And the Winner Is....

I am excited to announce the winner of my blog contest is:

Kristin Erickson

Actually, we have chosen TWO of Kristin's suggestions, we loved them both and couldn't pass up either one of them.

One being the blog title and the other being a subtitle of sorts:

A dash of blue in a pink Baker world makes for a life full...
Beyond Measure

Thank-you to all those who took the time to put in your suggestions, we love your creativity and your humor.

Kristin, I'll be in touch with you to deliver your prize...a sweet little B&BW travel pack perfectly sized for your purse, car or overnight bag!

Oh Lord, Don't Bother!

As the parents of two lovely little ladies, Matt and I make a conscious effort to really speak into them positive words of affirmation and love. Things that will plant themselves deep in their spirits and over time grow into a strong and beautiful self image centered deep in the heart of God.

This past Sunday we were reminded of this again as we listened to a speaker at church share a humorous story of his experience doing this with his own little ladies.

In the past our girls listen and just eat up what we have to say, but this week Madelyne seems to have decided its time to put in her own "two cents."

Last night, after a particularly long and difficult day, full of not listening, Matt was have some quality time with Miss Mo. He again started telling her all sorts of lovely things about herself and this is how the conversation went:
Daddy: "M - you're the most beautiful girl in your class."

M: "No I'm not, Brooklyn is."

Daddy: "No love, you are, and you are the most beautifully dressed girl too!"

M: "No dad, Brooklyn dresses way nicer than I do."

Daddy: "M - you are the fastest runner in your class."

M: "Nope - Ben is!"

Daddy: "Okay M - we're going to pray and tonight we're going to ask Jesus to show you how He sees you and how I see you - as the best and most beautiful."

Daddy's prayer: "Jesus, thank-you so much for M, tonight I pray that you would show her just how beautiful she is..."

Miss Mo interrupts with: "don't bother!"

Daddy: "Pardon love?"

M: "Oh Lord, don't bother!"

Daddy: "Why would you say that?"

M: "Lord, don't waste your time. I already know I'm the best."

Needless to say, we had a good laugh when Matt came down and shared this story with me. I guess, in some strange way what we're doing is sinking in - even if it doesn't always sound like it.

And maybe, just maybe, we could learn a thing or two - embrace the things we know to be true, don't second guess them and let God work on the bigger things instead.

Winner - You Are Not Forgotten

Dear Winner,

Just a note to let you know you have not been forgotten. You see, my nesting instinct has TAKEN OVER the house and at one point I was wandering the house at 2AM with a pen and sticky note making a list of all the things I NEED to have done before the end of this month.

So, the past couple weeks have been jammed full of painting the nursery, cleaning carpets, painting furniture, finishing odds and sods around the house, cleaning, dusting, laundering, washing blinds, transforming my guest room from a play room back to a guest room, organizing closets, going to doctor's appointments, getting the girl's hair cut and all that GOOD STUFF that comes with preparing the "nest" for a another wee one.

I will admit I have had to control myself and resist my urge to outfit the ENTIRE house with new pillows and linens - seriously, this is outta control!!!!!

I promise, promise, promise I will announce the winner and my new blog name tomorrow!

Setting the Stage

I'm gleaning from another blog this morning......as I attempt to tackle my three running to do lists this post was and is a gentle reminder of how and why we do the things we do.

Check out Nester's post at (In)Courage on "Setting the Stage" here.

Have a blessed Wednesday!

L.

Winner - To Be Announced

Hi Y'all!

Just a note to THANK-YOU all so much for your interesting, amusing, creative and colorful blog name suggestions.

Tonight the hubs and I are hosting our small group so we will discuss them tomorrow and then I'll announce the winner!

Until then, and I know you will all be waiting with baited breath (ha!), I'll share one of my favorite pictures of late.....my hubs and our pinkies.

Lisa

My First Blog Contest!

Happy New Year! I hope that you and your family had a wonderful and blessed holiday season. We truly had a great Christmas surrounded by family and friends, a little bit slower pace than years past, but with a very prego mama running the show it seemed like the perfect speed.

I am excited to kick off 2010 with my very FIRST blog contest:

"New Baby, New Name!"

I need your help girls, Baby Baker is due sooner than later and in case you hadn't heard - we will be adding a significant splash of blue to our oh-so-pink house. We are very excited about our new family member and each night from 9-11pm as he wiggles and dances around I get more and more anxious to see this little man in person.

But, with two pink and one blue we can't really continue as "The Pink Bakers" - and yes, pink plus blue would make some shade of purple, but somehow the "Purple Bakers" doesn't have the same ring to it. So, I thought what a better way to get a new name for my blog than to make it into a contest - with the final prize yet to be revealed - don't worry, it WILL be something good!

Of course, it's not just up to me - the "hubs" will have his say and we'll review the entries together - if you know him at all you know he's particular and has opinions - so get your thinking cap on.

You can submit multiple entries for what you think my new blog name should be anytime from now up until 10pm next Wednesday - January 13th. Then "hubs" and I will review them and decide on our favourite and announce the winner within 48hours of the contest closing.

I look forward to hearing all your great ideas.

Outstretched Hand | A Call for Prayer

I saw this on another blog I like to peruse by and was really touched by the authenticity that such a small post revealed.

In my heart I've been challenged to do the same, to reveal that, yes, there are times we have needs, spoken or unspoken.

At church we have a "red box" that we can write down prayer requests and place them in, the box gets prayed for by the congregation and at different prayer meetings, but sometimes life gets in the way and those needs don't always find their way to that red box.

So here I am, with my hand up, saying, I too have an unspoken prayer request and I'm asking you to please pray for me and for my family.

(Nothing to do with baby, all is well, just in case you're wondering!)

With thanks,
L.