Our Journey: February 2011

Thursday, February 24, 2011

God answers prayers!

About a year ago, we were in the same place saying goodbye and sending them off to war.

Today we took the opportunity to go support our troops and welcome them home.

I couldn't help but think of all the prayers that went up on behalf of these men and their families.

And God saw fit to answer our prayers to protect them and bring them home safely.

"I sing for joy because of what you have done."

Psalm 92:4

My heart is so thankful for these troops who chose to sacrifice their lives for our freedom!

Proud to live in the USA!

Welcome Home Jace!

May God continue to bless you and keep you safe from harm!

Family movie nights

We've started a new tradition this winter that I'm loving.

Depending on the week's schedule, we have a family movie night either Tuesday or Thursday night. Pizza and a fruit is usually on the menu. Keep it simple, right! Or I should say that's typically my motto. And it helps that pizza is a family favorite. Lots of laughter, sharing movie lines after and sitting shoulder to shoulder, which typically moves to us both having a kid on our lap for cuddle time are just a few reasons family movie nights are a favorite in my book.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Can you turn the heat down?

I woke up Sunday morning to the sound of Traeger dry heaving. He proceeded to throw up all day but did find some relief when he was napping. He took 2-two hour naps and then woke up this am at 10:45. He kept fluids down all day today and traded the puking for a high fever....ugh!

Whatever this bug is, it's a nasty one.

Traeger is so brave and I haven't heard him complain or whine once.

He was napping in our room on the floor this afternoon when I heard him call out in a faint voice,

"Excuse me mommy, can you turn the heat down?"

I quickly assured him the temperature in the house was fine but that I would get him some medicine and that would hopefully help turn the "heat" down in his body.

Teamwork

Right before bed I caught the kids

putting their efforts together to finish the puzzle.

"Which piece should go next?"

"Try this one!"

Cuddle time

Cuddle time just doesn't get old.

I put the kids to bed this night :O)

When Luke came home from work he took them up to their rooms.

I love how Ataly's donut is just as big as her head...

good thing she didn't finish it all!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy belated Valentine's Day...

"We love one another because He first loved us!"

1 John 4:19

I had fun making Valentine's for our family and friends and...

this one for my friends at school for the pre-school valentine's party.

The kids were thrilled about all the treats from friends and family.
They should be sufficiently sugared up for a while :O)

Friends

Our dear friends from the Cities were in town and made time to come over for supper.

We even managed to catch up amongst the chaos of the kiddos!

So thankful for friends near and far!

Spiderman showing off his sweet moves to his princess.

Go team go!

Our family cheered on the Meford Raiders Hockey team.

This was the kid's first taste of hockey.

I think Traeger's favorite part was the checking.

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

A weekend of celebrations!

Our first celebration was for my Grandma,

Traeger and Ataly's Great Grandma.

Grandma Jo celebrated 79 years of life...how great is that!!

So thankful Traeger and Ataly are blessed

with not one but SEVEN Great Grandparents.

I hope I can look as young and beautiful as she does in another 48 years.

****

We had to take a little break in between celebrations to...

play...

and serve

(Saturday am we helped

Grandpa and Nonnie's Youth Group

make over 200 pizzas for their Mission trip fundraiser)

****

Then it was time to celebrate

our dear, spunky and sweet Miss Melia Lu's

3rd birthday!

She has grown so much since the P family went to get her in June.

-She now is eating solid food all by her self

(she came drinking only milk from a bottle)

-She came with an open palette

(her palette is now closed)

-She is using some sign language and a few words to communicate

(she came without words on her mouth or hands)

-She came as a stranger

(but is now just part of the family)

God is truly doing an amazing work in Melia's life and will continue.

It is by God's grace that He has seen fit to allow us to be a part of her journey.

For that I'm thankful!

My prayer for Melia is

Ephesians 3:17

"And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in her heart as she trusts in Him. May her roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may she have the power to understand as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May she experience the love of Christ, though it is so great she will never fully understand it. Then she will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

_____

other shots from the birthday party at the Jade Dragon.