who's building?

psalm 127: 1

unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

this verse hit me hard this morning.

it's a simple message but an ever-relevant one, i think.

unless the lord is, through his spirit, absolutely guiding everything we do... what's the point? is any of it worth it?

i think in times of "hey god, where the heck are ya? what do you want me to be doing right now? i'm just twiddling my thumbs here..." in my life, i sometimes try to fill my time with GOOD things because i just can't hear (or, am not listening to) GOD things.

if i volunteer more, just to try to do good in the world, but it's not where the lord wants me to serve, it's in vain! if i do something because it seems like that's what others want from me or expect of me but it's not exactly who my father created me to be, you guessed it: in vain!


gosh, doing anything apart from my maker is just shenanigans i've been reminded again this morning.

so, for today and for always... who's "building" in my life? am i living according to my own plans or expectations or goals or those of my numero uno?

preach it, emmy.

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

she did it!

arika graduated! 

off to kindergarten in the fall is this adorable little ball of love and potential.

and here is the whole motley crew. we have SO become a family. i could have never imagined at the beginning of the year how much love, learning, growth, hilarity and unity could result from the combo of preschoolers and college students :)

red-y for spring.

i got home from class this sunny, hope-full afternoon to find my roommate laura hanging out on our front porch. so, i blopped down with her and, as usual, gave her an entirely-too-long debriefing of every little thought floating around in my head. sitting out in the sun, watching life happen around us, i realize just how RED-Y (get it?! ready...) i am for spring to have finally sprung.

who doesn't love cherub cherry tomatoes. come on, what a springy-licious little snack. and let's be honest (because laura still denies it).. they look adorable lined up as mama, papa and baby 'matoes.

home sweet, home.

today enjoying the color red (no, not sponsored by the color red- this isn't a sesame street episode), great friends, toms, delicious cherry tomatoes, sunshine and a house full of encouragement and laughter :)

little stranger girl

there's a love he cannot hide
though he waits in the line to fight
so he looks up to welcome you, his child
little stranger girl, you are home tonight

he reaches out a thousand miles
an sends his voice to where you lie
and in your dreams he carries you, his child
little stranger girl, you are home tonight

when you have grown, you may ask why
and you will read these words he writes
and they will say, I thank you, my child,
little stranger girl, you are home tonight 

hilarious 3-year-old + photo booth = a fun morning at the preschool :)

"hey, guys! i look like beeemo! (nemo)"

just another april in wisconsin...

yesterday during my 10 minute walk back home from class i had the... pleasure?... of experiencing rain AND snow AND hail. marvelous.

and, although this is the outlook for today...

i'm letting this happy little tune warm my soul this morning, enjoy!