Slacker

Someone needs to give me a motivational speech about my blog...apparently I can't get my act together enough to post on a regular basis! I've been busy taking care of the kids (not to mention 3 of us getting the stomach flu at the exact same time), and Jeremy has been super busy with church and his night class. It's a good thing we love what we do!
I've been experimenting with my new camera and photo editing software, so here are a few pictures of the little ones!




We can't help but laugh when we see this picture of Grant! He smiles SO much more than Isabel did as a baby! And Isabel is starting to look like a little lady. She grows up a little more every day. And she's such a negotiator. If she wants to do something, she will stop at nothing to find a way. If we say no, she says, "well, after I finish this." Or "maybe later." I fear that she will go into politics.
My baby boy is turning 1 next week! I can hardly believe it. He was such a difficult newborn - well, difficult for about 7 months - that the time just flew by. And now he's almost walking and turning 1! Although he screamed for a good portion of his first year, he is such a sweet boy now. As long as you feed him, play with him, and love him, he is content just about anywhere. And he's definitely ALL boy. He climbs and crawls on EVERYTHING. I don't think it's possible to Grant-proof this home.
Jeremy and I have been talking about pride and how it is the root of all kinds of sin. I don't know if I recommend this or not - you will glorify God in the process, but seeing so much sin and pride in yourself is pretty painful! Last night we talked about a lack of contentment, and I'm going to preach to myself for just a minute... It's so easy to find flaws in everything we have or do. And it's even easy to thank God for the good things that we do have (family, a home, provision). But shouldn't God be enough? Why do we immediately thank God for the tangible gifts without thanking Him for Jesus first? I believe Job said the Lord gives and takes away. And if we aren't thankful for God first, nothing else should matter. Isn't He enough? Doesn't God alone satisfy our souls, or do we expect something else? I have way too many days where I expect to have an easy day with the kids or a break from the crazy stay-at-home-mom life. But isn't God good enough to provide the strength no matter what we face in our day? It's shameful to think I'm entitled to anything. I wasn't even entitled to Christ.

Inaugural Celebration

I watched the Presidential Inauguration yesterday. Yes, I actually sat down and watched it while I played with the kids. I've heard several conservative folks say they refuse to watch anything that has to do with Obama. I can't say I agree with that mentality.
As a self-proclaimed "conservative," I don't agree with many things that President Obama intends to do in the White House, but he is nevertheless our President. Are we not called to respect the authorities? Shouldn't we offer up hopeful prayers for him that he might make wise decisions as our president? Shouldn't we at least acknowledge that it WAS a fairly significant day in the history of our nation? I would hate to miss a great part of our national history because I don't agree with the man's politics.
Now, I was a little saddened by the mass of people who treated him as if he were some kind of saviour. And I was not incredibly impressed with his speech or his wife's dress or anything else that was intended to elicit an emotional response. I am rarely moved by speeches, be they in agreement with my beliefs or not (call me cynical, but I prefer to see our politicians do something). But it would be sad to see every Christian in America withdraw from everything political because we disagree with the morals. I recall Christ telling us to go out into the world, not to refuse to minister to it because it didn't look like us. Although Christians ought to be moved by Scripture first instead of nation first, let's not forget that Scripture can move our nation if we take it to them.

Piano Man




Apparently Grant is particularly interested in musical instruments. He was pretty good on the piano!


Isabel had her 3rd birthday on the 19th. Every parent will tell you this, but they really do grow up so fast! She's such a fun little girl, and she has so much spirit in her. We had a great time celebrating with her. We had a party on Saturday, then her birthday was actually on Monday. When I told her it was her birthday, she said, "AGAIN?" Happy Birthday Isabel!

Little Drummer Boy

Isabel got a set of musical instruments for Christmas, and Grant has stolen the drum from her! He's quite the little drummer!

The kids have adjusted pretty well to the move, but all 4 of us got sick right when we moved in. We're on the road to recovery, but 'tis the season for the yuck! When the whole family's sick, we're all pretty pathetic! But I did locate our camera among the boxes, so hopefully I'll have more pictures up soon (when we're well enough to photograph).

We're in!

Well, we're moved into our new place! And to welcome us to the neighborhood, our neighbor across the street backed into our van. There wasn't a ton of damage, and it's really not a huge deal, but what a way to start out the new year! We're not unpacked yet, but we love the new area...I know, how can you love Arnold? It really is a great location - we're close to everything we need! Our church helped us move, and I've never seen anyone move so quickly! We are so thankful to everyone who helped us get in our new place!

He's done with school! For now, at least...

Jeremy has finished his Masters! I can't tell you how relieved both of us are! And as we walked across the stage, Dr. Moore actually gave him a fist-bump. And if he ever goes back to school for another degree, it won't be any time soon :)
The kids are ready for Christmas...and we are not at all ready to move! Isabel thinks it's Christmas every day, and if you try and take her picture, she holds her arms out and yells, "Merry Christmas!" She's handling the packing very well. We keep telling her that even though we're packing her toys away (or getting rid of them!), she has new special toys to open on Christmas morning! I think it's the grace of God that we're moving around Christmas. Now we have an excuse to hide, store, or just sell the toys we don't use right now! Now if we could just get everything else packed, we might actually be prepared to move!
We've been debating what to tell Isabel when she asks about Santa. She keeps telling us she wants to go see him. We've never really wanted to do the whole Santa thing with our kids, so we've been telling her, "Christmas is not about Santa or presents or pretty trees and decorations. Christmas is about Jesus!" So I pray that anyone who reads this will remember the same. I pray that the joy of your salvation fills your home this Christmas! And if you don't know Christ, there's no better time than right now to acknowledge Him as Lord.