The McCarty Family

A couple of weeks ago, my parents said that Natalie was saying "mama" when I was gone. I figured she was just making a new noise. But sure enough, the next day she said both mama and dada and it seemed like she really knew what she was saying, which really surprised me. She is already looking like she's going to be quite the talker, funny little girl.

In November Ryan had the opportunity to accompany his mom and a group from their church to Oaxaca, Mexico. It was a rich experience for both of them as they served the participants in a several day conference called "La Gran Festival".

This conference is put on by an organization called Growers First that works with the native coffee farmers in this region as well as other places around the world. Their mission is in part - "Growers First equips isolated indigenous family farmers to undertake long term economic and community development through outreach and partnership." Dave Day, the founder was part of Ryan's group. He gave them as much opportunity as possible in a short trip to experience the culture and serve the people.

It was really significant for Ryan and his mom to participate in this trip together. Julie also had the opportunity to get baptized in the ocean at the end of their trip.
Thanks to all of you who supported and prayed for them!
Here are some pictures.

Today it is 85 degrees. We are wearing summer clothes (after I reorganized girls closets for winter). It isn't just warm. It's hot. In January. You gotta love Costa Mesa. The city wear we wear scarves and boots as soon as its in the 60s while other places in the country 60s bring out the shorts :)!

Ryan asked me the other night what my New Year's Resolutions were. I told him, "I don't do New Year's resolutions." I think that I am always resolving to work on something, or maybe I would phrase it, grow in some area of my life. After we had a couple more exchanges I said, well, if I had to come up with a resolution, these are what have been on my mind lately:

1) Have more patience with Noelle

2) Read more books to Natalie

3) Be kinder in my words to Ryan

Things that are so easy to throw out there but not so easy to keep up (except maybe the book reading). Isn't that the way with New Year's Resolutions all around. It brings me right back to the three reasons I don't make them:

1) I desire to always be open to growth and change, not just at the start of the year.

2) God's mercies are new EVERY day.

3) On our own efforts we fail to live up to our resolutions but through the transforming work of Christ in us we can live in new freedom and new ways of being (a change from those same patterns of behavior we repeat over and over - hence the need for a resolution)

This last reason was pretty much the message at church last week that reminded me once again to seek dependence on God and not self-improvement. Still don't think I'm getting that, maybe sometimes.

I sit and look around my house and think, how did it come to this? I can't help but smile as I look around and see the markings of a two year old, my two year old everywhere I turn. Who else but a toddler could make such a mess? How do these things get here? You could also learn a lot about Noelle from where I was sitting before writing this (at the kitchen table).

• Underwear in the corner of the room (our feeble attempts to potty "train" - I'm going to pick up a book at the library tomorrow. One of the counselors that I supervise asked me last night if I have an advantage in potty training because of my counseling background? Well, maybe I should but I think that I'm currently getting no where. I'll spare you the details that make my days so fun recently)
• A sparkly princess sticker stuck to the wood floor (she told me these stickers were "MAGIC", oooh)
• Rice all over the floor (this child loves rice - could eat it for every meal. It makes such a mess. She still can't eat dairy, wheat and peanuts. Doctor will hopefully retest her at 3)
• Her little red Lightening McQueen Crocs. She loves Cars (the Disney movie). Ryan and I marvel at how Disney gets its name on everything. We have Cars' bandaids, sippy cups, vitamins, magnets, shoes, clothes, pajamas, bath bubbles, chair, etc. Ridiculous.

I could go on but am tired. And I should probably go tend to this house that never seems to resemble clean :).

We just had to get a new hard drive so my pictures aren't downloaded yet so I thought I'd share some thoughts. Pictures soon!