one last hurrah (for now)

The cousins got to spend a last Midwest Weekend together before our big move. As always, the time was short and sweet. It wasn't a perfect weekend. Honestly, I don't think "perfect" exists. Let's just say our family, in particular, had some teaching and training opportunities. I keep telling myself I need to be thankful for the opportunities to help my children grow into people with strong character qualities of honesty, integrity and kindness now!

But we did end well. I think that it's pretty easy to tell that these cousins enjoy and love each other immensely.

an april gem

My husband turned off the mower long enough to help get these girls to smile. I'd say we were successful in capturing a moment that I will treasure beyond these busy days.

out like a lion

February and March were warm until the Lord sent one last cold spell through the Midwest. After packing away all of the snow gear, the girls begged and begged for another afternoon of sledding. My amazing, wonderful, gracious, and fun husband came home early from work to take his girls sledding.

a warm winter evening

Underdog!

My thrill seeking two-year old is always asking for an, "underdog!" And by the way, Daddy's underdogs are a lot more fun than mommy's underdogs.

out of the doldrums

My husband just finished three weeks in a row of travel away from home. Thankfully, he was home on the weekends and part of the last week, and my parents made it down for the last few days of this marathon race of solo parenting, for which I was also very thankful.

This season of life has been a battle for joy. I find joy in God's Word and the hope that anchors my soul. There is joy in the smiles and laughter of my children.  There is joy in the knowledge that God continues to be faithful to me when I am not faithful to Him. There is joy knowing that He promises to complete His work in me. And I am thankful for friends that check in and pray for me when I'm short on patience.

But it's a battle.

This year my girls are memorizing Ephesians 6 in our Homeschool Community. I need the daily reminder to:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the principalities of darkness. (verses11-12).

...pray(ing) at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplicaiton for all saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (verses 18-20)

 As a mom, I often forget to pray for my kids. It's easy to leave the Gospel out when I'm angry. But it's the Gospel that I need for strength and peace. It's the Gospel that they need for forgiveness and restoration. 

I'm not sure I'm completely out of the doldrums yet, but I am asking for the faith to wake up each day prepared to fight for joy and boldly proclaim the Gospel, speaking light into darkness.


 

Sisters and Snow

We actually haven't had much snow this year. But these girls only need a dusting for their adventures.

Perfectly Imperfect

We loved having Dan and Helen here. We played lots of games, and the adults even enjoyed a night of fondue, which means we had time to enjoy delicious food and good conversation. I wish they were closer, but I am very thankful for the time that we were able to spend together.

Christmas with Mimi and Papa

making mince pies

Baking is a very serious business around here, apparently. Aunt Helen and Uncle Dan are good helpers!

Now that the pies are in the oven, they can smile and relax a little.

Okay, maybe they can relax a lot!

Each Girl

Sometimes I get a glimpse of my girl and how grown up she's becoming. The above picture isn't particularly flattering for everyone else, but oh my, my Big Girl looks like she's 7 going on 17. Time, please slow down! I'm thankful that I get to keep her home and let her enjoy her childhood.

silly girl....

 Sweet "T"

 My Baby is getting so big!

a photograph is a gift

Sometimes I take pictures for the joy that i know it will bring to someone I love. Sometimes, I take pictures purely for the joy that I discover in gratitude in the small things.

Below are pictures that bring joy to people that I love.

Miss CJ was Grandpa's special buddy  most of the time.

Here Uncle Charlie is playing Candy Land with a lot of little girls. Folks, he's a great dad and my girls are blessed to call him "Uncle".

Here is the infamous "baby boo". I didn't know about baby boos until Abigail received one for Christmas, and Hannah just had to have one too. Oh my, this girl was thrilled to find "Pablo" in her stocking on Christmas afternoon. I say Christmas afternoon because Sunday morning service at 9am doesn't leave time for opening stockings in our home! Our little apples didn't fall far from the tree and aren't morning people either!