Romy Feeding Babies

 Here is Romy feeding her babies. 

Owlets and Fancy "e"

This is how Zeke signs his name.  Look at those fancy "e's"!

Yesterday we stopped by to check on the owlets.  If it weren't for the poop on the tree it would be very hard to detect them they are so camouflaged.  They are coming into feathers now and I don't expect it will take long until they will need to fly out of their nests.  I think they are great horned owls.  I still haven't seen mama.  She stays away during the say.

Easter 2015

We had a good day celebrating family and Jesus rising from the grave. I'm so thankful for the resurrection. 

Driveway Tea Party

Zeke's Questions

Can worms grow bigger than trees?
When kids are left alone do they get taken by bad people?
What is the Holy Spirit?

More Grace

             He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,  

           He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; 

           To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials He multiplies peace. 

When we have exhausted our store of endurance, 

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done, 

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources 

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision, 

Our God ever yearns His resources to share; 

Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing; 

The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, 

His power no boundary known unto men; 

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus 

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

-Annie Johnson Flint

Annie was three year old when she lost her mother and soon after, her father also died. Annie taught school but in her second year, she was afflicted with arthritis. Within a few years, she could hardly walk and Annie was forced to give up teaching. Not long after, Annie's adopted parents died. She and her sister were left alone with almost no money.

Annie used her long days of suffering to encourage others by writing poetry and sharing it through hand-lettered cards, gift books, and letters. Many were blessed through the ministry of her painfully twisted fingers though often it was wondered how she could write with such refreshing humor and joy while experiencing her own great trials. Annie was convinced that God had a purpose in her life and that He would glorify Himself through her frailty.

Zeke's Questions

What would happen if someone cutted the earth in half?
How many days until Christmas?

Tuesday

I kept Gwen at home one more day just to make sure she is over this stomach thing she had yesterday.  She's feeling much better and I needed to get out of the house so we collected their money and we went to the thrift store.  Gwen used her money to get this mini tea set.  She was so excited.  

Romy got some new crocs and a radio.  Here she is dancing while holding her radio. 

Spring Springing

Yesterday we had a small Easter egg hunt in our back yard.  I used to love egg hunts when I was a kid even though I was hunting hard boiled eggs.  These kids have it too good.  Here is Gwen finding a prized egg (with 50 cents in there).

Romy playing with her babies.  I guess she's calling a friend to talk about how taxing raising children is.

Romy with her prized egg.  Zeke was oh so helpful in "helping" her find it.

Zeke found his prized egg.

Last night Gwen was up sick.  I'll spare you the details...but not fun.  After a long nap this morning her color has come back and this is her feeling better.  My two girls.  God has been so gracious with me. 

Notice the small things

My three. 

Gwen's penguin sculpture

Romy drawing. She loves to draw.

Little mushrooms that I thought were interesting. Aren't you glad you read this blog?

More of the kids

I saw this in Wal-Mart. Sounds frightening to me but I sent this to a friend of mine and she wants to buy it! 

Zeke's Questions

Hey mom, I know something really easy to spell.  (what Zeke) TV.  T.  V. 
How many miles is it to the dessert?  How many miles to the cold place where penguins live?  How many to the ocean where sharks live? 

A Series of Surrenders

I've been thinking today how life is one series of surrenders after another.  It takes wisdom to know what to take up and what to lay down.
I went out on a limb and asked to try that solo in the video before.  I tried it and it was ok... but after several times of singing it in front of my peers I felt insecure.  So I voiced my concern and now it looks like someone else will be singing it.  I'm ok with it.  In fact, I feel relief.  What's that saying about setting something free and if it returns to you it was yours all along?  I don't know...but I let it go.
That's just a small thing.... but these small things can really make up a life.  I mean, how many times in a marriage do you have to surrender something?  How many times as a mom do you have to surrender something?  lots.
Here's a story I first heard about on Focus on the Family.  I sometimes listen to that program in the morning as I get the kids ready for school.  I was struck by this woman's heart and outlook in the midst of a difficult situation.  She just went home to heaven a few days ago, so please say a prayer for her family.

Silly

We were feeling silly last night at dinner time.  Here are some silly shots of the kids. 

This was the other night at church.  Zeke fell asleep with his hand down his pants... and yes, he wears the same clothes every day.

Zeke's Questions

What is the fartherest world there is? I'll bet they have sharks there. I like sharks.
What does "h-t-r" spell? Nothing Zeke. What about heater? Yeah, that's close.
Will a snail eat a tater tot?

Friday

We did another Mr. Otter art studio project. The sunset silhouette. Gwen used hers as an entry into an Arbor day poster contest. If she wins she will plant a tree with the mayor. 

Zeke made his with mythical creatures.

Today we went to the zoo. We had a very nice time. The red panda was a highlight as well as the king penguins.

We saw a hawk this morning flying around our neighborhood. Spring break has been great. I'll be a little sad to see Gwen go back to school honestly. 

Tuesday

Comforting brother after a fall.

 

Pudding face

Ring around the Rosie with neighbors.

Everyday Moments Again

It's hard to say what staying home with children is like until you experience it.  These every day moments are ones I will treasure for a lifetime.  

 

Gwen and Zeke swinging on the swing set. 

Romy and the Adirondack chair reading.

Today was such a beautiful day.  We were at the library and on our way back we met my Egyptian neighbor walking with some of her grandchildren.  She invited Gwen and Zeke to go along.  So here they are walking hand in hand with a neighbor.  It was such a sweet scene that I had to snap a photo.