A Day With My Nieces

I have the boys and my sister has the girls. A couple weeks ago I watched my nieces for a day and it was a blast. We have this great hiking trail near our house, and I decided to brave it and bring all six kids exploring. One hour of hiking and no complaining! I was so proud of them.

I marvel at the individuality in each of the 6 kids, and I LOVE that they will have these relationships for life. What a gift. And yes, there is a big difference between boys and girls, no doubt about that!

March Birthdays!

My baby is 3! We had a fun day....chocolate chip pancakes and a trip to the Children's Museum. Then we were lucky to have Aunt Greta here for the family birthday party a couple days later. Happy birthday to daddy too!

Good Buddies

Ski Lesson

Another first for AJ this year....downhill skiing!

AJ's Violin Recital

AJ started in the Suzuki violin program this fall. Up to this point every skill he's learning is in preparation for actually playing the instrument. It won't be long now. We are so proud of his efforts!

AJ is 6

Catching My Breath

I'm not one to typically make new years resolutions, but lately I've been feeling a compulsion to slow down. Instead of filling every spare moment "doing something" I have tried to find time for rest and reflection. This isn't always easy to do, especially with life's crazy pace.

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalm 46:10

I heard in the news yesterday that a 5-yr.-old boy was found alive amidst the rubble in Haiti. He was buried for 8 days. Unbelievable. This story hit home with me because I have a 5-yr.-old son. I can't help but wonder what the future holds for this little boy and his uncle, who is himself struggling to survive. Would God spare his little life just to have him die of starvation? I believe that the God I serve is merciful and all-powerful, and His ways are higher than mine. So although I can't wrap my brain around the issue of pain & suffering in this world, I trust. And I pray. And I hug my children extra tight.