There's Nothing Like Familiarity

This boy just received numerous presents from Santa, 2 parents, 4 grandparents, aunts & uncles, great aunts, and cousins. Yet this is where I found him this morning.



He always did love that thing; some things never change. In his defense, at least he still had on his hearing aids.

Christmas Is Coming

December in Pictures

I have a very real fear for the life of my blog. It has been two weeks since my last post and I'm resorting to throwing on a bunch of pictures because I can't find the time for regular posting. Nevertheless, here is our month in pictures. So far.

Sweet boy turns four months on Wednesday:


Why I didn't listen to my gut instinct and wrap up a bunch of bottles for Christmas is beyond me:


He loves waffles. He loves digging the butter out of the little holes even more.


Having children gives a whole new definition to the term "slave labor."

Crazy daddy:


I am willing to do anything for a good picture of my children. Yes, even let the three-year-old choke the baby. Unfortunately it was not fruitful this time:

A new playmate for Soph - my cousin's daughter, Tuesday, comes to our house every day now!

Boomer Sooner! Big 12 Champs, baby!! (Please just humor me and pretend the old guy's shirt says Oklahoma Sooners. At least it's the right color).

Cute cousins. It is inevitable that they have to match at least once a year:

The baby and the Russian Czar. I'm thinking of writing a new book with that title.

That's all I got. Bet you're glad you stayed. I hope I'm back soon.

3 Going On 16

Yep, that's my I-Pod. While I'm at it I'll just go ahead and put it all out on the table: my 21-mth-old son is quite proficient with this as well. Pathetic, I know.

Don't Even Try To Tell Me You Could Resist This Face

J-O-Y

Of late, I am joyful. It fills my heart, urging me to sing, demanding that I praise Him. Why?

I. AM. FREE.

Have you known me in the past? Laden with burdens, drowning in guilt, sorrowful in comparing myself to others. Not anymore. At first He whispered His love to me. I didn't listen. Then He spoke it. I turned away. I heard the words but jut couldn't believe. And my life was an example of one who was carrying quite a load.

Somewhere, in His mercy, and His great love for me, He chose to shout. Oh, praise Him. For now I see that list of my faults, and I am full of joy!! I know, friend, you want to laugh. Joy? Over your faults? Of course, you must understand - I do want to change those things. But I finally see how I cannot EVER do that on my own. His Spirit will guide me, and He will continue to forgive me, because HE LOVES ME.

So... yes. I am a sinner. Yes, I yell at my kids sometimes. Yes, I have a dirty bathroom. Yes, I find myself judging other people. And PRAISE HIS NAME, I am forgiven. Now I can choose to take my life and make it better. Because He gives me hope. His hope does not disappoint. It brings me joy!!

He Must Become Greater

Hi friend. I've been thinking, and here's the deal. Sometimes I'm just not REAL with people. Why? Because I'm FULL. OF. PRIDE. You must be warned that you may decide you can't be my friend after reading what follows. Nevertheless, here are some things you should know about me.

1. Today I spent a little time on Facebook while my 20-mth-old son wandered around the house looking for something to do (and I'm sure he was wishing I would play with him).

2. That is not a first.

3. Sometimes when I'm emotional I "binge eat."

4. I haven't bathed/showered since Saturday evening. It's Tuesday afternoon. Yuck.

5. I often am frustrated when the kids are napping and it's time for me to do my Bible study. Sometimes I'd rather just nap with them.

6. I don't want to ever yell at my kids. But sometimes I do.

7. I've had clean laundry sitting unfolded in a basket on my couch since yesterday afternoon. That is actually a very short time compared to past instances.

8. I also have dishes in the sink, lunch still sitting on the table, and clothes/toys/books strewn all over the house. If you were to just drop by I would debate letting you in. I'm being serious.

9. I am skeptical about those around me and often find myself judging their motives, as if I could possibly know what they're thinking. As if I could know their hearts.

There you have it. I truly am ashamed to write these things. And I hate to tell you this, but there are many other evils lurking inside. In my desperate attempts to allow God to rid me of my pride, and give me a gentle nature, He asked me to move these things from my heart to my blog.

And He showed me this:


We may believe different things. I do, however, desire their humility. Face to the ground in worship, in awe, of the Creator. Let me be so humbled, Lord. Whatever it takes. I am before you, and I praise you for reminding me of John's own humble cry, "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30)

Happy Fall

Highly Disturbing

Despite what it may look like, they're not having a tea party with the baby. They are "eating the baby." Let's hope my three-year-old is never stranded in the snow with her baby brother.

I Love Her