Georgia and Ruby

We are party people around the Bendel household. We celebrate every moment.
Naturally we make a big to-do about every mile stone in Olivia's life.
So for her 17 month 'birthday' we celebrated by bringing 2 new friends into our home.

Olivia was so excited; she helped the store associate pick out her new friends.
She could hardly contain herself when we got home, waiting on me to tuck them safely into their new home.

Allow me to introduce you to the two newest members of our family.
Meet Georgia {left} and Ruby {right}

17 months

Olivia,
You are 17 months old.
You are growing so quickly. We love to watch you grow and learn.
Everyday you become more a "little girl" and less a "baby."
You are such a blessing, love-bug.
You have such a big personality. You've never met a stranger. You love to entertain.
Though sometimes you get your feelings hurt when someone in a store doesn't notice you.
You are such a tender soul. You have more compassion than I've ever seen in a small child.
You truly feel with people. I pray that you never lose that.
We love you precious girl, and we can't wait to see what the coming month has in store for us.

Forever and ever,
Mommy and Daddy

I want to pee alone.

 

 {via}

When I first saw this card on Pinterest I thought it was funny.

True- but funny.

Then this morning in the shower {curtain half-open, Olivia throwing things into the shower with me} I thought to myself, "It sure would be nice if I could shower alone."

Then a little voice, aka the Spirit, popped into my head.

"This is life. Here. Now."

Then my thoughts went back to this card.

It's true, I used to want "everything."

But now my definition of "everything" is quite different.

"Everything" used to be a career, a house, etc. Wordly things.

Now "everything" is caring for my family, holding hands with my sweet girl, tender moments at bed time.

I wonder why, to the world, those things are menial.

Why is it that so many people are so focused on the "what" and the "where" that they leave little room in their hearts for the "who.'

I pray I never lose track of the "who" in my life.