Man how they grow!

We got a chance to see the Children of the World Choir again and the girls, Joyce and Rochel, that we housed while they had a stay here in October. We were so surprised to see how much they've grown and changed. We will miss them as they go back to their own countries in a month or two. We are so blessed to know them and know that where ever they are they will take the Word and Songs of the Lord and share them with everyone. We WILL see you again if not on this world, up in heaven and we will sing praises and dance together again!

This weekend's reunion.

Last October

The family last October.

Fun in the dirt.

We spent Friday night laying new soil on our front lawn to level it and then grow new grass. We have a great baseball field in our yard and expect to keep it but the grass needs beefed up a bit so we reseeded. Fun was had by all and my muscles still ache. Abby taught Asher to climb to the top of the mountain and yell "I'm the King!". Caleb and Brad have been dealing with allergies in the worst way this weekend but we needed to spread the dirt and get the seed down before a week of off and on rain. His photo is him inside with a swollen right eye from all the rubbing. Yikes!

Apple a Day? or maybe 5

Asher has had some funny moments lately and I'd have to say that they are the norm and not an exception. Last night I went to pick Caroline up from practice (a 20 minute type thing) and when I returned Brad said that he only turned his head for a minute and came back to this. . .

He said that he decided to have a snack and took a bite out of all 5 apples before deciding which apple was best.

Well, you've heard us talk about how Asher is extreme with his senses. Here is another fun example. One afternoon, Asher walked through the kitchen. When he pasted over the air vent, he immediately turned around and took off the cover and looked deep down in it to feel the air coming from it and to see if he could find the source. Touch, Taste, Sight, Smell and Hearing - Asher really uses these to the fullest.

Here is the latest sight at our house. A mourning dove has made it's home in the wreath on our door. There are two eggs and we look after her and her babes everyday but using the garage door and try to give her space to do her thing. Anyone know how long till babies hatch and then leave the nest????

Reckless Faith

This is an presentation given by my sister (in-law). She shares her passion - her faith and the heart of an orphan. I've heard this sooooo many times but I love it and continue to hear it over and over again cause it is something I should never forget. It's very moving and motivating. She has a book coming out this August called "Reckless Faith", and don't worry, I'll let you know when it becomes available at Family Christian! If you enjoy this she shares another story at Godtube.com. I just love her heart and learn so much from her!
Love the words to the song that is used to, one of my absolute favorites.
Live with the wonder of a child,
Pray with your arms thrown open wide,
Love with a love that has no end.
Until I see you again.

RECKLESS FAITH!

Our 24 hour trip to see Grandma Great!

Last weekend we took a 24 hour trip to see Grandma Great. We really enjoyed our visit with her and got to spend some time with Brad's Uncle and Aunt and Cousin. Grandma Great enjoyed visiting with our kids and seeing how much they've changed. I wish I would have taken more pictures, but at least we have a few. On the way home we stopped at "THE STADIUM" and took pictures. Asher kept asking for us to go in and see the Buckeyes play. He's got the fever we just need the tickets and the season.

Are you Down?

Many days in the Winter, I found myself down. I could just be having a bad day! It could be because the lack of sun or maybe even being shut in my home for too many days. Even with spring being here, we still have bad weather and I still have days that don't go my way. I even think that some of those day Satan is try to put a weight on my head and make my joy disappear. But I've had a song come to mind on those days that God gives me to remind me that in my weakness HE is strong and the Joy of the Lord is my strength. This is a silly video but I like it and on my down days I seem to need the reminder of the words for sure. I love the line in this song "to live your life you've got to lose it. All losers get a crown." Even in my bad days with the right attitude I can see myself wearing a crown someday if I'm willing to give it up in this life. It's a total eternal perspective - definitely worth having Joy for in this hard, hard world we live in. Hope you are LIFTED UP today!

Kumquat May

We introduced a new food to our family this week. They are an interesting food with a sweet outer skin and a tart pulpy inside. If your kids like sour lemons or sour anything they may just gobble these up. We have to eat them one slice at a time but Asher likes to pop these kumats in his mouth whole.

Asher in taken some of his drumming time to build towers.

He has a very steady hand!