Perfect Timing

Today was just one of those days.  Our air isn't working well, so the house has been between 85 & 90 degrees all day.  With the pollen in the air, I had to do a deep clean of the downstairs so poor Christine's nose will stop running, and the girls were not being all that cooperative ... just one of those days.

By the time I finished their bath, my patience was hanging by a thread.  Of course Kaitlyn decided to sing the most annoying song she possibly could - repeating a nonsense word in a high pitched tone as Christine pulled at my shirt while I tried to get her ready for bed.  Ok, I had had it! 
"Kaitlyn, that's enough singing.  Please put your jammies on." 
"Mommy you would like me to get dressed?" 
"You know what I would really like???" 
Before I had the chance to answer, Christine succeeded in lifting my shirt and planted a big raspberry on my belly. 
All three of us giggled through a couple more raspberries, then got ready for bed. 
I am reminded that God shows up in surprising ways.  Just when I felt like I was at the end of my rope, He blessed me with one of my favorite sounds - my girls' giggles.

Holy Week

Yesterday Holy Week began with Maundy Thursday service, which is the Last Supper, and the night Jesus taught his disciples what we call communion.  Sean delivered the message for the service at church, and talked about Jesus washing his disciples feet.  At the conclusion, he told them to wash each others feet.  To serve each other.  I was really moved by Jesus - the creator of the universe, the son of God kneeling to wash the feet of his students.  A completely selfless act done out of love.
Whenever we talk about the actions and sacrifices of Jesus, I am reminded of the responsibility that comes with my salvation.  I don't know exactly what I will do to serve my fellow man, but I do know that I will be more open to, and aware of opportunities that arise around me.  One of the ways we emulate the love of God is through service to His children, and I am honored to spread the love!

Make a Joyful Noise

Someone once told me that the Lord said make a joyful noise - he never said it had to be pretty.  Our Kaity Bug is making quite the joyful noise :-)

Click here for Kaitlyn's rendition of "Daisy Bell"

This and That

Time is just flying by.  Today Christine is 11 months old!  I better get going on those birthday parties!

Christine has been changing a lot lately.  She now has 5 teeth, and her verbal communication is improving.  When she wants more of something, she says, "mow" and has started saying nanananana for bananas, and some other things too :-)  Whenever she sees her Daddy she becomes so excited - she squeals, kicks her feet, and shouts, "Da! ah dada"  Then reaches out for him.  Our girls adore Sean.  Well, the feeling is mutual.  Christine isn't walking yet (phew) but is quite the climber.  Yesterday I caught her with her knee on her high chair tray attempting another great escape in the minute I took to take the trash out.  She's close to figuring out the whole walking thing, but I am content to wait.

Miss Kaitlyn is amazing us with everything she learns.  She is beginning to identify the beginning letter of words by sound.  That's a pretty advanced skill for her age.  She also applies the  Bible stories from preschool and sunday school to her imaginative play, and sometimes conversations with us.  The other day, I asked her to put her plate on the counter.  She said she was too busy, like Martha. (Luke 10:38 - 42)  She also said the bath water was oil as she poured it over her feet, then Christine's.  It's so amazing to see her grow in God's word.  What a blessing the programs have been here. 

We are starting to think about moving back as well, so things are a little nuts.  Right now we're just waiting to find out where I'll be working, and what apartment we'll live in.  We decided to live on campus for our final year. 

Well, time for bed now!

Belly Time

Little bellies are one of the cutest parts of babies and small children.  They're plump, squishy, soft, and when you kiss and tickle them, you are rewarded with delightful giggles.  How can ya not love a little belly?

Well, our munchkins, being the bright little monkeys they are, know full well the power of the belly.  Christine recently discovered her belly and how fun it is to play with.  In the last week or so, she's discovered other bellies are fun too.

Tonight she discovered Kaitlyn's belly.  She gave her big sister raspberries to the delight of all of us, and then poked her belly button which made Kaitlyn squirm.  So of course she did it over and over. 

There just isn't a better way to end your evening than your 10 month old giving your 3 year old raspberries.

Lord, tonight I thank you for blessing us with laughing together.