Friday funny: Picture time!

I love to take pictures, capturing every day moments to special memories. I think the girls have picked up on my little 'habit'. The other day, we were walking out to the car to leave for Wednesday discipleship at our church when Wubs shrieked, "Mama! Look at JJ!" I walked around the car to peek at JJ, who was waiting patiently to be put into his carseat. "What is it, baby?" I was scanning JJ, but I couldn't see why Wubs had requested I come look at her brother.
"Look at his hands! He has his hands in. his. pockets! Isn't he just so cute? You have to take a picture, Mama!!"

Wubs was right. He did look adorable. And, I did go back inside to grab the camera so that she'd know that I value her eye for a Kodak moment! wink!

"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surraound me with songs of deliverance."- Psalm 32:7

Pregnancy update: a change in perspective

A little over three years ago, we lost a baby. It was my first miscarriage, and I was heartbroken. However, the Lord gave us such a peace during that time. David and I were blessed beyond words by our friends and family who lifted us up in prayer, and ministered to us. I'll never forget the first time that the Lord allowed me to comfort a friend who had just suffered a miscarriage. God invited me to join Him where He was at work, healing this sweet woman. I had the opportunity to pray with her, cry with her, and empathize with her. I believe that God let me encourage her because I had experienced the same pain myself. I thanked God for His plan. His ways are perfect.

Then, when we got pregnant with JJ, while I was very excited, I was scared. What if we lose this baby too? I confess, I struggled to take my thoughts captive during those first few weeks of pregnancy. Had I already forgotten the Lord's faithfulness? Didn't I trust Him to always do what was best for me, for His glory? David spoke Truth and prayed with me so much during our pregnancy. And, when our big boy came into this world at a whopping 10 pounds 7 ounces, wow- we rejoiced!

Today, I am seven weeks pregnant. My perspective on pregnancy sickness has changed a lot from our first child until now! wink. I cannot complain, I feel wonderfully yucky! I praise God for the symptoms reflecting the healthy development of the little life He has placed in my womb. We are so very blessed!

Playing outside with JJ's vehicles.

 

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."- 1 Peter 5:10

Wordless Wednesday: Vroom! Vroom!

"All believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."- Acts 4:32

Friday funny: Math giggles

Emma Grace loves to learn. She is a good student, and for the most part, she has a happy heart even when we're learning something new or challenging. However, Wubs had a little frustration earlier this week during our math lesson. She was working on finding number patterns and completing the blanks, such as 65, 75, 85, 95, ____, ____, ____.  I could tell she was stumped, so I asked, "Wubs, what is the pattern?"
"I know the pattern, mama. It's plus ten more."
"That's right! So what is 95 plus ten more?"
Wubs let out a big sigh. "I don't know! I can't figure it out!"
"Well if you aren't sure, you could  try counting on your fingers."
Wubs started laughing hysterically at my suggestion. I didn't get it, but I started to giggle too, because she was so overcome with laughter. Finally, between giggles, I asked, "What is so funny?"
"You! You are so funny, mommy! I don't have 100 fingers!!"

Note to self: Next week, we'll be doing more practice with number patterns. wink.

Rainbow slushies for an afternoon treat!

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."- Psalm 5:3

the cutest criminal

 

Someone colored on the wall, right beside his big boy bed.

Someone who is very cute, looked very guilty when he awoke from his nap.

Someone had to spend several minutes scrubbing the wall. His mommy did assist him after he made his best effort. wink!

Someone apologized, and he was forgiven. (There were lots of kisses for the criminal with the repentance heart!)

 

Exhibit A- evidence of the cutest criminal's crime.

Exhibit B- his 'guilty' face... wink!

Verdict- Guilty as charged. Scrub a dub dub!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."- Colossians 4:2

Wordless Wednesday: Sisters and best of friends

"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."- Titus 3: 5a

Joy begins in thanksgiving

While David and I were away together in the mountains, we enjoyed catching up on our reading. It was wonderful to sit by my handsome husband, listening to the rustle of the wind outside, feeling the warmth of the fire, and learning from our books. I even finished one of my all time favorite books, One Thousand Gifts! I loved so many of the author's insights on Truth, but one thing that really stood out to me was this:
"While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving."

I was so encouraged by this powerful statement. It is my desire to have a thankful heart, seeking the Lord and finding Him; praising Him in all things. Joy begins in thanksgiving... isn't that beautiful? God's ways are so perfect.

And, we have big news of thanksgiving! The Lord has blessed our family with another child! Baby #4 will be arriving in May. I tried to take an announcement picture yesterday, and the children were really sweet helpers. I thought these 'bloopers' were too cute to delete without sharing them!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."- 1 Thessalonians 5:18