Don't forget, it's today!

Daddy's home.

Best time of her day.

It's a Coleman alright.

Not too much blogging and Facebooking going on around here lately, as my laptop has been preoccupied with Google Search ... 'Gender Prediction', 'Calculate BMI', 'How to alleviate nausea', and 'Healthy diet for pregnancy". Yes, it's true. And in spite of Annie's prayers for me to birth 2 African babies, the doctor assures us it's only one American, partially Filipino baby. I asked Annie if she'd like a shirt that said, "I'm the Big Sister" and she agreed, until she had a better idea. "How 'bout a shirt that says 'I'm a Ninja Turtle."

Ever blessing, ever blessed.

All thy works with joy surround thee

Earth and heaven reflect thy rays.Joyful music leads us sunward
Songs surrounding, unbroken praise
The Giver of immortal gladness
Calls us to rejoice in Him.

***

My ears had heard of you,
my now my eyes have seen you.
Job 42:5

Happy Easter.

Fun Saturday morning with friends.

The negotiators.

Almost warm enough to enjoy the outdoors; perfect day to start rock collecting.

And who knew Elvis had an outtie?

First slumber party.

Like Father, Like Daughter: Little Imelda

Four feet in 8 hours.

Morning perch.

Annie perched on the radiator behind our bed, mesmerized by the "fuge" snow.

Did you say "AFRICA" grandpa?!?

Annie holding her "Africa" folder.

Ever since Annie overheard her Grandpa say he would be in Kenya this August, it's set off an independently produced 24-7 sales campaign for her to be included. I'm doing little to tamp down her excitement, since it's a place I've also fantasized about visiting after weeping my way through the plight of Baroness Blixen. Annie's obsession is more recent though, ignited by an incredible concert we attended in December. Whenever anyone responds to her pleading with a generic "we'll have to see," she corrects them, "No, we need to pray about it." And when she convinces us to accept the deal to pray, she's goes happily on her way. I am quite sure this has much to do with the last major request she asked for, and we told her to pray about it:

What have we set ourselves up for?

On the trail again.

We had such a fun weekend on the road with the Sam Rohrer campaign. 13 hours of Pennsylvania roads in 2 days, zero naps and two caucuses later, Annie has us convinced she's just as happy to be on the road, making friends as she is vegging with mom on the couch catching up on Bindi the Jungle Girl.

It's taken a couple of weeks to post this.

In keeping with my second resolution, I offer these pictures courtesy of an unsupervised half hour, a four year old and her dog. When I went upstairs to check on Annie, the door was locked; I asked her to open it and she responded, "I don't want to" and started crying, I knew I was in for something. "Why, Anna?" "Because I was so naughty." When she finally cracked the door, she was quick to explain she "accidentally painted more spots on Perdi, and herself, too."

Gershwin at the fire hall.

Tuesday, Jeff and I celebrated eight years of marriage at a fire hall rally in Kempton, PA. I was asked beforehand if this was going to be alright and, surprising even myself, I said "yes."

Generally, we plan something a little out of the ordinary, a weekend away or an extravagant meal somewhere different. This year, I just felt so thankful to be working together again, celebrating at an event we both worked on somehow sounded special. (We have both missed working together for a long time.)

I wait all year to hear Jeff sing one song, the song. He sang it to me at our wedding and he makes me wait until the 12th every year to hear it. Well he surprised me Tuesday by standing on a folding chair in the middle of a fire hall with microphone in hand crooning "Someone to Watch Over Me".

Over the past eight years, I'd say we've both done some 'watching over'. God has carried us in the most difficult of times, and smiled down on us as He's refocused our lives and filled them with joy. Of all the things I've been given, I'd have to say I'm most grateful for the experience of engaging life fully with my best friend.

Living in the moment.

It was part of resolution number one and it challenges me every day, especially when my teux-deux list is full: living in the moment. I was sorting laundry today when I noticed Annie salivating over three baskets full of warm fluffy socks and blankets. I'm usually the "no honey, these are clean" mom but today I gave in and offered a basket to her. In disbelief, she buried in and lured me in to some pretty entertaining games of

"see if you can find me"

&

"princess and the pea".

Occupational hazzard.

So far Annie doesn't seem to mind me working from home. There are certain phone calls that last longer than I'd like, though, and I never know what to expect when I reemerge from my office.

Back in the saddle again.

December brought an exciting and intimidating change for me, I re-entered professional life. For the past few weeks I've been readjusting to working in politics again as the Field Director for Sam Rohrer's gubernatorial campaign here in Pennsylvania. Working with Jeff again (who serves as consultant to the campaign) has rocked our world, it's been a blast spending our evenings scheming on the couch, and working date nights into campaign staff meetings. But the best part by far has been bringing Annie along to campaign rallies; she loves being with the energetic crowds. The picture above: her taking a picture of the press crew shooting Sam on stage.

Since a full time job has the potential to crowd out all things personal, I took some time this week to write out resolutions, or goals for this year. I looked back to our family values for inspiration.

Love God.

Perhaps an impossible resolution to make, but I think one way I can prepare for this is by scheduling alone, quiet time in nature once a week. I resolve to live in the moment, too. Sometimes I have the tendency to wait until I get to the main thing before I stop and enjoy God. I'm also looking for suggestions on some solid, reformed, independent studies I could work through. I love Piper, Brennan Manning and Chuck Swindoll - if you know of any in that vein, I'd love to hear about them.

Relate authentically.

When it comes to being real with people, my practical resolutions are this: people matter more than things or to-do lists. When people collide with my schedule, I resolve to put my work aside and welcome these divine interruptions. Also, when my doorbell rings, I promise to answer it every time, no matter the state of my home - or my appearance. : ) I purpose to guard against old habits, like stressing over the importance of 'presentation'.

Practice hospitality.

Have friends and neighbors over for dinner or coffee each week.

Live with simplicity.

Construct a budget and cut down on discretionary spending; identify projects / ministries we can more aggressively support. Plan family date nights that involve 'simple' fun like nature hikes and family games.

Engage the culture with courage.
Investigate various foster parent opportunities, see if Anna and I could volunteer together with an after school program in the inner city. Schedule a culturally enriching activity each month with Anna, such as museums, galleries and the performance arts. Write a reading list of classics I've never read and work through them each month. And last but not least, Sam Rohrer for Governor!

All I want for Christmas is ...

... my two front teeth! We spent Christmas Eve in the E.R. after Annie had a minor accident at our church service. She calmed down rather quickly, the doctor said she must have swallowed them, as we couldn't find them anywhere. It was definitely a Christmas to remember, but if I hear another joke about song ...

Since I was basically a wreck on the drive to the hospital, Jeff reminded me of something our pastor asked in a sermon a few weeks ago: "Do we want our kids to be safe or brave?" It helped put things in perspective for me.

Christmas catch up.

Pop whipping up his famous and heart-healthy pancakes, sausage, bacon and ham.

Sweet view (and conversation) as everyone enjoyed their Christmas pancakes.

Every year, Jeff and I say we won't exchange gifts but it never quite works out that way.

Anna playing with one of the first "girlie" toys she's ever requested.

Mrs. Gleason indulged Anna in a dinner-long tea party.

Dear friends, Lee and Leena.

Miss Janine Gleason with significant other, Master Joel Coleman.

Serving ginger cake, in the coolest apron ever - a gift from my gramma.

The whole crew, after eating a-l-l day.

Thank heaven for little girls.

... and visits from best friends.

Our newest addition!

On the move.

Took 3 days to end this at our house.

What are your core family values?

On Sunday night, our Life Group from church was asked to report back and share the five core family values we had come up with for our family. Have you ever done an exercise like that? Here's what we came up with; I'm considering having ours framed so we remain cognizant of where we need to focus.

Seek to know and do God's pleasure.

As a family that's spent so much time in politics, we're especially aware of the tendency to put on a happy face and hide any personal vulnerabilities.

When we open our home, we most see what a joy it is to serve others.

Outwardly more simple, inwardly more rich.

Engage the culture with courage. "to act justly, and to love mercy ..." Micah 6:8