Sleep Tight, Little One

(1-31-2013)

"There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

   a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

  a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,

  a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

  a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

  a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

  a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

  a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace."

~Ephesians 3: 1-8

This morning Maddie woke up around 4am...I think her foot had fallen asleep. Regardless of the reason, I'm not sure she ever did go back to sleep, although she did stay quiet until 7am. Needless to say, it was a rough day. There were lots of meltdowns and complaints, and of course whining accompanied almost everything. Sadly, I was a little grumpy myself from the lack of sleep, which I think only complicated matters. 

Maddie went to bed before 6:30 tonight and she was sound asleep when I snapped this picture...she didn't even flinch! I am hoping that my night's sleep will be just as restful as hers and that we can start refreshed tomorrow.

As I was reflecting on the day we had, I was reminded of the passage in Ecclesiastes that tells us "there is a time for everything." I guess as a parent, there is a time for joy, happiness, and laughter as well as fits, whining, and complaining. While the latter are not that pleasant, I'm glad that God allows us to experience the hard times so we can appreciate the good times even more. 

P.S.- I'm also thankful for rest (for Maddie AND me!)

Dance with Joy!

(1-30-2013)

"Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sung for joy on their beds." ~Psalm 149:3-5

Every Wednesday Maddie has dance class for a half hour. There are 6 little three and four year olds in her class and is the most adorable and hilarious thing to watch. The girls are all so excited to be dancing that they don't notice or care how they look. They are just dancing with joy and enjoying themselves.

This reminds me of how we should be when we worship Him, both privately and publicly. We shouldn't be concerned about how well we sing or dance, but rather we should put our energy into joyfully praise who God is. So, the next time you are in your car and that song comes on that speaks to your heart, don't be afraid, belt it out! Or, the next time you are at church and you see others singing, dancing, or raising their hands in praise of Him, join in and do so joyfully! We should all remember that it's all about Him and not about us.

(P.S.- Maddie is in the black shirt.)

Yum-O!

(1-29-2013)

I LOVE my slow cooker. In the fall and winter months, I dare say that I use it at least once a week. I love trying new recipes, along with making some of my tried and true ones. However, Chicken and Noodles is by far my favorite meal to make in my slow cooker. It is cheap, simple, and filling, not to mention, it tastes pretty good too! I am thankful that we are able to enjoy conveniences like the slow cooker.

Faith Begins at Home

(1-28-13)

". . .But as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord." ~Joshua 24:15

One thing I love and am so thankful for is that Matt loves reading the Bible and talking about who God is and why we love Him with Maddie. Fathers make such a big impression on their kids and I am so glad that Matt takes his role seriously!

Last Year in My Twenties

(1-27-2013)

Today I turned 29. It's hard to believe that next year I will be the big 3-0!

For my birthday, Matt and Maddie got me a balloon (in which Maddie accidentally spoiled the surprise), some earrings, flowers, a blanket with an owl on it, and a new pair of slippers. In addition, sweet "Aunt" Kelly watched Maddie so Matt and I could go out to lunch and have some time alone. I chose Chipotle. I love that place!! Definitely one of my favorites!

My day ended with Matt surprising me by making one of my favorite dishes ever, Orange Chicken. You have no idea how much this meant to me!

I am so thankful for my little family and the time and effort they took to celebrate my special day!

"Back in the Saddle Again"

 (1-26-2013)

It's been a while since I have posted anything to my blog. I must say, to be quite honest, I had forgotten all about it until my friend Jenna said something about it.

Life around the Carrigan house has been busy. Since the last blog post, we've moved back to Fort Wayne and bought a house in the quaint Southwood Park neighborhood. We've reconnected with our dear friends and I am once again working in TotTown at Fellowship (our church, where I get to play with cute babies on Sunday mornings. I've also begun volunteering for the FW Alumni and Friends Resource Center, which just happens to be an extension of the old TUFW campus. I am responsible for updating their News Notes on their website as well as maintaining the News Notes to be printed in the Vine, which is their published magazine.

Matt still commutes to Chicago for two days every other month. In the beginning, Maddie and I would join him, but in the future we probably won't because I will begin watching a dear friend's new granddaughter, who will be making her debut February 25th.

Even though life is still crazy around here, we are now in a routine again and I hope to pick up the daily posts once more. So, here is the first of many more to come!

I am so thankful for the opportunity to stay home with Maddie and have an active part in her education. She is just thriving and I am so proud of her. This picture is the result of me telling her to spell the word "dinosaur." Not bad for 3 years old!