Surviving the Weekend

As I stated in my previous post, I attended the Mute Math concert in Atlanta Saturday night. It goes without saying that it was incredible, yet hot, sweaty, and squished. Some friends of mine had the right idea by snagging some seats up in the balcony. But not me. Oh no. I have to be all up in it.

I always leave concerts feeling a little sad. You listen to these people over and over again, and you feel as if you are making a connection with them through their music. And then you go see them live and you're just some nameless face in crowd. I always wish I could somehow hang out back stage, eat a bag of Doritos with them, and pick their brains. I felt the same way after I saw Aimee Mann, a songwriting hero of mine, play last September.

So, Friday night we had family in from out of town for Isabel's birthday party. Saturday was the big bash, where Cinderella herself was in attendance. Then Saturday night was the concert. Sunday we had church. And then Sunday evening, a friend's surprise birthday party at Dave & Buster's. I thought I could just take it easy, but then realized that the girls started gymnastics today. Needless to say, I am beat. As if taking care of three kids ages 4 and under wasn't enough!

If you don't believe me about Cinderella, here's photographic proof that she really does exist. She's slightly more exotic than I remember her looking, but still lovely. And unfortunately we couldn't get a close-up of her nose piercing. Hey, it is the new millennium, you know.

Isabel certainly has the "I couldn't care less look" down. She's hard to impress.

Reason #937 I Love MuteMath

That's right folks. This is MuteMath's brand new video for "Typical". Tomorrow night I will be seeing them live. They never disappoint. If you ever have the chance to see them live, do not, I repeat, DO NOT miss the opportunity.

I just read somewhere that they had to learn the entire song backwards to make this video. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

Oliver

Yesterday Oliver turned 3 months old. It snuck up on me so fast I hardly even realized it! The picture of him with his sisters is actually a little old. I thought I'd post a more recent one of him to give you guys that haven't seen him yet an idea of what he looks like. He couldn't look more like Ren if he tried.

Well Said

In the spirit of the waiting room, I thought I would link what my good friend and pastor, Tony McCollum, had to say about waiting. I could not have said it better.

Also on March 19th, 2003...

While I was having a baby at the hospital, we were sending troops to Iraq. Operation Iraqi Freedom started 4 years ago today. I can't believe we've been over there for that long.

Later that year, Hurricane Isabel hit North Carolina shores.

What does all this say about my daughter? I sure hope that her entire life is not marked with unnecessary wars and deadly hurricanes!

Isabel Mae

Today is March 19th. A very special day. Today is the day, 4 years ago, I became a mom for the first time and little Isabel Mae was born. I remember holding her and thinking that there was never a more beautiful, perfect little girl. I was smitten from the start. That time was so magical. I was blown away by how much I loved her, even though I barely knew her and she certainly hadn't done anything to earn my love. Other than the fact that she was my daughter. My first-born. I just wasn't prepared for the intensity of emotions I would have towards her. I also couldn't believe that the way I was feeling was just a fraction of how God felt, and still feels, towards me. This still boggles my mind to this day.

I cannot believe it has been 4 years. She was such a perfect baby and has turned into an even more incredible, smart, spunky little kid. She amazes me with how much and how quickly she learns every day. I am so happy that God decided to bless us with her. She makes me proud to be a mother.

Motherhood and marriage, while not always easy or smooth-sailing, are the two most rewarding roads I've ever traveled along. I am honored and humbled beyond words that God has given me both.

Happy Birthday, my big girl. I love you so much. May God bless you and keep you all the days of your life.

Worth a Thousand Words

All this talk of death and sacrifice has me sounding a bit Eeyore-ish. I thought I would instead post a ray of sunshine. This says it better than I ever could.