Thankful on a Thursday - A rough week.

I won't lie to you. This week, I'm kinda fighting to be thankful. It's been rough. I'm getting ready to leave for Grants Pass in about 30 minutes... Erik is moving there today. I'll follow him in a short 3-4 weeks, but let's be honest here. Rafting season has arrived. Which means an end to a lot of things.

I know in my heart that it actually means the start of many things. But right now, all I can feel is the leaving. Leaving friends. Leaving home. Leaving church.

Ugh.

Not to mention I have to go 3 to 4 weeks without my man. Which, compared to what we've been through in the past, is but a drop in a very large bucket. I'm trying to keep it in perspective. I have friends... dear, precious friends... who are watching their soldier husbands being deployed to deserts on the opposite side of the world for 4, 10, and 18 months.

Three to four weeks? Come ON, Nish. Pull your crap together.

I also got my first hurtful email yesterday from an anonymous reader. Ouch. If I have ever, ever, ever come across as pompous, self-righteous, or spiritually fake, I am so sorry. My intention was never to puff myself up. I just write because I like it and sometimes, I like to share what I'm learning and how I'm changing.

Anyway, in regards to this place... I hope it's an encouragement to those who need it. I hope it speaks Truth to those who seek it. I hope it's a place of safe discussion for those who desire it.

And last night, I had to say goodbye to a youth group that I've poured my soul into for the last three years. There's no other way to describe that experience except... hard. Goodbyes are HARD. I know in my heart of hearts that it's time to move on and pass the baton, but it was difficult to look into the faces of those high schoolers and not feel like I'm abandoning them in some way.

Thank you to all of those who have offered their own encouragement and words of Truth these past few days. I've needed it. I'm thankful for you today.

What are YOU thankful for this Thursday?

Please share your Thankful on a Thursday post with the link sharer below!

91. God's Truth.
92. We'll have a roof over our head... even if it's not in Portland.
93. Double Stuff Oreos. I can't have many, but those few that I can... yum.
94. Rowan's first tooth made its appearance this week... and we came out relatively unscathed.
95. My new orchid flower that sits on my countertop... and how it reminds me of my parents' house.
96. Good, solid encouragement from women I've never even met.
97. I say this a lot, but I'm really thankful for coffee.
98. I am provided for... beyond measure.
99. Getting to hear the hearts of the high school kids last night. They have impacted me far more than I have impacted them.
100. A good, long, hug and kiss from Erik. Sometimes, it's just what I need.

Overwhelmed.

Cardboard boxes.

Signing leases.
Six months.
Choosing what furniture to bring.
Do I take my WHOLE kitchen?
Certainly the coffee pot.
What about the blender?
Do I bring lamps?
Pictures for the walls?
Am I being frivolous?
Do I need to bring so much stuff?
What about Rowan?
His crib.
His changing table.
His clothes for 9 months.
His clothes for one year.
Oh. My. Lord.
He's going to fit into 12 month clothing?
OUCH! He bit me!
Wait, is that a tooth?
Erik, quick! Hold him!
You won't get to see him much once we move.
Packing.
U-Haul.
We need more boxes.
Will we need a trailer, or a full truck?
I need more coffee.

PAUSE.
Travel to Denver and Salt Lake City.
RESUME.

Okay, we're back in Portland.
Keep packing.
Keep planning.
Who will help us unload once we're there?
Wow, I really won't know anybody.
Except the river.
I know the river.
I know the sunshine.
Will those be my only friends?
Is that enough?
Will I be lonely? Sad? Frustrated?
What about the DVDs?
Do we bring them all?
Just our favorites?
Should we bring books?
Which ones?
Tolstoy? CS Lewis? JK Rowling?
What about church?
I'll miss my church.
Rick's sermons.
Luke's sermons.
Love Portland.
High school kids.
Heather's British accent.
The nursery workers know Rowan now.
Where will I go to church?
Will they love Rowan just the same?
Will they love me just the same?

PAUSE.
Breathe.
RESUME.

I'm going to miss our friends.
Will they miss me?
Should we bring our printer?
I'm not sure we'll need it.
What about trash cans?
We'll probably need those.
Rowan needs a nap.
Should we bring all of our towels?
It's just six months.
I can rewash.
The whole bed, or just the mattress?
I say the whole bed.
Erik says just the mattress.
Typical.
Ranger! Shasta! Stop barking!
Will my dogs run away with no fence?
What if a bear comes on the land?
That would suck.
I could use a cupcake right about now.
I need to forward our mail.
I need to find a pediatrician.
Get all the records sent.
Oh shoot, I have to reschedule his next appointment.
The dogs need to see the vet soon.
Ranger! For the love, PLEASE stop barking!
Shoot, Rowan's awake.
Should I pack up all of our dry food?
Or just some of it?
I need to go to the grocery store.
Little brother comes to dinner tonight.
I think he's bringing his buddy.
What am I going to cook?
Does the new place have a dishwasher?
I think she said it does...


... I am overwhelmed.

Lord, grant me peace.

What overwhelms you? How do you calm down?

What's on my iPod?

Recently, I asked if any of you would read a post about what music I'm listening to, and I got an overwhelming response of YES. I think music is a universal language, don't you? It's something that everyone seems to appreciate & participate in on some level.

I've gotta go ahead and say that a lot of my music choices aren't really "family friendly" and they certainly aren't in the Christian music realm, either. It's not to say that I don't like or appreciate wholesome and Christian music, because I do!  I really do.

So, without further ado, here are the albums that I can't stop listening to on my iPod lately:

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
This band ROCKS. Enough said. Just go listen.




Recommended Track:  "The Cave"

Vampire Weekend - Contra
I've been a Vampire Weekend fan for a long time, and their latest effort, Contra, has not been a disappointment. In fact, I can see this album becoming a summer favorite. All of the tunes are upbeat with catchy melodies. The first song on the album, "Horchata," is a song that shouldn't be played any other way than loud, in the car, under sunshine, with all the windows down. The whole album screams of fun and it's still very quirky... just like the band. 


Recommended Track:  "Horchata"

John Mayer - Battle Studies
A tall, good-looking guy with a smooth, raspy voice, playing the blues guitar? Sold. 


John Mayer has come a long way since his first album, and I gotta say, I quite like the change. His songs are richer, fuller, more intricate and you can hear his life being lived through his music. I was a fan my freshman year of college, I'm still a fan now. 


Recommended Track(s):  "Heartbreak Warfare" and "Perfectly Lonely"

Katie Herzig - Live in Studio: Acoustic Trio
I first became aware of Katie's talents when she first started as the lead singer of Newcomer's Home. Katie would sing during the special segments at my church in Colorado and I became hooked on her voice and honest lyrics. Her career has since taken off; she's toured with The Fray and Brandi Carlile, and her music has been featured on Grey's Anatomy. This particular album is sublime. It's perfect to play on a lazy Saturday afternoon... or while you're sitting in the park in the sun.

Recommended Track:  "Hey Na Na"

Ke$ha - Animal
I don't really have anything to say that's going to redeem me from making this choice in music.

I'm sorry.

And, you're welcome.


Recommended Track(s): "Your Love is My Drug" and "Tik Tok"

Pride & Prejudice - Music from the Motion Picture
If you know me at all, you'd know that I'm a huge sucker for classical music. I'm sure I can attribute it to years and years of playing the violin. I'm also the biggest fan of this movie in the entire universe. It's probably my favorite remake I've seen (yes, I do love the 10 hour Colin Firth version, too). It's beautiful, artistic, clever, and Keira Knightley, whether you like her or not, was a perfect Elizabeth Bennet. Anyway, this music sends my heart soaring into romance and daydreams and it has become my perfect reading companion as of late.

Recommended Track:  "The Secret Life of Daydreams"

Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane
I love me some Jon Foreman. And I love me some Switchfoot.

This album should be played while driving really, really fast. Or while running. Or doing anything that can get your adrenaline pumping. It's loud, gritty and awesome.

See? I do like some wholesome music, too.

Recommended Track(s): "Needle and Haystack Life" and "Enough to Let Me Go"

Dashboard Confessional - Alter the Ending
I love Chris Carrabba's voice. And I know that Dashboard is a little... moody. But this album brings back a lot of their classic sound. You either love 'em or hate 'em. Personally, I love 'em.

Recommended Track: "Everybody Learns from Disaster"

Jonsi - Go
Some of you may listen to Sigur Ros, and some of you may not. Jonsi is the lead singer and guitarist for the band and he recently came out with a solo album. It's absolutely breathtaking. Truly. The songs soar through the speakers, and a lot of Sigur Ros' signature sound really comes through. He's brilliant with the band, but he's also brilliant on his own. Please do yourself a favor and give this one a try. It may be a little weird at first if you're not used to this kinda music, but it'll grow on you. I promise.

Recommended Track(s): "Go Do" and "Around Us"

Goo Goo Dolls - Greatest Hits, Volume 1: The Singles
There are very few bands who instantly take me back in time to very distinct moments in my younger life. The Goo Goo Dolls are one of them. And, this album has all of the songs that I loved in high school! I'm also a firm believer that John Rzeznik is one of the few remaining true rockstars. I mean, he still wears leather pants, for goodness sake.

Recommended Track(s): "Black Balloon"

Led Zeppelin - Mothership
I grew up listening to Zeppelin... and Hendrix, CREAM, The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, etc. This is my Dad's music and I'm proud to say it's my music, too. If you've never be introduced to classic rock and roll, this is the best place to start. It will shred your face right off.

Recommended Track:  "Black Dog"








Okay well, there you go. That's the first installment, anyway.

What are YOU listening to lately? 

Thankful on a Thursday - Motherhood.

As you are probably aware by now, I don't really write on matters of motherhood. This is for a lot of different reasons... some of which I can divulge at your request, but regardless... I just don't really do it.

But today... well, today has been a DAY. One for the record books here in this house. And it's only 2:45pm.

All before I sat down for some lunch:

I've been pooped on.
I've been peed on.
I've been puked on.
The boy refused to nap.
The boy refused to eat.
The laundry is still wet in the washer.
I never got a shower.
He wanted to be held, so I held him.
But he also wanted to be on his tummy, so I put him down.
He screamed at everything.

But now... NOW, my friends, I have victory. He is napping.

And I am tired.

As I sit here, exhausted and drained from taking care of a five month old who just didn't want to stop today, I can't really do anything but giggle and be thankful.

I'm a mommy!

My little boy, Rowan, knows me as his mommy. He loves me. No, actually... he ADORES me. He squeals in delight when he catches my eye and he flashes the cutest gummy smile you've ever seen.

It's the greatest job in the world, being a mom. Even though I have to wipe poop off my hands and pee off the side of the changing table... even though I pass by my full washer & throw on a dirty pair of jeans for the 4th day in a row... even though I haven't showered and I can start to smell myself...

I am happy. Joyful. Overwhelmed by God's grace and His blessing.

I am so thankful today.

What are YOU thankful for this Thursday?

Please share your Thankful on a Thursday post with the link sharer below!

81. The ridiculous moments of motherhood.

82. Good reminders that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

83. The way he prays for us at the beginning of meals & in the darkness before sleep.

84. A long, hot shower after a long, weary morning.

85. Sunshine peeking through the clouds... at this very moment.

86. Good, wholesome movies that provide deep belly laughs. 

87. I have a husband with an adventurous heart.

88. I see my grandfather's face showing in the smiles of my boy... and I'm reminded of his kindness.

89. Eugene Peterson and his work, "The Message."

90. Grace, Grace, Grace is new every morning, with every breath.

On language and expectation.

[This is just from the rehearsal. I promise I wore a pretty white dress at my wedding. Not jeans. I did wear Chaco sandals, though.]

Erik and I recently had a discussion about what it means to be a "Spiritual Leader." You know what I'm talking about, right? What every good Christian woman wants in a man. We started talking about the expectation that fills that term, along with the fear of inability and failure that comes with it.

Personally, I believe my husband leads me well. And when I say "lead" I mean that Erik is the one that sets the tone in our marriage and our home. When I fly off the handle about something relatively insignificant, he reels me back into reality and speaks Truth and perspective. He never allows me to check my theology at the door, regardless of life's circumstance. He encourages me, he guides me and he loves me. He asks great questions that challenge my opinions. He engages my mind, he pushes my buttons (in a good way), and he has pulled me through some really tough experiences.

However, we don't do Bible studies together. We don't do devotionals together. But I'm not sure that those things are really our personality as a couple. We operate under the banner of our faith differently than other couples might. But does that make Erik any less of a Spiritual Leader? I certainly don't think so.

Which begged the question in me: I wonder what other men and women see in the term, "Spiritual Leader." And, I wonder how it plays out in their marriage?

So I have a two-part question for you today, and it's simply to satisfy my curiosity (and hopefully start some good conversation!)

What does the term "Spiritual Leader" mean to you and how does it play out in your marriage?

Experiencing Him.

I live in an awe-inspiring place. I'm able to soak in God's creative beauty by simply stepping onto my front porch or walking down my street.

Yesterday, I was having a bit of a rough afternoon. With our looming move to southern Oregon fast-approaching, I began to feel overwhelmed by the details of packing and planning, along with the desperate fears of loneliness that quietly & stubbornly invade my heart. I needed to get out of the house and just... walk.

So, I did.

I put Rowan in the stroller, grabbed my camera and just walked up the street.

And in the midst of my fears and frustrations, the Lord breathed new life into my lungs and rejuvenated my heart. He didn't have to do much but send a light rain to cool me down and show me bright bursts of color along the way.

He is quite the Artist, isn't He?

Where do you need to go to experience Him?

It's the weekend.

The weekend drove up quickly, drenched in a bright blue sky. 

I'll spend the next few days outside, so I have to tell my computer "goodbye."

So off I go to play, I must bid you all adieu. 

But not without a picture of an adorable boy in blue.

Happy Weekend!

Thankful on a Thursday - He numbered the sand.

We arrived at Camp Magruder under black skies with a glitter blanket. The stars were out. It felt like ages since I had seen them so bright. Living in the city always casts a dark shadow over their sparkle, even in the dead of night. But they were waiting for me upon my arrival. I stared at them with a smile of recognition, thanking Him for allowing them to attend.

We unpacked our things and got all of the teenagers squared away... their yammering mouths alive from the sugar and caffeine that only Mountain Dew can provide. Ali and I made our way to the small sleeping cabin, just 100 yards away. Assembling the cribs of mesh and nylon, we prepared for adventure. Two days with her nine month old, Annabelle, and my five month old, Rowan... along with the aforementioned teenagers.

The night ended and we awoke the next morning to blue skies and warm weather. I smiled at the sun's rays, thanking them for their attendance, also. 

We spent the day swinging, eating, laughing, giggling. We buried our feet in the sand of the beach and ran them across the soft green grass. Our hands caught frisbees and shoveled sand. We roared with laughter as teenage boys chose to brave the Pacific's chill and jump in the waves, fully clothed. 

I smiled as my little boy's toes became wrapped in sand, and laughed even more as he pulled them into his mouth. He was alive and cheerful in the spring sun, and I could have looked at those toes for hours. 

I finally became aware of the sand in their creases and tried my best to count each grain. 

I couldn't do it.

I sat amazed. To think that He knows exactly how many grains of sand are on the Pacific shore... it was enough to flood my mind and heart to the point that I didn't have words to speak. No words could speak of God's vastness and breadth in that moment. 

It was enough to make me want to crouch lowly on my knees and put my face to the ground.

It was enough to make me want to jump as high as I could with arms outstretched, shouting of his grandeur. 

I looked around at the young people surrounding me as we talked about the Apostle Paul and his thankfulness for those with whom he was in deep community.

I sat amazed at their young faces, too. Each one so carefully crafted by a loving Artist. Their inquisitive eyes studying their pastor as he spoke of God and his goodness, despite our lives' trials and tribulations. 

I sat thankful.

I sit thankful today, too.

What are YOU thankful for this Thursday?

Please share your Thankful on a Thursday post with the link sharer below!

71. The rare, warm, sunny day on the Oregon coast in April.

72. Bonfires in the sand.

73. Picking up a book to read for the seventh time and feeling its well-worn pages between my fingers.

74. Tiny toes and big giggles.

75. Frisbees.

76. A bowl of sugar-coated cereal, drenched in ice cold milk... for dinner.

77. Our newly-formed bedtime routine with Rowan: bath, bottle, story, sleep. And a good snuggle, too.

78. The bonds of strong and true friendships - the kind that stand the test of time.

79. The tulips blooming all over Portland. 

80. God's vastness and my smallness. 

I'm so grateful that so many people have started listing their thanks every Thursday. I've created the banner above for you to post on your site every week, linking back to The Outdoor Wife. I'd love it if you'd put it to good use!

Excited to learn, but more excited to love.

In the late days of October this year, I'll be heading to a state I've never visited: Pennsylvania. I'm not going to see the Liberty Bell, or run up the Rocky steps. No, I'll be going to the town of Harrisburg, where 199 other women will be, also.

We'll convene in the large rooms of a hotel, sipping our coffee and listening to those who have been doing this writing-on-the-web thing longer than we have. We'll laugh, smile, share and enjoy... drinking in the presence of others on the same journey. Fingers tapping on laptop keys, eyes fixated on women speaking wisdom, imaginations running wild with wheels turning, thinking of the next big story we need to tell.

I'm most looking forward to the moments in the hotel room I'm sharing with three other lovelies. Beautiful and inspiring baby-wearing, ruffle-sewing, vintage-collecting kindreds. The fun, wild and goofy moments, full of bed-jumping and laughing. The genuine, quiet moments of sharing stories of love, life and faith.

While I'm attending Relevant to learn more about this craft of writing, I'm most looking forward to the people. Women who speak encouragement and life into the darkest of places. Women who seek to inspire and build-up others. Women who know the deep pains and struggles of life, but choose to seek out the grace, joy and abundance that we are offered through Him.

I'm excited to learn, but I'm more excited to love.

I got dressed this week!

Well, I did it! I completed the "Get Dressed" challenge. I can't say that I hit the mark every single day, but I made the best and most valiant effort that I could every morning. There were some mornings when Rowan's morning nap dictated when I got in the shower & fully ready. Sometimes I made it by 8am, other times, it was closer to 8:30 or 9:00. But you know what? I quickly realized that the time wasn't the point... at least for me.

It was great to get out of bed, pick out some cute clothes, hop in the shower and make an effort at improving my appearance. I got the bed made, ate breakfast, drank my coffee and worked through my first five days of reading the Bible cover-to-cover in 90 days... all while Rowan took his long morning nap. I definitely felt a bit more productive and I was much less likely to sit on the couch and watch Lord of the Rings.

Overall, it was a great challenge and I'm glad I participated! I'm really enjoying my morning routine.

And I'll leave you with a "Have a great weekend!" Because, I'm headed here with a bunch of high school kids, some great leaders, my husband and my kid for a weekend retreat:

I'll be back sometime on Sunday. I'll try to post pictures and give an update after we're settled home. Here's hoping the weather is beautiful, wherever you might find yourself this weekend.

Thankful on a Thursday - Simply Thankful.

Today I don't have any personal anecdote or reflective statement to make.

Today I sit in the simplicity of gratitude and thankfulness. 

Heart spilling over, bubbling up, pouring through my skin, lingering on my fingertips.

What are YOU thankful for this Thursday?

Please share your Thankful on a Thursday post with the link sharer below!

51. God's faithful, unending & constant provision.

52. Thoughts and dreams of sunshine, sunglasses, sunscreen and river water.

53. The way he still gives me butterflies.

54. Watching the sun break through the clouds in the early morning.

55. Sticky and gooey fingers after a good batch of cookie dough.

56. Tender nuzzles from the furry and wet nose of a faithful companion.

57. Sore fingertips after pressing & sliding along violin strings.

58. Good, long laughs with him over cajun food and wine.

59. The sound of the camera shutter, capturing the greatest smile I've ever known.

60. Small reminders of encouragement creeping in the dark places.

61. The way my baby's face contorts with delight upon recognizing his mama from across the room.

62. The power of resurrection. The story never gets old or dull.

63. God is changing me, molding me, slowly & gently.

64. A quiet afternoon with an epic story about hobbits, elves, wizards and men.

65. The way sunlight lifts every mood. The bright rays bring joy where rain has dampened the spirit.

66. A weekend spent at the beach with teenagers eager to learn more about this man, Jesus.

67. Writers who are superb at their craft, and the way it inspires me to invest in my own.

68. New paint colors.

69. Certain artists that force me to pause and reflect.

70. Grace. Grace. Grace abounding, welling up and pouring out into every crack.

Confessions

My friend Haley and I went out last night and shared some excellent conversation over a couple of excellent Portland beers at the Lucky Lab. It's so refreshing to be able to lay all of your crap out on the table for someone to see and speak into. It was good for my heart, to be sure. We talked about everything... my fear of having another kid, the mama drama of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, our love and weird fascination with Lady Gaga, discipleship, and even our pride. During the conversation, I felt the motivation to post some of my crap here, for all the world to see... a confession of sorts. I'm going to list out some of the things that I feel like I need to work on in my life, and I hope that you'll ask me about them regularly and help keep me accountable.

Wanna join me? It's risky. It's vulnerable. But I have a sneaking suspicion that it's worth it.

Things You Don't Know About Me... But You Should

1. I swear a LOT.
2. I'm a blame-shifter.
3. I have a really bad sense of entitlement.
4. I get road rage.
5. I watch crass & inappropriate comedy movies... and I laugh at them.
6. I don't particularly care about my neighbors.
7. I listen to rap music... and I listen to Lady Gaga... and I like it.
8. I'm afraid of commitment. 
9. I'm pretty materialistic. 
10. I hold grudges.

What do YOU need to work on?

wherein i disclose my past hatred of women.

Up until my sophomore year of college, I can say that I unapologetically hated women.

I was an estrogen-loathing tomboy who saw absolutely no value in having my particular female anatomy. Being a woman was something that I despised deeply, and it caused parts of my heart to grow dark and cage itself in steel. Women were way too complicated. They were dramatic, over-emotional, and calculating. Those qualities really came into view during that once-a-month sideshow we all know and despise. Most women that I knew were more worried about what color eye shadow to buy rather than the genocide happening in Sudan. Most women I knew used daggers and knives for words. The scars on my heart and mind have grown thick since then, but still have a tendency to burn upon remembrance of the unfriendly.

I eventually came to the realization that I did not know many women. Then, I met "The Group."

When I met Nancy, she was leading a small group, comprised mostly of high school youth group volunteers. I knew all of the women, since I was an intern at the local church for the high school ministry. Or should I say, I thought I knew these women. I had written them off as "just like the rest of them," simply because they wore nice jeans, cute shoes and actually cared enough to curl their hair. Little did I know, their depth and sincerity went much deeper than their designer denim.

I was very resistant at first. Nancy could probably tell you this story better than I can, but the first night I went to the group, I was asked, "Why did you decide to come to the group?" I responded, "I'm not sure. I don't particularly like women, especially in groups. I don't really know why God has me here."

But I quickly came to the realization that God, a man of few words and a refreshing sense of humor, had great plans for my time with those women. And over the next few years, He changed and molded my heart, like play dough in the hands of a two year old. Before I knew it, these women were able to see through my heart like a freshly-cleaned window. They saw the cage, the darkness, the scars. These women unlocked the cage, showed me light, and healed some deep wounds caused by many insincere and hurtful relationships. They reminded me of my value, they encouraged me to share, they spoke with clarity, vision and a deep sense of wisdom.

I realize that many of you have scars that resemble my own. I know the bitterness that lingers on your skin after another woman has scathed you with hurtful words and actions. I know what it's like to stand on the outside of a circle. It's lonely, scary and sometimes it hurts. But I'm here to tell you that there are millions of us, and there are millions of women like the women that I have grown to love... and they are aching for your presence! You bring something unique to the table. Don't be afraid to show it to the world because a group of women in your past couldn't be anything but hurtful.

If you're reading this and you're in a place of bitterness and hurt, I'm here to tell you it's time to get back on the horse, sister. You have two options here:

1. You can keep being bitter. You can keep your gifts and talents to yourself, and bury them in the ground along with your hopes for some real girlfriends who love you and value you. 
2. You can get up off your butt and do what God is calling you to do: be in sincere relationships with others (Acts 2:42-47).

What's your story with women? How would you rewrite it?

Fight the Frump.

Yes. This is me wearing a Snuggie.

I'll be honest. Being a stay-at-home mom is pretty sweet. My job is to take care of my kid, take care of my hubs, take care of my dogs and take care of my house. I never, ever, EVER in a million years thought that I'd be doing this full-time, but here I am. It's a pretty sweet gig and for the most part, I really enjoy it.

One of the biggest perks of being a full-time mom is the ability to stay in my pajamas all day. ALL. DAY. I can roll out of bed, brush my teeth, throw on a little deodorant, whip my hair into a ponytail and voila! I'm ready for my day at home. This is especially true on those days where housework is the priority of the day and I have no plans to go anywhere. My biggest plans are probably an hour-long snuggle with a very adorable child.

While this is incredibly convenient and downright pleasurable on the cold and rainy days, I have to say that I kinda feel gross and unproductive when I just stay in sweats all day. Don't get me wrong, there's a time and a place for my SpongeBob Squarepants pajama pants and my endless collection of hoodies. But, this week is not one of those times.

Sarah Mae, over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee, is hosting the "Get Dressed Challenge." For the entire week, starting today, she's challenging all of us Stay-At-Home Mamas to get our butts out of bed early, hop in the shower, get dressed and even DO OUR HAIR by 8:00am.

What?! No messy ponytail-bun-knot-thing?  Nope. Not this week.

This week, my face will even see a little bit of makeup. For those of you that know me, you can pick your jaws up off of the floor now.

In all truth, you won't see me in a dress this week, nor a pair of slacks or khakis. Not because I don't want to wear them, but rather because the only thing I own that fits after serious weight-loss are a few select pairs of jeans. But, I'm making the effort to look a little cute and at least a little more put-together. I'm even going to take Melissa's (from The Inspired Room) advice and get dressed head to toe... shoes and all. I'll probably pick Vans over heels, but hey... I've still gotta be me on some level.

So, for this week, The Outdoor Wife has been declared a No Frump Zone. All of you Stay-At-Home Mamas... you wanna give it a shot with me?

Lisa Leonard Giveaway WINNER!

After visiting Random.org and using their True Random Number Generator, I am happy to announce the winner of Lisa Leonard's Vintage Frame Necklace!

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I almost couldn't believe it when I counted the comments:

Corrie Brockman!

Corrie and I are friends from my years spent in Colorado :)

Congratulations, Corrie! 

Stay tuned! There's another big jewelry giveaway coming up in just a few weeks! 

You won't want to miss it!

Thankful on a Thursday - I don't finish well.

I love to begin new things. I love fresh starts, new books, exciting ideas and adventures.

However, I am a horrible finisher. I'll start at least three new books at once and never finish any of them. Actually, now that I think about it, I'll start only one new book and still won't finish it.

I started the project of painting our downstairs, but never finished. I still have to touch up the ceiling in the entryway and kitchen, put another coat of paint on the doorway into the living room and finish the trim work around one of the windows in the nook.

I think it boils down to the fact that I get bored too easily. I'm far too easily distracted.

This bothers me deeply. Deep down, I'm begging the question of my heart:  Why can't I seem to finish things, and finish them well?

I have all of these swirling thoughts about being a perpetual starter, but never a good finisher. If I can't even commit myself to finishing a book, how will I ever expect to commit to something more important... like my marriage, my son, or my faith? How do I get the motivation to see things through?

More often than not, I'm usually motivated to finish something due to obligation, money or expectations. It seems that I'm rarely motivated by love, passion, joy and obedience.

This week is Holy Week... the days leading up to Good Friday and Easter... or rather, the death of Christ and the day of his resurrection. I've been reading the Easter story a lot over the past week, and I've even started reading it to Rowan for the first time. I become overwhelmed when my eyes reach the point in the story where Jesus prays in Gethsemane. Christ, knowing what is to come, asks His disciples to stay awake and keep watch for Him. In my version of the Bible, it says that "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39, ESV)

Jesus, in His heart of hearts, asked God if He could quit the race. He didn't want to quit if it wasn't the Father's will, but He asked. In fact, Jesus asked twice more after that, so you know He really didn't want to hang on that tree for all of the human race if He didn't have to.

My eyes sting with the remembrance & anticipation of Good Friday. He chose to finish. He committed to the cause. He was mocked, jeered, humiliated. His clothes were taken from Him, He was beaten severely and a crown of thorns was pushed into the skin on his skull. His wrists and feet were fastened to a cross with big iron stakes. He hung there, fighting to breathe, suffocating.

He didn't deserve it.   I did. 

But He finished the race... and He finished for me, because I couldn't. He perfects me in all of the areas where I fall short. When I can't commit to something, He does. I'm not able to finish the race without Him.

So, this Thursday... on the eve of Good Friday... I am thankful. I'm not even sure "thankful" can quite describe how my heart is exploding with joy and gratitude for what was accomplished on the cross so long ago.

I'm thankful that He perfects me.
I'm thankful that I have Him to cling to in the moments where I feel like I can't finish.
I'm thankful that He didn't back out... even though He could have.
I'm thankful that He finished the race when I couldn't.

What are YOU thankful for this Thursday?

Please share your Thankful on a Thursday post with the link sharer provided below!

41. Really big giggles from a tiny little boy.

42. My funky coffee mug collection.

43. The way a cloudy and rainy day makes for the best snuggles and naps.

44. Long talks on the phone with best friends. 

45. The way he worries about me & cares for my heart.

46. Falling into good morning routines... that always include coffee.

47. How pictures from adventures passed can inspire thoughts of new adventures to come. 

48. The opportunity to spend every day on the Rogue River this summer.

49. How a good glass of red wine is the perfect companion to a hot bath.

50. Christ finished what we never could.