A Wal-Mart Adventure

I haven't been to Wal-Mart in over a month. After JJ was born, we didn't go many places other than the pediatrician's office for the necessary visits. Now I'm getting braver about taking all three children places- it's still quite an adventure when I am without David! We've been to the library, church, Target, and the other day... Wal-Mart.

The Wal-Mart where we live is undergoing a change. I was so lost when we walked in! They have moved around aisles of merchandise and they've added some clearance racks out in the middle of the walkway by the checkout lanes. After I successfully navigated my way through the new layout of the store, we patiently stood in line to purchase our items. Normally I use the U-Scan lanes but those are currently out of order due to the renovation process. However, if I had scanned my items myself, I wouldn't have had the time to do a little 'people watching' while waiting in line.

And I would have missed out on the most bizarre incident I believe I've ever seen at Wal-Mart! wink.

I watched a young woman, maybe about 25 years old, walk over to a clearance rack filled with undergarments. She paused at the colorful assortment of bras, and after thoughtfully considering which one she liked best, she proceeded to TRY IT ON. She was wearing a tank top, so she simply put the bra on over her shirt. She clasped it in the back, smoothed the bra from all angles to be sure it fit snugly and admired it in the small mirror on the rack. I was looking around for someone else who was possibly watching this c-r-a-z-y episode, but people were just walking by. How could you just walk by and not do a double take when a woman is trying on a bra in the middle of Wal-Mart?? Does this not strike anyone else as a little odd?? wink.

So this got me thinking... have you ever seen anything unusual take place at Wal-Mart? I would love to hear about it for a good giggle! Happy Monday!

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."- Psalm 130:5

Vacation Bible School

This week we enjoyed the Big Apple Adventure at our church! Once again, God blessed our week of vacation Bible school, bringing nearly 600 children to learn about Jesus. It was wonderful meeting new friends and learning about God's Word! Here is a little glimpse of our week:All week long, we ate dinner in the Kidztown gym. It was lots of fun to share a meal with our church family. Our girls LOVED the choices offered for dinner and of course, they opted to eat pizza every night! Emma Grace liked being a 'big girl' this year, as she was no longer considered a preschooler but a grade school student! She got to go to large group in the Worship Center and participate in recreation time on the big fields. On one night, a local gourmet popcorn shop came and served the 'big kids' their newest menu item- shaved ice. That was quite a treat on a hot night!Bella and her best friend, Gracie. These two girls love eachother and they enjoyed being in the same class for VBS! (Gracie made me laugh... she was just conviced that if I'd only put JJ down on the ground, he could try to walk! ha ha! She is a sweetheart.) Wubs, doing her Statue of Liberty impersonation. Such a cutie! Bella and Gracie, two peas in a pod!
One night was dress up like your favorite VBS character night and David joined in the fun! His sense of humor is just one of the MANY reasons why I love him so much! It was a great week filled with blessings and sweet memories!
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness."-2 Corinthians 12:9

A Father's Day Interview

We love our daddy so very much! Our girls are experts when it comes to knowing all about their daddy... just keep reading! wink!
What does daddy like to do?
-He likes to give mama sugars, wrestle me and Bella, and play with us. (Wubs)
-Ummm...mow the grass. (Bella)
Where does daddy work?
-The YMCA. Wait! No, no, no! He works at church! (Wubs)
-Church, in his office. (Bella)
What does daddy do when he gets home from work?
-He eats dinner and gives us a snug and a sugar. (Wubs)
-Puts his bag on his bed. (Bella)
What is daddy good at?
-He's good at writing words, giving hugs, and he's so so so soooo good at wrestling. (Wubs)
-He can fix things a lot. (Bella)
What does daddy like to eat?
-Salad, Chicken, Burgers, and water. (Wubs)
-Sandwiches with soda. (Bella)
What do you like to do with daddy?
-Slide on the big slide at Great Wolf Lodge and I looooove playing all kinds of games with daddy. (Wubs)
-Wrestle. (Bella)
What does daddy always say?
-When he sees me he says, 'Hey baby girl!' (wubs)
-No trinkets. (Bella)
What does daddy like to wear?
-Jeans. (Wubs)
-Jeans and blue shirts. (Bella)
Who does daddy love?
-Bella, JJ, me, Mama and Jesus! (Wubs)
-JJ and Bella and that's all! (Bella with a smile and a mischevious twinkle in her eye)
Happy Father's Day, Sweetheart! We love you and we thank God for you every day! xoxoxo!
"Your statutes are wonderful, therefore I obey them. "-Psalm 119:129

A lesson from our 3 week old son

If you are a parent, it's likely that someone has asked you (in regards to your children), "What age is your favorite?" I once heard a woman respond to this question with love by simply saying, "The age that they are at- that is always my favorite." I would have to agree! I love the sweet joys of parenting our five year old, the excitement of our three year old, and the treasures of our newborn! Every stage is an adventure and filled with blessings.

In the wee hours of the night, as I was feeding JJ, he taught me a lesson that I pray I won't soon forget. You see, I had almost forgotten how a newborn studies people. JJ stares at me with those beautiful blue eyes, as if he's memorizing every detail of his mommy's face. And it's not just my face that he is intent on learning... it's my voice, too. He knows the sound of my voice and he kicks his feet when I talk and sing to him! Oh, how that blesses my heart. Without a doubt, our baby knows his mommy. Of course, he still has lots to learn in this big world, but one thing is for sure- he knows I love him!

JJ reminded me that when I am not deeply intent on studying the Lord, I can't be certain of His voice in my life. If I'm not seeking an even more intimate personal relationship with Jesus, I might just miss it when He reveals Himself to me. God can use all things for His glory, even a late night feeding! Thank you, Lord, for using my children to continually remind me how much you love me!

ps- And because all blog posts are more fun with pictures, I've added some snapshots from this weekend. We took the girls to get their very first Blizzard treat!

Jesus said," Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."- Matthew 19:14

The Tooth Fairy!

Emma Grace had been wiggling a very loose tooth for days, and last night it suddenly popped right out. It was a very exciting time at our house! We celebrated, took pictures, and called grandparents! David and I were shocked because we honestly didn't think Wubs would pull out her own little tooth, but she was determined. And although Emma Grace doesn't believe in the tooth fairy, she did ask me if we could pretend. She said, "Mommy, when I lose a tooth, will you sneak into my room and put a surprise under my pillow?" So after the girls went to sleep, Daddy and JJ spent some quality guy time together while I slipped out to the Dollar Store. I got Wubs some little animal toys and I got Bella a package of her favorite treat, Skittles.(I figured that if I get to be the tooth fairy, I get to make the 'rules'. And this tooth fairy brings little sisters a surprise, too! wink.) I have to admit, it was lots of fun writing Emma Grace a letter from the Tooth Fairy and sneaking into their room to put the treats beneath their pillows! The girls were awake at 6am and they came running out from their bedroom with the biggest sleepy smiles! Here are some pictures of the fun!
"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." - 2 Thessalonions 2:16-17

Three little cuties

Late yesterday afternoon, while daddy was outside cutting the grass, our three little cuties allowed me to take a few pictures! Sometimes I think my heart will burst, I love my family so much! This last picture cracks me up! I had prompted the girls to close their eyes for a sweet picture of them resting with their brother. This is Bella's attempt to appear like she is sleeping for the camera! ha ha!"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."- Romans 8:29-30

One Year Ago

This week in June, one year ago, we lost our baby. I had been experiencing morning sickness, I had a little baby bump, and our family was so excited about the little life inside my womb. It wasn't until we went for our ultrasound that we found out that our baby hadn't been growing for a few weeks. David and I clung to the Lord and to one another as we healed from this loss. Today I looked back at the pages in our prayer journal from last year, and I read my prayer requests and my praises. Although I don't remember every detail from that painful trial, I do vividly remember how close I felt to God. He carried me through a time where even getting dressed in the morning was a challenge. I had to choose to serve my family. I had to choose to worship God in the midst of a storm I couldn't understand. I had to choose to trust the Lord's plan and His promises.

Today, I can look back and see how God used our miscarriage to bring Him glory. I'm not claiming to understand God's ways... but I can see how He used even the most painful times to teach us, bless us, grow us, and reveal Himself to our family. I am reminded today to praise God in all circumstances- for He alone is worthy.
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."- Colossians 2:2-3

Count me in

Today was our first day back to church as a family. We missed church the weekend that JJ was born, and last Sunday only David and Wubs attended. But today, we all loaded up and made it to the 8am service. (Okay, okay... so we made it at about 8:20am but we gave it our best effort! wink!) Bella went right into her class without any tears. She doesn't usually cry when she goes into her classroom, but we've been spending a lot of time at home and I didn't know how drop off would go. She did super! I think she was ready to play with her friends. JJ was a sweetheart and he graciously allowed many people to hold him and love on him! Wubs was a proud big sister and she eagerly answered questions about her baby brother.

Our new children's pastor, Ryan, preached the sermon today. He had a really good illustration about two children and their two very different prayers. One child prayed, "Dear God- I have kept my end of the deal but you still haven't given me my puppy." The other child prayed, "Dear God- Count me in." It was a cute example, and we all giggled, but wow- I was convicted. There is nothing wrong with asking God for His help, provision, wisdom, etc... but there are times when I second guess why God hasn't 'answered' my prayers, just because I haven't gotten my way. (Whew, I am r.o.t.t.e.n!) I need to remember the Truth, that God's ways are not my ways. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, " declares the Lord. -Isaiah 55:8 It is my prayer that our family would have a 'count me in' attitude. I pray that we wouldn't just include God in our lives, but instead, we would treasure the gift of being a part of God's family and His kindgom purposes. I pray that our children wouldn't just hear us reading Bible stories, attending church, or reciting scripture, but they would see us living out our faith and worshipping God in tangible ways. As always, we are praying for the salvation of our children. Have a great week!

"Oh Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."- Psalm 84:12

Our first field trip as a family of 5!

Today was a beautiful sunny day- the perfect day for a field trip! David suggested that we take little drive down to the farmer's market and do some exploring. We had so much fun together! Emma Grace LOVED sampling the peaches, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. (Bella only likes apples, so she wasn't as interested in the samples until we came upon a table offering cookies to the children. wink!) We purchased some tomatoes, peaches, and onions. We also purchased some glass bottles of cream soda to share and some homemade ice-cream! It was a wonderful time for our family and the girls are already asking when we are going to the market again! Here are some pictures of the fun: Wubs loved trying the fresh fruit! She gladly ate up Bella's rejected samples!Yummy! Homemade ice cream from a vendor named Lumpy's. Bella had chocolate chip and Wubs had mint chocolate chip!Drinking this soda required concentration! The girls aren't used to drinking out of glass bottles so they were being extra careful. I am one blessed mommy! I wish we had asked someone to snap of photo of all five of us so daddy could have been in this picture- bummer! Next time...

"Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgements and his paths beyond tracing out!"- Romans 11:33

Photo shoot sneak peek

My dear friend, Pam, is a very talented photographer. Pam came over to our house last night and took some pictures of JJ. He was a little fussy but Pam was really understanding and we improvised when needed. For some of the shots, JJ is actually balancing on my knees so he'd stay happy, but Pam is going to edit me out! wink! This morning, she emailed me a little sneak peek! (Thank you, friend! I love you lots!) Just look at our handsome little man! Yesterday was our first day without daddy at home. We sure did miss him! But the day flew by... it's amazing how busy life becomes with a newborn! The girls have been wonderful- both of them have really been super helpers. Wubs has been helping me with a happy heart while I'm doing housework, and Bella is eager to 'babysit' JJ for me. Both girls have been understanding when I'm feeding or changing JJ; they wait patiently if they need me or they have worked together as a team to accomplish a task. We don't have it all figured out, but God is really blessing our efforts. I am so very thankful He is in control!

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you..."- Isaiah 66:13a

Where did the week go?

It's so hard to believe that a week ago today we were coming home from the hospital with our precious little boy. The days have flown by! It's been a happy blur of sweet memories as we are finding our new rhythm as a family of five. We have been incredibly blessed throughout this past week with visitors, meals, phone calls, flowers, and more! Only one more day, and David goes back to work. *sniff* It has been such a treat to have daddy at home. We have been taking a break from homeschooling, and the girls are adjusting to our new, slower paced schedule. (We usually have a pretty go go go calendar of activities. I was worried they might start climbing the walls but they seem to be enjoying our time at home.) I am praying that the Lord will give me the strength and discernment I need while I'm navigating my new role as a mother of three. Here are some sweet snapshots from the week! Baby love! We just can't resist JJ! Daddy, Wubs, Jeff and Virginia (dear friends) went to the Mudcats game! Wht a great daddy/daughter date!

Wubs and Bella, looking especially fabulous in some 'fancy' dress up gloves, pocketbooks and headbands! ( Can you guess who picked out her socks all by herself? wink.) Love those poses!

Singing in the rain! We had some wonderfully snuggly rainy days together! "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."- Isaiah 43:1

The Verdict Is In... wink.

Bella has officially decided that she will keep her baby brother after all! The first two days after JJ's arrival were a little hard for our youngest daughter. It must have beeen difficult for her when the realization set in that she was no longer the baby in our family. But we've been lovingly reassuring her and praising her for being such a big helper. She started enjoying her new role as a big sister and now, she is JJ's biggest fan! She is always wanting to hold him, rub his head, cover him up with a blanket, and hug him! Here is a picture from before the verdict was in... Now here are some pictures taken yesterday! And the verdict is in- JJ can stay! wink!

(This last picture makes my eyes tear up. It is a picture of the first time I 'caught' Bella loving on JJ without being prompted. It was early, maybe about 6:15am and you can see the sun shining in the window on Bella's hair. I was resting on the couch with JJ and Bella crawled up to join us while the rest of our family was sleeping. I slipped into the kitchen for a glass of water and when I returned, Bella was whispering to JJ and smiling. I grabbed the camera. Precious. God is just so so so good. )
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."- Romans 15:7

Our sweet son

Joel Joaquin (Baby JJ) has arrived! He was born on Saturday, May 21 at 12:51pm. Our big boy weighed in at 10 pounds, 7 ounces and he was 23 inches long! It was really exciting to meet our sweet son!

Want to hear the story? wink. On Friday night, I woke up at 3am because I felt a gush a fluid. I began having contractions every three to five minutes regularly and we called the doctor at 4am. She told us to come to the hospital, so we woke up the girls. They both bounced out of bed! We dropped them off with friends and by this time, they were wide awake and happily chattering about the arrival of their baby brother!

David and I headed to Rex Hospital, which is about a 25 minute drive from our home. Once we arrived, we checked in and we found out that my water hadn't completely broken, just ruptured. Also, I was only dialated to a 5, so we were sent out for a 45 minute walk to help get things to progress. Even though I was experiencing some pretty strong contractions, I was stuck at a 5 for the entire morning. (We went on three rounds of 45 minute walks and still no change!) I was hopeful to have a natural childbirth (no epidural) and things were still looking good. Anyway, about 11:30am, our doctor suggested that we try breaking my water to see if this would help progress things along. Wowza! That certainly did the trick!! I was really, really hurting and I asked for an epidural after all. The Lord knew the true desire of my heart to go natural and guess what? It was too late for medicine! It was time to push!

Whew! So after several pushes and my doctor being very firm with me (I was in a lot of pain and honestly, I was feeling scared because I could tell JJ was really big) God gave me the strength I needed, right when I needed it most! Baby JJ came out and we were all a little surprised by his size. He is so handsome, just like daddy!

Wubs and Bella LOVE their baby brother! In fact, Emma Grace started crying after she saw JJ. When we asked her if she was okay, she said, "It's.... It's just that I love him so much!" We thank God for the tender heart He has given her. Bella enjoyed holding her baby brother but she didn't have much to say about him just yet. I think she's still processing. wink.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us,"- Psalm 67:1

Expired... wink.

This morning I feel like I'm an 'expired' pregnant mama. wink. A day past my due date, we are all waiting with great anticipation to meet baby JJ. Emma Grace was born a week earlier than her due date, Bella was actually born on her due date, and now JJ... I am so hopeful he will
come this weekend. I have an appointment for Monday morning if needed, but whew- the thought of going another three days seems like a really long time! I have been having contractions for days now, some that even take my breath away, but they aren't consistent. Several of my precious friends have encouraged me these contractions may mean that once full labor begins, JJ will be born very quickly. Thank you for praying for us! We'll be posting updates, and hopefully very soon- we'll post pictures of our sweet little boy!

"And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."- Matthew 10:30

The Baby Update

Today was our big doctor's appointment! Thank you all for your prayers! Here's the latest:

I'm dialated to a three, and now, the doctors are going to allow me to go past my due date! (Which is kind of exciting and disappointing all at the same time. I was just so hopeful that today we'd schedule a time for my water to be broken in the next day or so!) The reason they are allowing me to go a few days longer is because baby JJ is healthy and the doctor I saw today said, "You are ready to have this baby. He is coming and I don't think we need to interrupt what is already happening naturally." Soooo... now we wait. wink. God has answered our prayers- it doesn't look like a c-section is a necessary option now! We need to trust in His timing and rest in the assurance that JJ will arrive exactly when the Lord has planned!

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24

Very, very ready!

Two days. That's all, only two days left until our official due date. When I went to the doctor last Friday, the physician that checked me said she would be 'shocked' if I made it through the weekend without going into labor. I had lots of contractions on Sunday morning and afternoon, and I really thought it was the big day, but we didn't need to go to the hospital after all. So, here I sit, waiting and waiting, but I'm feeling very, very ready! wink!


We have two prayer requests. Our first prayer request is for a safe delivery and a healthy baby boy. Our second prayer request is for JJ to come without a c-section. You see, Emma Grace was breech and we needed a c-section. Bella was a born naturally and this is the way we'd like to deliver JJ as well. ( I know many women who have had a c-section and they loved it. But not me. Since I can compare the two birthing experiences, I can say that hands down that a c-section would never ever be a first choice for me. ) Our doctor is more than willing to allow me to have a natural childbirth again, however, I can't be overdue. Once you go past your due date, the complimcations increase for a woman who has previously had a c-section, and JJ is already so big that the risks are also greater with every day that passes the 40 week mark. We are going to the doctor tomorrow to discuss the option of having my water broken in an effort to try to induce me (oh, and that's another thing- after a c-section, you can't be medically induced). It's very difficult not to be anxious! wink! We are just so excited to meet our newest baby and welcome him into our family!


I haven't blogged in over a week (sorry! I was preparing for my maternity leave at the church)

and it occurred to me that I also haven't posted any pictures of the girls lately either! Wubs and Bella have decided to officially switch bunk beds. Bella, although she is our youngest, has always had the top bunk. Emma Grace never wanted to top bunk and so for nearly two years, this is how the girls have slept. Then a few nights ago, the girls started discussing the idea of trading beds. We tried it one night and they loved it! So yesterday, I pulled off all the blankets and sheets, washed everything and made up the new bunk beds! As we were tucking the girls in, Wubs said, "Mommy, you have to take our picture!" So, here is a photo from last night's official bunk bed switch:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know full well." - Psalm 139:13-14

A Special Day

Happy Mother's Day!
Below is a picture of my mom (a.k.a Nana) and my grandmother. I asked Wubs if she knew who was in this picture and she said,"Hmmmm. I think it's Nana and someone I don't know." When I told Emma Grace that it was a picture of Nana and her mommy, she said, "Wow! Nana's mommy? But, where are you?" I explained that in this picture, I was just a twinkle in Nana's eye. Wubs closely examined the picture and exclaimed, "Oooh! I think I see you. Riiiight there!"
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."- Matthew 6:21

The uninvited belly rub

I am over 38 weeks pregnant. I have a very, very big belly. I am uncomfortable and I feel very ready to hold our son in my arms rather than in my womb. I have tried my best to be gracious when unkind comments have been made. I have smiled and politely answered the question, "How are you feeling?" even when I have been asked more times than I can count. But today, today I was pushed to my limit. Today I was rubbed down (a two handed rub down, to be exact) by a stranger at the Dollar Store.

I was standing in the card aisle of our local Dollar Store, with Wubs and Bella beside me. As I was browsing, a woman came up to me and (very loudly) asked, "When is that baby due?!?" I explained that I only have about 13 more days to go and before I could even grasp what was about to happen, she took both of her hands and began caressing my ENTIRE stomach. So as she is giving me this thorough rub down, she is asking me more questions, such as "Were you this big with the other ones?" and "Do you think you'll really make it another week?" I could barely process what she was saying because not only was she standing in extreme proximity to my face, she still had both hands locked and engaged on my belly.

We have worked very hard to train our children to wait to speak until it is their turn... especially while daddy and mommy are in a conversation with another grown up. But THANKFULLY Bella really struggles in this area and she interrupted this uninvited belly rub escapade, by requesting a trip to look at the balloons. "Oh, excuse me but I need to go. Have a nice day." I have never ducked out of a conversation so quickly. I just couldn't take it any more. wink.

The moral to my story... All belly rubs should be administered only after an invitation has been extended. And even if an invitation is granted, the five second rule should always be applied.

"We live by faith, not by sight."- 2 Corinthians 5:7

God uses yuck

God uses yuck, doesn't He? He can use anything to reveal Himself to us, for His glory, including the yuck, disappointment, sorrow, and trials in our lives. That's exactly what He did for me yesterday- He used my yuck. And as much as my heart ached because of my own sin, I am so thankful for the the lesson He taught me.

Four Hershey kisses. That's how it all started. An argument between our little girls over four Hershey kisses.

Disclaimer: I am about to be super transparent here, friends. If I was going to try to justify my behavior before man, or in this case, justify my behavior in this blog post, I would make some excuses. But that would be silly, because the real reason for my behavior is very simple. My own sin. My own selfishness, prideful yuck. It's that simple.

Okay, back to the chocolate dispute. The girls were wanting to eat the chocolate but Bella, our three year old, was holding the ziploc bag of treats. And from what I could overhear, Bella was only going to give Wubs one chocolate. Now Wubs, being our wise little five year old, was explaining that wasn't fair, as both girls should recieve two chocolates each. I had just sat down in our office, in an attempt to get a few emails sent out for my job at church, and I was so hopeful the two girls could settle this matter on their own. But one thing led to another and it was abundantly clear that I needed to intervene. Unfortunately, I didn't help our children in a Godly-mommy manner. I didn't use a kind voice and I used body language that expressed my frustation. Both our children stood in a stunned shock as I proceeded to jerk the baggie from Bella, slap down the chocolates separated into two even groups onto the couch, and angrily speak (far too many words) to express my disappointment in their lack of ability to work together to solve a problem. Yuck. Then I left the living room and went to the office and closed the door behind me. I was fuming! Isn't that stupid? I was all worked up over n-o-t-h-i-n-g. I went back to the living room, picked up the basket of toys the girls had been using and directed Bella to go potty for nap and told Wubs to wait at the kitchen table for homeschool. Both girls did exactly as they were told- neither of them daring to challenge their crazed mother on a rampage. wink.

I put Bella down for her nap, gave Wubs brief instructions to get her started on her math, and I went to take a shower. About 10 minutes had passed since my little outburst, and as soon as I stepped into the shower, the Holy Spirit convicted my heart. I began to sob. What had just happened?? I cried out to God for forgiveness for my behavior.

As I was coming out of the bathroom, Wubs cautiously approached me. I got down on my knees so we could be eye level and I hugged her. Then I just started crying. She started to cry too! I asked her to forgive me, and I explained mommies make mistakes too. I confessed to her that I behaved in a way that wasn't pleasing to God and that I had prayed for God to forgive me. We hugged and cried together... and I have to say... it was one of my sweetest memories to date with my oldest daughter. God used my yuck, to show me my own sin, to keep my eyes on Him rather than my to do list, and to show my daughter my dependance on the Lord. When Bella woke up, I asked her to forgive me as well. Our precious girls- neither of them hesitated when I asked for their forgiveness. And when I was talking to David over dinner last night, I started to cry as I recounted my behavior to him. He reassurred me and he encouraged me. God has certainly spoiled this wife and mommy! I don't deserve their love and I certainly could never earn God's love, but praise the Lord- Jesus already paid the price for my sins! I could never thank Him enough.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. "- James 5:16

It sounded like a good idea at the time...

About a week ago, we had some really hot weather! The girls love to be outside and they wanted to play in their swimming pool. The three of us climbed into the storage space beneath our house to look for their pool. When we found it, I realized it was way too big for me to blow up all by myself. We had a few empty tubs in the storage space and the girls begged me to allow them to 'swim' in the tubs instead of the inflatable pool. It sounded like a good idea at the time- it was a win-win situation! The girls would get to swim and mommy wouldn't pass out from a lack of oxygen! wink! However, we failed to consider one little detail. The water from the hose would be VERY cold! Here are some funny pictures of the girls attempting to enjoy their chilly adventure!

"Bear with eachother and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."- Colossians 3:13