I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words....

As a mother, one of my most treasured times during the day is morning nap time. Just an hour and a half after waking from her (not so uninterrupted) night's rest, Eden is ready to go back to sleep for another hour or two. With the exception of Sundays, Eden and I stay in our pajamas, and delay getting ready for the day until after she wakes from her morning nap. And while there are probably a million other things I could accomplish during this time, on most mornings, we curl up on my bed, and take that nap together. Go ahead, you can call me lazy, I don't mind.
I never really sleep during this time. Rather, I read, spend time on Facebook, twitter, etc., browse blogs and articles by other mothers, or simply just stare at my beautiful, sleeping, baby. This morning, I am blogging.
What I love most about this glorious time of rest, however, is not the long period in which Eden is actually asleep. It is, instead, those short moments just before she drifts. As her eyelids become heavier and her breathing deeper, she often takes one long, last look at her mother. Without making a noise, she studies my face, her bright, blue eyes searching mine. Her tiny hand, slowly moving, explores the features in which she sees. And it feels as if time is standing still.
This morning, during this precious moment of peace and timelessness, my eyes, locked with hers, began to tear. Never before had I so desperately desired to know another's thoughts as I did right then. Does she understand how much I truly love her? Does she know I would do anything in this world in order to protect her? Is it possible that she dreams about me, as I do her?
And all I could do was pray, "God, I have done nothing to deserve this little girl's love, but for whatever reason, you have entrusted me with her. So please give me the wisdom and ability to raise her in such a way that she will learn to love you and live for you in ways that are far beyond my comprehension. Thank you, Lord, for this completely undeserved gift."
And as she stirs, awakens, and (this time, not so quietly) looks me, once again, in the face, the words of the Elton John song that I sing to her every night pop into my head, "...yours are the sweetest eyes, I've ever seen."

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Well, on this dreary Fresno afternoon, while the babe naps naked in her crib (don't ask), I've run out of things to do. My mother and I have completed project after project over the past two plus weeks that she's been in our home. (For a more detailed, and humorous, I might add, account of our accomplishments, check out  mom's recent blog post.)

And. I. Am. Bored.

Our projects are complete. I've checked and rechecked (and yes, rechecked again) facebook, twitter, and pinterest. I've consumed my daily limit of cups of coffee (though it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll have yet another before this day actually comes to a close). I'm currently not reading a book that I'm just dying to finish. I guess I could shower.... but that might ruin the chance that I will exercise later today, and who has the time to shower twice in one day?..... Sooo I guess I could exercise.... but who really wants to do that???? I'm sure there's something I could be cleaning...... and I'll just leave it at that.

So here I am, lying in the middle of the sitting room (yes, the sitting room, we are that fancy), where, for the last thirty minutes, I have been browsing through all of our pictures that have been previously saved on our computer. And here is what I've discovered......

February 22, 2011.........

February 24, 2012...........

Amazing, isn't it?!? I think about my life just one year ago, and how much of a difference one year truly makes. Wow.

My family is leaving early in the morning, heading back to Tennessee. And I'm sad. I'm sad that the next time they see Eden, she will be a totally different little human being. Sure, we can skype, call, text, and send pictures and videos. But I know it's not the same. 

I'm so thankful that Eden has been blessed with four of the best grandparents she could ever have. And I'm thankful to her grandparents for their patience, understanding, love, and support, for allowing us to do the work that we believe God has called us to, even if it means that their first and only grandchild is 3,000 miles away. 

I'm also so incredibly thankful to the family we've been adopted into at the Woodward Park Church. Through you, Eden has an abundant amount of loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and sisters. 

Though we are miles and miles away from "home," we have found yet another home, another family, in you.

The Times They Are A Changin.....

Hello blog, it's been awhile, my friend. I really have been dreading this moment, trying to reconnect with you. I think I've opened my blogger page at least fifteen different times, only to close it once again, defeated.  Creative writing has not been in the forefront of my mind as of late, rather, I've just been trying to make it from one day to the next.  Life has been pretty crazy the last few weeks, and I feel as if things are just now settling in to a slower, more comfortable flow. I say slowER and not slow because the latter just simply does not exist when you live the lives of a youth minister and his family.
Two weeks ago Andy, Eden, and I all travelled to Tennessee for the Freed-Hardeman Lectures. We spent some time in Memphis, Henderson, Acton, and Nashville. We saw many friends, family members, and fellow ministers. Our lives were greatly blessed by this cross country trip, and we are so thankful to the Woodward Park shepherds for allowing this to take place.
Immediately returning from our travels, we hopped right back in the saddle and prepared for my family to come for a three week stay. And so, more travels, more family, and more craziness has ensued. All of which I truly do love! ... so no complaints here (i promise, mom!)... just making excuses for my recent lack of interest in blogging.
I've realized that three weeks is like three months in baby years. Eden has changed significantly and has almost experienced more in the last few weeks than she has in her short little life.  She has had her first taste of solid foods (rice cereal and bananas), she had her first experience interacting with an animal (don't mistake her shocked face for dislike, she really did love your kisses, Woolum), she came down with a fourteen day stomach virus (yes, FOURTEEN DAYS, that's A LOT of diapers, my friend), she learned to roll from tummy to back and is now rolling ALL over the place (a scary thought for mama), she came down with her first cold (yay! more snot sucking!!!), she rode in her stroller facing outward (without the infant carrier), she took her first trip to San Francisco, she graduated to size 3 diapers, and she moved in to her 6 month clothing. All the while her little personality just keeps on growing and evolving. Whew. You know, all of these baby books advise you to be consistent and to keep some sort of a schedule for your infant's sake. Okay that doesn't really make much sense to me because if there's one thing I've learned is that with babies (or maybe it's just mine?) there is not much in the way of consistency. What the books SHOULD say is WARNING: you may think you know your child, but just wait a week, and he/she will be a completely different baby. Parents, you better be able to adapt well to change.
It's weird though, because even with all of the growing and all of the changes, I still feel like the baby I have today is the baby I've had all along. It's not until I see a baby younger than Eden that I realize that she was once a much smaller newborn (and that was just 5 months ago!). I desperately want to treasure each moment with Eden, to years from now remember her when she was young. But I can barely remember what it was like before she rolled over, and that was just last week! To you parents of grown children I know I must sound ridiculous. I mean, the child is only 5 months old. I know I don't really get it just yet. But it's like 5 months ago my life REALLY began, and it's been on warp speed ever since. And I'm scared. I don't want to miss a moment in this beautiful girl's life. I just want to stop time all together. Because I know that one day, she's going to be married, living across the country, with a baby of her own. And THAT is terrifying. (sorry mom).

Thank You, Steve Jobs

Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube. I have officially been sucked in to the vast world of social networking. Don't get me wrong, I was already sadly addicted to most of these sites anyway, but yesterday my world was flipped upside down. That's right. I got an iPhone. I have arrived. My phone is no longer just used to make calls (who actually does that anyway?). In the palm of my hand is a doorway that opens up a plethora of opportunities. As we speak, I'm typing my blog ON MY PHONE! I know, you're not impressed. I'm pretty much the last person on earth to get a smartphone, I get it.
Now as I've stated in the title of my blog, I'm just trying to live SIMPLY. Yes, you don't have to say it. I'm a hypocrite, this is probably the furthest thing from simple living. But oh well, at least I feel cool.
Aren't new toys fun? Even 4 month old babies can appreciate something as exciting as a new toy. Just the other day we bought Eden a jumper/exersaucer (sp? My iPhone doesn't recognize that word, so OBVIOUSLY it doesn't really exist. The phone knows all.) thing. And she loved it! She couldn't stop smiling. (But it's also possible she just had gas.) But how quickly do we forget about or take for granted those new toys? You know what I mean, those amazing gifts that you receive for Christmas, already lost or broken by New Years. Yup, even me, who, as of yesterday, was made hip by my new magic phone, gifted to me by my thoughtful husband, lost said phone this afternoon and spent 20 minutes looking for it. What was that? Less than 24 hours? A record, even for me.
This morning we heard an incredible sermon from our preacher, Tim, on the cruciality of sharing the gospel. It was moving, it was inspiring, it was convicting, and I was.... distracted. You see, it was my first time, as a new, nervous mom, to leave the baby in the nursery throughout worship. And I was anxious. I kept expecting to see, at any minute, a nursery attendant bolting through the double doors, holding a screaming (but still cute) Eden out at arms length, searching frantically for her mother to help in consoling the unconsolable. But alas, nothing of the sort happened. She was, of course, perfectly content to be in the arms of someone other than her mother.
I get distracted so easily, so quickly. I let insignificant obstacles get in my way, blurring my vision, pulling my focus away from what is of true importance. So often I forget, so often I take for granted my gift. THE GIFT. The amazing thing that Christ has done for me. Just as quickly as I lose my new phone, I let that excitement, that indescribable feeling that comes with receiving a new gift, wear off, and I lose my focus.
I pray that each day I am reminded of the gift Christ has given to me, when he made me a new creation, holy in his sight. I pray that I continually return to the feeling of excitement. I pray to feel anxious, not by the things that are distracting, but by the urgency and the necessity to share my gift with those who have not yet been married in to the body of Christ.

My Cup Runneth Over

My friend, my love, my stronghold, my helpmate, there is no other like you. You get me through even the longest of days, even the darkest of mornings. Whether full of joy or deep in mourning, you are what I want. You've been with me through trials and through travels. Stood by my side as I've ventured from one side of our great United States to the other. Throughout California, whether in the beautiful Northern Redwoods, or the busy streets of L.A., you are what I look for, what I long for. As I've entered in to parenthood, you have remained loyal, steadfast.  With your help, I can be the mommy that my daughter truly needs. With your help, my marriage is strong, flourishing. Your sweet aroma nurtures my soul. I can never repay you for the love you've given to me. But I will continue to love you endlessly. Whether you are hot, cold, iced, blended, dark, medium, light, sweet, stout, flavored, or bold...COFFEE, thank you, for just being you.

I heart Zack Morris

It seems that everyone's favorite question to ask a new mom is "How is your baby sleeping?" Every time I'm in a group setting of any sort, or in a conversation with someone I haven't seen in awhile, it never fails, I'm asked about my baby's nocturnal habits. I've been guilty of it too. I remember long before I even dreamed that I would one day become a mother, I would ask new moms how their baby was sleeping. I don't know why it even occurred to me to ask that question. I honestly don't know why I even attempted to carry on a conversation of ANY type about parenting before I actually became a parent myself. I now know that I had NO right in doing so (Amanda Scott, you know what I mean). Anyway, I guess it's like asking someone about the weather... you say it when you just don't know what else to say. It's one of those questions that we feel that we're "supposed" to ask.
Truthfully, I've always dreaded answering that question (I apologize, because I really do know that you ask out of the kindness of your heart, but I've just got to be honest).
I've thought about saying something ridiculous, like "How is she sleeping?.... With her eyes closed." But I don't want to be rude.
But I just don't know what the "right" answer is supposed to be. ... Okay, okay that's not true. I've read enough baby books, blogs, articles, facebook posts, and even Yahoo! Answers to know that the absolute ultimate goal, the pinnacle, the gold pot at the end of the sleeping rainbow is.... dum dum dum dum..... *****STTN!!!!*****, aka sleeping through the night. (If I could have underlined that twice, I would have.)
But alas, we are not there, (and by the way things are going now) nor do I really expect us to be there any time soon (say, in the next 15 years).
I believe that sweet little Eden just takes after her mommy. She's got a mind of her own, and a stubborn one at that (Parkers are not only passionate, but they are well known for being stubborn). Not only are we not gloriously STTN, but we're also still all sharing a room (okay, I'll be honest again, we are quite often also sharing a bed).
And while I'm on the honest kick, I think it's pretty safe to say that most of this isn't Eden's problem... it's because of her attached mommy. Yup, there, I said it.
I used to get so caught up on reaching this goal of STTN, I used to be embarrassed that my four month old was still sleeping with us, I used to be stressed out come bed time, wondering "why can't I be good at this parenting thing?!?" (Because we all know that parenting only involves the aspects of sleeping, right?)
But then I thought about Zack Morris. That's right, bleached blonde, acid-washed jeans wearing, teen heartthrob of the 90s, from Saved By the Bell, Zack Morris. He was a hunk. I mean, he had a foot long cell phone that he carried around in his back pocket. Who wouldn't fall for a guy like that?
I believe I was 12 years old when I declared my love for him and vowed to one day be Mrs. Ashley Morris.
You see, Eden isn't going to be 4 months old forever (in fact, she'll only be that age for 3 more weeks! ahh!). One day (hopefully, not until she's 25) Eden is going grow up, and find a Zack Morris of her own. My daily focus shouldn't be where and for how long Eden will sleep for me. I should be treasuring each and every moment God allows me with her, cherishing those special times that we get to cuddle longer because she won't sleep in her own bed.
Being the mommy of Eden Claire Frizzell is such a great blessing. One that I, from now on, will not take for granted.
So go ahead, ask me how she's sleeping.

If You Liked It, Then You Shoulda Put a Ring on It

What is it with babies and hands? They are fascinated with them! Well, at least my baby is. She is constantly clasping and unclasping them, putting them in her mouth, turning them over and over as if they could suddenly change at any minute. Just recently she's started studying my hands as well, grabbing ahold of my fingers, studying them intently. Her eyes get so wide as I wiggle them in her face, as if those phalanges could come alive. Her ultimate goal is to get my fingers in her mouth (EVERYTHING goes in her mouth these days... a trend I'm guessing that will continue for quite some time).
I believe you can tell a lot about a person just by looking at their hands. Whether they are worn and weathered or primed and manicured, personalities can be exposed. My boringly unpainted, too short from being constantly bitten, nails and lack of jewelry (aside from my wedding rings) would tell you that I'm kind of a Plain Jane (I call it "being natural" to make myself feel better), unwilling to put in the time or effort that's needed in order to be a true California Girl (they're undeniable).
This morning as I watched Eden fall in love with her own hands, the song "Indescribable" came on the radio. Here I am, watching my daughter who is marveling at something as small as her dainty (actually, pudgy) little hands and I hear Chris Tomlin sing the lyrics "Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky, and You know them by name. You are amazing God." And I was BLOWN AWAY. A powerful feeling came over me, and I couldn't help but be overcome with emotion. Our God, our AMAZING GOD has named every star in the sky, and yet creates each one of us with such detail, such precision, such PERFECTION. Wow.
My daughter can't even sit up on her own, but as her mother, I find myself wanting to be more like her. I see the look on her face when she discovers something new, like her hands. I see in her eyes a sense of wonder, a curiosity that I sadly have not felt in such a long time. I want to look at the world, at my life, with that same sense of child-like wonder and awe at the beautiful things God has done for me and to me.