Jacob's Rainbow

I've enjoyed seeing Jacob grow to love coloring and drawing pictures in the past year. He didn't always love doing artwork, but now, he takes pride in drawing a beautiful rainbow (see left) or coloring pictures to go along with our daily Bible lesson. He's such a people-pleaser, and loves to make things for everyone.

Currently he's obsessed with making paper airplanes for all his friends, which means we have dozens of paper airplanes all over the house. Who knew paper could be so entertaining? Children are so creative, it often blows me away.

Jacob is preparing to start kindergarten in August, and so we're already getting a bit weepy and thinking back to when he was just a little baby. Wasn't that long ago :-)

Grammy's Visit

Grammy Henderson (Lauren's Mom) just visited us for the week and left this past Tuesday. We had a great time, unfortunately, we have all gone 20 rounds with the stomach flu. We sent Grammy home a little sick, but she made it. We enjoyed having her visit; the kids loved playing games and just hanging out with their Grammy. We are looking forward to our visit to Texas this July when we'll get to swim in their pool and relax in the Texas sun. (PS--Sorry the video is sideways, I can't figure out how to turn it.)

Madeline Turns 3

So our darling Madeline turned 3 years old on April 8. We had a lovely little party at a nearby park with Grandma & Grandpa Hunter, Uncle Josh and a few of her friends. Everything had to be pink. Pink table cloths, pink napkins. And yes, so got lots of pink presents. It's always amazing to me how we don't really push girly pink things, yet she inherently wants pink. I think some little girls are just born with pink on the brain.

In this picture, you can see she loves the dress up jewelry she received. She had lots of fun dressing up and playing princess. In addition, we've spent the last month potty training, and she is now diaper-free. Mommy is overjoyed. Our Madeline is like a cat, whereas Jacob is like a dog. Madeline wants you on her terms, when she wishes to snuggle or wants you to color or play. Jacob wants lovin' any old time and prefers constant companionship. I guess that's somewhat stereotypical, but that's just the way it is.

As for Bradley, he's crawling at full-speed. He's 8 months old and can't wait to be a "big kid." His favorite place to crawl is into the big kids' room, up onto Madeline's mattress. He is so happy there and prefers their toys to his "baby" toys. Go figure.

Well, that's just a brief update! Love, All of Us

Bradley @ 6 Months Old Slideshow

We can hardly believe that Baby Bradley is now 6 months old! He's grown so fast and the time has been flying. He continues to be such a sweet heart. He rarely cries, smiles and coos at anyone and everyone, and loves his big sister and brother. Well, he tolerates Madeline and adores Jacob, to be completely honest. Guess that's about right. We are melding well as a family of five. It's quite chaotic at times, as you would imagine, but all turns out well in the end (that is, when everyone's in bed asleep). I survived a long basketball season with John gone most of the time. Fortunately, his team had a great season this year, so it was fun to haul the kiddos to games and witness the excitement.

I know my updates are few and far between--that's just life! God is faithful and keeps us going, moving, loving, and living for Him each and every day.

Who I am is Good Enough

I’m an American, and proud to be one. Instilled in me from an early age was the typical American work ethic, you know, “if you don’t at first succeed, try, try again.” Growing up, I was always encouraged to try harder, study more, make fewer mistakes. While a noble pursuit, I’m naturally hard on myself and always working to “out-do” what I previously accomplished. This often caused me to feel as though I would never be good enough, and was never satisfied with a job well done.

That’s when despair and discouragement often creeps in . . . when I’m focused on what “I’m” able to do in and of myself, and not relying on God to lead, guide, and strengthen me along the way. When I’m trying to do my best in my own strength and energy, I will always fall short, always run out of steam, and never be good enough. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

But when I realize my true identity in Christ and that I was made to glorify Him in all I do, the task at hand seems manageable and I’m able to accomplish something and be satisfied with who I am.

I must avoid putting trust in myself (solely), and remember to put my trust in God: “Do not put your trust in princes, no in a son of man, in whom there is no help . . . for happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 145:3-6

Who I am (in Christ) IS good enough.