Easter Pics

Well, it took me a little while but here are a few pics of the girls in their Easter outfits. Grace got an umbrella which she loved (as you can see it made most of our pics) I was very sad it made an appearance in the one of her kissing her sister as we have very few decent pictures of them together. But they aren't screaming so in our house that is a succesful picture of the two of them at this point. :)

A Love Letter to my Gracie

Grace,

Today was one of those special days you have to write down or you are sure to forget it. This morning after breakfast I put on some worship music while I began cleaning the kitchen. You came out with me and we "danced for Jesus." You had a blast waving your hands and giving it all your little two year old energy. And in that moment I thought, it doesn't get any better than this I am living my dream. I hope you know that this is my dream- trying to be the best wife to your dad and best mom I can be to you and your sister. I didn't put my dreams on hold to be a stay at home mom this was the original dream for me.

Then you disappeared and I realized it was quiet.. Uh oh, not a good sign you sometimes get into trouble when it is quiet. So I went to check on you. There you were sitting in your room "reading" your Bible. You love your Bible. It is one of your favorite books-its actually falling apart you drag it around our house so much. And I thought that is my dream for you. That you will always be dancing for Jesus without refrain and have a Bible that is falling apart. I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I wanted to capture this moment and tuck it away for the days when we visit the dark streets of Tantrum town or for the days when you loose your "listening ears" and just can't seem to find them. You are an independent little woman...just like your mother (according to most). But most days I celebrate that independence because it is that quality that helped me to love Jesus even when it was difficult and someday I pray will help you too. I love you my baby girl, and I always will.

Your Mama

Things That Go "Thump" in the Night

So Jeremy has nicknamed Faith "thumper." She is doing something funny I've never seen another baby do. In her bed she will pull her feet up (like she does when she plays with them) and then slam them down like a wrestler slams his oponent to the mat. She does it so hard it makes a loud thumping noise. When we are in our family room in the basement at night you can hear her thumping about if she happens to wake up. So we will see if the nickname sticks.

Mostly she does it when she is fighting going back to sleep. Why is it the more tired a child gets the harder they fight sleep? My child can be an expert in the fight against sleep. (especially now that we are pre-teething) But isn't that how I am with God. Sometimes the thing I need the most is what I fight the hardest... like humility, confession, waiting and the fruits of the spirit to name a few. We are really trying to focus on the fruits of the spirit in our home right now. I feel like God is saying- If your kids don't teach you to be patient, gentle, & joyful you will never learn! (And sometimes I'm not convinced I really want to learn patience) These are the three I'm really working on right now. So what lesson from God are you fighting against?