The Truth is Written

all over her face! Libby just ate all of my chocolate covered altoids. Once again, here's the proof...

For you Grammar folks

In my previous post I wrote: "Silas's crib." Is that right? Should I have written Silas' crib? I find myself confused with the proper way to right this. I should consult Brenda Shirley, I am sure she could help.

Leave

Jake was approved to take leave. We don't have big plans. Just hanging around doing small projects. The first of which will be to lower Silas's crib. He is sitting up and his head is above the rails. He hasn't realized yet that he could escape if he wants to. We might work the garden as well. Though we are still having freezing weather at night, so I don't know if I dare put my back into such an effort only to have the groung freeze up again...perhaps I will wait on that one. The kids just finished their Friday testing and are writing their papers for the week. Jake's squadron just sent off several marines to an 8 month deployment, as a matter of fact I can hear the engines of the herc buzzing overhead, such a sad day for those families, and really a bittersweet reflection on our own deployment. We are going to have a fun week and I know that my husband is planning something. I caught a glimpse of an itemization on a credit card statement and he's been all top secret forbidding me to view certain email accounts. What fun we'll have whatever it is we do. I'll be sure to post any pictures that are taken during our leave. God Bless you all, my sweet, few, dear friends. You parents are counted in that last remark too!

Consider This

I was just listening to a Sermon titled the Idol Factory.  In it the preacher, C.J. Mahaney, points to the root of pain and why we react to it the way we do.  Now I am not speaking of physical pain, like a splinter in your finger, giving birth, or cancer.  Rather emotional pain, our feelings.  C.J. says that our pain is ultimately a response to how an idol has failed us.  I was deeply stirred by this implication and have been reflecting on things that pain me as well those things that bring joy.  In many cases the pains that have disturbed me are when the kids don't perform how I would hope or my husband doesn't live up to my desire/expectation of something.  C.J. points out that our relationships with others are great tests of where our idols lie and what they are.  I would have to say that C.J. is  correct.  The scripture is alive with examples of idols and our earthly treasures.   Unfortunately there are some in my heart.  I merely write this to you all out of a love for you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Let us pray about this and see what these implications bring.  Out ultimate joy should be in Christ and bringing glory to God, celebrating His Majesty.  There is none that can fulfill as our blessed Savior.  If you're interested go to www.sovereigngraceministries.org and go to the resources tab and search for The Idol Factory.  There are three parts to it.

Our Children are not Missing Out

The church where Jake and I attend encourages child-integrated worship. Some of you may be curious as to why we do this and perhaps even think that our children are missing out. If you are interested in the why's of what we are doing, here is an excellent article on the topic and really sums up our beliefs on the matter.

Happy to You!

When Libby caught me frosting the cake on Saturday, she said, "Mommy, Happy to you?" This was so cute and her phrase quickly caught fire with everyone saying, "Happy to you!" So we had a happy to you time celebrating Jake.

Birthday Party

What is a birthday without a party? Boring! We had, or should I say Jake and the kids had a blast with the punching balloons.

Jackie starts it off

Colby takes charge and gets the left handed warrior

even Libby couldn't resist giving a good wack

check out the static electric hair

Dad joins in the fun and is quickly defeated

Alas, mom puts an end to the chaos-so thankful for curtain rods!