Baby Jocelyn......

My sister had her SWEET baby girl in March! She is soooo adorable- and a cuddly one for sure. We ALL love to love on her!

The boys love....

the park! We have a swingset in the back yard-- but it is OH so fun for us to walk the trail to 'Barney' park. We enjoyed a few hours there the other day. These boys are best friends and I love sooo much how they cherish each other. Reminds me of growing up and how much I loved my little sister-- AND how many fun memories we have together. I pray God protects that in them-- and that they continue to grow and love each other more!

Oh yes!! These are BARE feet ;)

March has been.....

sooo beautiful this year. It was so great to be able to send the kids outside without 20 minutes of bundling and only 10 minutes of outside time before someone had to go potty or was too cold.... etc. :) The kids have enjoyed running, playing, swinging, jumping, chasing, and digging. We have enjoyed many days outdoors- in the sunshine- excited to see the grass turning green. Spring always reminds me that God makes ALL things new. What a promise! He makes all things NEW! Doesn't matter where we are... or what we've done... we can hold on to that promise.

Life... according to Gabriel

Gabriel is such a sweet, tenderhearted boy. And such a blessing to me. :) He makes my heart smile (as do ALL of our kids) and he says the cutest and funniest things. Here are a few samples of recent conversations I have had with my Gabe.

Gabe: "Mom, who made you so beautiful?"
Me: "Well, Gabe... God did."
Gabe: "Wow, Mom. He sure did a good job."

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Gabe: "Mom, what are you doing?"
Me: "I'm doing my hair..."
Gabe: "Why?"
Me: "Because I want to look cute for my date with Papa."
Gabe: "Oh Mom.... I like you just like this- you're so pretty."

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Gabe: "Mama, do you think I can pray to God and tell Him to make me stop growing?"
Me: "Why would you want to do that Gabe?"
Gabe: "Well, because, Mom. I'm really liking being 4."

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Gabe: "Mama! I just realized something...."
Me: "You just realized something??"


I pray daily that God protects that sweetness and genuine heart- and that He gives me the tools to nurture that in him. What a little lover. My heart just overflows.

One month to Live...

Our church is doing a series on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook. It has been a great reminder to live intentionally... to take every moment and make it count. That doesn't necessarily mean filling every moment of our lives with more things- it means taking the time to rest and rejuvenate our souls- not every moment has to be the world's idea of "productive". We never know how long we have to live. If we did, how differently would we live? What things would we change? Would we follow our deepest dreams and love with abandonment? Of course we would! I want to encourage everyone to take an inventory of where and how you spend your time.... What would you do if you had only one month to live?

His Love NEVER fails

One of my favorite worship songs right now is "Your Love Never Fails" by Jesus Culture. The lyrics are so powerful and it is so the prayer of my heart right now. In the midst of all of life's circumstances and sadness- and all those situations we wish we could just fix... His love never fails us. What a powerful revelation. His love NEVER fails. Never is such a strong and absolute word... I am so thankful for His love and provision. Here are the lyrics.....

Your Love Never Fails

Nothing can separate-

Even if I ran away...

Your love never fails.

I know I still make mistakes-

But You have new mercy for me everyday...

Your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages.

Your love never changes-

There may be pain in the night

but joy comes in the morning

and when the oceans rage

I don't have to be afraid

Because I know that You love me.

Your love never fails.

The wind is strong and the water's deep

But I'm not alone here in these open seas.....

'Cause Your love never fails.

The chasm is far too wide

I never thought I'd reach the other side

but Your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes.

There may be pain in the night

but joy comes in the morning.

And when the oceans rage-

I don't have to be afraid

'Cause I know that You love me.

You make all things work together for my good.

You make ALL things work together for my good.

You make all things work together for my good.

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes.

There may be pain in the night 

but joy comes in the morning.

And when the oceans rage-

I don't have to be afraid

'Cause I know that You love me.

Thank you Jesus for loving me that much.......

Precious Sweetness....

So, last night- the kids are all jammied up, sung to, prayed for, and cuddled up in their beds- and Miah and I are enjoying a little quiet time and a movie. Everyone has been out for about an hour, when we hear little feet scuffling down the stairs. And there is Elijah- dressed- eyes half open- stumbling towards us..... I say "Lijah... what are you doing?" He comes over by me and says "Mama, I want you." And there starts phase one of my heart just melting. I say "Why are you dressed? You should be in your jammies and in your bed...." He says "Mama, I want to lay by you." At this point, Miah leans in and Eli starts loving on him- kisses and hugs and shy smiles. I say "Eli, go get your jammies and we will help you put them on.... but then it is back to bed... Ok? I love you...." Elijah goes to get his jammies- brings them back- Miah helps him change (again)- and he sweetly says again, "Mama- I want you." And bats those mile long eyelashes of his... and throws me another of his super sweet "shy" smiles and says "I lay nice mama.... I go to sleep on your lap..." He climbs up on my lap- covers up under my blanket- snuggles up to me- tries really hard to hold his little eyelids shut........... and I'm pretty sure my heart has liquified within me.....