4.21.2014
Easter Pictures
A glimpse of our marathon Easter Sunday...
Phew. I should have taken a picture of her passed out in the car on the way home. It was a long, but fun day.
Jesus is alive!
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| Easter morning surprises: the empty tomb and Jesus took our sins and replaced them with special blessings. |
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| Making and eating Resurrection Rolls (a 3 year tradition) |
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| Off to church where the white rose symbolizing Aria's decision to trust Jesus was on display |
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| An egg hunt at home put on by Grandma |
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| Family pictures because we are all dressed up |
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| Our second annual grandparent Easter tower picture |
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| I'm not sure there is a thing on earth more beautiful than this |
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| Off to the Rickey family for food and fun with cousins |
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| Then to the Blow family for more cousins and more (not needed) food |
Phew. I should have taken a picture of her passed out in the car on the way home. It was a long, but fun day.
Jesus is alive!
Preschool Craft
I was in charge of letter V preschool 4 days before Easter. Our Bible lesson was Jesus' Victory over death. My favorite part of the lesson was acting out the scene at the tomb with the kids. The two boys of the group were the guards and they did a great job standing guard, falling down in fear, and pretending to be dead. The girls who were frightened by the angel let out a great scream. And our Jesus was excellent at removing his burial cloth and escaping out the secret passageway. I wish I could have got it on video.
We also made this craft, which I thought turned out well.
1. Cut a paper plate in half. I bought some sturdy ones so the tomb would stand up on its own.
2. Cut an arc in one half for the entrance to the tomb.
3. Color the inside of the other half black.
4. Paste on the verse Luke 24:6. "He is not here. He is risen!"
5. Color the outside of the tomb.
6. Glue on the angel.
7. Staple the two halves together so there is space in the middle.
8. Crumple up some paper into a ball.
9. Add some tape to keep its ball shape.
10. Use ball as big rock to cover tomb.
The 3 and 4 year olds could do most of the work themselves. The plates were a little hard to cut because they were so think. Other than that and help with stapling, they completed it with ease. And since it stands on its own, it is good for displaying!
We also made this craft, which I thought turned out well.
1. Cut a paper plate in half. I bought some sturdy ones so the tomb would stand up on its own.
2. Cut an arc in one half for the entrance to the tomb.
3. Color the inside of the other half black.
4. Paste on the verse Luke 24:6. "He is not here. He is risen!"
5. Color the outside of the tomb.
6. Glue on the angel.
7. Staple the two halves together so there is space in the middle.
8. Crumple up some paper into a ball.
9. Add some tape to keep its ball shape.
10. Use ball as big rock to cover tomb.
The 3 and 4 year olds could do most of the work themselves. The plates were a little hard to cut because they were so think. Other than that and help with stapling, they completed it with ease. And since it stands on its own, it is good for displaying!
Swimming With Sophia
Aria's good friend Sophia invited our family to go swimming with her family to celebrate her 4th birthday. We went to a local hotel that allows people to pay a $4 fee and swim in their pool. What a clever idea! We basically had the pool to ourselves the whole morning and had an absolute blast! We were thoroughly worn out afterwards. Thanks for letting us celebrate with you, Sophia!
So We Painted...
In the middle of February. I'm behind. Oh well.
Our dishwasher leaked in December.
We didn't realize it because the water was going under the floor.
Eventually it leaked through into the basement ceiling.
And the floor started buckling in the kitchen.
We got a new dishwasher.
And a new floor for the kitchen and entryway since they match.
We chose basically the same thing we had before and added it to the stairs so there is a laminate floor path in from the garage to the kitchen.
Thankful we have insurance to cover things like this.
Might as well paint, too.
The kitchen, one shade of green.
The living room, another shade of green.
The accent window, a darker shade of green.
Guess what my favorite color is?
Add the hallway and the ceiling and it was a big project.
But we had lots of fun!
And it looks great!
Our dishwasher leaked in December.
We didn't realize it because the water was going under the floor.
Eventually it leaked through into the basement ceiling.
And the floor started buckling in the kitchen.
We got a new dishwasher.
And a new floor for the kitchen and entryway since they match.
We chose basically the same thing we had before and added it to the stairs so there is a laminate floor path in from the garage to the kitchen.
Thankful we have insurance to cover things like this.
Might as well paint, too.
The kitchen, one shade of green.
The living room, another shade of green.
The accent window, a darker shade of green.
Guess what my favorite color is?
Add the hallway and the ceiling and it was a big project.
But we had lots of fun!
And it looks great!
Annual Washing of the Feet
Now this is an activity that has drawn much excitement each time we have done it. As a part of our Resurrection Eggs, we read the story of Jesus washing His disciples' feet and then took turns doing it for each other. I really think Aria enjoys both parts. I tried to get her to wait for Daddy to get home so he could be a part of it, but she really wanted to do it right away. Maybe Daddy's feet are too stinky. :)
I am a firm believer that stories from the Bible sink in much farther when we act them out. It gives us an event to connect to and real feelings to remember. I don't think we can reproduce the magnitude of the situation when Jesus washed His disciples' feet, but we will continue to act it out and try to understand.
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:14
I am a firm believer that stories from the Bible sink in much farther when we act them out. It gives us an event to connect to and real feelings to remember. I don't think we can reproduce the magnitude of the situation when Jesus washed His disciples' feet, but we will continue to act it out and try to understand.
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another's feet." John 13:14
Resurrection Garden
We made a Resurrection Garden again this year, but it didn't quite have the same effect as last year. We had a good time making it, especially since Daddy got to help, but Aria's interest wasn't the same as last year.
After we made it, Aria was not interested in spraying it with water every day, which surprised me. I do love the symbolism. We used it on Good Friday through Easter Sunday to place Jesus in the tomb and then find him not there. I think it really adds to the joy and amazement when you can physically look in a "tomb" and find Jesus not there. We didn't have very much grass grow on it this year, which may have added to the lack of interest. Or maybe we just didn't plant it soon enough because she has been more excited about it lately with the grass growing. I might have to look for an alternative visual for next year. Sometimes I get stuck on "traditions" and maybe a new perspective will help us grow more.
After we made it, Aria was not interested in spraying it with water every day, which surprised me. I do love the symbolism. We used it on Good Friday through Easter Sunday to place Jesus in the tomb and then find him not there. I think it really adds to the joy and amazement when you can physically look in a "tomb" and find Jesus not there. We didn't have very much grass grow on it this year, which may have added to the lack of interest. Or maybe we just didn't plant it soon enough because she has been more excited about it lately with the grass growing. I might have to look for an alternative visual for next year. Sometimes I get stuck on "traditions" and maybe a new perspective will help us grow more.
An Outdoor Fort
One day I was doing some cleaning in the kitchen and Aria was playing on the deck. I wasn't paying too close attention to what she was exactly doing. In hindsight, I do remember random objects going outside, but thought not much about it. Pretty soon I heard, "Mom come look at my fort!"
Creative child. Great at making her own fun, even if it isn't her preference.
Creative child. Great at making her own fun, even if it isn't her preference.
4.17.2014
Jesus is in Her Heart
Today was a wonderful day in the Pegump household! This morning we read from the Bible about the Last Supper and how Jesus broke the bread and poured out the wine as a symbol of how His body would break and His blood would pour out. We were having a conversation about taking Communion in church and Aria wanted to know when she could have the bread and juice. I said that all you have to do is love Jesus, tell him you are sorry for your sins and ask him to live in your heart so you can go to Heaven. She then said, "but mom I already did that!"
In our most recent conversation about salvation before this morning, Aria had told me she didn't want to talk to Jesus with me listening. I told her that she can always talk to Jesus and I don't have to hear it, that it was just between her and Jesus. So this morning when she told me that during her rest time this week she prayed and asked Jesus to live in her heart, it made sense to me and fits her personality that she wanted to do that on her own. She is very excited and it is so awesome to see a new confidence in her about her faith. I didn't know this transformation could be so real at such a young age, but it is clear and beautiful and a work only God can do!
Aria can be a pretty shy girl and she definitely does not like attention on herself for things. So, whenever we had conversations about asking Jesus to live in her heart, she didn't want to talk about it. One time I remember her saying, "I believe, I just don't want to say that prayer." I used to be pretty focused on making sure she accepted Jesus and "crossed the line of faith." I thought there was something I could do to make her do it or that there was something I was not doing to encourage her the right way. But a few months ago, after listening to our children's pastor talk about the topic, I realized there wasn't anything I could do but pray for Aria and give her the information. I have backed off trying to force her into it, which is good because that would not have been real anyway. Instead I knew that her trust would come on her terms.
So I was not in the least surprised that she didn't want me to hear her pray. I also know it is very real. She was confident when she told me she had said the prayer and she was excited to tell Daddy and Grandma and the pastors at church and her friend and the lady at Hy Vee. She still didn't want to tell them herself, but she wanted them to know. That is a different Aria than I am used to and I know it can only be because God is present in her heart.
It is cause for joyous celebration and it is a day I will remember forever!
4.08.2014
Yesterday
Dear Aria,
I write this blog for you. I hope that someday you read this and get a glimpse of your childhood. However, you may ask why there are such gaps right around when you turned 4. Lately, Mommy hasn't been spending a whole lot of time writing on this blog. Instead, we've been having days like yesterday.
When you first got up we read a book.
After breakfast we read a book about Jesus and did our first Resurrection Egg craft.
Next we went to Music Together class and had a ball dancing and singing.
When we got home, we had a few chores to do. You finished first so you played bubbles on the deck while I was doing the dishes.
Once I was done, I came out to enjoy the beautiful day with you.
We played ring around the rosey on the fire pit and jumped off.
I pushed you on the swing.
We drew pictures for Daddy on the driveway with chalk.
We played t-ball.
We ran races in the yard.
We filled up Augie's pool because she was hot.
We kicked the soccer ball.
We played in your sand box.
Eventually we had to come in for lunch.
After lunch we did our school time where you read a whole book to me, wrote your first and last name, and my phone number. We also did some fun mazes and matching sheets.
Back outside we went for more of the above activities.
You did have a short rest time.
After that we read some books and had a snack.
Once Daddy came home you went back outside with him while I made supper. We ate and then you and Daddy and Augie went for a walk. When you got home, it was time to get ready for bed.
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed every minute of it. A few times I thought about taking a picture or video, but I didn't want to miss a moment to run in and get the camera. So, if the posts seem slim or if you are wondering why there aren't as many pictures or videos in some seasons of your life, know it certainly is not because we weren't busy. It is because we were busy doing and being and enjoying life with eyes wide open!
Love,
Mommy
I write this blog for you. I hope that someday you read this and get a glimpse of your childhood. However, you may ask why there are such gaps right around when you turned 4. Lately, Mommy hasn't been spending a whole lot of time writing on this blog. Instead, we've been having days like yesterday.
When you first got up we read a book.
After breakfast we read a book about Jesus and did our first Resurrection Egg craft.
Next we went to Music Together class and had a ball dancing and singing.
When we got home, we had a few chores to do. You finished first so you played bubbles on the deck while I was doing the dishes.
Once I was done, I came out to enjoy the beautiful day with you.
We played ring around the rosey on the fire pit and jumped off.
I pushed you on the swing.
We drew pictures for Daddy on the driveway with chalk.
We played t-ball.
We ran races in the yard.
We filled up Augie's pool because she was hot.
We kicked the soccer ball.
We played in your sand box.
Eventually we had to come in for lunch.
After lunch we did our school time where you read a whole book to me, wrote your first and last name, and my phone number. We also did some fun mazes and matching sheets.
Back outside we went for more of the above activities.
You did have a short rest time.
After that we read some books and had a snack.
Once Daddy came home you went back outside with him while I made supper. We ate and then you and Daddy and Augie went for a walk. When you got home, it was time to get ready for bed.
It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed every minute of it. A few times I thought about taking a picture or video, but I didn't want to miss a moment to run in and get the camera. So, if the posts seem slim or if you are wondering why there aren't as many pictures or videos in some seasons of your life, know it certainly is not because we weren't busy. It is because we were busy doing and being and enjoying life with eyes wide open!
Love,
Mommy
A Funny
One day, while on a bike ride with Grandma and Papa, the seat on Aria's bike randomly sunk to its lowest setting. The bolt must not have been tight enough. Aria stopped. Got off her bike. And said, "Whoa my seat got lower. My bottom was too heavy."
I'm pretty sure no woman ever said that with a giggle.
I'm pretty sure no woman ever said that with a giggle.
Forgiveness
Insert moment of mommy weakness.
Yelling.
Impatience.
An accidental bump.
Wrongful accusation.
"I'm sorry, Aria. Will you forgive me?"
"Yes."
Her forgiveness always happens and it is always instant. She never hesitates.
Yet another lesson I've learned from my daughter.
There are certainly times I don't feel like forgiving her right away. There are especially times I don't want to forgive others right away. I was wronged and I want to be angry. I want my opponent to feel true remorse.
But God forgives me right away. If I come to Him with a repentant heart and ask Him to forgive whatever wrong I have done, He does. It is instant and it is guaranteed.
Just like my daughter demonstrates to me.
Her heart is tender. She is full of trust in me. She loves me unconditionally. All pure examples of the love of our Heavenly Father.
Aria's forgiveness doesn't happen just for me. She is quick to forgive her friends, too. One day we were goofing around and Aria got frustrated and bit me. I don't ever recall her biting anyone, so it really caught me off guard. I told her I didn't want to play with someone who bites me. Then I asked Aria if she would still want to play with a friend (I picked a friend as an example) if she bit her.
She said, "Yeah because she is my friend."
She can get past infractions and injustices because of her love for her friends and her family. She sees the heart and knows the ugly that sometimes comes out is not the true form of a person's character. What a beautiful representation of 1 Samuel 16:7. "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Thank you, Lord, for giving me this beautiful daughter who teaches me so much about you.
Yelling.
Impatience.
An accidental bump.
Wrongful accusation.
"I'm sorry, Aria. Will you forgive me?"
"Yes."
Her forgiveness always happens and it is always instant. She never hesitates.
Yet another lesson I've learned from my daughter.
There are certainly times I don't feel like forgiving her right away. There are especially times I don't want to forgive others right away. I was wronged and I want to be angry. I want my opponent to feel true remorse.
But God forgives me right away. If I come to Him with a repentant heart and ask Him to forgive whatever wrong I have done, He does. It is instant and it is guaranteed.
Just like my daughter demonstrates to me.
Her heart is tender. She is full of trust in me. She loves me unconditionally. All pure examples of the love of our Heavenly Father.
Aria's forgiveness doesn't happen just for me. She is quick to forgive her friends, too. One day we were goofing around and Aria got frustrated and bit me. I don't ever recall her biting anyone, so it really caught me off guard. I told her I didn't want to play with someone who bites me. Then I asked Aria if she would still want to play with a friend (I picked a friend as an example) if she bit her.
She said, "Yeah because she is my friend."
She can get past infractions and injustices because of her love for her friends and her family. She sees the heart and knows the ugly that sometimes comes out is not the true form of a person's character. What a beautiful representation of 1 Samuel 16:7. "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Thank you, Lord, for giving me this beautiful daughter who teaches me so much about you.
Sleep
Aria has pretty much stopped taking an afternoon nap. I'm okay with that. Bedtime is a much easier routine if she is tired. If she sleeps during the afternoon, she is definitely not tired at night. However, Aria does still have "rest" time in her room. Recently I have allowed Aria to choose a spot in her room for rest time instead of forcing her to be in her bed. She has a bean bag, a chair, and some pillows in the fort under her bed. She usually sits on one of those and listens to/looks at books. After awhile, she is allowed to play in her room. Apparently, one day, she was just tired of playing. Literally.
When Aria was a baby I was strangely obsessed with making sure she always slept in her bed. I drove myself crazy always trying to be home at bedtime and nap time. It was such craziness that Aria didn't sleep well in other places. She has never willingly chosen sleep. Until this day. She found that blanket in her closet, curled up on her bean bag and went to sleep. I was shocked. I sent this picture to Justin and said, "I guess she was tired." I think this is just another sign of my girl growing up and making choices for herself.
When Aria was a baby I was strangely obsessed with making sure she always slept in her bed. I drove myself crazy always trying to be home at bedtime and nap time. It was such craziness that Aria didn't sleep well in other places. She has never willingly chosen sleep. Until this day. She found that blanket in her closet, curled up on her bean bag and went to sleep. I was shocked. I sent this picture to Justin and said, "I guess she was tired." I think this is just another sign of my girl growing up and making choices for herself.
This is Normal, Right?
Because other kids sit at the kitchen table making a necklace in their unicorn bike helmets, too, right?
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