Time for a Wardrobe Update

I am wearing a blue sweater today. As I am cutting Jacob's toenails, he is staring at my sweater. Finally, he says, "Did that sweater used to be Grandma-Great's?" "Uh, no,... why do you ask? Does she have one that looks like this?" (It's been a year since he's seen Grandma-Great, how could he remember what her sweaters look like?) Jake replies, "I don't think she does, but I'm just imagining that it would look really nice on her. It looks like a sweater that Grandma-Great would wear." Hmmm. I love Grandma-Great, and I think she dresses nicely, but I'm not so sure that I want to look like her at this particular stage in my life. "Jacob, does that mean that you like my sweater, or don't like my sweater?" "Oh, I like it." Yeah, see if I ever wear it again!

Giving Thanks

I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me this year - and I don't even deserve them: a loving husband, sweet children, nice house, pretty clothes, yummy food, good friends, praying church, a vehicle the whole family fits in, and all the extra perks that make life easier and more enjoyable. God is good - all the time. "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (2 Thessalonians 5:18)."

GO COWBOYS!!

Smarty Pants

We were driving home late one evening. At the red light, we pulled up next to a K-9 unit sheriff patrol car. Chris and I thought it would be educational to point this out to Jacob. Chris said, "Hey, Jacob, I think there's a police dog in that car. What do you think his name is?" (The dog's name was written on the passenger window.) "How do you know there's a dog in there?", Jacob asked. "Because the car has 'K-9' written on it. This dog's name is Alan. How do you think police dogs help police men?" "Umm, the police dogs can go in small places where the policemen can't reach?" I replied, "Yes, that's right. Policemen use their dogs to help smell for drugs, and to help catch the bad guys when they run too fast for the police, and when the police don't know where they are hiding." Jacob, very matter-of-factly, said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, everybody knows that. Police dogs' noses are highly sensitive instruments. That is one of their tools they use to help capture criminals. " After my eyes rolled around in my head about 5 times, Chris and I looked at each other. "Whose kid is this?!?"

*We found out that Jacob acquired his vast knowledge of police dogs from his Rescue Heroes movie. Thus proving that watching movies is an educational experience. Ha, ha!

Shake It Up!

Have a free Arby's milkshake! My favorite Arby's flavor is Jamocha, but you can get what you like...

Convention Paradise

Thank you to all who left a kind thought. We are doing much better. I still get tired easily, but hey, what's new about that?!

We just got back from our state denominational convention. We took all 4 kids with us... go ahead and call us crazy! We stayed on the 17th floor in the hotel; our room had a floor to ceiling, wall to wall window. Elijah woke up early both mornings just to stand at the window and watch all the tiny cars down below. Jacob, Savannah, and Eli all had backpacks filled with coloring books, crayons, toys, and snacks to help keep them quiet during the convention meetings. (There was no childcare provided - ugh!) All 4 of the kids were very well behaved. At the convention, there is a place called "paradise" (exhibit hall) for children. All manner of candy, stickers, lint brushes, jar lid openers, apples, water bottles, t-shirts, pens, pencils, post-it notes, key chains, flashlights, Hawaiian orchids, tote bags, bookmarks, and anything else a child could need or want were in full abundance just waiting to be given to us by smiling vendors. The exhibit hall was hands down the favorite place for Jacob, Savannah, Eli, Seth, and me! Of course, the actual convention was very interesting. Some important issues were discussed and voted on. My husband is even quoted in the Biblical Recorder! In my opinion, it is an honor and a big responsibility to be involved and knowledgable in my denomination. That way I can't complain if the denomination goes in a direction I don't like. I will know that I have done my best before God to remain Biblical in all things. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)."

Little Star

Here is a copy of the e-mail my husband sent out this afternoon:

Hello friends,
As many of you know by now, we had some sad news in our home this week. Elisabeth and I were anticipating announcing in a few weeks that God had blessed us with another little one on the way. Elisabeth was nine weeks along in her pregnancy. But this past Tuesday night she unfortunately had a miscarriage. The baby's due date would have been June 10 (our anniversary).
Though we are quite saddened by our loss, we rejoice in the sovereignty and grace of our God and King. We understand that we may have more questions than answers at this time. But we are able to rest in His will and to even rejoice that He will use this trial to strengthen us and use us for His glory.
Many have asked me how Elisabeth is doing. She is doing very well. She still has some physical pain (it takes the body a few days to complete the process) but is emotionally and mentally strong in Christ. We thank all of you for your prayers and support.
In closing, I'll just share some personal words I penned as I thought about this little one who was with us for a very short time:

Little Star
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR
Like a spark. Like a flash. You were here and then you were gone. A brief moment in time, only nine weeks long.
HOW I WONDER WHAT YOU ARE
Who were you? Who were you to be? A boy? A girl? A missionary personality? What was your strengths, weaknesses, and habits? Did you like dogs, cats or little bunny rabbits?
UP ABOVE THE WORLD SO HIGH, LIKE A DIAMOND IN THE SKY
You were here and we were waiting. Now you're up there anticipating. In the presence of a Mighty King. With your eternal family you now sing.
TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR
You forever shine bright, reflecting the Son. You are safe in the arms of the Sovereign One.
HOW I WONDER WHAT YOU ARE
I'll not forget and pondering won't cease. I'll walk by faith until the day we meet. The brief joy that we had cannot be replaced. Except by the moment we meet face to face.
Daddy and Mommy