life is like.. a bag of truffles!

Now that I'm 1/3 of a year old, my Mom thought it was time for an 'Owen update'..  that or she's just shirking her blogging duties, I can't be sure.  I have mastered an abundance of new tricks since last time, though.  I *can* roll over but try my best not to make a habit of it!  And I've made a fascinating discovery- the tongue!  Seriously, has this thing been in my mouth the whole time?!
Oooh's and aaah's were fun for awhile but I've graduated to lippy sounds, now: b's, v's and a whole lot of spit.  My parents go crazy over a shrieky, pterodactyl laugh I let slip on occasion..  I'm telling you, these two are putty in my hands :)

At my four month checkup I was tipping the scales at 16.2 pounds and I'm 25 inches tall!  A layer of 'man hair' is coming in under the few remaining wisps of baby hair that Mom insists on curling and spiking!  Thankfully, I have an ally in my Dad when it comes to hair-do's, shoes and collared shirts.  He's sure that I'm terribly uncomfortable and is quick to un-botton, de-shoe and smooth down the mohawk as soon as Mom turns her back.  Dad is so cool.  But, now that I think about it, he sure didn't put a stop to my Mom's 'sleep bootcamp'!  He must've been at work when that went down.  But, (and don't tell her I said this) I have finally come over to the dark side.  Turns out I can fall asleep on my own and life is oh-so-much jollier when I take good naps.  (Mom's words.. not mine!)

[I must be faking it here..]

My parents left me for the first time last week.  Shocking, I know!  Apparently they thought it would be fun to go on an Owen-less date!?  Not sure where they gathered this notion, but they did choose some pretty cool people for me to hang out with and I was pretty brave about the whole ordeal.  There's talk of them making a habit of this, though..  why does no one consult me about these things?!
My first Thanksgiving was a very exciting time!  My family sure has a lot to be thankful for.  I know they really start missing those mainland people at this time of year but we have a really great ohana here, too.  We had three turkey dinners (and leftovers..) before Thanksgiving even arrived!  For the actual day we were invited to celebrate with aforementioned 'pretty cool people' and had a sea-faring dinner that my Mom won't stop raving about.   Unfortunately, I'm still on a milk-only diet and can't vouch for the deliciousness.  They also put me to bed just in time for the story telling and laughing, but I hear it was a fantastic time!

[my family!]

This week especially, I know my parents are extremely thankful for the people God has placed in our life.  I'm no mechanic and I have yet to figure out where our clutch went to, but I do know that it went 'out'.. and apparently that is frowned upon around here.  My Mom says you can find good in the crappiest of situations (although, I'm not supposed to say crap).  It's like a truffle, which my parents just bought in bulk at Costco!  The first taste may be bitter and dark but underneath that layer is sweet, creaminess; goodness in disguise.
Like my Dad realizing the issue BEFORE driving down the steepest road on the island.  Thank you, Jesus!  Or a mechanic that we don't even know, stopping by on his way home to confirm my Dad's suspicions.  The next day a friend drove all the way to town to pick up a part for us!  Dad went straight to work on it- only to realize he needed another part- one that wouldn't be available till after the holiday.  BUT, then our friends offered the use of their truck till ours was running again!  Goodness.. everywhere we look!  One big truffle..

[Mom's favorites!]

I may not know as much as big people, but I'm seeing the goodness of God EVERYWHERE!  I'm observant now, like on a sponge-like level!  And I'm realizing that in all their 'knowing', big people can really miss the obvious truths.  For all their abilities and resources and ideas.. there seems to be a lot of people losing sight of the simplicity of grace and joy and love.  We don't deserve it, God gives it freely.. and that's why we're here.  

Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to 'Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.'  We saw love lived out this week, extended to us over and over.  Each time we were made a part of the family and welcomed into someone's home; each turkey dinner and laughter filled evening.  We see it in a borrowed vehicle, a mechanic bill that was less than we anticipated and a counter full of free fruit.  Goodness, grace and love..  undeserved, unexpected and in abundance.  We will face a lot of hard in this life; we live in a fallen world!  But we should focus on the blessings that God pours out each and every day; the GOOD that He works out of every situation.  To be imitators of the love of Jesus, that is our goal!  And we witnessed first hand, this week, how this makes life less stressful and more like.. a bag of truffles!
Until next time~
Mr. O

[morning hairs!]

The language I know best!

Little Man,

You've done it again, in a blink of an eye.  You're growing so quickly and I still haven't found a pause button!  You are constant motion, SuperBaby, our little tiger.  You are sugar and snuggles; shy when you first wake up.  You are ticklish, stubborn and crazy about Kai.  You won't be held back, you have places to go.  'Claustrophobic' like your Dad, you need to breathe deep.  We lift you up high and you spread your wings.  I can already hear you begging to climb just a little higher, swim a bit deeper and ride your bike faster!  My sweet, tiny son.
Your hand in mine, safe and secure.  My heart is so full, my love so big.  The possibilities stretch out before you.  Who will you become, what will these fingers touch?  The toes I nibble, where will they carry you?  You are curious, an explorer.  What discoveries await you?  I pray for hidden treasure each day; the ability to recognize God's handiwork not only in mighty mountains and rushing streams but in the overlooked and unappreciated.
May you see with His eyes, feel with His heart.  I pray you will be His hands, His feet!   I don't wish for you a life of ease, as many mother's would.  Of course I want your every need met and every desire fulfilled.  I pray for safety, health and a life overflowing with joy.  But, you are part of a bigger picture, my love.  And I pray you will live a life worthy of the call, bringing glory to our King regardless of the circumstances!  May you run your race with perseverance.
From across the room you spot your Dad and I.  That smile of recognition is the sweetest thing; you know we're your biggest fans.  You big story teller; you're the man of the hour.  Your 'vocabulary' is quickly developing, usually muffled by the hand or toy you insist on putting in your mouth.  You are so strong.  So brave.  You love the water, the sky and anything that crinkles.  The best time of day is when Daddy gets home from work.
We are training up a warrior.  It's incredible and terrifying and a great honor!  This is exactly where I want to be, Owen.  For as much as I have to teach you, there have already been an enormous amount of lessons learned.. by ME.  And I thank you!

All my love,
Mommy

I love letters!  Sweet notes from my Dad were a usual occurrence growing up.  I would write back and forth with a best friend in a secret language only we knew how to unscramble.  Passing scraps of paper through the pews in church was a favorite pass time.  Pen pals, post cards and the long, drawn out journal entries of a teenager.  As I ventured out into the world I loved finding letters tucked into my suitcase.  I expressed my love to Derek with enough notes and poems to fill a filing cabinet!  My Mom and I write back and forth now; dreams, fears, questions and recipes.  This is the language I know best.
And now I write to Owen.. for Owen.  I write to the sweet baby nestled in my arms.  I write to the man he will become.  I write in attempts to remember every single detail; discoveries, struggles and victories.   Sweet baby kisses and every single 'first'.  I write to encourage, to inspire.  I write that he might always know of my love for him!  I see things anew through the eyes of my tiny son and I am inspired.  What a beautiful life.  Owen's story is beginning to unfold and it is a privilege to be able to write some of it.

'For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:38-39
The Bible is a letter from my Best Friend, a love note from my Papa.  He speaks to me in the language I know best.  It's the greatest story of all time and it is still unfolding.  God writes of discoveries, struggles and victories.  He is a parent, revealing His grand plan for our lives but allowing us to choose our own path.  He is the Bridegroom, heartbroken at the other 'lovers' we may choose, longing to be reunited with us, His bride.  He rejoices in every triumph, every baby step.  This book is fierce, unfailing love.  It is exactly what I need to know for this life, leaving just enough a mystery that I might always be digging deeper.
I have a story to tell because of Jesus.  He writes to the sinful, stubborn mess I am and calls me into the woman He created me to be, the masterpiece He sees in me.  He encourages, inspires and always reminds me of His great love and faithfulness.  He IS the Word, written for me.  Surrender, redemption and the hope of tomorrow, all in the language I know best.

the good, the bad and the... bodily fluids.

My sister-in-law and I were recently discussing, okay dissecting, the absurdity of those "supermom' posts.  You know the ones; 'Yayy! Scrubbed the kitchen floor by hand today, we're having home made (something I can't even pronounce!) for dinner and still had time to venture into the meadow so the kiddos could paint with their personalized easels!!'  Seriously?!  We decided they are withholding a significant amount of information.  'Supermom' also has a live-in maid.. or three extra pairs of hands.  Oh, and never sleeps.
No one actually pulls these things off on a regular basis, do they?!  Or am I just the world's biggest slacker?  You read these things, comment 'Wow.. aren't you amazing!?" and then hang your head, begin doubting your abilities and suddenly notice a kitchen floor that hasn't been scrubbed in... well, a LONG time.  Oh, and maybe leftovers are not an acceptable menu item?

Unfortunately, when I take a step back I realize that, gulp, I'm guilty of this, too!  Maybe we all are?  We want to revel in the successful, the accomplishments and that superb family outing last weekend!  Who doesn't?!  And there is nothing wrong with that!  But I rarely post about the ordinary, the not-so-successful, the day I stayed in yoga pants until 2pm..  the downright HARD.  'Changed nine diapers today.. only got peed on once!  Resorted to Hamburger Helper for dinner (yikes!) and forgot to pay the phone bill.. woohoo!'
So, I'm here to apologize for the times I present an unrealistic view of life in the Pearl house.  I'm here to admit that for every home made apple pie and crafty little project there are also unmade beds, a pile of diapers that need washing and dishes to scrub.  We're living life over here..one day at a time.  And by no means is it perfect or organic or even organized, but we really love it!  And I'm willing to bet your family would say the same.. regardless of whether or not you've had time to decorate the house with hand crafted, cutesy Thanksgiving decorations (I'll have to discuss my love/hate relationship with Pinterest in another post..)

You don't have all the answers.. no one does.  But I'm here to say, 'YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB!!'  You show up.  You love with all your heart and that's what matters.  This doesn't just apply to mothers.  No matter where you're at in life, there's never a shortage of guilt-trip material.  Here's another disclaimer to lighten your load:  For every 'Yes! I love a good run in the morning..' post, I should also admit to the time my 'post-workout snack' was a slice of cheesecake!  Seriously, whatever path you're on.. mother, student, brand new wife, working your way up the ladder at work.. YOU ARE AMAZING!!  You take it one day at a time; things don't always turn out as anticipated but you don't give up.
I'm absolutely crazy about this life.  I'm just saying I don't have it all together; NO ONE has it all together.  Don't think for a minute that they do.  I'm here to admit that for all the times Derek comes home to a cooing baby, home cooked meal and mascara wearing wife, there are also plenty of other times.  Times when Owen is fussy after refusing to surrender to an afternoon nap, when brushing my hair was the farthest thing from my mind and when, yes, we are having spaghetti for the third time.  (Side note: on that particular day my husband came in the door with a melty ice cream cone that he savored all the way home from work, in order to share half with me!  Yes, it brought tears to my eyes.  I really like him.)

It's not easy to write this.  But it matters.  And I'm not saying I will refrain from ever sharing success stories!  I mean, come on!  Those nights Owen goes 12 hours.. yeah, that's post-worthy!  I have the best husband in the world and often feel the need to shout, 'I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!'   God has blessed my little family, there's no denying it.  But maybe I should spend a little less time posting and a little more time.. spreading.  In a picture-perfect, extra-curricular, gluten free world, it's easy to feel bogged down.  Simply hearing 'Your baby is lucky to have parents like you!' goes a long way.  I know it did for us, coming from a complete stranger at Subway!
Proverbs 16:24 'Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.'
Being Derek's wife and Owen's mom is a blessing, a privilege and, I believe.. part of my calling!  But I wasn't always a wife, a mom.  For the majority of my life I've just been.. me!  So, now I learn.  I mess up.  I grow.  And I'm incredibly grateful for those who come alongside me on this journey and share!  Share life; the successes, yes.. but also (mostly) the faults, blowouts and hard lessons learned.  We can't journey with people until we're willing to be real.  No, I'm not saying we should all start posting every failure and embarrassing moment.  But let's commit to encouraging and building up.  Admit that you're not supermom, that you're held together by the love and grace of Jesus and a few baby slobbers!  Compliment someone today.. just do it.  Be real; journey with those God has placed in your life!  And let's face it, we all know that the best stories include some type of bodily fluid..
1 Thessalonians 5:11 'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.' 

A rich life!

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is faithful

Consider all that he has done

Stand in awe and be amazed

And know that He will never change

Be still

As these lyrics flashed up on the screen this Sunday, Derek and I looked at each other and in that unspoken language unique to best friends, we knew.  We knew this was for us.  A breath of fresh air; these words were a reality check amidst a stressful list of impending decisions.  But they shouldn't be stressful.  'Consider all that He has done!'  I just re-read my entries from last November.  Talk about humbling.  We were ready to pack our bags and head for the mainland when God said, 'Wait, I have other plans.'  Incredible plans!  A year later and we still have not paid rent on this island!  Our lives have been turned upside down, in the best possible way, by a sweet baby boy!  Derek has not only started his own business but is beginning to see it flourish!  'Stand in awe and be amazed!'

A friend recently commented on how I tend to hold Owen.  He is a constant blur of motion and in order to free up one hand, and support his bobbly head, I usually hold him with his back to my chest.  She said she liked that because 'Owen knows you've got his back and he's free to look forward!' 
I suppose the same is true of my Papa and I.  I'm learning to embrace change, unknown and yes, even 'obstacles' as opportunities for God to work in my life!  We have to make decisions about our future as we look towards a new year and I'm excited!  'Know that He will never change.'  God is faithful.  He works all things together for good.  He has plans for us; plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future!  With those promises at my back, I can look forward with anticipation of all that God will do!

The past few days I've been flooded with the realization of how rich we are!  A coffee date with girls that feel like sisters, dinner with friends that feel like family.  A peach crisp made with peaches brought all the way from CANADA!!  Literally, hundreds of oranges picked and squeezed.  A husband that comes home from work and says 'I loved that!'  A little boy that spills out joy like sunshine!  Piano music and a blooming rose bush. Thunder storms and radiant sunsets!  Homemade apple pie and hysterical laughter upon finding the ice cream put away in the.. refrigerator?!  
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Owen and I just finished his version of the Old Testament.  It was awesome!!  I love how powerful the Word of God is, even broken down to its very simplest form.  The faithfulness of God is so incredibly obvious, even in story book form.  His people rebel, turn away, forget, choose other gods, grow stagnant... and yet, He remains and His purpose stands.  I'm guilty, too.  I come to a mountain of change, a brand new challenge, and I begin to panic, doubt and scramble to find answers in my own strength, resources and ability.  But God is faithful!  He has my back and he wants me to face forward, equipped with HIS strength and the knowledge of all the mountains He's enabled me to climb already.  'Be still and know that He is faithful.'
And so we head into a new month; one of my favorites!  A time to be THANKFUL and realize the beauty and richness of our life.  An opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey God is leading us on! And with the knowledge that 'He is God' and 'He will never change' at our back, we look forward to the future and embrace the next climb!