Monday thoughts.

... We are set to close on our house this Friday. Between now and then, there's a very large, very dead tree in our neighbor's yard that hangs precariously over our house that absolutely has to come down. God is big enough for that. If you think of us, please pray that the tree comes down before Wednesday and doesn't inflict any (more) damage to the house in the process.

... Sundays are loooong days for us with three services and usually a Sunday evening service, too. But we are loving our church and basking in the warmth of Christian community here. We've only been here a month and we've met more incredible people than we even have time to get to know. I'm not sure if I should chalk it up to the perks of being on a church staff (and, therefore, having a ready-made community) or just that our church is amazing. Probably both. Either way, I'm grateful.

... We've been park hopping around Raleigh, trying to land on our favorites.
Here's the current lineup:
1. Lake Johnson: a 5k loop, water views, hills, boat rentals (!), concession stand with coffee and tea and snacks (!!!). This park is pretty perfect in our minds.
2. Lake Lynn: beautiful lake views and ducks!
3. Shelley Lake: pretty busy on some days, but still so beautiful and safe, too.
(Pullen Park is in a category of its own, and deserves a post of its own, too.)
 Any fellow Raleigh friends have other suggestions? Preferably stroller friendly?

... My sister is starting to make these amazing made-to-order fabric maps in her Etsy shop. Check them out. You can even customize them and giver her a color scheme to go with. I love this idea for a kid's room!

Happy Monday to you!

PS - The photos of Liam? They have nothing to do with the post, but were taken past midnight when he was in too much teething pain to sleep. Poor little man. But it's still so easy to make him smile, even when he's hurting. I love that about him.