the definition of sockie booboo

Rory cracked the code. It has been months that Ivar has cried this expression in frustration. He uses it a lot in the car. Sometimes after he has gotten dressed. Rory finally figured it out. And now it seems so obvious!

Sockie booboo:
Any uncomfortable gathering of clothing that leads to frustration, irritation or annoyance. Common sockie booboos occur after shoes are put on and there are bumps in the socks. Or inside the sleeve of a sweatshirt when the long sleeve under shirt gathers at the elbow. Or while traveling in a car seat the hood of a winter coat is bunched behind the neck.

It's a good word, isn't it? Helpful and original too. Pretty sure someone should let Merriam Webster know.

my 2013 one little word

This has become a very favorite part of my new year. Inspired by Ali Edwards, I have chosen one little word to be my focus for the year ahead. The first year my word was trust. The next year my word was try. Last year my word was kitchen table (yes, that is two words). And I am really excited about my word for this year.

This word came to me early in December while sitting in a hot bath. The word hit me and I thought, "well that's it. That's my 2013 word."

And the word is: Reflect. I thought of it because as I sat in that tub I was aware that I was taking time to think. It was quiet and I was thinking through how I spend my time. Why I react like I do. And wondering if a few changes might make a big difference in my day to day. I was taking time to reflect. It felt like I was finally taking a big deep breath...like from my belly.

I love this. I love what this word invites. 2012 was a busy year with a lot of change. And I think I am just now actually realizing how much transition I am still feeling. There is a lot to reflect on.

Already I have started writing a reflection piece on why we made the move from the city to the country. Look for that later this week.

I want to make monthly goals and take time at the end of each month to see what I accomplished and what didn't get done. And then think about the large projects that didn't get done. Why didn't I do them? Do I really want to do them? Can I let these ideas and dreams go?

I want to reflect on why I react to certain things in certain ways. I want to think about how I spend my time and how I might spend it differently, being sure to eek every bit of life out of my days.

And I want to be a reflection of the one who made me. I can only do that by listening for his voice, reading his word, living by his commands, trusting in his promises.

So Reflect. To look backwards. To live forwards. To be present in the moment at hand and live it fully and with purpose.

It's going to be a good year, little word!

***

I cannot tell you how powerful this little annual practice is. Can't really explain why it is, but something happens when a year is given this sort of focus. It transforms the mind. Gives some clarity and deep hope for the 365 days ahead. If you'd like to join in, please do! You can go here to see Ali's list of little words to choose from if you're having trouble picking one. And let me know what you choose. I'd like to know!

And soon I will reflect on my 2012 two-little-words: kitchen table. A final report card will be given.

Elsie's Dedication

In both of my pregnancies I felt such an awareness of God's hand in the creation of these tiny beating hearts. I was so aware that this is God's kid, and that somehow I have been entrusted to love, care and cherish this little life while teaching her the ways she should go. Sunday's dedication was a celebration of God giving us Elsie and a time for us to publicly profess that this little girl is God's child first. We promised to make sure that she knows of His great love for her.

Elsie was given flowers that she grabbed and made into petal confetti right there in front of everyone. And as we took in the words of the pastors, Ivar made his wishes be known by repeating, "Daddo. Go Upstairs. Play Play Play. Eat Donut."

Elsie was surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses driving from all over the cities to join our church for her special day. She wore a dress that I used to wear when I was her age and looked adorable. Special thanks to Auntie Sara who volunteered to change her diaper at the end of service, before any of us knew it was worthy of a costume change.

Sunday was also potluck Sunday. Which was awesome because potlucks are my favorite. I do love a good spread of fluffy jello salads. And it was a super handy way to feed the whole family after church!

(You can click here to see pictures from Elsie's baptism. And I wrote here about why Rory and I have chosen to both baptize and dedicate our kids. She is a very blessed little baby!)

Bible Reading Plan

Quite possibly the most important on my 2013 Goals List is a Daily Quiet Time. It seems nearly impossible with two little kids, but feels all the more important because of those same two kids. I have my Bible open now on a shelf in Elsie's room. Always open. And I have a plan too.

I'm going to try to read as much of the Bible this year as I can. I attempted this a few years back and stalled out in Jeremiah. I've been in many Bible studies since then, and always read bits and pieces. But I want to make this big goal again and try my hardest to see it happen.

I found a few reading plans that look awesome. One breaks up the Bible into 365 days of reading Genesis to Revelation. The other is a 52 week plan with two or three chapters a day from all over the Bible (pictured above) mixing up the Old and New Testament a bit. You can click here to see what I am talking about.  I'm so excited about this plan. So excited to jump around God's word each day, reading from a different book each day, listening for what our Creator has to say to me.

If you're interested in reading your Bible more...if you wonder what God would say to you if He had your ear for a moment, if you wish you knew the whole story and all that was intended for you before the fall, every rich blessing that has sacrificially been given to you, then join in. Print out the plan you like and start reading.

2013 Goals

I decided that this year I wouldn't make a resolution. Instead I made a list of things I'd love to accomplish. I sat up in bed one night and thought about each part of my life and what makes me feel fulfilled. I thought about life skills I've always wanted to learn. I thought about dreams I've had and never made happen.

The list got longer and longer and I got more and more excited. Everything felt possible. There were no voices of worry or fear in my head. So I wrote it all. The list has 59 goals on it. And in the end I decided that even if I accomplish a third of the list, this would be one incredible year. Resolutions just don't do it for me. Usually it turns the task at hand into a chore. But this list looks like fun.

And the best part: Since the clock struck 2013, I have already baked three legit loaves of bread. And I set up a spot for Grandma B's sewing machine. The tv has been unplugged and everything feels possible.