Because one day we will laugh...

Oh the dinner time battles we have! Yes, those are Francis strong arms as Jessie looks up at him, trying to smile at him until he gives in. But he does not. And the thunderclouds roll in. And then, once she's eater her required-one bite, Francis recedes, and she's sunshine again, and voluntarily eats another bite. This child is infuriatingly stubborn with a strong aversion to food, especially at dinner time. So our most recent attempt to get her to eat consists of making her eat one bite of everything on her plate, and then she can eat/or not eat (as is her more common choice). So we'll battle on for a little anyways, and see where this goes. In the meantime, she'll exist on peanut butter sandwiches, and carnation breakfast essentials :) And we hope she'll outgrow it.

16

Our old church lost a girl this week. A 16 year old girl. Suddenly, on her way home from the fair. 16 short years. My heart has been heavy for the family this week. Praying for her parents who are planning for a funeral, instead of planning which college she should go to. To her brother who is suddenly an only child for the first time in his life. Her classmates and friends who are suddenly finding things quieter. Her grandmother who normally brings her to dance and singing lessons. So many people who never got to say goodbye. So many dreams for the future that will never be here on this earth. My heart is grieved, and my mind mourned the unrealized dreams and potential.

And then I remembered that in some way, Gabby is already living her potential. She's living the dreams that all parents have for their children - that they believe in Jesus Christ, and one day they will spend eternity with their God. The first question of the Westminster Catechism is "What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy him forever." Gabby made profession of faith, and readily praised God in any way she could. So in some senses, she is continuing perfectly what she began here. And glorifying God forever, and she is perfectly and completely happy.

So while I pray for Gabby's family, and for my girls, I remember that we don't mourn as those who have no hope. And we don't plan as those who have no eternity. So as parents, we pray and we plan, and we wrestle and we rest.

God is still God, and God is still good. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Helping unload groceries... gypsy Jessie

Wisdom from Emma

Me: Okay... we're looking for the ground cloves and the ginger. Oh look, they are right next to each other. Perfect!

Emma: How sweet! It's like Sammi and Emma, because they love each other!

Emma: Mom, I need some more raisins!

Me: But I just gave you some!

Emma: Oh, Mommy... I just had to give them to Jack! He was just being sooo KIND this morning...

Emma: Anytime a dog isn't feeling well, you just need to give him watermelon. Watermelon always makes them feel better. Jack was looking a little sad, so I gave him some. Okay?

"Opening up a can with tin snips is NEVER a good idea!"

I love this little girl!

Giggles

Oh how I love these little girls, and their daddy who makes us all laugh :)

Frederick

Moving. It is so easy to get lost in the unpacking of boxes, putting up of blinds and attacking the jungle out back. We have arrived at a most beautiful time of year, however, and the littles in our life help keep us focused. The boxes will wait, but the children won't. And so, we headed out for a walk last monday morning, found a new favorite library and fed some ducks. The unpacking re-commenced during nap-time :)

Everything without complaining

We've been working on attitude a lot around here. The girls are officially adjusting, and it's not looking pretty :) We've been dealing with a lot of tears, tantrums and complaining. After repeating Philipians 2:14 about 17 times yesterday (I'm a little slow), it finally hit me. The verse is just as much for me as it is for them. I may not complain audibly, but how do I show in my attitude that I am discontent with what God's given me? When I get frustrated with the girls for their disobedience, I'm not disciplining without complaining. I'm not rejoicing in these children that God has given me, thankful for the little voices that are speaking back to me, tenderly training them in truth. And I am thankful. Three healthy little girls that love to sing, love to praise, love each other. I pray that I might train and discipline them without complaining or arguing, so that I may become blameless and pure, a child of God. This is what He has called me to. Let me rejoice and be glad in it!

ps. A good, applicable article here: Grace on the fly...

http://www.feminagirls.com/2011/04/06/grace-on-the-fly/#more-2860