Sometimes these kids really crack me up :)

Laugh #1: Andrew was really enjoying his snack last night. They are called "Stackerz." Basically, they are like fruit roll-ups but in small circular shapes. The boys recently saw the commercial where it says, "They are not stickers; they are Stackerz." Andrew had to re-enact it for me. The funny thing to me was imagining having some sort of crazy disease where you ended up with that kind of rash all over your face.

Laugh #2: Brooke was listening to a song play last night. The song is one of the Veggie Tunes, and it says, "....and we're going to the promised land." Having no idea what the promised land is, Brooke asked me, "Is Disneyland the promised land?" That one had me laughing too.

No, I am not tracking my laughs, literally. But is was funny, and really rather typical, so I thought I would let you see inside the mind of this crazy three year old and six year old.

P.S. Wesley can be funny, too, but not last night---he had way too much homework :)

What are you working on?

A group of ladies from our church started a Bible Study last week. We meet once a week to watch the Beth Moore video and then discuss different things that we learned from the lessons during the week. It is such an enriching time. If you have never read or watched any Beth Moore material, I highly recommend it. Last spring, we covered the Tabernacle---sounds boring, but I was amazed at all that I learned and how studying the tabernacle really helped me to better understand God.

We are now working through a series called, "The Patriarches---encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Already, I have been so challenged. Beth said something last night that was interesting: "There is no high like the most High." The world and many people in it try to escape their reality by using alcohol, drugs, food, or whatever, but the moments that a person can share with the Creator of the universe is more than anything the world can offer.

I was also blessed last week with something that Beth said. "We do best to forget making a name for ourself and just live to make His name known." How busy we are in making a name for ourself---great mom, great friend, great teacher, great wife, great church member, great daughter.....all things I know I want to be and places where I want to make a "great" name. BUT....the emphasis in all of this is on ME. So forget it, I don't need to have a great name. My only purpose here on earth is to glorify, honor, and praise HIS name.

"Let us see the stars in heaven....you have flung across the sky. What is man that you should love him or that he should catch your eye? Yet you sent your son to die that we might come to find new life in Him.....Oh Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name....majestic is your name in all the earth. Oh Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name....majestic is your name in all the earth. You are awesome in your glory. We are sinful and unpure. How can we approach the holy who will not for sin endure. But you sent your son to die. His blood has paid the price for all our sins. Oh Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name....majestic is your name in all the earth. Oh Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name....majestic is your name in all the earth."

I live in a battle zone

We have really been going through scotch tape lately. I recently discovered why.

Reason #1: Brooke likes to put "band-aids" on all her babies.

Reason #2: As you can see above, Wesley likes to tape his army guy equipment to the wall.

Today, Wesley and Andrew have strategically placed laser targets, missiles, and bombs all over the house. No matter where I go in the kitchen, I am in jeopardy of being blown to pieces. Oh my!

On another note, Gary and Wesley played their first 18 holes of golf together yesterday. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon, and they stayed out until it got dark. Gary said he was impressed when Wesley shot a 6 on the first hole (a par 5). Good job, Wesley! Gary gave Wesley the goal of trying to shoot double par---which means on a par 35 on the front nine, Wesley was going to try to get a 70. He scored 67. I asked Wesley if he learned anything, knowing that Gary's natural instinct would be to give him lessons on each tee; however, Gary quickly replied, "No, we just went out to have fun." And that they did!

School Pictures

12345Andrew---First Grade 12345Wesley---Third Grade

The boys got their school pictures back this week. As a child, I always thought school pictures were the worst pictures ever taken (besides ones' drivers license), but I do love to have them to scrapbook with and to compare their years, in watching them grow. These are my two school boys!!!!!! I think Drew should win the award for the cheesiest smile :)

Happy 90th Birthday

Happy 90th Birthday, Great-grandma Rehfeldt (to these three) and Grandma (to me) !!!!!!

As I was driving home from school this past Friday, I was just reminded of some things that I am so thankful for, and I thought I would share them with you. I am thankful for.....

A job where I can serve in a way that I love,
A husband that I respect and adore,
A beautiful city that I get to call home,
and three children that I would die for...
An extended family for which I am truly blessed,
A church that is growing and helping me to grow,
So many friends I can call on short notice,
But mostly, an amazing God that gave me all of the above.

He let's me serve Him and praise Him as inadquately as I do and yet loves me so fully.
You see all of the above are things that I could never purchase.......
They are gifts and with them, I am truly blessed!

For most anyone who reads this....you are a part of that gift, and I thank God for you (and especially, today, my very special grandma :)