Dear Wubs, Happy 5th birthday! You are such a precious gift from God! We thank the Lord every day for you. We are so excited to see what Jesus will do in your heart over this next year of your life. We love you so so so much! All our love, Daddy, Mommy, & Bella
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:11
Yee-haw! We had a wonderful week celebrating Jesus at vacation Bible school this week! These are just a few of the many pictures we took on the last night... Bella and her sweet friend, Abe.Here is Bella's class as they were walking to the Family Night performance. Bella was the only cowgirl in her class, but she didn't seem to even notice! (Since I work in the nursery hall, it was easier for me to get pictures of Bella's group. I wish I had some pictures of Wub's class, but I just couldn't get there before the excitement began!)
Wubs really wanted to ride the mechanical bull, but the line was about an hour long, so that is why she's looking a little sad in this picture. (Daddy took us all out for an ice cream treat and that seemed to cheer her right up! wink!) David was a lead teacher for a 5th grade group, and he really enjoyed his time on the purple Survivorteam. It was so fun being up at the church every night as a family. And wow-God really blessed VBS! We had an abundance of teachers and volunteers that were eager to serve, there was great weather every night, and most importantly, several children accepted Christ this week! "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."- John 15:12
Several months ago, we did away with our cell phones. We decided a home phone would be best for our family, since David already carries a work cell phone and I am at home the majority of the time.It was an adjustment at first, not being able to make a call while we were out running errands, but now I am so thankful that the temptation to chat on the phone while driving doesn't even exsist! I get to visit with the girls, sing, and (*gulp*) pay closer attention to my driving. And God has given me lots of teachable moments in the car that I would be missing if I was still on my phone. Today our 'lesson' while driving to Wal-Mart was about opposites:
"Mommy, I know what the opposite of hot is...COLD!" "Wow Wubs! Let me try to fool you. What is the opposite of down?" "UP! Do it again! Try to trick me again!" "Happy?" "SAD!" This game continued for several minutes and Wubs was unstoppable! Then I asked, "Naughty?" (I thought Wubs would respond "nice" but I had to giggle at her answer...) "REST!" "The opposite of being naughty is 'rest', Wubs?" "Yeah, because whenever we are being naughty, you always tell me and Bella we need a rest! See? Naughty, REST!"
Precious Wubs! This week is vacation Bible school week and we have been up at the church from about 5pm until close to 10pm every night. The girls have been a little more argumentative with eachother this week, and I have been responding with extra grace before using our sad spoon because I know they are just really sleepy. Several times I have told them, "Even when we feel sleepy, we need to make choices that are pleasing to God." or "I know it's almost time for a good rest because my girls are choosing to disobey!" I guess Wubs has been reading in between the lines! wink!
"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."- Titus 3:3-7
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."- Romans 5 :3b-5
A few weeks ago, David was offered some free tickets for our family to attend a Mudcats baseball game. It was so much fun! The girls giggled at the mascots, and the silly challenges out on the field between each inning. After the big game, there was a beautiful fireworks display. It was the first time Bella has ever really experienced fireworks, so it was precious to watch her facial expressions every time the sky would light up. Wubs loved the boiled peanuts we purchased for a snack and she has been craving them ever since! (Daddy bought some green peanuts at the store and we are going to attempt to make our own boiled peanuts at our house this weekend!)
Thank you again for all your prayers for our family right now.
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."- Psalm 126:3
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."-John 5:24
Yesterday my precious husband took the day off from work, to spend the time with his girls. God just spoils me so much! It was an absolutely beautiful, sunny, cool day- the perfect day for a trip to the park. (I can't believe I forgot to bring the camera!) We went to Blue Jay Point, which is a camp ground/ picnic/ playground park. The girls enjoyed playing in the sand, climbing the playground structures, and having a snack picnic, but our favorite activity was walking on the trail down to the water's edge. While we were standing on the rocks and small waves were washing over our toes, Wubs asked to take her shoes off. The girls both slipped out of their Crocs and somehow Wubs managed to get wet up to her waist! (Bella was a little more timid. Little toes in the water only!) When it was time to climb back up the sandy bank and walk up the trail, Bella was a little unstable in her slippery, wet Crocs. She asked me to carry her, and David helped Wubs navigate over the tree roots and bumps on the trail. It was a sweet family day filled with memories.
It's been a hard two days. I had hoped to post pictures from our ultrasound, but instead, God is giving me the opportunity to write about His perfect love. This morning, while I was having my quiet time, I was reading in Psalm 94. "When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."- Psalm 94:18-19. I was reminded about carrying Bella up the trail yesterday, because she was wobbly and scared, and of course, she didn't really know where we were going. Right now, I feel a lot like Bella, and I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father that is holding me and bringing joy to my soul. There is a difference between joy and happiness. I can't write that I don't feel sad right now... in fact, I think I have cried more in the last two days than I've probably cried in the last two years. However, I have joy in Christ Jesus that can't be shaken. He is faithful, and I trust His plan for our family.
Thank you for your prayers. "There is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."- 1 Timothy 4:9-10
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:11
Bella and her sweet friend, Abe. 
Here is Bella's class as they were walking to the Family Night performance. Bella was the only cowgirl in her class, but she didn't seem to even notice! (Since I work in the nursery hall, it was easier for me to get pictures of Bella's group. I wish I had some pictures of Wub's class, but I just couldn't get there before the excitement began!)
Wubs really wanted to ride the mechanical bull, but the line was about an hour long, so that is why she's looking a little sad in this picture. (Daddy took us all out for an ice cream treat and that seemed to cheer her right up! wink!) David was a lead teacher for a 5th grade group, and he really enjoyed his time on the purple 
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."- John 15:12
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."- Psalm 126:3
"For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28
