I sorted through it all last week, I found myself leaving much of it packed away. A lot of it is just not me. My style has evolved and my ferocious craving for simplicity has taken over. I'm grabbing onto the saying that less truly is more and holding onto it with a whole heart. I want clean and simple, light and bright, pretty and clutter-free. So I set out my very favorite Christmas treasures and they sing. Fresh greens clipped from the perfectly imperfect tree can hold their own as a centerpiece. I'll never again underestimate the subtle power of the pine cone. I find beauty and breath in a string of hymnal pages, tiny bottle brush trees, and a bowl of Shiny Brites. In a season of more more more, I'm embracing less less less and it feels good good good.

back it up

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 03:54:00 +0000

Haaaaappy Thaaaanksgiving!!!

I know, I know.

December is well on her merry way. The twinkle lights are up and everyone has shimmied their way into the Christmas season, me included. I may be the last person on the planet still chatting about November, but let's just roll with it, m'kay?

I'm just now sitting down to scroll through photos from last week's holiday festivities. They make me miss the pumpkins. And the hand-print turkeys. And the Kraft paper banners.

And my family.

They all descended upon our house on Wednesday evening and wasted no time in making themselves at home. Every flat surface of our little house was covered, every room slept in, every fork dirtied. Everyone brought food. The oven burst into flames. Josh deep-fried the turkey in a race car jacket. We ate and ate on a long white classy card table and drank from crystal goblets. I snuggled my darling new niece for the first time. The kids marched around our circle waving American flags. They wore Great-Gran's knitted hats. The men shopped. The gals took personality tests on the internet. We stayed up too late and woke up too early.

It all went by too fast.

On Saturday, after days of fun and family and noise, I shared a photo and these words on Instagram ::

Now as I sit in the quiet, I'm overwhelmed with thanks for the ones I hold dear, for hearts beating strong, for the gift of home, for my Jesus who loves so fiercely and gives so freely, and for the struggles that draw us nearer to Him.

I'm so thankful for my people and this life. All of it. The good and the hard, the mundane and unexpected, the beauty and the mess.

I hope that each of you had a very wonderful, very happy Thanksgiving!

fifteen seconds of gold

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 02:27:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon a piece of gold was delivered to my inbox.

It's a short video clip from Josiah's preschool teacher.

Ohhhhhhh myyyyyy hearrrrrt.

You guys.

He dances.

He wears a tie.

He keeps appropriate distance between him and his dance partner.

He spins her.

He adores her.

He doesn't get distracted by the shenanigans around him.

This video is further proof why I hold the title of Mother to the Most Darling and Adorable Child in the Universe.

Trophy's on the mantel.

Enough of my rambles. Watch it! I promise you'll smile.

across five octobers

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 01:29:00 +0000

Every October since we moved ourselves to The Mitten State, my boys and I have spent an afternoon together at a pumpkin farm a few towns over. It's a tradition that we almost didn't follow through on this year due to a plethora of lame excuses >>> rainy weather, lack of planning, all around busyness. You get my drift.

But, glory glory, we made it! On a whim and by the skin of our front teeth.

For all those years when we were praying so fiercely for a baby and God was whispering not yet, I had a little vision in my mind's eye of the fall day we would spend taking that hay ride and picking the perfect pumpkin while sipping hot cider from those white styrofoam cups.

And I would take the perfect photo of my little one smiling so sweetly in a sea of pumpkins.

Now I get to live out that dream and it's better than I hoped. Even when the field has more rotten pumpkins than good ones and our kiddo gets his face smacked into the big jumping pillow and popcorn kernels get stuck in my molars. Because I get to spend every single day with my hubs and our boy and these pumpkin-patch-kind-of-days are sprinkles on the top of our sweet little life.

Pass me a spoon. I'm savoring every bit.

It would've been a shame to have missed these moments with my people. Here, in pictures, are just thirty-eight of the thousand reasons why I'm so happy we spent a Wednesday afternoon at the patch.

And finally, because I'm a big huge sucker for then & now collages, there are all five of Josiah's yearly sit and smile with the pumpkins photos.

Each of them slays me to the core.

There's my fresh-from-Korea baby with his chappy cheeks and the toddler chomping on apples, the 2-year-old in the puffy vest and the 3-year-old angel face. I don't know whether to smile or sigh or weep, so I do a bit of each.

If you are crazy for pumpkin patch posts, you can find more of our adventures here, here, and here.

a pumpkin story

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 19:03:00 +0000

we carved up

a pumpkin

a few days ago

my smiley boy
with wide eyed wonder

was thrilled of course

we chatted our way through

this fun pumpkin prayer printable

while we scooped and worked

and when I lit the candle inside

Josiah belted out

this little light of mine

with much enthusasium

and all the actions that go with it

my mama heart swelled

to see him make the connection

between the light in the pumpkin

and letting his own light shine

because Jesus shines through him

and now some pictures

since they tell the story best

if you were to stop by on a Thursday morning

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:01:00 +0000

If you were to stop by our home on a Thursday morning, I'd throw open the door and hug your neck tight, so happy that you came. You could kick off your cute boots or leave 'em on, girl. Whatever you're comfortable with. Come on in!

I might have on my new jeans and favorite gray sweater. Or a baseball cap and yoga pants. Maybe some makeup, but don't count on it since Thursday means no preschool and is typically our stay-home-all-the-live-long-day day.

Depending on his mood, my 4-year-old would either dance circles around you and act like a goof or whisper I'm shy while clinging to my leg before showing his true self. That's just how he ticks.

Stepping over scattered toys and a laundry basket, we'd make our way to the kitchen. I might apologize for the mess of papers and dishes on the counter, but you wouldn't care. Another reason why I adore you! We'd sit at my hundred year old table and I'd pour you something to sip. I'd rummage around and offer up what's in my pantry - a muffin or banana or a big bowl of sugary cereal.

The two of us would head to the sofa to talk life and love and funny and hard, covering topics as wide and high as we both dared to go. Curled up under a blanket, I'd ask a lot of questions and listen because that's what I do best. Because I want to know you. Truly know you. Your fears and joys, hurts and heart. I have a feeling we'd tear up a few times and then laugh until our sides ached. All the best chats include both of those things. I'm convinced of it.

Hours later, when it's time for you to head home, my wish would be that you'd leave feeling encouraged and lighter and loved. And maybe even a little less alone? I hope so. Because all the best chats should leave a gal with the sure comfort that she's got someone on her side, praying for her fiercely and cheering her on wildly. Ever so grateful, we'd hug and smile wide resting in the truth that we had a true friend in the other.

We'd promise to do it all again soon.

And we would.

boot cut blues

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 01:34:00 +0000

October has been unseasonably, crazily warm in our corner of Michigan this year. With temps in the sixties (or seventies!!) and sunshine for days, it's been a treat! Yesterday was one of the first days that it felt like true blue fall around here. The morning chill hung around the whole day through and the leaves swirled and rained down, covering every inch of the backyard.

Poor Josh is mourning the loss of his perfect yard.

I'm not going to lie. I am fired up for the season ahead!

To celebrate, I went out and bought myself a pair of jeans. Nearly every pair I own are either older than my marriage and have holes in places that shouldn't have holes or don't fit me well, so it was most definitely time. I felt like a new woman today in my $18 denim duds.

To celebrate some more, I scribbled down a slew of projects to work on and finish up :: storage area clean out, china hutch makeover, master bedroom closet redo, toy room overhaul and more. After summer and it's footloose and fancy-freeness, fall forever kicks my nesting instincts into high gear. It's about that time to batten down the hatches on these shorter days and check things off my list like a boss.

I can't wait!

So cheers to a new season! May it include fresh-from-the-oven-baked-goods, well-fitting-jeans, piles-of-pumpkins and clutter-free-closets.

Happy fall, dears. xo

the bird whisperer

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 03:55:00 +0000

I've mentioned a time or two that the SiGuy's dream and wish in life is to catch a bird.

You guys.

Seeing this boy of mine in bird-trapping-action? It's a hoot and a half with the tiptoeing and the sneaking around the yard with the determined look on his face. The funniest thing? When he gets somewhat close to one of his feathered friends, he gets scared, runs off, and then starts the whole chasing bit all over again.

The big dream is always so close, yet so dang far.

And then the stars aligned.

Or we went to The Zoo. Where there are an insane amount of birdies in this big open cage all flapping and flying and fluttering around. For four quarters, one can enter into the cage and receive a stick with bird feed on it to entice the little buggars onto it.

I stood in shock as person after person entered into the cage like it was no big deal. Being terrified of birds, I felt compelled to shout WATCH OUT!!! THERE ARE SEVENTY-EIGHT BIRDS SWOOPING AND FLAPPING ONE INCH FROM YOUR HEAD. GET OUT OF THERE! But I refrained.

From my safe spot outside of the cage, I observed that all those crazy people were struggling to get the birdies to land and stay on the little feed sticks.

Except for one.

Behold, The Bird Whisperer in all of his glory.

Side note :: Raise your hand if you've ever tired taking decent photos of people on the inside of a cage while you stood on the outside. It aint no easy task, right? My focus was wonky on half of the pictures, but here are a few decent ones. So happy to have these gems.

Dream.come.true.

Be still my mama heart.

These pictures don't even come close to capturing how proud and excited and smiley he was. There is nothing better than seeing your kiddo's big dream happen right before your eyes. Even if it does involve birds. And bird poop in his hair.

Congrats Si!! Can't wait to see what dream you bring to life next. I know you will rock it.

begin again

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Let's pretend for a minute that I actually write on this little blog of mine.

You can bet I'd write about Josiah's first few weeks of school and all of his adorable four-year-old quirks and sweetness. I'd share oodles of house projects we've been working on over the last few months. You know photos would be posted from our recent trips and adventures. I'd fill you in on how I'm feeling, what I'm loving, who I'm admiring, where I've been and hope to be. I definitely would follow through and not drop the ball on things I had previously promised to chat about.

I have a list of reasons why it's been crickety quiet around here, but they aren't important or all that interesting.

What matters is that when I think of this little corner of the internets, I miss it. So much. I don't scrapbook or journal so this is my space to share and record all the things I want to remember and keep alive. This is where I get my chat on. This spot is where family and friends can come to get glimpses into our days and hear my rambling thoughts. I want for Josiah to be able to come here when he's older to read and laugh and know me and my heart more. To see himself, his childhood, his journey through the eyes of his mama.

My fingers have been itching to write and my head is plump full of things to share. So I'm going to write. It's time to set all the thoughts and memories and rambles here where they belong. I may even get all crazy and post things from way back. And I mean, way back. Because it's my blog and I'll talk about year-old-things if I want to! I set the rules here and I'm going to follow them. Or chuck 'em across the backyard.

Last October, I wrote a 31 day series on letting our light shine. It was fun and challenging and wonderful. I'm not going to promise myself that I'll write every day this month, but I am inspired to come to this place a whole lot more and share on a regular basis. Starting today.

I'm flat out giddy about a new start.

I hope you'll come alongside me as I dive back in.

It's time to begin again.

our little arrow

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 03:08:00 +0000

So this happened today.

We sent our boy off to his very first day of preschool.

Josiah woke early and was ready to go by 7:30, a full 40 minutes before we had to pull out of the driveway. The smile didn't leave his face as he marched around the house checking his backpack, approving his lunch, and announcing It's my school day! five hundred and seventy-two times.

With his hand in mine, we walked through the school doors and down the long hallway to his classroom. He stood on his tip toes to hang his hoodie and backpack in his locker (He has a true blue locker, y'all!) and then stood in line clutching his Spider Man lunch bag in his hands.

He was so brave. Confident. Happy. Excited.

We kissed and hugged and he gave me the sweetest grin and wave before he followed his teacher into his room. I peeked into the room and caught of glimpse of him skipping over to the puzzle table and then I turned and walked away, letting the tears fall that I'd been holding in all morning.

Oh my heart, friends. This school stuff tough on a mama. Like ball-your-eyes-out-in-the-parking-lot-and-then-cry-your-face-off-at-home tough. I've spent nearly every second of the last four years with my boy and now he's going to be away from me 3 mornings a week.

Let's just cut to the chase. I don't want to share my kid.

He's mine and mine alone!

Except he's not.

He has a greater purpose than being my little boy forever.

When Josh and I were married, our wedding text was Psalm 127 which talks of children being like arrows in the hands of a warrior. The Lord has entrusted and blessed us with one precious arrow. We have been shaping him with our words, actions, reactions, choices, and, most importantly, with the Word of God. Josiah was uniquely made by The Creator and it's now our joy and responsibility to aim him and fashion him for a life beyond the walls of our home.

Arrows are meant to fly.

So today our little arrow leaves our grasp a bit. He's not going far and we certainly aren't done shaping him yet, but we let him go with a prayer in our hearts and a few tears in our eyes.

We pray that the love of Christ would guide him and keep him.

We pray that he is kind, humble, generous and brave.

We pray that he flies straight and with purpose.

Letting go is so hard, but what a comfort knowing that Jesus is with him. Always.

We're so proud of our little arrow.

day one of many

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 03:14:00 +0000

I took a peek at my paper calendar today, flipping through the next few weeks and there are a slew of blank squares on it. I cannot even begin to express my extreme giddiness over all that white space.

The freedom! The possibilities! The non-schedule!

I am a gal who thrives on little stretches of calm. June was so packed to the blue gills with busy that my left eye started to twitch a bit. But then we drove South last week for a vacay and arrived home yesterday with clear eyes and well rested limbs all ready for July.

Helllllllloooooooooo slow, sweet dog days of summer. Come to Mama.

Today was Day One.

We celebrated with a handful of discount bin sunflowers and sweaty foreheads and half a watermelon.

The stuff that dreamy summers are made of!

Josh threw me a curve ball tonight at dinner :: He doesn't like watermelon. It's his least favorite fruit.

I gasped and declared him crazy. Shaming and rejecting watermelon in such a way is a sin against all things summertime. This girl could live forever off of good watermelon.

But then! He tried a piece and then another and he liked it.

Booyah!

He's forgiven.

Let's circle back to those blank squares. We've got oodles of plans and plenty of non-plans for them. We'll fill the days up or laze through them, but either way, we are slurping every last drop of fun and beauty and wonder from them.

Stay tuned for ramblings of it all!

Also, stay tuned for June's busy, fun happenings.

And our Tennessee vacation recap.

And fun with sweet friends.

And house projects.

And much, much more.

Because I'm frightfully behind on posts and my Goal In Life is write it out.

So I will.

check this off the list

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 16:25:00 +0000

He hopped onto the blue swing on Thursday afternoon and it all finally clicked.

We have ourselves a pumper!

I'm really doing it! I'm flying, Mama!

Cue the R.Kelly song. You know the one.

We hoot and holler, clap and throw our hands up to high five and smile wide as we check this off the summer list.

Enjoy the weekend, friends! Let's keep on bringing those lists to life.

Check. Check. Check.

a mixed bag of what I'm up to today

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:53:00 +0000

devouring a Yoplait frozen greek yogurt bar. Oh my lands, people. If you haven't tried one, run RUN now to the market and grab a box. So yum.
swooning over this peony wallpaper. I'm on a mission to bring it into my life.
reading The House at Riverton. I just finished it, actually. While the book is a bit slow at times, I really enjoyed it. It has a Downton Abbey/mystery/historical fiction vibe going for it that kept me flipping the pages.

wondering what Kimye named their new baby girl. I can't help myself.
smiling at this new happy print by KatyGirl Designs.

wishing my mama was still here. She came for a few days and her visit flew by all too fast.

thankful for a fully stocked pantry and fridge courtesy of my folks. Thanks Jules and Deano! xo

inspired by The Preacher Man. God is doing amazing things through his dedication and servant's heart. Josh has spent hours and hours upon hours planning a soccer camp at our church. For the third summer in a row, 130 kiddos are on our campus this week playing and giggling and hearing about Jesus. Some for the very first time. It's every kind of awesome. And tiring. And beautiful.

enjoying a quiet night on the couch watching Friends episodes from 1996. The SiGuy is in bed snoring like a train and Josh is off supervising a slew of teenagers at a go-kart track.
looking forward to enjoying our sun porch this summer. I think it's going to be my favorite spot once it's finished. Josh repainted it a lovely white and now the floor needs some attention. My sweet Gran has offered to recover cushions for me and I have chairs and a table to spruce up.

sharing my favorite easy breezy summer essentials over at Holy Hen House. I'm tickled to be a new contributor for the collaborative blog written by a fantastic group of sweet, lovely gals. A few of us share the same high school alma mater which makes this all the more fun! Go check it out. It's such an encouraging place to spend a few minutes each day.

the one where my kid dances like a wild thing in the street

noreply@blogger.com (Rach@In His Hands) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:44:00 +0000

It was that kind of evening.

The kind that deserves to be enjoyed well after the sun slips below the treeline. So after the dinner and the bath and the pajamas, we wheel our squeaky red wagon down our quiet lane. Josiah throws his head back and smiles as he shouts out to the world I'm supposed to be in bed right now! We stop every nine and a half feet for him to pick flowers from the side of the road. He carefully examines each one and proudly holds it up and names it.

Little Joe. Big Jay. Little Jay. Boppy Boo. Wappy Woo. He is the Adam of flower naming.

He spots a bird and immediately goes into his sneaky mode, tip toeing in the most exaggerated way before full on sprinting toward it. It flies off but I encourage him with Wow! That's the closest you've ever been! His wish and dream of all dreams to is catch a bird. Just one. If only those birds weren't so darn quick! But he can never ever catch one. Because I'm freakishly afraid of birds. Ornithophobia. Totally a real thing. Wikipedia says so.

Mosquitoes nip my ankles and elbows as we s l o w l y make our way around the circle. I'm about to go crazy from those little buggers when I turn to tell him to walk faster so we can get on inside. And there he is, my little wild one, belting out Hey! Sister Lady! and dancing full on Gangnam Style in the street.

That is my Josiah. My quiet, kindhearted, sensitive sweetheart of a boy who is also funny as all get out. He is witty and silly and surprises me every day with the brilliant things that come out of his mouth. Also? His hip action. Homeboy has solid dance moves. See the proof below.

Cheers to a new week, friends. May your days include golden hour walks, wild flowers, and the people that make you laugh until your side hurts.

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