Lest Anyone Doubt

Lest anyone doubt that God is alive, I read these words this morning after a horrible and almost nonexistent night of sleep....

When some basic need is lacking--time, energy, money--consider yourself blessed.  Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence.  When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment.  this is where you were meant to live--in the present; it is the place where I always await you.  Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success.  Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself.  Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.


from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young


Yep, He was talking straight to me.  He is alive.  He cares so much about how we feel that He'll speak that word of truth and encouragement right when you need it.  It will sustain you.

I Am SO Blessed

I am one blessed mama.  This rocked my heart yesterday morning....

We're on our way to take Clay to school.  Only been in the truck about a minute or so, barely out of our neighborhood.  Thomas says, "Mommy...."

"Yes," I answered.

"You're the best mom ever!" (He's not my sensitive one, so comments like this from him really touch me.)

"Aww, thanks, honey.  That makes me feel so special."

Then Clay adds, "It's true, Mommy."  Oh.my.heart.

"Thanks, other honey," I say.

And Gaby from the backseat is saying over and over, "I'm so happy!  I'm so happy!"

Elena's along too, of course, and just having her with is special.

Sometimes, life is just that sweet.

Partied Out

I guess we partied too hard last night.

She didn't even make it home from driving Clay to school without falling asleep.  Sweet baby! :)

1

April 12, 2011. 

No words, just feelings.  Peace, love, and joy.  She, my beautiful second daughter, caused strong emotions in me.  My love for her was instant and intense.  I have treasured remembering the day of her birth today.  Vivid memories.

April 12, 2012.  Here she is today.

LOVE her smile!

Doesn't she look like she could almost float away?!

Her big gift.  It's hard to find something special for #4.  I mean, seriously, no more toys please!  Somehow, I came up with this.  I loved it and thought it would be perfect....in a few months.

So wrong!  Getting lots of use already!

The sister shot.  (One of my favorite photos from today.)  Love these girls!

Elena means light, and boy, does she bring it to our family.  Always a ray of sunshine (even this week as she's been fighting an ear infection.)  Had to make her a cake to reflect that.

She wasn't so sure about the cake, but wild about the sherbet!

We're wild about you, Lena Lou!  

You brighten our lives....all five of us.  Have never seen a little sister quite so adored as you.  Terribly grateful for you.  

Happy Birthday, sweet baby!

Tomorrow we'll talk about you not growing up anymore! :)

This One

She's just too much.  Am LOVING her at this age.  Definitely embodies the "terrific two's".  

Her personality is incredible.  She moves from funny (hilarious, in fact) to tender, motherly, to rough-and-tumble with barely a beat in between.  LOVES her pockets and is doing AWESOME with potty-training!  Yay!  

Just love, love, love everything about her.  She truly makes me cry tears of joy fairly frequently.  SO blessed to call her mine.

Can You Believe These?!

My friend works at Toys R Us and showed me these dolls one day while I was shopping for Thomas's birthday party.  I didn't want to spend any more that day, so I left them.  I went back a couple weeks ago to buy them, but they'd gone on clearance and sold out.  I was determined to get them for the girls.  I mean, "Gabriela"....OK, but seriously, who has ever seen an "Elena" doll before?  I ordered them online and we are now the proud owners of two dolls to go with our two real-life dolls! :)


Thanks, Cheryl!

Only 9 Days....

....'til she's 1!

Oh my gosh.  Boo hoo.  CAN'T believe it!