Rain

And it's another day of this...

Joy and perseverence

These precious years. They are precious, and yet at times they can also be grueling. There are challenges amidst the joy of the toddler tempests. We've been gone three out of four weeks in May, and three out of three kids are teething, so tempers are short, tears close to the surface, transitions to toddler beds, and lets throw in VBS week while we're at it :) And yet, when I look at this picture, I am so thankful. Thankful that God has given Sammi, Emma and Jessie to me for this time, for this season, for my sanctification, for me to cuddle, discipline, train and love. And while there are days when I'm counting down the minutes until 'Daddy' is home, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
One of the joys -
me: so, what did you learn at VBS last night?
Emma: hold rope
me: yes, you got to hold the rope when you walked to your classroom. Anything else?
Sammi: colour
Me: Yup, you coloured too. What story did the man tell you?
Emma: Don't eat fruit!

Ahh, yes.... the story of Adam and Eve. Just a good reminder to me that what I'm saying is not necessarily what they are hearing :)

Prayers

Okay, Sammi and Emma... it's time to pray. Would you like to pray?
Emma: "Lord bless this food, and thank you for strawberries mumble mumble and parks with ducks mumble mumble and clouds mumble mumble"
Sammi:" and clouds with airplanes in them!"
Emma: "AMEN!!!"
Amen, dear girls, Amen. All wonderful things given to us by a generous Father. Thank you for reminding me.

What's a girl to do?

We got home from Ontario Saturday evening, and found out that the tub still wasn't usable. The girls, however, desperately needed it. So... in Emma goes. Sammi "me too?" Emma "yes, Sammi! Come! Please!" So despite the knees up to their chins, they rather enjoyed this adventure. And smelled much better because of it!

The easiest way to fresh

Yesterday I picked up this

which actually contained these

which will produce this

and when mixed with these

will produce all sorts of wonderful things.

On the other hand, maybe this

is easier :)

Joy

We got to go visit San Diego this week, and visited the place where we got engaged, just over 5 years ago. How could I imagine 5 years ago what today would look like. These three little faces, so quick to smile and greet me every morning -my little blessings with names and personalities. So hard to imagine 5 years ago what marriage would bring, what 'I do' meant. I didn't have a clue what marriage would look like 5 years in... it felt like an eternity, and now 5 years feels like a blink. My heart overflows with more joy and love than I could ever have imagined. Richly, richly blessed!

Jessie-Lynn

We've been blessed with Jessie-Lynn for 3 months - what a joy and priviledge she is!