All things new

My thoughts are still scattered... not leaving the house for two weeks and waking every 2 hours will do that to you I guess. However I wanted to post on this last day of 2010.


I have never had such a full year. I say "full" not only in a positive and satisfied sense, but in a broken and humbled sense as well.


Many people have been posting their "year of statuses in 2010" on Facebook. This typically is pretty fun, but this year I am actually scared of it. What days will pop up? What pain will surface as those days are remembered even in such a simple exercise? And then I think about the amazing days. My year in statuses would be a full spectrum of emotion.


This year started with heartbreak and grief, deep darkness and despair and led that way through much of the year. Grief has been a dominant theme as I lost a baby and a close friend.


But the darkest of the pain and despair made ways for the brightness of His glory in the midst of my brokenness. I am convinced more than ever of God's goodness, grace, and faithfulness to me. My relationship with God has deepened as I continue to learn to depend on Him for all things and trust His plan for my life. Hope and expectancy of His return are deeply rooted in me.


This new year's eve I look back and I am grateful for every day of 2010 as much as it hurts to remember. I look forward to the new year and to the day when God will make all things new.


190. Darkness used by God to show His light.
191. God's faithfulness even when our hearts fail.
192. God's greatness and glory.
193. He holds every one of our tears in a jar.
194. God's compassion and mercy that comes to us and heals.
195. Immanuel-God with us.
196. Hope of heaven, our Home, where we were made for.
197. Life that he knit together in my womb. One who is in heaven, one newborn I kiss daily, and one big brother who is generous with hugs and kisses.
198. A growing big brother with a sweet spirit and an adventurous little boy's heart.
199. God's provision through my husbands hard work.
200. Deepening relationships and a community that I can depend on.
201. Fun trips throughout the year.
202. A husband who loves me and our family and continues to grow as a leader of our home.
203. All the details of life that have been cared for as I trust Him.
204. New books
205. New art and courage to create
206. New hobbies
207. That God's Word is trustworthy and true.




"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'


And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" Revelation 21: 1-5

Matthew David

My thoughts and emotions are all jumbled as I sit down to write about my newborn son.  So, sorry if this doesn't all make sense together, but I thought it would be good to get things down and then maybe in a few posts or so there will be a more concise cohesive post.

What a year.  What an amazing way to finish a year and to celebrate Christ this Christmas.  January started out with heartbreak and grief as we mourned a pregnancy loss.  I now sit with a five day old son, healthy and perfect, sitting in my lap.  I have no idea how a year could start out so bleak and end up so bright and full of promises fulfilled, except that God would and does receive the glory.  He has continued to prove Himself good in my darkest nights and shines brightly in the most joyous and happy moments.

We chose to name our son Matthew David.  Matthew means "gift of God" and David means "beloved".  I know more than ever that this baby comes as a blessing and a gift from my heavenly Father.  I praise God for Him and lift every worry and concern about his precious life up to our Father who holds all things in His hands.

I think that's enough for now! Let's continue to give thanks:

180.  A healthy baby boy.
181.  A healthy and quick delivery.
182.  Family and church family that help in the transition of adding a new baby to the family.
183.  Ten tiny toes and ten tiny fingers.
184.  A baby who came as the least of these to be our Savior
185. Mary's faith and David's faithfulness.
186.  God's plan of redemption.
187.  Chocolate...yes I can have it again!
188.  The anticipation of Christmas dinner with family.
189.  Snuggling with my little gift.

Early Christmas

Christmas came a little early this year. More details later. For now, a picture speaks a thousand words!

Matthew David Tarplee, DEC 16 2010 at 11:16 a.m. 6lbs 14 oz 19 inches long.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Continual Passion

"The whole of Christ's life was a continual passion; others die martyrs but Christ was born a martyr. He found a Golgotha, where he was crucified, even in Bethlehem where he was born; for to his tenderness then the straws were almost as sharp as the thorns after and the manger as uneasy at first as the cross at last.  His birth and his death were but one continual act, and his Christmas day and his Good Friday were but the morning and the evening of one and the same day.  From creche to cross is an inseparable line. Christmas only points forward to Good Friday and Easter.  It can have no meaning apart from that, where the Son of God displayed his glory by his death." John Donne


Recently I did a three piece series of paintings for a friend's birthday.  This is the third in the series.  Of all three paintings I spent the most time on this one and found myself meditating and worshiping as I painted.  I was struck throughout the series of the use of wood and straw and how even that seemed to turn against Christ even though it provided shelter and protection for the rest of creation.

"And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”  Luke 9:58


The fox has found shelter under a tree and the bird weaves together twigs and vines have her young.  God has provided for his creation with the same material that causes suffering and displays Christ's death.  Rather than shelter and comfort, a crown of thorns that ripped into his flesh and a tree upon which to die.


"The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him." John 1:9,10


From the straw and wood, basic things of creation, to the people, Christ in all his glory was rejected.


AND YET, he came, he lived, he suffered, and he conquered death. 


"He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1: 11-13


Amazing Love!  All for me and for you and for all who confess His name to be adopted as children of God.

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain—

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine.

’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,

Let angel minds inquire no more.

’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above

So free, so infinite His grace—

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race:

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near,

That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Charles Wesley

  A great read for this advent season!  The John Donne quote at the top of this post came from this little jewel.  

Thanksgiving in anticipation

A little knob moves it way from one side of my belly to the next.  Another one pokes my side.  My womb changes shape with each movement.  As I type my son runs up to me and asks, "Where's the baby's foot now?" My stomach pulses in rhythm as Baby gets the hiccups.  All of these reminders point to an amazing homecoming of the newest member of our family and bring me much joy as each day brings us closer to holding Baby Brother.  It's only a matter of weeks now and I can think of little better ways to celebrate the holiday season.  There is only one greater anticipation which is infinitely more.  Praise God for this baby.  Praise God for our coming Savior even more.

173.  Each day that brings me closer to our new baby boy.
174.  Each day with it's joys and trials that can lead me closer to our Saviour.
175.  My son reciting his first Bible verse.  "Oh God, be my help."  Then he proceeds to tell me that God can be my help too.
176.  Seeing eye to eye with my husband on big issues and the comfort and support that he brings.
177.  Birthday celebrations and fellowship with friends.
178.  New yarn and bitty baby hats.
179.  Thanksgiving day with friends and family.

God's Devotion

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  So we can confidently say,

'The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?'” 

Hebrews 13: 5,6

Here is a great song about God's Devotion to us.

Thanks.

164.  Progress with potty training. I never thought I'd be so happy to see poop in a potty.
165.  My son's excitement and joy when he accomplishes new things.
166.  Learning a new hobby.  I'm having fun learning to knit and have been working on hats for the baby.
167.  My husband's safe arrival home.
168.  That one of my husband's top priorities this morning was to fix the dryer so I could get caught up on laundry.
169.  A night out with the girls.
170.  Count down for babies arrival.
171.  Being able to listen to my baby's heartbeat for 30 minutes each week during my weekly NST.
172.  A light heart in exchange for one that is often heavy.

Smitten

I got to see this little guy last Wednesday!  I am already smitten!

Do I see Daddy's feet?

Nesting

Lately I've been uninspired to write.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's the nesting, the preparing stage when there is only really one thing on my mind.  Or maybe I am nesting and staying busy to avoid fears and anxieties that are deeper within.  I have a hunch that it is a combination of the two.  I've mostly only been motivated to clean, organize, and prepare...all good considering I am not naturally an organizer.  So I make the most of this brief phase, knowing chaos will strike again!

Tomorrow I'll see my little man in an ultrasound to check on his size.  I'm glad for the glimpse into the womb and thankful for a friend that will join me, lessoning my anxiety about ultrasounds.  My blood sugar is still borderline and the doctors are taking it week by week to see if I need meds to keep it down for the remainder of my pregnancy.  There are days I don't mind the diet and am excited about learning how to prepare and eat healthy meals and then there are days that I don't think I could ever get used to this.  I do hope to develop a healthy eating lifestyle out of all of this.


156.  Showering of gifts to celebrate the life of my little boy and his soon to be arrival.
157.  Awesome friends to pull off a great baby shower in the midst of a busy season.
158.  My husband's four day weekend coming up...rare!
159.  Baby clothes to last through all the growing stages.
160.  Baby books.
161.  Kicks and jabs from the womb that seem to tell me, "I'm still here." and bring reassurance and comfort.
162.  God's love and provision for me.
163.  That God's way is perfect and His word proves true.

Home

Home.  Many things come to mind when I think about "home".  One thing I think about is where I am from.   I take great pride in being from the South.  Though I'm no southern belle, I identify with so many things and feel at home when in the South.  "Southern hospitality"  I didn't know what it was until I lived in a place that it didn't exist.  Back home, you drop in anytime to friends, family, church members, cousins twice removed from church members and most of the time you are invited in for a sweet tea and maybe even asked to stay for a meal.  People that aren't from the South look at you funny if you even ask for a glass of sweet tea. 

I also take great pride in New Orleans and call it home.  No other place celebrates life like New Orleans.  I'm not talking about partying and going to bourbon (that's mostly tourists).  New Orleans revolves around being together and celebrating every holiday, from Mardi Gras to birthdays.  If there  is even one reason to get together, from Saints games to city parades to graduations, a feast is prepared.  I could write a book about all of the reasons I love New Orleans.  Not only do they know and practice "southern hospitality", the food and music add so much to life and celebration there.

Home currently is South Florida and I couldn't call it home until I developed a few deep friendships here.  I remember clearly when this transformation took place.  As I drove back to Florida from New Orleans, I actually looked forward to returning home.  It took a few years for me to be able to call this place home, but now I do because of the depth of relationships that have developed.

If asked where I am from, I may name any of these places and tell you about reasons you should visit. All of these hold very dear places in my heart.  There is joy, peace, and comfort as I remember people, places, foods, and celebrations.  While they all have their place in making me who I am, they have all been temporary stops on a journey to my real Home.   While they are so important, the infinitely greater place is not where I am from, but where I am going.  Paul says it best,   "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Romans 3:20-21

I fell in love with Psalm 84 shortly after I came to know the Lord.  I love it because I've never felt completely at home, completely at peace here.  A longing for something greater has always been in my heart. I remember the excitement I felt about being a pilgrim when I read this for the first time, one with a purpose while here but who ultimately belongs somewhere else.

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O Lord of hosts!

 My soul longs, yes, faints 

for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and flesh sing for joy

to the living God.

 Even the sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young,

at your altars, O Lord of hosts,

my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house,

ever singing your praise! Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the Valley of Baca

they make it a place of springs;

the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;

each one appears before God in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;

give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

Behold our shield, O God;

look on the face of your anointed!

For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,

blessed is the one who trusts in you!

I have a hard time thinking of anything to say after that Psalm.  In awe, I can't wait to know this Home and see my Abba Father, feeling His touch, and being made whole in His presence.  It's awesome that each of these other places have reflected him and taught me about him, that they all fit together in what God is doing in my life.  While on this pilgrimage, it is my hope and prayer that I am not defined by each stop, but by where I am going.  I want to reflect my true citizenship, and by doing so live this life all the more richer and fuller.  

Wouldn't it be awesome if we fit in a little less with the world around us and reflected the image of our true citizenship?  How would our lives change, how would our churches change, what impact would Christians have on our families, communities, nation, and world?

So much to be thankful for:

141.  All of the places I've been able to call home.

142.  A Home that I cannot even begin to imagine.

143.  That Jesus is preparing a place for us and will come back for us.

144.  The great calling to live for Him and make this place a place of springs.

145.  The grace and power of God that accomplishes 144.

146.  My little pirate with crazy hair.

147.  Son and Daddy carving pumpkins.

148.  Rest for the weary.

149.  Saints football (hope they win tonight).

150.  Birthday celebrations with friends

151.  An awesome time of worship with the Chapman family at the Steven Curtis Chapman and Caleb concert.

152.  The story of God's grace that is so evident in the Chapman family and their ability to share it with all of us.

153.  God's heart for the orphan and the widow.  And ways that He provides and cares for them.

154.  People who are Christ's hands and feet to the least of these.

155.  The adoption I have received into God's family.

Aargh!

Stuck

To my right stands a mountain of tiny baby clothes.  Directly in front of me, another mountain of slightly less tiny baby clothes. And to the left,  a few bigger baby clothes.  In the middle of the living room, a pack and play.  The dining room, a car seat, an exersaucer, a bumbo, and a huge box of freshly cleaned bottles. I type resting on a boppy.

I sort and clean each item one by one, remembering stages of growth in my now two year old son.   Time has flown and I'm amazed at how quickly he went through each stage.  I anticipate and plan and look forward to our new baby boy growing through each stage.

He rolls in my tummy.  Kicking and jabbing, he must be practicing the M.C. Hammer.  I press back and delight to feel his movements against my own.  I'll see him in an ultrasound in two weeks.  I'll hold him in my arms a few weeks later.

My son Andrew, talks to Baby Brother and gives him hugs and kisses.  He observes all the baby stuff.  I wonder  at what level does he understand what's about to happen.  I praise him for his help, love on him with all I have, and tell him he will be a great big brother.

He clinches the charm I can't take off yet.  Tired and irritated, I tell him to stop touching.  "That's for Baby Ashlynn.  That's her letters," he says as he lets go.  I cry.  The grief that sneaks its head around the corner at the mention of the word "ultrasound" wells up and lets itself out.  I hug my little boy and tell him he will meet her when we get Home one day.

"Ultrasound" how exciting.  And so late in pregnancy, I've never seen one of my babies so far along.  Yet I heard the worst news of my life after an ultrasound and I have a terrible fear of bad news again.  My heart rejoices and aches as it tenses and releases within my being.

I'm stuck in a sadness, in a loneliness, and I hurt at what was and what might be.  I hope for so much more than what I fear.  I know my fears are skewed, are blown out of proportion.  I know One who is bigger.  I wait, I hope, and I trust in Him.

I just read this blog and was greatly blessed:
http://thegypsymama.com/2010/10/on-meeting-my-daughter/comment-page-1/#comment-7758

Gestational Diabetes

Last Friday I found out that I have Gestational Diabetes.  At first it was overwhelming and stressful with all of the information that I was given.  Being an unorganized person, I didn't think I could handle the rigid schedule of a strict diet (low carb), and counting carbs, as well as checking my glucose levels 4 times a day.  The initial stress has worn off and it's actually kind of neat to see how the food that I eat affects the glucose levels in my blood.

But now I am slightly overwhelmed again.  I have several appointments for the duration of pregnancy.  I went from routine checks to "higher risk" and that scares me a lot, even though I should probably not fear.  On top of that, I am highly irritable today.  Maybe due to all of the changes in my diet, I'm having some kind of withdrawal?  

Anyways, there's a brief update and request for prayer.  Thanks in advance.

For a brief overview of Gestational Diabetes
http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/information/gestational/

A few thoughts on leadership.

Something has gotten me thinking and praying.

Our church is searching for a new pastor.  What a tough place to be in.  To choose the man that is fit for our specific body.  The man that can lead and pastor us and lead us in the ways of Christ.

This makes one think about leadership and what makes a good leader.  Furthermore, about Christ and his ways of leadership.  As I see in the Scriptures, he didn't follow our typical mold of leadership.  Nor did he fit in during his day as the ideal leader.  Many were drawn to him, many more were turned away.  He cared not for religious practices, but for purity of the heart that would naturally lead to good deeds.  He spent his time with the outcasts of society, with sinners, lame, and destitute.  He served in humility and not in pride.  He did not come up with programs to fit every need, but said that he was to meet every need.  He did not conform to society, but called his followers to conform to himself.  I could go on and on...

It's easy to want a leader that will succeed in growing the church, a leader who is a powerful speaker, a leader who makes it seem that we all fit in nicely.  I think I prefer a leader who looks like Christ, one who follows His ways even though they may seem counter-culture, one who challenges me and our church out of
our comfort zone where we fit so nicely.

My prayer is for this man.  That Christ would shape his heart.  That he would hear God's call and that our leadership will recognize him when we see him.  I pray that he is a man led by the Spirit and by God's Word above all things and a man that can shepherd our church to follow Christ more fully.

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1  (Paul, one of the greatest leaders in the Bible, points to Christ)

Giving thanks

"All that is gold does not glitter, 

Not all those who wander are lost"

— J.R.R. Tolkien (The Fellowship of the Ring)

131.  Boys pulling wagons, riding tractors, and picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch.
132.  Learning how to use my camera and new lens
133.  God's grace and gifts to me and the empowerment he gives to use them.
134.  Hearing my little boy pray and then at the end shout in excitement, "I did it by myself!"
135.  Dinner out with my husband for his birthday.
136.  Fellowship lunch after church.
137.  Friends near and far that are easy to be myself around and talk to like picking up where we left off each time.  It's awesome not to have to go through small talk to get to the good stuff with these friends!
138.  The challenge to grow in my depth of relationship with God and in His Word.
139.  My husband's safe arrival after time away.
140.  God's faithfulness to always be with us.

Hungry?

Malnourished, famished, parched, starving, thirsty.   


All words that strike in me reminder of a deep physical need.  My mouth is dry just thinking about it.  I've never experienced the extremes of these physical ailments, but I know it's bad enough to go even without one meal.  


Feast, full, quenched, nourished.


All convey so much in contrast.  Instead of hurt and longing, fullness and satisfaction.  From poor and pitiful to rich and jubilant.  In one since, the more hungry and thirsty we come to the table, the more we enjoy and appreciate the spread before us.  To truly be made full, we have to know we are malnourished and weak.

"But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!”  But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’  So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’  And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’  And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.  For I tell you,  none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’” Luke 14: 13-24

I can think of many excuses that I might have said in response to the servant. In fact many excuses I give now to keep from truly feasting on Christ and God's Word.  I'm confident in the grace of Christ that I will be at the great banquet, but I know I miss out on the great feast that spreads itself before me even now.  As Ann Voskamp asks us to share about what it means to feast on God's Word, the first things I can think of is famine and thirst, of wanting and longing.  Complacency easily turns our eyes away from Him who said, "Come to me and you will never thirst again."  

Right now, for me to feast means to come again, famished and parched, and take that first bite settling into God's Word and seeking fullness that can be found in Him Alone. 

And Repeat...

Through the eyes of a child

To one, I have all the answers.  "What's this?"  I hear as I look down to see his bright eyes shining back at me.  "It's a pistachio, you can eat it."  He inspects it closely, "Pistachio?".  "Yes, it's good, try it."  He puts it in his mouth and grins, "I like it."

  

"What's this?"  I hear this phrase fifty times a day.  My son explores in wonder the world around him and looks to me to help him define it.  

One day I'll run out of answers and he'll be teaching me.  For now I'll be thankful that he doesn't test my answers or doubt my responses.

Often I think that if I would look at the world through his eyes, I might see more clearly.  With a brand new outlook on life, I would not be bogged down by doubt or by my own answers.  I would look to my Father in all circumstances asking, "What's this?" with bright child-like innocence radiating from my face and fully trusting His response to each question.  I would not even think about coming up with my own answer, but would ask Him for the answer.  

Somewhere we lose that child-like faith.  We stop looking and asking of our Father.  We make up our own answers, blinding ourselves to His.  Our sight, my sight, becomes dim when I think and act without coming to Him first in all things.  Unfortunately this is most of the time.

I pray for a renewed child-like faith that depends on my Abba Father and trusts Him in all things, gives me a clearer picture of the wonder of who He is and allows me to see the world as He defines it.

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them  and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Matthew 18:1-4

A full heart

Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.

~George Herbert

121.  A weekend full of friends.
122. Time to sleep in with my husband-very rare since becoming parents.  Our son played in his crib until 8:45 today.
123.  A patient husband who affirms his love to me daily.
124.  A patient Father who's mercies are new every morning
125.  Family day at the zoo.

126.  Boys camping, fires burning, and smores roasting.

127. Game night with friends.

128.  College football season.

129.  Books to read to my son.

130.  Drawing with my son.