Birthday Boy

whisperings to my soul
of a child
born to shine as the sun’s rays
glistening on the waters
like stars in a dark universe
spreading hope and life
to the progeny of
despair and brokenness
destined for more
he is called by Him
whose breath brings life
life abundant
of a treasure
molded by the Sculptor
emboldened by His spirit
to dance
shout for glory
to speak beauty into the ashes
and words of redemption
to the depths
with overwhelming courage
and devotion
fearlessness
of love

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life”
-Philippians 2:14-16

This has been the verse on my heart since Caleb was born. May he be a light to a dark world! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Reigning In My Impulsivity

It all really started two weeks ago when I had to get my hair cut the day before my sister, Jeff, and Caleb arrived...if I didn't go that day, I would have had to wait almost another week because I wasn't going to go while we had visitors. Maybe this is a lesson in procrastination as well as impulsivity because if I hadn't waited 7 months to get my hair cut in the first place, maybe I wouldn't have been so frustrated! Well conveniently the beauty school down the road takes walk-ins every evening from 5-7. I thought that meant you could walk in during those hours; I didn't realize your hair cut would take that entire time plus some! :) Luckily I didn't have to pick up Amber and Jeff until 9:50! Well, the good news is my beauty student was very nice and we had an enjoyable conversation while she practiced on my once long hair. I asked for long layers. I think maybe she learned layers for the first time on my hair. Anyway 2 hours 40 minutes, $20, and about 5 inches later, I came out with the new style I'd been longing for...well a change at least! I'm sure by now you're wondering at which point I learn to curb my impulsive instincts...THIS is IT! I patiently endured a bad haircut for 12 days before I took matters into my own hands!

Here is how this morning played out as I got ready for work (I needed to leave in about 5 minutes, had just finished fixing my hair, still needed to get dressed.) I'm standing in the bathroom with the trash can in the sink, scissors in hand, devious grin on my face.

"Jon, can you hear what I'm doing in here?" (probably a scary question already!)
"Umm...no, what are you doing?"
"You're going to be mad"
"Are you cutting your hair?" (haha, I love that he knew! He was probably remembering a similar instance where I cut bangs after which he banned me from taking scissors to my hair)
"Do you think you can help me?"

This is the part where I, folded up like a pretzel with a small section of hair in one hand and scissors in the other, walk out to Jon and he gracefully helps me cut the back portion of my hair which I can't quite reach on my own. Isn't he cool??

It should be noted that I received many compliments on my hair today at work! Even some of my colleagues who scrutinized our work said Jon and I did very well! Best of all, I feel much better! :)


Pretend like you can tell a big difference please!

He is Risen!

So thankful for the redemption that is ours in Jesus Christ. I wanted to share part of the lyrics to one of my favorite David Crowder songs, Wholly Yours. I love the way he is able to manipulate words to echo his soul.

“I am full of earth
You are heaven’s worth
I am stained with dirt, prone to depravity
You are everything that is bright and clean
The antonym of me
You are divinity
But a certain sign of grace is this
From a broken earth flowers come up
Pushing through the dirt

You are holy, holy, holy
All heaven cries “Holy, holy God”
You are holy, holy, holy
I wanna be holy like You are

You are everything that is bright and clean
And You’re covering me with Your majesty
And the truest sign of grace was this
From wounded hands redemption fell down
Liberating man”

Thank you, Lord, not only for the ultimate gift of your son, but also for redeeming the little things in my life each day! You certainly make all things new!

Happy Easter!

Guests

We have been so blessed by our wonderful family and friends who have come out to visit us in Connecticut. It's so refreshing to have a little bit of Colorado all the way on the east coast!

First, back in November the Trinitys came out to see us!

we went to the submarine museum

Mystic harbor at night

Boys will be boys! Jon & Mike got lots of time to play and be boys! It was so good for Jon to have a break from his hard work with school!

They were suckered into taking this $3 picture, but it makes for a great memory! :)

Rachel was 7 months pregnant for this trip! What a trooper! She was amazing!

We went to the Macy's Inflation Celebration so we could see all the balloons for the Thanksgiving parade.

To infinity and beyond!

We even got to celebrate Thanksgiving with them! Mike made an apple pie and Rachel did the turkey and mashed potatoes! We were spoiled! It was so wonderful to spend Thanksgiving with good friends!

Then in February Mom & Dad Moore came out to see us!

we walked the Freedom Trail in Boston

Took pictures of all the great architecture...what a beautiful city! We loved the old buildings and their history.

We even sat in JFKs favorite booth at the Union Oyster House

The next morning we rode the train into NYC

we took the Staten Island Ferry by the Statue of Liberty

a great view of the skyline from the ferry

a Valentine's kiss in Times Square!

of course the classic Times Square at night shot! Aren't they a good looking couple?

We loved the time we got with Doug and Jan. We especially loved having them all to ourselves for so many days! A rare treat!

Most recently Amber, Jeff, and Caleb were out (end of March)...

it was still pretty cold in the city

strolling through Central Park

good times with Caleb

we thought of you, Dad! :)

Amber and Jeff also got a kiss photo in Times Square...it's the thing to do.

Amber and I at Grand Central station. I finally got some much needed sister time! She's the best!

We walked to the Connecticut River to see the flooding. That's supposed to be a parking lot behind them!

What an adorable lil' boy! Aunt Cara and Uncle Jon were so happy to have one of our nephews close by!

Maya decided Caleb's look was outdated...

so she updated it! :) She was actually really sweet with him.

What a great visit! Love you, Ingrams!

Through these trips Jon and I have discovered our love for hosting! One of the best things about living far away is getting to have family and friends stay in our home with us. We love to cook meals for guests, and we really enjoy the down time...late night games or chats, drinking coffee in our pjs, and of course showing off the east coast sites! Thanks for visiting us, and if you haven't yet, please book a trip! :)We would love to have you!