Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
I've been waiting for this wonderful woman to come see me for about 8 months. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. She's been here for over a week now and the time I have had with her has been so very precious. She loves these little children like they are her own. And already the thought of her leaving brings a lump to my throat. I want to make her stay forever. She and Sister are my best friends. I really, really, really wish that she wasn't so very far away. These little people change every day and it seems like 2 or 3 visits a year are far too few for a grandmother to be see her precious grandchildren. I am so grateful for this time we have had together. She is so patient with me and the children and always willing to help when and where she is needed without ever being asked. She has done all the laundry for 2 weeks. I haven't done any! Seriously. What a treat!
She also validates me. Do you know what I mean? Little comments here and there like, "I don't know how you do this?" or "This is really hard work." or "Wow, I don't know how you ever get anything accomplished!" It encourages me to see that she recognizes this stage of motherhood is physically and emotionally taxing. If you're a father or a grandmother I challenge you to say these things to your wife or daughter! It will fill her up, give her your approval, and make her feel validated!
Since we've missed a few holidays since our last visit she brought Christmas & Valentine's presents with her. She knows us so well...
For young John Martin, 2 vintage poster prints for above his crib (& just a few baby toys). She bought these when she was pregnant with Sister and me. She didn't know if we'd be boys or girls so she bought 4 of these rabbit posters and thankfully never sold them in a yard sale. How cute are they?
For the girls, an old children's table (that she had refurbished) and chairs. She also brought sheet sets that used to be mine. I've been wanting a table for the girls for a couple years now. I've looked at Pottery Barn ones over and over and choked at the price and lack of character. We've had a couple (that went at the yard sale) that were entirely too small for both girls to sit at, much less 3 kids. Now, I'm so thrilled that I didn't spend $500 on a Pottery Barn table and 4 chairs... because this is so much better!! Mimi (DaddyBoy's mom) sent vintage Golden books, markers, and paint brushes.... she too knows us well and we wish she was here with us!
We got it all "dolled" up for them while they were napping.
Speaking of waiting, I took a break from yard sale prep last week and planted seeds for our garden. Some have sprouted, others are close...
I also have been waiting to do a little sewing project. Anything really. I was starting to have withdrawls. I know that's sick, isn't it? Have y'all seen the new book "Sew Darn Cute"? Oh my, it's chocked full of good ideas. Here's one I executed today...
1 tank top from Ross for $3.99 +some fabric scraps + a few wooden beads I stole from my children = one cute little tank for a Momma! It was fun and now the girls have asked for one too. I'm not sure if I like the beads, do y'all? I'm contemplating taking them off.
Speaking of waiting...
Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:24-27
Good night!
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55 comments:
we seem to be running the same schedule when it comes to blogging. must be the kiddos. now, let me get down to it. i nearly choked with giddiness and glee over the posters, over the nesting bowls and over the table and chairs. oh.my.word. i just don't even have words for that type of eye candy. that was seriously a highlight in my day. and my momma doesn't get to come visit me much either, so i feel you on that sister. i think i may have a stow a way when i come back from dothan in april (which by the way, i should TOTALLY come meet you finally!!)
and thank you for that verse. you are just so super sweet and neat and i hope you get to soak up every millisecond with your momma. does she come in a pocket version? i'd like one if so. she has exquisite taste.
What beautiful sentiments. My mother (and grandmother to my two children) also lives very far away. We, too, wish we could see her more often.
I am curious to know about the wall hanging with the scripture on it ... do you mind sharing what it is? T
Thank you for a wonderful blog.
That Con dog sure is super! Can't wait to see yall soon.
Justin from the St James Hotel, Selma, AL
Darby your posts are always so uplifting. What a nice surprise for the kiddos to wake up and see the table waiting on them. I would've loved that as a child and I know they will spend so much time there enjoying it. Aren't moms the greatest? Your mom reminds me of my mom. She makes me feel like a superhero sometimes and such a big help. I'm lucky that she lives only 30 minutes away. Glad you are enjoying every minute of her visit!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the "new" table for the little ones. it is So precious. we have a pottery barn one...while it's been great, it was $$ and certainly not as charming as that one! i'm sure great times will be had at the little table.
love the tank too...it is adorable.
I will definitely pray for your neighboring town that has suffered from the pointless shootings today. Our town just had our pastor of the First Baptist Chruch of Maryville shot and murdered on Sunday during services. You may have seen this story on the national news. It is heart-wrenching to think about his wife and 2 girls who live about 5min from us. My own daughter went to playschool there, and I have been to church there often and heard the message from Pastor Fred. I celebrate for him, because, without a doubt, he is in Heaven.
On a happier note, it is so neat to see your relationship with your mother. I wish I had that same kind of validation and endless support. But, I am glad that my parents live in town and get to see the granddaughters more often than if they were far away.
Oh yeah, since you asked on the tank...go beadless! ha-
Kelli <><<
I heard about the shootings...so sad! :(
I would be SO happy to get those vintage bowls and love the table and chairs for the kids!!
The shirt is so cute! You are just too creative...I'm undecided on the beads - it's cute either way :)
So much to say . . . . love all the vintage finds - you may have been born in the wrong decade.
I just looked at that book the other day - everything's so cute and even as a person so new to sewing I understand withdrawals already.
I love what you wrote about your mother. It is a relationship that is so important and it's wonderful when you have the opportunity to feed it and watch it grow. My mother gets here tomorrow and we will be lucky enough to have her with us for the next 6 months. I love watching her caring for my children - I can only imagine it is how she loved me when I was little and it makes my heart full.
Thanks so much for that verse. I am a nurse and just got home from the hospital, and one of my patients really needs to hear that. I will give it to her tomorrow. She is a leukemia patient and has been in the hospital for 4 months now, and she is so depressed. I hope this gives her encouragement to keep on fighting and to know that God really does hear her prayers. Thanks for the blog!
I love reading your blog and I admire the love and time you share with your children. I love the tank and my vote is to go beadless!! :-)
Darby,
You are so precious. I can feel how great your visit has been with your mom--still dying to know what your kids call her. I'm tearing up over the nesting bowls. I have the small blue one. My dearly departed Grandma White was famous for her fried chicken, rice, and "blue bowl" gravy. I could eat bowl after bowl of her rice and blue bowl gravy since infancy. when she died it was a no-brainer for my mom and her siblings to make sure I received the blue bowl. Believe it or not, after 12 years I haven't broken it yet and every time it graces our table I'm reminded of my beloved Grandma White and how she loved family around her table. Make some blue bowl gravy.
Amanda Thrasher
Oh how this brings back memories for me. I so remember when my children were little and Mom and Dad would come for a visit. I still remember walking in the back door from running some errands and finding the kitchen floor covered in suds. Mom was doing her thing, making things sparkle.
Don't you just love the vintage Golden books? I enjoyed the ones we had on loan for our children. Definitely on my list of things to get for my grandchildren someday.
I want to know more about the board hanging above the table with the verse on it? Would you mind sharing?
Since you ask...I think I would like the tank better without the beads. I think I will surprise my daughters with one.
What a wonderful verse, I think I have a new favorite.
Sorry, this was so long but your blog today has definitely inspired my soul. Thanks.
What a great post - first of all LOVE that table and the way you surprised them with it all decorated - WOW!!!! You have an amazing mom - my mom lives only an hour away and she is SO helpful when she's here and my MIL lives a mile away and is also SUPER helpful and great to have around - I hate that ya'll don't see each other more often, but enjoy the fact that when she does visit she stays for an extended period of time and not just an hour or so. I have those same nesting bowls and LOVE them! The prints - OH.MY. GOODNESS - if only JM new what a jewel those are!!!!
my opinion - go without the beads - CUTE, but they would get on my nerves... would you want to make one of those and do a give-away - I'd wear a small!!!! hint hint!!!!
Thank you for posting that verse. I am having a tough time in my walk with God right now & that verse helped.
The table is FANTASTIC! I want a table like that for myself. My grandmother gave me those same bowls and I use them all the time!!!
The Tank is adorable, but I would agree with the others...go beadless.
Continue enjoying your time with your Mother.
Hey Darby, I love that table and chairs for your kiddos. But what really caught my eye was the thing above it with the verse. Did you make that? Im guessing it is just those letters that business signs use? Anyways I think that its an awesome idea, especially for helping little ones (and me) to memorize verses. I would love to know how you made it if you did!
Awwwwwww I want to be there. What happened to the days when I actually had time to hang out with you and Mom!? I should have taken this week off to hang out. So, not to be totally selfish, but those RABBITS... you mentioned she had 4 for us when we were born, but I only saw 2... does that mean she's saving the other 2 for me!? That little table of surprises for the girls reminds me of the spread Mom would always create for holidays- V'Day or Easter especially... a table full of goodies. I love it. What a beautiful, wonderful post. I haven't started any seeds this year... I had big plans for a raised bed full of zinnias, but we gotta get the backyard in shape first. I hate to steal Mom from you this weekend, but I cannot WAIT for her to get here... she hasn't been here in FOREVER. Wish you could come too! Too much trouble? I'd love it.
Think about it.
XOXO
Mommasis'
Oh, my. I got very teary-eyed reading your sweet and gracious things about your Mom. Living overseas, we too see Grandparents way too seldom, and it just breaks my heart...
My prayers go out to those whose lives have been destroyed by the violence...and I will hug my loved ones even closer today.
On a happier note, what special gifts - truly thoughtful and happy! The little vintage table makes me giddy - bet your girls were so excited!
Yay for seedlings, too!
Blessings to you and yours!
P.S. - Kinda lukewarm on the beads - but the t-shirt is otherwise precious!
I seriously have no idea where you get your energy. I read your blog every day and wonder if you ever sleep! Your mom seems like an angel, I know it's been such a treat having her around.
Cute tank top!
Aren't moms the best!!! What a blessing to read this post. Sadness for those lost (prayers will be said) LOVE and honor for our moms, and some fun. I too, LOVED the scripture and feel wisdom growing, thank you.
Those rabbit posters literally took my breath away!!!!! They are wonderful!
I am so glad you've had good quality time with your mother. It means so much to both of you I'm sure.
I am celebrating today. Just found out my daughter is moving closer...2 hours away. I am thrilled!!! This is the daughter you and I have talked about. All is well!
Love that table. So sweet and a great surprise!
Oh wow, what goodies!! But more importantly, you are so blessed to have your family. Of course, you know that :) My family doesn't live far away, but I never see them.
Well, I love your mom, too.
She is such a sweetheart. Gosh, it feels so neat to have been to your home, Darby, and to know exactly where the girls' new table sits! ;)
I know you're so excited to have had this time with your mom! I hope it fulfills all of you until the next visit!
Love to you, you busy woman you! ;)
Love the rabbit prints and that table is to die for! I have a question about what is above your table hanging on the wall--it looks like a "letter board" that has a verse in it. I am sure you made it! ha! Just curious!
Hope yall are doing well!
Hi! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog! You probably already know this, but some of the older Little Golden Books are pretty valuable...My sweet Mom discovered this while trying to find a copy of Baby Dear (my fav) for my niece.
Love the table, tank sans beads, and the sweet sentiments about your mom. What a tremendous blessing it is to have a mom who can be that for you and your children-and a sister you are close with-that is the frosting on the cupcake. Continue to enjoy them-what a treat. Have a great sunny day!
Loved this post. So sweet. My favorite thing to read to Julianna are my old Golden Books that MY grandmother wrote little notes in the front of when she gave them to me. We also have some on my Mom's Golden Books too. Very special.
I am flying to MD this weekend to visit with my parents for the week. Always exciting to get to see the grandparents!
Tank top- if you hadn't mentioned the beads I would have still liked the shirt.. but now that you mention it... don't you think John Martin will try to chew on them?
I love how you talked about her validating you!! That is so true, and so important! It is so important, but we hardly ever hear anyone talking abou it. Validation is a wonderful thing that we all need, and I believe sometimes as a SAHM validation is hard for us to receive. (since we do not work in a corporate world, and sometimes the world looks not down, but just overlooks us completely as SAHM)
Yea! I am so glad you had the blessed time to spend with her!
Aww, I live far away from my mom too so I totally know what you're talking about. Enjoy every moment!
I love that embellishment idea.
I also live way too far away from my mom and mil, and it's just hard sometimes.
Nothing compares to the love between a Mother and daughter- such unconditional love. My eyes are moist as I read this. You Mom is a gem-enjoy every second of your wonderful visit.
I usually read your blog thru reader and just saw your header-- so pretty! I absolutely LOVE that tank you made and I agree, the beads could probably go. I wish I could sew because I would totally make one of my own! What amazing things your momma brought for your children and how precious that you get to spend this time with her.
I am so glad that you are getting in good time with mama! What a joy! I love the new table and chairs! What fun!!! Lots of good times will happen round that table! Hugs!!!! How is little man feeling?
1. Your mom can send Cohen ANY of that cute stuff and it will be fine. Esp. the golden books
2. the beads are cute- leave em
3. If the nesting bowls go missing don't worry- they're safely in Dallas with me!
Darby,
I just wanted to know how much i enjoy your blog... and how i've shared it with many "mommy" and "crafty" friends who all love it too! i found your sister's blog through Chris and Kristen Hill ( scarily enough i remember meeting y'all at Auburn once when i was visiting Kristen!) but.. you are both so creative and certainly share your love of family, and most importantly the lord! keep it up!
Keep inspiring us!
that is just awful about those poor families....the table and chairs are just darling...so cute how you have it all fixed up waiting for them...mothers are just the best...always there when we need them..i know you are just loving that she's there.
so incredibly sweet...that post warmed my heart as i sit here waiting for my mom to get out of the or. thank you darby. your posts always do that for me and today i needed it. btw, i am impressed with the okra..i have tried and tried and tried to like it, made it so many different ways, and i just can't! not even fried with ketchup!
Love the table, love the prints and love this post--so so sweet!
Aren't our moms wonderful! I am so blessed to have my mom just 12 miles away, and she has kept both of my children since they were born, so I don't have to put them in daycare. Even though I have a wonderful, supportive husband, I don't think I could do this without my mama! Enjoy your time with your mom! Think you'll ever convince them to move down here?
Love their table...love your tank!!
Oh, indeed. I feel your goodness. My Mom has not come to visit in 8 years, 8 long years and I cry each time and hope for her to come. She came to NY when my twins were born, now 16, then she came when I was pregnant with my (girl) and I went to the hospital the day she arrived. I just could not wait, but I had to wait, it was not time for the arrival. When it was, I went off to the hospital, and my Mom was making applesauce. I called one hour later and said, she's here....My Mom said, "I am still making applesauce"
We laughed so hard. I miss her every day. She is getting older and all our trips revolve around both sets of aging parents. Being far has made me appreciate each and every moment. Our phone calls are every day or just about.
So, you enjoy your Mom and tell her you love her daily.
I have that big yellow bowl (it was my mom's that she handed down) and would kill to have more of them! They don't make things like they use too! The posters are incredible!!!!! As is the table and chairs. I, too, wanted a pottery barn one, but my mom found out about a place in B'ham that sells the unfinished. That is what MM got from her KK & Papa for Christmas. Have fun with all of your new, fun things!!!
Love the table and chairs! What a special gift!
The tank with the beads makes it look like a necklace, but without the beads it might just look like a flower.
I think we're headed out to the dollar store to pick up some seeds. You've inspired me!
i'm in a time of transition, but also a season of waiting. that passage was so timely for me today. thank you! i hope you have a wonderful time with your mom.
Hi There!
This is my first time to read your blog, and I just love all youwrote about! My friend actaully sent me this link b/c she was telling me about your cute little shirt. That is a nice inspiration! I do have a question that I also saw someone else ask about....what is that thing hanging over the table with the verse? Looks like something super cute! Look forward to reading again soon!
Love the new table for the kiddos! We have a fun little red table that was a fleamarket find and our kiddos just love to sit at it and draw.
My definitely goes out to your neighboring towns, especially being an Alabama native.
By the way, check out my blog when you get a chance as I left a little award there for you!
www.thekitchinsink.blogspot.com
I love the table and chairs..so cute and that looks like a cozy spot for your kids. I was just wondering is there a special way to treat flea market finds in case of lead paint??
That is always my worries with vintage furniture. Love the tank as well and lose the beads.
tag, you're it ... http://tinyurl.com/b4dubd
One reason I love your blog is because you always seem to post encouraging posts and scriptures just when I need them! :)
Ummmm...I feel like the world must be coming to an end. This is the longest "break" you've ever taken...Icluding when you'd just given birth :) I am not writing to antagaonize you, however, (although that is how it's sounding isn't it?) only to say, "Amen sister, everybody needs a break sometimes!" I hope you're doing something really fun and relaxing that is taking you away from us (your fans).
I am having withdrawals...I hope you have been doing lots of exciting things and have much to blog about soon!! :)
Missing your wonderful blog entries and just hope you are well! You are such an inspiration to so many. Let us hear from you and yours soon.
You are so lucky to have such a GREAT Mom!!! I am making a not to myself right now to be that kind of Mom to my kiddos when they are in this very hectic stage of life:)
Kim
Wow! I am so happy to have found your blog through your sisters (although I can't remember how I found your sisters blog). I get so excited when I find blogs of creative Christian women who have the same taste. The posters, nesting bowls, and especially the table and chairs are just absolutely amazing! I love what you wrote on the side about this just being a blog. I have had so many people say that my blog makes it seem as if we have a perfect life. Of course, it is not perfect but I just focus on the good on the blog because we have been so incredibly blessed! I feel like we have so much in common and have never met. Thanks for sharing life on your blog! You have made my day! : )
i will pray as hard as i can for the victims of the shootings. as Linkis Family Love said, a pastor in maryville illinois was shot and killed. i am from granite city, illinois {not far from maryville} and my priest attended the funeral for him. he told us on the sunday following about how confident the wife was.it's terrible that someone can do that : (
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