Africa

I just finished reading today's blog post from Tay's Kenya trip. . . and then I was emailed this video from Young Life Africa Expeditions and my heart is longing to be there . . . it's true - I need Africa more than Africa needs me. 


And I pray it's not just about Africa - that it's about Jesus. 
It's about Jesus. 
It's about Jesus.


But, there's something about Africa and the people of Africa and their grasp of Jesus and His Explicit Amazing Grace that I covet


I am so filled with Joy at the image of Tay and Tombo and Daddy and their team in the midst of His Glory among His Beloved men, women and children of Ngaamba. 

With our hubbys being in Africa (oh how my soul longs to be there too!) all the wives and kiddos got together for the weekend. 

We went to Taqueria Del Sol Thursday night, 

Aubs, this is for you! notice the shirt and sweater!

to the Aquarium Friday morning,

then to Highland Bakery for lunch . . . mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

We rolled our own sushi for supper once the kids went to sleep and sat around the table reminiscing about how loud Mama used to sing in church!

Saturday we walked up to the Sandy Springs market and then to Cotton Candy Consignment. 

Later that evening Mama and I worked at my Aunt Peggy's Art Show while Joby kept the kids (thanks sifter!)
(I call her sifter because in college I was making a pound cake for the first time and got to the part in the recipe where it tells you to sift the flour. I called my mom in a panic and the moment she picked up the phone I said exasperated, "Do I have to have a sifter?!" she had no idea what I was referring and said, "I'm sorry, what?" 
"Do I have to have a sifter?!"
"What happened Sal? Is everything ok?"
"Fine, but DO I HAVE TO HAVE A SIFTER?!??!?!"
"Did she do something that hurt your feelings? What happened?"
"NO - not SISTER, SIFTER! Do I have to have a SIFTER to make this pound cake!?"
I was so disgruntled with myself for not reading all the directions before I began baking that when I called her I didn't take the time to tell her what I was doing - I just needed a quick reply.
She, however, was caught so off guard and at the end of it so relieved to know that everything was ok with me and my sister and that something hadn't happened to make me ask the question, "Do I have to have a sister?!" that she just did a big old belly laugh and hung up to call Joby to tell her all about it! 
From that moment on, we started calling each other "sifter". You can see it on my sister's phone - when she calls me she is calling the name "sifter".)


ANYWAYS - (maybe I should change the title of this babybukes.blogspot.com to storiesofhowpeopleinmylifegettheirnicknames.blogspot.com. Next on the list: explain how Mama got the name Eecie . . . well, maybe not that one :)


Sunday we went to church and took the kids to Waumba Land. I was so relieved to drop Beau off to Cassie and Alex! Made the transition in a new place much easier for him!

We ate lunch at "Welcome to Moes!" (Beau says that to them when we walk in because he and sifter visit Moes about 4 times a week in Greenwood). 

Then took the kids to Aunt Peggy's house to see them once more before they headed back to Greenwood.

 Sheesh! It was a crazy jam packed awesomely fun weekend!

And, we heard from the hubbys and they are doing GREAT in Kenya! You can read about their trip HERE. My favorite parts from today's post:


In all the churches, tambourines, drums, and dancing were the order of the day.  When the offering came, everyone gave something despite their poverty.  And those who had no money would give a food item, such as an egg, which would then be auctioned at the end of the service so that the church was able to convert the item to money. 

They taught them the basics of American baseball with the ever popular “wiffle ball” approach.  The men of Ngaamba LOVED IT!  They had never played anything like it before.  The game went on for at least an hour and right up to the time that the team had to leave for the hotel.  It was a bighit.  It went so well that even Abraham, our team’s in country guide, said that he had never seen the men of the community interact with each other this way before.


ahhhhh, take me to Africa! Something about it . . . the rawness of simplicity that draws you to Jesus in the most glorifying way!

And just another shot in those precious zebra tights while Daddy is in Africa! (thanks Alaina!)

everything

is not perfect around here . . . 


i never want anyone to get that idea


lately i've had the following conversation in my head, 
"do i share that?" 
"it's ok to just post some things that are light hearted and fun." 
"but i also want people to know that life in our home is real and not always picture-smiley-everything's-great-here." 
"what is the balance of sharing?" 
"do i spill my heart?" 
"do i keep things private?" 
"some things need to be shared, they may be an encouragement to someone reading." 
"but some things need to be private, too." 
"i can share the Refining Process God is taking me through more on a one-on-one basis." 
"but, you don't get that with everyone that reads this, so, are you being chicken and not sharing things because you are scared you will offend someone or make them think you are too serious?" 
"but, its ok to choose to highlight the blessings in life amidst the Great Refining Process - that's healthy too - to choose to acknowledge those things. It's ok to post about things that make you smile, to post happy pictures of Daye. sometimes i just want to be light-hearted."
"sometimes i just want to be raw and honest."


and then, i hear God saying
"you aren't responsible for another's well-being or emotions, so 
S . L . O . W .   D . O . W . N .  Sal!"


This obvious chaos going on in my mind is a reflection of one of my greatest struggles: the need to please PEOPLE and the desire to GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT 


So, 
Just in case you were wondering - if I post about something light-hearted and happy, that doesn't necessarily mean that all things in our lives are light-hearted and happy. 
AND
If I post about something that is heavy and heart-filled, that doesn't necessarily mean that all things in our lives are heavy and serious. 


Sometimes things may be serious on here
Sometimes things may be light-hearted on here


And
I'm going to work on not feeling the need to justify why I post what I post because that is an unnecessary pressure I AM PUTTING ON MYSELF that is annoying and exhausting and so self-consuming :)


Have a good night!


(current conversation going on in my mind as I am about to press PUBLISH:)
"sheesh! that made me tired!"
"will I regret even posting this one?"
"did that even make any sense"
"Stop worrying so much - just write and post!"
"but i need to make sure i don't say anything offensive"
"but who is this blog for? the approval of others?"
"STOP"
"STOP"
"STOP"
"just be"
"can we say 'insecurity?!' Just post the thing! It's only a blog!"

Songs to be sung at my funeral

I know, morbid, right? But, really - during one ofmy long runs a few weeks ago I was listening to Phil Wickham "Heaven Song" and screamed to Tay above the music blaring in my ears from the headphones, "I want this song sung at my funeral, okay?! Thanks!" Then went back to running while playing the air drums and not even caring that I may be using extra energy that should be reserved for the remaining miles!


I have had that thought about 2 other songs in life:
Chris Rice "Hallelujahs" 
and 
Stuart Townend "How Deep The Father's Love"


So, even though I'm still around, please enjoy these songs yourselves! And, just in case Tay forgets, you can now remind him when the time comes that these were my selections "okay?! Thanks!"


:)


(Sometimes these videos can take away from the beauty, so, minimize it when it pops up and enjoy!)


Phil Whickham Heaven Song
Chris Rice Hallelujahs
Stuart Townend How Deep The Father's Love for Us


Other songs that I jam to while running (which speaking of running, I technically should be doing that very thing at this moment, but, instead, im sitting on my couch with my laptop blogging about running :) oh the irony!)
Kristian Stanfill "Lord Almighty"Taylor Swift "Mean"Dave Barnes "Crazyboutya Baby"Pat McGee "Rebecca" and "Who Stole Her From Heaven"Owl City "Fireflies"Backstreet Boys "Poster Girl"Kelly Clarkson "My Life would suck without you"
and Speaking of Africaoh wait, we weren't really, but, now that we are :) TAY LEAVES THURSDAY!So, go on an buy yourself a shirt! only sizes M and L left!TRUST ME you want one!And if you want to follow the trip's blog - here it is!Also, did I mention my dad and brother in law are going?! How awesome is that?
And, Daye was sick this weekend - not sure what it was, Dr seems to think a virus - had the scary throw ups Friday night and then again on Sunday afternoon. Hopefully we are now in the clear and on the road to feeling back to normal! Thankful for access to Dr's in the wee hours of the night or at anytime for that matter - we are blessed!

for your viewing pleasure:

"hey ma, I'll come and get ya"

"see, told ya I could. Give me that camra!"

Dedication and 6 months

Daye was dedicated at church yesterday. It was a meaningful experience preparing for this time. We had to listen to these talks below and do the homework discussed in each. It may sound annoying to have to listen to more talks and do "homework", but they were really great exercises that led to really great conversations between Tay and me. I'm actually incredibly thankful for what was "taught" in the talks and what was "required" of us as a result. If you don't want to listen or do them, here's a breakdown:

1. You are the Spiritual Leader of your Household 

You are your child's greatest guide in understanding to what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.

HW: Write a letter to your child. Only you as their parent can write a letter of this significance. Share your heart of your dreams and hopes for them. 

2. The most important relationship in your home is your Marriage

You marriage will lead to your child's emotional health and confidence in life. 

3.Think with the end in mind

When your children walk out the door to face their futures as adults, what are the values you will have instilled in them?

HW: Come up with at least five values that you want to instill in your child as they grow and two habits that you, as parents, will commit to implement in your family or marriage to protect your child's spiritual development

4. The First Four Years

The Preeschool years are a unique opportunity for intentional love and attention. Intentionality now paves the way for later. 

"Even though I pooped all over my bloomers in Waumba Land and Mama had to stash those disgusting smelly things away in her bag, I still looked precious in my dress for the dedication."

"It's my Mama and Daddy! Not often that I get to have a picture with both of them because they're always the ones blinding me with that ridiculous camera flash"

"This was my picture up on the screen scrolling before and after the dedication."

"Poppy, Birdie, Eecie and Bots who will walk alongside my parents as they make every effort to raise me in a home that loves Jesus. They want me to know that: 

God made me, 

God loves me and 

Jesus wants to be my friend forever."

And, today, we showcase the 6 month shots - no shower or real clothes for these - just bed head and pjs! 

"Hiya!"

"This is my pal, Girry, whom I'm starting to look like a giant next to."

Date Night - Pastis

Last night Tay and I went on a long awaited date night! It had been a while and we were both craving it. We went to Pastis in Roswell using a Scoutmob. 

We sat outside in the amazing weather while reminiscing about our trip to Italy right after we got married . . . I kind of love to reminisce. After we finished our meal we walked to Krispy Kreme because the light was on. 

We enjoyed 4 too many donuts but we had to get the hot ones, and then try a pumpkin one, and then have one with "frankles" (in Beau Hite's language that means, "Sprinkles"). 


LOVED Date Night with my Bukes! Another night I am sure we will reminisce about on a future date :)

I bought me a Cat

I was listening to NPR in the car on the way home from lunch with Tay. It was a beautiful day with the windows down and the sunroof open. A song I had never heard came on the radio and I really loved it. So much I came home and googled the lyrics and the same rendition I'd heard just moments before. Its a peculiar song, and must be a rather famous one. Nevertheless, I want to make it available to you: Enjoy!

"I bought me a Cat"

Aaron Copland American Composer 1900-1990

 I bought Me a Cat Lyrics

I bought me a cat

my cat pleased me

I fed my cat under yonder tree

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a duck

my duck pleased me

I fed my duck under yonder tree

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a goose

My goose pleased me

I fed my goose under yonder tree

My goose says "Quaw, quaw"

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a hen

My henn pleased me

I fed my hen under yonder tree

My hen says "Shinny shack, shimmy shack"

My goose says "Quaw, quaw"

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a pig

My pig pleased me

I fed my pig under yonder tree

My pig says "Griffey, griffey"

My hen says "Shinny shack, shimmy shack"

My goose says "Quaw, quaw"

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a cow

My cow pleased me

I fed my cow under yonder tree

My cow says "Baw, baw"

My pig says "Griffey, griffey"

My hen says "Shinny shack, shimmy shack"

My goose says "Quaw, quaw"

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a horse

My horse pleased me

I fed my horse under yonder tree

My horse says "Neigh, Neigh"

My cow says "Baw, baw"

My pig says "Griffey, griffey"

My hen says "Shinny shack, shimmy shack"

My goose says "Quaw, quaw"

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.

I bought me a wife

My wife pleased me

I fed my wife under yonder tree

My wife says "Honey, honey"

My horse says "Neigh, Neigh"

My cow says "Baw, baw"

My pig says "Griffey, griffey"

My hen says "Shinny shack, shimmy shack"

My goose says "Quaw, quaw"

My duck says "Quaa, quaa"

My cat says fiddle eye fee.