Amazing Love

Spring Snow

We were looking forward to the big spring snow at our house, but we ended up with more ice than snow. We still had plenty to play in though, so no complaints!







Here are the kids freshly bundled as we began our trek outside. It just so happens the new duck tub works well as a baby sled too!







Maneuvering through the snow...we had to adjust Gemma's hat a lot. She never complained though, she just went along for the ride.







We tried to build a snowman, but our snow was too icy. We did manage to find a soft patch of snow next to the house that made a nice big snowball.







Here are the three of us out for our morning fun in the snow!







And we ended with a good run through the drifts by the side of the house. Lots of fun! We'll take a snow day anytime of the year!

Baby Fit

This probably shouldn't be funny, but I just get a kick out of seeing Gemma get upset. There's something so cute about a little person figuring out how to voice their frustration. I guess it's good I'm enjoying it right now, because I know that won't last long. So, here for your viewing pleasure is Gemma telling me she's hungry. Don't worry I fed her as soon as I stopped recording!

THANKFUL

"Be joyful always; pray continually; giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

After enjoying several pity parties during Hutson Germfest 2009, I was jolted while reading "Heaven at Home" by Ginger Plowman this morning. These verses in 1 Thessalonians seemed to jump off the page at me. Thank you Lord.

I have had a year full of a few health challenges, but man, do I have so much to be thankful for. It is terrible how quickly I forget. I even have a painting above our fireplace that says "Count Your Blessings". Maybe I should have it outlined in flashing lights...

So, here's my list of what I'm thankful for, and merely for today alone:

• My husband is amazing. He did two loads of laundry this morning, put the dishes away and vacuumed under the table before he left for work. He told me I was beautiful on his way out the door...and trust me on this one, only my Heavenly Father and my partial husband could possibly think this way, in my current state.
• We are receiving our 5th meal tonight from family in the area, all orchestrated by a precious selfless cousin.
• Both of my children are with my in-laws for the afternoon and my precious mother in-law has offered to keep them every afternoon of her spring break this week. We are affectionately terming this "Mono Camp".
• A sweet friend called this morning offering to take Zane to the zoo tomorrow morning with her 3 children and to tell me she was praying for me.
• It is beautiful outside today. Although I can't be out in it, my windows are open letting the fresh air in.
• It is absolutely OK for me to be home. I'm not working. God has provided beyond our needs. There is no need to feel guilty, although I have to remind myself sometimes. I am free to take time to recover without any outside stress.

Thank you to all who have called and helped in any way. I really feel overwhelmingly blessed and prayed for.

Random thoughts about Mono

You will never feel like you are caught up on sleep.

Even though you are so tired you can barely move, you may not be able to actually sleep.

Mono makes me melancholy.

You should evidently feed Mono and not starve it, because we have received a lot of amazing meals.

I am actually too tired to get the ice cream out of the freezer.

I'm thinking about having our couch moved outside for a change of scenery.

It's hard to parent from the couch/bed.

I have done more word puzzles than I can count.

Blogging takes more energy than you realize...

Dr. Suess week at preschool...

Have you ever read so many Suess books in a day,

that everything rhymed; what you thought and you'd say?

It's happening to me and I can't make it end.

If you know a solution, an email please send!

I do have some pictures I thought I'd display,

Because Gemma grew out of her tub yesterday.

We've moved on to a toddler tub that looks like a duck,

And I'm proud to announce it only cost me 10 bucks!

Well, I have one more book I'm going to read to my Zane.

Let's hope that it doesn't make me go insane!

Satan, aka Joy Stealer

After being at home for SEVERAL days now with a very sick baby. I woke up super discouraged this morning to find Zane and Bryce were now dealing with the never ending germs around here. I have cleaned. I have Lysoled. Mostly, I just needed out of the house! So, after I made lunch for everyone, my gracious husband said he could handle things and off I escaped for some window shopping therapy.

I spent time walking and praying and became shocked how quickly I lose my contentment. Yesterday especially, I was feeling useless. Like I wasn't accomplishing anything and frustrated that I couldn't get out and do what I wanted. During my little refresher away from home today, God again reminded me how blessed I am to be able to stay at home with our children. They won't be here long and they definitely won't be this young for long. What a privilege to be able to hold and comfort my daughter for several days without worrying about how to fit it into my schedule. I want to remember these days when I'm older. Remember holding Zane and Gemma's precious hands in mine and looking into those bright blue eyes. Remember feeding and bathing and comforting. And smile with such joy that I was there for those moments.

So, I started confessing to the Lord my loss of joy and discontentment with my situation the last few days. I also found other areas where Satan had robbed me of joy recently. Why does it happen so easily? Something as simple as Bryce and I going out to eat a couple of weeks ago. We had saved up some money. We went to a nice restaurant, known for a quality meal and didn't receive one. My attitude after we left reflected my feelings about the meal. I robbed myself of some precious alone time with my husband. So silly. Oh and I'm not finished yet... Then there was the discouraging comment to my husband from a church goer. We are so blessed to be at a church that is so supportive. We honestly receive such wonderful feedback from people regularly. And yet I have been dwelling on an insignificant amount of negativity.

Father, please forgive me for my attitude. For losing my contentment and joy in the midst of my everyday. I am so thankful for your love and your provision in and through my family. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6