Recent Quotes

I've been storing up quotes from Tali and finally have a couple seconds to post them. These might only be funny to me, but I want to put them up so I'll have a way of remembering her two year old conversations. And yes, I am that dorky mom that quickly grabs a pin and jots down my child's sentences before I forget them.Setting: Tali was running around the house, acting like a crazy woman. For no reason at all.Dust uh-skooze me. I'm willy uh-sited!-----------------Setting: I had just gotten some Play-Doh out for Tali. Owen was crying a bit because he wanted picked up or something like that.You wanna pay wit Pay-doh, Owey? It's willy fun. You dohn hafta kye for it, Owey. It's fun!---------------------------Setting:...

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Little Chef

Owey's really into pretending that he's cooking. He and Tali spend much of the day standing at her play kitchen, stirring and loudly banging pots and pans. Today I noticed that Owen was vigorously stirring in this little bowl, occasionally saying, "Yum-Yum!"Me: Owey, that looks good. What are you cooking?O: Eggs.Me: Eggs? I didn't even know that you could say eggs!O: (With a big grin, holding the spoon out to me) Bye? (bite)Seriously. I have a chef on my han...

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Winter Continues

Ever had those moments where it seems like your family is never going to all feel healthy again at the same time? Today is one of those days around here. I'm still not 100% since California. Owey is still coughing and cranky. Tali just started coughing yesterday and now has a fever. Josh has been congested for days. Winter in Illinois...I am just longing for those warm spring days when we can play outside, go for long walks, run at the park, and enjoy fewer colds. Are you with me? All this and we're expecting a big snow storm tonight.It's just another reminder to me that my joy can't be found in my circumstances, it's got to be found in Christ. These illnesses may linger for weeks and we...

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Marriage Retreat

Over the weekend, Josh and I were able to attend the "When Sinners Say I Do" marriage conference in Minnesota. The time was so rich with biblical truth, passionate worship, long car rides that provided ample time for conversation, and just the blessing of being with my hubby. I'm so glad that we were able to go.There's much that I could share but one thing that really stands out to me as I consider the messages that we heard: sin and weakness in marriage are an opportunity for ministry. They are an opportunity to reflect the Gospel, especially the mercy of God that is seen best at the cross. Dave Harvey talked a lot about the fact that we, as sinners, are not receiving the wrath of God that...

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Feeling Sick and Heading Home

The Lord definitely answered all of your prayers on our trip out here.  Would you be so kind as to pray again? 1)  For healing for me as well as strength for the flight-I've not been feeling well today and spent most of the day asleep.  I need all of the energy I can get to creatively care for 2 tired kids on a 4 hour flight. 2)  Grace for the kids; they are tired and cranky.  They desperately need the Lord's help to make it through the flight without fits of crying. 3)  Wisdom for Josh: he's doing more of the work since I'm feeling so yucky. 4)  A quick transition back to our own time zone. Thank you so much!  Grateful that the Lord is more eager to...

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Grateful for the Prayers!

Let me be honest; I cannot even imagine our flight experience being any better than it was.  I'm not kidding!  The Lord blew us away with His kindness in making the travel go so smoothly. Thank you for your prayers!  We were so aware that God was personally caring for us. A couple highlights:1)  When we got to the airport, we found a parking spot right by the bus shuttle.  Thank you, Lord!  To make things even better, the bus pulled up before we even got out of our car and the driver said that he'd wait for us. We didn't have to wait in the cold at all.2) The bus ride to the airport was hilarious.  Tali was sitting next to me a bit scared. Owen was on my lap...

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Prayer Requests

We're on our way out the door, heading for the airport to fly to CA for a week!  We'll be enjoying time with Josh's family and enjoying the beautiful weather that is a far cry from this frozen tundra that we live in. (Don't be too jealous!)If you think of us, please do pray:1) For our flight: pray for God's grace to be upon the kids, especially Owey. He is so not into sitting still and this could be a challenge for him.2)  For good health: both kids are fighting a bit of a cold3)  For joyful memories with one another and with Josh's family4) That I would seek to live for Christ and not myself, seeking to serve others and not just craving MY way! (especially regarding less rest...

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Favorite Quotes of the Day

While we were in the car waiting for Josh:"O-wen! Ware is ya fah-duh at?"And tonight at dinner:"Mommy, I willy enjoy dis dinner dat you made me."And one for Owey, too. He is currently obsessed with his beloved bear that he sleeps with. It's very concerning to him when he can't locate it. This morning I heard him calling out, very loudly:"Beer? Beer? Go? G...

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