Mowing with Daddy

A humbling reminder that as parents, we are called to be imitators of Christ.....because chances are, someone else is imitating us.

"Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved childen, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

-Ephesians 5:1,2-

Wedding Weekend

This weekend John's oldest brother Tom got married to my now sister-in-law Beth (yea!) in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Although it rained every day last week, God is so good and Saturday was perfectly sunny and warm. Everything went off without a hitch and the reception was quite a party in true Costello form. My favorite part of a wedding ceremony is always watching the groom's face as the bride walks down the isle. Seeing Tom's eyes filling up with tears made me pretty emotional and I had to work hard to keep my cool up there. I know they've both waited a long time for that moment and it was really special to witness.

Between keeping an eye on Eli and sneaking off to nurse my constantly hungry 3 week old, the rest of the night was a total blur. So much so, that I didn't even remember to take a picture of the gorgeous bride or really much else. Here are the few pictures I did manage to take...

Eli and Shayden played and played in the straw outside the silo. They were so stinkin cute I couldn't stand it

Lately...

My lately has been filled with adjusting to a new normal, double diaper duty, around the clock feedings, downing multiple cups of coffee before 8am, having to be ok with a messy house, trying to be patient, dealing with an extra emotional toddler, forgetting everything, wishing I could afford a nanny, and praying for endurance. I am happy to report that Eli is finally starting to warm up to Norah and will occasionally have moments of sweetness with her. Her eyes follow his voice around the room and she stops crying to listen to his squeals and general loudness. It's still sinking in that I am responsible for 2 children and I'm spending a lot more time hanging around the house and a lot less out running errands and spending money. So our new normal is chaotic but great. I am a tired and thankful momma. Enjoy the pictures.

Tuneful Tuesday

One of my current favorite summer songs by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. I can't help but picture this scene in my head when listening to it...I am of course the trendy brunette and John the ab-baring stud. This is usually how we spend our weekends anyway.

Enjoy!

Food for Thought

Perhaps it's the lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn in the house again, or feeling a bit disconnected from the outside world and adult communication, or probably both; but I've noticed myself complaining both in my spirit, and out of my mouth a lot more lately. I came across a favorite passage today written by Puritan E.B. Pusey on contentment and it caused me to shift my focus and seek repentance for my attitude. I'm sure it's one you're familiar with as well, but it's always a good reminder for us all when our entire world shrinks to the size our own struggles.

"The Rules of Contentment"

1. Never complain about anything, not even the weather.

2. Never picture yourself under any circumstances in which you are not.

3. Never compare your own lot with that of another.

4. Never allow yourself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is. God Almighty loves you better and more wisely than you do yourself.

5. Never dwell on tomorrow. Remember that it is God's, not yours. The heaviest part of sorrow is often to look forward to it. The Lord will provide.

This is a good one to print out on an index card and stick it somewhere that you'll see everyday. Mine is going on the dashboard of my car. You can hold me to it!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you grandmas, moms, and moms yet to be. I hope your day was relaxing and memorable. Mine started with a delicious breakfast in bed consisting of homemade chocolate chip waffles, fruit, and coffee, along with roses and a card with special notes from Norah, Eli, and John. I was then given a magazine and allowed to linger in bed BY MYSELF while John managed the breakfast chaos downstairs. It was luxurious! I even got to take a shower without worrying about Eli breaking something or Norah crying to be held. I think I might have run the hot water supply completely empty. It was so nice to be given the morning off and just be able to do whatever I wanted... which was pretty much nothing at all. We then went to my mom's for a yummy steak lunch and enjoyed spending time with cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents. And seeing as Pei Wei is giving away a free meal to all moms today, it looks like I'm off the hook for dinner as well. Hallelujah!
Thanks John for a great, relaxing day. And thanks Eli and Norah for giving me the privilege of being your mommy. I am blessed.

Baby Love

Miss Norah Dee Costello made her much anticipated, one week post-due debut on Saturday May 1st at 3:28am. Weighing in at 7lbs 6.5 oz and 19.5in long, she is perfect and healthy. Praise the Lord! We feel honored and beyond blessed to be entrusted with two beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for this pregnancy and birth. Everything went smoothly and just as we had hoped.