Happy Birthday!

You have been such a blessing in our lives. We are thankful to God for you. In the womb, you traveled with me to London. At just 2 months old, you flew all the way to Quebec with us, and then at 6 months, made a huge move to Madagascar. At 1 year old, you are practically a world traveler.

Mommy loves you so much!!!

Seasons

The season is changing around here. And my BC-bred body is somewhat ready for it. It has been strange to be in "summer"-land for so many months at one time. Where we're from, we might experience up to 2 months of warm sunny weather, interrupted by rains and cooler weather, and then back to rain, then cold, and more rain. A change in the seasons often means change in activities. At least it did in BC. The cold rainy season meant being house-bound, eating more soup, often sipping tea, reading more books, and (dare I say it) watching more TV! Or following the onset of nicer weather, drinking more smoothies, riding bikes, wearing flip-flops every chance you get, and often visiting parks to let the children run off energy! Here, the changes in activity may not be so drastic, as the weather outside might remain warmer than inside our house where there's no central heating system.

Our needs changed with the seasonal changes in the weather. 

I would suggest the same is true during the seasons in our lives. Our needs will change as the season of our lives change. And right now, in the tedious days of mothering young children, who literally require constant supervision (except when they're sleeping, of course) it is a full season, and at times, a physically exhausting one. Right now, our needs as mothers of young children might include things like: Time in the Word, a good night's sleep, nutritious food, music.

This season may also include needs like this: (in no particular order)

• At least one good relationship outside of the home
• Having your hair done at the salon every couple of months
• Going for walks with an MP3 player
• Going shopping, alone every couple of weeks
• Buying fancy coffee for yourself on the way to a park with your children
• Taking a fitness class 

Despite the joys of motherhood, and the fullness of its days, I will be the first to admit that I struggle to remember that it IS just a season; to remember to enjoy the simpleness of these days. Right now my biggest problems might include another leaky diaper, a squabble over a toy, or ungratefulness over a meal. I am thankful that right now, I don't have to worry about the boy or girl pursuing my son or daughter, or vice-versa; the questionable friends my children persist in hanging out with, or becoming like; their lack of interest in church, or me wondering where my son is at 2am. Now, I don't want to suggest that these problems are inevitable, but they do exist for some mothers in the upcoming season of motherhood.

And so, I am thankful for these simple days. 

Faith turning 6 this month

Smiles & Picnics

Yesterday we went for a picnic

Need I say more?

When They're All Preschoolers

If you are in a similar boat as I am (all your children are kindergarten/preschool age or younger) than you have probably wondered or asked another mom "How are you managing?"

I couldn't have said it better myself when I found this article. We have implemented just about all of her ideas over the past couple of years and it works so well! From having the little baby on a schedule, to consistent quiet times for everybody to practicing obedience in a fun way, this mother has summed up her tips beautifully. Please read her article - if you have time, or quickly scan the bullets below. (In no particular order by the way)

• Put your baby(ies) on a schedule--makes for a more predictable day
• Everybody has quiet time after lunch
• Practice "obedience" time we call it Training Time in my house. Make up things for you kids to do for 10 or so minutes, so they are practicing obedience without tough emotions in the heat of a moment.
• Prepare for the next morning Tonight! Get the coffee ready, lay out clothes for yourself, or everybody. Make your husband's lunch. Run the dishwasher! :) Put clothes in the washing machine. Whatever you have to do to make your morning more seamless.
• Simplify - stay home more.
• Be flexible. Be willing to change as the Lord leads you to. If something isn't working, make the appropriate change that is best for your family!

My Busy 3 Year Old

As much as I am a home-body, I am really beginning to dread the cooler months and being stuck indoors! Even now, we sense autumn in the air here in Quebec City. The crispness in the night, the cooler breeze. My three year old is so active and, being a boy, definitely different than my daughter when she was three! I have to say, I wasn't really sure what people meant when they said boys are so different than girls when I only had Faith. Yes! It's true. He is so different. I have been doing a lot of looking online for indoor activities for boys his age and I just kind of laugh at them (after feeling completely exhausted by the idea of actually getting messy or putting that much effort into something) because I can't imagine him actually being into it. As much as I would love to cover our kitchen table in paper and have the kids finger paint or something, I don't think it would take long before paint was everywhere and possibly being thrown at the other! (Initiated by 'you know who'). He likes to sit and have books read to him for short periods of time... but still spends a lot his time going from one thing to another, wrecking his older sister's stuff, and taking something from the younger....
Hm. He really is a sweet little boy, but his louder nature tends to get him trouble often.
Any suggestions?

My Boys

My boys having fun on the excavator:

When I went upstairs to get Wesley out of his nap, he was pointing to the window because he could hear daddy working on his machine outside. He was eager to see what daddy was up to.

Aren't they cute together?

I am often amazed at the resemblance of the two of them. Wesley gives these looks that are the spitting image of his daddy. I am proud of this. I love his daddy very much, and can only pray that he grows to become a loving husband and father as well.

Pondering this reminds me of what we are supposed to be reflecting. When people see us, are they seeing a holy resemblance of our Heavenly Father? What do we represent? Are we following after Jesus' footsteps, showing people love and grace and mercy the way Jesus humbly gives to us?

We have been created in God's image! As sons and daughters of the King, let's reflect our Father's traits and be holy ambassadors for the Kingdom.





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Let God

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." -- Exodus 14:14

How many times do I go through a battle and try and find victory myself? I lose patience and want to solve the problem now, without waiting on God and seeking His Word. I have revisited Exodus this week and been reminded at how little faith the Israelites had. It`s easy for me to be judgmental of them. First, God summons Moses from a burning bush! After asking Moses to be His spokesperson to Pharaoh, Moses pleads with God that he is not a very good public speaker; someone else should do it. God complies, and uses Aaron alongside Moses. Moses doubts God`s power. And then all the plagues. Moses fails to see that God is using these plagues to display His glory. He simply sees them as failed attempts to get Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go. Finally, once the Israelites are set free, they are actually led by a cloud from God during the day, and a pillar of fire at night! Unfortunately, they are still scared of the Egyptians, and don`t trust that God will actually deliver them.

I read these Scriptures and almost chuckle at the Israelites. Then, I sober up and realize how I am really not that much different from them. They didn`t have the whole story like I do. From the beginning of their captivity in Egypt, I know that God will deliver them after 10 plagues and part the Red Sea for them to cross, meanwhile drowning their pursuerers! Likewise, I do not have the whole story of my life. And too often, in the busyness of daily living, or surviving, I don`t stop and recognize God`s hand in everyday situations. The Lord will be with you; you need only to be still. Lord, help me to be still. Instead of jumping in and trying to solve issues on my own, give me wisdom and discernment to see the bigger picture. I do not have to worry about the battle for my son`s soul now. I need only to pray, be immersed in the Lord`s promises, and remember: The Lord will be with you; you need only to be still.

Growing Up Boys

All night long last night, I dreamed of rules and boys and authority. This morning my heart is burdened to pray fervently for wisdom to know how to raise my son: wisdom for both Rob and me! How do we raise him to respect authority? To implement rules in his life (for safety's sake, and to teach him consideration of others) without pushing him to rebel later on?

I see sons around me (and this was also true in my husband's life as a teen) completely turn their backs on their parents' teaching. I see them despising authority, wanting complete freedom without accountability. These are boys that have been raised with knowledge of the Bible, knowledge of the power of God, and I would say even good examples of Christian living in their homes.

Oh Lord, please give me wisdom!

I would love it if you would share your thoughts or burdens with me on this issue. Let's pray together that God would give us wisdom to raise our sons to be men of God, to desire to do His will in their lives, to raise up godly families, and to bring all glory to God.