"We should do this more often, Mom!"

Dear sweet Emma. This was her response to seeing 4 doctors in 2 days, getting x-rays and finding out she had a broken arm! Fortunately her arm hasn't been hurting her and the thrill of attention, stickers and being told she was simply 'adorable' multiple times won the day.

Emma tripped and fell backwards while in Michigan, and seemed fine until she went to hug someone and just about hit the roof. Our former pediatrician assessed her in church on Sunday, and said we could wait to get x-rays until back in Maryland, and gave us a brace to use until we got back. Fast forward - trip to pediatricians, x-ray, pediatric orthopedist and pediatrician. X-ray results show a break from 5-6 weeks ago!!!! Talk about humiliating! She's been using it and doing gymnastics without ANY indication of discomfort :( The pediatricians were great, however, and reassured me that this type of break often goes undiagnosed because there is no loss of function and very few complaints of pain. Sigh. And now Sami is requesting x-rays :)

In other news, Jessie added fruit snacks to our stir fry last night, and green gummy bears do lose their crunch. The little monkey snuck into the pantry to get a fruit snack, fed 1/2 to Jack, then added some to the stir fry and I didn't realize until I was fishing out green goo and Jessie says, "Fruit snack!!"

All our girls had their doctors appointment several weeks ago, and after receiving many, many comments about how tall they were (they were short in dutch Grand Rapids) the verdict is that they are in the 80th percentile for height.

They keep growing, and praising God in their growth. We are amazed by how God made little brains to learn and process, and little hands to stay busy causing Mom's hands to stay busier. We are so thankful for them, and for an ultrasound that reveals that 'corncob' is growing well. I was saddened by an ultrasound technician who was very rude and disparaging about the gift of children, horrified to hear that this was number 4. And then I looked at the little profile, amazed that God has entrusted another blessing to us, and what a mystery that is! I saw glimpses of Samantha, Emma and Jessie-Lynn in the profile, the little pug-nose, the flat forehead and yet this profile was completely distinct and unique, as precious as the soul this body clothes. And I was amazed at God's work, wondering who this little one will be, and what character she/he will add to our family, and how God will use this little one to shape the rest of us. I was grieved again that the lady could so easily dismiss this and overlook the amazing treasure that her sonogram wand was revealing. I was reminded again "You knit me together in my mothers womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" And thankful I am called to honor God and my husband, not societal norms.

And now the other room has gone quiet, so I must run...

Things I'll miss...

Yesterday was a rough day, filled with pregnancy migraines, overtired children and a particular little monkey who initiated a yogurt food fight with her sisters. For the record - yogurt throws far and makes cool sound effects when it hits the wall.

It's my fault. There was one minute left in the auction - a catering company going out of business and there were some things we needed for our new church building so I set lunch up and did a final check. And the giggling began a mere 10 feet from my computer. Sigh.

Some days are long, full of cleaning up play dough and lego, wiping tears and walls, shaping hearts and cookies and sometimes just making sure we all make it until bedtime :)

But there are so many things I'll miss...

Jessie's impish grin, and her climbing on the counter to steal sweets, or sneaking into the pantry to feed the dog and wash the windows.

Emma's whispering every night, "I love you" and Sammi's wet kisses, "because it isn't real unless it's wet" (?!?!?). Their creativeness in making foxholes and thinking of baby names, and trying to figure out what pets would be the best. Jessie's hysterical giggles as she sneaks into Samantha or Emma's bed to hide, hoping to not be caught.

Sammi's comment on the doctor, "meh, he talks too much. I just wanted to read my book" and the question in the van on the way home today, "How do mommy foxes have babies?" It turns out after my rather lengthy explanation that they just wanted to know if baby foxes were born from eggs or their mommies bellies, which led to a discussion of mammals and birds and God's magnificent creation.

What a privilege it is to get to spend every day with them, even on the long days. And then there are days that I need to remember that even if we have kraft dinner for dinner, and the elders see a dirty house, and there are tears on all sides, even these can be good days. We're studying Jacob and Leah and Rachel in bible study this week, and I'm reminded that even in those rough days, God is still shaping them and still shaping me. That God is present for me, and for my kids. These are not forgotten days or wasted days, but days shaping us for eternity, and I'm thankful for them. And for my kids!

Cuddles

These two who normally go on either side of me during church had a rare service where they got to sit side-by-side. This was going well, until they started to give each other hugs, whispering, "I love you" into each others ears.

"Girls, no more cuddling in church. You can cuddle all you want on the couch when we get home," I said sternly.

"But Mom," protested Emma, "Church is all about love!"

Monday morning during breakfast I commented to Emma that it looked like she had a runny nose. "But I'm only a little sick, Mom. About as much as a tiny baby butterfly all wrapped up in it's raccoon." "Cocoon you mean?" "That's what I said!"

And Jessie getting in on the action. Cheese!

This morning we had a Dr. appointment for Samantha and Emma's 4 year old well-child visit. This was the first visit for the girls to a new doctor, a doctor who didn't attend church with them. Emma was chatty, and Sammi was fairly quiet until this question came up.

"Do you guys have a TV?"

Insert excited chatter for 5 minutes about the tv we got several weeks ago.

Me "It's not plugged in."

The doctor laughed. "We do watch some netflix, though." I confessed. And then the girls promptly went on about how I forgot to brush Jessie's teeth Sunday morning before church. Proud parenting at it's best :)

Seriously, though. So thankful for another good visit, and a well-child report. And for chatty kids who quickly connected with this kindly man who looked in their eyes and addressed their fears. I think we found our primary physician, and this is another thanksgiving that makes our transition to Maryland easier.

Cake

This little stinker loves cake, and sweets of all kinds. However, she prefers it in the forbidden format. For her birthday, it meant sneaking onto the kitchen counter and eating her cake by the fistful. On Samantha and Emma's birthday, it meant sneaking it off their plates while we were getting the gifts. Isn't this so true of all of us? We want someone else's life/kids/home because it looks better/easier/more blessed. But then I'm reminded that whatever God puts on my plate is perfectly suited just for me, and my Father is seeking my best. I'm so thankful for this little girl.

And for these little girls, who just turned 4. Yes, there are 8 candles - 4 for each of them, and they each got to decorate half of the cake. I can't believe that these little ones were just 6 lbs already 4 years ago, especially as they start learning gymnastics and bike riding, and letters. Their sweet natures, tender care towards each other and love of their family is such a gift. I was feeling sick yesterday, and they rubbed my back as I threw up, wrapped a blanket around my shoulders and offered to make me some tea :) God has blessed us more than we deserve, and we are so thankful for our three (possibly 4? :) daughters!

A little of this and that

So, while the blog has been silent for the last few months, our house hasn't been. Life has marched on in a series of dishes, guests, appointments and vomiting. We went to Ontario twice and Michigan once in December and this means January has been full of 'getting back to normal'. Poor Jessie is rather disappointed with life, and since we had such a crazy December and I've been vomiting a lot, we haven't had guests over on Sundays for the last few weeks.

,

Apparently the children have been missing it, because Emma invited over two people from the grocery store, and the neighbors over for dinner three times. We had a couple over on Sunday night, and Emma was profoundly disappointed there were only two people :) So, brunch with some ladies yesterday, youth group over tomorrow and a group over Sunday should satisfy this social butterfly!

Jessie celebrated a birthday while in Michigan, and celebrated once we got back here (another post:) She has enjoyed me being confined to the bathroom, and has chased her sisters with scissors (laughing while they screeched), climbed on the counter to eat her birthday cake by the fistful, and has been doing summersaults off the couch. Since she is hazardous to their health, I've started taking meds, and am starting to feel better. She has been begging to potty train, so I reluctantly started this week, and she's doing great. Unfortunately she's also teething, so there have been lots of tears and fits, so we're looking forward to her feeling better.

After successfully walking to the grocery store, Sammi said, "Well, that went rather well! Let's try to walk to Michigan next!" :) That little girl mentions Michigan 6-7 times every day. I'm wondering when that will stop?

Anyhow, gotta run. Samantha and Emma start gymnastics tomorrow... somehow, I'm fearing more for Jessie and the ideas she will get out of it! This fearless little girl was standing on the counter, toes to the edge, knees bent saying "Whee!" about to jump :) Can't wait until summer!

Sammi

Sammi is our resident artist, who is always asking to do 'activities'. She can spend hours coloring or painting, and loves working on her letters.

She loves her panda and baking, and is always looking out for Jessie.

A little slower to greet strangers, but always running up to 'her' people at church for a hug, Sammi remembers in vivid details visits that she's had with friends, and is often praying for people we haven't seen in months.

Sweet, smiley, stubborn Sammi. We love you dearly!

Dear Thief

I wish I could talk to you, but I know I can pray for you. I must admit, my thoughts towards you Monday morning were harsh. As I saw my bank account being depleted by $1700 as I watched you make various purchases, I wanted justice. I was furious, and when I found out that you were going to pick up the merchandise Monday afternoon, I wanted you to be met by the police.

Then I remembered another thief. One who hung on the cross beside Jesus. And then I wanted more than just jail for you. I wanted you to know the One who forgives thief, such as yourself, such as myself. You see, we are all thieves, stealing from God the glory that is due him. We steal his time and worship that is due Him, because we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yet, that is not where the story ends. Despite the fact that we are all rule-breakers, and all deserve eternal prison, through Christ, we are forgiven. He took the punishment of our sin, and in return gave us His righteousness, so it became like we never sinned at all, and rather had righteous garments. We are able to stand before our Judge and claim Christ's innocence. Not guilty (despite the fact that we are). And this is what I want for you - for you to be declared 'not guilty' on the final day. I pray that this sin might get you caught in order that you might come to know Him.

Praying for you,

the credit card holder.