Right-Ordered Love

At the end of a 12-hour day,

there's paper scraps beneath the table

and sprinkles in the cracks of the chairs.

A mound of dirty dishes sits in the sink

while yesterday's laundry still isn't put away.

I murmur the words again..

"A right-ordered house isn't virtuous

like a right-ordered heart.

It's never worth disordering the heart

simply to get a right-ordered house.

Is my love ordered towards a 

Better Homes and Gardens House?

Or a better, holy heart?"

                                -Ann Voskamp

I think of the snuggles and laughs,

the princess tales and soccer games,

reading goodnight stories 

and the little voice calling for

 'just one more hug Eenna'.

And the disordered house?

It doesn't matter anymore.

Weekends Are For

Marveling at His creation- little tiny snowflakes.

Sleepovers and origami parties.

Birthday blueberry shortcake leftovers.

Breakfasts of cinnamon oatmeal and coffee.

Weekends Are For

Snowy, snowy days.

Learning this piano song, all by yourself.

Cradling a 5-week-old baby in your arms.

Remembering and missing this place.

Homemade cheese pizza.

Family Photography

I did photography for a (very sweet) family back 

in the fall, and I just realized I didn't post the photos.

Definitely a fun afternoon with some of the cutest 

(and most hilarious) little guys ever!

Weekends Are For

Snow days.

And play dates with friends.

A dinner of satay chicken, pad thai, rice,

and lots of laughter.

And cleaning very messy kitchens.

A New Year with New Prayers

"A thousand times I've told myself 

'I simply must try harder.'

But I know it: 

trying harder only results in harder trials.

To forge new tracks across this new year

will need more than simply sheer effort.

To track new ways,

one does not need to try harder,

but to pray new prayers

asking to be filled with His Spirit."
                           -Ann Voskamp

Goodbye 2011

Some things never change

(does this look oddly familiar?)

Wishing you a happy, blessed new year!

       Love, 

                        The Crazy Freak House