Thoughts

As an "epic fire" (words on the news) burns in Waldo Canyon we have been on alert to if the fire comes west to us. We have our van packed and ready to go if the fire turns more west. How horrifying to watch as the wind went east and burned peoples homes down on live tv.  Brian is away out of country for a short time but we have talked and we both agreed that if our house was to burn to the ground we would be fine with that. We just want our family safe . But still you hurt for those that are losing so much. One of the kids was talking about if the fire burned down our house and I said it would be ok. God gives and Gods takes away and we could be thankful for the time we got to spend in it. I doubt the fire will come up this far but I know this fire has been aggressive and I have to stay alert.

I told the kids as they headed off to bed tonight to pray for the fire fighters. Little Carson was heading down the stairs and he said "I pray for the firefighters to be safe and me to be safe." I told him "that was a good prayer". I thought that was cute that Hey I might as well pray for my safety too! He has been so cute lately with his thankfulness in prayers . . . chocolate milk, chocolate bars. Today I asked him what he wanted to thank God for and he said "uncles".

Annalina said to me "God is showing his power over the earth . . . people need to get saved. I want to grow up and go to China." She expressed to me that maybe revival was coming. What a huge thought and passion for such a little girl. Annalina said a few days ago about the fire and evacuating that if she had to leave she would take her Bible, her Strawberry Shortcake blanket (from her Grandma J), and "you Mommy."

Babe flew into an airport on Sunday and on Monday people dressed as police came into the same airport and mowed people down with guns. Isn't it calming to know God is in control of our lives?! He guides and guards our steps! God is so good.

Today was a good day working with my kiddos. Gabriel, Annalina, and I worked at cleaning our refrigerator. Gabriel and I worked on laundry for a good while and later Annalina and I worked together on laundry. I enjoy working with the kids. Annalina took Carson underwing and let him watch her work and help some then took him downstairs and worked with him on cleaning the boys room without being asked.

I regret that I have not been blogging and recording my memories better lately. I have things about Ross I haven't blogged, cute things the kids have said, a wonderful anniversary night out with my hubby, the conversations the kids and I have had during devotions, and our hilarious yet not so hilarious trip through Walmart that will be etched in our minds for quite some time, God's watch care for me throughout this week through family and military and the lady that called me whom I've never met that offered me an abundance of care and kindness!

Heart of the Wilderness

When I think of authors whose books I like to read to my children Janette Oke is not one that comes to my mind. My mom read a Janette Oke book called Heart of the Wilderness and she thought it would be a book the kids would enjoy and she was right! Not only was it interesting but brought up and taught some good lessons. I was very happy I read it to the kids!

Here's what the back of the book says . . . "Orphaned at a young age, Kendra Marty comes into the care of her only living relative, her grandfather. A trapper who lives alone in the backwoods, George McMannus doesn't know what he can offer Kendra, but one look into her green eyes and he is certain they belong together."

"Papa Mac, as Kendra calls him, teaches her how to survive among the mountains and trees and rivers, but he knows his granddaughter needs and education he can't provide. What will become of Kendra when she leaves the only home she can remember to enter a scary and confusing world far from the wilderness she loves?"

No, I won't rush out to read more Janette Oke books to the kids but this one was a great read with great lessons throughout it. My Mom picked a good one and I'm glad she sent it to us!

Big Boy Jedidiah is 2 Months Old!

 What a SUPER CUTIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's cooing and smiling at us and that just makes my day!

He is an early bird but does great at night.

Ordinary Miracle

Ordinary Miracle

I love this song. Everyday there are so many seemingly ordinary miracles. The Creator has made things so beautiful. I wish the song acknowledged the Creator instead of saying "that things just work out after all" . . . I know how those things work out though and it is because of a loving God. Yesterday I saw clouds like I had NEVER seen before. They looked soooo amazing people were stopping to take pictures. I wish I had thought of that! It was an amazing display of God's handiwork and I enjoyed it seeing it!

Jedidiah's Life!

Hikes

 Over the past weeks we went on a hike at both Catamount and Mueller State Park. We obviously can't do huge hikes with little guys but we enjoy what we can do and getting out in God's nature and breathing fresh air. Carson in the picture is a lion on one of our hikes. My sister-in-law and my nieces came up a few weekends ago and we went to a MOPS second hand clothing sale. We had a lot of fun and I got this lion hat for Carson which I was happy to see he really did enjoy!

 This hike is a perfect length for exercising and I have taken Annalina on it with me and another time I took Gabriel on it. (Brian bought me pepper spray that I carry in my hand on the trail.) It is fun to see how the kids are so different. Gabriel has SOOOOOO much to tell me about everything as we walk he talks and talks and with Annalina she wants to hold my hand and have discussions. We stopped and listened to the silence! I enjoy VERY MUCH BOTH ways of spending time and their individuality. I need to take Ross next.

 This is after one of our hikes. Babe was carrying our little papoose while he slept!

I love this picture. We had a great time.
Gabriel and Annalina are carrying their survival bags they put together with Uncle Ben!
Today we hiked for the first time on Pikes Peak on a trail but weren't able to get to far because bad weather moved in. I enjoyed listening to Carson jabber as we walked hand in hand. I would count how many times he slipped or that he "can see my brother up there" or that daddy, gabriel, ross, and annalina are his friends or "here we go down!!" Love it.