Bridges Reminiscence

Easter Bliss

2009-04-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! He is Risen :) as Josiah says, "Jesus is not up in the sky, He is in my heart!" hehe :) what a precious revelation. or when you ask Josiah what happened to Jesus after the cross, "three days, three days!" Just as we remember what Jesus did for us, we remember for what purpose He did this glorious work. Here are some shots from the weekend.

Oh, the Joy of Spring

2009-04-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I promise the memories of Josiah and Josh have been recorded since Christmas! Just in scrapbook and babybook form. With the chilly winds of winter behind us, we are starting to dig out our bathing suits (not so great for moms :P) hehe and our sunscreen. Can you believe how big Josh is? oh, it just makes you want to cry. And don't forget the fun before bedtime with Josh and Josiah as Spiderman and Batman, just had to throw that in there so you could see big they are. Really, a dynamite duo and so precious. I am going to have to upload a video I took of Josiah retelling the story of The Hungry Caterpillar to Josh (still in his crib) early last Saturday morning. Such a cute pair, makes me feel like I'm done with the baby business ( sniff sniff :P).

Happy Holidays !

2008-12-26T13:12:00.001-08:00

Birthday Mouse!

2008-12-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

M I C K E Y M O U S E !
Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse
Josh had a first Birthday at the park with all the fam and the adopted fam, Martin, Dora, David, and Hannah! We had a wonderfully windy time at eating our picnic lunch and digging into the Mickey cupcakes, Zach so creatively constructed for our little birthday fan! Josh loves Mickey and truly nothing proved it more than when he opened up his new Mickey doll and promptely gave it a love bite on the nose! Jo Jo and David favored the swings over eating and who could blame a pair of two year olds :P.
A whole year of Josh and nothing has been sweeter then watching this precious little guy grow and enjoy life one day a time. His love for us is so exemplary and always a bit slobbery. We love kisses from Joshie, just no biting please :P!

Holiday Bliss-Part One

2008-12-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to admitt, I have been scrapbooking away and blogging just hasn't been top priority (as you can tell). I may have my sister to blame, she keeps me going back to Target and getting all my baby scrapbooking out of the way..
The holidays just wouldn't have been the same without Josh and Jo, they have made these last three months magicial.. I don't usually use that word, but there is simply no other way to describe the difference they have brought to the holidays. Each preparation had a fresh breath of life and laughter mixed in :)

Starting off Fall with a bit of Trick or Treat Fun, we dressed up our two doodle bugs as the timeless duo, Tigger and Pooh. Pooh Bear made an appearance at Mommy's Fall Festival (at school), but nothing was a T-riffic as the carnival in Fernandina with Granny Lu and crew :P.

Truly the highlight of the night was this moment when Tigger and Pooh joined forces to walk out the door for their Carnival Outing. It warmed my heart to watch my little Pooh Bear trying his luck at all of the carnival games, even braving the Bounce House with Aunt Anna while the rest of us marveled at the sight of a bouncing Pooh. Little tigger just sat on the side line getting his hugs in from Granny Lu.

Thanksgiving was no different for our little pair, they were both in on the Holiday Festivities! We are blessed with two big loving families on each side, we feasted until we could feast no more. We began with a special holiday meal with MeMa and Papa, enjoying of course that our dear Uncle Micah was home to join with us.

Sweet Aunts Hosanna and Jubalee even knitted Jo and Josh matching sweaters for the wintery occasion. No Momma can resist dressing her babies alike, why this is no one may ever know :P.

Thanksgiving at the Bridges was full of dressing and dressing up! We were joined with all of the Bridges crew as well as long time friends. Josiah joined in the Karaoke fun by treating us to his rendition of our all time Rascal Flats favorites (hint of sarcasm there :P). He even wore Granpa Sandy's hat for full effect.

Just a marvelous time, as the lake always is, eating, playing, singing, and laughing. What more can you ask for, a sunset, yes that really always tops it off at the lake, breathtaking sunsets and a campfire before bed. I think Jo Jo would agree.

Just countless people, memories, and things to be grateful for this season. Even in the midst of daily challenges, nothing makes you feel grateful like time with those you love.

Two Boys

2008-08-23T18:10:00.001-07:00

What would it be like to have two boys? Overwhelming at first thought, diaper changes, formula by the gallon, crying echoing through our paper thin walls, money tightening, and parental challenges that would come.. somehow just a glance at my two little ones and all these dark clouds are pierced with the little lights beaming up at their mommy.

What is it like? Twice the giggles, twice the messes (as Josiah puts it, "big mess mommy, big mess"). All the fun that our hearts can hold and precious moments to drive away any rainy day. Recently a colleague was telling me she was so bored during our recent storm and I thought quietly, "you know, I was enjoying relaxing with a precious family, that I cherish so"

Just thought you should see what I mean:

Just so cute :)

Just Thinking

2008-07-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

So here I am thinking that in just a week and a half I am going to be a working mama. I think this really deserves a few words on the ol' blog. I having been so wrapped up in the blessing of waking up to play with my precious kiddos that I just can't imagine how busy our lives are going to be shortly. As you can tell by the time of this post I am deep in thought and I drank half of Zach's coke at dinner (never a good idea) hehe. I have had such a wonderful year with my two precious little men. They never cease to amaze me how much they fill my life with joy. Everyday they inch their way to being amazing individuals.

Josiah is a very expressive young man. Just today for example, he was "fake crying" in the mirror. I couldn't but chuckle as I mused that he had inherited this dramatic trait from me, but then thought it could have easily been from his daddy :P. He is so methodical (both of us), he always has to put his toys aways, especially when we are trying to get out the door. He has such a precious obedient heart and wants to please. His bedtime behavior is amazing. Two weeks in a row not fighting about an 8:30pm bedtime even thought he knows good and well everyone else in the house is awake! Josiah loves his habits though, makes me think that he will love all the rituals and routines of school. I can't wait for the day when I will bring him with me.

Josh is another story in and of itself. I can't wait of course for him to join us at school and he will excited to come and I'm afraid perhaps a bit more chatty. If Josh continues at the rate he is babbling at present, his teachers will be send me quite a few notes about his talking in class. But his language proficiency doesn't scare me, but I find myself smiling as I think, "He is just like his mama too". Josh wants your attention at all times. This could very well be the age, 8 months and all, but seriously, he wants to have a conversation. His favorite thing is to be talked to and to "talk" back with you. You should see how he tries to "army crawl" to reach Josiah, so he can relay a secret message. Too bad I can't interpret baby code :).
I am in awe of how fast this time has gone, Josh is almost crawling and in a few months He won't be on the floor anymore, at Christmas he'll be walking and talking and be 1 year old! Oh my heavens.

Speaking of heavenly things I shouldn't forget the spiritual leader of this zany tribe, my sweet Zach. He is going to be spending a great deal of time with my two little guys and I know it is not always a walk in the park. Josh is really a at very hard age to go anywhere. It is amazing how patient Zach can be. I think He has truly grown in this and continues to take a deep breath and astound me. He is a wonderful dad, loves to play with his kiddos, and has a fantastic sense of humor. I keep telling him, humor, that is how I get through it. I know they will be having a great time playing and laughing with Zach and I am so glad that they have this time together no matter how difficult it might be.

Well, I am finally getting sleeply..all the typing I suppose and I put my thoughts down for you to read. I love my little family and I know we are ready to face whatever the future holds, because love holds us together :) good night

Cookie Monster

2008-07-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

This was just so cute I had to share! Joshua had his first cookie the other day. Vanilla Wafer and no matter how much sugar was being digested I just couldn't help but let him smack away. It was so adorable!!!

Josiah is in love with the Beach!

2008-07-23T17:06:00.000-07:00

Every now and then we indulge little josiah snd whisk our little family off to the beach. Josh doesn't seem to appreciate it quite as much, but loves to laugh at the sea gulls. Of course Josiah loves to go with Nana and Ali for these watery adventures as you will see in our pictures. He is a beach baby for certain!

A Day At the Zoo

2008-07-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well the last time JoJo enjoyed the zoo it was with Papa, but this time we got to visit the zoo with Mima :) What an awesome adventure!

July 4th

2008-07-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

What fun to be with our family on the 4th of July!
BOOM BOOM as Jo Jo would say :) Zach, Josiah, Josh, Hosanna, Jubalee, Molly, and I went on a road trip to the Bridges' Lake House.There awaiting us were Grandpa Sandy, Granny Lu,Grayson, Anna, Tyler, and Will. What a excellent time we had eating grilled food and watermelon as we awaited the fireworks. There were smores and campfire songs. Oh, what a wonderful time!
Check out our photos.

The Drugery of Bliss

2008-06-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

Each day that passes has it's ins and outs. Has it's ups and downs. Dirty diapers, leaky sippy cups, whiny noises,and messes galore. These are a few of my unfavorite things. Yet, in the midst of what might seem to be chaos are the most precious moments that I will ever spend. Living in a schedule of feeding, changing, playing,and sleeping. Daily tasks can become monotonous. But,there is a secret knowing in my heart that if I slow down in the midst of these tasks that I will make memories that will change my day and bring great joy to my heart. Some people just shake their heads at the work that it takes to raise two children under two. But, perhaps those people have never seen two babies laugh at one another or kiss each other and miss completely! I pray that in the midst of these daily tasks that I will find the time to lead these precious boys into a loving relationship as a family and most importantly show them the love of our precious Lord. I want with all my heart for them to love and to know they are loved. The other things that fill my day seem to stand still when we all share a smile or a laugh. I absolutely love being a mom.

Joshua on the Go

2008-06-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well if you thought Josiah was cute on camera. The newest and latest footage of Joshie will knock your socks off! My kids just get cuter and cuter :)

Joshua is bound and determined to run around just like his older brother and is working on crawling as we speak. Take a look.

My Little Songbird

2008-06-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

Well this is not the best take of Josiah singing. I will upload another video sooner than later. This mommy is just getting with the times if you know what I mean. Scrapbooking is a thing of the past with all of the available technology to record and preserve the most precious moments in life. I am so proud of myself, this is the first time I have ever uploaded a video to YouTube! Hurray!

Anyhew, Josiah is again absolutely adorable in this rendition of Old McDonald. His favorite part of course is the "E" "I" "E" "I" "O"!!!!

I love you..you love me

2008-06-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

We are a special family.. Josiah and Josh are so blessed to have both sets of Grandparents close by! It is so wonderful to see MeMa and Grandaddy during the week and Granny Lu and Grandpa Sandy for Sunday dinners. So many memories and each one priceless as we spend this season so close to our loved ones. What a great summer we have to look forward too! We hope to spend more time with you then!

At the Park

2008-06-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

At the Park...Having Fun
At the Park.. See Us Run
At the Park.. In the Sun
At the Park.. Until We're Done

The boys just love being outside, in the shade that is. It is so hard in Florida to keep little ones outside for too long. This slideshow is from a morning at the park with JoJo's friend David. They were enjoying the swings and slides until that summer sun started to heat up and then we were out of there. Joshie agreed that fun can only last so long.

Morning Glory at the Beach

2008-05-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Naptime

2008-05-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Note to self keep Baby Powder farther away from crib!

lots of love to go around

2008-04-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

well it's 9:00pm and I'm home free..literally at home and the kids are sleeping and Zach is at work (bless his heart ;) so here I am thinking how I can't wait to have my own classroom again as I search for Spring Crafts.. for really no reason other than I have to let Josiah try them and maybe I will bring some to church :D I just can't help myself, I really miss teaching Kindergarten..I still look for ideas and scour the internet for the perfect Springy crafts..
I actually have tears in my eyes right now as I remember all the precious little faces from last year buzzing around the classroom as they painted flowers and made coffee filter butterflies..
just not the same without it.. maybe I could hang butterflies from my ceiling at home
I just can't help but think of apples melting into sauce as we read Apples Apples in the fall or glitter showering the floor as we decorate ornaments for the School Tree as we read When You Take Your Mouse to the Movies and the chocolatey smell of hot cocoa as we await Mrs. Claus' storytelling in the winter or the caterpillars and butterflies that overcrowd my walls as we enter into spring with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Grouchy Ladybug and the hatching of ducklings that fill our hearts with wonder for Make Way for Ducklings and 10 Little Rubber Ducks or the goofy relay races and tearful goodbyes and picture frames for our summer beginnings.. What I Did on My Summer Vacation.. books like those echo in my heart and their memories flood my mind.....

... it is these memories that causes me to hope that I will be able to return to work next year and still be able to balance my own three at home. I know that it could be a bit topsy-turvy at first, but then again you have to understand the level of commitment I have for each of my loves.. Zach, JoJo, Josh... and teaching..to be continued

Josh..just another word for cute!

2008-03-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Josh at three months just blows me away with each smile and noise that he creates when he is enjoying life at it's best ..eating and sleeping each day away! He is an absolute joy to care for.. he already sleeps through the night and at 13 lbs and 22 inches he is a big boy! One of my favorite moments with him so far was the other morning.. he had just slept through the nite ( 5 hour stretch) for about the third time and when he awoke.. he didn't scream or whine.. he began to coo and laugh with most precious spirit .. what a joy to wake up too! the sounds of sweetness!

I have been so blessed to have such happy babies.. I owe it all to the priority of the presence of God in my home and my precious husband Zach! He makes us all smile and laugh and enjoy everyday together.. what a fun time to be a mom :)

i love my boys

2008-03-04T19:18:00.001-08:00

Zach, Jo Jo, and Josh take up most of my days .. I spend almost every waking hour tending to or thinking of these three guys.. they are the most precious comodity I have.. they are my favorite three people.. they are my hope for the future and my salvation each day. they are helping me become a more loving wife and nuturing mom. I owe them my happiness and content heart.

so many people search for fulfillment in this life and I am satistified to meet the needs of my little family.. I recently made the decision to return to work next year.. so I am cherishing every moment I can spend loving on and growing with my three boys.. I hope that each day we spend together we don't take for granted and count priceless the love that we share with one another

A Grateful Heart

2007-11-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

Truly the best things in life are free and noticing them becomes a necessity when life throws you curveballs. Sacrificing any sort of resource for your family is never a choice made for a hero worship or a parade in the center of town, but rather a storing up for the future sort of choice. A harvest of love, respect, and change await those ready to lay down their lives as they lay up treasures in heaven. There are so many reasons not to and yet the path less chosen influences each day with a sweet savor. A fragrance rising from an obedient heart open to the miraculous possibilities brokeness can bring. This obedience, the choices, the path, the doing without brings me my "best life" possible. I see the fruit now in little ways, stronger marriage, children who feel loved, family curiosity, and life changing decisions are made. I may not be in the seat of the honored or stand in the way of the glamorous, but my backseat driving accomplishes one thing, it pleases Him.

The Waiting Room

2007-10-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to mention this to you, it just seemed so hiliarious at the time. I had an entire dialogue with myself in a waiting room that looks like Avonlea's tea parlor. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the time being toddler-less, sitting back in a Pottery Barn chair usually browsing through their magazine or any other one that is available, but my recent time there (similar to some sort of sentence) inspired the following piece of irony. I suppose you can say that this is my disclaimer.

~the shere irony of waiting in a room surrounded by hormones, for the appearance of one person, "the name-caller".~

You would almost liken it to waiting in line for take-out at lunchtime; everyone has their game face on with the "I got here first look in there eyes". Some more discreetly than others, I always sport the "given-in and taking a nap look". The whole scene reminds me of the "soup guy" from Senfield. Everyone is on edge waiting for their name to be called and "Lord have mercy" if you have the same name as someone else. I have started to bring my own pregnancy tailgating supplies, pillow and refreshments hehe j/k. Each of us have our own reasons to wait for an hour to be proded and poked. One, we get to hear our little one's heartbeat (no sound is sweeter to a momma), two, sometimes it is for a sneak peek at the little guy/gal (which truly is the best reason I think), and three, the routine (you gotta do what you gotta do).

I hate to say, this week I actually starting feeling guilty for enjoying this waiting room drama, but you have to experience it for yourself to really get tickled. What happens when you put pregnant women in a room and ask them to wait for an hour? Let your imagination take over... some of the most humorous for people watchers like myself is the duo, trio, or family occasion participants.
-Duo: These participants usually consist of the anxious spouse and the calm spouse, the blissful parents, and/or the ride and the patient.
-Trio: The happy couple with baby number one, toddler/little one number one, and/or any combo of family.
-Family occasion: This is perhaps my favorite of waiting room combinations, the excitement is truly contagious. It is usually for the gender viewing or the first sonogram.. Ahhh grandbaby heaven..
I don't just watch to pass the time, I also love to hear/share stories, cry with those that cry and laugh with those that laugh :).
All in all I love all my friends at the waiting room and any enjoyment I get from watching and talking with them is merely for my own sanity (You'll find me there one weekly to bi-weekly schedule) hehe.

The Zoo

2007-10-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

We headed toward the Jacksonville Zoo early this morning with high expectations. Josiah has many new found loves and they are all animals. Seeing as the majority of the communication we have daily may sound like noise or animal noise, we thought it quite appropriate to introduce him to the real thing. Startled by the actual sizes of the animals, Josiah was entranced by the creatures we observed. Taking on the role of a true safari guide, Josiah lead the way with his "light-up" shoes and frolicking pace. Truly an animal lover, he talked to, clapped for, petted, and fed the animals that we saw. His favorites were the goat, giraffe, cheetahs, spider monkeys, fish, and the various birds (able to chase).

The human company was also grand, we were joined by Grandad, Aunts Hosanna, Jubalee, and Melody, as well as Melody's boyfriend, Bruce. We all got a taste of childhood as we experienced the zoo anew through Josiah's excited eyes, suprised faces, and gleeful responses to each new exhibit.

At the end of our venture, Zach bought Josiah a little memory book to keep his zoo pictures in. My heart began to feel warm as I thought of all the nights, Josiah and I will look at the animals from the zoo before drifting off to sleep.

Josiah and Daddy: Two of a Kind :P

2007-10-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Prego Blues

2007-09-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

So.. my second lil J is on his way..but Christmas tried to come early this year...Knocking me off my feet (literally). As Zach puts it, Joshua hit the Emergency Escape button three months too soon and I ended up feeling a bit under the weather.

For those who have never had contractions.. I'll let you in on a little secret.. no it does not feel like your period cramps.. try again Doctors. I wasn't worried this time when I started feeling a little pain, but when I couldn't walk around the house it was time to call the doctor.

Zach and I spent a few hours in the hospital waiting for drugs to kick in and me to stop being a "drama queen" (yes, honey I am one). Joshua on the other hand thankfully is fine and kicking, I am beginning to think he could land a career as a superstar soccer player..maybe for Brazil? hehe

Thanks to all who have prayed, waited for our cell phones to work, and prayed some more.
Love,
The lady in waiting (thank goodness)

To life L'chei-im, le'chayim!

2007-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

well in case you haven't heard, my husband is possibly the sweetest most giving person in the world and a true gem if you know what I mean :). Only God could chose such a man.. you should be so lucky! hehe I love sounding Yiddish.. anyhew.. My husband recently celebrated our last three years together by getting me a fantastic anniversary present (the last one for quite some time I'm sure :P), a new ring.

After the glamour, awe, and splendor waned a tad bit, I started to realize that this new ring (yes, honey it is the same ring only better) had yet no memories attatched to it. So I approached my husband with this idea, which I think baffled him at first (what girl doesn't want a bigger diamond?) and then he challenged my thinking. Being the poetic man that he is, he persuaded (not really that hard to do) me by stating, "this diamond is a celebration of how our love has grown over these last three years". I don't think I could possibly hold anymore love in my heart that what I felt in that moment, I was smitten :).

Don't think for a moment that I am not grateful for this beautiful addition to my ring finger. But rather I carry it with a rising confidence, that I am truly loved and that love grows each day.

Ode to the Year of the King

2007-09-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

King Josiah has had a birthday.. his first of many and probably the most memorable for me.
Blues Clues.. Blues Clues.. first clue: tons of relative and friends, second clue: tons of presents, and third clue: a big cupcake! What do you have? Josiah's birthday party! All in all Josiah was partied-out and the guests went out with a smile :). Sucessful in any mother's eyes. Just making the birthday cake made me a bit teary and when he pinched off the icing, he melted my heart.

Josiah and I have had alot of adventures this year. We spent the first three months together as a duo in Danforth Apartments. Then I was transported back to my Kindergarten position and Daddy took over. Zach doing an incredible job as Mr. Mom, retired for the summer and Mommy camp begun. These last few months have been filled with memories that I will hold in my heart for the rest of my life. 9months, 10months, 11months, 12.. we went swimming, rode airplanes, ate ice cream, read books, cuddled, and sang songs.

As we sang Happy Birthday.. I thought about all the nights I wished I could spend my days with this little man. And here I am at-home with him dreaming of our newest adventure.. brotherhood :)

Brazilian Nutshells

2007-08-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

Here at the Bridges' residence we are either traveling, visting friends, or changing diapers as it might seem this summer. Truly we are a juggling team at best. Yet, we find ourselves blessed in our circle of family of friends each day as they participate in our growing three to four ring circus.
We began the summer by leaving our son, Josiah for the first time with the "grandmas" while my husband, Zach and I ventured to the rather warm country of Brazil, me being 4 months pregnant with the next Bridges boy, Joshua.
In Brazil, we encoutered some of the most horrendous living conditions and our hearts were torn. Mine was especially drawn to the young girls who served as surrogate or biological mothers to endless hungry and in need of a bath children. As a young mother myself, the eyes of these young girls told their story. They were not only in need of physical comforts but of those that only our precious Lord can provide. It was seemingly impossible that our time there would be of benefit to these people, but in our hearts were ready for anything.
Zach and I had the privilege of working with the Missionary whom pronounced us man and wife almost three years ago. Mark Shubert has been working in the favelas/ghettos of Brazil for about 5 years and has made aware and inspired the surrounding communities to lend a hand to those less fortunate than even our poorest of poor.
I don't have pictures to show, but let my words paint a picture that lingers in our minds. Trash, filth, stench, and I am sure plenty of bacteria, this is the fabric of their lives. These communities/favelas/ghettos, build with it, live in, and on it. The only modern coveniences they have are access to a electric line and city plumbing. The rest, well it lies in the hands of drug lords and prostitution rings. In this setting, what would restore the family moral, work ethic, and community spirit? Well, sometimes the best way to solve a problem is from the inside out.
We ventured with a team of 20 alongside our missionary friend, we brought plenty of bandages (food, toys, clothes, essentials), but we also brought something that transcends even the hungriest of bellies. We brought a love that sustains and transforms even the hardest of hearts, the love of Jesus. Resistance is a small price to pay for a message that you find life changing.
We faced opposing forces with some of the community members, they protested our help and refused to listen along the way. But for the true prisioners of the favelas, the women, teenagers, and children seemed to congregate by the hundreds.
The days that we spend painting faces, passing out hot dogs, reading Bible stories, and singing songs will echo in my mind for many years to come. The work there will continue. Mark Shubert and the gang will continue to provide jobs, bring food, teach the Bible and bring God's love to the people in these communities.
It is the faces emptiness that I will not forget, faces that have no hope, and how they shone when surrounded by love and encouragement. Hope, one of our basest of needs lies in the very corners of our heart waiting to be drawn out. Even though situation may not allow, others around us can cause that light within to shine, if only we, the others, would take the time.