Happy Easter!
Easter, April 2009 - our girls are at a bit more of an appropriate age of understanding that there is more to Easter than the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs and wearing pretty dresses to church on Sunday morning. And now, our Easter Sunday mornings are a little different than they have been in the past, since Torrey is up and at church prayerfully preparing for the busiest Sunday of the year earlier than the rest of us would even dream about being awake. Our traditions are changing and it has encouraged us, even more, to focus on what Jesus did on more days than just Sunday. As a gift awhile ago, I received a book entitled, Homespun Memories for the Heart. What a fantastic resource filled with wonderful ideas of ways to make certain holidays and even everyday happenings extra special (that is just an understatement of some of the ideas this book offers). Both of the girls have now acknowledged God's perfect love for them and the gift He gave when He sent His Son. They know that Jesus died for them and they have placed their trust in Him. We talked about Easter a lot as Good Friday approached...about the happenings in the life of Jesus that particular week. When we got to Friday, the girls helped Torrey build a cross. Later that evening we took some time and talked about the symbolism of communion and talked specifically about the 'memorial' it is for us to remember what Jesus did when He was crucified on the cross. Obviously, we can't help but think of our sin that brought Him there. This gave each of us a chance to think about the sin that keeps us from where God wants us to be as His followers. The 4 of us took some more time to think about that sin, wrote it on a piece of red paper and took a turn to nail that sin to the cross. Of course, we are all at different levels spiritually. But, I know that God worked in each of our hearts that evening. Our intention for creating an opportunity for the girls (and us) to think about what we were remembering and celebrating was hopefully successful and will most definately become an Easter tradition. When we awoke on Sunday morning...those "sins" were gone from our cross and a purple sash was draped over proclaiming victory! What a blessed reminder. What a blessing to celebrate Christ with them this Easter.
Easter, April 2009 - our girls are at a bit more of an appropriate age of understanding that there is more to Easter than the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs and wearing pretty dresses to church on Sunday morning. And now, our Easter Sunday mornings are a little different than they have been in the past, since Torrey is up and at church prayerfully preparing for the busiest Sunday of the year earlier than the rest of us would even dream about being awake. Our traditions are changing and it has encouraged us, even more, to focus on what Jesus did on more days than just Sunday. As a gift awhile ago, I received a book entitled, Homespun Memories for the Heart. What a fantastic resource filled with wonderful ideas of ways to make certain holidays and even everyday happenings extra special (that is just an understatement of some of the ideas this book offers). Both of the girls have now acknowledged God's perfect love for them and the gift He gave when He sent His Son. They know that Jesus died for them and they have placed their trust in Him. We talked about Easter a lot as Good Friday approached...about the happenings in the life of Jesus that particular week. When we got to Friday, the girls helped Torrey build a cross. Later that evening we took some time and talked about the symbolism of communion and talked specifically about the 'memorial' it is for us to remember what Jesus did when He was crucified on the cross. Obviously, we can't help but think of our sin that brought Him there. This gave each of us a chance to think about the sin that keeps us from where God wants us to be as His followers. The 4 of us took some more time to think about that sin, wrote it on a piece of red paper and took a turn to nail that sin to the cross. Of course, we are all at different levels spiritually. But, I know that God worked in each of our hearts that evening. Our intention for creating an opportunity for the girls (and us) to think about what we were remembering and celebrating was hopefully successful and will most definately become an Easter tradition. When we awoke on Sunday morning...those "sins" were gone from our cross and a purple sash was draped over proclaiming victory! What a blessed reminder. What a blessing to celebrate Christ with them this Easter.
Mother's Day, May 2009 Sometimes there are no words...all I can say is that I've always wanted to be a mom. My husband and sweet children making that a reality is the most precious gift.....they are treasures.
I was extra blessed this Mother's day as I had the privilege of sitting under my sweet husband's teaching as he preached his first Mother's Day sermon. He was a blessing! And he continues to bless me each and every day. I am so grateful.And, of course, the day couldn't go by without me thinking and thanking God for the 'moms' in my life. The wisdom, experience and life they have given me continue to shape me...so thankful for each of them.
Our first visitors.....Welcome to Alaska! May 2009
We enjoyed a trip to Seward, took a short cruise where we got to see a ton of "sea" life, stayed in a cabin, visited a Sled Dog kennel, went to a zoo, celebrated Mom's birthday, went to Denali, stayed in another cabin, saw the park (but not Denali- too many clouds) and mixed it all up with moose, bears, learning to knit, making cookies, grocery shopping, playing outside, eating too much and just spending a lot memorable time together. The kids were thankful for the overdue, in-person spoiling that took place, as well. Apparently, it had been awhile:)
Our first visitors.....Welcome to Alaska! May 2009We enjoyed a trip to Seward, took a short cruise where we got to see a ton of "sea" life, stayed in a cabin, visited a Sled Dog kennel, went to a zoo, celebrated Mom's birthday, went to Denali, stayed in another cabin, saw the park (but not Denali- too many clouds) and mixed it all up with moose, bears, learning to knit, making cookies, grocery shopping, playing outside, eating too much and just spending a lot memorable time together. The kids were thankful for the overdue, in-person spoiling that took place, as well. Apparently, it had been awhile:)
Don't worry...he isn't as scared as he looks:) And, yes! She was scolded for holding the boy 'slightly' overboard.....ah, Gramma! We know, you weren't gonna let him go:)
Gramma's girl!
Grace is READY for adventure!
"Can we take this one home, Mommy??"
"I want to be a musher if it means I get to hold a puppy all day long." Ana and Boomer
The cake maker!
Happy Birthday, Gramma!
A wonderful time had by all.....it just went by too fast!
Whew........in between all of this, Gracie 'graduated' from preschool, Ana completed the 3rd grade, Eric has learned to count (sort of to our surprise, ooopps!), Grace has learned to ride her two wheeler without training wheels and tie her shoes (both learned on her own) and Ana got new glasses. I guess that is just a few of the things that have happened. Life is crazy...not because we are any different than anyone else, but becasue that is just how life is, I think.
We are so grateful for God's faithfulness and goodness to us throughout the hills and valleys that come with raising a family. We so desperately want to honor Him in the way we shepherd the hearts of the kids He has entrusted us with....and so desperately want our sweet babes to grow up knowing how very much they are loved and desired...not only by us, but by their precious God. He is our rock, our steadfast source of wisdom and grace.
