Fast Friends

Is there a single thing in this world more adorable than a two-year-old girl and a two-month-old kitten? I can't think of one.

While Maggie was away at VBS this evening, Lucy was more than happy to kitty-sit Maggie's early birthday present, a darling sweetie named Clementine.

My Baby Shower of Blessings

Just when I least deserve it, my Heavenly Father showers me with unexpected blessings. I have been a royal grump today, whining and complaining about things that I should be handling with grace. Instead of giving me what I have earned (a good whack or two with a 2x4!), He gives me more, more, more of His love, more of His goodness, more of His tender mercies.

In the mail, today, from a dear, sweet sister-in-Christ, I recieved a gift for our new baby-in-waiting:

Sweet toile (covered in BUNNIES!), satin-y ribbon, snuggly chenille. In a classic sage-y green, just in case--I assume--our expected baby girl turns out to be a bouncing boy! Does it get any more precious than this?

This will be our eighth baby, and let me tell you, if you're not acquainted with many large families, the baby showers ended (understandably) a few babies back, so a gift like this is truly a wonderful surprise!

My dear friend, you have touched my heart today, and encouraged me to once again "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2 NIV) Can a gift of "earthly things" do that? Yes, it can. Because it reminds me of how much my Father cares for even the smallest of my needs--no, not only needs, but wishes too--and causes me to desire nothing more than to rest in His presence, trusting Him for the Big Things as well as the small.

Dear Sister, may the blessings of the Lord be outpoured on you and your family, abundantly more than you could ever ask or imagine. Thank you.

More Pics From The Park

The Fam, plus a smiley Jason. Can you guess which of our kids he hit it off best with? I'll give you a hint: his initials are B. E. N.

Here's Emma, our 15-year-old second-oldest. She's officially a sophomore now, and will begin Driver's Ed. in summer school next week. Then she can make the late-night runs to 7-11 for "Two Old, Cold Men." *wink*

James, one of our 9-year-old twins. I'm not quite sure if this is a "I really don't want my picture taken" grimace, or a case of "I'm trying to smile, but the sun's in my eyes." Or maybe some of both.

And finally, Ben, our very smiley 5-year-old. He's always happy to "Say 'cheese'."

"New" Family Members

Yesterday afternoon, we recieved an unexpected call from Stan's step-brother, Jason. Jason and his mom, Tammy, were out from their home in Nebraska to see relatives here in our town, and wanted to get together with us for a visit before they headed back home. Stan hadn't seen them since before he and had I met, so they'd never seen me, let alone any of the kids. This seemed too good an opportunity to pass up, wouldn't you say?

We invited them to join us at the park and we had a wonderful time eating cold hot dogs, warm potato salad, and very melty chocolate chip cookies. I was glad we had remembered to bring our camera, and although a few of our kids seemed to be either grouchy or distracted by the time we finally broke out the camera, we did get good pics of Jason and Tammy, and that's what counts. ;)

We were so glad to get to spend some time with them, they are just lovely people, and we hope to be able to see them again before too long.

This is Jason, Stan's "little" brother, who's not so little any more! He's 17, and going to be a junior in high school this year. He likes football, is active in his local AWANA program, and is planning on joining the National Guard after graduation. He was really great with our little ones, and seems to be a very neat young man.


This is Tammy, Jason's mom. She was warm and friendly, very easy to visit with, and has the most beautiful ginger-colored hair.

We were so glad to be able to spend some time with our "new" family members. :)

Have a Snack

Lucy, at 23 months.

Now tell the truth, which would you rather munch on?

A sorry-looking piece of bologna, or the sweet cheeks and yummy rolls on this darling baby of mine?

It's a rhetorical question, of course.

Smocky Love

Thank you so much to Anna, of Pleasant View Schoolhouse (blog and etsy), for this lovely apron. It's got "Maggie Rose" written all over it.

Overdue

No, not me. I'm only 28 weeks along, still twelve to go! I meant this blog post, of course.

Yes, dear friends and relations, we are expecting yet another blessing. Nope, we don't know what flavor Baby is, but I suspect we will before Birthing Day comes around. Stan is always so excited to find out, and I don't mind, since it gives me an excuse to do a bit of shopping.

Stan has decided that if Baby is a girl, he will pick the name himself and announce it at the birth. How's that for suspense? If it's a boy, Samuel has been at the top of the list for our next son since we were expecting Benjy. I have to say, it has been wonderful to have the whole "What shall we name the baby?" question settled and put to bed before we even had a BFP.

We're due July 25th, meaning, baby will most likely show up the following week. Stan is holding out for a 42-week pregnancy--you know, so he can finish up with all of the projects that his slave-driver---er, I mean, wife, has planned for him. Hmmm, I need to find a way to make it clear to him that I am happy to compromise if it means getting to hold our new little bundle a bit sooner.