We have a Walker

Our little girl turned 11-months old last week and also started walking. She is still slow, but nonetheless, walking! Oh, how that changes things! Again. Change. From one change to another. Isn't that what life is made of? Some of the changes are fun and some are not, but life is gonna change and we can depend on that. Isn't it nice to know that Jesus does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. I am thankful I can rest in that. Despite life's ever-changing routes, I can trust that Jesus is ever-present and ever-true!! Yes, even with a walking toddler!! (a toddler---is she that now too? whoa---not too fast now!!)

To Be Loved

I think I have shared before that I am a little surprised at how often my two boys fight with each other. So, it is very refreshing to see just how much they LOVE their sister. Some days they fight over HER.

I have enjoyed watching them as they have fallen in love with her. And it is so sweet to see how much she loves them in return. Now she even squeals when they get close to her. And the other day when we got Nate from school, she leaned forward in her car seat and smiled so big at him that the lady in the carpool line remarked at how happy she was to see him!

I just pray that they always love each other that much. And I also hope and pray that protecting their sister and loving on her is one of their priorities in life. I know as a child, even though I don't think my brothers ever loved me like my boys do their sister, I remember feeling safe because I had two big brothers! I hope she feels the same. So far I think she does, what do you think???

A Day Late...

...but NOT a dollar short. Easter was a busy day for us and didn't go at all like I had thought it would. We got up and, as usual, hurried to get ready for church. Getting all of us ready and dressed and out the door in time is a feat! Especially in our Easter best! On the way to church we changed our plans. We decided to head in the opposite direction and visit my brother's church for Easter. He pastors a small church about an hour north of where I live. AND he and his wife brought my furry little friend Kobie back to their house from my parents on Saturday. We have been at the beach some this week and Kobie had his vacation with his sweet grandparents and his little furry friend. So, after a late arrival home from the beach on Saturday night, we were not able to get Kobie home. And I missed my dog. We had planned to meet after church, but I thought it would be a nice thing to go surprise my brother and visit. We did have a nice time at his packed little church celebrating a RISEN SAVIOR!! And we did retrieve the dog. However, we didn't have our camera, and Easter Sunday pictures didn't get taken.
So today (Easter Monday), I washed the Easter dress and ironed it and put it on my little girl. I decided NOT to torture the boys and dress them. (might have been deciding not to torture myself) But here is my Easter girl...a day late...but in this getup you can see why I said it isn't a dollar short!! As you can plainly see, I am still having fun dressing my baby doll that God gave me almost 11 months ago!!

She's Not a Suzy Homemaker

Isn't she pretty? She sure has made herself known at our house. The boys are fighting over a name for her. Andy wants to call her Olivia and Nate thinks we should call her Betty.


My little bird friend has been visiting us a lot over the past few days. She sits there on my window feeder for hours. Then she bangs herself into my window. Over and Over. My window looks horrible now. It is covered with "bird-stuff". Yes, I know sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. And I have enjoyed her visiting with us. But, I do believe that if she would spend as much time building a nest in our nearby birdhouse, she would be so much more comfortable. And maybe even a little less dazed. However, there are no signs of nesting in our yard. Just a dirty window.

Look closely, you can see her there flying into the window. And she has already been fed today. I guess she thinks she needs more. Adam said if she would get busy building that nest, she might find some food the good ole' natural way.

Visitor in the Window

Today I enjoyed watching the female bluebird up close. She seemed to gain some comfort in us as she continually visited on our meal-worm feeder. We placed it just outside our kitchen window. When I finally discovered her, all the worms had been eaten. And she seemed to say she wanted more. But, Adam said NO. Once-a-day is enough. Especially until he sees a nest being constructed!! They haven't shown any signs of nest-building, but both of them visit most every day. And I can't confirm that the bluebirds are the ones eating the worms. I haven't seen them eat any. However, I am assuming since they are so familiar with the feeder, they must be eating some. The male bluebird also landed several times, but he hasn't gained that comfort level yet. He would quickly fly off every time we were close.
I was thrilled watching them. And I was reminded of how Luke 12 tells us that God provides for the birds. "They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!" (emphasis mine) Luke 12:24. In today's times it is easy to become anxious about tomorrow. But God is still God and He is still on His Throne. Nothing can happen that will take God by surprise. I have to trust in Him and in Him alone. And I know He will provide for my every need just as He does for these beautiful birds.


By the way, once again, Adam was the photographer of these great pictures.

Our Sweet Little 4-year-old!!!

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby boy! Andy is 4-years-old today! And I simply can't believe it!! 4 years with him have flown by so fast! And I feel like he is already making his mark on his world. Andy is a sweet little boy. Full of energy and pizazz! He is friendly and loving. And he loves music and sports. He IS a strong-willed little dude, but I hope that serves him well as he grows. I have learned a lot from my little boy in the past 4-years. Some of it I won't share. But Andy sure has taught me a lot about myself. I am not the perfect mother and of course he isn't the perfect child. But we do still trust in a perfect Jesus that doesn't make mistakes!!!! And as I continue to raise this little man of mine I will trust Jesus to cover the mistakes I make. And I will also trust Him to protect this little boy. I also trust Him to help me raise Andy in a way that leads him to the cross. I know that the Lord has big plans for my little Andy, and I am excited to see what He does in his life.

Happy Birthday To My Sweet Husband!!!

Yesterday was my dear husband's birthday. And due to the fact that his birthday fell on Sunday and it was a busy day...this post is a day late! But, despite it being late, I still wanted to send birthday wishes to the sweetest man I know!

I simply can't say enough about Adam and how much I love him. He is more than an answer to my prayers. God was so generous with me when He chose him for me.

Adam is fun, adventurous, smart, loyal, strong, opinionated, and kind. He can be very patient and tries to see the good in others. I appreciate him for so many things. But, mostly I appreciate the fact that he loves Jesus and wants to do right by HIM.

Adam is a man's man and still enjoys some good ole' toys! I get tickled at him when he gets excited over the boys new toys. He is a perfect boy-daddy! And my boys know it. I am also sure he will be the perfect girl-daddy too. I just have to teach him a little better how to match her clothes when I am not home. :o) Overall, Adam is a wonderful daddy. He works so hard to provide for our family, yet he also works hard to know us too! He spends time with us and plays hard with his children.

I love my husband! And I am thankful for him every day.

Happy Birthday Adam! You are the BEST!!