The hot days of summer are here so the more cool activities the better! Jordan likes the pool but, being the little ball of energy she is, she is always trying to squirm out of our arms. So I figured it was time to finally put our little backyard to use! We bought her a sprinkler pool so she can crawl around and explore while enjoying the water. The water was pelting her in the face at first which she didn't like to much (surprise, surprise) but once we adjusted the water pressure everyone had a good time. And the best part about it... the long nap she took afterwards! =)

"Hmmm. Not quite a bath... not quite a pool."

"Don't go anywhere Mommy. I'm not quite sure about this thing yet!"

"Ok! I like it!!!!"

"I really need to start standing on my own but until then I have a Daddy crutch!"

"Let's do this again tomorrow!!!"

Jordan used to be a champ at eating her baby food but recently she's been sealing those little lips at lunch time. She was once enamored by the new and different foods but she has since decided that feeding herself is where it's at! "I don't need to be fed! I'm a big girl!!!" So, for the sake of fostering her independence (and for a few good laughs) Jordan is learning to feed herself. Well, at least she is trying...

I know it's been almost a month since I last wrote so it's time to break the ice and get back into the groove. There's been so much going on that every time I think about blogging I'm not sure even where to start! The least cheerful but most obvious place to start is the passing away of Sean's grandfather, Marshall Sprigg.

Jordan and I were able to see him just a few days before he passed. Jordan sat calmly on her great grandpa's lap, which is a miracle in itself if you know how squirmy she is, and I was able to get one last picture. Grandpa Marshall was a blessing to all of us and I am so glad I was able to know him.

Recently, I have been attending a mom's group at my church called Legacy of Love. It's based on a song by Nichole Nordeman which talks all about what sort of Legacy we leave in the world and how we will be remembered, especially by our children. Upon listening to the eulogies of Grandpa Marshall's three sons it was quite clear what kind of legacy he left behind. A wife, 5 children and spouses, 20 (soon to be 21) grandchildren and 1 great grandbaby... all of whom adored him.

In my mind there is no greater legacy you can leave behind than one of love. He was admired for the love he gave and the faith he shared. It just reminds me of how fleeting this life is and what is truly important. In the end, I think we will all be remembered for the love we gave and the good we did and I think that is a goal worth living our lives for.

As we say goodbye, I can't help but think of the disciples who gave away all they had to follow Christ. I think Grandpa Marshall was that kind of man, lived that kind of life and now he has truly given all he had and is with God. Rest in Peace.

A video to brighten your day! The beautiful and talented Jordan crawling!!!

Jordan's first trip to the pool! She had a great time splashing around even though the water was a little cold! We're looking forward to a fun summer!!!

Jordan getting her feet wet with daddy

Is that the face of joy or what?
"It's cold... but I like it!"
"Look Mom! No hands!!!"
"Hmm... what does that taste like?"
"I LOVE THIS THING YOU CALL POOL!!!"

Today's Gospel Reading

John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.

He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit,

and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.

You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.

Remain in me, as I remain in you.

Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own

unless it remains on the vine,

so neither can you unless you remain in me.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit,

because without me you can do nothing.

Anyone who does not remain in me

will be thrown out like a branch and wither;

people will gather them and throw them into a fire

and they will be burned.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you,

ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.

By this is my Father glorified,

that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

This reading seems to speak to me on two levels. First, on a practical level. Sean and I are in the process of learning to garden, picking out plants that we won't kill to easily and trying to plant and remember to water them! It makes me think a lot about my faith too. There is SO much to learn! I studied Theology in College, did missionary work, youth ministry and various other things and I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface of the depth of our faith. But beyond learning you have to plant the good stuff in your life and weed out the bad and remember to water your garden or it all dies! I have killed a number of plants in my days.

I guess it's really all about upkeep. God gives me his grace but it's not a free ticket. I have to apply that grace in my life, take care of the gifts that he has given me and, in turn, give it all back to Him. It's a good thing that God is so forgiving because I have wasted a lot of grace and missed a lot of opportunities... mostly out of sheer laziness.

Right now I am feeling bad about letting my faith fall to the wayside but tomorrow I will start again. I am going to read the Mass readings everyday, I am going to get back into a prayer routine and get my garden back into shape. And if I screw up, and I will, I will start over again! There's no time like the present people!

Isn't it a great feeling when you find that perfect gift for the special someone? You just know that they are going to absolutely love it and you can't wait until they open it? You might actually be more excited about it then they even are! Well, Mother's Day is upon us and, if you're like me most years, you still haven't figured out what you want to get for the woman who has everything! I have made progress this year and have TWO ideas!!! That's right folks... TWO! Ha! Since my mom reads my blog I won't be giving away the second. Sorry mom. You're going to have to wait until Mother's Day just like everyone else. =)

But, for everyone else, I thought I would share an idea I think is so cute and have already "suggested" to my husband. By suggested I mean sent him an email saying "get me this." Lol! Personalized hand stamped jewelry! Ok, so it's not exactly a new idea but I found some really cute ones on Etsy so I thought I would share. If you already used this gift idea then sorry friend, you're on your own.

For the beachy mom, I thought this was really cute!

I LOVE the little peanut for a mom with a newborn!!!

This one is a classic and would also be great as a keychain!

I thought this was cool and might even work as a Father's Day or Anniversary gift if your guy would wear it.

And, last but not least, my personal favorite!!! I love that it's decorative but also personal! If you get sick of the bird you can remove it and it's easy enough to add more charms as you add more kiddos!

To all you mom's out there... Happy (early) Mother's Day!!! And to all of you gift seekers... happy hunting! =)

PS- Click on the image if you would like to go to the item's listing!