The zoo or the return of Christ?

Today after church John and I shared a very exciting surprise with Benjamin. Today was a special "boys day." But even more special because it was only for Benjamin and Daddy, not even Samuel or anyone else could go with them. And to make it even more exciting, they were going to go to the zoo. And to make it even better, they were going to the zoo just to ride the train. Now you must know that every time I take the kids to the zoo Benjamin just about has a heart attack walking across the tracks, and waiting for it to come. He thinks it is about the coolest thing in the world and he has never yet ridden it. Well, today in the car he said about the coolest thing. He immediately freaked and began shaking in a strange, happy, seizure kind of way while still staying in the car seat and attempting to spit out some words. By the time we figured it out, he was saying that this was as exciting as when Jesus comes back to the earth. At first glance it seems that statement might be a bit blasphemous, but after thinking about it I am thrilled that the only thing that he could correspond to his excitement of the train was the return of the Christ. Next time we'll talk about how Jesus is probably a little bit better than the train at the zoo, but until then I am grateful that he is excited at all.

Church this morning. . .

We had a great service this morning. Well, at least I am pretty sure we did. Samuel attempted to go to his class for the second time and we just didn't make it more than about 10 minutes. I must say, I love that I go to a church that calls the mommies. There are at least 5-10 mommy numbers that pop up on the screen every week and it makes me feel much better to leave my children in hands that understand the power of the mommy. I call it the mommy factor. We didn't really see this factor come out in Benjamin, more often than not we still see the daddy factor in our eldest. But not in sweet Samuel. Sometimes no one else can ail the saddened heart. No one else can make it better, and for some reason, no one else can understand how sad he is except for mommy. I know, I'm the last to admit it, but I love my boys more than life. I always thought that mommies with crying babies had it the hardest. I am beginning to see that there is something powerful in the connection I have with my son. I have envied after that connection between Benjamin and John. I have loved watching it grow and develop. I can't wait to see how Samuel and I grow in love as he grows into boyhood. But for now, I will take him back into church with me, sit eating peanut butter crackers, and know that for the moment, Mommy was able to make all things in the world right again. Someday this too will pass and hopefully he will cling to the One who will truly make all things in the world right.

The Singing Sensation. . .

Okay, so we all know how much I long to brag on my children and here's another opportunity. I heard, before having children, that the Lord uses these little people to teach us about himself. I sometimes get so caught up in how to teach them about the Lord that I forget it goes the other way too. Last night was a mighty example. We either sing songs OR read a book before we go to bed, and last night Benjamin wanted to sing songs. Well, as with most things in life right now, he wanted to not follow the "rules" but do something out of the ordinary. He wanted to sing Christmas carols. After some persuasive talking, daddy and I decided that Christmas in the spring may not hurt anyone. Especially when one sings with such gusto. I have once again been reminded that sometimes the things that I think are important and necessary don't really matter. Before the Lord, it's the state of our heart that matters, and I think my little boy has it down. Thanks Benjamin for the reminder.

Erin, the aunt, comes to visit.

I don't know about you all, but my aunt is pretty cool. I am sorry that I didn't get to really know that until later in life. When my sister moved to Central Arkansas, she took her in like a second daughter and treated her as her own. As my sister and I are trying to spend more time together, I am so excited when she comes for a visit. For me, it is refreshing to have someone here that loves Jesus and encourages my heart. Someone who knows me so well, and still loves being with my family. Benjamin loves her so much and Samuel is much closer (to loving her) than he was at the beginning of the week. On Wednesday morning, Benjamin and I went to bible study and Erin and Samuel stayed home. I found them like this when we came back. You see, when Benjamin was born, Erin made him and all future siblings a promise. "If you want to stay in your jammies ALL day when your with Aunt Erin, then you can." Nonetheless, I left Samuel in one set of jammies and came home to him in another. They were sleeping peacefully together, in the most convenient place around, the floor. What fun. We love Aunt Erin.

Easter fun in Kansas City cold

Though it is not snowing here, it was definitely cold. And if I could find my camera adapter thingy, I would show you really cute pictures of my kids hunting eggs in winter coats. Oh well, we had a great day anyway. The highlight for me? We went to church this morning and I got to watch my eldest child dance to his hearts content and come home singing, "hale-hallelujah, hale-hallelujah" like we had been singing at church. I got to make homestyle lunch for those who don't have families here in town and we sat down together (at a big long table) to rejoice in the Risen King. Sadly, I sort of watched Arkansas get devoured at basketball, but fortunately I'm not a big enough fam to let it get me down. But most of all, as I was singing an old hymn in church today I was moved to tears by the Holy Spirit. No matter how tall the mountain or how low the valley, there's power in the blood of Jesus. The resurrection is real ladies and gentlemen, and if you can't believe it, then the coming resurrection of ALL the saints of time will really blow your socks off. I can't wait to see it! He's Alive and AMEN to that!

Easter Fun

Well, I know, two posts in two days. It's a bit much, but I couldn't help but posting about the two easter egg hunts in two days. It has been so much fun, but has gotten me thinking as well. You see, growing up we always had easter egg hunts at church. Everyone would put on their pretty, new easter dresses (our family usually matched at some level, and if digital pictures had been around longer, I would show you one of my faves). Inevitably there would be a hunt at the church. There still is one at Central, though it might be changing as well, but I went to a good old church hunt today and it was fun. I was reminded of the value of tradition. I know that sometimes it can be totally devoid of any meaning, but sometimes traditions can push us to seek out the meaning. To find it and see why for generations people have done it. I go to a church that is wonderful, but oftentimes lacking in tradition. We do new things really well, and I love it. However, we don't sing many hymns, recite many group prayers, or hold to just about anything traditional. We sure don't have easter egg hunts. So, in a strange way, today was refreshing. It was a reminder that though the traditions may not make all that much sense and while they may seem trivial, they push us to find meaning, to seek out what may not be so obvious, and beneath it all, to see a Saviour who loves us and is longing to show us the power of a resurrected God. Thanks be to God!

Fun with our friend Anna Grace

Well, we have made the trek and are spending the weekend in beautiful Shreveport, LA. What fun! We love it here because our friends the Chaney's are here, and every time we get together, Benjamin and Anna Grace have all the fun. Of course Zeke and Samuel are coming into their fun, but haven't yet made it to the levels of their older siblings. We got here last night, just in time to have some wonderful Jack Chaney burgers. And this morning arrived with a concert by Miss Patty Cake, an Easter egg hunt, lunch and play at Chick-Fil-A, a birthday party at a gymnastic place, followed by cake and ice cream, and finally fun times at home. I'm not sure it gets any better when you're three. Thank you Lord for fun times with the Chaneys.

By the way, we (both families) got sick again before getting together, but as we speak, all are well and happy. The Lord is good and he is the healer. Thank you!

We are mobile!

Well, for better or worse, we are a house full of people who walk to two feet. As we have been saying for almost a week, he just had to figure out that it was quicker. Yesterday when I was at the bank, he walked from a table to me and I think all the sudden it clicked that he didn't have to sit down and stand back up again. It was easier to just stay up. Isn't Benjamin the best big brother? He loves to help Samuel walk and rejoices just as loudly when he does it. Thank you Lord for these two you have given us for the time. May we parent them in your wisdom and your love.

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Well, though the day is actually tomorrow, we had a fantastic birthday party this past weekend. It was the first day since last fall that it was warm enough to be outside for extended times. What fun! We had lunch on the back porch, all the kids played, we had cake, opened a few presents, and then blew bubbles. What more could one want?

Thank you Lord for this precious life. You brought him forth and you have predestined him for great things. We only hope to be a part of what you are already doing!

P.S. Thanks NaeNae for the great pictures!

GiGi comes for a visit!

We went to Arkansas last weekend and brought my grandmother home with us! GiGi, as we call her now, came to stay for a week, and we laughed, played, shopped, made curtains, cooked, cleaned, and generally had a wonderful time. Nonetheless, here was the highlight (besides Samuel's birthday, which will be coming up soon for you to see). Enjoy! And thank you Lord for families-- :)