"Please help me!"

Now that Ainsley is able to sign "help", it seems that she does so very often. I haven't taken the time to count how many times in a day, but I would venture to guess at least 10 times just during one playtime. It is one of the sweetest things to see her struggling to open the Lego box, then look up at me, and pat her tummy (that's her sign for "help"). Oh and now she signs "thank you" after you help her, too! Oh the joys!!

I was contemplating these things this morning - how quick she is to ask for help, no matter what situation she is facing. Not only does she know how to ask, but she knows that I will respond favorably to her request. Most of the time my attitude is only as it should be - that I would LOVE to help her. But late in day, as my body slows down and my gracious attitude fades, I find that I am less eager to help her; though this does not prevent my helping her, my response time is significantly slower. While confessing this sin of selfishness this morning, a glorious thought appeared. The Lord, of who I ask many things, does not grow weary of my requests; no, He delights always to come to my aid. What a wonder!! This is a whole different view of His kindness than I have imagined before. He is infinitely kind, even to me, bumbling, selfish woman that I am. All praises and thanks to Him, the Father to whom I should run with every care or whim - for He cares for me.

How I desire to exemplify this kind of love to Ainsley, so that when she looks at me, she'll see the kindness of God instead.

*NEW* Wildflower Bouquets

Last night I created a new type of bouquet for my note cards - the wildflower bouquet! I've painted them before, but it's been awhile and Keenan's request to see some reminded me of how much I like them. While they may not be exactly what you were thinking, Keenan, it's a step in that direction!

I listed two sets of two at my Etsy shop this morning. Here's a sneak peak:

The Littlest Daisy

Well, guys, I finally did it - I found somewhere I could sell my cards. Etsy.com It's really a neat place to find all sorts of handmade items. Here's the link to my shop: thelittlestdaisy.etsy.com I haven't gotten it fully set up yet, and there are only two listings so far, but please look anyway and tell your friends!

It has actually been quite the drama this week. I had a name all picked out and when I finally got up the nerve to register, the name had already been picked! Heath and I agonized over options for the rest of the day but to no avail. Then today, "The Littlest Daisy" just came to me and I love it! I think it's fun and it embodies my philosophy of sending cards to people. It doesn't always take a lot to cheer someone up or let them know they're special; even the littlest daisy will do wonders!

I'm nervous about whether or not this will be a success, but I won't know without trying. So here goes! Whatever the Lord wants to do with it, I'm ready!

Helpless

Heath will be back from his Iowa trip in about an hour, and I am just about counting the seconds. There are two minor situations awaiting his return, the first (and most horrifying to me) being a not-so-small roach sitting under a bowl downstairs. Why did it have to attack me today, of all days, when my husband was completely unable to come to my rescue? (It really did attack me; it crawled out of my pant leg - of the pants I was wearing.) Second on his to-do list, is to un-do whatever Ainsley did when she hit a button on the DVD remote. I've been watching the remainder of my West Wing episode with French subtitles and with the menu still on the screen. For the life of me, I can't figure out how to fix it!

Seriously, when did I become so helpless?!?

3 Years

Heath & I celebrated our third year of marriage yesterday. Perhaps it wasn't the most elaborate celebration, but it was wonderful nonetheless! We went out for dinner at Cheddars' (they have the best & cheapest appetizers!) with Ainsley. After dinner, we picked up Italian gelato to enjoy at home after putting Ainsley to bed. With our ice cream and a fresh pot of coffee (for me, of course!), we settled in and watched the first episode of Season Six of West Wing.

I've been asked what I like best about marriage, and I'd have to say it's just so much fun to be friends with Heath. I love that I don't yet know everything about him and that I have the rest of our lives to learn! I love you, Babe!! Thanks for 3 great years and for the hope of many more to come!

My 5 Things

Sorry, Danielle, I keep forgetting to post this. Shantel actually reminded me by posting hers - thanks!

The "5 THINGS GAME" The rules are to write 5 things under each of the 5 headings, and then tag 5 other people.

10 years ago...
1. I was fourteen years old.
2. I had never been on a date, much less met my husband, Heath.
3. I was looking forward to the Spring Band & Choir trip to San Antonio.
4. I was adjusting to a public high school with a class five times bigger than my 8th grade class.
5. I was scared to drive, even though I had my permit.

5 Things on Today's "To-Do" List
1. Go for a walk.
2. Fold the towels.
3. Plan Saturday's "To-Do" List.
4. Give Ainsley a bath.
5. Make pizza for dinner.

5 Snacks I Enjoy...
1. Chocolate & strawberries
2. Coffee & a bagel
3. Cheese
4. Kettle corn (only the Boy Scout brand)
5. Fresh fruit

5 Things I Would Do if I were a Millionaire!
1. Pay off our student loans.
2. Buy a house that we love.
3. Save for Ainsley's college fund.
4. Save for our future.
5. Help out our families & give a lot away.


5 Places I Have Lived...
1. West Marion
2. East Marion
3. Ames
4. Bangkok
5. Dallas

5 Jobs I've had/Still have...
1. Babysitting
2. The PretzelMaker
3. Gregory's Coffeehouse
4. MU Cafe
5. Joshua Expeditions

5 People I'm tagging:
1. Kendra
2. Emily
3. Dan & Lynn
4. Rosa
5. Karen
5. Kelly

finally!

I've been asked what I decided to name the scarecrow I made. Well, the poll was not all that helpful because it ended as a three-way tie. But while my parents were visiting, Dad said he didn't vote but he liked "Mifflin"; Heath would have voted the same way. So, there you have it - Mifflin he is.

For those who are wondering where the name came from, I'll indulge your curiosity. George Mifflin Dallas, the Vice President under President Polk, was also the man for whom the city of Dallas was named. Fitting name for my scarecrow, I'd say, seeing as how Dallas is where we are living!